Meet Holly, a dedicated staff writer at BBC Science Focus, where she expertly manages the engaging Q&A section. With an MSc (Special Award) in Earth Sciences (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, Holly specializes in Astronomy and Earth Sciences. Before her journey with Our Media, she gained valuable experience as a geo-environmental consultant and engineer, passionately exploring exoplanets in her free time while advising on ground risk and remediation projects in Northern England.
With nearly a decade of experience as a regional editor for a popular theater website, Holly excels in curating and developing digital content. She is also a talented artist and illustrator, regularly contributing to the craft website Gathered. Her impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable organizations such as RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot, and Brother, in addition to her work with BBC Good Food Magazine, Home Style Magazine, and Papercraft Inspiration Magazine.
Holly’s interests extend to photography and a fascination with antiques, showcasing her diverse artistic talents and love for culture.
Is your concentration wavering? Perhaps your brain needs a rinse!
Jenny Evans/Getty Images
It’s well-known that our focus diminishes when we’re short on sleep. But what causes this? It may stem from your brain momentarily losing attention as it attempts to rejuvenate itself.
While we sleep, our brain undergoes a cleansing process where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is cycled in and out of the brain, flushing out daily accumulated metabolic waste. If this does not occur, it could potentially harm brain cells.
Laura Lewis and her team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology hypothesized that the drop in alertness following sleep deprivation could be the brain’s way of trying to recover while awake.
To test this theory, researchers asked 26 participants aged 19 to 40 to sleep adequately to feel refreshed, and two weeks later, they kept the same group awake all night in the lab.
In both circumstances, the team used MRI scans to record the brain activity of participants the following morning as they performed two tasks. These tasks required them to press a button whenever they heard a specific sound or noticed a cross on the screen transforming into a square, which occurred numerous times over 12 minutes.
As predicted, participants struggled to press the button more frequently when they were sleep-deprived compared to when they were well-rested. This indicates that insufficient sleep hampers concentration.
Crucially, analysis of the brain scans revealed that participants lost focus about two seconds prior to the CSF being expelled from the base of the brain, with CSF being reabsorbed roughly one second after attentiveness returned.
“If you envision the brain-cleansing process as akin to a washing machine, you fill it with water, run it around, and then you need to drain it. The lack of focus represents the ‘swishing’ stage during this cleaning process,” explains Lewis.
The findings imply that if the brain cannot cleanse itself during sleep, it resorts to doing so while awake, which compromises concentration, according to Lewis. “If this wave of fluid doesn’t materialize because you’ve been awake all night, your brain begins to sneak it in during the daytime, at the expense of your focus.”
While the exact cause of how this cleaning process leads to diminished attention remains unknown, pinpointing the brain circuits involved could illuminate ways to mitigate the cognitive repercussions of sleep deprivation, Lewis suggests.
Are you having trouble focusing? It might be that your brain needs a wash.
Jenny Evans/Getty Images
We all recognize that lack of sleep hampers our concentration, but what’s the reason behind it? It may be that your brain is temporarily losing focus as it attempts to refresh itself.
During sleep, the brain undergoes a cleansing process where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates into the organs and drains out at the base of the brain. This cycle helps eliminate the metabolic waste that builds up during waking hours. If this doesn’t happen, brain cells could be harmed.
Laura Lewis and her team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology theorized that the drop in alertness often seen after insufficient sleep could stem from the brain trying to make up for lost time while awake.
To test this theory, researchers enlisted 26 participants aged between 19 and 40 to first ensure they were well-rested. Two weeks later, they were kept awake overnight in a lab setting.
In both instances, the researchers recorded participants’ brain activity using MRI scans the next morning while they performed two specific tasks. During these tasks, participants needed to press a button every time they heard a particular sound or saw a cross on the screen transform into a square. This occurred many times over a span of 12 minutes.
As anticipated, participants struggled to hit the button significantly more often when sleep-deprived compared to when they were well-rested. This indicates that lack of sleep diminishes concentration capacity.
Notably, the analysis of the brain scans revealed that participants lost focus approximately two seconds before the CSF was expelled from the base of the brain. Additionally, the CSF was reabsorbed into the brain about one second after attention was regained.
“Think of the brain-cleansing process like a washing machine: you fill it with water, let it agitate, and then drain it. The loss of attention corresponds to the swirling phase,” Lewis explains.
The results imply that if the brain is unable to cleanse itself during sleep, it compensates while you’re awake, thus impairing concentration, according to Lewis. “If this wave of fluid flow doesn’t occur, because you were awake the entire night, your brain starts sneaking in this process during the day, but it comes at the price of your focus.”
While the exact reason for how this cleaning process affects attention remains unclear, pinpointing the specific brain circuits involved may help uncover strategies to mitigate the cognitive impacts of sleep deprivation, Lewis states.
Exterior: To be fair, it doesn’t really appear that way.
What is it? Initially, raw dogging referred to engaging in sex without a condom.
Is that why there are marathons? However, over time, it has evolved to mean undertaking activities without preparation, protection, or distractions.
What else fits this description? Pretty much everything: Taking an exam unprepared can jeopardize your success. Facing a long flight without entertainment could be challenging. Are you venturing out alone? Or remaining sober? That’s raw dogging.
So, should you run a marathon without any training, a raw marathon? Sometimes, people may interpret it that way, but such behavior is discouraged and not the focus of our discussion.
So, does a raw dog marathon imply doing something for an extended duration? No, it means doing nothing for a prolonged period.
I’m a bit lost. Specifically, it refers to remaining still for long spans while staring into space. Most importantly, avoid using your cell phone.
Can I listen to music? No.
Can I read a magazine? No.
Can I shower or stay in bed? No.
Why not? Because we’re engaging in raw sex!
How long should I do it? That’s up to you. Recently, a “Productivity Influencer” named Rowan filmed himself live with a dog while studying for an hour daily to enhance his focus.
What happened to the footage? He shared it on TikTok.
How can others view what he’s doing on his phone? No need to worry. To prevent boredom, he condensed the hour into a 30-second timelapse.
The irony of that isn’t lost on me. What were the outcomes? He discovered it helped improve concentration and productivity, inspiring many of his followers.
It seems like the TikTok generation has somehow reinvented meditation. This may come off as a bit arrogant, but today’s youth face overwhelming distractions. While older generations learned to endure boredom, this generation must learn to cultivate it.
But who enjoys being bored? Many neuroscientists believe that boredom is beneficial and a vital stimulus for creative thinking.
Remember: “Time spent away from your phone is never wasted.”
Please avoid saying: “Hey, I just completed a raw dog marathon. No headphones, no water, no shoes. I got discharged from the hospital on Tuesday.”
The iPhone 17 Pro marks Apple’s most significant redesign in years, replacing the traditional titanium sides and all-glass back with a sleek aluminum unibody. It features a bold full-width camera bump on the back, offering a vibrant array of colors.
This alone makes the iPhone 17 Pro appealing for those eyeing an upgrade to the latest model. However, the price tag has increased to £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999), making it the first of Apple’s smaller Pro phones to breach the £1,000 threshold.
From the front, it resembles a modern iPhone, with a dynamic island that houses a selfie camera situated at the top of its impressively bright and smooth display. This is undoubtedly one of the best screens on any phone, though it’s similar to the upgraded display of the regular iPhone 17 this year.
Higher peak brightness and a new anti-glare coating help reduce reflections in bright light, enhancing outdoor usability. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The aluminum sides feature subtle rounding at the edges, providing a comfortable grip and minimizing slippage. Weighing over 200 grams, the phone leans towards the heavier side for a compact device.
A glass panel, slightly larger than a credit card, is embedded in the aluminum body to accommodate MagSafe or Qi2.2 chargers and accessories. The substantial metal “plateau” at the top houses a camera that surpasses the pixel camera bar in size. While aluminum won’t shatter upon impact like glass, it is prone to scratches, particularly around the edges of the plateau.
iOS 26’s home and lock screens exhibit a glass-like rounded appearance for text and icons. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Powered by iOS 26, the iPhone 17 Pro showcases Apple’s innovative “Liquid Glass” interface design, which generally performs well, although it introduces some transparency effects for buttons and other elements.
Specifications
Screen: 6.3in Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
Processor: Apple A19 Pro
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256, 512GB, or 1TB
Operating System: iOS 26
Camera: 48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 4x zoom, and 18MP front
The iPhone fully charges via USB-C in 76 minutes, or reaches 70% in 30 minutes with a 40W adapter (not included), and can be charged using a QI2 25W charger in 96 minutes. Belkin Ultracharge 2-in-1. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with the new Apple A19 Pro chip, the 17 Pro is the first iPhone to feature a steam chamber cooling system. This technology, commonly seen in high-performance Android devices, dissipates heat from the chip throughout the phone, maintaining prolonged peak performance.
Extended gaming sessions lead to improved frame rates and reduced heat buildup, ensuring that the phone remains cooler than its predecessors.
The phone’s battery life is impressive, lasting around 42 hours on a blend of 5G and WiFi, with approximately 6 hours of active screen usage—around 2 hours longer than last year’s model. During heavy usage or gaming, the 17 Pro can still finish the day with roughly 25% battery remaining. Regular users may find they need to charge their phones every couple of days.
Sustainability
The camera plateau prevents the iPhone 17 Pro from wobbling on flat surfaces, unlike its predecessors. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The battery is designed to endure over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity. Should you need a replacement, it costs £109, while a screen repair is priced at £349. Experts rated the phone a seven out of ten regarding repairability.
The device contains over 30% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, and tungsten. Apple is transparent about the environmental impact of its products in its reports. Additionally, the company promotes trade-in and free recycling programs, encompassing non-Apple products.
