“Plants lack ears and brains, so they can’t experience music like we do…”
Credit: Michele Cornelius/Alamy
Do you serenade your plants? As a botanist passionate about houseplants, I often get asked this. The idea of playing music for plants gained traction in the 1960s, alongside the rise of “music for plants” albums, and it’s making a comeback online. But what does current research reveal about this enduring topic?
Clearly, plants lack ears or brains, so they cannot enjoy music in the way humans do. However, recent studies, including one study, indicate that they can detect vibrations in their environment and adapt their behavior accordingly. For instance, mouse worms exposed to the sound of caterpillar chewing produced high levels of a defensive bitter toxin. Astonishingly, plants can differentiate between the vibrations caused by munching insects and those from wind or mating calls, activating their defenses only when threatened.
Moreover, plants react to the sounds of opportunity. Certain flowers, like tomatoes, blueberries, and kiwis, ignore the buzzing of non-pollinating bees and release pollen only when stimulated by the vibrations of specific pollinators. This response can be rapid; for example, evening primrose flowers show changes in nectar composition within three minutes of being played sounds of bees in flight: Rich in sweet rewards. Researchers even reported pea plants can shift their root growth toward the sound of flowing water.
Nonetheless, as anyone who’s heard a seven-year-old on a recorder can attest, there’s a significant distinction between noise and “music.” Experiments aimed at assessing music’s impact on plant growth yielded mixed results. A recent study found certain music tracks enhanced lettuce growth significantly, while alfalfa showed no improvement.
Another investigation into background noise discovered that sage and marigold plants exposed to 16 hours of continuous traffic noise daily exhibited notably reduced growth. Could this continual noise be obstructing plants’ ability to perceive vital sound cues? At this stage, that remains uncertain.
The takeaway? Recent studies reveal that plants are not entirely oblivious to sound; in fact, they are significantly impacted by it. Yet, much about the specifics remains unclear, so we can’t definitively predict which sounds, at what frequencies or volumes, will yield desired results. So before you consider blasting Katy Perry for your plants’ benefit, remember that they might not appreciate it—and neither will your neighbors.
James Wong is a botanist and science writer focused on food crops, conservation, and environmental issues. Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, he personally owns over 500 houseplants in his compact apartment. Follow him on X and Instagram @botanygeek.
The haunting sound emerged first. Inside the Bart Railroad tunnel in San Francisco, Don Veca recorded the piercing metallic screech of a train. “It was both beautiful and disturbing, like a demon in torment,” he reflects. This haunting audio became one of the most iconic elements of 2008’s Dead Space.
“We unleashed that industrial shriek at full volume right after a vacuum of silence, creating one of the most impactful sonic contrasts in gaming,” Veca recalls, having made a name for himself as the audio director for the Dead Space series. “Our game designers were not fans, but our higher-ups embraced it. Eventually, it became legendary.”
Nearly twenty years since Dead Space first had players gripping their controllers in fear, horror game designers worldwide continue to pursue that same thrill. So, how do they discover new methods to terrify gamers, and what drives our relentless attraction to horror?
sounds of fear
Ask anyone involved in developing classic horror games, and they will likely agree: authentic fear begins with sound.
Veca highlights that it starts at a psychological level. “It stems from the mind: not the fear of what is, but of what might come,” he explains. “The genuine fear isn’t from a thief with a weapon. It’s the shadow lurking behind the door, the unnerving silence, the certainty that something approaches… yet the timing and nature of it remain unknown.”
This element of unpredictability became a cornerstone of Dead Space’s audio design. “We created suspense like a rising tide,” Veca describes. “Something might happen… Something might happen… and then nothing occurs, just the household kitten. You laugh, the adrenaline fades, and moments later, there’s a burst of claws, blood, and screams!”
Infection…Dead Space. Photo: EA
Jason Graves, the BAFTA-winning composer behind Dead Space and 2015’s Until Dawn, concurs. “Sound and music set the stage for fear. It’s about the build-up, the tension, and the moment of release when something appears.”
Graves even regarded the score as a form of infectious entity. “In Dead Space, something corrupts the crew and transforms them into monsters, so I ‘infected’ the orchestra,” he explains. “No peculiar techniques, no instrument tapping, no chords, just clusters and tension.” When a player thinks it’s silent, it could be each of the 60 strings playing a note softly. This creates a dynamic, constantly evolving soundscape.
If there are any doubts regarding the significance of sound, Graves offers a challenge. “My daughter played ‘Until Dawn’ and was frightened throughout. I suggested muting it, but she completed it anyway. This illustrates how our brains function; we can perceive an atmosphere even without visuals. Monsters lurking under the bed, shadows in the water—our imaginations amplify the dread. It’s ten times more terrifying than anything we show them.”
human element
For cult game developer Swery (real name Hidetaka Suehiro), horror transcends cheap thrills; it delves into the essence of humanity. He began pondering what truly frightens players when his mentor, Resident Evil creator Tokuro Fujiwara, posed the question, “What constitutes fear in games?”
