Tag Archives: Seek

Teens Seek Alternatives to Australia’s Social Media Ban: Where Will They Turn?

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As Australia readies itself to restrict access to 10 major social media platforms for users under 16, lesser-known companies are targeting the teen demographic, often engaging underage influencers for promotional content.

“With a social media ban on the horizon, I’ve discovered a cool new app we can switch to,” stated one teenage TikTok influencer during a sponsored “collaboration” video on the platform Coverstar.

New social media regulations in Australia will take effect, effectively prohibiting all users under 16 from accessing TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and X starting December 10.

It remains uncertain how effective this ban will be, as numerous young users may attempt to bypass it. Some are actively seeking alternative social media platforms.

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Alongside Coverstar, other lesser-known apps like Lemon8 and Yope have recently surged in popularity, currently sitting at the top two spots in Apple’s lifestyle category in Australia.


The government has stated that the list of banned apps is “dynamic,” meaning additional platforms may be added over time. Experts have voiced concerns that this initiative might lead to a game of “whack-a-mole,” pushing children and teens into less visible corners of the internet.

Dr. Catherine Page-Jeffrey, a specialist in digital media and technology at the University of Sydney, remarked, “This legislation may inadvertently create more dangers for young people. As they migrate to less regulated platforms, they might become more secretive about their social media activities, making them less likely to report troubling content or harmful experiences to their parents.”

Here’s what we know about some of the apps that kids are opting for.

Coverstar

Coverstar, a video-sharing app based in the U.S., identifies itself as “a new social app for Generation Alpha that emphasizes creativity, utilizes AI, and is deemed safer than TikTok.” Notably, it is not subject to the social media ban and currently holds the 45th position in Apple’s Australian download rankings.


A screenshot from Yope reveals that the Guardian was able to set up an account for a fictitious four-year-old named Child Babyface without needing parental consent. Photo: Yope

Children as young as 4 can use this platform to livestream, post videos, and comment. For users under 13, the app requires them to record themselves stating, “My name is ____. I give you permission to use Coverstar,” which the app then verifies. Adults are also permitted to create accounts, post content, and engage in comments.

Similar to TikTok and Instagram, users can spend real money on virtual “gifts” for creators during live streams. Coverstar also offers a “premium” subscription featuring additional functionalities.

The app highlights its absence of direct messaging, adherence to an anti-bullying policy, and constant monitoring by AI and human moderators as key safety measures.

Dr. Jennifer Beckett, an authority on online governance and social media moderation at the University of Melbourne, raised concerns regarding Coverstar’s emphasis on AI: “While AI use is indeed promising, there are significant limitations. It’s not adept at understanding nuance or context, which is why human oversight is necessary. The critical question is: how many human moderators are there?”

Coverstar has been reached for comments.

Lemon8

Lemon8, a photo and video sharing platform reminiscent of Instagram and owned by TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has experienced a notable rise in user engagement recently.

Users can connect their TikTok accounts to easily transfer content and follow their favorite TikTok creators with a single click.

However, on Tuesday, Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant revealed that her office has advised Lemon8 to conduct a self-assessment to ascertain if it falls under the new regulations.

Yope

With only 1,400 reviews on the Apple App Store, Yope has emerged as a “friends-only private photo messaging app” that is positioned as an alternative to Snapchat after the ban.

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Bahram Ismailau, co-founder and CEO of Yope, described the company as “a small team dedicated to creating the ideal environment for teenagers to share images with friends.”

Similar to Lemon8, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner also reached out to Yope, advising a self-assessment. Ismailau informed the Guardian that he had not received any communication but is “prepared to publicly express our overall eSafety policy concerning age-restricted social media platforms.”

He claimed that after conducting a self-assessment, Yope determines it fully meets the law’s exemption for apps designed solely for messaging, email, video calls, and voice calls.


Australian government adds Reddit and Kick to social media ban for under-16s – video


“Yope functions as a private photo messenger devoid of public content,” asserted Ismailau. “It’s comparable in security to iMessage or WhatsApp.”

According to Yope’s website, the app is designed for users aged 13 and above, with those between 13 and 18 required to engage a parent or guardian. However, the Guardian successfully created an account for a fictitious four-year-old named Child Babyface without needing parental consent.

A mobile number is mandatory for account creation.

Ismailau did not address inquiries about under-13 accounts directly but confirmed that plans are underway to update the privacy policy and terms of service to better reflect the app’s actual usage and intended audience.


Red Note

The Chinese app Red Note, also referred to as Xiaohongshu, attracted American users when TikTok faced a temporary ban in the U.S. earlier this year.

Beckett noted that the app might provide a safe space, considering that “Social media is heavily regulated in China, which is reflected in the content requiring moderation.”

“Given TikTok’s previous issues with pro-anorexia content, it’s clear that the platform has faced its own challenges,” she added.

Nonetheless, cybersecurity experts highlight that the app collects extensive personal information and could be legally obligated to share it with third parties, including the Chinese government.

Despite the increasing number of restricted social media services, specialists assert that governments are underestimating children’s eagerness to engage with social media and their resourcefulness in doing so.

“We often overlook the intelligence of young people,” Beckett remarked. “They are truly adept at finding ways to navigate restrictions.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some kids are even exploring website builders to create their own forums and chat rooms; alternatives include using shared Google Docs for communication.

“They will find ways to circumvent these restrictions,” Beckett asserted. “They will be clever about it.”




Source: www.theguardian.com

Women Seek Greater Beauty Than Their Partners, While Men Aspire to Be More Engaging.

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What do you look for in a partner?

Mapodiel/Getty

Would you prefer a partner who is attractive but plain, or someone who is appealing, even if you consider yourself less attractive? Your response may vary based on your gender. A study involving over 1,200 heterosexual adults in the U.S. revealed significant differences in how men and women choose between possessing certain traits themselves or seeking them in a partner.

“Men are inclined to compromise their own attractiveness for the sake of a very appealing partner, while the reverse is true for women,” Bill von Hippel from the Australian consultancy Research with Impact explained.

