In a picturesque mountain pasture in Austria, a remarkably intelligent cow is reshaping our understanding of animal cognition.
Meet Veronica, a pet Swiss brown cow who has innovatively learned to use both ends of a stick to scratch her back. This impressive tool use is exceedingly rare in the animal kingdom and has never been documented in cattle before.
Dr. Antonio Osuna Mascaro, a professor at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, led the groundbreaking study published in Current Biology. The research highlights how Veronica creatively utilizes available tools to scratch herself.
Initially, researchers provided her with a broom brush, expecting her to only use the bristles. However, Veronica adapted her tool use based on the specific itch needing relief.
For larger or more intense itches on her back, she utilized the bristled end of the brush. Conversely, for lighter itches, such as on her sensitive lower abdomen, she opted for the smooth handle end.
“The only well-documented occurrence similar to this was when a chimpanzee cleverly manipulated the ends of a stick to forage for termites,” Osuna Mascaro stated, as reported by BBC Science Focus.
Researchers emphasize that domestic animals have often been overlooked by behavioral scientists, meaning their perceived lack of intelligence may stem more from insufficient observation than from the animals’ actual capabilities.
“Understanding that cows possess the ability to innovate and use tools flexibly sends a powerful message about our biases regarding cow intelligence and capabilities,” Osuna Mascaro added.
Osuna Mascaro (left) shared that Veronica (right) is affectionate and cherished by her human family. – Credit: Antonio J. Osuna Mascaró
Veronica: The Beloved Cow
The study emphasizes that while Veronica is unique, her intelligent behavior is not an isolated case.
As a cherished pet, Veronica enjoys access to open spaces, daily human engagement, and the freedom to explore her environment. At 13 years old, she is significantly older than the average domestic cow.
Her human companion, Witger Vigele, first observed Veronica using tools over a decade ago. Intrigued by her intelligence, researchers analyzed footage of her behavior and decided to meet this extraordinary cow.
Researchers urge everyone to appreciate intelligent cows like Veronica – Credit: AJ Osuna-Mascaró
The findings suggest that our perceptions of domestic animals’ intelligence may not relate to their actual abilities, but rather to the opportunities they are given to demonstrate their intelligence and whether we take the time to observe them.
“I would love to hear from anyone who has witnessed cows displaying similar behaviors firsthand,” Osuna Mascaro expressed.
“The key element is using an object dynamically to achieve goals that would be otherwise difficult or impossible,” he concluded.
Even while employed full-time in Tokyo, Moriyama Shoki still dedicates eight hours daily to his smartphone.
“You need a mobile device to navigate the information age,” Moriyama states. At just 25, he represents a generation that cannot envision life without continuously scrolling through news, social media, messaging platforms, and casual video clips.
He’s not alone. The excessive use of smartphones is a worldwide trend, yet Japanese officials are stepping in as concerns rise over the physical and mental impacts, particularly affecting children and youth.
Last week, Toyoake, a central city in Japan, implemented measures to restrict smartphone usage for its 69,000 residents to just two hours a day. Authorities state this aims to tackle growing evidence of digital addiction and lack of sleep, although the town council’s ordinance does not impose penalties on those who disregard it.
Moriyama was one of several individuals in their twenties who accepted a challenge from the Guardian to limit smartphone usage to two hours while sharing their experiences.
Results varied from impressive successes to significant failures.
Moriyama Shoki remarked that limiting phone use to two hours daily feels “too little.” Photo: Justin McCurry/Guardian
Moriyama, who regularly checks LINE—a “super app” for messaging, news, and entertainment, along with TikTok, Instagram, and X—admitted that abstaining from these platforms or significantly reducing usage is challenging.
“I typically spend about eight hours on my phone, so two hours is insufficient. I can’t stay current with everything,” he explains. “In the end, I managed to limit my smartphone usage to an hour and 50 minutes, which is a noteworthy decrease from my usual screen time. I used the extra time to read books, study, and hit the gym, so I didn’t waste my day.”
My colleague Hanaoka Tomomi also succeeded in curbing this habit. “I usually spend about three hours on my phone during the week and six to seven hours on weekends, so two hours felt very restrictive. Most people need at least three to four hours,” Hanaoka notes. Previously, avoiding LINE, TikTok, and Instagram felt impossible.