Hidetaka Suehiro, known as Swery, is a game developer. Photo: White Owls Co., Ltd.
“I was in my twenties and simply said, ‘Game over,’” Swery recalls. “He responded: ‘So, isn’t a game without a “game over” scary? What about a haunted house that doesn’t inflict damage?’ I was stumped. I’ve been searching for the answer ever since.”
This curiosity laid the foundation for 2010’s Deadly Premonition, a surreal horror experience set in a small town that combines absurd humor with existential dread. “Before we created the horror aspect, we established a clear vision: to construct a town and its inhabitants. We developed the story post-creation of the town,” he recounts.
“At the core of fear lies humanity,” Swery added. “Human beings possess inner complexity and suffering, are fragile, and can succumb to evil… that’s the essence.”
While monsters may symbolize our fears, for Thomas Grip, game director of the critically acclaimed 2015 deep-sea horror game Soma, horror is also about exploring the human experience rather than merely the malevolent.
“I believe it embodies a different type of fear,” he says. “There are no grand plot twists or constant frights. The focus is on compelling players to confront uncomfortable inquiries: What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be conscious? What renders life worthwhile?”
Dismissing gore and dark surprises, at Soma, silence and philosophical inquiry become central to the experience. “The key to horror narratives across mediums is allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions,” Grip emphasizes. “If the narrative merely declares, ‘There’s something eerie, please be scared,’ it lacks depth. The most effective horror provokes deeper contemplation.”
Terror of the deep sea…Soma. Photo: Friction game
The unknown and a twist on the familiar
Another element of delight is the fear of the unknown, with anxiety often stemming from what remains unseen. “You shouldn’t reveal everything,” Grip states. “Players are granted only a glimpse, allowing their imaginations—filled with personal fears and anxieties—to fill the void. That’s where genuine horror resides.” The creatures in Soma embody that notion. “The key lies in familiarity,” he explains. “The best monsters evoke the thought, ‘Something is off…’ and the more they are seen, the more chilling they become. People respond strongly to things that appear infectious and unhealthy, triggering a primal fear.”
In the 2021 indie horror sensation Poppy Playtime, horror takes on a playful twist within a charming yet deadly toy factory. “Nostalgia is inherently vulnerable. When we reflect on our childhoods, we often associate them with safety, but when those memories are distorted, we experience a visceral reaction,” comments Zach Belanger, CEO of Poppy Playtime Studios, Mob Entertainment.
“The effectiveness of Huggy Wuggy lies in our inquiry, ‘How can something feel both delightful and unsettling simultaneously?’” he declares regarding the game’s fluffy antagonist.
Pixels are scary…loop // error. Illustration: Coropixel Studio
Psychological horror in 2025’s loop // error invokes dread through suggestion, leveraging a blocky black-and-white pixel art style that leaves details to the imagination. “Utilizing pixelated visuals and a conscious absence of color creates an unusual atmosphere; your mind visualizes something that isn’t actually present,” says Koro, an independent developer. “It’s reminiscent of recalling a nightmare: hazy and incomplete yet emotionally potent.”
“The horror in Loop//Error is not reliant on clichés,” Koro adds. “It springs from deep within the human psyche, observing your mental collapse and realizing that the most terrifying place you can be trapped is within yourself.”
interactive elements
Lastly, another significant component that heavily influences horror in video games is interactivity.
“In games, you’re not just passive observers; you’re immersed in the experience, which heightens your emotions. Your heart races, yet you retain control,” explains psychologist Kieron Auckland, a cyberpsychology expert at Arden University.
Daniel Knight, creator of the 2020 ghost-hunting multiplayer game Phasmophobia, concurs. “The game fully engulfs you in fear,” he describes of the title that captivated Twitch audiences upon its release. “When you open a door or step into a dark space, you’re the one who feels the terror. You bear the consequences of what unfolds.”
Grip also believes this aspect contributes to the genre’s sustainability. “In video games, you make choices that lead you toward peril,” he states. “It’s personal. The fear arises from you being the one stepping into a dimly lit passage.”
Ultimately, horror films revolve around actions taken in darkness, whereas video games afford players a chance for exploration.
I
For the last week, I’ve been experiencing a bizarre hiking adventure instead of engaging in normal life activities, all thanks to a frustrating character known as Nate. In
Baby Steps, you control this hapless individual who has spent 35 years doing nothing but lounging in his parents’ basement and binge-watching anime. When he decides to put on an adult costume, he finds himself at the foot of a surreal mountain adorned with suggestive imagery. Your task is to guide him to the summit by manipulating his legs independently, using the controller’s triggers to lift and the analog sticks to place them.
The challenge level is off the charts. Occasionally, Nate moves down gentle slopes, but more often than not, he navigates narrow planks, ascends dunes in tiny steps, and clings to rocky ledges with his toes. He repeatedly stumbles and falls, whimpering as he slides down muddy slopes and sandy shores, while his onesie gets increasingly filthy. I keep getting up and attempting again, occasionally interrupted by an Australian man with wild eyes or a pants-less donkey character who mocks me but extends a hand of assistance—only for Nate to angrily decline.
