Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Kyushu University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing by developing a novel method to create redundant, encrypted copies of qubits. This represents a pivotal step towards practical quantum cloud services and robust quantum infrastructure.
Google’s quantum computer – Image credit: Google.
In quantum mechanics, the no-cloning theorem asserts that creating an identical copy of an unknown quantum state is impossible.
Dr. Achim Kempf from the University of Waterloo and Dr. Koji Yamaguchi from Kyushu University emphasize that this fundamental rule remains intact.
However, they have demonstrated a method to generate multiple encrypted versions of a single qubit.
“This significant breakthrough facilitates quantum cloud storage solutions, such as quantum Dropbox, quantum Google Drive, and quantum STACKIT, enabling the secure storage of identical quantum information across multiple servers as redundant encrypted backups,” said Dr. Kemp.
“This development is a crucial step towards establishing a comprehensive quantum computing infrastructure.”
“Quantum computing offers immense potential, particularly for addressing complex problems, but it also introduces unique challenges.”
“One major difficulty in quantum computing is the no-duplication theorem, which dictates that quantum information cannot be directly copied.”
“This limitation arises from the delicate nature of quantum information storage.”
According to the researchers, quantum information functions analogously to splitting passwords.
“If you possess half of a password while your partner holds the other half, neither can be utilized independently. However, when both sections are combined, a valuable password emerges,” Dr. Kemp remarked.
“In a similar manner, qubits are unique in that they can share information in exponentially growing ways as they interconnect.”
“A single qubit’s information is minimal; however, linking multiple qubits allows them to collectively store substantial amounts of information that only materializes when interconnected.”
“This exceptional capability of sharing information across numerous qubits is known as quantum entanglement.”
“With 100 qubits, information can be simultaneously shared in 2^100 different ways, allowing for a level of shared entangled information far exceeding that of current classical computers.”
“Despite the vast potential of quantum computing, the no-cloning theorem restricts its applications.”
“Unlike classical computing, where duplicating information for sharing and backup is a common practice, quantum computing lacks a simple ‘copy and paste’ mechanism.”
“We have uncovered a workaround for the non-replicability theorem of quantum information,” explained Dr. Yamaguchi.
“Our findings reveal that by encrypting quantum information during duplication, we can create as many copies as desired.”
“This method circumvents the no-clonability theorem because when an encrypted copy is selected and decrypted, the decryption key is automatically rendered unusable; it functions as a one-time key.”
“Nevertheless, even one-time keys facilitate crucial applications such as redundant and encrypted quantum cloud services.”
Peter Kyle’s Landmark Request for ChatGPT Logs Stuns Observers
In early 2025, I sent an email that I never expected would set a legal precedent for the UK government’s approach to AI chatbot interactions. However, that’s precisely what unfolded.
It all began in January when I came across an interview with Peter Kyle, then UK Technology Secretary. In the interview with Politics Home, Kyle disclosed that he frequently converses with ChatGPT, hinting that he actively engages with the technology his department is responsible for regulating.
This revelation piqued my curiosity. Could I obtain his chat history? Freedom of Information (FOI) laws are typically used to request emails and documents from public authorities, yet past court rulings suggest that certain personal data, like search queries, are not released under these laws. I was particularly interested in how chatbot conversations are classified.
Ultimately, the answer leaned towards the former. Most of Kyle’s interactions with ChatGPT were deemed private and exempt from FOI regulations. However, interactions that occurred in an official capacity were subject to disclosure.
In March, the Department of Science, Industry, and Technology (DSIT) provided several conversations between Kyle and the chatbot. This revelation formed the basis of an exclusive article detailing his exchanges.
The publication of these chat logs took data protection and FOI experts by surprise. “I’m astonished you obtained them,” remarked Tim Turner, a Manchester-based data protection expert. Others were simply left speechless.
When this article was released, we emphasized that this represented a world first, capturing global attention around the accessibility of AI chatbot conversations.
International researchers from countries like Canada and Australia reached out to me for advice on how to file similar requests with their government ministers. For example, subsequent FOI requests in April revealed that Ferrill Clarke, the then UK Artificial Intelligence Secretary, had never used ChatGPT in an official capacity, despite promoting its advantages. However, many inquiries were met with denials as governments increasingly cited legal exceptions to FOI.
I observed a noticeable shift in the UK government’s approach to FOI, especially regarding AI utilization. In a subsequent request for DSIT’s internal responses to this article—comprising emails and Microsoft Teams messages—my FOI application was denied, citing the process as laborious and time-consuming.
Despite considering asking the government to utilize ChatGPT for summarizing the relevant information, I ultimately chose not to pursue it.
This release was pivotal as governments swiftly adapt to AI technologies. The UK government has acknowledged that civil servants use tools such as ChatGPT in their daily operations, claiming that this adoption can save up to two weeks annually due to enhanced efficiency. However, it’s critical to note that AI does not always deliver impartial summaries and can produce inaccuracies or “hallucinations.” Thus, transparency in how these technologies are employed is essential for accountability, whether the implications are positive or negative.
Topic: Politics / 2025 News Review
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Quantum particles now have an extended capacity to carry useful information.
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The intriguing phenomenon of quantum superposition has enabled scientists to surpass the limitations imposed by fundamental quantum mechanics, equipping quantum objects with properties advantageous for long-term quantum computing.
For over a century, physicists have wrestled with the challenge of distinguishing between the minuscule quantum world and the larger macroscopic universe. In 1985, physicists Anthony Leggett and Anupam Garg introduced a mathematical assessment for determining the size threshold at which an object transcends its quantum characteristics. Quantum objects are recognized by remarkably strong correlations of their properties over time, akin to surprising connections between actions of yesterday and tomorrow.
Objects that achieve a sufficient score in this assessment are classified as quantum, with the scores traditionally held back by a value known as the temporal Zirelson limit (TTB). Theorists believed that even distinctly quantum objects could not surpass this threshold. However, Arijit Chatterjee and his colleagues from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Pune have discovered a method to significantly exceed the TTB using one of the most basic quantum elements.
They centered their research on qubits, the essential building blocks of quantum computers and other quantum information systems. While qubits can be produced through various methods, the team utilized a carbon-based molecule incorporating three qubits. The first qubit was employed to control the behavior of the second “target” qubit over time, with the third qubit employed to extract properties from the target.
Though three-qubit configurations are generally believed to be constrained by the TTB, Chatterjee and his team discovered a method to push the target qubits beyond this limitation dramatically. In fact, their technique resulted in one of the most significant deviations from mathematical plausibility. The key was for the first qubit to govern the target qubit while it was in a state of quantum superposition, where it can effectively embody two states or actions that seem mutually exclusive. For instance, in their experiment, the first qubit directed the target qubit to rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise simultaneously.
Qubits are usually susceptible to decoherence over time, diminishing their capacity to store quantum information. However, after the target qubit surpassed the TTB, decoherence set in, yet the ability to encode information persisted five times longer due to its time-controlled behavior influenced by superposition.
According to Chatterjee, this resilience is advantageous in any context requiring precise qubit control, such as in computational applications. Team member HS Kartik from Poland’s University of Gdańsk mentions that procedures in quantum metrology, including accurate sensing of electromagnetic fields, could benefit significantly from this level of qubit control.