“I adhered to the two-hour limit and spent my free time reading and pursuing other activities.”
University student Saito Akari realized early on that “the more restrictions you impose, the more I want to engage.”
Saito appreciates Toyoake’s initiative as a starting point for broader conversations about smartphone usage, but believes the focus should be on quality of use rather than the quantity of screen time. “However, finding a line between education and entertainment can be tricky.”
Despite his determined efforts, Saito found it tough to limit daily phone use to three or four hours. “I especially struggled to put my phone down while commuting or walking. But using my phone less could make the day feel longer and more significant.”
Yuri* has attempted to limit her smartphone usage before exams by hiding Instagram and implementing password protections.
She uses her phone for checking social media, searching recipes, texting, and accessing educational materials, yet too much screen time often leads to headaches and eye strain.
“I wonder why the ordinance explicitly recommends limiting smartphone usage. If the goal is to encourage people to reconsider their usage, they should foster individual rules,” she contends.
“Overall, I’m supportive of the proposed methods for smartphone use, as I don’t rely on it for hobbies. Nonetheless, such measures could be unacceptable for those who primarily use smartphones for entertainment and stress relief.”
A man uses his smartphone to take pictures in Suzuka city. Photo: Anadoll/Getty Images
Mayor Koki Masafumi of Toyoake has defended the new regulations despite receiving numerous complaints from residents about government interference in their personal lives.
Kouki mentioned that while he frequently uses his smartphone to check baseball scores and navigate, he sets it aside during meal times and expressed concern that children and young individuals are compromising sleep and family interactions due to excessive scrolling, emailing, and posting.
In response to the criticism online, including misinformation suggesting strict enforcement of the two-hour rule, he explained to the Mainichi Shimbun, “When you hear ‘two hours,’ it prompts you to reflect on your actual usage. That’s significant.”
A recent survey from the Children and Family Agency indicates that Japanese youth spend an average of just over five hours online on weekdays.
Aya* exceeds the national average, typically logging around eight hours each day.
“We couldn’t restrict ourselves to two hours, but just being aware of the challenge made a difference. Ultimately, we managed to reduce our standard smartphone usage by approximately 60%, which was substantial,” the university student reported, acknowledging that she still consulted a travel planner and checked emails and messages.
She expressed support for Toyoake City’s initiative and speculated that the absence of penalties could be its greatest strength.
“That’s what makes it sensible… establishing personal rules is crucial. It’s an invaluable chance to reflect on daily habits, rather than just thinking abstractly.”
She mentioned she often spent time “scrolling aimlessly.”
“I found it easier to engage in conversations and pay more attention to my surroundings, which enriched my day.”
This will surely resonate with Koki. On the eve of his town’s controversial social engineering experiment, the mayor stated he believes it’s worthwhile. “It’s about sleep, family, and health,” he asserts. “This ordinance will encourage more people to pause and discuss their habits, even briefly, and it will prove effective.”
wEngaging with e-arts encompasses more than just passive observation. We have a role to play. Whether it’s music, painting, or film, the artist contributes, but our mental engagement is what completes the experience. This is particularly applicable in gaming, as you aren’t just passively staring at the Mona Lisa for hours on end.
Our relationship with art evolves. In my youth, I had a stronger appreciation for animation, while nowadays I find great value in jazz. My feelings towards the Mona Lisa can vary—sometimes I find it captivating, other times rather dull.
This dynamic perspective is what makes Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 so intriguing. The game explores our efforts to capture our artistic preferences, or at least that’s how I interpret it. The complexity of this sentiment mirrors my evolving relationship with the game itself. Initially, I was entranced by its beauty nearly three decades ago, illuminated as if by personal rays of sunshine as Glenn navigates through nature. (Rest in peace, Robert Redford.)
Visually and audibly, the characters are stunning, complemented by the best voice acting and soundscapes I’ve encountered. The plot initially eluded me; it vaguely centers around Logan who seems to be on the run. A mysterious force referred to as “the sedative” erases individuals from existence once they reach a certain age. Each year, the Hardy Band embarks on a journey to find and confront this entity, striving to prevent humanity from fading into oblivion.
