Beyond Quantum Anthony Valentini, Oxford University Press
Physics is experiencing unexpected challenges. Despite extensive research, the elusive dark matter remains undetected, while the Higgs boson’s discovery hasn’t clarified our path forward. Moreover, string theory, often hailed as the ultimate theory of everything, lacks solid, testable predictions. This leaves us pondering: what’s next?
Recently, many physicists and science writers have shied away from addressing this question. While they used to eagerly anticipate groundbreaking discoveries, they now often revert to philosophical musings or reiterate known facts. However, Antony Valentini from Imperial College London stands out. In his book, Beyond Quantum: Exploring the Origins and Hidden Meanings of Quantum Mechanics, he introduces bold, innovative ideas.
The book’s focus is quantum mechanics, a pillar of physics for the last century. This field hinges on the concept of the wave function—a mathematical representation capable of detailing the complete state of any system, from fundamental particles to larger entities like us.
The enigma of wave functions is their tendency not to describe ordinary localized objects but rather a diffuse, fuzzy version of them. Upon observation, the wave function “collapses” into a random outcome with probabilities defined by Born’s law, a principle established by physicist Max Born, typically covered in academic literature. This results in objects manifesting with clear attributes in specific locations.
The debate surrounding the interpretation of the wave function has persisted, with two primary perspectives emerging. One posits that wave functions represent reality itself, suggesting that electrons, cats, and humans exist in multiple states simultaneously across time and space—a many-worlds interpretation fraught with metaphysical implications.
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Pilot wave theory has long been known to reproduce all the predictions of quantum mechanics. “
The alternative interpretation suggests that wave functions are not the entirety of reality. This is where pilot wave theory, significantly advanced by Valentini and initially proposed by Louis de Broglie in 1927, comes into play.
Louis de Broglie: Pioneer of Pilot Wave Theory
Granger – Historical Photo Archive/Alamy
Pilot wave theory posits a real yet incomplete wave function, suggesting the wave guides individual particles instead of being mere waves influencing a floating plastic bottle. In this model, particles remain specific, and their wave-like behavior originates from the pilot wave itself.
This theory has consistently validated all quantum mechanics predictions, eschewing fundamental randomness. However, Valentini underscores that this agreement rests on the assumption that particles maintain equilibrium with waves, which aligns with current experimental data but isn’t universally applicable.
Valentini’s hypothesis suggests that in the universe’s infancy, particles existed far from quantum equilibrium before settling into their current states, akin to a cup of coffee cooling down. In this scenario, the Born rule and its inherent randomness morph from core natural features into historical anomalies shaped by cosmology.
Moreover, quantum randomness also hinders the practical utilization of nonlocality, implicating direct interactions between separate objects across time and space. Valentini argues that if the Born law had not prevailed in the universe’s early stages, instantaneous communication across vast distances may have occurred, potentially leaving traces on the cosmic microwave background. If any relics from that era exist, superluminal signal transmission might still be feasible.
Though Valentini’s insights might appear speculative without concrete evidence, his rigorous examination of how conventional quantum mechanics became dominant makes his work noteworthy. While there could be gaps, especially in clearly explaining the pilot wave aspect, Valentini’s contributions illuminate what a ‘big idea’ looks like in a field rife with uncertainty.
What distinguishes a groundbreaking idea from a mediocre one? This is often a challenging distinction to make. Take the example of vaccination: collecting pus from a cowpox-infected individual and injecting it into an eight-year-old boy may seem utterly reckless. Yet, 18th-century physician Edward Jenner’s daring action ultimately led to the eradication of smallpox, a disease that plagued humanity.
With the benefit of hindsight, we recognize that Jenner’s innovation was monumental. This principle of vaccination continues to save millions of lives today. As we progress through the 21st century, we feel it’s essential to reflect on and celebrate transformative ideas from the past 25 years that are reshaping our perspectives, actions, and understanding of the world around us.
Compiling our list of the 21 most impactful ideas of the 21st century involved rigorous discussions among our editorial team. One of our initial challenges was determining if the first quarter of this century would conclude at the beginning or end of 2025. For clarity, we opted for the latter. We navigated debates on various ideas, dedicating particular attention to concepts like the microbiome—establishing it as a legitimate 21st-century notion—and scrutinizing the role of social media, which after much discussion, we deemed largely negative. Ultimately, we recognize that the quality of ideas is subjective.
We developed a robust set of criteria for our selection. To qualify for this list, a concept must already demonstrate a significant impact on our self-understanding, health, or broader universe. Additionally, it should be grounded in scientific discovery, with a strong idea underpinning it. Lastly, the development must have occurred within the last 25 years.
