A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at McGill University indicates that human sleep patterns, or chronotypes, exist on a broader biological spectrum. Each subtype is linked to distinct health and behavioral traits, challenging the conventional ‘early riser vs. night owl’ classification.
Zhou et al. The study identifies five distinct biological subtypes, each related to various behavioral patterns and health conditions. Image credit: Wok & Apix.
Chronotype refers to the specific time during the 24-hour cycle when an individual naturally feels the most alert or is prepared for sleep.
Previous research has often associated late-onset chronotypes with health issues, yet the findings have frequently been inconsistent.
“Instead of asking if night owls face greater risks, it may be more insightful to explore which specific night owls are at risk and why,” explains Dr. Yue Zhou, a researcher at McGill University.
Utilizing AI technology, Zhou and colleagues analyzed brain scans, questionnaires, and medical records from over 27,000 adults in the UK Biobank.
Their findings uncovered three night owl subtypes and two early riser groups.
One early riser subtype exhibited the fewest health issues, while the other was more closely linked to depression.
Night owls performed better on cognitive assessments but faced difficulties in emotional regulation.
One night owl group was prone to risk-taking behaviors and cardiovascular challenges, while another group showed higher tendencies for depression, smoking, and heart disease.
“These subtypes are not merely characterized by their sleep times,” stated Dr. Danilo Buzdok from McGill University.
“They represent a complex interaction of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.”
Instead of categorizing sleep types as good or bad, the researchers emphasize how risks and strengths are distributed differently among the five profiles.
A nuanced comprehension of sleep profiles can clarify why identical sleep schedules impact individuals differently, promoting research and sleep support that transcends a one-size-fits-all methodology.
“In today’s digital age and post-pandemic world, sleep patterns are more diverse than ever,” remarks Zhou.
“Recognizing this biological diversity may ultimately lead to more personalized strategies for sleep, work schedules, and mental health support.”
For further details, refer to the published findings in the Journal on December 22, 2025, Nature Communications.
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L. Joe et al. (2025). Potential brain subtypes of chronotypes reveal unique behavioral and health profiles across population cohorts. Nat Commune 16, 11550; doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-66784-8
A significant enigma in vertebrate evolution—why numerous major fish lineages appeared suddenly in the fossil record tens of millions of years post their presumed origins—has been linked to the Late Ordovician mass extinction (LOME). This insight comes from a recent analysis conducted by paleontologists at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University. The study reveals that the LOME, occurring approximately 445 to 443 million years ago, instigated a parallel endemic radiation of jawed and jawless vertebrates (gnathostomes) within isolated refugia, ultimately reshaping the early narrative of fishes and their relatives.
Reconstruction of Sacabambaspis jamvieri, an armored jawless fish from the Ordovician period. Image credit: OIST Kaori Seragaki
Most vertebrate lineages initially documented in the mid-Paleozoic emerged significantly after the Cambrian origin and Ordovician invertebrate biodiversity. This temporal gap is often attributed to inadequate sampling and lengthy ghost lineages.
However, paleontologists Kazuhei Hagiwara and Lauren Saran from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University propose that the LOME may have fundamentally transformed the vertebrate ecosystem.
Utilizing a newly compiled global database of Paleozoic vertebrate occurrences, biogeography, and ecosystems, they identified that this mass extinction coincided with the extinction of stylostome conodonts (extinct marine jawless vertebrates) and the decline of early gnathostomes and pelagic invertebrates.
In the aftermath, the post-extinction ecosystems witnessed the initial definitive emergence of most major vertebrate lineages characteristic of the Paleozoic ‘Age of Fish’.
“While the ultimate cause of LOME remains unclear, clear changes before and after the event are evident through the fossil record,” stated Professor Saran.
“We have assimilated 200 years of Late Ordovician and Early Silurian paleontology and created a novel database of fossil records that will assist in reconstructing the refugia ecosystem,” Dr. Hagiwara elaborated.
“This enables us to quantify genus-level diversity from this era and illustrate how LOME directly contributed to a significant increase in gnathostome biodiversity.”
LOME transpired in two pulses during a period marked by global temperature fluctuations, alterations in ocean chemistry—including essential trace elements—sudden polar glaciation, and fluctuations in sea levels.
These transformations severely impacted marine ecosystems, creating post-extinction ‘gaps’ with reduced biodiversity that extended until the early Silurian period.