The courageous adventurer of Clair Obscur attempts to escape the annual Gomage event that gradually erases its participants. Photo: Sandfall Interactive
Despite my confusion regarding the plot, I was enamored by its aesthetics and emotional resonance, and I realized that understanding the intricacies of your passions often takes time. Another aspect that turned my appreciation into obsession was the combat system, which is crucial for any turn-based RPG. Once I invested the effort to understand it, my connection deepened and the combat became exhilarating. It was so fulfilling that I embraced my clumsy attempts in the platforming segments, even when they were harshly punishing. That wasn’t my best decision.
But isn’t it true that we overlook the flaws of those we love?
I spent an excessive amount of time with Expedition 33. I’m a player who often bulldozes levels to simplify boss fights. Online sources say the game takes about 30 hours to complete, yet it took me over 50 to face the final boss. This was largely due to my choice to play on default difficulty instead of easy mode. The gameplay was so rewarding that I didn’t mind losing multiple battles; mastering the unique timing of each encounter felt like a genuine accomplishment, akin to mastering a soccer volley.
However, as time went on, my irritation grew. The absence of a level map left me uncertain about whether my current path was a quick detour or a futile expedition. My mood soured when the plot frustrated me with its lack of subtlety in dialogue that leaned toward the melodramatic (“Painting is about essence, not about truth” – please!). Yet, I had committed to this game, along with its ups and downs.
Then something happened that changed everything.
After finally conquering the sedative in an intense 30-minute boss battle, the game crashed.
The battle was thrilling; I didn’t mind failing – Photo: Sandfall Interactive
The game crashed. I was booted back to the title screen, which hasn’t happened to me with an Xbox game in ages. I searched online and found that many players faced this bug. As far as I know, there haven’t been any patches for the Xbox Series S despite the game being released back in April. From a relational perspective, my emotional investment in this game definitely took a hit. A game shouldn’t launch with a bug that can ruin the experience at such a critical moment.
I discovered that pausing immediately during the cutscene can work around the bug, but that results in missing the cutscene—especially important after defeating the ultimate boss.
After bypassing the cutscene, I realized the game was not finished. A plot twist revealed a new third act, adding complexity to the narrative.
I felt a sense of detachment as I tried to progress further. I grappled with my emotional investments in both this game and my other commitments.
What initially felt new and captivating had become tainted. Elements I once found exciting, like character relationships leading to enhanced abilities, now seemed cumbersome and pretentious. My trust had eroded. If I crash at the end again, would I truly endure a long and challenging boss fight?
I’m not saying I’m completely done with Expedition 33, but I believe I need some space before I can fully commit again.
I have faith in a group of evangelical Christian influencers on social media. On Tuesday, September 23rd, or perhaps Wednesday, September 24th—consider the state of society. For the first time, joy blossoms on TikTok.
Followers are flocking to the app, revealing that they are ready for their impending destiny. I sold their car or asked for an “Eternal vacation” from their jobs and expressed their concerns. The family dog is also expected to join them in heaven. One woman advised her followers to remove password protection on their devices, making personal information accessible to anyone left behind. Another purchased Bibles from a myriad of Dollar Trees, intending to leave personalized notes in hopes of saving last-minute converts.
Evangelical Christians who believe in the rapture view it as a pivotal doctrine. The concept suggests that one day, true believers will ascend to heaven, marking an end to life as we know it, while the rest must endure seven years of suffering under the Antichrist.
The theory gained traction in the early 1800s through an English cleric named John Nelson Darby, who sparked numerous false alarms. In 1844, a farmer from New York named William Miller attracted a massive following with predictions that ultimately led to widespread disappointment. When Halley’s Comet appeared in 1910, con artists sold “anti-comet drugs” intended to save souls, and in 1997, the Hale-Bopp comet was linked to the tragic suicides of 39 members of the Heaven’s Gate cult.
This time, the message comes from South African preacher Joshua Murakera. He said on a podcast in June, “Spread the word—Rejoy is upon us, ready or not.” This theory quickly made its way to TikTok, where over 320,000 posts have been tagged with #Rapture.
Tyler Huckabee, the managing editor at Sojo.net, a progressive Christian publication, remarked that the “Joker of the Day” in the newsroom is that deadlines have become obsolete. “This isn’t my first rodeo dealing with a particular sect of Christian theology that ignites rumors about the world’s end,” Huckabee noted. “Facebook and Twitter had their moments, but this is TikTok’s inaugural end of the world.”