Early in the game, Nate is presented with a pair of shoes. Will he accept them? Absolutely not. (To be fair, they’re a bit oversized.)
Photo: Devolver Digital
The moment you lose focus, Nate loses his as well. After three hours of this outrageous experience, falling off my board into a river, I trudged back to the campsite from where my hike began. All I managed to accomplish was locating a silly propeller hat, which only added to my burdens as I had to stop and retrieve it after each tumble. I rarely feel like crying while gaming, but the sight of that campsite nearly broke me.
Picture enduring these setbacks for hours, only to end up in a dimly lit space filled with a lantern that Nate inexplicably keeps dropping. It’s pitch dark unless you backtrack for it, and navigating the escalator has to be done flawlessly; otherwise, you’re treated to seconds of watching Nate’s backside as he slowly descends. Following that, the exit is a labyrinthine path on a sandy ledge where Nate’s feet continually seem to get lost. I found myself stuck there for so long, grappling with my thoughts, rising frustration, and Nate’s company. Every chapter of Baby Steps takes the sadistic challenge to new levels.
So why persist? Aside from the undeniable fact that I probably need to unpack my issues in therapy, I refuse to let this game defeat me. It’s more than just playful slapstick (watching Nate tumble down a mudslide is sheer comedy). The improvised dialogue and absurd scenarios are genuinely hilarious. The developers voice the characters themselves, and every cutscene offers a delightful break from the chaos. There’s even an optional desert challenge where players scale sandy slopes to collect icy trophies before they melt. As Nate continuously returns to the ice cream vendor in deepening despair, even the developer’s voice starts to waver.
While it may seem like a cruel game where we laugh at this unfortunate man’s misadventures, there’s a deeper meaning. Even though I often found myself frustrated with Nate and considered quitting to avoid witnessing his constant flailing, I gradually began to empathize with him. He’s the epitome of a societal loser, yet he’s trying. In spite of his intense social anxiety, masculine insecurities, and clear self-hatred, he attempts to put one foot in front of the other in a poignant metaphor for life.
Upon finishing a chapter, you encounter a melancholic 8-bit mini-game summarizing Nate’s past: his disheartened parents, successful sister, and lackluster romantic encounters. As I progressed, I could see how Nate arrived at his current state. Although I wasn’t as personally involved as some players might be, I developed a protective instinct towards him and didn’t want to abandon him, no matter the cost.
This game also elicited my worst tendencies. I cursed at Nate every time my foot slipped from what I thought was a secure situation. But among all the discouraging moments, there were instances where I painfully felt gratitude after finally mustering the patience to push Nate forward in his journey. “Baby Steps” is whimsical yet profound. Having played games for three decades, I can confidently say I’ve never encountered anything quite like this. For a game focused on failure, it prompted surprisingly deep reflection and emotion.
You’ll need a good dose of self-deprecation to fully appreciate all that this game has to offer, but that’s not a high aspiration. After about 10 hours, I was determined to finish it. Along the way, I encountered a vast spiral staircase reaching into the clouds. To the right: a perilous cliffside path, ominously referred to as “Manbreaker” by an Australian guide. “You can’t do it. You’re gonna fail miserably for the next five years… You’ll eventually get so exasperated that you’ll just ascend these damn stairs.”
“I vow to never ascend these stairs,” Nate replied indignantly.
I gazed at the path ahead, rolling upwards into obscurity. I imagined potential slips and falls even before finding my footing. For the following days, I would hurl myself at this rock wall, envisioning my life progressing incrementally with each ticking hour. I pictured my partner and kids entering the living room, astonished and concerned, finding me once again playing Baby Steps and making no headway whatsoever.
Learning to play an instrument encompasses both cognitive and creative pursuits
Andrew Fox/Alamy
Engaging in music training seems to enhance reading comprehension among young children by boosting their ability to discern and manipulate the sounds that constitute words.
Research has long suggested a connection between learning to play musical instruments and improved early reading skills, as shown in studies like Improved early reading ability and Mathematics. However, the mechanics behind this connection were previously unclear, as mastering an instrument requires a plethora of skills.
“Beyond reading musical notes—which necessitates learning a new form of written language—you must also perceive the sounds and adjust your physical movements accordingly,” highlighted Maria Garcia de Soria from the University of Aberdeen, UK. This process indicates that music education can enrich our cognitive abilities, enhance memory, and improve sound perception.
To further investigate the relationship between music training and reading abilities, Garcia de Soria and her team assessed 57 children aged 5 to 9. Approximately half of these children had engaged in instrumental study for at least one month with a practice schedule of a minimum of 30 minutes per week, while the others participated in non-musical extracurricular activities.