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Rather than trying to predict the future, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the past. “
While the last criterion may appear straightforward, we encountered numerous proposals that remain unrealized. The discovery of gravitational waves in the 21st century opened new cosmic vistas, but their prediction dates back a century to Albert Einstein. Similarly, ideas like weight loss medications, personalized medicine, and mRNA vaccines show promise, but their full potential has yet to be achieved—perhaps these will make the list in 2050.
During our selection process, we couldn’t disregard ideas that initially seemed appealing but faltered. Therefore, we also crafted a list of the five most disappointing ideas of the century thus far. The line between success and failure can sometimes blur, leading to controversial choices in our best ideas list. For instance, while many would advocate for the removal of smartphones, we ultimately view them as largely beneficial. Likewise, the ambitious global warming target of 1.5°C can be seen as a failure, especially as new reports indicate that average global temperatures have surpassed this benchmark for the first time. Nonetheless, we argue that striving to reduce the threshold from 2°C remains one of the century’s monumental ideas, setting a standard for global climate ambition.
Advancing away from fossil fuels is undoubtedly crucial, and prominently featured in this effort is Elon Musk. In 2016, before Musk ventured into social media and politics, his company Tesla launched its first Gigafactory in Nevada, marking a pivotal moment in the transition to renewable energy by utilizing economies of scale to transform transportation and energy systems. Conversely, other approaches to fighting climate change, such as alternative fuels and carbon offsets, appear more harmful than beneficial.
One significant takeaway from our selection process is that revolutionary ideas often arise by chance. For many, a working outlet can be the catalyst for a few minutes of smartphone scrolling during a lengthy commute. However, for two physicists in 2005, their discovery altered the global decarbonization strategy. This breakthrough also unveiled the foundations of our complex thought processes, illustrating that brain regions don’t operate in isolation but are interwoven into a robust network. This understanding has revolutionized our approach to diagnosing and treating neurological issues.
Looking back over the past quarter-century, it’s evident that the world has transformed considerably. We successfully dodged the Millennium Bug, the human genome’s first draft was completed, and the International Space Station welcomed its first crew. Concepts like “Denisovans” and “microbiomes” were unknown to us. In our pages, we celebrated innovations like wireless communication and marveled at miniaturized computer chips driving these technologies. “At its core is a device known as a Bluetooth chip,” we stated, positing it as the next big thing—a prediction that, in hindsight, was flawed, since truly transformative technologies extend beyond mere convenience.
This experience highlights the folly of predictions, as they can often be overlooked in the rush for the next trending innovation. Thus, rather than striving to foresee the future, we ought to invest time in contemplating the past. The advancements we’ve witnessed in health, technology, and environmental conservation suggest that this century has made the world a better place. Let’s hope, without necessarily predicting, that this momentum continues into the future.
TThe greatest gift for your mom this holiday season is an opportunity to unwind. A day free from obligations, where someone else handles cooking, cleaning, and chores. She can take a break, enjoy brunch with friends, or indulge in shopping. However, don’t forget to have something beautifully wrapped and waiting for her under the tree.
Having been a technology critic for over ten years and a mother myself, I particularly enjoy unwrapping gadgets. That said, you don’t need to be a tech enthusiast to value the practicality and luxury of well-thought-out devices. I consulted numerous moms across various price ranges to gather insights on their tech wish lists this holiday season.
All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Tech gifts for mom under $50
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple AirTag
$17.97 on Amazon
$17.97 at Walmart
Parents can often feel overwhelmed, anxious, and forgetful. I absolutely love Apple AirTags. You can attach it to your car keys or keep it in your wallet for peace of mind. When my car keys get lost within the cushions of the couch or my wallet is left in another bag, the iPhone’s precision search acts like a homing device to locate my keys. When outside Bluetooth range, AirTags can relay location information via nearby iPhone users, helping you find misplaced items like luggage. I’ve relied on AirTag more times than I’d care to admit, including attaching it to my 13-year-old’s house keys to help him find it after losing it repeatedly.
Photo: Provided by Scosh
Scosche MagStack USB-C Cable
$29.99 at Crutchfield
I’ve come to realize that I can never have enough cables. Nowadays, every device operates on USB-C, and while many come with additional cables included, it’s inevitable that someone in my family will borrow mine, leaving me without it.
I admire these cables for their durability and the convenience of being able to neatly coil them for travel, thanks to their magnetic jacket. They also enable speedy data transfers and quick charging when connected to compatible devices and power adapters. A chic cable with various stylish colors and a sleek design; I doubt any mother would say, “No, thank you.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Coffee Warming Tray
$32.99 on Amazon
All moms, particularly those like me who work from home, understand the frustration of pouring a fresh cup of coffee, setting it aside, and diving into work—only to discover an hour later that it has gone cold.