The researchers confirmed a previously suggested gap in vertebrate diversity known as the Thalimar gap.
Throughout this time, terrestrial richness remained low, and the surviving fauna consisted largely of isolated microfossils.
The recovery was gradual, with the Silurian period encompassing a 23-million-year recovery phase during which vertebrate lineages diversified intermittently.
Silurian gnathostome lineages displayed gradual diversification during an early phase when global biodiversity was notably low.
Early jawed vertebrates appear to have evolved in isolation rather than rapidly dispersing into ancient oceans.
The researchers noted that gnathostomes exhibited high levels of endemism from the outset of the Silurian period, with diversification occurring primarily in certain long-term extinction reserves.
One such refuge is southern China, where the earliest conclusive evidence of jaws is present in the fossil record.
These primitive jawed vertebrates remained geographically restricted for millions of years.
Turnover and recovery following LOME paralleled climatic fluctuations similar to those at the end of the Devonian mass extinction, including prolonged epochs of low diversity and delayed dominance of jawed fishes.
“For the first time, we discovered the entire body fossil of a jawed fish directly related to modern sharks in what is now southern China,” Dr. Hagiwara noted.
“They remained concentrated in these stable refugia for millions of years until they evolved the capability to migrate across open oceans to new ecosystems.”
“By integrating location, morphology, ecology, and biodiversity, we can finally understand how early vertebrate ecosystems restructured themselves after significant environmental disruptions,” Professor Saran added.
“This study elucidates why jaws evolved, why jawed vertebrates ultimately became widespread, and how modern marine life originated from these survivors rather than earlier forms like conodonts and trilobites.”
For more information, refer to the study published on January 9th in Scientific Progress.
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Kazuhei Hagiwara & Lauren Saran. 2026. The mass extinction that initiated the irradiation of jawed vertebrates and their jawless relatives (gnathostomes). Scientific Progress 12(2); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.aeb2297
Amy Redford, daughter of Robert Redford, has expressed her discontent regarding the proliferation of artificial intelligence tributes to her late father, labeling them a “hoax.”
Redford shared a statement on social media. In her message, she expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming love and support” from fans, stating: “It’s evident he meant so much to so many, and my family is truly humbled by the countless stories and tributes pouring in from around the globe.”
She further commented, “There are numerous fabricated AI funerals, eulogies, family quotes, etc. Portraying a father who clearly has no voice, alongside a family misrepresented, is especially challenging during these trying times.”
Redford added that a public funeral has not yet occurred, and plans for a memorial celebrating her father’s life are still underway. “Every family deserves the opportunity to grieve, honor the deceased, and convey their sympathies in a manner that resonates with their values and familial culture,” she stated.
She concluded, “My wish is to maintain transparency around AI usage. While many aspects of AI are created with good intentions, I implore you to consider: What would you want if this situation involved you? Let that perspective guide your actions.”
Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto VI was initially set to launch on May 26th next year, but it has now been delayed once more, this time until the end of 2026. It’s been almost two years since the game’s announcement and over 12 years since the release of Grand Theft Auto V.
“Grand Theft Auto VI will launch on Thursday, November 19, 2026,” reads Rockstar Games’ statement on X. “We apologize for extending the wait that has already been extensive, but these extra months will enable us to complete the game to the standard of quality you expect and deserve.”
The highly anticipated game centers around a duo of romantically involved criminals, Jason and Lucia, set against Rockstar’s vibrant depictions of Miami, Vice City, and Leonida, a vast Florida-like state. Development has been ongoing at Rockstar North in Edinburgh since 2018, with contributions from the company’s other studios in New York and globally. The original target date was late 2025.
“GTA VI” is anticipated to rejuvenate the gaming industry, which has been experiencing a downturn following a surge during the coronavirus pandemic. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, has amassed $8.6 billion in revenue since its 2013 release, as per the latest financial report from game publisher Take-Two. Rockstar’s last game, the critically acclaimed Red Dead Redemption 2, launched in 2018 and earned $725 million in its opening weekend.
Meanwhile, fans have been eagerly looking forward to Rockstar’s latest title for quite some time. Even by gaming industry standards, where blockbuster titles often take six years to develop, the wait of over 12 years for Grand Theft Auto VI is considered lengthy.