The researchers discovered that the children involved in music lessons outperformed their peers on phonological awareness tests. This skill relates directly to the capacity to recognize and manipulate the individual sounds—or phonemes—that constitute words, such as the three phonemes found in “dog.” Additionally, they demonstrated enhanced reading proficiency.
The research team accounted for various factors that could influence literacy levels, including socioeconomic status and overall cognitive capability.
In a separate component of the study, researchers utilized EEG to monitor and analyze the brain activity of the children while they were exposed to the Gingerbread Man fairy tale.
They observed that heightened neural activity in the language-related regions of the left hemisphere of the brain correlated with better reading performance across all participants. Notably, the music group recorded higher reading scores despite lower levels of this neural activity, suggesting a more developed capacity for adult-like language processing.
“Adults typically engage music and speech processing across both hemispheres, occasionally favoring the right side. It appears that children receiving music training develop more adult-like capabilities in this area,” noted Garcia de Soria.
This finding connects to the way individuals adapt their reading strategies as they mature, moving from sounding out phonemes to recognizing words and their meanings without mental rehearsal, explained team member Anastasia Klimovich-Gray at the University of Aberdeen.
Phonological recognition is a crucial precursor to learning how to read, which supports the idea that music education can enhance literacy by fostering increased sensitivity to phonological structures, according to Klimovich-Gray. However, it’s not necessarily a one-sided relationship; Garcia de Soria added, “Music fosters reading skills, but reading may also bolster future music performance.”
Demonstrating that these skills can mutually enhance one another may assist children who struggle with reading, Klimovich-Gray explained. “For those facing phonological challenges early on, potentially before a dyslexia diagnosis, music training could provide supplementary support alongside phonics instruction.”
“The revelation that music training refines the phonological encoding processes in the left hemisphere aligns with broader academic findings,” stated Alice Mado Proverbio at the University of Bicocca in Milan, Italy. Furthermore, music education may also cultivate specialization in the right hemisphere of the brain, which promotes faster reading development, she concluded.
The Nintendo Switch 2 certainly leaves a strong impression at first glance, but as the initial excitement diminishes, it’s the games that will sway hesitant buyers. Mario Kart World shines as a multiplayer marvel, and while the original Pokemon Scarlet/Violet and Zelda titles have received impressive updates for the new console, there’s a noticeable lack of exclusive Nintendo launch titles for the Switch (aside from the £8 tech demo, Nintendo Switch 2 welcome tour).
Fortunately, other developers have stepped up and delivered a host of updated games that have been available on other platforms for a while now. Once you tire of Mario Kart World, what should you try next?
The World of Hitman’s Assassination: Signed Edition
Elegance in stealth… Hitman: A world of assassinations. Photo: IO Interactive
Hitman is designed for replayability, boasting intricately crafted assassination missions in locations ranging from the stunning Amalfi Coast to eerie British countryside manors. Developer IO Interactive hosts live events that periodically enhance this morally ambiguous stealth experience. In handheld mode, the assassination world appears particularly breathtaking. The Switch 2’s HDR display adds vibrant colors to the iconic Berlin nightclub level, and Agent 47 retains the same intensity even in docked mode.
How good is Switch 2? 4/5
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
An ambitious port… Cyberpunk 2077. Photo: CD Projekt
CD Projekt Red takes on another challenging port with this third-party launch title from two years ago. While The Witcher 3 struggled with the Switch’s capabilities, Cyberpunk 2077 performs impressively. This sci-fi RPG, although notorious for initial issues on PS4 and Xbox One, is quite playable on Switch 2, featuring enhanced mouse controls and motion control options for indoor missions and cutscenes. However, when racing through Night City’s streets, the processor shows strain, especially during the Phantom Liberty expansion, resulting in visuals that can blur and soften around you. For those who yearn to immerse themselves in Cyberpunk 2077 and own only this console, it’s a commendable effort, but for everyone else, playing it on a PS5, Xbox, or a capable PC is the way to go.
Though a 3DS game wasn’t the first title I anticipated seeing on the new £400 console, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Bravely Default HD revitalizes one of the standout RPGs of the past year. Free from the constraints of the smaller screen, its beautifully illustrated world bursts with life and detail. Although some character models reveal their 3DS origins in cutscenes, this charming game looks fantastic in 4K and even better on the Switch 2’s 1080p handheld display. For fans of classic RPGs reminiscent of Final Fantasy IX, this is a must-play.
How good is Switch 2? 4/5
Sonic x Shadow: Generation
A blue blur of charm… Sonic x Shadow Generation. Photo: Sega
With Mario racing ahead and Donkey Kong set to follow, Sonic’s new entry on the Switch 2 does not disappoint. This remake truly shines in handheld mode, delivering a brilliant fusion of color and speed that captivates on its vibrant screen. The 2011 remake of Sonic Generations includes an exciting new Y2K-themed shadow-centric expansion, along with the Super Mario 3D World Expansion Bowser’s Fury. However, the disappointment lies with Sega’s pricing; unlike last year’s Switch release, there’s no discounted upgrade pass for Switch 1 owners, leaving them with the feeling of being shortchanged.