Rakura and their colleagues from China’s Sun Yat-sen University indicate that this research not only has clear potential for enhancing quantum computing practices but also fundamentally broadens our comprehension of how quantum objects behave over time. This is significant because immensely surpassing the TTB indicates that the properties of the qubit are highly interconnected at two divergent time points, a phenomenon absent in non-quantum entities.
The substantial breach of the TTB strongly demonstrates the extent of quantum characteristics present throughout the three-qubit configuration and exemplifies how researchers are advancing the frontiers of the quantum domain, says Karthik.
The Guardian has revealed that personal information from job applicants at the Tate has been exposed online, compromising addresses, salaries, and phone numbers of examiners.
These extensive records, running hundreds of pages, were shared on a site not affiliated with the government-supported organization managing London’s Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives in Cornwall, and Tate Liverpool.
The leaked data encompasses details like the current employers and educational background of applicants related to the Tate’s Website Developer Search in October 2023, affecting 111 individuals. While names are undisclosed, referees’ phone numbers and personal email addresses might be included. It remains unclear how long this information has been available online.
Max Kohler, a 29-year-old software developer, learned his data had been compromised after one of his application reviewers received an email from an unfamiliar source who accessed the online data dump.
Kohler found that the breach contained his last paycheck, current employer’s name, other reviewers’ names, email addresses, home addresses, and extensive responses to job interview questions.
“I feel extremely disappointed and disheartened,” he stated. “You dedicate time filling out sensitive information like your previous salary and home address, yet they fail to secure it properly and allow it to be publicly accessible.”
“They should publicly address this issue, provide an apology, and clarify how this happened, along with actions to prevent future occurrences. It likely stems from inadequate staff training or procedural oversights.”
Reported incidents of data security breaches to the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) continue to rise. Over 2,000 incidents were reported quarterly in 2022, increasing to over 3,200 between April and June of this year.
Kate Brimstead, a partner at Shoesmith law firm and an authority on data privacy, information law, and cybersecurity, commented: “Breaches do not always have to be intentional. While ransomware attacks attract significant attention, the scale of current breaches is substantial.” Errors can often contribute to these incidents, highlighting the necessity for robust checks and procedures in daily operations. “Managing our data can be tedious, but it remains crucial,” she added.
The ICO emphasized that organizations must report a personal data breach to them within 72 hours of being aware, unless there is no risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms. If an organization decides not to report, they should maintain a record of the breach and justify their decision if needed.
A spokesperson for Tate stated: “We are meticulously reviewing all reports and investigating this issue. Thus far, we haven’t identified any breaches in our systems and will refrain from further comment while this issue is under investigation.”
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Statin usage is on the rise, with the National Institute of Excellence in Health and Care (Nice) reporting that in October 2024, around 5.3 million people in the UK were using statins or cholesterol-lowering medications in the previous year.
This figure has nearly tripled since 2015/2016, now reflecting almost 10% of the nation’s population. Likewise, statin usage is also increasing worldwide.
Doctors prescribe statins primarily to prevent heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. These medications lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol that contributes to artery clogging—by aiding the liver in cholesterol production and blood extraction.
While statins effectively prevent heart attacks and strokes, there are still questions individuals have before commencing treatment.
Consider inquiries like: If my cholesterol is high, should I take statins? Could I improve my condition through diet and exercise first? What side effects might I experience when I start taking statins?
The answers to the first two questions are ultimately the same: the decision rests with you.
How to Determine if Statins are Right for You
The choice to begin statin therapy should be made alongside a healthcare provider, considering not just cholesterol levels, but the overall risk of heart disease.
This involves evaluating other risk factors such as blood pressure, family history, and even geographic location.
As Julie Ward, a senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, explains, your physician will use all available information to calculate your individual cardiovascular risk score.
“Once we have that cardiovascular risk score, we can initiate a discussion on measures to reduce that risk,” Ward states. “It’s about individuals [doctors] or pharmacists communicating, ‘This is your cardiovascular risk. We recommend starting you on a statin.’
The initial conversation may focus on lifestyle modifications, such as healthier eating habits and smoking cessation. You can assess your risk with an online calculator like this one. A higher 10-year risk score indicates a greater likelihood of needing to discuss statin therapy.
After a few months, you may visit the calculator again to see if your risk has changed, and perhaps determine that your risk is low enough to pursue dietary changes and exercise instead. But what if the recommendation for statins remains strong?
Statins are Safe and Effective
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about starting a potentially lifelong medication.
However, scientific research may provide reassurance; ample evidence highlights the effectiveness of statins in preventing heart disease, says Professor James Shepherd, a Health Data Scientist at the University of Oxford.
“Statins are arguably the most studied medication in medical history,” he points out. “Numerous clinical trials have examined their effects.”
Additionally, researchers have compiled the results of numerous trials to bolster the evidence surrounding statins.
For instance, in 2015, researchers from Cochrane, a distinguished medical review publisher, synthesized data from nearly 39,000 individuals who participated in 296 trials assessing Atorvastatin, the most commonly prescribed statin.
Their comprehensive review revealed that taking atorvastatin for up to 12 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol by 37-52%, depending on the dosage.
What’s the impact of statins on the risk of death from heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues? The answer largely depends on individual circumstances.
A recent review from early 2025 indicated a risk reduction ranging from 20% to 62%, with higher percentages for individuals in high-risk groups. This represents significant savings for medications costing less than £2 (around $2.50) per 28 tablets.
However, it’s essential to understand how to interpret numbers for your own decision-making.
In large-scale trials, efficacy is often expressed in relative terms, indicating the difference compared to those not taking statins.
As Shepherd emphasizes, “For real-world treatment decisions, the absolute risk is what matters most.”
For example, if a statin reduces the risk of a heart attack by 20%, a patient with a 1% absolute risk (or cardiovascular risk score) sees their risk drop from 1% to 0.8%.
In contrast, those with risk scores above 10% can realize significantly greater benefits.
read more:
Side Effects Vary
While we know statins are effective, what about the negative aspects related to side effects?
“Previous reporting has skewed public perception,” reveals Ward. “Yet, research demonstrates that side effects are minimal, and statins are well-tolerated by most patients.”
This is supported by findings from Shepherd and his team, detailed in a 2021 study that reviewed side effects across 62 trials involving over 120,000 participants, revealing only “a small number” reported issues.
Approximately 15 out of every 10,000 individuals experienced muscle pain and related symptoms, while liver, kidney, and eye abnormalities were even less prevalent.
When patients discontinue statin use, it is often linked to side effects. So, what’s behind this?
A different 2021 study suggests that the perceived side effects may be associated with the act of taking medication rather than their actual occurrence.
In that research, 60 participants received a month’s supply of different medications—some statins, some placebos—without knowing which was which. A year later, researchers noted more symptoms as patients were taking medication compared to nothing at all, with 90% of those experiencing side effects from statins also reporting symptoms while on the placebo.
Adjusting Dosage or Medication
If you encounter side effects, it’s essential to communicate these with your doctor instead of just enduring them.
For instance, atorvastatin can be prescribed in doses ranging from 10 to 80 mg per day. Side effects are often dose-dependent; hence, 80 mg is more likely to induce issues than 10 mg, though a lower long-term dose is usually possible.
“If someone has high cholesterol, they may start at 80 mg,” explains Ward. “If they’re managing well in a few months, we might lower it to 40 mg, and potentially down to 20 or 10 mg later on, transitioning to a maintenance dose.”