This mug warmer changes that. Just place the mug on the heating plate, and your coffee, tea, or any other hot beverage stays hot for hours. No more waste, and mom will be thrilled. You can savor your morning in peace. “I’m specific about coffee mugs,” Marta shared. That’s why she prefers a mug warmer like this over heated mugs that require charging and hand washing.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Breathing Pal Kyle Mindfulness Breathing Light
$21.89 on Amazon
This charming light serves dual purposes: it can be a night light or a calming meditation aid to alleviate anxiety. It offers three breathing exercises, including simple box breathing, to help moms collect themselves after a stressful day. The light cues guide mom, and you can even change the colors to match her mood.
Plus, its adorable design (which comes in koala, rabbit, and ball shapes) is sure to bring a smile. Carla, 46, noted: “I had read about the benefits of guided breathing, but I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Seeing this cute koala could motivate me to stick with it.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Yukosphone Tripod
$29.99 on Amazon
Moms always find themselves behind the camera, but seldom in front of it. Capture her essence by using a tripod for her phone. This model features extendable legs that collapse to the size of a handheld selfie stick, inclusive of a remote control that allows you to snap a picture when everyone is beaming.
Active moms will appreciate being able to set up their phones and tripods to document the action, ensuring they don’t miss a memorable goal or home run. Blair, 40, expressed: “I want a small tripod to have beside me while playing. I dislike holding my phone, and can’t clap or cheer while playing, so I miss recording it.”
As someone who frequently works from home but also at local coffee shops and travels for work, I find this privacy screen invaluable. It stops nosy onlookers from peeking at my screen.
Designed specifically for MacBooks (but available for other computers as well), it adheres magnetically to the screen without adhesives. When viewed directly, it doesn’t obstruct your sight, but when you shift your angle, nothing can be seen. It also cuts down on blue light, thereby reducing eye strain, making it excellent for long hours in front of screens.
Photo: Provided by Hyper
Hyper Hyper Pack Backpack
$67.49 at Hyper
I’ve been utilizing this backpack over the last few months for remote work and travels. At first glance, it doesn’t seem big enough to hold everything I need, yet it surprisingly accommodates more than expected. During a recent lengthy flight to Spain, I managed to fit all of my essentials: laptop, headphones, compact camera case, smartphone, battery pack, sunglasses, toiletries, house keys, wipes, cables, and chargers.
Having been caught in the rain multiple times, the water-resistant fabric and zippers ensure that everything inside remains dry. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles!
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Monster AC601 Earphones
$89.99 on Amazon
My best friend absolutely adores these earbuds. She “borrowed” them a few years back and still uses them daily, especially during workouts and walks. Not only are they very affordable, but they also feature Bluetooth 6.0 for a reliable connection to your device, complete with real-time translation capabilities. The included charging case provides a whopping 32 hours of battery life, reducing the hassle of daily charging. “I love the purple Monster earphones,” Marta, 46, said, “I have oddly shaped ears, and these don’t irritate me like typical earphones do. They fit perfectly and I don’t have to adjust them constantly.”
I won’t leave the house without these chargers. Their slim profile fits nicely into any bag and provides extra power when needed, whether it’s to get an Uber or catch an exciting moment at your kids’ game. Thanks to Apple’s MagSafe technology, it attaches effortlessly to the back of your iPhone, allowing wireless charging without the hassle of tangled cords. Although wireless charging is slower than wired, the latest 15-watt Qi2 standard is fast enough.
Tech gifts for mom over $100
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Panasonic Technics Wireless Earphones EAH-AZ100
$222.99 on Amazon
$249.99 at Technics
These are my absolute favorite earphones. I wear them during walks, commutes, working at coffee shops, and even while traveling. The noise cancellation capabilities are top-notch, effectively blocking out sounds—even on airplanes. I’ve been using them for a year and am extremely impressed by their fit, sound quality, and noise reduction features.
The Bluetooth multipoint feature allows them to connect with both your phone and laptop, automatically shifting audio as you switch between devices. I own the classic black version but would highly suggest the new champagne gold finish so she can feel extra special wearing them.
Photo: Provided by Walmart
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
$104.90 at Walmart
$109.95 at JBL
At just over $100, the JBL Flip 7 offers sound quality that competes with portable Bluetooth speakers priced at twice its cost. I’ve used it at home, on a beach vacation in Mexico, and it has proven to be a hit among teenagers. You get a fantastic battery life of up to 16 hours per charge, excellent sound quality, plus Auracast, which allows pairing with two speakers for a richer audio experience.