Von Hippel and his research team questioned participants about their preferences regarding six traits: wealth, beauty, ambition, humor, intelligence, and kindness, asking them how much of a disparity they would tolerate between their own traits and those of a partner. “It’s as if only supermodels are acceptable for dating, regardless of one’s own attractiveness,” von Hippel remarked.

In contrast to earlier studies, this research required participants to articulate their preferences. It revealed that the most notable difference between men and women lay in physical looks, while they were aligned in wishing to date partners possessing similar levels of kindness.

Generally, women perceived themselves as more attractive and intelligent, favoring men who are wealthier, more intriguing, and more ambitious, while men mainly preferred dating women who outshined them in beauty and wealth.

For instance, women rated the importance of their own beauty as 7.01 on an 11-point scale, whereas men assigned a value of 4.77 to their own looks. Conversely, men valued being interesting at 7.08, while women rated this trait at 5.81. A score below 6 indicates a greater desire for that trait in a partner than in oneself.

While Von Hippel acknowledged variations among individual responses, he stressed that the overall results were compelling. “This has a significant impact,” he remarked.

Lisa Welling, a professor at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, commented that this approach of forced choices is an intriguing way to reveal underlying preferences, though such constructs may lack relevance in genuine relationships. There’s also the question of whether individuals are considering short-term versus long-term partners, which “often holds significance,” she noted.

Steve Stewart-Williams from the University of Nottingham in Malaysia pointed out that while the findings are generally unsurprising, having participants make definitive choices may have clarified their true feelings. Previous research might have underestimated the breadth of gender differences in mate preferences due to measurement techniques, he opined. For instance, past studies may not have adequately accounted for the notion that individuals might wish for traits in themselves because they believe it could enhance their appeal to potential partners.

Von Hippel suggested that these findings are understandable from an evolutionary standpoint. Women carry the substantial biological responsibility of child-rearing and thus need to ensure prospective partners are capable of providing for their offspring, while men are evolutionarily driven to select for health and fertility in women.

Stewart-Williams believes the study may reflect evolutionary patterns in contemporary human populations, but cautioned that the research was limited to self-reported data from heterosexual individuals in the U.S., and it remains uncertain whether these conclusions apply more broadly.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Leftists Seek Each Other in Love While Yearning for Liberals: ‘Politics as a New Faith’

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zOhran Mamdani received an unofficial boost last month as a candidate for mayor of New York. It was revealed that he met his wife, Rama Duwazi, through a dating app. “There’s still hope for these dating apps,” he shared on the Bluwork Podcast just a week before his surprising win in the Democratic primary. This news quickly circulated on social media, strengthening his position among fellow millennials in the 33-year-old democratic socialist demographic. Cosmopolitan later headlined: “Zohran Mamdani has made history as the first NYC mayor who met his wife on Hinge.”

Hinge representatives declined to comment, but many hopeful New Yorkers have taken action amidst dating fatigue, with some re-downloading the app to celebrate Mamdani’s success. “Now I’m treating it like a full-time job,” remarked one user in a TikTok post. “If he found love on that app, I might be able to as well,” they noted in the caption.

However, users may face ideological challenges while creating their profiles. In addition to basic questions like “Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? Did you attend college?” Hinge asks singles to specify their political affiliation: liberal, conservative, moderate, political, or the more esoteric “other.”

Some on the left argue that the term “liberal” does not accurately capture socialist ideologies, associating it with figures like Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and former governor Andrew Cuomo, a competitor to Mamdani. Many liberals are viewed as too radical compared to the progressive proposals from their peers (e.g., freezing rent, taxing the super-rich, promoting public transport). Socialists want to distance themselves from mainstream liberalism while also addressing criticisms from hedge fund manager Daniel Roeb, who cautioned his fellow billionaires.

Abby Beauregard, chair of the Finance Committee for Democratic Socialists in New York, commented, “Leftists now have a real appetite.” She noted that Mamdani’s victory has invigorated the dating scene in the city. “Finding explicit leftist dating spaces is quite challenging. Most apps cater to liberals, with no options for more left-leaning views (e.g., far-right or communist).”

Therefore, leftist singles seek more transparent ways to express their politics in like-minded romantic matches, be it on Hinge or other platforms.




“The app now allows people to express pride in their communist and leftist beliefs,” says Caroline, 38, a Queens resident. Photo: Oatawa/Getty Images/Istockphoto

I transformed my dating profile into a minimal manifesto, articulating my entire belief system in response to the app’s prompts. It’s common for users to employ watermelon emojis as symbols of solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Some warn TERFs (an exclusive radical feminist acronym), police officers, or Donald Trump supporters to swipe left.

“Seeing those symbols matters to me,” stated Caroline, a 38-year-old florist from Queens. (She remains anonymous for privacy reasons.) “There’s a certain charm in apps where individuals openly identify as communists and leftists.”

However, she is cautious about those who excessively display their leftist views. “Too much leftism can come off as trying too hard,” she observed. “It feels performative if you’re centrist just looking to attract alt-girls or those from Bushwick.”

Unlike Hinge, Tinder and OK Cupid enable users to personalize their bios and decide whether to disclose their political affiliations. Ahead of the 2024 election, Tinder has even introduced profile “stickers” that allow users to express strong political beliefs, such as support for “reproductive rights.”

Caroline, who uses Feeld, framed her profile cautiously as “left-leaning,” saying that’s sufficient for her. “I say, ‘I love the vaccine!’ and follow it up with ‘Free Palestine!’ or ‘Screw Trump!’ It’s all implied.”

Dennis Murbena identifies as “very left-leaning” but previously categorized himself as a liberal, keeping his political affiliation concealed on Hinge.

“In light of Trump’s resurgence over the past two years, addressing political views is crucial,” said Murbena, 30, who is in customer service for an automotive company. “Many gay individuals in Brooklyn are left-leaning, but I’ve also dated someone who was a member of a young Republican club in college.” That experience shifted his assumption that all shared political views.