Alternatively, switching medications can also be effective. In the UK, five different statins are available, all functioning similarly, though atorvastatin is often regarded as the most effective.
“If someone previously took a higher dose of a different statin, a doctor could prescribe atorvastatin at a lower dosage that could achieve similar cholesterol-lowering effects with fewer side effects,” Shepherd adds.
In rare cases, taking statins may lead to more serious issues affecting the liver and kidneys, which is why regular blood tests are crucial for monitoring.
Individuals with diabetes might be concerned regarding findings suggesting that statins can elevate blood sugar levels.
Nevertheless, the cholesterol-lowering benefits are believed to outweigh the minimal increases in blood glucose.
In conclusion, taking statins is a personal choice. If you have concerns, consider discussing them with a cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation or explore resources on cholesterol at Heart UK.
About Our Experts
Julie Ward is a senior heart nurse at the British Heart Foundation.
Professor James Shepherd is a health data scientist at the University of Oxford, focusing on cardiovascular disease prevention. His work has been featured in General UK magazines, BMC Medical Research Methodology, and BMJ Open.
Los Angeles County public health officials have reported an outbreak of hepatitis A. This highly contagious liver infection is caused by a virus that can, in rare instances, lead to serious illness.
Typically, there are fewer than 50 cases annually in LA County, but at least 138 individuals were infected in 2024, with cases continuing to rise significantly in 2025. These numbers are incomplete.
Here’s what you should know.
How is hepatitis A transmitted?
The hepatitis A virus is spread via the oral-fecal route, meaning it can be ingested through food and beverages contaminated with microscopic stool from infected individuals. The virus can also be transmitted through close contact with someone harboring it, even if they show no symptoms.
Certain individuals face a higher risk of contracting hepatitis A due to inadequate access to clean toilets and handwashing facilities. It is more prevalent among travelers, in settings with poor hygiene, among men who have sex with men, and among drug users.
Officials note that many recent cases have appeared in individuals lacking these risk factors. The reasons remain unclear, but Dr. Timothy Brewer, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at UCLA, is increasingly concerned about two issues: food contamination and community transmission.
“In a community with good hygiene and access to drinking water, we shouldn’t see high numbers of infections,” he remarked. “Something is happening, but we aren’t sure what it is.”
What are the symptoms of hepatitis A infection?
Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. Infected individuals may subsequently develop jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools.
One significant challenge in controlling the spread of hepatitis A is that contact tracing can be quite challenging. The virus can incubate for up to seven weeks before symptoms appear, and carriers can transmit it for up to two weeks before they feel ill.
Moreover, many infected individuals do not exhibit severe symptoms, according to Dr. Edward Jones Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at Keck Medicine at the University of Southern California, which means they might not seek medical evaluation, undergo blood tests, or report their cases.
Severe symptoms are predominantly observed in the elderly, those with chronic liver diseases, and individuals with compromised immune systems or HIV. While fatalities from hepatitis A are rare, at least seven deaths have been linked to the outbreak. Officials suspect that the true number of infections is significantly higher than reported, as many individuals likely remain asymptomatic or have mild symptoms that go unrecognized.
What is the treatment for hepatitis A?
There are no specific antiviral treatments for hepatitis A, as the infection typically resolves on its own within weeks without causing permanent liver damage. However, hospitalization might be necessary for some patients.
In rare instances, hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure, known as fulminant hepatitis, which may necessitate a transplant, stated Dr. Jones Lopez. “It can escalate rapidly. It’s a serious condition.”
If you believe you may be infected, consult your doctor, stay hydrated, and rest adequately.
How can I prevent it?
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent hepatitis A. The vaccination schedule consists of two doses given at least six months apart, which provides substantial protection. While children have routinely received this vaccine for the past two decades, many adults over the age of 25 do not get vaccinated unless they belong to a high-risk group.
“Infection can occur anywhere,” warns Dr. Anne Limoyne, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.
If you have been exposed to someone with the virus but haven’t been vaccinated, a prompt vaccination can prevent infection. Experts suggest that individuals with compromised immune systems may also benefit from receiving immunoglobulins. Practicing good hygiene, such as thorough handwashing with soap and water after using the restroom and before preparing food, is essential for everyone.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised concerns about the safety of mRNA vaccines for Covid-19. Scientists have sought funding from the National Institutes of Health: Scrub their grants of mRNA references. State legislatures nationwide are debating bills that aim to ban or limit these vaccines. Weapons of mass destruction.
Messenger RNAs (mRNAs) have gained significant attention recently, though they were first discovered in 1961. Since then, scientists have explored their potential in preventing infections and treating cancer and rare diseases.
What is mRNA?
mRNA is a large molecule present in all cells, serving as a template to produce the proteins encoded by our DNA. It carries instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the cell’s protein synthesis machinery. According to Jeff Koller, a professor of RNA biology and therapy at Johns Hopkins University, a single mRNA molecule can generate multiple copies of a protein, and is designed to break down after fulfilling its role.
How do mRNA vaccines work?
Currently, there are three FDA-approved mRNA vaccines for older adults. These vaccines utilize strands of mRNA that encode specific viral proteins.
Upon receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, the mRNA chains, encapsulated in tiny fat particles, enter muscle and immune cells, explained Robert Alexander Wesselhoif, director of the RNA Therapy Institute at Mass General Brigham’s Institute of Genetic and Cell Therapy. These intracellular factories then use mRNA instructions to produce proteins resembling those on the Covid-19 virus surface. The body perceives these proteins as foreign, triggering an immune response.
While most mRNA degrades within days, the body keeps a “memory” in the form of antibodies, noted Dr. Koller. As with other vaccines, immunity may wane over time, requiring updates for new variants.
Why are mRNA vaccines being used now?
In the mid-2000s, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a method to introduce foreign mRNA into human cells without it degrading first, paving the way for vaccine development.
Currently, the primary application of these vaccines is to prevent infectious diseases like Covid-19 and RSV, according to Dr. Wesselhoeft, who founded a company focused on RNA therapy. mRNA vaccines can be developed quickly, as the non-RNA components remain consistent across different vaccines.
This rapid development could aid in creating annual flu vaccines, stated Florian Krammer, a virologist from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Typically, choice of flu vaccine strains is made in late winter, but mRNA vaccines can adapt more swiftly, allowing for better efficacy against circulating strains.
Are these vaccines safe?
A common question is whether mRNA vaccines can impact DNA. Dr. Boucher clarified that this is not possible; mRNA cannot be converted into DNA or integrated into the genome.
Covid-19 vaccines may cause temporary muscle pain and other mild side effects, as noted by Dr. Krammer.
Dr. Adam Ratner, a pediatric infection specialist in New York, remarked that in the over four years since the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine, there have been “no long-term safety signals.” He noted parental concerns regarding myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, but emphasized that the risks associated with actual Covid-19 infections far outweigh those of vaccination.
What additional applications does mRNA have?
mRNA-based vaccines may target a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
For cancer, the concept is that mRNA can encode tumor-associated proteins, prompting an immune response against tumors. In genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis, mRNA can produce a functional version of a missing protein, restoring normal function in affected tissues.
A recent paper published in Nature outlined an experimental mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer, which elicited immune responses in some patients post-surgery. Those who experienced immune activation had improved survival rates compared to those who did not.
Another study on monkeys investigated inhaled mRNA therapy aimed at producing proteins necessary for cilia formation, which play a crucial role in clearing mucus in the airways. This therapy targets dysfunctions associated with primary ciliary dyskinesia.