The IP68 rating ensures its safety, even if accidentally submerged in water. Moms will appreciate the PushLock system, which accommodates interchangeable accessories like wrist straps and carabiner clips, both included in the package. At this price, why not get two?
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Oura Ring 4 Smart Ring
$249 on Amazon
$349 at Oura
The Oura Ring 4 is ideal for moms to monitor important metrics such as sleep, heart rate, physical activity, and blood oxygen levels. Additionally, it includes tracking features for pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause symptoms. Personally, I appreciate the organized app that provides feedback on stress levels, readiness throughout the day, as well as daily snapshots.
It’s comfortable to wear, stylish (especially the new ceramic model), and boasts a week-long battery life on a single charge. One caveat is that to access the full range of features, a $5.99 monthly subscription is required. However, for the insights it offers, she likely won’t mind trading a fancy latte once a month.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 Smart Watch
$329 on Amazon
$329 at Walmart
I adore the Apple Watch Series 11, and many mothers I know are keen on it as well. The upgrades from previous versions include a smoother, more resilient screen, improved battery life (a common issue with the Apple Watch), and real-time translation features.
Busy moms will appreciate the new wrist gestures that make it easy to dismiss notifications and answer calls when their hands are occupied. “If you’re seeking a premium gift for your mom, I bought the Apple Watch Series 11 to upgrade from my Series 7. I love it for tracking my workouts, but also appreciate the Find My Phone function since my memory isn’t what it used to be,” Marta shared.
Photo: courtesy of Skaff
Customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Game Controller
$209.99 at Scarf
Moms can be gamers too! Sometimes they find themselves sharing gear with their little gamers. A personalized game controller makes for a thoughtful and unique gift. You can customize colors for the faceplate, thumbsticks, rings, D-pad, and even bumpers and triggers. Just like that, mom has her very own controller!
This will be her pride and joy, ensuring the kids won’t be borrowing it. More importantly, she’ll appreciate knowing it was made with love. “I’m a gamer, and what I really want is a customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless controller,” says Dayna, 35. “I share my system with my children. It would be wonderful to have something special just for me.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
TheraGun Prime Massage Gun
$259.99 on Amazon
$259.99 at Therabody
For moms who enjoy morning runs, afternoon walks, home workouts, and yoga classes, muscle soreness can become a reality with age. While some high-end massage guns can be pricey, entry-level options provide much-needed relief. “I’ve been wanting a massage gun, but it’s something I wouldn’t buy for myself. I take a bike class regularly, and my legs ache by day’s end, especially while managing small children at home. Having a massage gun for evening relief would be amazing,” shares Melissa, 30.
FUnderstanding today’s tweens, particularly around the holiday season, can feel like solving a puzzle. With trends like viral challenges and quirky memes dominating their world, finding gift ideas for kids aged 9 to 12 can be a real challenge.
To simplify your gifting process, we consulted with 20 tweens to uncover their top holiday wishes. From stylish skincare to adorable plush toys, here are 47 fantastic gift options for young boys and girls.
Prices listed are accurate at the time of publishing.
For the Trendy Fashionista
Ugg Classic Mini Boots
Photo: Provided by Zappos
Super cute, incredibly comfy, and versatile enough for any outfit. Easy to wear even when you’re active. Caroline, 11 years old
$129.95 at Zappos $129.95 at Nordstrom
Lululemon Apparel
Photo: Courtesy of Lululemon
This dress is really pretty. Plus, I’ve heard wonderful things about their clothes, and everyone seems to wear them. Lizzie, 9 years old
It has been an exciting year for neurotechnology, if one overlooks the interests of its investors. A small brain transplant yielded positive results in August, as researchers decoded the inner thoughts of a paralyzed patient. In October, a procedure restored vision to individuals who had lost their eyesight.
Experts believe the field could benefit from reduced involvement from its high-profile investors, such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman from OpenAI, who are preoccupied with notions of brain uploading and merging with AI.
“It significantly skews the conversation,” noted Marcello Ienca, a neuroethics professor at the Technical University of Munich. “There are ongoing worries about the narratives they propagate.”
Michael Hendricks, a professor of neurobiology at McGill University, remarked that “wealthy individuals fascinated by unrealistic transhumanist dreams” are clouding public perception of neurotechnology’s potential. “While Neuralink is genuinely developing technology for neuroscience, Musk’s comments on topics like telepathy create confusion.”
