A meaningful life can be filled with small acts of kindness.
Reuters/Eric Gaillard
The Dalai Lama has long stated that our primary purpose in life is to help others. Research indicates that making a positive impact on others significantly contributes to a sense of meaningful existence.
While some skeptics argue that human life lacks intrinsic meaning, this question has captivated philosophers for centuries. Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland highlight the importance of identifying activities and thoughts that foster a sense of meaning, which can assist therapists in guiding their clients.
In their quest to unravel this complex question, researcher Florian Koba and his team conducted extensive studies, including an online survey targeting hundreds of U.S. residents.
During several experiments, participants evaluated fictional characters, determining the meaningfulness, happiness, and desirability of their lives. For example, respondents admired Amelia, a lottery winner who generously donates to charities combating poverty and hunger, while also traveling to support these initiatives.
In subsequent studies, participants ranked various definitions of a meaningful life, assessing how they perceived their own existence on scales of meaning and fulfillment.
“Our findings revealed four dimensions,” says Führer. Three consist of coherence, purpose, and a sense of meaning—key elements that have been noted in previous studies. However, Führer and Cova emphasize the discovery of a fourth dimension: the positive impact of our actions on others.
Other psychologists suggest that understanding, purpose, and significance are fundamental to a meaningful life—feeling that one’s existence carries weight and enduring value. Nonetheless, the latest research argues that the ‘significance’ many refer to is inherently tied to the positive effects of our actions, contributing to an overall sense of fulfillment. “I completely agree that such concepts are core to experiencing meaning,” remarks Tatiana Schnell from the MF Norwegian School of Theology in Oslo. “However, the terms ‘influence’ and ‘significance’ are fundamentally interchangeable.”
Ultimately, Schnell asserts that achieving a sense of meaning does not imply that every dimension of meaning is addressed. “The critical factor is to avoid areas in life that feel inconsistent, insignificant, or devoid of belonging,” she explains.
According to Frank Martela from Aalto University in Finland, many individuals express that their work feels meaningless. “They might receive a paycheck but feel unfulfilled,” warns Martela. In such cases, individuals may experience a lack of purpose, leading to feelings of hopelessness or depression.
Fuhrer and Schnell propose that to create a more profound impact, we must transcend self-centered pursuits and invest time in endeavors that benefit others. “Reflect on your identity, aspirations, and your potential contributions to the world, and find ways to sustainably support others,” suggests Schnell. Even small daily gestures, such as bringing coffee to a colleague, can imbue your life with meaning and purpose.
TOver the weekend, I, along with around 70 others, spent more than eight hours in a theater playing a video game focused on donkeys, reincarnation, and organized labor. Political, unpredictable, and brimming with donkey puns, Asses.Masses is a rather basic video game crafted by Canadian artists Patrick Blenkarn and Milton Lim alongside a small group of collaborators. However, the theater environment, surrounded by fellow players shouting suggestions and opinions, transforms it into a collective performance art piece.
Here’s the setup: a controller rests on a pedestal in front of a massive projected screen. Inside the seats: the audience. Anyone who wishes can stand up and take charge, embodying the crowd. The game kicks off with a series of questions, mainly concerning donkeys, some in various languages. It becomes evident that collaboration is essential for answering the questions accurately. Our group included some Spanish speakers and another who had insight into engineering. I surprisingly knew that female donkeys were referred to as genets.
This aspect makes games a collective endeavor. Typically, just one person holds the controller, but everyone contributes as they guide a team of donkeys on a long, surprising, and increasingly surreal journey to reclaim jobs taken by obsolete farm machinery.
Everyone participates as you guide a group of donkeys on a long and surreal mission… Asses.Masses. Photo: Patrick Blenkarn + Milton Lim
Within the span of 10 chapters (thankfully interspersed with meals and frequent breaks), we controlled a variety of humorously named donkeys, contemplated collective action, industrialization, and labor politics, debated actions and dialogue, and laughed a lot on the cheekier side. Without revealing too much, the show’s content warning gives a good glimpse of what to expect: it includes violence, strong language, simulated sexual situations (both donkey and human), police brutality, and even references to drug use and suicide. I was amused to learn that this Glasgow performance ignited a minor moral uproar from a group named ‘Parents Watch Education’, featuring coverage from the Daily Record under the title ‘Parents slam teen show featuring simulated donkey sex, murder and drugs‘ (The show is recommended for ages 14 and up and notably prioritizes humor over realism.)
Asses.Masses is a thought-provoking game with multiple innovative ways to engage. I must admit it was quite an endurance test. I had to bend down for a bit halfway through to rest. It’s been years since I sat down and played a video game for eight hours straight. Thankfully, I had a more physically fit friend with me who compensated for my breaks by taking over the controller for the final chapter. At one point, feeling overwhelmed by the audience’s varying opinions, I put down the controller, placed my hands on my head, and quietly empathized with all the union and labor organizers who have had to herd and prioritize the voices of their own passionate members.
This game could have utilized the concept of group dynamics more effectively. I suspect very few of our collective decisions truly made sense. In reality, we mostly observed someone else play rather than actively participating, akin to a Twitch live stream. Theater enthusiasts tend to get really excited about incorporating video game elements into performances, leaving me to ponder if they’re less familiar with the mass participation and engagement that video games offer during multiplayer, streaming, or interactive online conversations.
An intriguing game and a true test of endurance… Asses.Masses crowd. Photo: Undefined/Patrick Blenkarn + Milton Lim
I found myself wanting to invite friends over to use the controller all day, reminiscent of my early 20s. A friend recalled a video game book club he used to host. There, we’d gather as a group of six playing games like “What Happened at the Finch House” (which prompted plenty of laughter). While Asses.Masses is explicitly designed for group engagement, there are numerous other short, thought-provoking games that could also be adapted to this format, possibly evoking interesting reactions from audiences. Given the number of players joining Twitch, I suspect there’s a considerable appetite for such experiences.
As I stumbled out of the theater into the rainy Glasgow night, I felt a real sense of camaraderie with the few audience members I was with. Typically, when I finish a game, I’m alone in my living room in the middle of the night while my family sleeps, without anyone to discuss it with. This time, we debriefed as a collective, reminding ourselves of the necessity of human interaction in creating engaging dynamics in our games.
Spooky but not overly frightening… Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival. Photo: Adam Robinson Yu
Here are two spooky (but not overly scary, since I’m a bit of a wuss) selections for Halloween week. First up: The Séance of Blake Manor. This is a folk horror detective game that Keith enjoyed. It features a collection of quirky characters gathering at a Gothic hotel for a séance on All Hallows’ Eve. The second choice is the Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival, an annual, limited-time virtual Halloween celebration initially created as a lockdown alternative to in-person gatherings. You can create your own sheet ghost with a face, carve virtual pumpkins, step into a spooky microworld, and showcase it to other players. There’s plenty to explore from hayrides to spooky cinemas to haunted house escape rooms. It will be available for about a week following Halloween, and you can check it out the next day at itch.io on a pay-what-you-want basis.
Available: computer Estimated play time: 15-20 hours (Blake Manor seance); 2 hours (Ghost Town Pumpkin Festival)
A remake of Halo: Combat Evolved will launch on PlayStation next year. Photo: Microsoft
Last week’s biggest news was that Microsoft is bringing Halo to PlayStation, a notion unimaginable a few years back. Specifically, it’s a remake of the classic (and it’s awesome, don’t challenge me on this) Halo: Combat Evolved, set to release across all platforms next year. Xbox executives argue that console-exclusive games are becoming antiquated, as Former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra pointed out: “Please inform that to Nintendo.”
A report from Business Insider highlights how EA’s leadership has urged employees to utilize in-house AI for “just about everything,” ranging from coding to marketing conversations. Some workers voiced apprehension about essentially being paid to train their future replacements while simultaneously creating more work to rectify the AI’s errors.
Following collaborations spanning everything from K-Pop Demon Hunter to Daft Punk, the next major Fortnite crossover has been revealed: The Simpsons, featuring the entire Springfield map and character skins. It is set to launch on Saturday.
What to click
question block
The greater the pain, the greater the gain…baby steps. Photo: Devolver Digital
This week’s leading question comes from Emily:
“I read your article about the game baby steps and it was very similar to Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy. It’s often challenging and requires players to start from scratch, which can be frustrating but also fascinating. What are some games that are purposely difficult yet still enjoyable to play?”
Emily, you’ve made a sharp observation here, as Bennett Foddy is one of the three main developers (and voice actors) of baby steps, extending his philosophy of crafting games that elicit groans of self-pity. (This is an interesting story where he discusses suffering and games.) Foddy’s work serves as a masterclass in this realm, especially since the ’90s, where games have been designed to minimize suffering and streamline experiences for players, removing something crucial that makes them engaging.
I often indulge in games that test my patience, and thanks to Foddy’s influence, I can now comprehend why. The more painful the experience, the greater the satisfaction (and the lesser the boredom – my personal torment). The standout titles include the aforementioned baby steps, Dark Souls/FromSoftware canon (excluding SEKIRO, which genuinely frustrated me), Cuphead, Super Meat Boy, Return, and of course, Hollow Knight: Silk Song, which will definitely be out soon.
If you have any questions for the question block or anything else you’d like to address in the newsletter, feel free to reply or email us at pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
I acknowledge that there are already countless shows available at this stage. Every channel and streaming service is brimming with content that craves your attention, leaving us with limited hours to watch. However, I would like to suggest a new program called Space Live, which currently features just one episode. The only drawback is that the episodes seem to last indefinitely.
In truth, it’s not a program at all but rather a channel. The footage debuted on Wednesday morning and is available on ITVX, solely comprising live visuals of Earth transmitted from the International Space Station. This presentation is captivating, particularly for those unaware that one can feel both awe and boredom simultaneously.
It is claimed to be the world’s first. ITV has collaborated with the British space media firm Sen to utilize live 4K footage from their distinctive SpaceTV-1 video camera system on the International Space Station, providing three camera angles: one focused on the docking ports, a horizon view revealing sunrises and storms, and a downward camera as the ISS traverses over Earth. A tracker on the screen indicates the ISS’s real-time position, accompanied by an AI-driven information feed offering insights about geography and weather.