How good is Switch 2? 3/5
Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess
Deserving of recognition… Kunitsu-gami: Path of the Goddess. Photo: Capcom
One of the most intriguing games of 2024, this title makes its mark on Switch 2 with impressive results. Compared to other launch ports, Kunitsu-gami is strikingly similar to its PS5 counterpart when docked, reviving this underappreciated game for a second chance on Nintendo’s latest console. Its village defense mechanics mesh smoothly with the Switch 2 gameplay style, making it particularly enjoyable on a TV, even though handheld mode sacrifices some visual fidelity.
How good is Switch 2? 4/5
Yakuza 0: Director’s Cut
Visual highlights abound… Yakuza 0. Photo: Sega
Delving into Tokyo’s underground scene from the ’80s is a journey I’ve started numerous times but often abandoned. After trying the Sublime Switch 2 port, I finally opted to immerse myself in the story of Kiryu. It features stunning lighting and runs in 4K at 60FPS when docked, marking it as a graphical gem for Nintendo’s hybrid console, alongside Hitman. With a plot filled with drama, betrayal, wacky side quests, and lively karaoke, Yakuza 0 provides an unforgettable story-driven experience with a newly added 25-minute cutscene.
How good is Switch 2? 5/5
Street Fighter 6
Fluid and engaging… Street Fighter 6. Photo: Capcom
As I stepped into the brawling world of RYU on Switch 2, memories of the 3DS launch game Super Street Fighter IV 3D flooded back. The combat is fluid and responsive, ensuring consistent frame rates vital for a fighting game. While Street Fighter 6’s art style dazzles on the PS5, the character designs seem slightly off-brand on Switch 2, with odd proportions that can be distracting. For newcomers, these visual quirks may go unnoticed, but for seasoned fighters accustomed to other platforms, it may feel somewhat lacking.
How good is Switch 2? 3/5
Puyon Puyotetris 2
A lackluster sequel… Puyon Puyotetris 2. Photo: Sega
Sega has once again failed to impress with Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. This ‘upgrade’ to the existing Switch game offers minimal enhancements, adding a few new multiplayer modes, but fails to leverage improved resolutions or frame rates. It’s frustrating to see such a lazy port launch at a premium price; sticking with the original Switch version is a better bet for puzzle enthusiasts.
How good is Switch 2? 1/5
High Speed Fusion
High-octane thrills… Fast Fusion. Photo: Shin’en Media
The Switch 2’s launch lineup offers few standout titles, but this download-only game shines. Fast Fusion is a four-player racer that combines elements of Wipeout and F-Zero for just £13.49. Much like Shin’en’s previous works, Fast Fusion is a visual showcase, utilizing the Switch 2’s capabilities impressively. Packed with customizable vehicles, online competitions, and a pulsating soundtrack, Fast Fusion is a thrilling racing experience to compete with Mario Kart.
And there is the evolutionary rarity of carnivorous caterpillars. And now, scientists have discovered not only a food for other insects, but also a very hungry caterpillar.
Called The Bone Collector, this scary taste in Caterpillar and Couture was explained in the Journal on Thursday Science. “The behavior was completely unknown,” said Daniel Rubinoff, an entomologist and research author at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. His team initially compared caterpillars to raw crime scenes.
Bone collector’s caterpillar is found only within the six-square miles of a single mountain range on Oahu. So it only exists in co-necks spun by spiders in logs and rock caves. When caterpillars almost slip about the web, they clean dead insects and other arthropods that have been soaked in sticky silk.
According to David Wagner, an entomologist at the University of Connecticut, Caterpillar’s reliance on Spiders presents one of nature’s most unlikely connections, as he was not involved in new research. “It’s amazing how caterpillars tie their fate to spiders. It’s clear and current danger for both caterpillars and moth,” Dr. Wagner said. He only knows one other species that frequently visits spider nets. But the species are vegetarians who snack on plant ingredients caught in the web.
Dr. Rubinoff first encountered the bone collector’s caterpillar in 2008 while examining the inner web of a hollow tree. Caterpillars are extremely rare. Over 150 field studies in the area produced only 62 bone collector specimens.
Scientists determined that bone collectors belong to hyposporoma, a diverse genus of small moth species found only in Hawaii. The larva stage rotates silk protective cases that resemble everything from Kandi wrappers to cigars.
Like hermit crabs, these caterpillars carry their cases before moving before appearing as fully grown moth. Some species decorate mobile homes with wood, algae and shells to blend into the environment.
Bone collector Caterpillar gives an eerie spin on his practice. Using silk, caterpillars weave small pieces of dead insects they encounter on the spider web. Researchers have identified parts from six families of insects attached to caterpillars, including the heads of weevils and the abdomen of beetles. Caterpillar also incorporates fragments of the exoskeleton molted by Arachnid’s neighbors.