This research is in its preliminary stages, with the Phase I trial for pancreatic cancer involving only 16 patients, which may lead to variability in survival outcomes. Dr. Stephen Rosenberg, an expert in cancer immunotherapy at the National Cancer Institute, has indicated that interventions can stimulate immune responses without significantly altering patient outcomes.
Dr. Richard Boucher, a pulmonary scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, noted that targeting the correct cells with mRNA-carrying particles for lung diseases is particularly challenging.
Overall, Dr. Ratner described mRNA vaccines as “exciting” and holding promise for treating conditions where prior technologies have struggled. However, he cautioned that mRNA therapies should be seen as one of many drug technologies, with varying efficacy depending on the illness.
The negative side effects of females vary depending on the tolerance and the means of intake of the person taking it.
After the rush of medication is relieved, many users continue to chew it. They forget to drink water and are unable to sleep or eat for days. In this phase, known as “fine tuning,” users can focus excessively on activities such as disassembly of the bike (forgotten to reassemble) or spending time collecting things like pebbles and shiny gum wrappers. They may get excited and aggressive. Delusion, hallucination Mental illness can be set.
Some people constantly hurt or pick the skin to eradicate “female bugs,” leaving often scars and open wounds.
Long-term side effects include cognitive decline, memory loss, severe depression, cardiac valve damage, and periodontal disease and tooth decay. “methane.”
Can a female kill?
This is becoming more and more common, but is usually not fatal, unless the dose of methane is adulterous with fentanyl. However, people can overdose meth alone, and their deaths are on the rise.
In 2023, the most recent year when statistics are available, nearly 35,000 overdose deaths in the US were involved in Meth or other meth, with or without fentanyl contributions. That’s about 870% increase from around 3,600 deaths in 2013, according to researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The true measure of female lethality cannot be captured by overdose. People die from female-related causes, such as strokes and cerebral hemorrhage, and accidents during the rather trace of methane, such as wandering traffic or hitting a vehicle. Females can cause chronic users to overheat and convulse.
There are drugs that cure opioid cravings, but no approved drugs to treat meta addiction. Furthermore, overdose inverters like naloxone do not work for people overdose of methane (unless the drug is stained with fentanyl).
It is known as ice, Tina, crystal, glass, speed. nickname “crank” nodded to the biker who smuggled it in the engine’s crankcase.
How many females are there?
It’s been over a century and has changed quite a bit and become much more powerful.
In 1887, German chemists synthesized the compound ephedrine. Ephedra plants. By 1893, Japanese scientists were developing methamphetamine. During World War II, military forces in Germany, British and Americans distributed female tablets to awaken the troops and to suppress appetite. In Japan, tablets are given to Kamikaze pilots, It’s sold at the counter.
In 1944, the Food and Drug Administration approved it. Methamphetamine drugs, Desocin is used to treat narcotics, obesity and ADHD.
According to Researcherby the late 1960s, warnings “Speed Kill”-Referring to drugs and driving – He was promoted in the US.
In the 1990s, females became known as dance club drugs. The “cook” of the house created a batch of them. Most use pseudoephedrine, a component of over-the-counter cold medicines.
In 2005, we noticed an increase in the use of meta, Congress Combat methamphetamine epidemicasks retailers to move cold medicines containing pseudo-ephedrine behind the counter. While the opioid crisis was gathering strength, female production began to decline.
Next, as reported Atlantic Oceanchemists have discovered a powerful formulation to avoid pseudoephedrine. This formula was adapted by Mexico Cartels have been distributed in the southwest along the west coast, starting with mass-produced methane.
2024 Annual National Drug Threat ReportThe Drug Enforcement Bureau said the cartel was taking advantage of US demand for counterfeit drugs by producing METH with tablets that mimic ADHD drugs.
The ARC-AGI-2 benchmark is designed to be a difficult test for AI models
Just_Super/Getty Images
The most sophisticated AI models present today are inadequate scores on new benchmarks designed to measure progress towards artificial general information (AGI), and brute-force computing power is not sufficient to improve as evaluators consider the cost of running the model.
There are many competing definitions of AGI, but it is generally thought to refer to AI capable of performing cognitive tasks that humans can do. To measure this, the ARC Awards Foundation previously began a test of reasoning ability called ARC-AGI-1. Last December, Openai announced that the O3 model scored highly in tests, with some asking if the company is approaching AGI achievement.
But now the new test, the ARC-AGI-2, has raised the bar. Although current AI systems on the market are difficult enough to not achieve a score of over 100 digits of 100 in tests, all questions have been answered by at least two people on less than two attempts.
in Blog post Introducing the ARC-AGI-2, ARC president Greg Kamradt said a new benchmark is needed to test skills that differ from previous iterations. “To beat it, you need to demonstrate both high levels of adaptability and high efficiency,” he writes.
The ARC-AGI-2 benchmark differs from other AI benchmark tests in that it focuses on the ability to match the world’s leading PHD performance, but on the ability to complete simple tasks, such as replicating new image changes based on past examples of iconic interpretations. The current model is superior to “deep learning” measured by ARC-AGI-1, but not so good for seemingly simple tasks that require more challenging thinking and interaction with ARC-AGI-2. For example, Openai’s O3-low model won 75.7% on the ARC-AGI-1, but only 4% on the ARC-AGI-2.
This benchmark also adds a new dimension to measure AI capabilities by examining the efficiency of problem solving, as measured at the cost required to complete the task. For example, ARC paid a human tester $17 per task, while O3-low estimates that it would cost $200 for the same task.
“I think ARC-AGI’s new iteration, which now focuses on balancing performance and efficiency, is a major step towards a more realistic evaluation of the AI model,” he says. Joseph Imperial At the University of Bath, UK. “This is a sign that we are moving from a one-dimensional evaluation test that is not only focusing on performance, but also considering a decline in computing power.”
Models that can pass the ARC-AGI-2 should not only be very capable, but also be smaller and lighter, Imperial says. Model efficiency is a key component of the new benchmark. This helps address concerns that AI models are becoming more energy-intensive – Sometimes to the point of waste – to achieve much better results.
However, not everyone is convinced that the new measure will be beneficial. “The whole framing of this to test intelligence is not the correct framing.” Catherine Frick At Staffordshire University, UK. Instead, these benchmarks are extrapolated to imply general functionality across a set of tasks, simply by assessing the ability of AI to properly complete a single task or a set of tasks.
Working well with these benchmarks should not be seen as a major moment for AGI, Flick said:
And another question is what will happen if ARC-AGI-2 is given, or when it is given. Do you need yet another benchmark? “If they develop ARC-AGI-3, I guess they’ll add another axis to the graph [the] The minimum number of humans – whether expert or not, it will take a task to solve, in addition to performance and efficiency,” says Imperial. In other words, discussions about AGI rarely resolve immediately.
Distribution area and sampling site for pangolins in China and Malay. Image credit: LAN et al. , doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giaf003.
Pangolins are living fossils with many unique biological properties, including the body-covering keratin scale, a special diet, a long, muscular tongue, a sensitive olfactory system, and the ability to dig holes.
Locals in that distribution area have traditionally used their scales and meat for medicine and food.
An excess excerpt of pangolin, driven by rising demand for luxurious foods and traditional Chinese herbal medicines, has pushed the animal to the edge of extinction.