Over recent years, Silicon Valley companies have increased their investments in neurotechnology, with Altman co-founding Merge Labs, a competitor to Musk’s Neuralink, in August. Firms like Apple and Meta are both in the process of creating wearable devices that utilize neural data, such as a Meta wristband for brainwave monitoring and headphones by Apple.
Ienca asserts that most major tech companies in the U.S. have ongoing research into neurotechnology, such as Google’s Neural Mapping project and Meta’s acquisition of Ctrl Labs. “Neurotech is quickly entering the mainstream,” he observed.
While these technologies show promise for the immediate treatment of various neurological disorders, including ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and paralysis, concerns arise regarding whether investors genuinely aim to cure these ailments.
Musk has indicated that brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink might someday enable people to “upload” their consciousness. Altman remains reticent on the subject yet speaks of “memories” and the potential to “download them into a new or robotic body.” He mentioned on his blog that the anticipated “fusion” of humans and machines could occur through genetic engineering or “implanting electrodes into the brain.” Notably, in 2018, Altman invested in a “100% lethal” brain-uploading startup and paid $10,000 to join its waiting list.
To clarify, both Hendricks and Ienca state that technologies such as brain uploading are still far from being realized, if feasible at all in the foreseeable future. “Biological systems are not akin to computers,” Hendricks emphasized.
Some worry that these ambitions might impede tangible health advancements, potentially leading to regulations that stifle innovation due to fear.
Elon Musk mentioned that individuals “may upload” their memories and “download them into a new or robotic body.” Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
Kristen Matthews, a mental privacy attorney at the Cooley law firm in the U.S., commented on this phenomenon: “Overhyping in science fiction can lead to regulations that obstruct technology advancements capable of genuinely aiding those in need.”
Neuroscientist Hervé Schneweis criticized this as “entirely unrealistic and obscuring genuine inquiries.” He chaired an expert committee that advised UNESCO on global standards for neurotechnology, which were adopted recently.
The current landscape of neurotechnology features three distinct categories. The first encompasses medical devices, such as a brain implant that decodes speech and Neuralink’s electronic chip that allows a man with a spinal cord injury to control a computer. The second includes consumer wearables like EEG earbuds and, more broadly, devices such as Apple’s VisionPro that track eye movements.
Lastly, there are the speculative projects like Nectome, a brain-uploading startup, and Kernel, which aims to connect the brain to a computer, alongside Neuralink’s latest initiatives. trademarking their concept of telepathy.
The first category promises the most significant breakthroughs, such as restoring vision and hearing as well as treating neurodegenerative and possibly psychiatric conditions. However, these medical devices are subject to stringent regulations and are not as advanced as reported by sensationalist media. A recent study criticized “misleading advertisements” surrounding brain-computer interfaces, asserting that the technology remains in its infancy at the outer edges of human neuroscience.
The second category, consumer wearables, presents more complex regulatory challenges. There have been numerous reports of brain-measuring devices breaching privacy, including widely discussed brainwave-monitoring helmets in China purportedly observing construction site laborers. It’s unclear whether these truly enhance productivity or pose legitimate monitoring risks.
“The robustness of the evidence supporting such systems is quite limited, with few studies being reproducible,” Ienca stated.
Hendricks added that devices like the EEG earphones sold by firms such as Emotiv are unlikely to function as effective surveillance tools due to the unreliable nature of the data, akin to the signals produced by a lie detector.
Nevertheless, Schneweis contends that these tools invoke genuine concerns: “If implemented in workplaces, they could monitor mental fatigue, and such data could lead to discrimination.”
On the other hand, speculative applications often rely on the assumption that healthy individuals willingly undergo invasive brain implants to facilitate communication with computers or telekinetic abilities.
This outcome seems improbable. If such advancements occur, they might trigger surveillance concerns. However, Hendricks expressed skepticism regarding the utility of such monitoring, suggesting it would offer no more valuable information than the detailed data tech giants already collect, including web browsing history and purchase information.
“Numerous methods exist to influence individuals using straightforward language and visual mediums,” Hendricks noted. “I doubt [that brain implants] will catch up any time soon.”
Regarding brain uploading, Hendricks believes the concept is rooted in a flawed understanding of technology, wherein individuals perceive the brain as hardware and consciousness as software that can be executed on it, a computer, or a robot.
“If I could truly upload myself to a computer and achieve immortality, I’d be inclined to end my life as long as someone assured me, ‘Oh, you’ll just reside in a metal box over there,'” he commented. “But I doubt many would take that risk. We instinctively recognize it as nonsensical.”
Feedback is New Scientist A popular source for those seeking the latest in science and technology news. To share your thoughts on topics that may interest our readers, please send an email to feedback@newscientist.com.