Dr. Rubinoff and his colleagues brought some bone collectors back to the lab. They were surprised at how loud the caterpillars were when they were to decorate their lawsuit. “These caterpillars can identify differences in the objects of their environment,” Dr. Rubinov said. The larvae chose to avoid other available debris and harvest only from insect corpses.
But the ruins are not. Caterpillar uses the lower jaw to carefully rotate and investigate future body parts. Something too large will bite you in a more comfortable size.
The caterpillars gathering bones are too noisy about their diet. The team discovered that caterpillars, including one another, eat insect prey that can catch.
But they have to fight against an eight-legged landowner. The team observed bone collector caterpillars that frequently and frequently visit the web of at least four introduced spider species. The team assumes that Caterpillar’s horrifying outfits will help disguise them among insects trapped in the web. Dr. Wagner suspects caterpillars will undermine the appeal of their culinary culinary by disguising them as “a pile of garbage” of objects that the spiders didn’t scarf down.
The bone collector approach appears to be working. Researchers never observed spiders consuming bone collectors or engulfing them in silk.
The team studied bone collector genetics and determined that it was likely that it diverged from other carnivorous hypofluvium caterpillars more than 5 million years ago. This may be millions of years before Oahu emerged from beneath the sea, and the ancestors of bone collectors once lived on other islands.
Bone collector’s current paradise slices may be at risk. Caterpillars have adapted to thrive in nets spun by non-native spider species, but their habitat is threatened by invasive ants and parasitic wasps. According to Dr. Rubinoff, conservation attention is desperately needed to save endemic arthropods in Hawaii.
s
Ixty minutes – It reminds us how much time Nintendo spent on Wednesday afternoons and that no other video game makers have produced such joy. It was the Nintendo live stream we’ve been waiting for: Dive deep into a new console After a lot of speculation. Certainly, Switch 2 is the company’s first real hardware sequel. This is not a radical new kit, but an updated, sploaded version of its predecessor. But the update is an interesting part.
Naturally, I’m getting a larger (7.9 inch, to be precise) screen that appears in full HD at 1080p. But we’re rethinking the Joy-Con controller that clicks on the console via a powerful magnet, rather than a hard slider, which we all put in the wrong way. The buttons are also large so adults can play Mario Kart with similar skills. However, the main new feature of the controller is the new rollerball, which allows each one to operate as a mouse. This allows for new point-and-click features and some interesting control options. I love showing this at a wheelchair basketball game. There, the controller is simulated by sliding it over a long surface to push the wheels.
Nintendo Switch 2.
The new Mario Kart game, Mario Kart World, looks pretty nice. It’s probably inspired by things like Forza Horizon and Test Drive Unlimited and offers an open world to drive. There are also circuit races and endurance competitions where you drive from one side of the map to the other. According to the trailer shown during the live stream, 24 drivers will be able to participate in each race. This will most likely take part in the history of the series. There is also a free roam mode where you can explore where you want or take a scenic drive with friends.
“With Friends” was definitely the theme of the stream. A new C button on Joy-Con opens the GameChat facility. This allows you to start group discussions with friends and family who also own the Switch 2 console. If you also purchase a Switch 2 camera, there is also a video chat option. Like the candy coloured version of Zoom, your companions will be visible along the bottom of the screen when you play the game, and you can chat all of them, even if you’re playing something else. Several trailers shown during the presentation even suggest that video footage from friends will be incorporated into the game itself. This is where Nintendo is always doing its best. Finding new ways to embarrass yourself or to confuse or please your older relatives.
Donkey Kong: Bananza 2 on the Switch. Photo: Nintendo
Was this a knockout victory for Nintendo? Well, there was a Many As for the game’s announcement, I didn’t get a new 3D Mario Adventure, but it sometimes comes after a while after its release. Also, fans have already made Tutankyu about the game’s price. The machine is on sale for an acceptable £395.99 (or £429.99 bundled with Mario Kart World), but Mario Kart World appears to be a retailer for £75. There’s a lot, but Mario Kart 8 lasted throughout the Switch’s lifespan, with most owners getting hundreds of hours of entertainment.
The pre-order process, which opens on April 8th, will be interesting. Scalper turned the release of the Xbox Series X and PS5 into an ugly and expensive drama using Sony’s Machine It’s on sale for $2,000 At some point thanks to limited availability.
Nintendo is good at joy and this really looks like a lovely machine. But amidst a far cry from joy, fans (and their parents) are looking very closely at pre-order and sales figures over the coming weeks.
What to do
The tough brain challenge… Rosewater. Photo: Grundislav Game
I’ve been a Western Adventure Games sucker ever since playing Accolade’s classic Western law for the Commodore 64. Rose water Following journalist Harley Leger, a steampunk-infused point-and-click puzzle, arrives in the prestigious frontier town for work in a local newspaper, but instead gets caught up in a treasure hunt.