According to NBC News, the partisan divide among Gen Z women who identify as Democrats is at its widest compared to any previous generation. Increasingly, the political beliefs of men influence their desirability as partners. While earlier generations may have shrugged off political differences in romantic pairings, a striking 60% of 18-24-year-olds consider it essential to date or marry someone who shares their political beliefs.

“Politics has become a new religion,” remarked Dr. Jess Calbino, a former sociologist at Bumble and Tinder who researches dating apps. “It’s a lens through which people understand the world and their values.”

Lily, a recently unemployed 23-year-old socialist, is hesitant about matching with someone who identifies on Hinge as “not political.” “That raises immediate concerns for me,” they stated. “As someone who is deeply affected by the ongoing issues in this country, I need assurance that a partner cares about people and their communities.”

New York has seen a surge in voters aged 25 to 34. The recent elections highlight the vibrancy of leftist politics among this demographic, outpacing other age groups in the Democratic primary. Lately, Lily has observed young people state on Hinge that they only want to date those who supported Mamdani or who are not fans of Cuomo. They’ve seen many respond to Hinge prompts about “the last time you cried?” with “when Zohran won.” (They consider those tears happy.)

However, New York isn’t a utopia for young socialists. Conservative individuals in the city are also actively seeking partners. Some have left mainstream dating apps, creating alternatives of their own. “Our dating apps are awakened,” states the description for Date Right Stuff, a platform supported by Peter Thiel. “Connect with people who aren’t upset about everything.”

In March, Date Right Stuff hosted the “Make America Hot Again” singles event at Trump Tower in New York, catering to Republicans who prefer urban life to what the app’s former chief marketing officer, Raquel Debono, referred to as “urban conservatives,” or those seeking small-town vibes.

They aren’t the only ones departing the mainstream dating scene. The impact of leftist movements on dating in New York is evident beyond just Hinge.


In early July, young individuals gathered for a “Sexy Socialist Singles” event hosted by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York. Attendees seeking casual connections—or as the host described, “if you want to be as fast and free as a Zohran bus”—were directed to one area of the bar, while those looking for “slow, rich-taxing relationships” were guided to another. At one point, the organizers even had the polyamorous attendees interact in a designated space upstairs.

Sven, a 25-year-old economics master’s student in Bushwick, noted that many young people view DSA as as much a social club as a platform for leftist candidates. “I saw a Reddit post stating that all of Zohran’s supporters are attractive. There are soccer leagues and book clubs; it’s an excellent opportunity to make friends.”

Meanwhile, Lauren, a video editor living in Astoria (whom Mamdani represents in the Queens district as a member of the New York assembly), was at the Monogamy Building hopeful for a flirtatious connection. “Wearing a Zohran T-shirt definitely gives off a vibe,” she said. “People do a double take, calling from across the street, expressing enthusiasm for him. It’s such a great conversation starter!”

The NYC DSA continues its “Sexy Socialist Mixer” series across neighborhoods like the Upper West Side, Bushwick, and Williamsburg, catering to both young singles and those over 30—all while singles navigate their political identities on dating apps.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nearly one-third of Tuvaluans Seek Climate Transfer Visas

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Tuvalu is highly susceptible to rising sea levels

Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images

What does it mean to lose your home because of climate change? About 10,000 residents of Tuvalu will soon find out.

With an average elevation of less than 3 meters, Tuvalu is on the brink of becoming uninhabitable due to floods, storm surges, and erosion. By 2100, a predicted rise in sea levels of 72 centimeters could result in one-third of the Coral Atoll Archipelago being submerged annually.

Yet, there are escape options for the people of Tuvalu. In late 2023, the Australian government revealed plans for the world’s first organized migration program.

Under the Australian-Tuvalu-Falapilli Union Treaty, 280 Tuvaluans will be granted residency in Australia each year through a lottery system. The inaugural lottery opened on June 16 and received applications from 3,125 citizens—nearly a third of Tuvalu’s population. Registration for this year’s lottery closes on July 18.

In a statement to New Scientist, the Australian government acknowledged the “devastating effects of climate change, especially in the Pacific, which faces challenges related to climate, security, and wellbeing.”

“This is the first agreement of its kind globally, offering a dignified migration pathway as climate conditions worsen,” the government commented.

Successful lottery applicants will learn their results by the end of July, with the first migrants likely to arrive in Australia by year-end.

Bateteba Aselu, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, examines the climate challenges facing her people. On a student visa in Australia, Aselu is considering applying for the lottery to join her husband, while her son, a recent high school graduate, has already submitted his application.

Aselu notes that the impacts of climate change are visible, as the freshwater aquifers critical for agriculture and drinking water are becoming saline due to rising sea levels. This forces residents to uproot crops in an attempt to mitigate saltwater intrusion.

Stephen Howes from the Australian National University in Canberra describes the new visa as “very progressive,” providing successful applicants access to nearly all Australian health and welfare benefits without discrimination based on chronic health conditions, disabilities, age, or other factors.

While ostensibly aimed at aiding Tuvalu in the face of a climate crisis, Howes asserts that Australia’s initiative also serves to counteract China’s influence in the Pacific. The treaty outlines that Australia and Tuvalu “must collaborate on security and defense matters pertaining to the island nations and external countries.”

“I view it as a security transition agreement,” Howes explains. “Climate change serves as a backdrop, but the arrangement essentially provides Australia with enhanced security cooperation in return for offering Tuvalu a unique migration pathway.”

Tuvaluans engaging in traditional fishing

Mick Tsikas/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Jane McAdam at the University of New South Wales in Sydney reports varied perspectives on the future among Tuvaluans. Some believe the island will soon be submerged, while others hold hope. She notes that elderly residents express a desire to remain there until their last days.

However, McAdam considers the new migration program to be a “fair and constructive” initiative. A key feature is that once Tuvaluans secure a visa, they can return home whenever they wish or even live there until conditions become unbearable.