Currently, pangolins are the most trafficked wildlife in the world, with over 900,000 individuals poaching 67 countries from six continents involved in illegal poaching and trade.
Poaching is more rampant for Asian pangolins compared to African pangolins, particularly Malayan pangolins and Chinese pangolins.
These two species are listed as Critical at risk On the IUCN Red List for the first time since 2014.
“World Pangolin Day is celebrated on February 15th, so a new study presenting high-quality genomic data for these pangolin species is the genetic vulnerability and risk of extinction in Malayan and China's pangolin species. It's fitting that he is in the spotlight on the subject,” Yang Hua and colleagues.
The starting point for their analysis was to generate genome sequences of Chinese and Malay pangolins at significantly higher resolutions than those currently available.
Having such high quality data in the form of near-gap chromosomal scale sequences will capture important information, which is a key indicator of genetic health, and important information, which is the risk of extinction in any population. It's very valuable for it.
Therefore, the analysis included estimates of genetic diversity. This shows how many genetic variations exist between individuals in the population.
Scientists then used high-quality data as reference points and used previously published genomic data from 37 Chinese pangolins and 72 Malayan pangolin individuals to conservation inheritance of five pangolin populations. The condition has been reassessed.
They found the overall genetic diversity was surprisingly high. This is a positive indication of the genetic health of the population.
However, their detailed analysis showed that some of these populations were at higher risk of extinction than others.
Specifically, based on genetic data from one pangolin population, the authors have shown that this population has significantly faster and more sharper population declines within the last 10,000 years compared to the other populations in the study. I confirmed that it was over.
Furthermore, other genetic parameters in their studies indicate that this population, particularly in particular, is at a very high risk of extinction.
In addition to this, analysis of pangolin specimens from Taiwan revealed equally painful data.
Severe survival pressures require future work to solidify certain pangolin populations to some extent at the risk of extinction.
The data also show that further research into regional differences in these populations should be more careful as it has the capacity to help guide the already ongoing genetic rescue efforts.
“In addition to supporting the management of illegal poaching and human trafficking, the Chinese government has built breeding centres for the conservation of pangolins in both China and Malay and developed artificial breeding and breeding programs.” Academy and Northeast Forestry University.
“With the support of these data, we can better assess the genetic rescue strategies of wild populations by reconstructing and releasing these prisoner individuals in the future.”
a paper The findings were published in the journal gigascience.
____
TIANMING LAN et al. 2025. Enhanced inbreeding estimation and global conservation insights through chromosomal-level gatherings of pangolins in China and Malay. gigascience 14: GIAF003; doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giaf003
Google had to edit an ad for its AI tool Gemini after discovering it contained false information about Gouda cheese, just before it was set to air during the Super Bowl.
Local ads showcasing how AI is used in businesses featured Gemini’s capabilities in helping Wisconsin cheesemongers write product descriptions and track global cheese consumption.
However, a blogger claimed the statistics were “AI hallucinations” and “clearly false”. More reliable data suggests that Dutch cheese may be less popular than cheddar or mozzarella.
Blogger Nate Hake added, “I found this example of AI errors in 20 minutes. I attempted fact checks during the Super Bowl ad.”
Replying,Google executive Jerry Dischler clarified that the AI systems do not invent false information but sometimes pull honest data from websites like Gemini. He emphasized, “Gemini is linked to the web, showing results and references. In this case, multiple sites have the 50-60% stats.”
Google stated they would correct the ads to fix the error after speaking with the cheesemonger in the ad and adjusting the product descriptions on Gemini as per his suggestion.
Google’s AI tools have previously faced criticism for errors and questionable advice. Last year, the AI’s Search feature drew backlash for advising users to use “non-toxic adhesives” to improve cheese sticks, and Gemini’s image generation tool sparked controversy by depicting historical figures in a questionable manner.
The images provoked negative reactions, including from Elon Musk, questioning the impact of libertarians and Stalin. The Gemini Chatbot also faced criticism for its responses in these situations.
Following Joe Biden’s announcement of not seeking reelection, misinformation surfaced online regarding the potential for a new candidate to assume the presidency.
Screenshots claiming nine states couldn’t add new candidates to the ballot quickly went viral on Twitter (now X) and were widely viewed. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s office received requests to fact-check these posts which turned out to be completely false as the voting deadline had not passed and Kamala Harris had ample time to be added to the ballot.
The misinformation originated from Twitter’s chatbot Grok, which provided an incorrect response when asked if new candidates could still be added to the ballot.
This incident served as a test case for the interaction between election officials and artificial intelligence companies in the 2024 US presidential election, amid concerns that AI could mislead or distract voters. It also highlighted the potential role Grok could play as a chatbot lacking strict guardrails to prevent the generation of inflammatory content.
A group of secretaries of state and the National Association of Secretaries of State contacted Grok and X to report the misinformation. Initial attempts to correct it were ineffective, prompting Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon to express disappointment at the lack of action.
While the impact of the misinformation was relatively minor, prompting no hindrance to voting, the secretaries of state took a strong stance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The secretaries launched a public effort by signing an open letter to Grok’s owner, Elon Musk, urging the chatbot to redirect election-related queries to trusted sources like CanIVote.org. Their efforts led to Grok now directing users to vote.gov when asked about the election.
Simon praised the company for eventually taking responsible action and emphasized the importance of early and consistent debunking of misinformation to maintain credibility and prompt corrective responses.
Despite initial setbacks, Grok’s redirection of users and Musk’s philosophy against centralized control offer hope for combating misinformation. It is critical to prevent AI tools like Grok from further exacerbating partisan divisions or spreading inaccurate information.
The potential for paid subscriptions and widespread usage of Grok integrated into social media platforms poses challenges in addressing the risk of deceptive content creation. Efforts to address and rectify misinformation are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of elections and ensuring responsible use of AI-based tools.
Swift J1818.0-1617 is located about 22,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius.
Artist's impression of magnetar Swift J1818.0-1617. Image courtesy of NSF/AUI/NRAO/S. Dagnello.
Swift J1818.0-1617, discovered in 2020, rotates with a rotation period of 1.36 seconds and is thought to be the fastest rotating magnetar yet discovered.
The star is located on the opposite side of the Milky Way galaxy's bulge, 22,000 light-years away, making it relatively close to Earth.
In fact, it's so close that we can use parallax to pinpoint its 3D location within the galaxy.
The lifespan of magnetars is currently unknown, but astronomers estimate that Swift J1818.0-1617 is only a few hundred years old.
“A magnetar's bright X-ray emission requires a mechanism of extremely high-energy outflow. Only the rapid decay of its powerful magnetic field can explain the force behind these spectral features,” said Dr. Hao Ding, an astronomer at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and his colleagues.
“But again, this is an extreme process: for normal stars on the main sequence, bright blue stars burn through their fuel much faster than yellow stars, and therefore have very short lifetimes.”
“In the case of magnetars, although the physics are different, their lifetimes are also thought to be shorter than those of pulsars.”
“Magnetars are too young to continue releasing energy at this rate for long periods of time,” the researchers added.
“Moreover, magnetars can also exhibit radiation in the lower end of the electromagnetic spectrum, i.e. at radio wavelengths.”
“In these cases, the most likely energy source is synchrotron radiation produced by the magnetar's rapid rotation.”
“In synchrotron radiation, the plasma surrounding the neutron star itself is so tightly attached to the surface of the star that it rotates at very close to the speed of light and produces radiation at radio wavelengths.”