The Rapture narrative thrives during tumultuous times, according to Matthew Gabriele, a professor at Virginia Tech studying apocalyptic movements. “Christians don’t know when it will happen, but they look for signs,” Gabriele elaborated. “Typically, when conditions worsen, that’s when the electors are saved, which isn’t surprising given the current backdrop of political violence, economic worries, and illness.”
The phrase “end time” frequently circulates on social media to describe our fractured reality—one marked by a pandemic akin to a plague, natural disasters of biblical proportions, and widespread violence. Recently, followers linked the assassination of Charlie Kirk to Rapture Theory. Some TikToks have become platforms for Christian nationalist narratives, suggesting Kirk is embarking on a religious revival. Revival is in the air.
Content creator Jess Lauren on TikTok. Photo: Tiktok/@Jesslauuren
Jess Lauren, a 27-year-old content creator who also runs a clothing startup, was raised in a “deeply involved” Christian household where both her parents were pastors. While studying at the University of California, Davis, Lauren began to question her conservative beliefs and gravitated towards the “deconstruction” movement.
As a child, she was a firm believer. In particular, after reading “Left Behind,” the blockbuster apocalyptic book series co-written by the controversial minister Tim LaHaye, she bought into concepts like the Illuminati and supported views from Christian author Jerry B. Jenkins. (The series has been adapted into several films, including the 2014 version starring Nicolas Cage.) Growing up as the youngest of four, Lauren once roamed the streets checking if fewer cars were on the road, questioning if she had indeed been left behind.
Ibid. April Ajoy, a podcaster and author of the memoir “Star Spangled Jesus: Leave Christian Nationalism and Find True Faith,” recounted a traumatic moment from her childhood. “At 13, chatting on AOL Instant Messenger, I thought I had been left behind. I began to search for my family, who had simply gone for a walk.”
“It was incredibly traumatic,” Ajoy shared. She now prays that “God will turn off his phone” until she grows older, allowing her to graduate high school, marry, and experience intimacy for the first time. While simultaneously feeling excitement about the rapture, Ajoy acknowledged, “We were taught that it’s like a get-out-of-death-free card. You go straight to heaven, avoid dying, and bypass horrors on Earth.”
Rumors about the Rapture tend to spike in September, Ajoy mentioned, coinciding with Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday referenced in the Bible. “People often turn to talk about the rapture when they feel particularly out of control and frightened,” she noted.
On TikTok, fear isn’t always overt. Many #RaptureTok clips adopt a lighthearted tone, aligning well with the platform’s algorithms. Sarah Raines, a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania who studies religion and social media, has observed moms giving practical advice for the final hour while preparing for those left behind.
“They adopt a self-help language, common on social media, and attach it to the discourse around the rapture,” she explained. “Some might not genuinely believe it’s the moment of the rapture, yet they feel an essential awakening call to pay attention. They’re hedging their bets.”
It’s not just devoted followers lighting up #RaptureTok. Outside religious contexts, social media users are pushing for a systematic approach to hoarding supplies. One amusing video suggests left-behind individuals stockpile VHS copies of Shrek, implying it’s the new currency. Moreover, one X user remarked that September 23rd is also the day dedicated to bisexual visibility, highlighting that Jesus’ “second coming” would coincide with the public’s opportunity to come out.
So, on Thursday morning, what had changed? Sojo.net’s Huckabee remarked that if previous false alarms are any indication, there’s not much to worry about. Those who predicted the rapture and were proven wrong rarely take it as a cue to reevaluate their beliefs.
“There’s a very human fear of admitting, ‘I was wrong,'” Huckabee said. “I’ve seen people resign from jobs, believing Jesus was returning.”
The Cascadia subduction zone, a vast fault line extending from Northern California to British Columbia, has remained unsettlingly silent for 300 years. Should it finally rupture, a substantial earthquake is anticipated to shake the Pacific Northwest for several minutes.
Even more alarming, the resulting tsunami could generate waves reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters), wreaking havoc along the coast.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences indicates that this event would only mark the onset of Cascadia’s cataclysm.
As if waves equivalent in size to those of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami weren’t frightening enough, the latest analysis reveals land along the coast could subside by more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) almost instantaneously.
“We often discuss climate-induced sea level rises at a rate of 3-4 millimeters annually,” noted Professor Tina Dura, the lead author of the study, in an interview with BBC Science Focus. “But here, we could witness a 2-meter sea level rise in just a few minutes. Why aren’t we talking about that more?”