The Space Live footage is significantly enhanced compared to NASA footage. Photo: ITV
To be exact, one could argue that it’s not groundbreaking at all. NASA’s YouTube channel has been streaming footage from the ISS for years, attracting thousands of viewers consistently. Nevertheless, Space Live is a bit more sophisticated. The visuals are undoubtedly superior. For instance, at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Space Live presented stunning images of sunlight reflecting off the waters surrounding the Bay of Biscay, while NASA could only offer a piece of cloth inscribed with the word “Flap.” There’s even a relaxing soundtrack that loops repeatedly but doesn’t become overly irritating. In essence, it’s an upgrade.
And it’s truly captivating, at least during the first orbit. While we can’t wholly demonstrate the phenomenon known as the “overview effect,” which suggests that viewing Earth from space grants a fresh perspective on humanity, it is undeniably humbling to realize our planet’s smallness. The duration of the ISS’s journey from southeastern England (where I’m located) to conflict-ridden Ukraine is measured in mere seconds. Next, it would traverse across Asia to Australia. There’s hardly anything that separates us.
Inevitably, as the station glides around the Earth, eternally caught between sunrise and sunset, your thoughts drift to the people you know in various places. There’s a comforting quality to that.
However, one cannot remain in awe forever. The same goes for Space Live. Eventually, the enchantment of technology, perspective, and Earth’s beauty begins to fade, turning the experience akin to staring at a map on a plane when you’ve exhausted your movie options. Your focus starts to wander, and you realize that there are other live channels available on ITVX. One features Love Island, while others simply showcase Christmas movies. Then, with a sigh, you come to terms with the fact that the wonder of our only home, quietly revolving in the cosmos, has become just another content option—regardless of what ITV channel broadcasts American Ninja Warrior Jr.
The visuals are both breathtaking and reassuring. Photo: ITV
Nonetheless, it’s comforting to know that Space Live exists, even if it might not always capture your attention. It may not be something you’d typically expect to see on a large screen in a pub, unless a lively crowd gets excited about glimpsing the Ural River. As a background watch, though, it’s undeniably soothing. I suspect that for the select few, this channel will serve as a quiet companion as they navigate their daily routines.
And while that may not have been humanity’s initial motivation for achieving the incredible feat of breaking free from Earth’s constraints—let’s not forget that Neil Armstrong didn’t formally declare, “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for the screensaver industry”—the concept of Space Live is still delightful. I may not tune in all the time, but it will undoubtedly be my go-to source whenever I’m looking to reconnect with our essence and acknowledge how minimal the barriers are that divide us.
The new police minister informed the party’s annual meeting about a labor initiative that will involve consultation on the implementation of live facial recognition (LFR) technology prior to its broader rollout across the UK.
Home Affairs Minister Sarah Jones stated she would “establish certain parameters” regarding future government usage of this technology.
Advocates argue that the absence of a legal framework allows police to self-regulate technological applications and utilize algorithms in ways that may be biased against ethnic minorities and women.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission asserts that its implementation is illegal and violates European law.
During her address at the Tony Blair Institute’s Fringe Conference in Liverpool, Jones remarked:
“There is some guidance on how we should apply it, but further clarification is necessary regarding the appropriate contexts for its use and when it should be avoided, alongside establishing a proper framework.
“Currently, there is minimal structure governing its use. We must assess whether what exists is adequate and whether additional measures are required.”
Jones, who represents Croydon West, noted that Shadow Home Secretary and fellow MP Chris Philp endorsed its use after successful deployment to apprehend criminals in the Borough of Tessau-London, London.
“Chris Philp is very supportive and frequently discusses its benefits, and the results from Croydon demonstrate its effectiveness.
“We need to ensure clarity about what will be beneficial moving forward. If we are to expand its use, what guidelines should we follow for nationwide deployment?” she inquired.
“It’s crucial to engage in this dialogue, as we want to encourage public input and understand how it will be utilized both in Parliament and among the populace.
“This is a topic we will address; it will hold significant importance going forward. It initiated under the previous administration, and we must consider their perspectives.
A civil liberties group recently urged the Metropolitan Police to cease operating LFR cameras following a high court challenge led by anti-knife campaigner Sean Thompson. Thompson, a Black individual from the UK, was mistakenly identified by the LFR as a suspect and was subsequently approached by law enforcement due to his fingerprints.
Jones expressed that she was questioned about racial bias concerns.
“I believe we can provide reassurance to the public… We have successfully utilized it to detain hundreds of dangerous offenders, but it is imperative to ensure it is being deployed appropriately.”
The Metropolitan Police assert that their application of live facial recognition is devoid of bias, as echoed by a prominent technology specialist, but this claim has not been substantiated by the reports they reference in support of their litigation.
The MET plans to deploy the LFR in its most notable event this bank holiday weekend at the Notting Hill Carnival in West London.
According to The Guardian, the technology will be utilized at two locations leading up to the carnival, and the military has insisted on its implementation, despite the fact that LFR use is considered illegal, as declared by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
This new assertion comes from Professor Pete Hussy, who led the only independent academic review of the police’s use of facial recognition; he is a former reviewer of Met’s LFR since 2018-19 and currently advises various law enforcement agencies in the UK and internationally on its application.
“The sensitivity of the system can be adjusted for LFR’s operation. Higher sensitivity results in detecting more individuals, but such potential bias is influenced by race, gender, and age. Setting zero is the most sensitive while one is the least.”
The NPL report identified bias at a sensitivity level of 0.56, noting seven instances where individuals tested were mistakenly flagged as suspects, all of whom were from ethnic minority backgrounds.
These findings stemmed from a collection of 178,000 images entered into the system, with 400 volunteers passing by the cameras roughly 10 times, providing 4,000 opportunities for accurate recognition. They were included in an estimated crowd of over 130,000 at four locations in London and one in Cardiff. The tests were carried out in clear weather over 34.5 hours, though Fussey remarked this was shorter than tests conducted in some other countries where LFR is valued.
From this dataset, the report concluded that no statistically significant bias existed in settings above 0.6. This assertion has been reiterated by the MET to justify their ongoing use and expansion of LFR.
Hussey criticized this as insufficient to substantiate the MET’s claims, stating: “Councillors at the Metropolitan Police Service consistently argue their systems undergo independent testing for bias. An examination of this study revealed that the data was inadequate to support the claims made.”
“The definitive conclusions publicly proclaimed by MET rely on an analysis of merely seven false matches from a system scrutinizing the faces of millions of Londoners. Drawing broad conclusions from such a limited sample is statistically weak.”
Currently, the MET operates LFR at a sensitivity setting of 0.64, though they assert that the NPL studies did not yield erroneous matches.
Fussey stated: “Their own research indicates that false matches are not evaluated in settings claiming no bias that exceed 0.64.”
“Few in the scientific community suggest sufficient evidence exists to support these claims drawn from such a limited sample.”
Fussey added: “We clearly indicate that bias exists within the algorithm, but we assert that this can be mitigated through appropriate adjustments to the system settings. The challenge arises from the fact that the system has not been thoroughly tested under these varied settings.”
Lindsay Chiswick, the MET’s intelligence director, dismissed Hussy’s allegations, stating: “This is a factual report from a globally renowned institution. The Met Police’s commentary is grounded in the findings of an independent study,” she explained.
“If you utilize LFR with a setting of 0.64, as I currently am, there is no statistically significant bias.”
“We sought research to pinpoint where potential bias lies within the algorithm and employed the results to mitigate that risk.”
“The findings exemplify the degree to which algorithms can be used to minimize bias, and we consistently operate well above that threshold.”
During the Notting Hill carnival this weekend, warning signs will notify attendees about the use of LFR. The LFR system will be stationed next to the van containing the cameras linked to the suspect database.
Authorities believe utilizing the technology at two sites leading to the carnival will act as a deterrent. At the carnival itself, law enforcement is prepared to employ retrospective facial recognition to identify perpetrators of violence and assaults.
Fussey remarked: “Few question the police’s right to deploy technology for public safety, but oversight is crucial, and it must align with human rights standards.”
The MET claims that since 2024, the LFR has recorded a false-positive rate of one in every 33,000 cases. Although the exact number of scanned faces remains undisclosed, it is believed to be in the hundreds of thousands.
There have been 26 incorrect matches in 2024, with eight reported so far in 2025. The Met stated that these individuals were not apprehended as decisions on arrests rested with police officers, following matches produced by their computer systems.
Prior to the carnival, the MET arrested 100 individuals, recalled 21 to prison, and banned 266 from attendance. Additionally, they reported seizing 11 firearms and over 40 knives.
The tragic demise of a man in France, which was live-streamed on the online platform Kick, has prompted a police investigation. Authorities are urging regulators to examine the events of the broadcast and the implications of live streaming on the internet. What is Kick, what transpired, and what are the next steps?
What Happened?
Rafael Graven, 46, from southern France, was known online as Jean Pawmanbe.
This week, he tragically passed away during an extended live stream on the platform. Reports suggest that, prior to his death, he was subjected to physical assaults and humiliation by his associates. A disturbing excerpt from the stream viewed by the Guardian indicates that Graven was struck, humiliated, strangled, and shot with a paintball gun.
His channel has since been removed, and the involved parties are banned pending the investigation by Kick.
One of the collaborators informed local media that Graven had pre-existing cardiovascular issues and claimed, “the scene was just staged and followed a script.”
An autopsy has been ordered, and a police investigation is underway regarding Graven’s death.
What is Kick?
Kick is a live streaming platform akin to Twitch, where users often watch gaming sessions and various live activities.
Founded in Melbourne in 2022 by billionaires Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, Craven previously established Stake.com, the world’s largest cryptocurrency casino. Kick expanded its user base by attracting Twitch streamers who supported Stake before Twitch’s ban on gambling advertisements.
Kick claims that content creators retain 95% of their streaming revenue.
The platform is known for a more lenient approach to content moderation compared to Twitch, although it does have community guidelines prohibiting “content that depicts or incites heinous violence, including serious harm, suffering, and death.”
Additionally, Kick asserts that it will not allow content featuring severe self-harm.
Earlier this year, the company announced new rules permitting gambling streams only from verified sites to protect minors from such content.
Why Wasn’t the Channel Banned?
A spokesperson for Kick did not provide an explanation as to why the Jean Pawmanbe channel remained active before Graven’s death.
“We are urgently reviewing the situation, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and investigating the matter,” the spokesperson stated. “Kick’s Community Guidelines are established to protect creators, and we are committed to maintaining these standards across the platform.”
What Did Kick Say About the Death?
The company expressed its support for the ongoing investigation and shared its grief over Graven’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean Pawmanbe and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and community.”
Will Kick Face Any Repercussions?