Camera
The streamlined camera app automates most features, with many functions tucked behind a sliding button. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The rear boasts three 48MP cameras alongside an 18MP selfie camera, enhancing the front-facer with new capabilities.
The main and ultra-wide cameras are largely unchanged from last year, delivering impressive photos across various lighting scenarios, making them especially good for detailed street photography. The main camera provides twice as much crop zoom, yielding excellent detail and color in well-lit settings, though dim lighting may introduce some grain.
A key addition this year is the upgraded telephoto camera, featuring a 4x zoom at 48MP and 5x at 12MP. Much like the main camera, it allows for 8x crop zoom. It performs well in bright conditions, with some detail degradation at higher zoom levels, while remaining functional in indoor lighting as well.
The zoom capability stretches to a maximum of 40x magnification, with noticeable quality loss beyond 15-20x. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Each of the three cameras comes equipped with numerous features, including top-tier video capabilities, and the option to record simultaneously from both the front and rear cameras, creating a picture-in-picture effect. Apple’s automatic portrait mode excels by working with both objects and subjects.
Notably, the selfie camera has received its first significant upgrade in years, featuring an 18MP sensor that incorporates Apple’s Center Stage technology, previously seen in iPads and Macs. It allows for automatic panning and zooming to keep you framed during video calls, and you can widen the shot for landscape selfies while in portrait mode. This clever design addresses the challenge of fitting multiple people into a shot without reorienting the phone.
Price
The iPhone 17 Pro starts at £1,099 (€1,299/$1,099/$1,999) for the model with 256GB of storage.
For context, the iPhone 16E is priced at £599, the iPhone 17 costs £799, the iPhone Air costs £999, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is listed at £1,199, the Google Pixel 10 Pro retails for £999, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is £1,099, and the FairPhone 6 is available for £499.
Verdict
The 17 Pro represents the most distinct iPhone evolution in years, and despite its functional variations from recent models, it is instantly recognizable.
Its new aluminum unibody design feels premium, although it may be more susceptible to scratches than glass. With top-notch performance and display, the battery life is commendable for such a compact device. Overall, it’s an excellent iPhone and a high-quality smartphone.
However, this year it faces competition from the Spotlight Super Susane iPhone Air and the enhanced standard iPhone 17.
The camera stands out as a significant differentiating factor, with the 17 Pro featuring superior camera capabilities, including a newly enhanced telephoto lens. This makes it one of the best camera phones available.
Consequently, for iPhone enthusiasts keen on excellent telephoto capabilities, the 17 Pro is the ideal choice—albeit at a premium price.
Pros: Enhanced 4x/8x telephoto, upgraded selfie camera, impressive display, USB-C, solid battery life, excellent performance, long-term software support, Face ID, and a compact design make it a remarkable camera.
Cons: Premium pricing, heavier than previous models, absence of cutting-edge AI features compared to rivals, and similar screen and size available in more affordable models.
While we can’t physically pivot our ears towards sounds, our brains excel at honing in on them
Experienced Skins/Getty Images
Many mammals, such as dogs, cats, and deer, possess the ability to direct their hearing. Humans lost this capability around 25 million years ago. Nonetheless, new findings suggest that although we lack these physical ear adjustments, our brains have developed compensatory skills to discern the most intense sounds in particular directions.
This study utilized mobile EEG to observe brain electrical activity as participants moved. Previously, EEG techniques involved participants sitting still with electrodes attached to their scalps. However, advancements in lighter, wireless EEG technology now enable measurements of brain activity during movement, creating links between behavior and brain function.
Research indicates that movement significantly influences brain function. “Active exploration enhances perception, fosters spatial mapping, and integrates multisensory information into a cohesive spatial awareness,” says Maren Schmidt Kassow from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, who was not part of this study. “Cognition is fundamentally tied to behavior.”
Studies from Barbara Handel at the University of Würzburg, Germany, demonstrate that walking improves visual information processing, increasing the likelihood of noticing nearby objects. This enhancement typically diminishes when one is stationary. Her team has found that a similar principle applies to auditory perception; the brain continuously adjusts its focus to prioritize the most salient sounds.
During the experiment, 35 participants were outfitted with mobile EEG and motion sensors and instructed to navigate a figure-eight path while listening to a continuous audio stream through in-ear headphones.
The EEG data revealed significant boosts in auditory processing when participants moved compared to when they were standing still. As they turned, their brains further adapted, prioritizing sounds from the direction they were facing. Continuously along the path, the brain’s focus shifted from side to side as they turned, either panning from one speaker to another or physically orienting towards the sound source.
Team member Liyu Cao from Jiang Province, Hangzhou, China, speculates that this internal ear mobility may be an evolutionary adaptation for enhanced safety. “This could facilitate quicker reaction times and safer navigation in changing environments,” he states.
The findings could lead to advancements in filtering background noise based on a person’s walking direction, thereby improving navigational aids for visually impaired individuals and enhancing hearing aid functionality, according to Haendel.
Moreover, this research could shed light on why exercising outdoors seems to confer greater benefits for brain health and cognitive function compared to activities performed on treadmills or stationary bikes. “Movement dynamics extend beyond just muscle activity,” Handel remarks. “Your brain adapts not only how you move but also how it functions. It’s about harnessing that interaction for optimal performance.”
Black and green teas including matcha exhibit various levels of L-theanine
inna finkova / alamy stock photos
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea leaves. Its association with the calming effects of tea dates back to the 1940s, and it is now available as a supplement aimed at alleviating stress, enhancing focus, and improving sleep quality. Although studies on its effectiveness are still somewhat limited, there are intriguing insights that may suggest advantages for brain health, particularly for those experiencing anxiety.
What are the potential benefits of L-theanine?
Research on L-theanine shows promise but remains in the preliminary stages. “The research is limited, the sample sizes are small, and the results can vary,” says Crystal Haskell-Ramsay from Northumbria University, UK.
Nonetheless, findings from minor trials indicate that L-theanine may help reduce blood pressure during attention-demanding tasks, and during stressful periods, it might mitigate heart rate surges associated with cortisol, the stress hormone. Some evidence also points to its potential for enhancing relaxation and concentration.
How does L-theanine influence the brain?
Upon entering the bloodstream through the intestine, L-theanine is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. It shares similarities with brain glutamic acid and GABA, neurotransmitters responsible for regulating signals in the brain. Studies on rodents suggest that L-theanine may elevate levels of dopamine and serotonin, chemicals linked to various cognitive functions, including mood and reward.
Furthermore, L-theanine is known to increase alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm yet alert state. “When you close your eyes, alpha waves increase instantly,” remarks Manuel Gomez Ramirez from Rochester University in New York.
Does it contribute positively to mood and well-being?
Generally, heightened alpha brain wave activity can enable better focus and diminish distractions, and L-theanine may amplify this effect. “The greater the alpha activity, the better the brain coordinates its surroundings,” explains Gomez Ramirez. The synergy between caffeine and L-theanine likely enhances this effect.
If L-theanine alleviates anxiety, this could elucidate its benefits for sleep. A review found that it may help individuals fall asleep more swiftly and enhance their overall sleep quality.
Is there sufficient L-theanine in tea?
Teas, particularly green varieties like matcha, contain varying amounts of L-theanine, averaging between 5-40mg per cup. While this could provide a mild effect, most research studies utilize dosages around 200 mg, akin to those commonly found in supplements.
How robust is the evidence for L-theanine?
Many studies involve small participants, focus on short-term outcomes, and frequently test just single doses or limited supplementation periods. “There’s certainly potential, but further work is required in this area,” states Amanda Bluman from the University of Canberra in Australia.
A noteworthy complication is that L-theanine is often studied in conjunction with other components, which complicates the interpretation of results. “It’s challenging to ascertain whether L-theanine is solely responsible,” mentions Haskell-Ramsay. “Disentangling which elements are effective is problematic.”
Moreover, Haskell-Ramsay cautions, “Many people take it consistently for long durations, so long-term data is lacking.”
Can flashy technology directly influence the regulation of hormones within your body and mind? By the year 2035, a myriad of options had emerged on the market. Morning pick-me-ups? Do you stimulate desire when you settle down for the night? Or perhaps a period of immunity to discomfort? It’s all now within reach.
This innovation began in 2027, when daily treatments for severe surface and internal abrasions were developed within a living dressing. This dressing belonged to a class of engineered Biological Materials (ELM) that produce enzymes and antibiotics to expedite healing.
ELM is also utilized in the production of fermented beverage kombucha, inspired by the biofilm that can form in vinegar. Known as the “mother” layer, biofilms are living substances and symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast (Scoby). In vinegar, Scoby transforms alcohol into acetic acid, while in kombucha, it generates acetic acid and other compounds from sweetened tea. However, crafting unique synthetic scobies (sin-sobies) with gene-edited yeasts and bacteria can generate the essential enzymes, nutrients, and hormones. In 2021, a team from Imperial College London developed programmable Scobys using Baker’s yeast, easily modified to produce various compounds.
The first widely adopted Syn-Scoby was a medical material, stored in a dormant state within emergency kits and surgical units. When required, the material, now referred to as the Heal Me patch, is extracted and applied to the affected area. Once exposed to oxygen, the yeast is reactivated to convert its cellulose matrix into the necessary compounds. These include protein-degrading enzymes that swiftly dismantle dead and damaged tissues, alongside other enzymes that mitigate pain and inflammation, thereby accelerating recovery.