Created by Grundislav Games, this is the spiritual successor to the studio’s 2018 title, Lamplight City, but it can come to this fresh one. It’s full of interesting characters and tough brain challenges, and the crisp pixel art is the treatment of Rootin, Tutin. sorry.
Available at: PC, Mac Estimated playtime: 15-20 hours
What to read
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was originally intended for the Wii U. Photo: Nintendo
Probably, Nintendo Switch 2 News, timing it to match the polygon There are works About playing Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Wii u,This was the intended platform of the previous machine before it reached the switch. Many people have forgotten that they actually got the Wii-U release, but was that… OK? But an interesting read.
New Industry Site Game Business There is an interview With Alan Tuscan, head of the Netflix games. He sees Wii-style family video games as the future of the platform. “For party games, I think you can use your phone as a very innovative controller. Every phone that has a gyroscope, you have a microphone, so you have a speaker, do you have a touchscreen? Um, as you can, Sony showed PlayLink technology on the PlayStation 4 a few years ago. Maybe Netflix will hang a little more there.
As a fan of the strange horror game of the mid-1990s, I was so happy to meet Christian Donlan. Written for Eurogamer About Harlan Ellison’s twisted terror adventure, I I have no mouth and I need to scream. The story of the last survivors of a computer-initiated nuclear war, tortured by their approvers, could not be made in a more timely manner.
This week I continued Blue skiing To ask questions and this concise enquiry game Rainer Sigur:
“Where is the game counter?culture? Does it exist? ”
My equally concise answer is: it’s complicated. This depends on how the term is interpreted.
My copy of the concise Oxford English Dictionary defines counterculture as follows: It could mostly embrace the entire independent game development community, but it could be more specific.
Perhaps Bennett Foddy’s hyper-challenging game is countercultural, as it is not intuitive to purposefully control. Or maybe www.theguardian.com
circleWhether referred to as manifestos or contracts, the documents released by political parties before elections often lack substance despite their length. Filled with idealistic scenarios, vague proposals, and questionable cost estimates, it’s difficult to gauge the true impact each party’s implementation would have on the UK. To investigate this, I’ve been inputting party documents into the political strategy video game Democracy 4 to see the outcomes. The results are… well, you can see for yourself.
Democracy 4 allows players to simulate their political fantasies or nightmares and witness how their decisions influence their chances of re-election. Developed by Positech Games, the game models various democracies, including the UK, with their respective institutions, government policies, and tax rates based on publicly available data. The simulation features thousands of virtual voters, each with unique characteristics. For example, the majority of UK citizens identify as capitalists, but they may also be middle-income, affluent, or farmers, commuters, or self-employed.
Democracy 4 serves as an approximate representation of the British political landscape of 2024, offering insights into the potential outcomes of each major party’s agenda. By testing the policies of the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats, the game reveals who stands to benefit, who may be adversely affected, and whether any real progress can be achieved.
Simulated UK demographics. Photo: Positech Games
Keep in mind that Democracy 4 does not simulate Scotland and Wales separately, thus unable to capture the nuances of the SNP and Plaid Cymru’s plans. I have focused on the Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats in my simulations. Each party assumes power with a slim 10% majority on July 5th, facing similar economic challenges. Can Labour bridge the funding gap across all sectors by boosting the UK economy? Will the Conservatives’ tax cuts stimulate business growth? And can the Liberal Democrats’ wealth tax and public service investments eliminate the national debt deficit?
During the activities, participants wore headsets that detected brain waves and filled out questionnaires detailing their emotional states afterward.
Researchers discovered that when playing with Aro using sound-producing toys or taking him for a walk along a park path, participants’ alpha brain waves, indicating stability and relaxation, were more pronounced. This suggests an increased sense of rest and relaxation.
Engaging with Alo, brushing, and giving gentle massages to the dog strengthened beta brain waves associated with attention and concentration. This indicates improved concentration without added stress.
After completing all eight activities, participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed.
Studies have shown that activities like massaging Aro, offering treats, and hugs can enhance people’s moods. Participants also felt more at ease and relaxed while walking and massaging the dog.
“This study illustrates that certain activities with dogs can boost relaxation, emotional stability, alertness, concentration, and creativity by stimulating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “Interacting with dogs can reduce stress and evoke positive emotional responses.”
Past studies indicate that dogs may help alleviate symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, although the efficacy of the intervention remains ambiguous.
A 2022 survey revealed that veterans and first responders with service dogs experienced fewer PTSD symptoms than those without. However, having a dog as a pet had a minimal impact.
A 2020 clinical trial indicated that service dogs were slightly more effective in improving PTSD symptoms in veterans compared to emotional support dogs. Regardless, both types of dogs demonstrated some improvement in PTSD symptoms.
Therapy dogs from an organization called UCLA People-Animal Connection shake hands. Provided by Jennifer Dobkin
Research also suggests that for “pet therapy” to be effective, individuals must have a liking for animals.