In France, Clara Chappaz, Deputy Minister of AI and Digital Technology, characterized the incident as “absolutely horrifying,” announcing an ongoing judicial investigation. The matter has been escalated to the French portal for reporting internet content concerns, as well as the digital regulator ARCOM.
Being an Australian company, Kick could also face local scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the Esafety Commissioner referred to the case as “tragic,” emphasizing that it highlights the potentially devastating real-world consequences of extreme content creation.
The spokesperson remarked, “Platforms like Kick must do more to enforce their terms and conditions to minimize harmful content and behavior during streams, ensuring protection for all users.”
Given Kick’s chat features, there may be implications for the Australian government’s planned social media age restrictions for users under 16, starting in December.
Furthermore, new industry codes and standards now require Kick and similar platforms to have systems to shield Australians from inappropriate content, including depictions of crime and violence without justification.
“This encompasses mandates to uphold terms and conditions that prohibit such material and to address user reports swiftly and appropriately,” the spokesperson added. “ESAFETY may seek penalties of up to $49.5 million for compliance violations if warranted.”
Additional codes are under consideration to specifically target children’s exposure to violent content.
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has reiterated calls during the Notting Hill Carnival this weekend to halt the use of live facial recognition cameras amid concerns about racial bias and ongoing legal disputes.
In a letter, Mark Lowry stated that the technology would be utilized “in a non-discriminatory manner” at Europe’s largest street carnival, employing an algorithm that “is not biased.”
This response came after letters from 11 anti-racist and civil liberty organizations were revealed in The Guardian, urging the Met to discontinue the technology’s use at events honoring African-Caribbean communities.
Among those organizations are Runnymede Trust, Liberty, Big Brother Watch, The Race on the Agenda, and Human Rights Watch. They emphasized in a letter to Rowley on Saturday that such technology would only “increase concerns about state authority and racial misconduct within your forces.”
Critics argue that the police lack a legal framework, allowing them to “self-regulate” their technological practices, which leads to the deployment of biased algorithms affecting ethnic minorities and women.
Last month, the Met announced plans to deploy a specialized camera at the exit of the two-day event in west London. Annually, the carnival attracts over two million attendees, making it the world’s second-largest street festival during the August bank holiday weekend.
In his correspondence with NGOs and charities, Rowley recognized that previous technology deployments at the 2016 and 2017 carnivals failed to foster public trust. The Met’s earlier facial recognition system has since been enhanced, with 102 individuals mistakenly identified as suspects without being arrested.
“We have made significant strides since then. The latest version of the algorithm has undergone substantial improvements with independent testing and validation, achieving a much higher standard,” said Laurie.
He mentioned that the technology would focus on “minority individuals” involved in severe crimes, such as violence and sexual offenses.
Laurie noted that in 2024, there were 349 arrests made at the event for serious offenses including murder, rape, and possession of weapons.
“These crimes pose a threat to those wanting to enjoy the carnival safely. The use of LFRs is part of a broader strategy to identify, disrupt, and prevent threats from minority groups,” he explained.
Civil Liberties Group urged the Met to cease the use of LFR cameras last month following a high court challenge by anti-knife activist Sean Thompson. Thompson, a Black man from the UK, was wrongly identified by LFR technology as a suspect and faced police questioning due to fingerprint misidentification.
Laurie’s letter did not reply to Thompson’s claims but countered the assertion that police operate without a legal framework, noting that the Equality Act 2010 obligates public institutions to eliminate discrimination. He also mentioned that the use of LFR technology is covered under the European Convention on Human Rights and the Data Protection Act.
In response to Laurie’s letter, Rebecca Vincent, interim director of Civil Liberties Group Big Brother Watch, remarked: “Participants in this cultural celebration.”
“Everyone wants to ensure public safety, but transforming the Carnival into a police lineup is not the solution.”
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Recent findings reveal that walking briskly for just 15 minutes daily can significantly lower the risk of premature death, particularly among low-income and Black populations. A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine supports this claim.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 80,000 participants, discovering that active walking was linked to a 20% decrease in overall mortality rates.
This reduction is especially pronounced for deaths related to cardiovascular issues, demonstrating the distinct advantages of maintaining an active pace, independent of other physical activities.
“While the health benefits of daily walking are well-documented, there has been limited research on how variables like walking speed influence mortality, particularly in low-income and Black/African-American communities,” noted Chief InvestigatorDr. Wei Zheng from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
“Our study indicates that a brisk 15-minute walk correlates with nearly a 20% reduction in total mortality.”
In comparison, slower walking for over three hours a day is associated with only a modest 4% decline in mortality, indicating that intensity matters.
The participants, primarily low-income and Black individuals across 12 states in the southeastern U.S., reported their average daily “slow” and “fast” walking. Their health outcomes were monitored over a median follow-up period of 16.7 years.
This study suggests that walking enhances cardiovascular efficiency and mitigates risk factors like weight. – Credit: Getty
The advantages of brisk walking persisted even after controlling for other lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
Fast walking confers numerous cardiovascular benefits, including improved cardiac function and a reduction in risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
The researchers emphasized that this activity is low-cost and low-impact, making it accessible to individuals at all fitness levels and an effective intervention in communities with limited healthcare and recreational resources.
To raise awareness, Dr. Lili Liu from the Public Health Campaign and Community Programme stated, “We highlighted the significance and accessibility of brisk walking to enhance health outcomes, and the need to provide resources and support that facilitate easier and faster walking.”
“Individuals should aim to incorporate more intense physical activities into their daily routines,” he added.
In recent years, the desire to establish human colonies beyond Earth, whether to escape environmental issues or explore uncharted territories, has gained significant traction.
While much attention is given to proposed bases on the Moon and Mars, there’s a more challenging and lesser-known frontier much closer to home: the ocean’s depths.
This concept isn’t new. Since the 1960s, with pioneers like French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, individuals have created and spent extended periods in aquatic habitats.
NASA has been sending teams to the Aquarius Reef Base since 2001. This research facility, located 20 meters (around 65 feet) underwater off the Florida coast, has allowed scientists, engineers, and future astronauts to live in the module for 7 to 14 days.
With advancements in technology, prolonged underwater stays may become feasible. The UK company, Deep, is leveraging this technology to design habitats for extended underwater living. But, is the technology the only challenge we face?
Above the Atmosphere, Under the Sea
Humans are quite vulnerable. We struggle without oxygen or sunlight and are not fond of extreme pressure changes. Thus, we might not be the best candidates for life at the ocean floor.
This doesn’t imply that we can’t thrive in inhospitable environments.
Since 2000, astronauts have spent significant periods aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Several astronauts have been documented living in the ISS for over 300 consecutive days, but Valeri Polyakov holds the record, having spent 437 days aboard the Mir Space Station in Russia between 1994 and 1995.
Moreover, astronauts returning from lengthy missions often face health issues, such as reduced bone density and muscle atrophy. What does this mean for those who aim to live underwater?
The most extensive study is that of Rudiger Koch, a German aerospace engineer who lived in a capsule submerged 11 meters (36 feet) under the Caribbean Sea for 120 days between 2024 and 2025.
Rudiger Koch on the balcony of the capsule where he lived between 2024 and 2025.
Koch reported no health issues upon celebrating with champagne and cigars.
In second place is Professor Joseph Dituri, who spent 100 days studying the physical and psychological effects of living underwater in a lodge situated at the bottom of a 9-meter deep (30-foot) lagoon in Florida.
Dituri conducted daily tests during his time submerged and following his return to the surface. Notably, aside from minor setbacks, he felt quite well.
He noted improvements in sleep quality, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. His stem cell count, testosterone levels, and cognitive performance also improved.
Interestingly, Dituri appeared to have lowered his biological age (an indicator of the aging process of the body), although he was recorded as having shrunk by over 1 cm (approximately 0.5 inches) due to the pressurized environment inside the lodge.
read more:
A Step Towards Living Underwater
With limited data, we still have a tenuous understanding of life in aquatic environments. This is where Deep comes in.
The ocean technology and exploration company aims to develop two habitats by 2027, with the goal of establishing a permanent underwater presence. They are using a submerged quarry in Gloucestershire as a testing ground for their underwater habitats.
Deep is developing two habitat models: Vanguard, designed for three-person short stays, and Sentinel, a 16-meter (52-foot) capsule intended as a long-term habitat complete with living quarters, bedrooms, and research facilities, capable of accommodating researchers at depths of up to 200 meters (656 feet) for 28 days.
The aim is to enable researchers to remain submerged for extended periods, allowing for comprehensive studies of underwater living impacts and marine life. However, achieving these depths poses significant challenges.
“The most hazardous aspects of diving occur during descent,” explains Dr. Dawn Kernagis, Deep’s scientific research director. “Divers breathe compressed gas, with fluctuating pressure increasing the risk of decompression sickness (DCS), where gas bubbles form in the bloodstream.”
While most DCS cases are mild, severe instances can impact the brain, spinal cord, respiratory system, and circulatory systems.
To mitigate these risks, Deep aims to keep researchers “saturated” in the Sentinel habitats. This means achieving a new equilibrium with the underwater environment.
“Saturated tanks, like ours, facilitate diving into greater depths and adjusting to the pressure, enabling much longer stays, ranging from hours to about a month,” states Kernagis.
Deep plans for close monitoring of researchers during their stays to better understand the long-term physical and psychological effects of deep-sea living.
The foundation laid now may support future inhabitants underwater for weeks, months, or even years. In the not-so-distant future, some of us may find ourselves living in a modern-day Atlantis.
About Our Experts
Dr. Dawn Kernagis is the director of scientific research at Deep, a UK-based ocean technology and exploration firm. She has published in numerous scientific journals, including Journal of Clinical Oncology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Circulation.
The Internet can often feel overwhelming, filled with negative headlines, false information, and chaotic social media. Yet, there’s also a bright side.
Consider Shadow and Jackie, a joyful couple residing in a home with stunning views of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, California. They have two children, Sunny and Gizmo, who are on the verge of embarking on their own journeys. In many ways, they embody modern American dreams, akin to reality stars and majestic bald eagles.
Since October 2015, the family has been live-streaming their nest through the environmental nonprofit group Big Bear Valley (FOBBV). Over the years, fans have tuned in to watch the Eagles share meals (primarily fish), relax, and playfully bother one another. Sandy Steers, executive director of FOBBV, occasionally playfully nudges Jackie’s tail or wing “to get a reaction from her.” “It’s quite amusing,” she notes.