Following successful medical applications, Syn-Scobys were devised in the 2030s for numerous uses, extending from contaminant detection in the environment to delivering vital nutrients, enzymes, and hormones. Syn-Scobys replaced the bionic pancreas utilized by individuals with type 1 diabetes for insulin production and blood glucose control. Other variants emitted a luminescent protein upon identifying specific contaminants, metals, or pathogens in the surroundings.
Military researchers created patches that produce adrenaline and testosterone to alleviate pain and enhance aggression. However, Heal Me patches had direct access to the bloodstream via human wounds, exposing the compounds to digestive enzymes before absorption. To counter this, scientists engineered patches intended to be implanted in the thighs or abdomen. When soldiers required a boost, an activating enzyme was injected at the implant site. This initiating enzyme activates the Syn-Scoby within the patch and releases the desired compounds into the bloodstream.
Activate your customized living implants to enhance focus, aggression, stamina, and pain tolerance.
Customized living implants can be triggered as needed to amplify focus, aggression, endurance, and pain resistance. Recreational Synscobi is designed to generate stimulants, psychedelics, and libido enhancers.
The array of embedded patches is now available for immediate use. They secrete leptin to mimic solid leptin and inhibit ghrelin, which triggers hunger. Another variant allows live implants to produce semaglutide drugs such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic to suppress the urge to eat or drink, focusing on generating drugs like modafinil and oxiracetam that enhance cognitive function and memory retention.
For recreational purposes, psychoactive compounds like psilocybin are secreted, easily synthesized from gene-edited yeast. Users are filled with oxytocin and serotonin, fostering feelings of love, joy, and sexual desire. Dream Me facilitates controllable dreaming and stages of restful sleep, offering two options: Lucid and Black Out.
The most exclusive and sought-after implant was the Juve Me series, which generated various anti-aging compounds known as cytopathy and gathered senomorphic substances such as rapamycin and metformin that clear senescent cells and rejuvenate aged cells. Unlike many other ELMs, which have a temporary existence within the body before being metabolized, Juve Me implants were purposefully designed to be self-sustaining. It represents a symbiotic being living harmoniously within a fortunate individual, supplying nutrients essential for the implant’s longevity and vitality.
Hat Tips for Iain M. Banks’s culture The novels serve as inspiration for my symbiotic implants, which align with the bank’s concept of “Granding.”
Rowan Hooper is the podcast editor for New Scientist and author of How to Spend $1 Trillion: These are 10 global issues that can realistically be addressed. Follow him on Bluesky @rowhoop.bsky.social
When an unavoidable tragedy occurs and astronauts lose their lives in space, the astroforensics team is summoned to identify the perpetrator. But how does one investigate a murder in an environment devoid of gravity?
The Yo-yo Diet Phenomenon
Our fat cells possess memories, which may explain why so many diets fail. If the weight you shed continues to resurface, you may find yourself caught in a “yo-yo diet” cycle. Here are effective strategies to maintain your weight.
The Mysterious Galaxy
Six red dots identified by the James Webb Space Telescope are causing significant challenges for astrophysicists. These elusive points are so uncommon that they jeopardize our understanding of the universe.
The Intelligence of Fungi
New findings suggest that fungi may exhibit signs of intelligence… but does this imply they possess consciousness? While some experts believe they do, others remain skeptical. Here’s what we know.
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“Natural” Cosmetics: Why the once praised “natural” cosmetics could be more harmful to the planet than their lab-engineered counterparts.
Dark Oxygen: Researchers in the deep sea hypothesize that “dark oxygen” is generated on the ocean floor. Meanwhile, deep-sea miners dispute this notion, sparking a heated debate.
Q&A: Your queries answered! This month: Is suspended animation a reality? Does the deep sea have seasons? Why does Mars seem so peculiar? Is AI producing false memories? Can tumors cultivate their own organs? Is it possible to avoid “Ozempic Face”? Have you ever intercepted messages from aliens? And more…
The Trump administration’s proposal to drastically reduce support for research institutions and halt federal funding for universities like Harvard and Columbia has prompted European leaders to offer financial assistance to US-based researchers, viewing it as a “huge miscalculation.”
French President Emmanuel Macron remarked on Monday, “A few years ago, it was unimaginable that one of the world’s great democracies would dismiss a research program simply because the term ‘diversity’ was included.”
He made these comments at the University of Sorbonne in Paris during an event named Europe for Science, which was organized by the French government and the European Union.
Macron indicated that countries heavily reliant on free scientific inquiry would be making an “unthinkable mistake” in their policies.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced a €500 million ($566 million) investment at a conference aimed at making Europe an attractive destination for researchers over the next two years.
While this sum pales in comparison to the significant cuts besieging American universities, Von der Leyen highlighted a $100 billion international research initiative, Horizon Europe, dedicated to scientific advancements like genome sequencing and mRNA vaccines.
Although she did not mention the U.S. directly, she characterized the global climate as one where “basic, free, and open research is under scrutiny.”
She exclaimed, “What a huge miscalculation!”
In Europe, there is a growing consensus that Trump’s approach has forsaken traditional American values of freedom, liberty of expression, and democracy, especially through his ties with autocrats and the undermining of science and higher education. This shift has not only affected the markets but also sparked a sense of opportunity across the continent. Attracting top scientific talent to vibrant and independent universities is viewed as part of a broader initiative to establish Europe as a formidable global player.
In the long term, the European Commission, the EU’s enforcement body, plans to enshrine scientific freedom into a law known as the European Studies Area Act and to double grants for researchers who confront adversity.
“Our primary goal is to ensure that European science remains open and free. It’s our hallmark,” von der Leyen emphasized.
The conference, attended by government officials and prominent researchers from across Europe, was predominantly driven by the Trump administration’s assault on science and threats to educational institutions. Increasingly, the U.S. is being perceived as a strategic adversary, and welcoming American researchers is seen as a long-term strategy to counter this threat.
This was Macron’s call to scientists: “If you cherish freedom, assist us in safeguarding it.”
Recently, France unveiled a program aimed at attracting U.S.-based researchers, pledging to cover up to 50% of the funding required to entice international scholars, particularly in fields under attack from the Trump administration, such as climate science and sustainable energy. However, specific funding was only confirmed on Monday, with Macron committing $113 million to the initiative.
The alarm in Europe grew as the Trump administration enacted job cuts and froze funding for major U.S. research institutions. Disappointment intensified when the U.S. government targeted diversity programs and attempted to dictate which fields of study and research were permissible, as noted by Harvard President Alan M. Gerber.
Harvard has initiated legal action against the Trump administration over a $2.2 billion funding freeze. Last week, Trump suggested revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status.
The U.S. government has also terminated staff at leading scientific research centers, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, the largest biomedical research funder worldwide.
Concurrently, some federal agencies have scrubbed specific terminology deemed objectionable by the Trump administration from their websites and applications. Terms like “climate science,” “diversity,” and “gender” have been labeled as taboo.
Collectively, these actions have fostered a climate of unease within academic and research institutions, raising concerns not only regarding their ongoing work but also the long-term sustainability of research in the U.S.
French Education Minister Elizabeth Bourne articulated this sentiment during a meeting on Monday: “In the United States, academic freedom faces challenges as it once was a haven for researchers. The boundary between truth and falsehood is blurring, compromising the distinction between fact and belief.”
French universities are on the frontline, aiming to capitalize on the potential brain drain from the U.S. AIX Marseille University has interviewed roughly 300 candidates for this purpose as part of a program initiated in March, responding to the cuts imposed by the Trump administration. Many other institutions have since adopted similar measures.
“In alignment with our self-interest and values, we must now become a refuge for knowledge wherever it faces pressure,” stated Lewis Vassy, President of the University of Science PO in Paris.
A proposal by former French President François Hollande aims to establish a legal status for “scientific refugees” who face threats to their research endeavors in their home countries.
However, some university presidents and professors have criticized this initiative, arguing that while France seeks to attract American researchers, it is simultaneously cutting higher education and research budgets to tackle the nation’s growing budget deficit.
Grace Oh, like many HR experts, used to dread the end of the month. It was the time to handle the company’s payroll, one of the most time-consuming and critical tasks in her department.
As the Director of People at Audio and Media Company Communicorp UK, ensuring smooth monthly payroll processes was essential for the employees’ well-being and productivity.
Although Oh had already implemented digital systems to streamline administration, she felt there was room for improvement. About a year ago, she decided to introduce a new AI-powered system from Employment Hero. This system reduced her monthly payroll processing time to just an hour, allowing her team to focus on more strategic tasks.
Grace Oh: “Let AI do the job, and we humans can do our thing.”
For Oh and her team, the AI-powered system not only automated payroll but also transformed other HR functions like onboarding, probation check-ins, and feedback processes. The AI system ensured that new recruits had a positive experience and that employee engagement was enhanced through consistent and structured interactions.
By utilizing AI, the company was able to conduct regular one-on-one meetings with staff, improving communication and accountability. Additionally, AI tools were deployed for performance reviews, goal setting, and recruitment, leading to more efficient and effective processes.
With AI handling routine tasks, Oh and her team were able to focus on more impactful work that required critical thinking skills. AI’s ability to automate administrative tasks allowed HR professionals to concentrate on building relationships and driving employee engagement.
By having AI take care of “shallow work,” HR professionals can focus on building relationships with their employees. Photo: Miquel Llonch/Stocksy United
While implementing AI in HR functions can raise concerns, Oh’s experience showed that addressing fears and providing training is crucial for successful adoption. Leading by example, choosing the right technology vendor, and providing ongoing support are key factors in AI integration.
A year later, Oh has no regrets about implementing AI. She has witnessed positive feedback from employees and executives, highlighting the system’s efficiency and impact on the organization’s goals.
Rethink what’s possible with Employment Hero and transform the way you work.