“I was actually traumatized by dogs when I was younger, so I never fully embraced them to know if I would feel the same level of comfort,” stated Kathryn Magruder, a professor of psychiatry at the university and author of the 2020 clinical trial.
Jennifer Dobkin manages an animal therapy program called UCLA People-Animal Connection for medical patients and staff and has witnessed firsthand how interactions with dogs can aid in focus and relaxation.
“Staff members who are stressed and having a rough day visibly relax their posture. They smile. They tell us things like ‘You have no idea how much I needed this,'” she remarked.
Dobkin recounted a situation where her terrier mix dog, Toto, helped a grieving family find solace amid the sorrow and stress of losing a loved one.
Children at Stuart House in Santa Monica, Calif., also engaged with therapy dogs like a golden retriever and Labrador named North, bringing comfort and support to those coping with traumatic experiences.
“Our dogs are present to help children navigate discussions about extraordinarily stressful events they have endured. I believe it aids in concentration and provides a sense of comfort,” Dobkin concluded.
I I fell off the wagon recently. It took two and a half years, but all it took was one small mistake on his part. One night at home, it was offered to me. It was a little complimentary flavor that drove me crazy. Before I knew it, I was hooked. I know that sucks. I know it has no purpose other than to make me do more and get more money as I fall deeper and deeper into the quagmire of addiction. But there I was. I’m back to FIFA. (It’s EA Sports FC 24 to be exact, since it lost the official rights.)
It was a 10-hour free trial of Xbox Live. 10 hours is fine, I told myself. It’s just a taste. Let’s see what happens after 30 months. And before I knew it, I was hooked on Ultimate Team again. This is the equivalent of the game where you stand outside your ex-wife’s house and try to see what toys your new wife bought your kids.
The Rolling Stones’ Angry is the demo theme song. of course. Two bloated money making entities that should have been stopped years ago. (Actually, I like their last album, but I don’t have time to get sentimental about punchlines.)
“I’m mad,” Mick Jagger sings, “Don’t be mad!”
Never in my life have I felt like a game spoke to me so much.
Score again…EA Sports FC 24. Photo: Electronic Arts
What’s telling is that organizations outside of FIFA have made little progress. It is true that there are slight differences in the mechanics of the ball. The chemistry side seems more dull. There’s a weird phenomenon where the camera zooms in on the player inside the box, seemingly for no other reason than to cause a panic attack, but the basic controls are the same. Women are also participating with equal status, which is welcome. There are also new variations of shiny players, specifically heroes, or enhanced older players who were already icons in the game. However, the heroes have cards drawn in the style of Marvel superheroes, which means Steve McManaman is “AGENT MACCA Steve McManaman: Hero”. Galactico. Gentleman. ”
Oh please grow up.
It seems like there are more challenges to upgrade players, but this may only seem that way because I joined the game late. It also speaks to the fact that I spent most of the 10 hours of the free trial adjusting with the team in the transfer market. I only play about a dozen games. Was it always like this?
I looked online to see the official differences. In EA’s official video, he rants for over three minutes about Haaland’s extremely wide arms and something called his HyperMotion V technology, but I’m not surprised that he uses something called Liposomes to activate his face. It reminded me of his TV commercial for Cream.
If I hadn’t quit, I think I would have spent at least £300 by now to keep playing the same game. Today is Groundhog Day meets House Crocodile. This may be the most Guardian-like piece of writing I’ve ever written.
But no change is the key, right? Provides something familiar. What got you into it in the first place? Woe to programmers who change the mechanics of a beloved game. It’s like going back to cocaine and discovering that it puts me to sleep instead of turning me into a completely selfish, heart-pounding, rattling being.
Look at the energetic athletes welcoming me. What could be the problem? Photo: EA
Series that are updated every year (or games like Marvel Snap that are constantly updated) are lucrative because they give us something familiar. What sets video games apart from other forms of art and entertainment is their constant desire to create something new and contemporary, yet continually reinvent what we already know. It seems ironic that they offer it to us. We watch it again and again, just like we watch Die Hard whenever it’s on TV.
Addiction does not only refer to the high that comes from a poisonous drug. It’s about the framework you give your life. Fill in the gaps you don’t want to deal with. It’s like a parent telling you what to do and when to do it, which is comforting. Certainly not the best parents in the world, but parents who don’t question things until it’s too late. I went to treatment for 5 years to get off cocaine. In fact, I quit cocaine after the first year. It took another four years to stop treatment.
So even though I hate this game and the years and money I spent on it, at the end of the free trial I hover my finger over the button to buy the deluxe version. Of course I want something good. And it’s the easiest drug to get more of. You can use your credit card with just one click. The situation may be different if you had to buy games like illegal drugs. If you call someone and say you want some cake, you meet them in a frigid pub car park. Forget about online microtransactions. Instead, he looks at three clubs before finding someone who will sell him. And it’s only when you get home that you realize you have far fewer games than you intended to buy.
I’m away from Xbox. I didn’t buy the game. But maybe tomorrow.
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