Astronomers NSF's Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) was conducted over a three-year period to collect data on the position and velocity of Swift J1818.0-1617.
“The VLBA provided excellent angular resolution to measure this extremely small disparity, and the spatial resolution is unmatched,” said Dr Ding.
Swift J1818.0-1617's parallax is the smallest of any neutron star, and its so-called transverse velocity is the smallest of any magnetar (a new lower limit).
“Velocity in astronomy can be most simply described as having two components: direction and velocity,” the researchers explained.
“Radial velocity tells us how fast we're moving along the line of sight. In this case, radial velocity means the speed along the radius of the galaxy.”
“For magnetars like Swift J1818.0-1617, which are located on the opposite side of the central bulge, there is too much other material in the way to accurately measure the radial velocity.”
“Transverse velocity, sometimes called proper velocity, describes motion perpendicular to the galactic plane and is more easily identifiable.”
Astronomers are trying to understand the common (and different) formation processes between regular neutron stars, pulsars and magnetars, and hope to use precise measurements of the transverse velocities to analyse the conditions under which stars evolve along one of these three paths.
“This study adds weight to the theory that magnetars are unlikely to form under the same conditions as young pulsars, and suggests that magnetars are born from a more unconventional formation process,” Dr Ding said.
“We need to know how fast magnetars were moving when they were first born. The mechanism by which magnetars form is still a mystery, and we want to find out.”
Elon Musk shared a fake Telegraph article claiming Keir Starmer is considering sending far-right rioters to “emergency detention camps” in the Falkland Islands.
Musk deleted the post about 30 minutes later. Screenshot taken by Politics.co.uk It is suggested that the video had nearly 2 million views before it was removed.
In it, Musk shared an image posted by Ashley Simon, co-leader of the far-right group Britain First, with the caption: “We will all be deported to the Falkland Islands.”
The fake article, purportedly written by a senior Telegraph news reporter and styled to resemble the paper, said that camps in the Falkland Islands would be used to hold prisoners from the ongoing riots because the UK prison system is already at capacity.
The Telegraph said on Thursday it had never published the story in question. A Telegraph Media Group spokesman said in a statement: “This is a fabricated headline for a story that doesn't exist. We have notified the relevant platforms and asked them to remove the story.”
In a post about X, the paper said: “We are aware that an image circulating purporting to be a Telegraph article about 'emergency detention centres' on X. The Telegraph has never published such an article.”
Musk has not apologized for sharing the fake report, but has continued to share material criticizing the UK government and law enforcement response to the riots.
The Guardian contacted Mr X for comment but received an automated response saying: “We're busy at the moment, please check back later.”
On Thursday, Musk said Share the Sky News interview Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions in England and Wales, said officers were searching social media for content that incited racial hatred. “This is something that is really happening,” Musk said. In another post about the same clip:Musk called Parkinson a “woke Stasi.”
Musk has been embroiled in a spat with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and British police authorities after saying a “civil war is inevitable” in response to anti-immigration protests in England and Northern Ireland and claiming the police response had been “one-sided”.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister said this week there was “no justification” for the comments. In response, Mr Musk has repeatedly attacked Mr Starmer on his platform, branding him a “second-rate keel”.
Musk, the billionaire co-founder of Tesla, SpaceX and the payments platform X.com that later became PayPal, bought Twitter for $44 billion in 2022. Last year, he renamed it X. The direction Twitter has taken under his leadership has sparked a series of controversies, including accusations that it has not taken harmful content seriously enough.
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospitals NHS Trust said in a post on Thursday that after 13 years running X's account it was closing it because the platform “no longer aligns with the trust's values”. The trust directed followers to Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
This week, Musk announced he was suing a group of advertisers and major corporations for illegally agreeing not to advertise on X.
SpaceX’s giant Starship rocket was deployed on the launch pad at StarBase, the company’s facility in South Texas, in June 2024 ahead of a planned test flight.
SpaceX is getting ready Starship. The most powerful rocket ever built is gearing up for its next test launch. Here’s everything you need to know.
What time is the launch scheduled?
The launch is expected to take place in the next week or so, but SpaceX has said it could take place as soon as June 5, pending regulatory approval. Each flight must be approved by the US Federal Aviation Administration.
Other signs point to the same day. Judge Eddie Trevino of Cameron County, Texas, home to SpaceX’s Starbase launch site, said: Nearby roads are closed. It will be carried out at the beginning of June. This precautionary measure is usually taken during launches, but it may also be relevant for some of the ground tests.
However, Treviño explicitly states in official documents that these closures are for “flight testing,” and establishes a 14-hour closure period from midnight to 2 p.m. local time on June 5. The documents also state that alternative closures of the same duration could be scheduled on June 6 and 7, if the company so desires.
How can I watch the Starship launch?
SpaceX has announced that a live webcast will begin approximately 30 minutes before launch.
Where is Starship going?
The fourth test flight will focus on returning Starship from orbit and conducting a mock landing of both the Starship and the Super Heavy first stage booster. Because landings on ground are currently deemed too risky, both vehicles will make a “soft splashdown” in the ocean, using their engines to slow their descent and line up, as if they were landing on a base, to gently touch down on the water. The first stage booster is scheduled to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, not far from the launch site, about seven minutes after liftoff, while Starship aims to splash down in the Indian Ocean about an hour later.
What has happened in Starship launches so far?
All three Starship launches have ended in explosions, which was expected as part of SpaceX’s “fail fast, learn fast” strategy.
During the first launch on April 20 last year, three of the first stage’s three engines (out of a total of 33) failed to ignite. Several more subsequently failed during the flight. The rocket then spun out of control and its self-destruct safety mechanism was activated. The entire flight lasted about three minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 39 kilometers.
Starship’s second launch was on November 18. This time, all 33 engines were working, and the rocket flew far enough for the first and second stages to separate. But as the first stage rotated to begin its deceleration and landing procedure, it exploded. The second stage continued on smoothly to an altitude of about 90 miles, passing the Kármán line, which marks the beginning of the universe. But it was destroyed by a safety device after it stopped transmitting data before completing an orbit or returning to Earth.
SpaceX’s third Starship test flight, on March 14, was at least partially successful, as it reached space, performed a fuel transfer test, and flew farther and faster than ever before. However, it lost attitude control during the flight and failed to make the planned soft landing. Nevertheless, it achieved several important milestones, including Starship’s first atmospheric reentry from space, the first opening and closing of Starship’s payload door in space, and a successful demonstration of fuel transfer, which is key for future NASA Artemis missions to the Moon.
What would happen if this launch were to fail?
The chances of Starship completing its mission perfectly are slim, so it’s likely to fail in some way. But failure will provide data and experience that can be used to improve the design and process for the fifth launch. SpaceX has shown it can iterate quickly and make great strides with each launch.
A recent report accuses Meta and Google of obstructing information about abortion and reproductive health in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
MSI Reproductive Choices and the Center to Combat Digital Hate claim that while these platforms restrict advertising for local abortion providers, they don’t limit public access to reproductive health care, leading to the spread of damaging misinformation.
Mehta has agreed to review the findings of the report.
MSI, operating in 37 countries, has had ads containing sexual health information rejected or removed by the platforms.
MSI Ghana and Vietnam reported that their ads promoting reproductive health content were removed or flagged as violating community guidelines.