Our skin is not only our largest organ, but also the one we are most familiar with. We see it, touch it, wash it, and inspect it all the time. Nevertheless, when thinking about taking care of it, our minds often jump to aesthetics. We are inundated with advertisements for lotions and drugs that promise to improve our appearance, as if sexual appeal is all that matters to this special organ.
But there are many reasons to take care of your skin beyond cosmetic concerns. According to new research, this condition can have ripple effects on other parts of the body. Because blood vessels run densely beneath the surface, inflammation that starts in the skin can easily spread to the heart and brain, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Wrinkles don't just reflect our age, they can actually accelerate the aging process. Therefore, you should think of skin care like exercise. The best reason to take care of your skin isn't for appearance, but for the undeniable health benefits.
Therefore, keeping the epidermis in good condition should be a top priority for anyone who wants to increase their chances of living a long life. That's why we've created a special report summarizing what we know about the best ways to care for your epidermis (see Why caring for your skin is so important to your long-term health).
Taking a scientific approach helps you make informed decisions about new products
As evidence mounts about the importance of skin to general health, research on how to care for it is moving from a marketing campaign for health care products to the realm of proper scientific research.
For example, certain foods have been shown to reduce damage from air pollution and the sun's UV rays, and more regular contact with nature may help nurture your microbiome. Taking a scientific approach can also help you evaluate new trends and fashions, allowing you to make informed decisions about products and services that are proven to work, not just claims of quick fixes. Masu.
Beauty may not be superficial, but our desire to protect our bodies from the outside and inside is never shallow. It may save our skin in various ways.
aArchitectural surrealism is a defining characteristic of Monument Valley. The rigid and beautiful structures in the game transform and rotate with the player’s touch, creating new paths and stairs for the minimalist character to explore. Doorways can lead anywhere, and hitting a switch can cause pillars to rise from the ground, revealing hidden paths. Since 2014, these games have been popular on smartphones and are considered some of the best examples for touch screen puzzle enthusiasts. However, the latest entry in the series, released recently, offers a unique twist.
The iconic Moroccan-inspired architecture that made the game famous is still present, but this time, the geometric character Noor is accompanied by blooming flowers and winding vines. Noor is shown steering a small boat and getting lost in a bright yellow wheat field. The game also introduces more people, with Noor depicted as an apprentice lighthouse keeper responsible for a community devastated by a flood in various scenes. Throughout the game, she is accompanied or assisted by different characters, highlighting the theme of rebuilding together.
Monument Valley is now available as a game on Netflix, allowing subscribers to download all three entries for free. The game is developed by Ustwo Games, a small studio based in London. While some creators from the first game remain, the team has evolved over the past decade. Director Jennifer Estaris, who joined Ustwo Games in 2020, brings her experience as a climate change activist and game designer to the project. The game’s development is influenced by the play for the earth Initiative, with Monument Valley 2’s additional chapter, The Lost Forest, created as part of the Green Game Jam.
Calmly satisfied…Monument Valley 3. Photo: Ustwo/Netflix
“I believe that green nudging is crucial and that system change can be reflected in games,” says Estaris. “For Monument Valley 3, my main idea was to explore sustainable and resilient community building for a hopeful future. We focused on living in harmony with nature to provide the solutions we need.” The game offers a satisfying and visually stunning puzzle experience while subtly addressing themes of climate change through its natural shapes and architecture.
Lead Designer Emily Brown explains the team’s approach to Monument Valley 3, stating, “We wanted to explore a different perspective from the towering monuments and isolated characters of the previous games.” The game incorporates more natural elements and allows for a mix of styles and ideas, reflecting a shift towards a more hopeful and interconnected narrative.
“It was impossible for us as a team.” do not have To bring a part of myself to it”…Monument Valley 3. Photo: Ustwo/Netflix
Monument Valley’s minimalist design allows players to bring their own emotions and narratives to the game, creating a unique and personal experience. Despite the game’s focus on conveying messages about climate change and hope, the team aimed to retain the space for interpretation and personal connection. Lead Designer Brown expresses the team’s ambition for the game, stating, “We believe that things can improve when players bring a part of themselves to the experience.”
The development of Monument Valley 3 during the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the team to explore themes of community, unity, and recovery from disaster. The game embodies the concept of Hopepunk, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of challenges. Estaris emphasizes the importance of unity in overcoming difficulties, stating, “We want people to feel that we can overcome challenges by working together.”
13,000 years ago, humans had to come up with creative ways to survive in icy environments. Recent studies suggest that their solutions were more inventive and brutal than previously thought: Ice Age hunters likely used weapons to impale prey such as mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers.
This discovery could potentially resolve a long-standing debate regarding the purpose of ancient tools known as Clovis points. These sharp rocks, made of materials like chert and flint, have been found throughout the United States in various sizes. While it was initially believed that Clovis points were used as spear tips by skilled hunters for hunting large animals like mammoths and bison, a new study suggests a different perspective.
Published in the journal PLoS One, the study conducted by archaeologists from the University of California, Berkeley proposes that these weapons were used to ensnare and wound charging animals, and possibly even defend against sabre-toothed cats.
So how did this hunting method work? Hunters likely positioned the sharpened spear in the ground at an angle, allowing the animal’s momentum to drive the spear deep into its body upon impact. This innovative technique provided a strategic advantage in hunting large animals, making it more effective than traditional spear-throwing.
“This ancient Native American design represents a significant advancement in hunting strategies,” stated Scott Byrum, a contributing researcher. John Myers, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding ancient survival techniques that have been utilized worldwide for millennia.
To validate their findings, the researchers conducted experimental simulations of the hunting technique in addition to analyzing historical records and literature. This process led to a better understanding of how Clovis points were used to hunt mammoths during the Ice Age.
A replica of an ancient Clovis point shows distinctive flutes near its base. These may have been the weapons used to kill the mammoth. – Photo by Scott Byrum
Recreating this ancient hunting technique through experimental models enabled researchers to gain insight into the effectiveness and practicality of pike hunting. Byrum and his team aim to further test their theory by creating a simulated mammoth to assess the durability and impact of the Clovis point.
This method of impaling prey, known as pike hunting, has historical precedence in warfare and hunting practices. During the Ice Age, this technology was crucial for survival as it allowed hunters to reuse their weapons and avoid the challenge of finding suitable materials for crafting new spears in harsh winter conditions.
By discovering how Clovis points were utilized in hunting, researchers have shed light on the coexistence of early humans with large extinct animals. This new perspective highlights the innovative strategies employed by ancient hunters and deepens our understanding of human history.
“I Last week, I sent out TechScape to our readers, hoping to take a break from writing about Elon Musk. However, my news editor had other plans: “Can you keep an eye on Elon Musk’s Twitter feed this week?”
Reading Musk’s tweets, I felt like my brain was melting. Even though I’d covered him for years, his online presence surprised me. From promoting Tesla and SpaceX to sharing cheesy nerdy jokes and diving into right-wing politics, his chaotic behavior had a new twist.
His briefest overnight break came on Saturday night, when he retweeted controversial content and then dived back in hours later with more questionable tweets.
Musk’s involvement in UK politics pushed him further into the far-right spectrum. Engaging with controversial figures like Lauren Southern and supporting Britain First’s co-leader, Musk’s online persona was more divisive than ever. Now, they are his supporters.
Well, that’s fine.
Today I’ll give you a good example from the world of AI that shows the difference between a scientific press release and a scientific paper. University of Bath’s press release claims AI poses no existential threat to humanity, but the actual research paints a different picture.
The study questions the capabilities of large-scale language models, suggesting that they are not as groundbreaking as claimed.
While the press release version is attention-grabbing, the scientific paper delves deeper into the limitations of AI capabilities. It highlights the challenges of ensuring AI safety in the face of emergent capabilities.
The paper reveals that emergent AI capabilities might not be as groundbreaking as they seem and are more controllable than believed. This sheds light on the complexity of AI safety in the face of evolving technology.
The pain of training
Nvidia’s use of YouTube data to train AI has led to legal troubles. A federal lawsuit alleges Nvidia stole videos from YouTube creators to train its AI, sparking a debate about intellectual property rights.
This lawsuit underscores the challenges AI companies face when sourcing training data. While some companies openly disregard copyright restrictions, others like Nvidia face legal battles over data usage.
On the other hand, companies like Google have a different approach due to their dominant position in the tech industry. Many websites allow Google to use their content for AI training to maintain visibility in search results.
Ask Me Anything
In my final TechScape after 11 years at the Guardian, I’m answering readers’ questions. Feel free to ask me anything tech-related, and I’ll do my best to provide insights and recommendations.
A surprising study finds that people with dark personality traits can also be highly empathetic – but does this make them more dangerous? that's right What goes on in the mind of a dark empath?
Lionsman Mushroom
Lion's Man is making waves right now. This hairy mushroom's health-boosting and disease-preventing properties are being lauded across the internet and it's widely available as a supplement, taking the health food world by storm. But is all the hype real? Food and nutritionist Dr Emma Beckett delves into the science behind Lion's Man's claims for immunity, inflammation, gastrointestinal health, mental health, cognition, heart health, diabetes and cancer – and of course the side effects.
Deep Sea Creatures
Discover some weird and wonderful creatures that live in the darkest depths of the ocean and the extraordinary vision they've evolved. To find prey or avoid predators, these incredible eyes can detect bioluminescence, or the last vestiges of the sun's light dripping into the pitch black ocean.
Black hole collision
Just as runners “hit the wall” at the end of a race, supermassive black holes come to a near-complete halt as they hurtle towards each other. Is it dark matter that gets them over this final hurdle and allows them to collide?