Speaking Our Truth
Expert science journalists often learn to skim specific sections of scientific papers, particularly those asserting that the research signifies a “significant advancement” or “broadens understanding.” This isn’t because they are inaccurate, but because nearly any research yielding results can make these assertions, and academics are motivated (as we all are) to amplify the significance of their work.
But sometimes, it isn’t a hassle. Following a chain of events initiated by reporter Matthew Sparks and shared on the social platform Bluesky, Feedback uncovered a 2018 paper on the arXiv preprint server that would have claimed the prize for “most honest” research effort. Absolute refusal to make grand claims.
In this study, authors Joseph Redmon and Ali Farhadi detailed the latest iteration of YOLO, an AI framework designed to recognize objects in images. YOLO has even outperformed CAPTCHA tests requiring users to identify all squares containing bicycles and has been utilized to detect smuggling vessels. All said, these achievements are truly impressive (though perhaps alarming), but by 2018, the duo had evidently been coasting.
The title of their paper itself—”YOLOv3: Incremental Improvements”—is telling. The brief summary echoes this sentiment, stating, “we’ve implemented several minor design adjustments to enhance performance.” The essence can be distilled to: ‘You’ve contacted me year-round, yet my research efforts this year were sparse; much of my time was spent on Twitter.’ This line is, in fact, the date noted in the paper.
The authors further admit that the “improvements” largely stemmed from “good ideas taken from others.” They dive into details, first confessing that their tweaks are “not particularly exciting—just a collection of minor updates to enhance functionality.”
They then transition to Section 4, titled “Things I Tried That Didn’t Work.” This section, Feedback argues, should be a standard inclusion in all scientific publications, potentially saving others considerable time.
Despite acknowledging that they only recounted “what we recall,” they do remember an attempt involving something called “focal loss,” which ended up diminishing the model’s accuracy. “YOLOv3 might already be resilient to the focal loss problem, as it differentiates objectness prediction and conditional class prediction, resulting in minimal accuracy loss in most cases. Or maybe not? I’m not entirely sure,” they commented.
Feedback: I must have overlooked this in 2018, or I can’t believe I missed it when the article was spotlighted. Aggregator site Reddit played a role, but thanks to sociologist Per Angel, who mentioned in Bluesky:the restrictions section is a space for academics to practice radical honesty in just one paragraph. Data scientist Johan Ugander remarked that the YOLOv3 paper “deserves an accolade.” A truly candid piece.
Surely, there’s an academic somewhere known for their radical honesty regarding their minimal accomplishments. I’ll send an email to the usual address.
A Touch of Longevity
Clare Boyes once stated: “I understand you steer clear of prescriptive determinism, but I felt compelled to forward you this email I received today from the British Wildlife Newsletter.” It mentioned a book titled Tree Hunting: 1,000 Trees to Find in Towns and Cities Across the UK and Ireland, authored by Paul Wood.
In a similar vein, Robert Master pointed out that a recent special issue titled “How to Live to 100” (TL;DR: Don’t Die) featured a longevity researcher named Paul Lazarus.
Sleep on This
A while back (in July), Feedback reported on receiving a press release staunchly defending the environmental sustainability of avocados, only to find it originated from the World Avocado Organization. We concluded that while these individuals may be correct, they surely operate under a peculiar incentive structure.
We received no additional information from the avocado vendor, but we were inundated with press releases emphasizing the significance of sleep. “Struggling to find a solution? Science confirms that sleeping on it genuinely resolves your issues,” the first message proclaimed. It highlighted “exciting new research” and asserted that “the traditional advice to sleep on things may actually be one of the most effective problem-solving strategies available.”
This is attributed to the brain’s ability to continue processing memories and forging new connections while we sleep, occasionally leading to innovative insights through the amalgamation of new and old concepts. There was talk of memory consolidation, the prefrontal cortex (often seen as the brain’s inner critic), and associative thinking.
The follow-up email delved even further with a dramatic, albeit grammatically questionable, title: “New Study Indicates Rising Mortality Among Young Adults, Experts Warn Continued Sleep Deprivation Could Aggravate This.” The press release linked sleep deprivation with chronic health issues. There was also a quote from a “certified sleep coach”—possibly real?—but our minds conjured an image of a sweaty man in a tracksuit, whistle in hand, shouting, “Give me seven [hours]!” Yet the message remained clear: “Prioritize sleep.”
While it may have been foreshadowing, if you weren’t prepared for it, both emails, of course, came from mattress supplier Amerisleep.
Have a story for Feedback?
You can send your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week’s and previous feedback can be accessed on our website.