Whitney Chinogwenya, Global Marketing Manager at MSI, expressed concerns about the censorship of reproductive health content on social media platforms like Facebook, which many women rely on for information.
MSI Mexico faced removal of a Facebook post promoting legal abortion services despite the recent decriminalization of abortion in some states.
The report highlighted Meta’s inaction against anti-abortion misinformation and misleading content about abortion procedures.
The report also revealed fake MSI pages on Facebook that exploit the organization’s reputation for various malicious purposes.
MSI clinics in Ghana were targeted by disinformation campaigns on messaging platforms.
MSI Ghana Advocacy stresses the importance of fact-checking systems on digital platforms to promote accurate reproductive health information.
The report, compiled from interviews and evidence from MSI teams in several countries, aims to raise awareness among digital platforms about their responsibilities.
Meta and Google responded to the report’s allegations, with Meta emphasizing its policies against false information and Google denying any inconsistent enforcement on its platforms.
Both companies stated their commitment to ensuring accurate and compliant advertising on their platforms.
Australia's corporate watchdog, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), referred information about a US$1.89 billion “pyramid scheme” known as Hyperverse to Victoria Police in 2020. But no action was taken, and the watchdog referred it again almost two years later.
The ASIC referred the company to Victoria Police for “possible criminal fraud” after concerns were raised with corporate regulators about its affiliate company Blockchain Global. The HyperVerse crypto investment scheme was operated by HyperTech Group, founded by two of Blockchain Global's directors, Sam Lee and Ryan Xu.
An ASIC spokesperson said, “Asic provided information relating to the HyperVerse matter to Victoria Police in 2020 after being informed that VicPol was investigating the HyperVerse matter. [alleged] and after determining that it was not a financial product and that the police were in the best position to investigate. [alleged] There is a possibility of criminal fraud.”
Neither ASIC nor Victoria Police provided further details about the alleged act.
“ASIC takes seriously any fraudulent activity that harms investors and we have the authority to act against fraudulent activity in relation to financial products and services,” the spokesperson said. “When we become aware of conduct that is outside of our jurisdiction, we seek to refer information about that conduct to the appropriate authorities.”
However, Victoria Police said it had assessed that information and decided after almost two years that ASIC was “best placed to investigate further”.
Meanwhile, Blockchain Global went bankrupt and owed creditors $58 million, while Mr. Xu and Mr. Lee were allegedly involved in a “global multi-level marketing and marketing of crypto-assets” as per the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Xu is not named in the SEC's lawsuit.
A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed it received a referral from ASIC in April 2020, but the matter was not assessed until 2021. After that assessment, “it was decided that the lead agency should be ASIC”.
The matter was transferred back to ASIC in January 2022. Asked why the process took 22 months, a Victoria Police spokesperson said: “For matters of this nature, the first step is to determine whether a criminal offense has been committed and whether it is best to approach Victoria Police. Depending on the situation, it may take some time.”
A spokesperson declined to comment on the content of the evaluation.
Mr. Ashiq said he believes he is acting on this referral. “ASIC understands that this matter is being actively considered by VicPol. Ultimately, VicPol is best placed to explain its decision to refer this matter back to ASIC,” the spokesperson said.
“At the time VicPol referred the matter back to ASIC, an external administrator had been appointed to Blockchain Global. ASIC is currently considering the information contained in the liquidator’s report relating to this scheme.”
At the time ASIC was referred to Victoria Police, the first Hyper scheme, ‘HyperCapital’, was underway and launched in Hong Kong in 2019. Meanwhile, HyperCapital was rebranded to HyperFund in 2020 and became HyperVerse in December 2021.
Mr. Lee denied claims that the scheme was a fraud and defended his role at HyperVerse as limited to the technical and financial management aspects of the business. Members were offered memberships to HyperVerse, where they could explore the HyperVerse ecosystem. There were returns of 0.5% per day and a 300% return over 600 days. HyperUnits were linked to various crypto tokens and could be withdrawn and converted into other cryptocurrencies once matured.
Mr Lee also did not mention that he had resigned from Blockchain Global’s board of directors and that the company was no longer in business.
According to court documents, Brenda Chunga, a senior U.S. promoter charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, hired Hypertech Group and Blockchain Global to potentially promote the scheme. Mr. Chunga emphasized his connection with Blockchain Global to give the HyperFund project credibility and increase security of investment.
Ashiq defended his failure to issue a warning about the Hyperfund and Hyperverse investment schemes. Mr. Lee declined to answer questions from Guardian Australia, and Mr Hsu could not be reached for comment.
in new paper in diary natural ecology and evolution, paleontologists described the diversity of the Cabrières biota, a new Early Ordovician site in the Montagne Noire in southern France. During the Early Ordovician, this region was an open marine environment located in the southern hemisphere at high polar latitudes, on the margin of the Gondwana supercontinent.
Artistic reconstruction of Cabrière Biota: in the foreground, Unpix (trilobites) and various ostracods including brachiopods and cryoliths (bottom left corner). Behind the trilobites are lobopods, chelicerates, cnidarians (blue), sponges (green), thin branched algae (red and green), hemichordates (purple), and some soft bodies. There are animals. Bivalve arthropods live in the water column along with graptolites. Image credit: Christian McCall, Prehistorya Art.
“Early Paleozoic sites with preserved soft tissues provide a wealth of information about the evolution of past life and improve our understanding of earlier ecosystems, but they are unevenly distributed in time and space. ,” said paleontologist Farid Saleh of the University of Lausanne and his colleagues.
“About 100 soft-tissue preserved assemblages have been recorded from the Cambrian, while about 30 are known from the Ordovician, and only a few have been discovered in early Ordovician rocks. .”
“The distribution of early Paleozoic remains is also paleogeographically biased, as approximately 97% of the biota discovered represents tropical and temperate ecosystems within 65 degrees north and south of the paleoequator.”
“This pattern is especially true for the Ordovician, where very few sites are known to have polar environments.”
“Among the most famous Ordovician sites, Sumchere in South Africa, Big Hill in the United States, and Winneshiek exhibit tropical ecosystems.”
“Given the rarity of Ordovician sites and their lopsided paleogeographical distribution, discovering new biota with preserved soft tissues across the aforementioned paleogeographic zones and environments will deepen our understanding of this period and This is crucial for gaining better insight into the factors driving increases in animal diversity on Earth. ”
Biomineralized species of the Cabriere biota: (a) Trilobites of the genus Unpix(b) gastropods with tubular structures, probably conuraids Sphenothalas(c) biomineralized canine cnidarians; (d) Arthrobrachiopod attached to a spongiosa, probably of the leptomid family. (e) Assemblage formed by an articulated brachiopod (center), a flattened carapace of a probably bivalve arthropod (left and right of center), and the skull of a calimenin trilobite (left). (f) Possibly visceral cyst. Scale bars – (a) and (e) 4 mm, (b) and (d) 1 cm, (c) 5 mm, (f) 2 mm.Image credit: Saleh other., doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02331-w.
In a new paper, paleontologists describe a group of 470-million-year-old (early Ordovician) fossils, named Cabrière Biota, discovered in southern France's Montagne Noire.
The fossil site was discovered by two French amateurs, Eric Montseret and Sylvie Montseret Goujon.
Saleh and his co-authors examined about 400 extremely well-preserved soft tissue fossils taken from the site.