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Questions and Answers: Expand your science knowledge bit by bit. This time we will be covering topics like: What is the most secret weapon we know? How to overcome the fear of rejection? What is the strongest substance in the universe? Do we all have lizard brains? Can we really absorb microplastics through our skin? And many more!
Polluted Rivers: This year's men's triathlon was postponed due to concerns about the quality of the Seine's water. Meanwhile, in Britain, seas and rivers are being used as dumping grounds for untreated sewage. terrible it is?
Scientific Hacks for Better Sleep: Did you know the secret to better sleep is to fall asleep faster? Here are 8 science-backed tips to help you fall asleep quickly and restfully every night.
Issue 409 will be released on Tuesday, August 20, 2024
When you search the hashtag “mental health” on TikTok, you’ll come across a plethora of videos discussing “shadow work.” These videos have collectively amassed over a billion views and contributed to the success of The Shadow Work Journal, written by former TikTok employee Kayla Shaheen.
Despite its peculiar nature, the shadow work trend is actually a modern interpretation of a concept introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung in the mid-20th century.
Jung, a colleague of Sigmund Freud, shared Freud’s belief in the significance of the unconscious mind in human psychology. One of Jung’s theories about the unconscious posits that everyone has a “shadow” self – a part of us comprised of characteristics we fear or dislike. He referred to it as the “shadow” to signify its dark and undesirable nature that we can’t escape.
Jung suggested that our shadow self is revealed when we speak or act thoughtlessly, and it can also manifest in our dreams.
The purpose of shadow work is to delve deeper into understanding your shadow self, learn from it, and integrate it into your being. By doing so, you can feel more authentic and whole as your shadow is a genuine part of who you are. Jung argued that the shadow possesses valuable attributes like raw power and insight, which can enhance creativity, personal understanding, and resilience when expressed.
Shadow work involves introspective exercises to connect with your shadow. For instance, Shaheen recommends spending time in a quiet, dimly lit space, listening to your inner voice, and reflecting on the words that come to mind.
Visualization exercises are also common in shadow work, such as imagining two doors leading to your ideal self and your shadow self, and envisioning the experience of walking through each door.
While some therapists appreciate the increased interest in self-reflection, others are concerned that the portrayal of shadow work on social media lacks depth and may not fully capture Jungian psychology. Additionally, for individuals with traumatic backgrounds, reflective practices may trigger distressing emotions best addressed in a therapeutic setting.
For skeptics, Jung’s theory, like Freud’s, lacks empirical evidence and may potentially harm individuals by attributing distressing thoughts to a supposed part of themselves.
This article explores the question “What is shadow work, and can embracing your shadow self enhance mental health?” posed by Lina McBride from Norwich.
If you have inquiries, please contact us via the email address provided below. For more details:Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram(include your name and location).
Ultimate Fun Facts:Explore more fascinating science on this page.
Concerned that you may be dealing with ADHD? Have you ever caught yourself trailing off in the middle of a conversation, getting lost in your own thoughts? It is normal to lose focus, but if you constantly find yourself daydreaming and struggling to concentrate, you may be experiencing a lesser-known attention disorder known as Cognitive Withdrawal Syndrome (CDS).
While often mistaken for laziness, lack of motivation, or ADHD, CDS is actually a legitimate neurological disorder that is gaining more attention from scientists and researchers.
What exactly is cognitive withdrawal syndrome?
CDS was first described in the 1960s as “cognitive tempo slowing” and was rebranded in 2022 to better reflect its core feature: cognitive detachment.
“CDS is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, daydreaming, absent-mindedness, and drowsiness,” according to Dr. Sophia Boukas, an Academic in Psychology and Education at Brunel University, London, in BBC Science Focus. People with CDS often take longer to complete tasks, but this does not affect the quality of their work, they simply require more time.
Although CDS is gaining recognition, it has not yet been officially classified as a disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used by medical professionals to diagnose mental disorders.
Research suggests that CDS may impact 5-7% of children, comparable to ADHD, indicating that a significant number of people may be experiencing CDS symptoms without realizing it.
Is CDS a form of ADHD?
CDS and ADHD are distinct conditions, but they share similarities and overlaps that can cause confusion. While ADHD can manifest in three ways, primarily inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of both, CDS is more closely associated with predominantly inattentive ADHD, rather than hyperactivity disorder.
Research shows that between 25 and 40 percent of youth with ADHD exhibit symptoms of CDS. Importantly, CDS can also occur in individuals without ADHD.
What treatments are available?
As CDS is not yet officially recognized as a disorder, seeking treatment can be challenging. However, some psychologists are using questionnaires and behavioral observations to help diagnose the condition, which may eventually lead to formal diagnostic criteria.
Organizations like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital are pioneering CDS assessment and treatment, offering resources such as psychoeducation, parent training, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, and mindfulness practices are emphasized for managing CDS. Treatment options are still evolving, with non-stimulant medications showing promise for CDS, while stimulants commonly used for ADHD may not be as effective.
If you suspect you or your child may have CDS, it’s important to consult a medical professional for guidance on treatment options.
About our experts
Sofia Barbosa-Boucas is a Lecturer in Psychology (Education) at Brunel University, London, known for significant contributions to psychology and education.
This avant-garde science communicator is a colleague BBC Science Focus Contributor, Professor Giles Yeo.
Cosmic String
Cosmic strings would be the Holy Grail of physics: if discovered, they would unify our theories and even make time travel possible. Now, astronomers may have found the first evidence that cosmic strings exist.
Back pain
Most common treatments for back pain don’t stand up to scientific scrutiny. Experts dispel myths about back pain, including common causes and treatments. Learn the best ways to reduce strain and relieve back pain.
Hedonic happiness
The everyday actions you take can make or break your happiness. Here are some less-talked-about lifestyle choices you can make to improve your baseline happiness and stop chasing elusive feelings.
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Creatine: Every supplement claims to have positive effects on the body and brain. But research shows that these claims are false. actually When it comes to creatine, we’ll explore whether these claims are true and cover the potential side effects of the supplement.
Question-and-answer session: Answers to all the questions you didn’t know you needed answers to.
Doomsday Glacier: Thwaites Glacier is the world’s largest glacier, covering an area larger than Florida, but it may be on the verge of collapse… and that’s a big problem.
From the moment you begin as an immature egg in your grandmother’s womb, your fertility journey is limited. However, scientists at Cambridge University may soon change that reality in their bright labs.
Dr. Staša Stankovic is one of these scientists. Her research at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge has uncovered valuable data in the field. Now, Stankovic is focused on unraveling the mysteries surrounding fertility and menopause.
Women’s ovaries hold a finite supply of eggs that represent their fertility. Stankovic compares this concept to an hourglass, where the sand (eggs) can only flow in one direction until it runs out, signaling the onset of menopause.
“In science, we aim to control the hourglass’s middle part,” she explains. “Our goal is to limit the eggs’ loss over time, preserving the highest quality eggs for as long as possible.”
Working with a team for five years, Stankovic is developing a method to predict the natural fertile period and age of menopause with 65% accuracy, aiming for 80% accuracy in clinical practice.
Additionally, the team is exploring potential drug solutions to address infertility and potentially delay menopause. The onset of menopause is influenced by the ovarian reserve and the rate at which eggs deplete over a woman’s lifetime, typically occurring around age 50 with fewer than 1,000 eggs left.
For women experiencing early menopause or premature menopause, these drug treatments could be life-changing.
Your Menopausal Age
Researchers are studying genetic factors using a blood sample rather than physical examinations to understand how genes impact fertility and menopause.
The research team analyzed data from over 200,000 women in the UK Biobank, which provided insights into menopause, fertility, and overall health metrics. This data will help researchers make connections with other health outcomes like dementia and diabetes.
By identifying over 300 genetic variations linked to menopause, researchers foresee potential solutions for ovarian diseases and early menopause using drug interventions.
Stankovic cautions against relying solely on IVF and egg freezing as magical solutions, emphasizing the need for more effective treatments with higher success rates.
Effects of Delaying Menopause
The research team is hopeful about developing infertility drugs that not only address symptoms but also regulate ovarian function. While the drug’s availability is estimated within the next decade, rigorous testing and validation are still required.
The team’s focus is on identifying crucial genes, conducting testing in ovarian models, and formulating drugs that maintain egg quality and quantity as women age.
Ultimately, the goal is to delay menopause and extend reproductive lifespan. Preliminary studies on mice have shown promising results, but further research is needed before human trials can begin.
Aside from fertility benefits, delaying menopause could also impact women’s overall health, offering insights into various diseases associated with menopause.
About Our Experts
Dr. Staša Stanković is an ovarian genomicist with a PhD in reproductive genomics from the University of Cambridge. Her groundbreaking research has been published in top scientific journals, shedding light on the biological mechanisms behind ovarian aging and menopause.
WWhen Apple introduced its gaming subscription service, Arcade, in September 2019, it garnered significant attention, as is typical for the company. The offering of 100 premium mobile games (without ads) for a monthly fee of £4.99/$4.99 (now £6.99) aimed to replicate the Netflix subscription model in the gaming industry.
Arcade was positioned as an alternative to the predominant free-to-play and ad-supported mobile games market. The presence of popular games like Genshin Impact, Clash of Clans, and Candy Crush had made it challenging for paid premium games to gain traction. However, Arcade changed the game by providing a diverse selection of titles playable on various Apple devices without ads or in-app purchases. Moreover, the games could be enjoyed offline, eliminating interruptions during gameplay.
Five years later, the landscape has evolved significantly with the emergence of new subscription services for TV, movies, and games, competing with Apple Arcade. This raises questions about Arcade’s continued relevance and priority for Apple.