The most renowned mass extinction in Earth’s history occurred approximately 66 million years ago. A swift decline in environmental conditions resulted in the extinction of around 75% of species, including the most famous non-avian dinosaurs, and the eventual restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. The ongoing debate focuses on whether dinosaurs vanished abruptly while they were still diverse and thriving or whether they experienced a prolonged decline by the end of the Cretaceous.
Flynn and colleagues analyzed Alamosaurus fossils found in northwestern New Mexico, revealing that these dinosaurs, while very different, are contemporaneous with those discovered further north in Wyoming and Montana. Image credit: Natalia Jagielska.
The geological formations of northwestern New Mexico hold a concealed chapter of Earth’s history.
Paleontologist Daniel Peppe from Baylor University and his team have uncovered indications of a flourishing dinosaur ecosystem in the Kirtland Formation’s Naashoibito Formation just prior to the asteroid impact.
Utilizing high-precision dating methods, they established that the fossils in these formations range from 66.4 to 66 million years old.
“The Naashoibito dinosaur coexisted with the renowned Hell Creek species of Montana and the Dakotas,” Dr. Peppe remarked.
“They were not in decline; rather, they constituted a vibrant, diverse community.”
The discoveries in New Mexico challenge previous assumptions.
Instead of being uniform and weakened, dinosaur communities across North America were unique and thriving in their respective regions.
Through ecological and biogeographic analysis, the researchers determined that dinosaurs in western North America thrived in distinct biozones shaped by regional temperature variations, rather than geographical barriers like mountains or rivers.
“Our recent study indicates that dinosaurs were not on the brink of mass extinction,” stated Andrew Flynn, a researcher at New Mexico State University.
“They were thriving, but the asteroid impact ultimately led to their demise.”
“This contradicts the long-established notion that a gradual decline in dinosaur diversity precipitated mass extinction, making them more susceptible to extinction.”
“The asteroid impact briefly terminated the age of dinosaurs, but the ecosystem they left laid the groundwork for what followed.”
“Within 300,000 years post-extinction, mammals began to diversify rapidly, branching into new diets, body sizes, and ecological roles.”
“The same temperature-driven patterns that influenced dinosaur communities carried into the Paleocene, illustrating how climate influenced the rebirth of life following catastrophic events.”
“The surviving mammals continued to exhibit distinct northern and southern biological regions.”
“Mammals from the north and south are markedly different from each other, diverging from other mass extinctions, which tend to appear more uniform.”
Zelda Williams, the daughter of the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, has voiced her opposition to AI-generated content featuring her father.
“Please, stop sending videos of dad generated by AI,” Zelda posted on my Instagram story on Monday. “Stop assuming that I want to see it or that I’m interested; I don’t, I really don’t. If you’re just trying to annoy me, I encounter something worse, I block it and move on.”
“To reduce the legacy of real individuals to something like, ‘Just this vague appearance and sound, that’s sufficient,’ is disheartening.”
“You’re not creating art; you’re producing grotesque, over-processed versions of human life, derived from art and musical history.”
“And for heaven’s sake, stop referring to it as the ‘future’; AI is merely a mishmash of recycled content that badly reflects the past. It’s integrating superficial human content.”
Robin Williams with Zelda at the premiere of his film RV in 2006. Photo: Mario Anzuni/Reuters
This isn’t the first instance where Zelda Williams, an actor and filmmaker who directed the 2024 horror-comedy Lisa Frankenstein, has addressed the recreation of her father, who passed away at 63 in 2014. The potential for realism is concerning.
“I’ve encountered AI imitating his ‘voice’ and saying what people want to hear. While I find this intrusive personally, the implications extend far beyond my own sentiments.”
“These recreations are inferior imitations of great individuals and, at their worst, resemble horrifying Frankenstein-like constructs formed from the industry’s lowest points.”
Zelda’s recent commentary arrives amidst a surge of celebrity deepfakes on social media, which span various themes, including adult content, political messages, scams, and advertisements.
In January, actress Scarlett Johansson highlighted the “immediate dangers of AI” following her condemnation of Kanye West’s anti-Semitic comments, after deepfake videos surfaced featuring other prominent Jewish celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, and Adam Sandler.
A fraudulent advertisement featuring Deepfark in August was falsely attributed to Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, who stated he was incorrectly represented discussing erectile dysfunction, prompting the band to issue a disclaimer.
The deepfakes of Robin Williams are part of a larger trend in AI-generated content, fueled by the rapid proliferation of low-quality material produced by entertainment-free generation AI applications.