Fossils typically exhibit shades of brown, red, or orange and are embedded within a siliciclastic matrix of mudstone and siltstone, and their colors range from blue to green to yellow.
The Cabriere biota is characterized by a prevalence of sponges and branched algae, which constitute 26% of all identified fossils.
Also included are molluscs (14%), trilobites (12%), brachiopods (9%), cystoliths (7%), and cnidarians (6%).
An interesting feature of this biota is its rarity, with echinoderms being represented by only three specimens.
The Cabrières biota also exhibits the shells of various bivalve arthropods, which constitute 16% of the fossils identified.
Some wormlike organisms are also present in the biota (approximately 1% of identified fossils).
“The Cabrière biota was once located in close proximity to Antarctica and reveals the composition of the southernmost Ordovician ecosystem,” Dr Saleh said.
“The high biodiversity of this site suggests that the area served as a refuge for species fleeing the high temperatures that were prevalent further north at the time.”
“During this period of global warming, animals were certainly living in high-latitude refuges, escaping the extreme temperatures at the equator.”
Dr Jonathan Antcliffe, a paleontologist at the University of Lausanne, said: “The distant past gives us a glimpse of the near future that could happen to us.''
_____
F. Saleh other. Cabrières Biota (France) provides insight into Ordovician polar ecosystems. Nat Ecole Evol, published online on February 9, 2024. doi: 10.1038/s41559-024-02331-w
US-based VF Corporation, which owns apparel brands such as Vans, Supreme and The North Face, said a cyberattack affected its ability to fulfill orders ahead of Christmas, one of the year’s biggest retail events. admitted that he had caused it.
A company based in Denver, Colorado said in a filing with federal regulators. The cyberattack, which the company first detected on December 13, was a ransom attack in which hackers “disrupted the company’s operations by encrypting some IT systems and stole data, including personal data, from the company.” It was said that it was hinting at a software attack.
As a result, the company says its operations continue to be disrupted, including its “ability to fulfill orders.”
When TechCrunch tried to place an order on Vans’ website, he was greeted with the following message: You will be notified by email when your item is shipped and can track it with the sender. ”
VF Corporation said in a filing that the retail stores it operates around the world are open and consumers can purchase available products online. It is unclear when orders will be shipped, and a company spokesperson did not provide a timeline.
VF Corp. spokesperson Colin Wheeler provided TechCrunch via email with a statement reflecting the company’s regulatory filings. The company did not respond to TechCrunch’s questions about the incident. Reveal whether the company received a ransom demand from hackers.
The company has not yet disclosed how it was breached, what type of data was accessed, or how many individuals were affected by the breach, including employees, customers, or both. . It’s also unclear who is behind the attack, with the ransomware group being tracked yet to claim responsibility.
VF Corp. warned in a regulatory filing that the cyberattack would have a “significant impact” on its business until its systems are restored. “As the investigation into the incident is ongoing, the full scope, nature and impact of the incident is not yet known,” the filing states.
VF Corp disclosed the incident on the same day that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s new data breach disclosure rules went into effect. This regulation means that organizations must report cybersecurity incidents, including data breaches, to federal securities regulators.within 4 business days.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 (Reuters) – Apple (AAPL.O) says it is seeking a judge’s order to turn over information about its customers’ push notifications to law enforcement, bringing the iPhone maker’s policy in line with rival Google’s and allowing authorities to obtain app data about users. The hurdles that must be cleared have been raised.
The new policy was not officially announced, but was announced in the past few days. Law enforcement guidelines published by Apple. This follows revelations by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden that officials had requested such data not only from Apple but also from Alphabet Inc.’s Google. (GOOGL.O) Create an operating system for Android phones.
Apps of all kinds rely on push notifications to notify smartphone users of incoming messages, breaking news, and other updates. These are the audible “sounds” or visual indicators that users receive when they receive an email or when a sports team wins a game. What users often do not realize is that almost all such notifications are sent through Google and his Apple servers.
In the letter, first revealed by Reuters last week, Wyden said the practice gives the companies unique insight into the traffic flowing to users from these apps, and that the two companies can “see how users use specific apps.” “We are in a unique position to facilitate government oversight of what is happening.”
Although Apple did not officially announce this new policy, it was included in Apple’s published law enforcement guidelines within the past few days. Getty Images
Apple and Google both acknowledged receiving such requests. Apple added a section to its guidelines stating that such data can be obtained “via subpoena or larger legal process.” This text has now been updated to refer to more stringent warrant requirements.
Apple has not released an official statement. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Wyden said in a statement that Apple is “doing the right thing by aligning with Google in seeking a court order to turn over data related to push notifications.”
Ofcom has initiated an inquiry into TikTok to determine if it provided false information about parental controls.
The UK’s media regulator has requested details from Chinese-owned apps and other online video platforms like Snapchat, to report on measures taken to protect children.
While they were generally commended for their efforts, Ofcom stated that it had “reasons to believe” that TikTok provided “inaccurate” information about the family pairing system.
This feature allows adults to link their account to their child’s account and control settings such as screen time limits.
Ofcom will now investigate whether the company “failed in its obligations” by not taking appropriate action.
TikTok attributed the issue to a technical problem, and Ofcom said it is aware and will provide the necessary data.
A spokesperson mentioned that the platform enforces an age requirement of 13 years and that the report notes the platform’s significant effort and resources in locating and removing underage users.
Ofcom’s report is the first in two years following guidance on video sharing apps about how to protect young users from encountering harmful content.
YouTube and Facebook were not covered in the report as they fall under Irish jurisdiction, a result of EU rules that the UK continues to follow, despite leaving the EU gradually through the online safety bill.
An Ofcom report published on Thursday found that TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitch all met the requirements set out two years ago.
All three platforms categorize and label content to ensure it is age-appropriate.
However, while Snapchat and TikTok offer parental controls, Twitch requires parents to supervise their children in real time as per its terms of service.
Ofcom stated that although steps were being taken to protect young users, “victims can still be victimized while using these platforms”.
Google Maps today announced that it is introducing several new ways to give users more control over their personal information. The Navigation app now allows you to delete activity related to a specific location, and location controls are now easily accessible from the blue dot within the app.
The company says users will soon be able to see recent activity related to a specific location and easily delete searches, directions, visits and shares with just a few taps. Let’s say you’re going to the bakery and you use an app to navigate there. You’ll soon be able to view and delete all recent activity related to your bakery.
As for the blue dot that marks your location on Google Maps, you’ll soon be able to use it to access location controls. Click this to see whether your Location History and Timeline settings (Features of Maps that help you remember places you’ve been) are turned on, and whether you’ve given Maps access to your device’s location. It shows.
Google says the ability to remove location-related activity from Maps and new blue dot controls will begin rolling out to Android and iOS in the coming weeks.
Google Maps also announced that when you turn on Location History, your time will immediately be saved directly to your device.
Image credits: Google
“As before, you can always remove all or part of your information or disable your settings completely,” Mario McGrid, product director for Google Maps, said in a blog post. “If you are buying a new phone or are worried about losing your existing phone, you can always choose to back up your data to the cloud to avoid data loss. Backup data will be automatically It’s encrypted so no one, including Google, can read your data.”
Additionally, when you turn on Location History for the first time, automatic deletion controls are set to 3 months by default. This option was previously set to 18 months.
Google says these changes will be rolled out gradually over the next year on Android and iOS. Users will receive a notification when this update is applied to their account.
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