The Eagle Cam concept originated with Stairs. She became interested in the nest long ago, returning when Jackie’s parents, Ricky and Lucy, were still there. “I was captivated watching Jackie grow through a spotting scope,” she recounts.
Over the years, viewer numbers have soared, with the YouTube page boasting over 638,000 subscribers and 46,000 active viewers at the time of this writing. Numerous news outlets and articles refer to these Eagles as “celebrities.” Additionally, FOBBV sells merchandise like a stuffed toy of Shadow and Jackie ($30), a tote bag ($20), and a sweatshirt ($45).
“What fascinates people is how captivating nature is and how many of us haven’t had the chance to truly observe it,” Stairs observes. “It fosters a connection with oneself and one’s emotions.”
The emotions these Eagles inspire are palpable. In addition to the birds, this platform showcases other facets of nature, reflected in a healthy comment section.
“I adore Jackie, Shadow, Sunny, and Gizmo; you’ll forever hold a special place in my heart!” one viewer expressed during a live chat.
“It’s about witnessing this wonderful family flourish,” another fan shared.
The Eagles earn such devoted admiration due to their personalities, Steers explains. “Jackie is serious and definitely in charge,” she clarifies. “Shadow understands all her rules, yet he remains independent.”
Jackie and Shadow’s relationship can be likened to a romantic comedy. After Ricky and Lucy moved on, Jackie nested with her first mate, Mr. B. However, a persistent young eagle kept appearing, and despite Mr. B’s efforts to ward him off, he eventually gave up and departed.
Have they always been bald eagles? “That’s largely the case, but not always,” Steers comments.
Currently, the family is well-settled. Sunny and Gizmo are the fifth and sixth chicks of this couple. The Eagle Log, maintained by FOBBV members, regularly updates the nest’s progress and recently confirmed Gizmo’s gender based on size and behavior. Sunny’s gender is still unknown, but clarity is anticipated in the days to come.
At 11 weeks old, the young eagle is nearing flight readiness. The fledge watch is currently underway, as fans eagerly await their first flights.
“They’re not entirely prepared for me,” says Steers, “but perhaps it’s just a wish that they’ll linger a bit longer.”
I first learned about Eagle Cam from a friend a few years back, but since Gizmo and Sunny hatched in March (both Pisces), I’ve kept the live stream running in a tab on my computer. During work breaks, I check in on the feathered family. It’s a delightful escape for me.
I’ve watched Sunny and Gizmo transform from small, fuzzy grey balls into large, sleek creatures with fierce beaks and sharp claws. I’ve seen Jackie feed the eaglet fish and witnessed Gizmo leaping into the air, practicing her flying (“We call it ‘winging’,” Steers notes).
At times, the atmosphere is serene—perhaps the eaglets are napping while Jackie and Shadow hunt. I also relish the tranquility of the trees swaying in the breeze and the shimmering lake. As Steers recently remarked in The Eagle Log, “Sometimes a quiet day of observation, appreciation, and love is essential for all beings’ joy.”
Authorities anticipate that live facial recognition cameras may soon be “prevalent” across England and Wales, as indicated by internal documents revealing nearly 5 million face scans conducted last year.
A joint investigation by the Guardian and Liberty investigates showcases the rapid integration of this technology into UK law enforcement practices.
The government is simplifying police access to a wide range of image repositories, including passports and immigration databases, for past facial recognition searches, alongside significant financial investments in new hardware.
Live facial recognition entails real-time identification of faces captured by surveillance cameras, compared against a police watch list.
Conversely, retrospective facial recognition software allows police to match archived images from databases with those recorded on CCTV or similar systems.
The implementation of this technology is believed to be widespread in urban areas and transportation hubs across England and Wales, as noted in funding documents produced by South Wales Police and shared by the Metropolitan Police under the Freedom of Information Act.
The inaugural fixed live facial recognition camera is set to be trialed this summer in Croydon, located south of London.
This expansion comes despite the absence of any mention of facial recognition in the relevant congressional legislation.
Critics contend that police are permitted to “self-regulate” this technology, while there have been instances where previous algorithms disproportionately misidentified individuals from Black communities.
Following a 2020 Court of Appeals ruling that deemed South Wales Police’s live facial recognition practices unlawful, the Police College issued guidance emphasizing that “thresholds must be carefully set to enhance the likelihood of accurate alerts while keeping false alert rates within acceptable limits.”
There remains no statutory framework directing the standards or technology applied in this context.
Earlier this month, Police Minister Diane Johnson informed Congress that “we must evaluate whether a tailored legislative framework is necessary to govern the deployment of live facial recognition technology for law enforcement,” but further details from the Home Office are still pending.
Facial recognition cameras have been tested in London and South Wales since 2016; however, the pace at which police have adopted this technology has surged over the past year.
A survey conducted by the Guardian and Liberty revealed:
Last year, police scanned nearly 4.7 million faces using live facial recognition cameras—over double the figures from 2023. Data indicates that a minimum of 256 live recognition vans were operational in 2024.
Mobile units comprising 10 live facial recognition vans can be dispatched anywhere in the UK within a matter of days to bolster national capabilities, with eight police forces having deployed this technology, while the Met has four such vans.
Authorities are exploring a fixed infrastructure to establish a “safety zone” by deploying a network of live facial recognition cameras throughout London’s West End. Met officials indicated that this remains a viable option.
The force has nearly doubled the number of retrospective facial recognition searches on the National Police Database (PND) from 138,720 in 2023 to 252,798. The PND contains administrative mug shots, including many held unlawfully for individuals not formally charged or convicted of any offenses.
Over the past two years, more than 1,000 facial recognition searches have utilized the UK passport database, with officers increasingly accessing 110 matches from the Home Office immigration database last year. Authorities concluded that using a passport database for facial recognition “presents no risk.”
The Home Office is collaborating with the police to develop a new national facial recognition system termed strategic facial matchers, which will enable searches across various databases, including custody images and immigration records.
Lindsey Chiswick, Met’s Intelligence Director General and the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Facial Recognition lead, stated that five out of five London residents support the police’s utilization of advanced technologies like facial recognition cameras, based on the survey findings.
Recently, registered sex offender David Chenelle, a 73-year-old from Lewisham, was sentenced to two years after being caught alone with a 6-year-old girl through live facial recognition technology. He had previously served nine years for 21 offenses involving children.
In 2024, the Met arrested 587 individuals, with 424 of those arrests backed by live facial recognition technology, leading to formal charges.
Among those arrested, 58 registered sex offenders faced serious violations of their conditions, with 38 subsequently charged.
Chiswick noted: “Given the limited resources and time available, the demand is high, and we see criminals exploiting technology on an expansive scale.
“There’s a chance for law enforcement to evolve. Discussions about leveraging AI are abundant, but we must embrace the opportunities presented by technology and data.”
Chiswick emphasized that the Met’s approach is to “proceed cautiously and evaluate at each phase,” while noting that “there may be advantages to some form of framework or statutory guidance.”
The MET employs facial recognition cameras in contexts aimed at ensuring statistical significance regarding gender or ethnic bias in misidentification instances.
Chiswick remarked: “I refuse to utilize biased algorithms in London. Each instance carries weight. The government raises concerns: Is there no issue regarding artificial intelligence?
“When selecting an algorithm’s purchaser, determining the training data employed, and assessing the origin of the technology, testing it thoroughly is paramount; you are obliged to operate within a specific context.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs did not provide a comment upon request.
In 2012, retired consultant Dianne Hoffman began observing Tom. For five hours each day, she tuned in to Harriet and Ozzy’s behaviors, a pair residing at Dunrobin Ranch in Montana.
The couple was broadcast live as they nested Ospreys and tended to their eggs. Although the eggs never hatched, the Ospreys occupied the nest for a few months before finally leaving.
“I believe they’ve gone through grief,” says Hoffman, now 81.
The webcam at Dunrovin Ranch provides an intimate view of Ospreys nesting and raising chicks during the summer. Photo: Dunrovin Ranch
Hoffman was coping with her grief from losing her husband, brother, and father, and watching the live stream allowed her to “reconnect with the world.”
“It was a very dark time,” she shares. Ozzy passed away in 2014, but she continues to monitor the nest and its current inhabitants for an hour each day. “I can’t think of anything that has positively impacted my life from the Internet more than these cameras.”
Over the past 20 years, nature-centered live streams situated near nests, watering holes, burrows, and landscapes have proliferated, made possible by affordable cameras and remote internet connections that deliver resilient natural feeds. The allure of nature’s drama, or occasionally the lack thereof, captivates viewers.
Sweden’s live annual footage of the Moose relocation has garnered attention. Photo: SVT/AP
The seventh season of the television series, Great Moose’s transition from the Swedish broadcaster SVT, featured 20 days of continuous live footage, drawing millions of viewers. Norwegian NRK broadcasted 18 hours of salmon swimming upstream and 12 hours of fire dancing.
In an increasingly urbanized world, where many are glued to screens, the disconnect from nature is palpable. “We’ve found that while technology can distance us from nature, it can also uniquely connect us to it,” a researcher articulated in a recent publication.
Later, another study revealed that nature live streams “enhance the lives of those unable to leave their homes and those distanced from natural environments.”
Researchers at the University of Montana first deployed a camera in 2012, focusing on Harriet and Ozzy’s nest. At the end of the breeding season, owner Suzanne Miller turned it off, but numerous viewers urged her to keep it running. “[They said] Please, don’t switch it off. We want to see your ranch,” Miller explains, as people became invested in the happenings beyond the nest.
Hoffman stated that the livestream has provided solace during her tough times, and she still observes it daily for an hour. Photo: Rachel Wisniewski/The Guardian
Initially, Miller found it bizarre that someone would dedicate time to mundane tasks like cleaning the paddock. “I felt really odd at first,” she recalls. However, she later added three more live streams of the river, paddock, and bird feeders. Only after she fell ill and was confined to home for six months did she grasp the worth of these streams and became just as captivated by the farm’s live content.
If someone leaves the gate open, viewers promptly notify the ranch. Members once witnessed a horse’s tragic demise after a vet fell on ice and broke its neck, the horse’s head resting peacefully on Miller’s lap as it passed. “Many viewers are elderly and are dealing with death in their own lives,” she notes. “It opened dialogues about mortality.”
The stream has attracted 275 paid subscribers, many of whom have never visited the farm. It costs $8 a month to subscribe, with a bulk of the audience being seniors or those with mobility challenges. Some members have even had their ashes scattered on the property without ever having set foot on the farm.