The recent TikTok video featuring Robin Williams appears to have been created using Sora 2, OpenAI’s new video generation app, and includes a simulated interaction between the comedian and the late Betty White.
Within days of launch, Sora’s feed was inundated with videos featuring copyrighted characters from series like SpongeBob SquarePants, South Park, Pokémon, and Rick and Morty.
OpenAI informed the Guardian that content owners can report copyright violations through a “copyright dispute form,” although individual artists and studios cannot opt out broadly. Varun Shetty, Head of Media Partnerships at OpenAI, commented:
the recent announcement of AI ‘actor’ Tilly Norwood, touted as the next Scarlett Johansson, has sparked a swift backlash in Hollywood. Here’s what Guardian readers are saying about the contentious emergence of AI actors.
“Of course they’ll do that.”
The focus is on economically produced entertainment rather than artistic merit. AI isn’t about creating great art; it’s about cutting costs by replacing human talent and accelerating production. Netflix has amassed 300 million subscribers, generating $400 billion in revenue against $17 billion in content expenses. The quickest way for Netflix to boost profits is to reduce content costs through automation. They already use AI for content decisions, catering to every viewer preference, from high art to low-budget dating shows. Netflix is committed to impactful storytelling, yet can’t risk losing high-value subscribers. It’s similar with the multitude of languages for shows like “Love Is Blind,” ensuring fans don’t abandon ship. If AI enables tech companies to outpace traditional studios by being faster and cheaper, of course, they’ll do it. STAK2000
“I don’t understand humor.”
Comedy is where AI really struggles. It doesn’t grasp humor, timing, or what makes something engaging. We’ve seen technically impressive yet entirely lifeless dialogue that left us unimpressed. We tuned in expecting surprises but found it utterly dull. Mattro
“I’m not saying it’s impossible, it’s just that we’re not there yet.”
99% of AI-generated films consist of individuals speaking directly to the camera. We’ve yet to see compelling interactions among multiple AI-generated characters. Dialogue is fragmented; it seems AI cannot create distinct characters that interact meaningfully. I’m not saying it’s impossible, it just hasn’t happened yet. cornish_hen
“It will come back to bite them.”
Hollywood executives may bet on Tilly Norwood to slash costs and enhance profits. However, if film enthusiasts start creating their own content using generative AI, it might backfire on the industry. I hope those investing in human talent will succeed, resisting this reckless AI trend. Data Day
“The genie is not going back in the bottle.”
It’s astonishing how quickly this technology has progressed.
Even if AI never stars in leading roles, it will undoubtedly have a presence in major productions. It serves as a tool like any other, fundamentally changing certain facets of media.
Individuals affected by this shift (and they will be) must remain calm and consider future career paths. The genie won’t be contained. I’m sure traditional trades reacted strongly to innovations by Gottlieb Daimler and Henry Ford; if AI-generated content proves beneficial and cost-effective, it’s here to stay. Abbathehorse
“My main concern is the lack of education.”
Those involved in advancing AI are pushing boundaries. It’s up to the rest of us, particularly regulators, to hold them accountable when they overstep. My chief worry is the widespread ignorance regarding AI’s potential benefits and threats. Many who aren’t directly impacted by AI don’t perceive the risk. Dasinternaut
Tilly Norwood. Illustration: YouTube
“I doubt I could support a character that is completely AI.”
I hope films featuring AI are clearly labeled. This allows us, the paying audience, to make informed decisions regarding productions. I’m not convinced I can endorse purely AI-generated characters (except perhaps in animated films). We form connections with human actors and invest emotionally in their performances. It might take generations to navigate this shift, but history shows that even vinyl, once thought dead, can become a highly sought-after commodity. Matt08
“It’s reminiscent of a Ballard short story.”
As I read this, I reflected on the multitude of individuals behind creating this “star.” Coders, scriptwriters, marketing teams— a network of humans furthering careers, but not necessarily existing narratives. However, it feels unsettling when the program is crafted to mimic humanity. It evokes themes from Ballard’s stories. glider
“It’s too late to be scared.”
The time for fear has passed.
Hollywood prioritizes profit over artistry.
Studios may justify hiring photographers, makeup artists, set designers, and caterers with the argument that AI can perform those roles while saving costs.