Amazon offers books from individuals claiming to provide expert advice on managing ADHD, but many of these appear to be generated by AI tools like ChatGPT.
The marketplace is filled with AI-generated works that are low-cost and easy to publish, yet often contain harmful misinformation. Examples include questionable travel guidebooks and mushroom foraging manuals promoting perilous practices.
The Guardian examined samples from eight books using Originality.ai, a US company that detects AI-generated content. Each book received a 100% AI detection score, indicating confidence that it was authored by a chatbot.
Experts describe the online marketplace as a “wild west” due to the absence of regulations on AI-generated content, increasing the risk that dangerous misinformation may proliferate.
Michael Cook, a computer science researcher at King’s College London, noted that generative AI systems often dispense hazardous advice, including topics related to toxic substances and ignoring health guidelines.
“It’s disheartening to see more AI-authored books, particularly in health-related fields,” he remarked.
“While Generative AI systems have been trained on medical literature, they also learn from pseudoscience and misleading content,” said Cook.
“They lack the ability to critically analyze or accurately replicate knowledge from their training data. Supervision from experts is essential when these systems address sensitive topics,” he added.
Cook further indicated that Amazon’s business model encourages this behavior, profiting on every sale regardless of the reliability of the content.
Professor Shannon Vallar, director of the Technology Futures Centre at the University of Edinburgh, stated that Amazon carries an ethical responsibility to avoid promoting harmful content, although she acknowledged that it’s impractical for a bookstore to monitor every title.
Issues have emerged as AI technology has disrupted traditional publishing safeguards, including author and manuscript reviews.
“The regulatory environment resembles a ‘wild west’, lacking substantial accountability for those causing harm,” Vallor noted, incentivizing a “race to the bottom.”
Currently, there are no legal requirements for AI-authored books to be labeled as such. The Copyright Act only pertains to reproduced content, but Vallor suggested that the Tort Act should impose essential care and diligence obligations.
The Advertising Standards Agency states that AI-authored books cannot mislead readers into believing they were human-written, and individuals can lodge a complaint regarding these titles.
Richard Wordsworth sought to learn about his recent ADHD diagnosis after his father recommended a book he found on Amazon while searching for “Adult Men and ADHD.”
“It felt odd,” he remarked after diving into the book. It began with a quote from psychologist Jordan Peterson and spiraled into a series of incoherent anecdotes and historical inaccuracies.
Some of the advice was alarmingly harmful, as Wordsworth noticed, particularly a chapter on emotional dysregulation warning friends and family not to forgive past emotional harm.
When he researched the author, he encountered AI-generated headshots and discovered a lack of qualifications. Further exploration of other titles on Amazon revealed alarming claims about his condition.
He felt “upset,” as did his well-educated father. “If he could fall prey to this type of book, anyone could. While Amazon profits, well-meaning individuals are being misled by profit-driven fraudsters,” Wordsworth lamented.
An Amazon spokesperson stated: “We have content guidelines that govern the listing of books for sale, and we implement proactive and reactive measures to detect violations of these guidelines.
“We continually enhance our protections against non-compliant content, and our processes and guidelines evolve as publishing practices change.”
circleTo mention that Astro Bot brings back memories of Super Mario Galaxy is a high compliment. It’s not because it’s a copy, but rather due to the abundance of new ideas that positions this game as one of Nintendo’s top 3D platformers. Traveling around a small galaxy filled with asteroid-style levels, from bathhouses to diorama-sized jungle temples to rainy islands. Each level is brimming with innovative one-shot concepts, like frog boxing gloves, backpack monkeys, and a time-stopping clock that freezes giant speeding darts for you to navigate around. The creativity of this development team truly shines in this game.
Team Asobi, known for producing Rescue Mission for PSVR and the short game Astro’s Playroom packaged with the PS5 at launch, now presents a full-length game with bonus difficulty levels that serve as a stimulating challenge for fans of 3D platforming. The game is incredibly enjoyable and distinct thanks to the lovable blue-and-white robot and its quirky friends, many of whom are dressed as characters from obscure PlayStation worlds. The meticulous attention to detail in these robots, from their movements, expressions, dance sequences, to their tiny pleas for help when in distress, exudes personality.
In Astro’s Playroom, you explore levels inspired by the speed of the SSD and the graphic processing unit’s visual flair, housed within the PlayStation 5 itself. The visual design of the environments is tech-themed, featuring trees made of tangled wires and computer-chip-like patterns decorating every surface. Astro Bot maintains a similar aesthetic while extending beyond it.