Numerous platforms enable viewers to communicate and exchange messages through discussion boards. Established in 1994, Fog Cam claims to be the oldest continuously operating webcam worldwide. This webcam shares images every 20 seconds and showcases the fog enveloping San Francisco.
South Africa’s Lion pride is a crowd favorite, with millions tuning in to their live streams. Photo: African
“If you can dream it, there’s likely a live stream for it,” states Rebecca Mauldin, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Arlington. “Although this is a new area of research, it’s not a new phenomenon. Millions of people are captivated by nature live streams.”
However, these streams offer more than mere entertainment. Research indicates they have health benefits as well. A forthcoming study reveals that nature-centric live streams lead to increased happiness among some elderly residents in care homes, enhancing mood, relaxation, and sleep. A previous study involving Dunrovin’s webcams suggested they brought about “significant positive changes” for nursing home inhabitants and could serve as an “innovative and effective method” for improving their overall health.
“I’ve realized that this isn’t exclusively for the elderly. There are many reasons nature may not be easily accessible,” Mauldin adds.
The Africam Live Stream features cameras stationed across the continent, capturing footage of animals such as this herd of giraffes from Namibia. Photo: African
Numerous webcams are operational across 35 national parks in the U.S. The Giant Panda Cam showcases animal activity at the Smithsonian National Zoo, while you can observe wildlife through Africam. In the UK, wildlife trusts operate 25 live webcams, with the Peregrine Falcon Cam on Leamington Spa’s City Hall gaining 160,000 views in 2024.
In isolated areas, webcams provide alternatives for those unable to visit in person. Scomer Island, off the Welsh coast, streamed live footage of its 42,000 terns, receiving 120,000 views in 2024.
The Channel Islands Research Colony hosts around 5,800 pairs of North Gannets from February to October each year. Photo: Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
They also serve as a means to gain insights into animal behavior. Conservationists rely on a Live Cam designed for areas that are inaccessible to the public, thus preventing human disturbance. “One of our trainees spotted the first seal pup born at the sanctuary via the camera: a tiny, fluffy white pup surrounded by adults,” recounts Georgia de John Clendart, Marine Officer of the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust.
For certain birds, like the Osprey, permanent cameras also function as CCTV. “Osprey cams primarily serve security purposes and act as deterrents for those who seek to protect these endangered birds and their nests,” explains Paul Waterhouse, Reservation Officer at the Cumbrian Wildlife Trust.
The Osprey Nest Cam at Rutland Water Nature Reserve has shown 33 females and 33 males caring for 27 chicks together since 2015. Photo: Rutland Osprey Nest Cam Live Stream
Mauldin’s research indicates that nature live streams aid in relaxation and help place people’s concerns into perspective.
“It sheds light on human curiosity. We have a desire to learn; we cherish unpredictability—sometimes it’s mundane, sometimes it’s extraordinary. It’s a yearning to connect with the world surrounding us,” she states.
What to Watch
Ready to dive into the world of online nature viewing? Here are six of the most popular live streams to get started:
Bears Going Fishing: From late June to July, bears gather at Brooks Falls, Alaska, to catch migrating salmon. Up to 25 bears can sometimes be seen on screen simultaneously (if you’re eager for a preview, check out this two-hour video as a teaser).
Bats on the Move: During the day, Bracken Caves, Texas, USA, is tranquil, but as evening descends, you can witness the mass exit of 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats from the cave in search of food.
Baby Storks: The Knepp Estate in Sussex, UK, is nurturing a population of white storks that began breeding in 2020 after being absent for centuries. The live stream captures the four fledglings, Isla, Ivy, Issy, and Ivan, with current footage of them sharing a small dead rabbit.
Osprey Love Island: This resembles a popular reality show, featuring four Osprey couples vying for space within a single nest at Lowes Wildlife Reserve in Scotland. After weeks of rivalry and scheming, two birds secure the prime spot and appear ready to lay eggs.
Elephant Watering Hole: This live stream captures the bustling environment at the watering holes in Tembe Elephant Park along the South Africa-Mozambique border, where elephants, lions, rhinos, and buffalos frequently pause for a drink. As darkness falls, the camera’s night vision reveals a serene world filled with moths and fireflies.
Live Jelly Cam: The Jellyfish Cams at the Monterey Bay Aquarium provide a mesmerizing experience as you immerse yourself in the tranquil realm of Eastern Pacific sea nettles. Witness the jellyfish drifting gracefully as their tentacles rhythmically pulse.
And if you’re already a passionate viewer, feel free to share your favorite live stream in the comments below.
Explore more on extinction here, and follow Guardian App biodiversity journalists Phoebe Weston and Patrick Greenfield.
On March 11, approximately 50 judges gathered in Washington for a six-month meeting of the Judicial Council, which oversees the administration of federal courts. This meeting marked the first gathering since President Trump assumed office.
Discussions during the meeting focused on staffing levels, long-term planning, and the increasing threats to judges and their safety, according to attendees.
At one session, Judge Richard J. Sullivan, chairman of the conference’s Judicial Security Committee, raised concerns about potential threats to the safety of judges. He highlighted the authority that the US Marshals Service, overseen by the Justice Department, has in judicial security matters. Given the history of former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton having their security stripped by Trump, Judge Sullivan wondered if federal judges could be the next target.
Judge Sullivan, who was appointed by President George W. Bush and later elevated to appeals judge by Trump, emphasized the importance of trusting the head of judicial security amidst uncertainties about potential threats to the federal bench.
While there is no evidence that Trump is considering revoking judges’ security, Judge Sullivan’s remarks highlighted the unease among judges about the agency responsible for their safety ultimately answering to the President through the Attorney General, without sufficient funding to address rising threats.
In a statement, the Marshall Services affirmed their commitment to following all legal orders from federal courts to ensure the protection of judges, jurors, and witnesses. However, concerns have been raised about the frozen court security funds at a time when threats to federal judges are on the rise.
Judge Robert J. Conrad Jr., in a letter to Congress, expressed disappointment that court security funds remain stagnant despite the escalating threats. The total amount spent has seen minimal increase, despite inflation and higher staff salaries.
The former US S’s responsibilities have expanded to include protecting the Supreme Court’s residence in response to growing threats. Concerns about the oversight of Marshall Services have led some to propose transferring control of the agency to the judiciary for better protection of judges.
As the threats to judges continue to increase, some members of Congress are considering legislation to make judicial security more independent. The former US S’s response to court orders and the potential interference from political branches remain critical issues to address for the safety of judges.
Despite the challenges, efforts to reduce Marshall Services to increase efficiency may impact the agency’s ability to fulfill its crucial mission of protecting judges and upholding court orders.
“It’s incredible that we can leverage the power of taxonomic communities. R/V Falkor (Too) “The University of Essex researcher, Dr. Michelle Taylor, and the expedition chief scientist, said:
Galiteuthis glacialis is another glass squid species that has never been seen lively in natural environments before.
“One of the most distinctive features of the giant squid is the presence of a hook in the center of the eight arms. Galiteuthis glacialis said Dr. Aaron Evans, an independent expert in the glass squid family.
“If not, then the boy’s giant squid and Galiteuthis glacialis It is similar, with a transparent body and sharp hook at the end of two long tentacles. ”
Dr. Jyoticavilmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute, said:
“Fortunately, we caught a high-resolution image of these creatures so that world experts who weren’t on board could identify both species.”
Meta is enhancing safety measures for teenagers on Instagram by implementing a LiveStreaming block, as social media companies extend their under-18 safety measures to Facebook and messenger platforms.
Individuals under the age of 16 will now be restricted from using the live Instagram feature unless they have parental authorization. Additionally, parental permission is required to disable the ability to obscure images containing suspected nudity in direct messages.
These changes come alongside the expansion of Instagram’s teen account system to Facebook and Messenger. Teen accounts, introduced last year, are automatically set for users under 18, with features like daily time limits set by parents, restrictions on usage at specific times, and monitoring of message exchanges.
Facebook and Messenger teen accounts will initially launch in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Similar to Instagram accounts, users under 16 must have parental permission to adjust settings, while 16 and 17-year-olds can make changes independently.
Meta disclosed that Instagram teen accounts have fewer than 54 million users globally, with over 90% of 13-15-year-olds adhering to default limits.
These announcements coincide with the UK enforcing online safety laws. Since March, websites and apps covered by the law must take steps to prevent or remove illegal content like child sexual abuse, fraud, terrorist material, etc.
The Act also includes provisions to shield minors from harmful content related to suicide or self-harm, requiring protection for those under 18. Recent reports suggest the law may be softened as part of a UK-US trade deal, sparking backlash from critics.
At the launch of Instagram restrictions, Nick Clegg, then Meta’s President of Global Affairs, highlighted the goal of shifting the balance in favor of parental controls. These developments follow Clegg’s recent remarks on the lack of parental use of child safety features.
Three young children huddle in front of the camera, nibbling and fidgeting. “Support us. We are extremely poor,” the boy says, gazing into the lens.
They appear to be in a mud brick hut in Afghanistan, experiencing severe poverty. Despite this, their live broadcasts have reached audiences in the UK and worldwide through Tiktok Live.
They spend hours soliciting virtual “gifts” that can later be exchanged for money. When they receive a gift, they politely applaud. In one live stream, a girl jumps up and exclaims, “Thank you, we love you!” After receiving a digital rose from a woman in the US, which costs approximately 1p on Tiktok, when converted to cash, it’s worth less than a third of a penny.
Tiktok claims to prohibit child begging and other forms of exploitation, deeming it exploitative, and states that there is a strict policy for users participating in live shows.
However, research by Observer has revealed widespread practices of begging on live streams, actively promoted by algorithms and benefiting Tiktok, which takes up to 70% of fees and charges.
Olivier de Schutter, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, has criticized this trend as “a shocking development,” accusing Tiktok and its intermediaries of profiting from people’s misery. He urges Tiktok to take immediate action, implement stringent policies against exploitative begging, and scrutinize the individuals profiting from the world’s most vulnerable.
“We have put a lot of effort into saving you,” said Jeffrey Demarco, a Digital Rights expert at Save the Children. “Documented practices reveal serious abuses that require immediate action to ensure the platform no longer allows or benefits from such content.”
An analysis conducted between January and April 2025 found evidence of live begging and related behaviors in countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Syria, Egypt, and Kenya.
Many live streams show families begging in domestic settings, while some streams seem to involve organized begging activities.