What Happens When Cascadia Erupts?
The Cascadia subduction zone represents the boundary where the oceanic Juan de Fuca plate descends beneath the North American plate. However, these tectonic plates tend to get stuck rather than moving freely. When they finally lock in place, immense pressure builds over centuries.
Once this pressure is released, it results in a formidable earthquake.
Cascadia is capable of producing earthquakes reaching magnitudes of 9.0 or higher, historically experienced once every 450-500 years. The last event occurred on January 26, 1700, with estimates suggesting its magnitude was likely between 8.7 and 9.2.
According to the US National Earthquake Hazard Model, there is a 15% chance of experiencing earthquakes of magnitude 8.0 or greater in this zone over the next 50 years.
Planning exercises conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 2022 predicted that these tremors could directly result in 5,800 fatalities, with an additional 8,000 lives lost to the tsunami.
Over 100,000 individuals could be injured, and more than 618,000 buildings could be damaged or destroyed, impacting over 2,000 schools and 100 critical facilities. The estimated economic impact: $134 billion.
“This will definitely be a catastrophic event for the United States,” Dura stated.
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Aftershocks That Will Last for Decades
While the earthquake and tsunami will be devastating on their own, Dura and her colleagues warn that the long-term consequences could be equally destructive.
By integrating historical records of past Cascadia earthquakes with geological data from numerical models, the researchers assessed how coastal landscapes may be altered due to subsidence from the sudden sinking of land during an earthquake.
If a Cascadia earthquake were to occur today, land at 24 estuaries stretching from southern Washington to northern California could drop anywhere from 0.23 to 2.67 meters (0.76 to 8.76 feet) in minutes.
This could significantly expand the 100-year flood plain by 300 square kilometers (115 square miles), meaning more homes, roads, and infrastructure would fall into at-risk areas. In a severe subsidence scenario, flood exposure could more than double.
“It’s a dual threat,” Dura explained. “The tsunami will be catastrophic, but we also know that some locations will face extreme impacts, while others will experience serious repercussions due to the geographic layout of the coast.”
Located in the US Pacific Northwest and southwest British Columbia, the Cascadia subduction zone last shifted in 1700, resulting in a major earthquake. – John Wesley Powell Analysis and Synthesis/Center for USGS
In 1700, the infrastructure suffered minimal damage. Today, the region is filled with critical systems that remain vulnerable to inundation. These include five airports, 18 emergency facilities (such as schools, hospitals, fire stations), eight wastewater treatment plants, one current, and 57 potential contamination sources like gas stations and chemical storages.
Submerged roads and flooded emergency hubs could severely impede recovery, while saltwater intrusion could damage farmland, resulting in long-term economic repercussions.
Furthermore, natural flood defenses like intertidal wetlands could be inundated or eroded, weakening protection against future storm surges. Rising tidal ranges could compound high-water flooding and may exacerbate the erosion of sandy coastlines.
“Once the tsunami hits and eventually recedes, the land will remain at a lower level,” Dura noted. “The flood plain footprint will evolve over decades, and even centuries.”
The Sooner It Hits, The Better
While the occurrence of an earthquake is inherently negative, the longer Cascadia remains quiet, the worse the ultimate disaster may be.
Researchers simulated what would occur if an earthquake were to strike in 2100 instead of today. With climate change, rising sea levels could exacerbate the consequences.
The global average sea level has already seen an increase of 21-24 cm (8-9 inches) since 1880, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Projections suggest an increase of at least 20 cm (2 feet) by 2100.
However, the situation in Cascadia is somewhat complex. As the Juan de Fuca plate slides beneath the North American plates, the land on the continent is gradually uplifted, temporarily masking the implications of global sea level rise.
This slow upward thrust won’t last indefinitely. Eventually, climate change will catch up, leading to a rise in sea levels in the Pacific Northwest on par with other areas. Consequently, the two challenges—tectonic and climatic—are converging.
“You can imagine that when the land subsides during the next earthquake, you suddenly have to contend with centuries of comparable sea level rise,” Dura remarked.
By 2100, even without earthquakes, researchers estimate that flood plains could expand by 100 square kilometers (40 square miles). This, combined with subsidence from a potential earthquake, could triple flood exposure compared to today, resulting in a flood plain enlargement of up to 370 square kilometers (145 square miles).