It’s “like having an oxygen mask on an airplane,” McAdam adds. “Ideally, you won’t need it, but you’ll be grateful it exists.”

Wesley Morgan, also at the University of New South Wales, remarked that, should conditions worsen, Tuvaluans face limited escape routes. This agreement could pave the way for similar opportunities for other at-risk nations like Kiribati.

“This could set a precedent as the first instance where migration pathways are explicitly linked to climate change and rising sea levels,” Morgan states. “Given these unique circumstances, Australia might explore comparable arrangements with Kiribati in the future.”

A remaining concern for the Tuvaluan population is how they will navigate their identity and sovereignty once they leave the island. Will they be considered a Tuvaluan diaspora or a nation in climate exile?

“If you had to leave your childhood home due to circumstances beyond your control, how would it feel?” Aselu asks. “Would you feel lost? Absolutely. It’s that sentiment of losing a cherished place that defines who you are, regardless of where you are in the world.”

“You grow up there; your history resides there. It’s where your identity is rooted, no matter where you go afterwards.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Biotechnology Firms Seek to Develop the “ChatGPT of Biology”: Does It Deliver?

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Basecamp researchers gather genetic data in Malta

Greg Funnell

A British biotech firm, Basecamp Research, has spent recent years gathering extensive genetic data from microorganisms inhabiting extreme environments worldwide, uncovering 10 billion new species among over a million scientifically recognized entities. This vast database of planetary biodiversity aims to assist in training “biology chats” to address inquiries regarding life on Earth, although its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Jorg Overmann from the Leibniz Institute DSMZ, which houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of microbial cultures, asserts that while an increase in known genetic sequences is beneficial, it likely won’t lead to significant discoveries in drug development or chemistry without deeper insights into the organisms from which they originated. “In the end, I’m skeptical that a better understanding of unique features will be achieved merely through brute force in the sequencing domain,” he remarks.

Recent years have seen a surge in machine learning models aimed at identifying patterns and predicting relationships within vast biological datasets. The most well-known of these is Alphafold, which can predict the 3D structure of proteins using only genetic data, and was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry at Google DeepMind.

This “genometric biology” approach has grown significantly, but according to Francis Din at the University of California, Berkeley, progress has been limited. One reason for this is the underrepresentation of biodiversity data. “Current biological models are primarily trained with datasets that favor well-studied species (e.g., E. coli, mice, humans), leading to poor prediction capabilities for traits associated with sequences from other branches of the Tree of Life,” she explains.

Basecamp researchers aim to bridge this biodiversity gap. Their expanding database now includes samples from over 120 locations across 26 countries, as detailed in a report by the company. Jonathan Finn, the company’s Chief Science Officer, notes that their sampling efforts target extreme environments that have yet to be thoroughly examined, spanning from the icy depths of the Arctic Ocean to the warm jungle hot springs. “Most of the samples we’re prioritizing are prokaryotic: bacteria, microorganisms, and their viruses,” Finn states. “We are also aware that some fungi are present.”

Genetic analyses of these samples have illuminated gene variations that are broadly shared across the Tree of Life. Based on this research, the company estimates that their data encompasses over a million species of genetic information not found in public genomic databases utilized for training AI models. This includes around 9.8 billion newly identified genes, increasing the overall known gene count tenfold, each potentially encoding useful proteins, according to the researchers.

“By providing these models with richer data, we enhance our understanding of biological mechanisms,” Finn explains. “We aim to create a ChatGPT for Biology.”

It’s estimated that Earth hosts trillions of microorganism species, many of which remain poorly characterized. Thus, it’s not unexpected that the company has identified such a wealth of novel life forms. “As we explore more, discovering diverse gene variants becomes almost inevitable,” notes Leopold Parts at the Wellcome Sanger Institute in the UK.

Nevertheless, Basecamp promotes the notion that all newly discovered materials might hold value. It’s not alone in this sentiment. “This is among the most thrilling advances I’ve encountered in quite some time,” remarks Nathan Frey, a machine learning researcher at Genentech, a US biotech firm. He emphasizes that most AI biology projects focus on algorithm improvement or generating additional lab data rather than venturing out to collect samples directly from nature.

However, skepticism arises regarding whether this database will yield the meaningful advancements the company aspires to achieve. For starters, it remains uncertain how much this newfound diversity in proteins reflects valuable new functions like enzymes and proteins that can degrade plastic useful for gene editing. “They must demonstrate that this novelty has practical utility,” cautions Parts.

Moreover, if the new genes significantly differ from known genes, Overmann expresses doubts about how easily existing tools can predict functionality or how such data can be utilized for training new models. “I can’t discern the functions of most of my genes,” he states. The company may have created a valuable new repository of biological data, but in traditional lab settings, even the most advanced AI may still face challenges in interpretation.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

23andMe Founders Seek to Reclaim Control of Bankrupt DNA Testing Company

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The previous CEO of 23andMe is poised to reclaim leadership of the genetic testing firm after placing a $305 million bid from the nonprofit organization.

Recently, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced a deal to purchase the company for $256 million, surpassing a $146 million offer from Anne Wojcicki and the nonprofit TTAM Research Institute. A former executive noted that this substantial offer prompted Wojcicki to elevate her bid with backing from the Fortune 500 entity. The deal is anticipated to finalize in the upcoming weeks, pending a court hearing scheduled for June 17, as stated by the company on Friday.

Wojcicki had made several attempts while CEO to retain the company as private. Each attempt was met with rejection from the board, and ultimately all independent directors resigned in response to her acquisition efforts.

As a leader in ancestral DNA testing, 23andMe filed for bankruptcy in March and aimed to auction its business following a 2023 data breach that compromised sensitive genetic and personal information of millions of users.