I I’ve spent many years of my life online. I almost crashed my car because I was composing a message. Losing my data connection caused me to have a panic attack. I scrolled for hours and couldn’t remember anything I saw during that time. I chose screens over conversations, scenery, books, a good night’s sleep, and moments of quiet reflection.
I mean, I owned a smartphone.
In my early 20s, I worked as an online art influencer. That was my job. I documented every aspect of my life on Instagram for an audience of about 200,000 people. Nothing was off-limits: creative endeavors, mood swings, love affairs, hospitalization.
My life was a one-woman tabloid generating traffic for my art business. As much as I needed money, I also needed attention. I had very few friends. I had a lot of followers. That balance was not sustainable.
I became isolated and addicted to social media, two conditions that lasted forever. One day I broke down and deactivated my account. Everything changed when I ordered my old Nokia.
The impact of giving up my smartphone was immeasurable and truly life-changing. It takes sober judgment to know how distracted you are, how anxious you are, how easily you get bored, and how much you resist silence, presence, pain, and other natural human states did.
The benefits of the downgrade accumulated gradually over many months of withdrawals and adjustments. Years after my downgrade, I am still noticing new advantages in myself that have finally emerged from beneath the shadow of my technology addiction.
Now you will never be bored. All of them are interesting. I read long books. I go for long walks without headphones. When I have to wait, like when the bus is late or a friend goes to the bathroom, I just sit there. When I’m at my computer, I check my email etc. I’ve found that I don’t really care about the Internet when it’s out of reach.
Illustration: August Lamb
The most easily quantifiable benefit of downgrading is time. When you stop scrolling, your daily time returns. You can use that time to be healthy, social, or productive, or you can use it to do nothing. Laziness is a lost art, and in my opinion, laziness is essential to mental health and creativity. I spend a good portion of my day flipping through periodicals, drinking tea, and awkwardly pecking away at the piano. I believe that if you give your all, you won’t be able to waste your time.
If you’re interested in switching to a dumbphone, you may have questions about how practical or even possible it is. How do we live without Google Maps, calls over Wi-Fi, and two-factor authentication? These questions can make downgrading difficult to understand.
But remember that people have lived without smartphones for thousands of years. With time, patience, and smart workarounds, we can all find our way back to normal.
Here are my answers to some of the most common questions I receive.
How do I use two-factor authentication?
For security reasons, certain online platforms may require you to confirm your login through a smartphone app. There are several ways to deal with this depending on the platform you are using.
Purchase a physical security device Connect to your computer during authentication. One popular option is Ubikey.
Ask if you can receive SMS verification, If you work or study somewhere with an IT department. This means that you can get an authorization code sent to your dumb phone, and in some cases you can even enable this manually, but be aware that this is a less secure method.
some stupidMobile phones have a browser function One that supports two-factor authentication.
Use a spare phone (This may seem to defeat the purpose of downgrading at first; more on this later).
If you find yourself stuck on this particular problem, you are not alone. This is one of the most difficult and most important smartphone features to recreate. You can also check online forums such as: danphon subreddit) See more ideas.
How can I stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues?
After downgrading, you can still send text messages and make calls on your new phone. The only potential complication is that many of us use online messaging to keep in touch, especially internationally.
Luckily, you can access almost all of them from your desktop computer, including iMessage, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram. And while laptops are internet-connected devices, they don’t prey on your attention like smaller handheld devices.
In my experience, the only people you really need to contact while you’re out are the people you’re coordinating with. What time are you there? or I’m going to be late – That’s emergency information.
Less urgent are group chats, messages to friends and family overseas, and DMs to social media acquaintances. These things may be feel But once you step away from them, you may realize that that sense of urgency was a product of software engineering, your own insecurities, or a combination of both.
How do you get around without a map app?
You may not realize it, but most Danphones come with a map app. In fact, unlike the bricks of the early 2000s, some modern Danphones come with Bluetooth, MP3 players, and even tiny, hard-to-use search engines.
If you feel you need these amenities, be sure to find a Danphone that offers them. (I used to have a flip phone with Google Maps, but I recently downgraded to an even less capable phone because I use the map feature obsessively and my estimated walking time is I was checking the arrival time every few blocks to see if it was going to happen.
But it’s also possible to live without digital navigation tools. I personally look up directions before leaving home, check posted traffic maps, ask for help from strangers, and get to know the area well enough to navigate intuitively. I like to move things in combination.
Interestingly, I found that I almost never needed to refer to the hand-drawn map. The process of writing down directions helps embed them in your brain. Over time, knowledge of local geography and transportation has accumulated, allowing you to travel without a map in most cases.
A hand-drawn map that August used on her trip to London and Berlin. She wrote them down before going out for the day.
What about listening to music or podcasts?
Even before the advent of smartphones, people were listening to audio on the go. Older MP3 players are available cheaply online, and certain dumbphones come equipped with audio players.
However, you’ll need to find a way to download what you want to listen to. The library is a great resource for CDs and audiobooks. Podcasts are free to download and listen to offline through Apple. If you’re looking for more recent releases, I highly recommend buying them on Bandcamp and using the money you save on your phone plan (not to mention the phone itself) to support musicians.
That being said, downgrading will certainly reduce your need for audio stimulation. You will soon find that you can happily move through the world with only recreational thoughts.
What about taking photos?
I carry a film camera with me wherever I go. Receiving film scans is the highlight of my month. The photos are of high quality and feel much more special than the 60,000 photos I took on my phone before I downgraded.
The film is not the only important difference. You may prefer a digital camera, and I know many dumbphone users who prefer digital cameras. Either way, using a real camera is a completely different experience for two reasons. One, the friction of ejecting another device makes taking a photo a more intentional act, and the single-purpose nature of the camera makes it distracting and intrusive while in use. That never happens. that.
Are there any things you can’t use without a smartphone?
Although I am a strong advocate of the feasibility of living without a smartphone, it is my opinion that there are some things that are simply not possible without a smartphone, namely when you are on the go, away from your computer and internet connection. I have to admit that. .
These include WhatsApp, Spotify, tickets to certain concerts and sports matches, electric car charging, location sharing, and more. It’s easy to obsess over these losses, but instead, I encourage you to think about all the things you gain in the process: time, presence, and peace of mind. Is there anything wrong with such things?
…Do you need a backup phone?
A spare phone is a smartphone that should ideally be turned off and put away except in special circumstances. Many dumbphone users keep their smartphones in a drawer or at a friend’s house in case they need them for authentication. There are certain services and applications that rely on everyone having access to a smartphone, and the complexity involved in getting around these obstacles may not be worth it.
So if you feel like you need a spare phone, there’s no shame in keeping it for the moment you need it (for example, if you own an electric car and need to charge it. ).
However, for other mundane tasks, the less accessible they are, the less urgent they will feel. Do you really need to check your email on the train? Do you really need to buy concert tickets at the hospital? Or can these things wait until you’re in front of your computer?
It’s easy to tally up the inconveniences associated with downgrading. Instead, I recommend thinking about what you can gain, although it is difficult to quantify. Isn’t your newfound presence, attention, and free time worth missing an email or being late to an event every once in a while?
There are certainly downsides, and you might be tempted to see that as a good reason to go back. In such a case, think back to your original motivation for downgrading. Who did you want to be? Isn’t it worth it?
It’s been years since I downgraded, but I was so completely adapted to Danphone that I forgot all about it until someone reminded me of it. “Do you miss your smartphone?” they ask, and I remember the height of my addiction. How could I miss that moment? I was hardly there.
TikTok has been aware for a long time that its video livestream feature was being misused to harm children, as revealed in a lawsuit filed by the state of Utah against the social media company. The harms include child sexual exploitation and what Utah describes as an “open door policy that allows predators and criminals to exploit users.”
The state’s attorney general stated that TikTok conducted an internal investigation in which adults allegedly used the TikTok Live feature to engage in provocative behavior with teenagers. It was found that some of them were paid for this. Another internal investigation found that criminals used TikTok Live to launder money, sell drugs, and fund terrorist groups.
Utah was the first to file a lawsuit against TikTok last June, alleging that the company was profiting from child exploitation. The lawsuit was based on internal documents obtained through subpoenas from TikTok. On Friday, an unredacted version of the lawsuit was released by the Utah Attorney General’s Office, despite TikTok’s efforts to keep the information confidential.
“Online exploitation of minors is on the rise, leading to tragic consequences such as depression, isolation, suicide, addiction, and human trafficking,” said Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes in a statement on Friday. He criticized TikTok for knowingly putting minors at risk for profit.
A spokesperson for TikTok responded to the Utah lawsuit by stating that the company has taken proactive steps to address safety concerns. The spokesperson mentioned that users must be 18 or older to use the Live feature and that TikTok provides safety tools for users.
The lawsuit against TikTok is part of a trend of U.S. attorney generals filing lawsuits over child exploitation on various apps. In December 2023, New Mexico sued Meta for similar reasons. Other states have also filed lawsuits against TikTok over similar allegations.
Following a report by Forbes in 2022, TikTok launched an internal investigation called Project Meramec to look into teens making money from TikTok Lives. The investigation found that underage users were engaging in inappropriate behavior for digital currency.
The complaint also mentions that TikTok captures a share of digital gifts from live streams, with lawmakers arguing that the algorithm encourages streams with sexual content as they are more profitable. Another internal investigation called Project Jupiter looked into organized crime using Live for money laundering purposes.
SpaceX is gearing up for the sixth test flight of Starship, the world’s most powerful rocket. Elon Musk’s company follows a “fail fast, learn fast” approach to research and development, which resembles the culture of Silicon Valley more than the aerospace industry, with an acceleration in the pace of launches. It seems so.
When is the next flight?
SpaceX states on the website that Starship is scheduled to conduct its sixth test flight on November 19th, with launch slots opening at 4pm Central Time (10pm UK). A live stream of the launch will be available. SpaceX’s X account on the social media platform also owned by Musk, can be viewed here at newscientist.com
It took SpaceX 18 months to complete Starship’s first five test flights, with the fifth happening in mid-October. With the launch of its sixth flight next week, it will be just over a month since the last flight, making it the fastest flight yet.
What will SpaceX attempt with Flight 6?
Flight 6 mirrors Flight 5 in many ways but with some significant differences.
The booster stage will once again try a “chopstick” landing, catching and securing the vehicle as it returns to the launch pad for a soft landing. This methodology aims to eventually enable boosters to be reused multiple times, significantly reducing the cost of launching payloads into orbit.