Films featuring real people—actors and many behind-the-scenes roles—may soon become as rare as ballet or opera.
However, fans of franchises like “Fast & Furious” or the Marvel Universe might not mind; they often seek visual stimulation that AI can deliver. gray
“Just a bunch of guys sitting around a computer.”
What unsettles me is the apparent committee behind creating this character, obsessively defining attractiveness. Is your skin not smooth enough? Let’s iterate again. Are the proportions not appealing? Revise it.
Not only does this seem disconcerting, but it also reinforces narrow standards of attractiveness. Successful actors often conform to idealized norms, but at least nature or fate had a role in that. It’s not just a few individuals coding at their computers. bearvsshark
“A meaningless concept.”
Nonetheless, this notion is essentially futile. Acting requires collaboration. An AI “actor” necessitates real substitutes and someone to voice lines. You can produce a completely AI-generated film (essentially a CGI effort) or a human-centric film with AI characters, but the label of “AI actor” remains devoid of meaning. pyeshot
“The public doesn’t attend or appreciate actual art.”
For those claiming “this is a live theater row,” it’s clear you need to step outside your bubble. The public shows little interest in genuine art; they desire polished, commercial products, be it a catchy pop song or a superhero flick. As long as these superficial desires are nurtured, AI-generated “art” will face no backlash. Authentic art, including work from skilled human artists, requires funding, and resources for it are dwindling, threatening its survival. Yes, there may be exceptional pieces, but I suspect they will become increasingly rare unless more people become educated and learn to appreciate art’s inherent values. LondonAmerican2014
“AI slops are what happens when an idea is executed straight away.”
One day, hopefully soon, people will realize that the friction between idea and execution is where 90% of creativity resides.
Great art springs from thorough preparation and exceptional performances, requiring time and sometimes multiple attempts.
This need for friction applies to all creative endeavors, not just art. Even mundane businesses thrive on this dynamic.
AI slops emerge when concepts are rushed to completion. While they may appear effective initially, the ideas often lack depth. Shakeydave
The UK’s grocery watchdog has initiated an investigation into Amazon amid claims that retail and tech firms have been remiss in timely payments to suppliers.
The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) indicated that there was a “reasonable basis” for suspecting Amazon of breaching certain grocery supply codes.
This scrutiny comes nearly a year after the GCA urged online retailers to take “swift and inclusive actions.” to enhance adherence to industry regulations intended to safeguard suppliers.
The GCA oversees the relationship between the 14 largest grocery retailers in the UK and their direct suppliers, which includes major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
This investigation into Amazon’s grocery sector marks the third since the GCA was established in 2013, following inquiries into Tesco and Co-op. The watchdog has the authority to impose fines of up to 1% of a company’s sales if it is found to have breached grocery codes.
Judge Mark White remarked: “Payment delays can severely damage suppliers. Such allegations could expose Amazon’s suppliers to undue risks and unforeseen costs, potentially hindering their capacity for investment and innovation.”
In the UK, Amazon retails food through its Fresh branded stores and online platforms, in addition to managing the Whole Foods chain, acquired in 2017 for $13.7 billion (£10.2 billion).
Following a warning to Amazon last July, the GCA stated it has been monitoring retailers’ conduct and has gathered detailed testimonies regarding suppliers’ experiences.
On Friday, the GCA noted it has grounds to believe that Amazon violated paragraph 5 of its grocery code between March 1, 2022, and June 20, 2025. However, it intends to concentrate its investigation on the period starting at the beginning of 2024 to gain clearer insights into Amazon’s present practices.
The watchdog is calling on suppliers to submit evidence by August 8th, assuring them that all submissions will remain confidential.
The GCA also stated it has received information about various other concerns related to Amazon, asserting it would “not hesitate” to initiate additional investigations as needed.
In a previous case, the GCA criticized Tesco for its treatment of suppliers after a year-long inquiry but found the Co-op unpunishable in 2015 due to the timing of the alleged misconduct relative to the enhanced powers given to the GCA by the government.
Amazon commented that it takes the groceries code of practice seriously and that it “works closely with the arbitrator.”
A spokesperson stated: “While we are disappointed by this decision, we welcome the chance to further demonstrate our continued compliance with this specific section of the Code.
“We have already made significant improvements to the experience of our grocery suppliers, particularly regarding payment practices.
“We will continue to listen and collaborate with grocery suppliers as we implement further changes.”