How Can You Prepare?
What steps can communities take to prepare for this complex threat that combines earthquakes, tsunamis, subsidence, and sea level rise?
Dura admitted that there is no straightforward solution.
“Cascadia presents a unique challenge due to its prolonged quietude,” she said. “It’s tough to keep residents informed about the risks without inciting undue panic. How do you prepare without instilling fear?”
As an initial measure, Dura’s team suggests incorporating their findings into flood hazard and tsunami maps and collaborating across agencies to enhance preparedness.
Key actions include identifying critical infrastructure in future flood zones, planning for relocation or adaptation, promoting nature-based solutions by raising public awareness, restoring wetlands, and carefully considering new developments in high-risk areas.
Is all hope lost? Dura insists that time is of the essence.
“There are certainly individuals actively working on this. I don’t want to undermine their efforts,” she said. “But we need more people engaged in the issue. Perhaps we lack adequate resources, funding, or personnel, but collective efforts are being made, and significant new research is emerging.”
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About Our Experts
Tina Dura is an assistant professor of natural disasters at Virginia Tech in the United States. She specializes in subduction zone paleogeography, integrating methodologies from coastal stratigraphy, sedimentology, microbiology, paleoconservation, geophysics, and sediment transport modeling, as well as sea level research to reconstruct the extensive history of subsidence along the coastal region.
Just like iconic duos such as fish and chips, Batman and Robin, and Jack and Jill, humans and dogs have always been destined to be together. But when did this special bond first form? Scientists may have finally discovered the answer.
A recent study led by researchers from the University of Arizona delved into archaeological sites in Alaska, unveiling that the connection between humans and the ancient ancestors of dogs traces back as far as 12,000 years ago.
“This study provides evidence that humans and dogs shared a close relationship in the Americas earlier than previously thought,” stated the lead author of the study, François Lanoe, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Arizona. François Lanoe
Initial excavations in 2018 uncovered the lower leg bones of an adult dog dating back 12,000 years in Alaska, shedding light on the close relationship between humans and dogs during that era, especially with signs of possible domestication on the rise.
A more recent excavation in June 2023 unearthed an 8,100-year-old dog jawbone in the same region, providing further evidence of the early human-canid bond. Chemical analysis of the bones revealed evidence of a diet consisting of salmon, suggesting human involvement in the dog’s lifestyle.
While these findings hint at the earliest known relationship between humans and dogs, researchers remain cautious due to the age of the specimens and uncertainties regarding their genetic relation to modern dog populations.
As research continues to unfold, the team hopes to clarify the intricate history behind the companionship between humans and canids, ensuring they are on the right evolutionary path.
Ministers have stated that the social media ban for under-16s is not currently being considered, despite teenagers urging a reconsideration of plans to restrict access to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat following Australia’s example.
Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science and Technology, issued a warning to social media platforms about potential fines and prison sentences for breaching online safety laws coming into effect next year. Efforts are being made to increase prevention of online harm.
During a meeting with teenagers at NSPCC headquarters, Mr. Kyle emphasized that there are no immediate plans to ban children from using smartphones, as it is not his preferred choice.
Teenagers expressed concerns about platform addiction and difficulties in seeking help for hacked accounts or offensive content, but did not call for a ban. They highlighted the importance of social connections, support, and safety.
Mr. Kyle’s initial comments about considering a ban caused worry among teenagers, but he clarified that a ban could be a possibility depending on evidence of its effectiveness, especially in light of similar legislation in Australia.
The main focus remains on preventing child fatalities linked to social media activity, with Mr. Kyle citing instances of tragic outcomes. Efforts are ongoing to enhance age verification software to protect children from inappropriate online content.
Uranus’ strange magnetic field may be much less strange than astronomers first thought, and it could mean that Uranus’ largest moon is much more active and perhaps even has a global ocean It means that there is.