Starship during high altitude test flight
SpaceX
The upper stage will enter space, complete a partial orbit, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, and splash-land in the Indian Ocean. In this flight, the upper stage will attempt to reignite one of the Raptor engines in space to gather valuable operational data. Also, new heat shield designs will be tested during atmospheric reentry.
One notable change in this flight is that the landing of the upper stage in the Indian Ocean will be filmed during the day as the launch occurs later in the day. This will provide detailed images as previous landings happened at night, limiting the visibility for engineers compared to daytime landings.
What occurred in previous Starship launches?
During the first test flight on April 20, 2023, three out of the 33 engines in the booster stage failed to ignite. This led to the rocket becoming uncontrollable and self-destructing.
In the second test flight on November 18, 2023, the flight proceeded further, with the booster and upper stage separating as planned. However, the booster stage exploded before reaching the ground, and the upper stage self-destructed before reaching space.
Test Flight 3 on March 14, 2024, was at least partially successful as the upper stage reached space, but it did not return to Earth unscathed.
The subsequent flight on June 6 saw the upper stage reach an altitude of over 200 kilometers and fly at speeds exceeding 27,000 kilometers per hour. Both the booster and upper stage completed a soft landing at sea.
Test Flight 5 was the most ambitious yet, with Starship’s super-heavy booster touching down on the launch pad and being safely caught by “chopsticks” on SpaceX’s launch tower, known as Mechazilla. This innovative landing approach aims to secure and lower the booster for reuse.
Looking to age gracefully? There’s a plethora of advice out there, but the key seems to lie in maintaining a healthy diet.
A recent study published in Nutrition 2024 revealed that only a small fraction of individuals manage to remain disease-free and in good physical, cognitive, and mental health past the age of 70.
However, there’s hope. The same study indicated that adopting a healthy and balanced diet during midlife can significantly increase your chances of healthy aging.
The study, which spanned over 30 years and analyzed data from over 100,000 individuals, showed that people who maintained a healthy diet from their 40s onwards were much more likely to be in good physical shape at age 70.
According to John Myers, a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health, “People who followed a healthy diet in midlife, especially one rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, were significantly more likely to experience healthy old age.” This underscores the impact of diet on our health as we age.
To enhance your chances of living a longer and healthier life, experts recommend increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. Conversely, it’s wise to limit intake of trans fats, sodium, red meat, and processed meats.
While a healthy diet is typically associated with disease prevention, this study highlights its role in promoting healthy aging. It’s not just about avoiding illness; it’s about maintaining overall vitality as we age.
Researcher Angelie Tessier noted, “Our study suggests dietary recommendations for healthy aging should not only focus on preventing diseases but also on fostering a fulfilling life in later years.”
Participants in the study were mainly above 39 years old without chronic diseases at the onset, and they reported their dietary habits every four years. By 2016, nearly half of the participants had passed away while only a small percentage had reached age 70 or older in good health.
When comparing adherence to healthy eating patterns, the study found that individuals in the top group were significantly more likely to achieve healthy aging than those in the bottom group. The strongest correlation was with the Alternative Healthy Eating Index, which rates your diet based on food consumption frequency.
Even after accounting for factors like physical activity, the link between diet and healthy aging remained robust. Healthy eating habits were associated with better physical health, cognitive function, and mental well-being.
About the Experts
Angelie Tessier, a postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health, has research published in esteemed journals like Nature Communications and PLoS One.
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.
Live Nation Entertainment is currently investigating a data breach at its Ticketmaster division that was discovered on May 20. This breach is the latest in a string of major corporate hacks that have occurred over the past year.
In a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Live Nation reported finding “unauthorized activity” in a third-party cloud database containing primarily Ticketmaster data and is working with forensic investigators to address the issue.
Reports surfaced last week that a cybercrime group known as ShinyHunters claimed to have stolen user data for over 500 million Ticketmaster customers. However, Live Nation did not mention Shiny Hunters in its SEC filing.
Live Nation has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the breach.
This breach comes at a time when concert promoters are facing antitrust scrutiny. Live Nation is at the center of this scrutiny as the first target of antitrust lawsuits filed by U.S. and state governments seeking to break up the company for alleged price gouging on concert tickets.
According to Live Nation’s filing, on May 27, a criminal threat actor attempted to sell purported user data from Live Nation on the dark web. The company is actively working to mitigate risks, notify law enforcement, regulators, and users as needed, and ensure the security of personal information.
Despite the breach, Live Nation believes it will not have a significant impact on its operations or finances. The company is evaluating risks and implementing measures to enhance its operations.
Nearly 40% of Americans live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, and the U.S. is set to regress in air-cleaning progress as the effects of climate change intensify, according to a new report from the American Lung Association. It’s coming. The group’s report, its 25th annual analysis of the nation’s “state of the air,” estimates that between 2020 and 2022, 131 million people will live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution. It turned out that it was. This number is an increase of nearly 12 million people from the previous survey a year ago. The report also found that people in the United States are experiencing the most “very unhealthy” or “hazardous” air quality day in the study’s history. Katherine Pruitt, national senior director of clean air policy at the American Lung Association, said the process has been in place for decades through the Clean Air Act, a federal law passed in 1963 to regulate air pollution and set air quality standards. He said that the cleanup efforts that have been made are gradually being undermined by climate change.
“Climate change, including heat, drought and especially wildfires, is starting to undo some of the progress we’ve made,” Pruitt said. “It’s sad to know that so many people live with air quality that threatens their health.” Wildfires are a rapidly growing source of pollution that policymakers are struggling to address. Climate scientists predict that wildfire smoke will increase in the future as greenhouse gas emissions raise temperatures. The Lung Association’s analysis reached the same conclusion as a peer-reviewed study published last year in Nature. The study’s author, Marshall Burke, suggested that wildfire smoke has undone about 25% of the Clean Air Act’s progress.
“If you take a step back and think about what the root cause is, it’s the burning of fossil fuels,” says Dr. Lisa Patel, a pediatrician and clinical associate professor at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. “We don’t have to be in this situation. We have the technology and the federal investment to harness renewable energy. What we need now is the political will.”
Each year, the “State of the Air” report analyzes air quality data from the past three years. This analysis focuses on ozone exposure and short-term and annual exposure to particulate pollution. The report issues a rating for each measure and summarizes the number of areas that passed or failed for each rating. According to the report, nearly 44 million people currently live in areas that do not meet all three criteria.Small particles are a serious concern because they can enter a person’s lungs, circulate in the bloodstream, and affect other organs. Although these particles are only a fraction of the size of a human hair, they have been shown to increase the risk of asthma, lung cancer, chronic lung disease, premature birth, and miscarriage. Patel, who is also executive director of the Medical Societies Consortium on Climate and Health, has noticed an increase in preterm births during wildfire seasons and is educating parents about how heat and smoke are risk factors during pregnancy. He said he has started giving advice.
“After several weeks of poor air quality, more people will become pregnant and give birth before 37 weeks,” Patel said, adding that parents may wonder whether their actions led to premature birth. He added that he often thinks about this. “When people ask me about the risk of premature birth, I say climate change. Heat and wildfires are both risk factors. They are not within your control.” Additionally, Patel said she has noticed that when wildfire smoke incidents occur in California, patients at her pediatric clinic often complain of nasal infections, eye irritation, and asthma exacerbations, among other ailments. Pruitt said concerns about particle pollution used to be concentrated in the industrial Midwest and Northeast. But in this report, for the first time, all 25 cities with the highest daily particle pollution are in the West. Most were in California.
“Early in our history, we had a lot of particulate pollution coming from coal-fired power plants, transportation sources, and industrial processes,” Pruitt said. “Particle pollution problems in the eastern United States are less severe because the Clean Air Act has cleaned up these sources. But Western countries, of course, have similar access to regulation and cleanup; We are also affected by climate change and wildfires.” Daniel Mendoza, an assistant professor of atmospheric science at the University of Utah, said many communities in Western states are dealing with acute, short-term pollution episodes rather than long-term chronic exposure. Scientists are still trying to figure out how much damage wildfire outbreaks cause compared to long-term exposure from industrial sources. “Not all bad air pollution is created equal,” Mendoza said. Pollution from traffic and industrial sources could continue to decline if the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed stricter standards could be implemented.
Last year, the EPA proposed a rule that would require nearly all coal and large gas plants in the country to reduce or capture about 90% of their carbon emissions by 2038. In March this year, the agency introduced stricter rules to reduce tailpipe emissions from passenger cars. Another EPA policy aimed at curbing nitrogen oxide pollution that spreads across states was challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court. In 2022, the Supreme Court limited the government’s ability to use the Clean Air Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There is one bright spot in this report. That means ozone pollution continues to improve dramatically. Compared to last year, about 2.4 million fewer people live in areas with unhealthy ozone pollution. Since this analysis was completed, wildfire smoke has gotten even worse.
Americans in 2023 inhaled more wildfire smoke than in any other year on record, Stanford University researchers found last year.
On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will occur in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This type of solar eclipse only occurs when the sun and moon line up perfectly in the sky, causing the moon to cover the entire disk of the sun and cast a shadow on Earth. The path this shadow follows as it crosses the ground at speeds exceeding 2,400 kilometers per hour is called a total path, and during this eclipse, the shadow will cross from the west coast of Mexico, across 13 states of the United States, to Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, and beyond. At any given location, totality lasts from about 90 seconds to nearly 4.5 minutes.
During this period, the sky becomes dark as at dusk and the temperature drops by 10 degrees. Viewers will be able to remove their eclipse glasses, which are essential during the partial phase of the eclipse, and look directly at the Sun, which is covered by the Moon. At this range, the sun’s outermost layer, the corona, becomes visible. At other times, it may be too dark to see due to the glare of the sun. Total solar eclipses like this one are rare opportunities for researchers studying the sun and have led to major scientific advances over the years.
Solar eclipse in 2024
On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.
I
Imagine an idyllic vacation. Where is your mind wandering? Tolkien’s idyllic glade? Maybe a terracotta hut in a dusty desert? After living in a small town all your life, you yearn for a bustling city apartment surrounded by neon advertisements and walled gardens. Summerhouse is an intimate shoebox world that provides an outlet for such architectural fantasies, allowing players to meticulously craft living spaces that match their vision of the perfect escape.
The antithesis of Grand Design, Summerhouse is a pixelated playpen, an extravagant game for the kitschy, quaint, grand or unknown. You don’t have to worry about budgets, foundations, or planning permission. Developer Friedemann’s hazy, pixelated world will suit your tastes.