Alex Rofman, a senior director at Arcade with a long history in mobile gaming, reflects on the successes of 2023, highlighting the launch of Hello Kitty Island Adventure and What the Car winning Mobile Game of the Year at the Dice Awards.
“Very silly and original”… What a car trailer.
Apple Arcade has positioned itself as a platform for delivering premium, engaging, and ad-free gaming experiences to a wide audience. The focus on innovative and family-friendly titles like Assemble With Care, Card of Darkness, and Hello Kitty caters to tech-savvy parents seeking safe gaming options for their children.
Bright spot…Neo Cab. Photo courtesy of Chance Agency
Despite the shift towards family-friendly games, Apple remains committed to supporting indie developers and fostering unique and creative ideas within the gaming industry. The success of titles like What the Car and Sneaky Sasquatch exemplifies Apple Arcade’s role as a platform for showcasing innovative indie games.
While facing criticism regarding canceled projects and declining royalty payments, Apple defends its commitment to supporting developers and reinforcing the importance of gaming within its ecosystem. The future of Apple Arcade includes games designed for Vision Pro, Apple’s spatial computing device, offering new gaming experiences and innovation in gameplay.
“Vision Pro opens up a whole new world of possibilities.” Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images
Despite challenges and competition, Apple Arcade continues to play a crucial role in the mobile gaming industry, offering curated gaming experiences for families and indie game enthusiasts. With a focus on innovation and inclusivity, Apple Arcade aims to solidify its position in the gaming sector as it navigates the evolving landscape in the coming years.
An organization dedicated to fighting child abuse has reported that pedophiles are being encouraged to utilize artificial intelligence to generate nude images of children and coerce them into producing more explicit content.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) stated that a manual discovered on the dark web included a section advising criminals to use a “denuding” tool to strip clothing from photos sent by children. These photos could then be used for blackmail purposes to obtain further graphic material.
The IWF expressed concern over the fact that perpetrators are now discussing and promoting the use of AI technologies for these malicious purposes.
The charity, known for identifying and removing child sexual abuse content online, initiated an investigation into cases of sextortion last year. They observed a rise in incidents where victims were coerced into sharing explicit images under threat of exposure. Additionally, the use of AI to create highly realistic abusive content was noted.
The author of the online manual, who remains anonymous, claimed to have successfully coerced 13-year-old girls into sharing nude images online. The IWF reported the document to the UK National Crime Agency.
Recent reports by The Guardian suggested that there were discussions within the Labour party about banning tools that create nude imagery.
According to the IWF, 2023 witnessed a record number of extreme cases of child sexual abuse. Over 275,000 web pages containing such material, including content depicting rape, sadism, and bestiality, were identified, marking the highest number on record. This included a significant amount of Category A content, the most severe form containing explicit and harmful images.
The IWF further discovered 2,401 images of self-produced child sexual abuse material involving children aged three to six, where victims were manipulated or threatened to record their own abuse. The incidents were observed in domestic settings like bedrooms and kitchens.
Susie Hargreaves, the CEO of IWF, emphasized the urgent need to educate children on recognizing danger and safeguarding themselves against manipulative criminals. She stressed the importance of the recently passed Online Safety Act to protect children on social media platforms.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat advised parents to engage in conversations with their children about safe internet usage. He emphasized the responsibility of tech companies to implement stronger safeguards against abuse.
Research published by Ofcom revealed that a significant percentage of young children own mobile phones and engage in social media. The government is considering measures such as raising the minimum age for social media use and restricting smartphone sales to minors.
We explore some of the strangest places in the universe, where “normal” rules don’t apply. From places where you blow bubbles over time, to mysterious spaces, and places where glass falls horizontally.
Digital healthcare: Are those most in need excluded?
Advances in technology, such as the proliferation of smartphone apps, should make it easier for people to access medical services. But what if you don’t have a smartphone? Or do you want to talk to a real person? It’s clear that this technology doesn’t work for everyone.
belly fat
There’s a lot of advice out there on what exactly to do to move your spare tire around your waist. But do any of them actually add up? What does the science say?
three body problem
A new film adaptation of the biggest science fiction book of the century is coming to Netflix. This is a thrilling story powered by ideas and breakthroughs from cutting-edge science and technology. We dive deeper into the science behind fiction.
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Google Gemini: Google is working on a model to compete with Open AI. But is giving ChaGPT enough? Our tech expert Alex Hughes takes a closer look at the latest in AI.
Quantum field theory: Quantum field theory is a symphony of vibrations that orchestrates everything from the motion of particles to the birth of stars and even dark matter. This is one of the most elegant and precise concepts in all of science. Professor Stephon Alexander explains the basics and why they’re important to understanding the universe.
Resurrection of infectious diseases: With measles, plague and cholera rearing their heads again, are we seeing a resurgence of disease at unprecedented levels? And what would it take to cause a new pandemic?
Issue 403 Released on March 19, 2024
don’t forget that BBC Science Focus Also available on all major digital platforms.There are versions of android, Kindle Fire and Kindle e-readers,but also, iOS app For iPad and iPhone.
Owning a dog can bring happiness, but recent research suggests that spending time with your furry friend can also have a positive impact on your brain function, enhancing focus and creativity.
Various studies have explored the connection between mood, hormone levels, and interactions with dogs. This new study delved deeper by using electroencephalography (EEG) scans to monitor brain activity while participants engaged with their dogs, resulting in unexpected findings.
During the study, participants interacted with a trained 4-year-old poodle that had a “compatible personality.” Researchers from Konkuk University in South Korea found that participants experienced increased brain wave activity when engaging with the dogs. The study, published in the journal Pro Swan, involved 30 participants who performed various activities with the poodles.
The researchers noted that activities like walking or playing with the dogs strengthened alpha-band brain wave oscillations, indicating a state of relaxation. On the other hand, activities such as grooming and gentle massages led to increased beta-band vibrations, associated with improved concentration.
Even participants without pets experienced these benefits, suggesting that interacting with dogs can positively impact brain activity regardless of pet ownership. However, it’s worth considering that the participants likely had an existing interest in dogs, potentially influencing the results.
Researchers hope this study will spark further investigation into using service dogs to provide physiological benefits like reducing anxiety in various environments. They see potential for animal-assisted interventions to improve well-being in places like hospitals and schools.
“This study offers valuable insights into the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of animal-assisted interventions,” stated the researchers.
During the activities, participants wore headsets that detected brain waves and filled out questionnaires detailing their emotional states afterward.
Researchers discovered that when playing with Aro using sound-producing toys or taking him for a walk along a park path, participants’ alpha brain waves, indicating stability and relaxation, were more pronounced. This suggests an increased sense of rest and relaxation.
Engaging with Alo, brushing, and giving gentle massages to the dog strengthened beta brain waves associated with attention and concentration. This indicates improved concentration without added stress.
After completing all eight activities, participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed.
Studies have shown that activities like massaging Aro, offering treats, and hugs can enhance people’s moods. Participants also felt more at ease and relaxed while walking and massaging the dog.
“This study illustrates that certain activities with dogs can boost relaxation, emotional stability, alertness, concentration, and creativity by stimulating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “Interacting with dogs can reduce stress and evoke positive emotional responses.”
Past studies indicate that dogs may help alleviate symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, although the efficacy of the intervention remains ambiguous.
A 2022 survey revealed that veterans and first responders with service dogs experienced fewer PTSD symptoms than those without. However, having a dog as a pet had a minimal impact.
A 2020 clinical trial indicated that service dogs were slightly more effective in improving PTSD symptoms in veterans compared to emotional support dogs. Regardless, both types of dogs demonstrated some improvement in PTSD symptoms.
Therapy dogs from an organization called UCLA People-Animal Connection shake hands. Provided by Jennifer Dobkin
Research also suggests that for “pet therapy” to be effective, individuals must have a liking for animals.
“I was actually traumatized by dogs when I was younger, so I never fully embraced them to know if I would feel the same level of comfort,” stated Kathryn Magruder, a professor of psychiatry at the university and author of the 2020 clinical trial.
Jennifer Dobkin manages an animal therapy program called UCLA People-Animal Connection for medical patients and staff and has witnessed firsthand how interactions with dogs can aid in focus and relaxation.
“Staff members who are stressed and having a rough day visibly relax their posture. They smile. They tell us things like ‘You have no idea how much I needed this,'” she remarked.
Dobkin recounted a situation where her terrier mix dog, Toto, helped a grieving family find solace amid the sorrow and stress of losing a loved one.
Children at Stuart House in Santa Monica, Calif., also engaged with therapy dogs like a golden retriever and Labrador named North, bringing comfort and support to those coping with traumatic experiences.
“Our dogs are present to help children navigate discussions about extraordinarily stressful events they have endured. I believe it aids in concentration and provides a sense of comfort,” Dobkin concluded.
You’ve probably seen the five love languages before, whether it’s on an online dating profile, a glossy magazine, or a viral TikTok video.
The theory behind it, created by American couples counselor Gary Chapman, claims that there are five “languages” that romantic partners use to communicate their love. It’s words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch. According to Chapman, problems in relationships can be caused by not communicating in the same “love language.”
But is there any science behind this theory? Do couples need to have compatible love languages to be happy?
“There’s no psychological evidence to suggest they actually exist,” he says Dr. Martin Graf, an academic psychologist who studies the psychology of romantic relationships. “If you look at it, [the theory] Intuitively it seems very plausible, and there are one or two studies that might support this whole concept a little bit, but there isn’t much scientific support for this idea. “
read more:
Although there is no evidence to fully support Chapman’s five languages, various theories of relationship behavior suggest that the following may be the case. three, Six or Seven One of them. It is also unlikely that there is only one preference. Sometimes they want physical touch, but in other situations they want to spend quality time with their partner.