The only direct measurement of Uranus’s magnetic field was obtained by NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft, which flew close to the planet in 1986. The spacecraft’s measurements suggested that the magnetic field was skewed, meaning it was not aligned with the planet’s rotation, and that it was an anomalous field. It is rich in highly energetic electrons and lacks the plasma that is common in the magnetic fields of other gas giant planets like Jupiter. Astronomers at the time thought the results were so strange that they either invoked complex physics to explain the measurements or simply dismissed them as evidence that Voyager 2’s instruments had gone awry.
now, jamie jasinski Researchers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California reanalyzed Voyager 2 data and found that a rare explosion of solar wind that crushed Uranus’ magnetic field just before the spacecraft arrived may have distorted the data, causing the measurements to I discovered that it was disturbed. This means everything we thought we knew about Uranus’ magnetic field may be wrong, Jasinski says. “This is almost like resetting everything,” he says.
Jasinski and his team found that the solar wind compressed Uranus’s magnetic field to a size that typically occurs only 4 percent of the time. But for the past 40 years, scientists have assumed that is the normal state of affairs. Jasinski says the collapse of the magnetic field explains some of the strange results so far, including the lack of plasma and high-energy electrons.
If there is indeed plasma in Uranus’ magnetic field, and Voyager 2 just happened to miss it, it’s possible that not all of it came from the planet itself. Some may have come from Uranus’ moons, the largest of which are called Titania and Oberon. Until now, these moons were thought to be inert, but new research leaves open the possibility that they may be geologically active after all. This is consistent with recent calculations that suggest there may be a hidden ocean on the moon. “The solar wind may have wiped out all evidence of an active satellite just before the flyby occurred,” Jasinski said.
Located on a traffic island on the outskirts of Coventry, a small yet dynamic organizing team from the GMB union is challenging Amazon with homemade signs and orange bucket hats.
In a historic vote last week, over 3,000 Amazon workers were given the opportunity to participate in a vote that could potentially lead to the company recognizing a trade union in the U.K. for the first time. This is part of a series of battles worldwide over union recognition at the retail-to-cloud conglomerate founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, now valued at over $2 trillion.
If successful, the GMB victory would grant workers the right to negotiate with Amazon on matters such as wages, hours, and holidays, something the famously anti-union company opposes. GMB also believes that recognition would give them an advantage in addressing health and safety concerns within the expansive Coventry warehouse, known as BHX4.
The ongoing campaign at BHX4 sheds light on the barriers unions face, despite promises from the new Labour government to bolster trade union influence.
Results of the vote, held after a month-long process, are expected on Monday. Workers have received support from local Labour Party MP Taiwo Owateme, who commended their efforts.
Kate Gorton, GMB member, union To raise awareness about voting, snacks, drinks and gifts were distributed to employees at the end of each shift. Photo: Fabio De Paola/Observer
At the approach to BHX4, a dedicated GMB team welcomes workers as they arrive for the night shift amidst the sounds of dhol drummers creating a festive atmosphere.
These workers are encouraged to vote “Yes!” and many show support by honking or signaling approval from their vehicles. The campaign aims to bring positive change to the work environment at BHX4.
Meanwhile, GMB activists at another entrance offer refreshments and free hats to workers, urging them to vote in favor of recognition.
Despite some workers bypassing the activists, many engage in conversation, accept hats and drinks, and express their support for GMB.
The GMB’s current push for full authorization is their second attempt after withdrawing the initial application last year, citing Amazon’s strategic hiring practices to influence the outcome.
As the vote results await, GMB and other trade unions remain hopeful for meaningful changes under Labour’s New Deal for Workers, advocating for stronger collective bargaining and workers’ rights.
Amidst Amazon’s resistance to unions globally, the Coventry activists persevere, optimistic that they can achieve historic recognition. The company maintains that employees have the choice to join a union and emphasizes its commitment to direct engagement with employees.
Uber reported annual operating profit for the first time as a limited liability company. It was a landmark moment for the company, which has spent billions of investors' money on an aggressive and often controversial expansion around the world.
The US taxi app company announced a profit of $1.1bn (£870m) in 2023, compared to a loss of $1.8bn the previous year.
The milestone has investors speculating about whether Uber will buy back stock or pay investors a dividend. Uber Chief Financial Officer Prashant Mahendra-Raja said the company will share its “capital allocation plan” with investors next week.
Uber stock rose 1% on Wednesday after initially falling. The company's stock has risen by more than a fifth through 2024 and doubled in the past 12 months, giving it a value of nearly $150 billion.
The company said customers have booked 2.6 billion trips in the past three months of 2023, which equates to about 28 million trips per day.