A recent study conducted by the University of Bristol presents evidence that many mammals had already transitioned towards a more ground-based lifestyle prior to the final Cretaceous mass extinction that eradicated the non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago.
Dryolestes late Jurassic relatives of Cretaceous treatment mammals. Image credits: James Brown/Pamelagill/University of Bristol.
Present-day mammals thrive in a varied environment mainly dominated by angiosperms (flowering plants).
In contrast to the habitats provided by coniferous vegetation, forests and woodland environments possess intricate lower levels and towering trees, offering rich biodiversity and resources for terrestrial mammals of all sizes.
Yet, the angiosperm-dominated habitat is relatively recent in Earth’s history, primarily characteristic of the Cenozoic era (66 million years ago to the present), with initial developments towards the end of the Cretaceous period.
“Mesozoic mammals were typically small, mostly weighing under 5 kg, with few surpassing 10 kg,” noted Professor Christine Janice from the University of Bristol and a colleague.
“While it holds true that the majority of present-day mammals are small, averaging around 0.5 kg, the Cenozoic era saw the evolution of greater mammal diversity.”
“The small size of Mesozoic mammals has commonly been attributed to dinosaur predation, but recent recognition of the late Cretaceous proliferation of angiosperms and the habitats they offered may be more crucial than dinosaurs in elucidating the patterns of Mesozoic mammal evolution and diversification.”
“Did these mammals prefer trees or terrestrial substrates? And did this preference alter towards the close of the Cretaceous period with the changes in angiosperm habitats?”
In their research, the authors scrutinized tiny bone fragments of ancient mammalian taxa (marsupials and placentals) unearthed in western North America, specifically the extremity bone edges.
They identified indications that these mammals were adapting to a terrestrial lifestyle.
The analysis of extremity bone edges entailed signatures of locomotive patterns that could be statistically compared to modern mammals.
“There was a known shift in plant life towards the Cretaceous boundary, characterized by angiosperms,” stated the researchers.
“It was also acknowledged that arboreal-dwelling mammals faced challenges post-asteroid impact.”
“However, what remained undocumented was whether mammals were inclining towards a more ground-dwelling lifestyle alongside habitat transformations.”
Former studies utilized complete skeletons to study the movement patterns of ancient mammals, but this study was among the first to employ small bone elements to track alterations across the community.
“The plant habitat appears to have played a pivotal role in the trajectory of Cretaceous mammal evolution beyond dinosaur influences,” remarked Professor Janice.
Published in the March/April 2025 issue of the journal Paleontology, the study unveils intriguing insights into ancient mammal adaptations.
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Christine M. Janice et al. 2025. Paleontology 68(2): E70004; doi: 10.1111/pala.70004
Struggle to wake up in the morning? Feel more alert as the day goes on? Have more energy in the evenings? You might be an “evening” chronotype, meaning your body clock is most active later in the day.
Scientists have linked being a night owl to negative outcomes like higher chances of depression and displaying Dark Triad personality traits. However, a new British study shows that evening chronotypes may have superior cognitive function compared to morning types.
Respecting your natural body clock, managing light exposure, prioritizing sleep, and using naps wisely can help night owls thrive in a world that often favors early risers.
Honor your chronotype
It’s essential to honor your evening tendencies as they reflect your biological characteristics. Certain genetic factors and age play a role in determining your sleep preferences.
Exposure to light can change your body clock
Getting sunlight in the morning and avoiding it later in the day can help align your body clock. Blue light exposure should also be limited, especially at night, to support healthy sleep patterns.
Make sure you get enough sleep
Respecting your chronotype is crucial for overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep, stress, and a misaligned body clock can lead to various health problems in the long term.
Use naps wisely
Short naps taken in the late morning or early afternoon can improve performance later in the day. The coffee-nap trick, where you drink a cup of coffee before a short nap, can help you wake up feeling refreshed and alert.
By following these strategies, night owls can thrive in a world that often prioritizes morning routines and early risers.
About our experts
Professor Russell Foster is a Director at the Nuffield Institute of Ophthalmology and the Institute of Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience at the University of Oxford.
Professor Martha Mellow is a researcher in molecular chronobiology at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich.
Many of us have a friend or acquaintance who is consistently late, struggling with time management. While it may be a source of humor in social circles, being chronically late can lead to serious consequences like missing important meetings, flights, or appointments.