Moreover, we are not always good at knowing which language we want. In one 2013 study, participants selected the love language they felt most applicable to themselves and answered a series of questions designed to elicit their language preferences. of language. However, the relationship between People said what their preferred language was, but the answer didn’t matter: For example, someone might say that their love language is “physical touch,” but say they feel more loved when their partner gives them a gift.
This same study also found no significant results when researchers compared language-matched and language-matched couples and their relationship satisfaction. Sharing a love language doesn’t necessarily make you happy (Another study in 2017 came to the same conclusion.).
However, similar relationships yield better results. If you have a conflict over values or handle the conflict in completely different ways; less likely to report relationship satisfaction.
“We’ve found that romantic couples who share similar core values, such as ethical views, political views, and the way they raise their children, tend to be more compatible,” Graf says.
So “birds of a feather flock together” is a better expression of what we look for in a long-term partner than “opposites attract.” But when we asked a sample of more than 1,600 couples about their personalities, we found that No association was found between similarity and overall life satisfaction. Given that our romantic relationships are influenced by other things that affect our life satisfaction and happiness, it’s clear that similarity alone is not enough to guarantee a happy relationship (or life). Of course.
Despite the lack of evidence to support or disprove Chapman’s theory, it’s still helpful to think about your own wants and needs in a relationship and talk about it with your partner. We often fall prey to cognitive biases known as “cognitive biases.” false consensus effectwhere we assume that others act and want the same things as we do.
Our preferences can change over time. What you consider important in a relationship today may seem superficial in 20 years. In the past, marrying for love may not have been as important as marrying for financial security; Love is now at the top of the list for most people.
About our experts
Dr Martin Graf is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the University of South Wales, UK. His main research interests are the psychology of romantic relationships, online dating, and social media. His research has been published in the following journals: technology, mind, behavior, nova science and Cyberpsychology, behavior, and social networking.
Meta stock soared 15% in after-hours trading. The company’s strong fourth quarter results came a day after CEO Mark Zuckerberg was assaulted during a controversial Congressional hearing.
The company also announced that it would pay investors a dividend of 50 cents per share for the first time and authorized a $50 billion stock repurchase program.
Overall, Meta reported fourth-quarter revenue of $40.1 billion, beating expectations of $39.18 billion and increasing 25% year-over-year. The report comes as Meta, like many major technology companies, seeks to integrate artificial intelligence tools into its core products. In a statement accompanying the report, Zuckerberg said Meta was “a significant step forward in our vision of evolving AI and the Metaverse.”
“We anticipate that our ambitious long-term AI research and product development efforts will require increased infrastructure investment beyond this year,” the company’s press release said.
During last quarter’s earnings call, Zuckerberg touted Meta’s plans to invest in AI, saying it would be the company’s biggest investment area in 2024. Zuckerberg said in a video he shared on Instagram in early January that his company would acquire $9 billion worth of AI. Nvidia chips help scale up AI
Zuckerberg said AI will not only enhance ad campaigns and increase ad revenue, but AI will also be used to support new meta-products such as AI chatbots. Advertising revenue, the company’s core business, was $38.7 billion, compared with $31.25 billion in the same period last year. His Meta hardware products, such as the Quest 3 VR headset, still don’t account for a large percentage of the company’s revenue. Zuckerberg said on a conference call Thursday that he expects Meta to begin rolling out its AI services more broadly in the coming months.
Meta has laid off more than 20,000 employees in 2023 as it focuses on cost-cutting measures as part of what Zuckerberg has dubbed the “Year of Efficiency.” These efforts seem to have paid off, with Meta’s operating profit margin doubling from 20% in the same period of 2022 to 41%. Meanwhile, expenses decreased 8% year-on-year to $23.73 billion. Chief Financial Officer Susan Lee said on a conference call that Meta had more than 67,300 employees at the end of the fourth quarter, down 22% from a year ago, but that “hiring efforts have resumed. '', which resulted in a 2% increase from the third quarter.
Regulatory headwinds are probably top of mind for investors following Meta’s public taunts during Wednesday’s Congressional hearing. The hearing was convened to question Zuckerberg and other tech executives over the impact of their platforms on young users. The CEO expressed his condolences to the parents in the crowd who lost their children to online exploitation.
Throughout the hearing, lawmakers touted a bill that could strip Meta and other platforms of legal immunity for content posted on them, a move that would make Meta and other platforms illegal in 41 states over its impact on young users. It was enacted several months after a major lawsuit was filed by the attorney general. New Mexico’s attorney general also accused the company of failing to prevent child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
As a result of regulatory concerns, Meta has sought to diversify its core business, which has so far relied on advertising, which collects vast amounts of user data. Reality Labs, the division responsible for developing virtual reality products, faced a loss of $4.65 billion in the fourth quarter, up from $4.28 billion in the same period last year, bringing its total loss for 2023 to $16.1 billion. It reached $20 million. Meta said in a press release that it expects operating losses to “increase significantly year-over-year” as Reality Labs continues to expand its ecosystem.
In addition to regulatory concerns, Meta sees its platform’s user base tightening as young users in particular migrate to new platforms such as TikTok. The company said its platform is experiencing faster growth outside the United States. Insider information Principal Analyst Jasmine Enberg.
“On the usage side, Facebook continued to see a squeeze in user growth, but as expected, most of the new users came from outside of North America,” she said. “In the U.S., popularity among teenagers has become a liability in the eyes of lawmakers, which could hinder Facebook and Instagram’s efforts to grow in the country.”
Microsoft on Tuesday beat analysts’ expectations as its big bet on artificial intelligence paid off, particularly in its Azure cloud computing unit.
The software giant reported revenue of $62 billion, up 18% from a year ago, beating expected profits of $61.1 billion. The Net income increased 33% year over year to $21.9 billion.
CEO Satya Nadella said: “We have moved from talking about AI to applying AI at scale. By bringing AI to every layer of our technology stack, we are gaining new customers and unlocking new benefits in all areas. and boost productivity.”
Microsoft Cloud revenue grew 24% year over year. According to the earnings report, Xbox Content and Services segment revenue increased 61% due to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Activision increased the company’s overall revenue by 4%.
Microsoft, which recently overtook Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, last week became the second company in history to have a stock market valuation of $3 trillion.
Microsoft is considered a leading player in the AI space, both through its own efforts and its close relationship with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, of which it is the largest shareholder. In November, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella played a key role in Sam Altman’s return as CEO of OpenAI after Altman’s shocking firing. Microsoft occupies an observer seat on his OpenAI board.
Jeremy Goldman, Senior Director of Insider Intelligence/eMarketer Briefing, said: “The company’s recent financial performance, which showed an impressive 18% revenue growth in today’s earnings call, is driven by innovation and strategy. “It shows a powerful combination of foresight.” “While peers such as Alphabet and Meta lead the way in his AI industry, Microsoft is solidifying its position as the frontrunner in his AI race.”
Microsoft’s influence over AI development is rapidly expanding, drawing increased scrutiny from regulators and those outside the technology industry. Investors brushed off concerns that the stock would face stronger headwinds as the stock rose 10% over the past month.
The Federal Trade Commission announced last week that it had opened an investigation into the company’s $10 billion investment in OpenAI, as well as its dealings with Google, Amazon, and AI startup Anthropic. Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority is also investigating the deal. European Union regulators said they may launch a similar investigation. The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft in early December, alleging copyright infringement by ChatGPT.
The quarter also marked the first time Microsoft reported revenue with Activision Blizzard, the premier game studio behind hits like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. Microsoft completed its $69 billion acquisition of the video game maker in October after lengthy back-and-forth with regulators.
Citing job cuts within both companies, Microsoft last week laid off 1,900 employees across its gaming division, including Activision employees and those working on Xbox consoles.
The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has taken new photos of the relatively small galaxy UGC 5189A in the constellation Leo.
This Hubble image shows UGC 5189A, an irregular galaxy about 150 million light-years away in the constellation Leo. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / A. Filippenko.
UGC 5189A It is located approximately 150 million light years away in the constellation Leo.
This galaxy, also known as ECO 5363 or LEDA 27776, was observed by Hubble in 2010 to study supernova explosions.
This special supernova SN2010jlwas notable for its enormous brightness.
“In fact, over a three-year period, SN 2010jl alone emitted at least 2.5 billion times more visible energy than the Sun emitted in the same time frame across all wavelengths,” Hubble astronomers said.
“Even after a supernova has dimmed to an unobservable level, it can still be interesting to study the environment in which it occurred.”
“This could provide us with valuable information. Supernovae can occur for a variety of reasons, and understanding the environment in which they occur can help us understand why supernovae are triggered. It will help you better understand the necessary conditions.”
“Furthermore, follow-up studies after a supernova explosion could improve our understanding of the immediate aftermath of a supernova explosion, from the powerful effects on the surrounding gas and dust to the stellar debris left behind by the supernova.”
“To this end, UGC 5189A has been observed by Hubble many times since 2010.”
This new image of UGC 5189A consists of observations from. Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) Found in the ultraviolet and optical parts of the spectrum.
Two filters were used to sample different wavelengths. Color is obtained by assigning different hues to each monochromatic image associated with an individual filter.
“This image is from data collected in three recent Hubble studies of UGC 5189A, which also examined several other relatively nearby galaxies that have recently gone supernova. “Relatively nearby” in this context means approximately 100 million light years away. ” said the astronomers.
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If 2023 is any indication, 2024 is poised to be a year of breakthroughs across all areas of science. From cutting-edge advances in artificial intelligence to revolutionary discoveries in health and space exploration, here’s a look at what to expect in science in 2024.