“2023 was a turning point for Uber, proving that we can continue to see strong, profitable growth at scale,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's chief executive officer. Our audience is bigger and more engaged than ever, and our platform powered an average of nearly 26 million trips every day last year.
Uber was founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Garrett Camp and Travis Kalanick. Kalanick took over as CEO in 2010 and continued its expansion, during which time the app quickly spread across the United States, followed by Europe and many cities around the world.
This growth has been made possible by Uber's embrace of the gig economy, where drivers in many countries are considered self-employed and are not entitled to things like sick pay or paid time off.
Mr. Kalanick's time as CEO was marked by a series of scandals and battles with regulators. In 2022, leaks reported by the Guardian revealed how Uber broke laws, deceived police, and secretly lobbied governments while rolling out its service.
Mr. Kalanick was replaced in 2017 by Mr. Khosrowshahi, the former chief executive of travel agency Expedia, in an effort to soften the company's image and focus on meeting regulators' requirements.
Dan Ives, an analyst at investment bank Wedbush, said Khosrowshahi has led “one of the greatest turnarounds in tech industry history” and that Uber is “not slowing down.”
Uber has consistently suffered significant operating losses since its stock listing on the New York Stock Exchange in May 2019. Losses increased from $3 billion in 2018 to $8.6 billion in 2019, then declined to $4.9 billion in 2020, $3.8 billion in 2021, and $1.8 billion in 2021. 2022.
Thanks in part to growing demand, the company made a profit in 2023. Gross booking value (the total amount paid by Uber riders and delivery customers) in the final quarter of 2023 increased 22% year over year to $37.6 billion. Uber's profit from these deals was $9.9 billion.
AI has great capabilities, but remains an expensive option for some tasks
Yuichiro Kayano/Moment RF/Getty Images
Artificial intelligence may find its way into many people's jobs, but AI computer vision technology is still cheap enough to be valuable to most U.S. companies today, according to Fortune 500 CEOs and Silicon Valley leaders. Not. This finding comes from a study of human tasks, particularly those involving vision, that are at risk of machine automation.
In this study, researchers focused on whether vision tasks involved in various human jobs are economically worth replacing with existing AI computer vision. “There are a lot of tasks that you can imagine applying AI to, but you wouldn't actually want to do because of the cost,” he says. neil thompson Co-authored by researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Published today as a working paper.
Thompson and colleagues identified 414 visual tasks in U.S. occupations that could potentially be automated with existing AI technology. These jobs include those of retail store supervisors who visually check to see if products have the correct price tag, or who notice dilated pupils or changes in cheek color that can be warning signs of potential problems. Includes a trained nurse anesthetist who monitors the patient's care.
The researchers calculated the cost of training and operating an AI computer vision model that can handle these tasks with the required precision. We then compared the cost of AI to the cost of human labor. The latter is expressed as a percentage of the employee's total salary and benefits. This is because visual tasks typically make up a small portion of a given employee's job duties.
As a result, while 36 percent of U.S. non-agricultural businesses have at least one employee task that can be automated with AI computer vision, there are few tasks that would be cost-effective to automate using AI. was found to be only 8%.
They also concluded that only 0.4 percent of U.S. non-farm worker pay and benefits is actually cost-effective for employers to automate.
The current cost of AI computer vision means that even large U.S. companies with 5,000 or more employees (over 99.9 percent of all U.S. companies) can cost-effectively automate less than one-tenth of their existing vision tasks. It means that.
While such a finding that AI computer vision would be too costly for most U.S. companies “may sound like a reassuring finding,” “there may be other consequences.” [AI] “Applications with low automation costs.” Gino Gancia at Queen Mary University of London.
rush to Adopts “generation AI” The ability to create new content is already having a negative impact on the number of jobs available and the incomes of human freelancers on online platforms such as: upwork. Gancia's research also shows that regions of the U.S. with industries that are more advanced in adopting AI, such as California, are already experiencing greater job losses.
“In general, we find that new technologies spread unevenly,” Gancia says. “As a result, automation and AI are likely to contribute to increasing inequality between businesses and workers.”
Thompson and his colleagues expect a significant amount of human work to be automated in the long term. But that depends on how quickly the costs of training and developing AI technology come down.
“There is going to be a significant amount of automation going forward, so governments need to start preparing for it,” Thompson said. “But there is plenty of time to put in place real programs that can bring benefits. [displaced] Worker. “
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