Several factors may contribute to habitual lateness. Individuals with lower scores on conscientiousness and neuroticism on personality tests are more likely to be late. This trait can also be attributed to a relaxed personality type or influenced by upbringing and cultural background.
Psychologically, some individuals may be considered “time optimists,” underestimating the time things take or struggling with procrastination. Familiarity with a given route can also lead to underestimating travel time, as demonstrated in studies on spatial cognition.
An aversion to arriving early, which often requires waiting, can also contribute to lateness. To address these factors, committing to arrive early, accurately estimating travel time with a buffer, and planning activities for waiting time can help improve punctuality.
If you resonate with these reasons for being late, taking proactive steps to address them can lead to better time management habits. By analyzing travel time more realistically and allowing for extra buffer time, it becomes easier to arrive punctually and avoid stressful situations.
This article aims to address the question “Why am I always late?” (submitted by Alvin Pittman via email).
For any queries, please reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.comor connect with us onFacebook, Twitter, or Instagram (remember to provide your name and location).
The lawsuit filed by comedian George Carlin’s estate against a comedy podcast that allegedly used artificial intelligence to mimic his voice has been settled. This case marked one of the first legal battles in the United States regarding the use of deepfakes to replicate celebrity personalities.
The Dudesy podcast, created by former Mad TV comedian Will Sasso and author Chad Krutgen, has agreed to remove all episodes from the internet and cease using Carlin’s voice, likeness, or image in any future content. A representative for Sasso, Daniel Dell, declined to comment on the matter.
The settlement was praised by Mr. Carlin’s family and estate attorney, although the terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Kelly Carlin, George Carlin’s daughter, expressed her satisfaction with the swift resolution and responsible actions taken by the defendants. She emphasized the need for safeguards against the misuse of AI technology, not only for artists but for everyone.
Following the release of the Dudesy podcast special titled “George Carlin: I’m Glad He’s Dead,” the estate filed a lawsuit citing violations of Carlin’s publicity and copyright rights. The foundation claims the podcast is a disrespectful imitation of a renowned American artist’s work.
Despite initial claims that the podcast’s AI character, “Dudesy,” generated the content, it was later clarified that the fake Carlin set was entirely written by Krutgen and not AI-generated. The potential harm of such deepfake content circulating online was highlighted by Carlin’s estate.
The settlement coincides with growing concerns in the entertainment industry over artificial intelligence’s implications. Unauthorized use of generative AI tools and deepfake technology has prompted calls for stricter regulations to protect artists’ rights.
While the legal implications of AI-generated content remain uncertain, the case involving George Carlin’s estate underscores the need for safeguards against misuse of technology. The debate over whether AI-generated imitations qualify as parody under fair use laws is ongoing.
Josh Schiller, an attorney representing Carlin’s estate, emphasized the distinction between AI-generated impersonations and traditional forms of parody. The settlement sets a precedent for future cases involving the misuse of AI technology in creating counterfeit content.
We’ve known about the Vision Pro for more than six months now (not to mention it’s been rumored for years), but Apple’s first “spatial computing” device is expected to arrive in consumer electronics heading into the new year. One of the biggest question marks. The $3,499 headset was given an “early 2024” release date when it was announced at WWDC in June, but the company hasn’t provided further specifics since then.
Apple oracle Ming-Chi Kuo Provided an early holiday gift He narrowed down the system’s release date to “late January to early February.” According to the analyst, the first Vision Pro will be shipped to Apple within about a month, bringing the total number of units shipped this year to about 500,000 units.
Company’s accurate target There are still open-ended questions remaining for this year. About a month after the device was announced, it was reported that Apple had reduced its forecast from around 1 million units to “less than 400,000 units.”
Even the latest figure of 500,000 is small for a company of Apple’s enormous size and influence. Keep in mind that the company should ship more than 200 million iPhones this calendar year.
But Vision Pro is widely considered to be Tim Cook’s biggest challenge in his 12 years as CEO. Not only is this an entirely new category and form factor for the company, but it’s also an exorbitant price point, even for customers accustomed to paying extra for Apple products. Add to that the fact that VR has not lived up to expectations for decades, and we have a big uphill battle ahead.
Kuo calls Vision Pro “Apple’s most important product in 2024.” That’s a tough statement to argue with, given years of speculation and all the time and money the company has undoubtedly poured into the headset.
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