Since its bankruptcy announcement, 23andMe has seen a significant loss of clients, with a concerning trend of users wanting their accounts closed. The company, which analyzes complete genomes with unknown parties showing interest, reported that approximately 15% of its current customers are requesting account terminations in light of the bankruptcy and potential sale. Experts recommend that customers ask firms to delete their DNA data to safeguard privacy. On Friday, TTAM endorsed 23andMe’s existing privacy policy, asserting compliance with all relevant data protection regulations. Earlier this week, New York and over 20 other U.S. states filed a lawsuit against 23andMe to contest the sale of personal data from its clients.

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Regeneron expressed enthusiasm for the new bid, but acknowledged that if Wojcicki’s offer were ultimately accepted, it would incur a $10 million termination fee.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Seek Public Support Amid Trump Administration Funding Cuts

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While scientists pursuing cancer therapies find ample support, those researching diseases in potatoes face greater challenges in garnering attention and funding.

The Trump administration seems to have adopted the notion that many scientific pursuits are viewed as unnecessary or opaque, resulting in billions in proposed cuts to research funding.

Amidst this crisis, researchers are exploring innovative ways to garner public and political backing to counteract funding reductions.

A collective of Cornell graduate students aims to reshape public perceptions of science. They have enlisted over 500 researchers from all 50 states to write OP-EDs for local newspapers, which are set to be published next week. This initiative was proposed by Emma Scales, a Cornell doctoral student involved in the campaign.

“We’re engaging with people who are frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding funding allocations,” Scales explained. “I understand that I’m one of those who utilizes your resources. I apologize for not communicating better, but I’d appreciate feedback about my work.”

Isaco di Tomasi, Hannah Frank, Emma Scales, and Alex Rand lead the Cornell Policy Club, coordinating McClintock’s letters.
Courtesy Emma Scale

The initiative, known as McClintock Characters, is one of several ongoing efforts by graduate students and faculty aimed at the same goal.

This reflects a mainstay belief that researchers cannot assume public support is a given. If proactive measures aren’t taken soon, many are beginning to realize that the public’s trust in scientists is waning, and funding may not be reinstated.

Science Homecoming letter-writing campaigns urge scholars to emphasize the importance of government investments in scientific endeavors. The new nonprofit, Stand Up for Science, is organizing demonstrations at State Fairs and Farmers Markets this summer, along with community Teach-Ins and Open Lab Days. Another new group, Your Neighborhood Scientist, publishes essays by researchers and fosters community-based dialogues about science.

Audrey Dorottos, a neuroscientist from the University of Pennsylvania and co-founder of Your Neighborhood Scientist, sees her work as a means for scientists to express their enthusiasm.

“We aren’t just contributing static noise; we aim to humanize scientists, which is a fundamental objective,” she said.

Di Tomasi is delving into the fungal disease that contributed to the potato famine in Ireland.
Courtesy Isako di Tomassi

The motivation behind the McClintock letters emerged in February when Isako Di Tomassi, a plant pathology doctoral student, expressed his frustrations online after losing his PhD advisor at the US Department of Agriculture due to recent significant government layoffs.

While Di Tomassi encountered some sympathy online, one commenter remarked that funding cuts were beneficial since they halted “frivolous research,” and many others expressed confusion regarding the purpose of their studies.

Di Tomasi and Scales began brainstorming solutions through the Cornell Advanced Science and Policy Club to facilitate researchers sharing their narratives.

They organized these efforts in tribute to the late Nobel Prize-winning cytologist Barbara McClintock, timing their actions for her birthday on June 16. Her research altered scientists’ understanding of genetic inheritance in corn, laying the groundwork for advancements in treating genetic disorders in humans.

Barbara McClintock, a pioneer in genetic research at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in Long Island, NY, circa 1947.
AP

“Barbara McClintock is incredibly renowned,” Di Tomasi remarked.

Nevertheless, Di Tomasi noted that the aim is to bridge the gap between scientific professionals and public understanding, emphasizing that even routine experiments can be pivotal for medical and scientific advancements.

Researchers have committed to discussing a variety of topics, from breast cancer metastasis to memory formation and sustainable grape cultivation. Based on the collective audience sizes targeted by the organizers’ chosen news outlets, they anticipate reaching 8 million potential readers.

During a webinar on June 6, Katherine Xue, a microbiologist at the University of California, Irvine, guided about 100 participants on composing OP-EDs, using a 2015 OP-ED by Newt Gingrich advocating for increased research funding as a reference.

Xue encouraged participants to avoid technical jargon and to inject personal elements. She intends to write an article for her hometown newspaper in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, highlighting how her high school internships fueled her interest in microbiology.

“As scientists, we are conditioned to maintain a sense of detachment, but this approach has limitations,” Xue explained to NBC News. “Many people don’t see scientists as relatable, nor do they grasp what we are doing and why. This can lead to distrust in science.”

Recent surveys back up her assertions, revealing that while 76% of Americans express confidence in scientists, this number has dwindled from 87% in 2020, as reported by a Pew Research Center study. The report also noted that a majority of Americans believe scientists are poor communicators, and nearly half feel that scientists view themselves as superior.

The notion of supposedly frivolous research projects has long been a target for criticism. Some senators have highlighted what they perceive as wasteful spending in scientific research.

In a speech to Congress, Trump criticized what he considered absurdly funded projects backed by the Biden administration, including research misrepresented as making mice transgender (though in reality, it examined the effects of hormones on health and fertility). The White House defended the President’s comments.

In response to inquiries regarding the reduction of research funding, White House spokesperson Kush Desai stated that the administration is aligning with voter priorities. “The American people have tasked President Trump with recalibrating government expenditures to align with their values,” he clarified in an email. “The administration is committed to fulfilling this mandate.”

President Donald Trump criticized federally funded research during a congressional address on March 4th.
Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images

For her upcoming book, Salmon Cannon and Floating Frog, Carly Ann York, an animal behaviorist at Lenore Lynn University in North Carolina, spotlighted several scientists who have faced scrutiny to advocate for their research.

One professor included in the book reacted with humor to the label “waste” applied to her research by participating in collaborative efforts with fellow scholars, like creating a mini science fair on Capitol Hill, to share research insights on shrimp combat inspiring new body armor designs for humans.