“Summerhouse nurtures your inner inventor.” Photo: Friedemann/Future Friends Games
Before donning your metaphorical helmet, choose one of four vibrant spots, including the foothills of a snow-capped mountain or the borders of a metropolis. Once in the field, we skim through the Microsoft Paint-like side menu, which includes windows, doors, and decorations.
Summerhouse is so astonishingly ignorant of physical geometry that his blueprints gather dust on the pavement. Line a tiled roof with a white picket fence like a medieval parapet, or reuse a vending machine as a door. The burden of choice that always overwhelms me when playing city-building games melted into quiet contemplation as I built a house made primarily of mailboxes in an arid valley.
As you arrange the building blocks of your summer house in an inspired manner, you’ll occasionally see cameos from cute characters and new objects that embody your cozy concept. But this is not something to work towards or plan for. Rather, Summerhouse nurtures your inner inventor and allows you to stumble upon progress. This approach lends itself to the game’s warm, welcoming atmosphere, and once you’ve developed a thriving space, it can take the form of a gentle diorama that you can sit and admire, much like in David OReilly’s game. Mountain.
“A beautiful homage to my past.” Photo: Friedemann/Future Friends Games
With the push of a button, a crisp moonlit night transforms into a hazy, sun-drenched morning. He also liked to whip up a storm of atmosphere reminiscent of a wild Queensland camping trip or a summer barbecue gone wrong. She can explore mini-kingdoms in every state as if she were on a year’s worth of vacation. Summerhouse was the most powerful moment, recontextualizing my actual summer vacation memories. Some of the houses I built were beautiful homages to my past, others were twisted monsters of Escher-esque geometry, but I still fell in love with their tortured abstractions.
Relaxing is not easy for me. I can’t sit still to save my life. Still, we enjoyed the tranquility of the summerhouse. I used the construction of my house as an opportunity to organize and rearrange my mental filing cabinet, to keep my hands busy and my mind wandering. With its minimalist feel and clicky sounds, Summerhouse is sure to take the frustration out of your day. It’s a thought-provoking addition to the cozy gaming cabal that is slowly conquering my hard drive.
Clownfish and sea anemones have a symbiotic relationship
Wildlife/Getty Images
The secret is in the runny nose. Chemical changes in the mucus that coats the clownfish’s body can blunt the sting of its symbiotic sea anemone.
Researchers have long suspected that something special in the mucus of the clownfish, also known as the clownfish, protects it from the microscopic stingers of the sea anemone’s tentacles. But the exact mechanism remained a mystery, he said. karen burke da silva At Flinders University, Australia.
To investigate, she and her colleagues bred orange clownfish (Amphiprion percula) and bubble tip sea anemone (Entacmaea four colors) at the Institute. Some fish and sea anemones live in pairs, while others live separately. The researchers collected mucus samples from the fish at various times before and after they had adapted to the anemone, and then placed the mucus on a microscope slide and pressed it against the anemone’s tentacles.
Sea anemones sting by firing small coiled venomous harpoons explosively from their stinging cells called stinging cells. The researchers used a microscope to count and compare the number of stinging cells that fired during the mucus treatment. They found that mucus from a clownfish’s partner, but not mucus from an unknown fish, reduced the firing of stinging cells.
To find out why, the researchers analyzed how the glycans (chains of sugar attached to proteins) and fats in the clownfish’s mucus change as they adapt to their hosts. Three weeks after the symbiotic partnership began, the chemical profile of the mucus changed significantly. In particular, the concentrations of seven types of glycans were changed. Removing glycans or otherwise tweaking them could be one way he suppresses line cell firing, Burke da Silva says.
Alonso Delgado At Ohio State University, the sea anemone shrimp (Ansiromenes Magnificus), using similar glycan methods or evolving different strategies to thwart sting.
Additional strategies may also be at work for clownfish. Glycan changes are slow, and after a partner splits, he grows back within a day. Instead, fish may use an unknown chemical strategy at the very beginning to gain initial access to sea anemones.
Elton John to perform at Glastonbury Festival in June 2023
Matt Crossic/Alamy
Hearing live music can be more moving than listening to a recording of the same song. This is because the parts of the brain associated with emotional processing become more active.
Sasha Frewholz from the University of Zurich in Switzerland, composed 12 pieces of music, each 30 seconds long. Half were written with the purpose of conveying negative emotions such as sadness or anger. These are slower than the rest of the songs, are less harmonious, contain more minor chords, and were written to evoke positive emotions.
They then recruited 27 people with no musical training and asked them to listen to these 12 songs twice. The first performance was performed by a live pianist, and the second performance was played to the participants as a recording.
The order of hearing was randomly assigned, with 30 seconds of silence in between. Participants did not know when they were listening to a recording or a live performance.
While listening to music, they lay in an MRI scanner so the team could monitor their brain activity. The pianist was told to adjust the volume and speed of the piece according to this activity. For example, if participants showed little activity in response to positive music, they may have played louder.
“Recorded music does not adapt to the listener's response, but live pianists often adapt their music to the audience to get the best response from the audience,” says Frewholz.
The researchers found that live performances of both negative and positive pieces consistently caused brain activation in the left amygdala, an area of the brain strongly associated with assigning sensory stimuli such as sounds to specific emotions. was found to lead to an increase in
The recorded songs, on the other hand, activated activity in the left amygdala much less and more inconsistently. This matched how emotionally participants rated each piece of music after the experiment.
The findings show that live music enhances our emotional responses, perhaps because of its free-flowing, dynamic nature, Fruhholz says.
The researchers hope to repeat the experiment with a larger audience in a concert setting. “When you go to a live concert, you're not alone,” Fruhholz says. “This intense emotional experience is also a social experience.”
The SpaceX Dragon cargo ship approaches the International Space Station while orbiting 461 miles above Indonesia’s sub-sea coastline on the company’s 29th commercial resupply mission to NASA. Credit: NASA
After a series of delays due to bad weather, NASA and SpaceX are currently targeting until 5:05 p.m. EST Wednesday, Dec. 20, for the company’s 29th Dragon Commercial Supply Service Mission undocking from the International Space Station (ISS). The integrated team continues to assess weather conditions as the cold front passes through the splashdown zone off the coast of Florida to determine optimal opportunities for autonomous shore departure. Coverage of Wednesday’s Dragon departure begins at 4:45 p.m. on the NASA+ streaming service, NASA app, NASA Television, YouTube, and the agency’s website. Learn how to stream NASA TV through various platforms including social media. After re-entering the atmosphere, the spacecraft will fly off the coast of Florida, but the event will not be broadcast on NASA TV.
The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, represents a major advancement in commercial spaceflight. The spacecraft is designed to transport cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) and return cargo to Earth. The Dragon spaceship has two versions: Cargo Dragon and Crew Dragon (Dragon 2). Cargo Dragon, in particular, is an unmanned vehicle that plays a key role in resupply missions. The Dragon spacecraft is known for its ability to carry critical payloads, with a pressurized capsule for sensitive scientific experiments and an unpressurized “trunk” for additional cargo. It is one of the few spacecraft capable of returning to Earth large amounts of cargo essential for ISS research and experiments. Due to Dragon’s versatility and reusability, it plays a critical role in maintaining a continuous flow of supplies and scientific research within the ISS.
The International Space Station (ISS) is a marvel of modern space technology and international cooperation. As the Space Environment Research Institute, scientific research is conducted in areas such as astrobiology, astronomy, meteorology, and physics. The ISS is a joint project with NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). The ISS, which orbits the Earth approximately every 90 minutes, serves as a microgravity and space environment laboratory where crew members conduct experiments in fields such as biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, and meteorology. The space station is also suitable for testing spacecraft systems and equipment needed for long-term missions to and from the moon and Mars. The ISS has been continuously occupied since November 2000 and represents the pinnacle of human achievement, both in terms of international cooperation and humanity’s continued presence in space.
Up-and-coming social app BeReal continues to attract users’ attention by adding more and more bells and whistles. next week, Bereal is rolling out two major new features: Behind the Scenes and RealGroups. Behind the Scenes is an iOS Live Photo-like feature that shows you a few seconds of video recorded just before you take the photo. RealGroups lets you share BeReal with a small group of friends and allows you to send messages directly within that group.
Behind the Scenes (BTS) is an opt-in feature that borrows a lot in UX from the way Apple set up Live Photos on the iPhone. When your friend enables her BTS and posts her BeReal, you will see a Live Photo symbol in the top corner of the image. If you press and hold this, you can watch a few seconds of video leading up to the BeReal photo.
The app is designed to connect you with your already close friends as it asks you to share your front and back camera photos at random times every day. You won’t be able to see other people’s posts unless you create her own BeReal posts. BeReals tend to be more unfiltered and — Because I can’t find any better words — It’s real, because you’re being prompted to take a photo at an unknown time (but if you get a notification to post while you’re in the bathroom… you might just post late). But now, BeReal is creating an experience for even closer friends. Start a RealGroup to share your BeReals more privately. To sweeten the deal, group admins will now be able to choose when daily notifications are sent. You can also DM BeReals within the group, but a group chat is also available. This is likely to be used to anger administrators who have chosen an inappropriate “BeReal time.” However, he can only belong to two groups, so choose carefully.
“Going off to college and missing your close friends from home? Create a RealGroup to stay close, share your dorm life adventures, see what’s going on at home, and stay connected no matter how far away you are.” Stay close to me even when you are away!!” BeReal wrote in a blog post.
BeReal is now on the brink of life or death. Will apps survive the hype cycle or will they fade away? According to Pew’s annual survey on teens and social media. 13% of US teens ages 13 to 17 have used BeReal. However, BeReal has rejected data from external sources in the past. In September, app analytics company Similarweb told TechCrunch that BeReal has about 16 million monthly active users (MAUs), including about 3 million in the United States. However, Apptopia told TechCrunch that BeReal’s MAU in 2023 was at its highest in October at 8.73 million, and at its lowest in February at 7.96 million. BeReal itself reports that in April it had 20 million daily active users worldwide, and in September it had 25 million daily active users.
Although the app was relatively stagnant at first, BeReal has rolled out a ton of new features, including messaging, the ability to post more photos, Spotify integration, and a “friends of friends” discovery feed. . Soon, the app will add his 2023 Year in Review feature and tagging, making it easy to repost tagged content, similar to Instagram.
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