In this adventure, your PS5 acts as a robot mothership that crash-lands on a desert planet, dispersing numerous robots across the galaxy. As the lone surviving robot, you journey into each level aboard a rescue ship shaped like your PS5 controller to reunite your allies and reconstruct your robotic crew back home.
An astrobot riding a PS5 controller-shaped ship. Photo: Sony/Team Asobi
At the conclusion of each planetary cluster, a boss reminiscent of a slapstick cartoon is encountered, guarding a section of your spaceship. You then engage in cleaning and reassembling that section using a massive robotic arm, strategically pulling triggers and tilting the controller to clear away debris, cut ice chunks, and align pieces. This interactive process is incredibly fun and tactile, emphasizing the unique and sometimes eccentric aspects of the PS5 controller. Various features of the controller, from the small microphone to the touchpad, are ingeniously utilized in Astro Bot’s gameplay. The protagonist searches for weak spots along walls, clinging to his ship as you navigate through space by tilting the controller like a steering wheel.
The developers’ profound understanding of the PlayStation 5 is evident. Whether constructing a bridge with 100 robots on-screen, witnessing landscapes shattering into tiny fragments, or careening down a waterslide accompanied by inflatable balls, the gameplay is seamless and responsive. Whether testing if a log floats by slicing it with Astro’s jetpack or feeling the impact of each action through vibrations in the controller, every detail is finely tuned. Astro’s movements, jumps, and maneuvers are flawless, showcasing the level of precision in the game. This attention to detail sets this game apart, offering players a luxurious experience akin to five-star service.
The Astro Bot puts Frog’s boxing gloves to good use. Photo: Sony/Team Asobi
Another aspect I appreciate about Astro Bot is its suitability for playing with children. While lacking two-player co-op, it functions well as a game to pass the controller among players. My 7-year-old enjoyed watching me play, while my 5-year-old explored safe areas of levels and handed me the controller when faced with challenges.
Some planets in Astro Bot feature hub areas resembling enclosed playgrounds where players can engage in activities like kicking a ball, battling harmless enemies, jumping into pools, and taking on acrobatic challenges. My kids found the setting charming and dynamic, with references to classic PlayStation games like Uncharted, God of War, and Ape Escape scattered throughout.
Astro Bot, akin to Astro’s Playroom, pays homage to PlayStation’s history and design while expanding beyond a mere tech demo to establish itself as one of the top platform games in recent memory. It truly stands out as one of the finest platform games I’ve had the pleasure of playing. Until now There have been many games I’ve experienced, but being a 90s kid, I’ve played my fair share. The PlayStation hasn’t seen a captivating family game since LittleBigPlanet, and Astro Bot carries on that tradition of playful humor.
In the new study, Dr David Hernández Uribe from the University of Illinois at Chicago used computer models to study the formation of magma, which is thought to hold clues to the origin of Earth's continents.
Hadean Earth. Image by Alec Brenner.
Magma is molten material that forms rocks and minerals as it cools.
Dr Hernández Uribe searched for magma that matched the compositional characteristics of rare mineral deposits called zircons, which date back to the Archean Era (2.5 to 4 billion years ago), when scientists believe the continents first formed.
In a recent study, researchers argued that Archean zircons could only have been formed by subduction, i.e. two crustal plates colliding under the ocean and pushing land up onto the surface.
This process still occurs today, causing earthquakes and volcanic eruptions and reshaping the coastlines of continents.
However, Dr. Hernández Uribe found that subduction was not necessary for the formation of Archean zircons.
Rather, he found that the minerals may have formed due to the high pressures and temperatures associated with the melting of Earth's thick primordial crust.
“Using my calculations and models, we can get the same characteristics in zircons and even a better match through partial melting at the base of the crust,” Dr Hernández Uribe said.
“So based on these results, we don't yet have enough evidence to say by what process the continents formed.”
The findings also create uncertainty about when plate tectonics began on Earth.
If Earth's first continents formed by subduction, then the continents would have started moving between 3.6 and 4 billion years ago, or just 500 million years after Earth existed.
But an alternative theory, that the first continents formed from melting crust, means that subduction and tectonic shifts may have started much later.
“As far as we know, Earth is the only planet in the solar system where plate tectonics is actively occurring,” Dr Hernández Uribe said.
“And this has implications for the origin of life, because how the first continents moved controlled the weather, controlled the chemistry of the oceans, and controlled everything related to life.”
of study Published in the journal on July 11, 2024 Nature Chemistry.
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Hernández-Uribe, D. Generation of Archean oxidized and wet magmas by mafic crustal overthickening. National GeographyPublished online July 11, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41561-024-01489-z
This article is a version of a press release from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
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