Carly Ann York became committed to scientific communication after grappling with explaining her studies on squid physiology to others years ago.
Courtesy Carly York

“I hope more scientists adopt this mindset,” York stated. “It’s our responsibility to help the public comprehend how taxpayer money is utilized in research, what we do, and the impact of our work.”

Will the McClintock letters and similar initiatives achieve their intended results? While it’s uncertain how many students and faculty will participate, many participants hope their goals reach beyond immediate outcomes.

According to Michael Rubel, a physics professor at New York City College and a former Director of Public Relations for the American Physical Society, success hinges on sustained engagement with the public.

Rubel remarked that scientists should actively participate by attending community groups like Rotary clubs, churches, or PTA meetings.

“If researchers wait for the public to come to them, they will only engage a fraction of the population, and I doubt this will effect meaningful change,” he stated. “Meet audiences where they are. Understand what they value. You might be surprised.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

18 States Seek to Block Trump’s Wind Power Initiative

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Eighteen states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday regarding the suspension of permits for wind energy projects, arguing that these actions threaten the growth of vital industries.

“This administration is undermining one of the fastest-growing sources of clean, reliable, and affordable energy in our country,” stated New York Attorney General Letitia James, one of the plaintiffs. She emphasized that the suspension endangers “thousands of jobs and billions in investments” and “hinders our shift away from fossil fuels that harm our health and the environment.”

The initial suspension of federal permits for wind energy was detailed in an executive order on January 20th, which called for halting all wind farm permits pending federal evaluation.

Litigation. By complying with this order, federal agencies indicate that significant investments are already at risk. The directive also instructed the U.S. Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior to “end or modify” existing leases for wind farms, further exacerbating uncertainty for the companies involved.

The wind sector contributes approximately 10% of the nation’s electricity and is actively pursuing various projects, particularly in the Great Plains and along the Atlantic coastline.

Recently, the Trump administration halted a major wind farm project under construction off Long Island, known as the Empire Wind Project, which aims to provide power for half a million homes. Despite having secured necessary approvals, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgham claimed that the Biden administration’s review during the approval process was rushed and inadequate.

James noted that Trump has also declared an energy emergency, a characterization that energy experts have dismissed as an overstatement. However, she asserted that the permit suspension undermines the industry’s potential to deliver new energy sources.

Additionally, New York has enacted new legislation mandating significantly increased electricity generation from renewable sources. Achieving these targets becomes increasingly challenging without wind energy.

The lawsuit names multiple federal officials and agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Interior. The EPA has yet to respond to inquiries.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers accused the Democratic attorney general of using “legal mechanisms” to obstruct the president’s energy policies, asserting that “Americans in blue states shouldn’t bear the cost of the Democratic Party’s extreme climate agenda.”

In a statement, the Interior Department remarked, “We are committed to managing public lands and waters for the benefit of all Americans while ensuring fiscal responsibility to the public.”

The lawsuit, lodged in federal court in Massachusetts, seeks judicial intervention to prevent federal agencies from halting wind energy development and to declare the executive order unconstitutional.

“The Trump administration’s directives to stop offshore wind energy development are illegal,” declared California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

His office stated that federal policies “derail the clean energy transition and impose costs on Americans.” Alongside onshore wind farms, New York has five federal offshore wind leases, which are more complex and costly to manage.

Timothy Fox, managing director at ClearView Energy Partners in Washington, expressed hope that the lawsuit could effectively challenge the executive order. The “best case scenario” for the offshore wind sector would be for existing and under-construction facilities to proceed without interference from the Trump administration.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Federal prosecutors seek major medical journals in response to ambiguous threat

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Federal prosecutors in Washington reached out to the New England Journal of Medicine with unsubstantiated inquiries that implied the journal, considered one of the most prestigious in the world, may be biased towards certain viewpoints and influenced by external pressures.

NEJM editor Dr. Eric Rubin described the letter as “blatantly threatening” in an interview with the New York Times.

Republican activist Edward Martin Jr., serving as interim U.S. attorney in Washington, sent similar letters to at least three journals. Martin has faced criticism for using his position to target opponents of the administration.

The letter accused the journal of taking sides in scientific debates and posed accusatory questions about bias and the selection of research articles.

Will they consider submissions from scientists with differing perspectives? How will they handle authors whose work they have published that may have misled readers? Are they transparent about the influence of supporters, funders, advertisers, etc.?

This news about the letter to NEJM was previously reported by Stat and Health News Outlet.

Martin also raised questions about the role of the National Institutes of Health, which funds some of the research published by the journal, and its involvement in the development of submitted articles.

Amanda Shanor, a First Amendment expert at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that information published in reputable medical journals like NEJM is widely protected by the Constitution.

She explained that journals have the same rights as newspapers in most cases, with the Constitution providing the strongest legal protection.

“There is no legal basis to suggest that medical journals are not afforded the strictest First Amendment protections,” she stated. “It seems to be an attempt to instill a sense of fear and censorship that impacts people’s freedom of expression. This raises constitutional concerns.”

It is unclear how many journals received these letters or the criteria Martin used to target publications. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

“Our role is to assess and evaluate science in an impartial manner,” Dr. Rubin stated. The questions raised seem to insinuate biases in our operations – it is quite vague This introduces a threatening element. ”

Former editor of Science magazine, Jeremy Berg, believed the letter was an attempt to coerce journals into publishing papers aligning with the administration’s views on climate change and vaccines, even if the research quality is lacking.

National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned in an interview with the “Dr. Hyman Show” podcast last year that NEJM was involved in disseminating misinformation and distorting scientific facts.

Department of Health and Human Services spokesman Andrew Nixon declined to comment on Kennedy’s involvement in the letter.

Kennedy expressed his intention to possibly take legal action against medical journals under the Federal Anti-Corruption Act.

“I plan to file a lawsuit against you under general tort laws and the Assault Act,” he stated. “Unless you have a plan to demonstrate how you will begin publishing genuine scientific work, I will find a way to pursue legal action against you.”

Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the new head of NIH, has criticized mainstream science journals and recently co-founded a new journal that offers alternative perspectives on Covid.

The UK-based Lancet showed support by editing Editor Skas’s response, calling it “an obvious attempt to intimidate and stifle editorial independence.”

“American science and medicine are being closely watched worldwide,” the editor stated.

One of Martin’s letters was directed at the journal Chest, a publication focused on technical research in areas like lung cancer and pneumonia. It was reported by The New York Times that at least two other publishers received similar letters.

These publishers chose not to speak publicly for fear of repercussions from the Trump administration.

Dr. Rubin also expressed concerns about potential political backlash. Science journals often rely on public funding indirectly, with universities using federal grants to pay for subscriptions.

“Are we concerned? Absolutely,” he said. “But we are committed to doing what is right.”

Martin gave the magazines until May 2nd to respond to his inquiries. NEJM has already issued a statement refuting the accusations made against their journal.

“We maintain strict peer review and editing processes to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of published research,” the statement affirmed. “We uphold the editorial independence of medical journals and their inherent right to protect their freedom of expression.”

This is not NEJM’s first run-in with the Trump administration.

In 2020, the Journal dismissed an editor who criticized the president’s pandemic response. This marked the first time in its 208-year history that the Journal took a stance on a political figure.

Dr. Rubin speculated that Martin’s letter may be related to this editorial decision. While the Journal Chest did not publish on Trump’s first term, the connection was noted.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Unsure of What to Get Your Loved One for Christmas? Seek Advice From ChatGPT

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Some individuals enjoy shopping for Christmas presents. Polly Arrowsmith starts jotting down preferences of her friends and family, meticulously hunting for deals. Vee Portland begins her shopping spree in January, selecting a theme each year, ranging from heart mirrors to inspiring books. On the other hand, Betsy Benn devoted so much time to pondering gifts that she launched her own online gifting business.

How will these gift-giving experts react to a trend that could either revolutionize time management or debase the essence of Christmas: relying on ChatGPT to do the work for you?

We’ll have to wait like kids on Christmas Day for the answer. Yet, it appears that people are indeed turning to ChatGPT to craft their Christmas lists. OpenAI’s tool boasts numerous tailored prompts for composing holiday gift lists and has seen a surge in Reddit posts from individuals seeking inspiration through interactions with chatbots.

Is there a significant number of people embracing this trend? ChatGPT’s bots either weren’t privy to that information, or if they were, they kept it under wraps. observer. OpenAI’s spokesperson was unaware that the company was devising Christmas quizzes, designing cards, and formulating “creative responses” to kids’ letters to Santa. (Other AI chatbots like Google’s Gemini and Perplexity AI were similarly clueless.)

Even if only a handful of individuals have embarked on this path, AI firms are hopeful that more will follow suit. Perplexity recently rolled out “Buy with Pro” in the US. This $20/month AI shopping assistant enables users to explore products and make purchases on Perplexity’s platform.

This move, right before the peak of the Black Friday shopping frenzy, was viewed as a direct challenge to Google’s supremacy in online advertising, as stated by Jai Khan, Push’s digital marketing agency director.

“While some begin their shopping journey on Amazon and young folks engage with TikTok, Google remains the dominant force,” he remarked. “The repercussions on Google Ads if individuals start turning to ChatGPT for solutions are crucial to us.”

Numerous online Christmas gift guides predict the must-have items for the annual toy craze (from Furby and Beyblade tops to a mother duck leading her ducklings and the comeback of the fart blasters). Lego’s evil Collection, however, is rapidly flying off the shelves.

For 53-year-old Portland, a confidence coach from Winchester, online searches are merely a fraction of her gift-hunting process. “I tend to purchase gifts throughout the year, and it’s frustrating when I find the perfect present in February only to discover it’s sold out by December,” she said. “It also aids in budgeting.”

Betsy Benn sells custom gifts such as Christmas tree decorations. Photo: Emma Jackson

Benn disapproves of the notion of gifting directly to charity shops. “We want our loved ones to feel genuinely acknowledged and valued for their uniqueness,” she expressed. The 49-year-old from Cheltenham established betsybenn.com, a venture specializing in personalized gifts like Christmas tree ornaments.

“Nothing compares to the joy recipients feel when they realize this is exclusively theirs and not just a hastily grabbed bottle of wine in a festive gift bag. Don’t we all crave recognition and understanding? Isn’t that the essence of relationships?”

The challenge arises when gifts don’t reflect the recipient’s taste, leading to scenarios like receiving deodorant, an expired voucher, or oversized red undergarments. There are numerous signs that demonstrate you missed the mark.

Katherine Jansson-Boyd, a consumer psychology professor at Anglia Ruskin University, noted, “60% to 70% of individuals make mistakes while shopping for Christmas presents.” She added, “Looking at shopping patterns, most people postpone their purchases, indicating uncertainty.”

With the added complexity of deciphering the preferences of diverse generations, AI-generated lists could potentially streamline this intricate social exchange.

“In essence, AI is a tool that processes data from the internet to produce logical outcomes,” Jansson-Boyd remarked. “Emotions can’t be inherently emotional or personalized since they can’t be quantified.

“However, in my opinion, this is a fantastic concept as we frequently run out of ideas ourselves.”

YouGov research revealed that last year, 45% of Christmas shoppers found gift shopping to be stressful, prompting some to completely opt out and simply inform others of their wishes.

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For some individuals, even determining their own desires can be daunting. Most AI bots offer users the option to save their conversations for future reference, potentially making AI a solution in that regard as well.

“You can ask ChatGPT, ‘Tell me something I don’t know about myself,'” Khan explained. “The insights gained are fascinating.”

Frequent users might reach a point where they believe their AI bot excels at understanding and interpreting their preferences.

So, how does observerGift Master fare with ChatGPT?

