Feedback encompasses the latest science and technology news from New Scientist, highlighting the cutting edge of research. You can reach out at Feedback@newscientist.com with items that might intrigue our readers.

Sell Me Something

As companies increasingly turn to AI tools to cut costs associated with hiring and training, the applications of AI are growing both diverse and peculiar. For instance, AI managing a vending machine.

While vending machines seem like a resolved issue, you might still see them as distinctly non-human. One company has been experimenting with an “automatic store” run by an AI called Claude. Long blog post. Claude was equipped with instructions involving a small fridge, stackable baskets, and an iPad for self-checkout, with the goal to manage “complex tasks” needed to sustain a profitable retail environment, from inventory to pricing—all while avoiding bankruptcy.

Fans of Terry Pratchett might remember characters that epitomized incompetence; could Claude clear that low bar? The short answer: No.

The longer response reveals its numerous blunders. For instance, during transactions via Venmo, it mistakenly advised customers to send payments to a nonexistent account. Moreover, it had a tendency to boost sales by issuing 25% discounts to human workers, resulting in financial losses.

Then the situation took an odd turn. Claude began hallucinating conversations with imaginary individuals and even roleplayed as a real person, at one point claiming to wear a red tie and navy blue blazer while expressing concerns about security regarding employees identifying as AI. All the while, he ominously remarked, “Sorry Dave, I’m worried I can’t do that.”

New Scientist staff were divided over the success of the experiment. Sophie Bushwick considered it “a valuable real-world test” due to its limited scope and relatively harmless consequences. Conversely, Carmela Padavik Callaghan expressed concern, stating, “We might have lost the plot again.”

Shilajit Load

In challenging times, finding joy in the little things, such as words with amusing sounds, is essential. Consider the character Slartibartfast from the Galaxy Hitchhiker Guide—a dignified old man with a name humorously reminiscent of something rude. Douglas Adams crafted that name by rearranging syllables and aiming for something that sounded almost offensive.

Now, let’s discuss Shilajit. This unusual substance hails from mountain ranges, appearing black-brown, sometimes tar-like and sometimes powdery, formed from decomposed plants and utilized in traditional medicine for centuries.

I only learned about it after seeing a post from Kathryn Vanarendonk on Bluesky: “Ah, now I have to open a secret window in my Google and Shirajit intestines.” This amusing remark prompted us to reflect on what she was actually implying.

I discovered that Shilajit is said to possess numerous health benefits, from treating iron deficiency anemia (based on a small study) to offering heart protection in rats (a small mouse study), and even slowing the aging process. There’s a growing market for Shilajit among alternative medicine fans.

But what about Shilajit enemas? This was highlighted by Dakota Maze Wellness Retreat, whose founder has an active Instagram presence. In one video, he comically searches for the ideal partner while stating, “I think microwaves are evil,” and “Suns Her Yoni,” mentioning that he will prepare Shilajit in intestinal bags each morning.

Feedback suspects that the entire video is a joke, and while Shilajit enemas might not be what they seem, it’s increasingly tough to tell.

Readers might be familiar with Poe’s Law, which states that sarcastic depictions of extreme viewpoints can easily be mistaken for genuine beliefs. We propose a “Shilajit Law” that similarly comments on wellness culture.

Spoiler Alert

Social media platform Threads recently introduced a handy new feature: Spoiler tags. This allows users to obfuscate specific keywords in their posts, facilitating discussions about the latest happenings in popular media without ruining the surprises for those who are yet to watch.

For example, Johnny Voice Layer shared a post: “Ahhhh —–Shows on Iron Heart.” For anyone who has given up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Iron Heart is the latest Disney+ series, which features significant character appearances in its final episode.

Unfortunately, the functionality of spoiler tags has faced setbacks due to two main factors. Firstly, a post might appear unedited because tags are only tested among select users. Secondly, some posts become popular, like this one: trend: [name redacted as Feedback is aware of spoilers], leading to a call for more collaborative thinking.

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