Things are looking up: Space in 2024
If all goes well, humans will return to the moon for the first time in 50 years in 2024. NASA’s Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch in late 2024 and will carry a crew of four, including the first woman and person of color to participate in a moon mission.
Additionally, NASA’s Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and Ocean Ecosystems (PACE) satellite mission is scheduled to launch early this year. It aims to collect data that will help scientists measure the health of Earth’s oceans.
The long-delayed debut of ESA’s Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket is scheduled for mid-2024. And in October, NASA’s Europa Clipper will begin a journey to one of Jupiter’s icy moons to investigate the possibility of life.
Prior to that, the Jupiter Ice Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft, launched by ESA in 2023 on a similar mission, is scheduled to perform its first Moon-Earth flyby a few months earlier, in August of this year.
Meanwhile, for those of us stuck on Earth, a total solar eclipse will hit Mexico, Canada, and the United States on April 8th, making it the last one to hit the continental United States until 2044.
This year also marks the bisection of Halley’s Comet’s 76-year orbit. This means that Halley’s Comet will reach its furthest point from Earth before beginning its return journey.
Artemis II (LR) Crew member and pilot of American astronaut Victor Glover. Reed Wiseman, Commander. Christina Hammock Koch, Mission Specialist. Canadian astronaut and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen (rear) poses with the Artemis II crew module. – Photo credit: Getty
New frontiers in health and medicine
Following the attention given to the weight-loss drug semaglutide in 2023, a phase 3 trial of a similar anti-diabetic drug, tirzepatide (Mounjaro), is expected to yield results towards the end of 2024.
Advances in CRISPR therapy are also expected after the gene editing tool was approved in the UK in November 2023 for the treatment of sickle cell disease and the blood disease beta-thalassemia. It is then expected to be approved in the United States by March 2024.
Transplant medicine also appears to be reaching new heights. In fact, biotech company EGenesis suggested earlier this year that gene-edited pig organs could be donated to human babies in need of transplants.
We also need to see how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve cancer diagnosis, test the effectiveness of new cancer treatments and drug combinations, and see the results of clinical trials of vaccines against HIV and malaria. be.
technology outlook
There has been a lot of speculation about OpenAI’s next project, and although nothing has been officially announced, an update to its Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) model is expected.
Generative AI will continue to find new applications in research and everyday life. The future technology for VR and gaming is shaping up to be interesting as tech giants pour resources into mixed reality.
This year, advances in fundamental areas of human life, from medicine to infrastructure, will be matched and enhanced by breakthroughs in robotics, smart materials, and eco-materials.
We expect more advanced robots that can perform microscopic operations inside the body, buildings that react to changing weather conditions, improved solar cells, and more. Some of these may be created with his 4D printer, which uses smart materials to create objects that can change shape.
Science in 2024: Culture
science fiction glasses
Movies in 2024 will be dominated by book adaptations, reboots, and sequels. alien to Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. But what really caught our eye is the sequel.
inside out 2 We are committed to tackling the mental health of teenagers, and our first work explored the minds of children. We also return to your question about extraterrestrial terraforming. Dune: Part 2.
Inside Head 2: Fear, Sadness, Anger, Joy, Disgust, Anxiety take on new challenges. – Photo credit: Alamy
game changer
AI will greatly enhance camera operations at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Facial recognition is prohibited, but AI surveillance can help detect abandoned items and suspicious activity in large groups.
artificial politics
In 2023, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned the U.S. Congress about the risks AI poses to politics, but amid a rise in political deepfakes, there are growing concerns about generative AI’s ability to mislead. Concerns are growing. Still, several important elections are scheduled to take place in 2024, including the US presidential election.
Approximately 15 species of eel live here. Eel family They are all long snake-shaped fish, most of which migrate between the ocean and inland freshwater at different times in their lives.
The most notable journey is carried out by the European eel. Anguilla Anguilla. Born in the Sargasso Sea in the central Atlantic Ocean. Hey, transparent larvae that look like leaves hatch. A small fish head is attached to it. They drift thousands of miles on Atlantic currents until they reach the shores of Eastern Europe, where they transform into young bootlace-sized fry known as glass eels or elvers.
They mature in shallow coastal waters and eventually change color into large yellow eels that migrate along rivers to lakes. Eels remain inland and freshwater for decades, before changing color again to become silver eels several meters long.
The golden eel is in the final stages of its life, taking on a daring mission to swim back decades into the Sargasso Sea. Only when they approach the spawning water do males and females mature and develop their reproductive organs.
For many years, the European eel’s epic life cycle remained an unproven theory. It was in 2022 that it became a reality. Scientists tracked golden eels to their spawning groundsThere, the female releases millions of eggs, which are fertilized externally by the male eel.
The next big question is what the future holds for eels. The number of glass eels reaching Europe’s coasts has plummeted by more than 95 percent in recent years, making the species critically endangered. They face many problems, including migratory routes blocked by dams and illegal trade in glass eels for breeding in farms.
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Experts answer the biggest questions facing humanity. For example, “Could we live on Mars?” Do pills really help you lose weight? Can technology save us from climate change? Will we ever cure cancer? Is it possible to stop the decline in cognitive function?
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The best science images of 2023
A piece of rock shattered from an asteroid hurtling through space, the first human footprint in North America, and a giant meatball made from a woolly mammoth. These are just some of the images that caught our attention BBC Science Focus This year's editor, no, the last one was not a mistake. Enjoy our selection of incredible images as we rub our eyes in 2023.
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The best technology innovations of 2023: The desire to improve things drives innovation. We highlight some of the ground-breaking innovations announced last year that caught our attention as they took improvement to a whole new level.
Pain gap between men and women: The health care system is flawed and has dire consequences for women. Dr. Michelle Griffin looks at why women's pain is undertreated.
How modeling comet impacts can help find extraterrestrial life: A cosmic snowball in space may have delivered life-giving molecules to Earth.
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Tesla wants to suspend a federal lawsuit against it for racial bias against black workers at its Fremont assembly plant.
The electric car maker said in a filing Monday in San Francisco federal court that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Tesla in September as part of “harmful interagency competition” with the California civil rights agency. accused of rushing. The company sued the automaker last year on similar grounds.
The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that Tesla violated federal law by condoning widespread and ongoing racial harassment of Black employees and retaliating against some employees who opposed the harassment. EEOC filings state that Black workers were accused of using slurs and epithets such as the N-word, variations such as “monkey,” “boy,” and “black bitch,” as well as racist graffiti that called for violence against Black people. There are detailed reports that it has withstood casual use. Other forms of abuse.
The California Civil Rights Division’s complaint against Tesla also includes similar examples of harassment from black workers.
Both lawsuits are pending in state court and allege that Tesla violated California anti-discrimination laws. The EEOC’s lawsuit also includes allegations that Tesla violated federal laws prohibiting racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Tesla also faces a proposed class action lawsuit filed by workers in 2017 alleging racial harassment.
The EEOC did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s request for comment.
Tesla’s Monday filing says a federal court should refuse to file a third lawsuit until the existing lawsuit is resolved. Lawyers for the automakers argued that prosecuting the three cases simultaneously would involve a “substantial duplication of effort,” risk “inconsistent court decisions,” and waste judicial resources.
Tesla is calling for something called the Colorado River Abstention Principle here. This is a legal principle that allows a federal court to recuse itself from hearing a case if there is a parallel case in a state court dealing with the same issue. The goal behind this principle is to avoid duplicative litigation and promote more efficient justice.
The turf battle Tesla refers to in its filing is between the EEOC and the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), formerly the Department of Fair Employment and Housing. The filing argues that historically the EEOC and CRD have worked together to protect entities from being subject to the same lawsuits from both agencies.
“That historic coordination and cooperation has disintegrated as agencies have become increasingly eager to file headline-grabbing complaints and report multi-million dollar settlements,” the filing said. It is stated in
Tesla has repeatedly denied wrongdoing in multiple racial discrimination incidents. Monday’s filing called the allegations “false” and accused the EEOC of “hastily covering them up.”[ping] Launching a bogus pre-litigation investigation. ”
The company is also appealing a $3.2 million award in a separate racial bias lawsuit to a black former contractor at the Fremont plant.
A few years Earlier, when the pandemic was still in full swing, Raj Kapoor and Josh Felser started investing in climate change technology startups.they called their operation climax, and initially placed bets using their own money. Although we are both experienced founders, managers, and investors, this is our first time focusing on this specific sector and we started by testing the waters.
The company announced today that it has closed a $65 million founding fund and used it to support founders launching a climate technology software company.
Mr. Kapur and Mr. Felser both have long histories as investors, with Mr. Felser co-founding Freestyle Capital and Mr. Kapur spending seven years as a managing director at Mayfield Funds. They also founded and sold their own software startup.
It’s a little surprising that it took this long for the two to work together. Their resumes are strikingly similar. Felser said that in 1997 he founded Spinner (sold to AOL) and in 2004 he founded Crackle (sold to Sony). He also launched the #Climate nonprofit in 2014 and created a public-private coronavirus task force during the pandemic. Mr. Kapur previously served as chief strategy officer at Lyft, and before that he founded Snapfish (acquired by HP) and FitMob (acquired by ClassPass). He also launched a nonprofit climate social app in 2007.
Those experiences, combined with a growing concern about the state of the Earth’s climate, led the two to form Climactic.
“If we can get the top 50 supply chains to meet their net-zero goals, rather than just pay lip service, we’ll have the biggest impact,” Kapur told TechCrunch+. “To get there, we think the low-hanging fruit is software, because there are a lot of efficiencies to be gained.”
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