Arrowsmith wasn’t impressed with the suggestions for her sister. The Neom candle was recommended, but “the price was significantly higher than the one I purchased yesterday during the Black Friday sale,” she revealed. “It all felt very generic. I went with a designer handbag instead of a run-of-the-mill tote.”

“I repeated the process for my 83-year-old father, a man with multiple interests,” she recounted. “Options included a foot massager, a personalized cane, a meal delivery service, or a newspaper subscription. However, my father arranged his own subscription, did his grocery shopping, and spent $20,000 every day. You might wonder why I opted for this while he walks around so much.”

Portland pondered what suggestions fit a “time-poor mother of a child with a disability,” finding proposals like spa getaways and extended baths unsuitable. “While those might be what she needs, she lacks the time for such activities,” she remarked. Other potential options included cleaning services, meal kits, and clothing, with size discrepancies posing a befuddling challenge.

“There were also recommendations for gifts for her children, but I refrained. This reflects entirely on her as a mother, not as an individual,” she articulated.

Benn realized that the key to avoiding mundane gifts lay in asking probing questions.

“By injecting curiosity and personality, you unlock much better outcomes, and I relish that,” she shared. “You might strike gold on your initial attempt or draw inspiration from a few suggestions and delve deeper to find something extraordinary.

“If someone reveals they used AI to find a gift for me, the mere fact that they contemplated, assessed options, and landed on what they believed was ideal warms my heart.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Delta Airlines offers eclipse viewing flight as airlines seek to profit from solar phenomenon

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Passengers who book special Delta flights will have the opportunity to witness the total solar eclipse in April from a unique perspective at 30,000 feet.

The airline revealed on Monday that it will be offering flights from Dallas-Fort Worth to Detroit on April 8, allowing passengers to maximize their time within the eclipse’s “total path.”

The eclipse is anticipated to be a significant event as it travels through various populated areas of North America, including parts of Mexico, the continental United States, and eastern Canada. In the U.S. alone, millions of sky gazers from Texas to Maine will have the chance to witness this rare astronomical occurrence.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light. Within the approximately 100-mile-wide strip known as the Path of Totality, observers will witness the moon completely obscuring the sun, creating a darkened afternoon sky.

Delta Airlines is providing eclipse enthusiasts with another option to experience the April event. The flight announced on Monday will be the airline’s second full charter scheduled for April 8. The initial flight from Austin, Texas to Detroit was announced on February 19 and sold out within 24 hours, according to the company.

The Austin to Detroit flight (Delta Flight 1218) is on an A220-300 aircraft, departing from Texas at 12:15pm Central Time and arriving in Detroit at 4:20pm Eastern Time.

The flight from Dallas-Fort Worth to Detroit (Delta Flight 1010) is operated on a large A321neo plane, departing Texas at 12:30 PM (Central Time) and landing in Detroit at 4:20 PM (Eastern Time).

While the flights are designed to maximize time within the total path, they are subject to potential changes due to factors like weather conditions and air traffic control.

For detailed booking information, visit the following website: Delta.com.

The upcoming solar eclipse is poised to be a major draw for travel and tourism, with many businesses already capitalizing on it. Hotels are offering special solar eclipse packages, while state tourism departments are organizing various events tied to the cosmic phenomenon.

During the April eclipse, the total path will traverse through states like Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. In certain areas of Michigan and Tennessee, totality may be visible if weather conditions are clear.

In other parts of the continental U.S., observers will witness a partial solar eclipse, where the moon appears to “take a bite” out of the sun and only partially obscures it in the sky.

To safely observe the eclipse, use eclipse glasses or a pinhole projector to avoid eye damage. Never look directly at the sun during a solar eclipse, even when it is partially or mostly covered by the moon.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

What Venture Capitalists Seek in Emerging Cybersecurity Startups

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casbar one A partner at Sapphire Ventures, he focuses primarily on security, enterprise infrastructure, and data and analytics.

In cybersecurity, AI is often stands for “already implemented”. Security vendors have leveraged AI-based technology to leverage existing knowledge databases to address talent shortages. As an investor focused on supporting expansion-stage B2B startups in the cybersecurity, AI, and DevOps space, he has recently invested in cybersecurity company Huntress and AI startup Weights & Biases. and cybersecurity companies, I feel fortunate to have a unique perspective on both. It is scheduled to take off after 2024.

From my perspective, organizations today face an uphill battle when it comes to securing their data and networks. Cyber ​​threats are becoming more frequent and severe as the potential attack surface grows and hackers organize increasingly sophisticated schemes. Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI), malicious attackers are becoming more efficient, conducting more personalized attacks, and increasing their scale, resulting in billions of dollars in lost business. .

Meanwhile, organizations of all sizes are innovating new defenses at an astonishing rate, often leveraging advanced AI capabilities as well. Businesses are hungry for solutions that can further enhance their efforts. According to Gartner, global corporate security spending will reach an estimated $188 billion this year and is expected to rise to $215 billion by 2024. Security software spending is the IT area least likely to be cut during an economic downturn. morgan stanley.

The next wave of successful startups will help businesses leverage GenAI to prevent attacks while increasing organizational productivity.

Over the next year, we aim to partner with players to help cybersecurity teams increase productivity and address talent shortages while addressing growing threats.

What VCs are looking for in the next wave of cybersecurity startups

The emergence of large-scale language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT has created new opportunities for AI-driven innovation within the industry. Here are some of the features investors are looking for in the next successful cybersecurity startup.

Proactive approach to customer education

During the cloud computing revolution, many companies are rushing to implement cloud solutions, putting security on the back burner. This has allowed cybersecurity to catch up to some extent. So far, the opposite is true for generative AI (GenAI). Businesses are keen to reap the benefits of technology, but are very aware of the risks of compromising sensitive information and betraying customer trust. Concerns are growing after major data breaches occur at companies such as samsung. In response, many companies have been reluctant to launch GenAI initiatives, limiting usage to a small cohort or, in some cases, issuing blankets. prohibit.

Source: techcrunch.com