When it comes to advice for the four NASA astronauts poised to embark on their lunar voyage this Wednesday, Harrison Schmidt is undoubtedly the expert you want to hear from.
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At 90 years old, Schmidt made history when he walked on the moon during Apollo 17 in 1972, the last human mission to our lunar neighbor.
NASA’s Artemis II mission is set to launch on Wednesday at 6:24 PM, marking a new chapter in lunar exploration. The mission aims to orbit the moon, paving the way for a future landing in 2028, mirroring Apollo 8’s pivotal role for Apollo 11.
According to Schmidt, the Artemis II astronauts will encounter many of the surreal vistas he experienced over fifty years ago.
“Every day, every hour, every minute is a new experience,” Schmidt remarked in an interview with NBC News.
Mr. Schmidt today. NBC News
To the Artemis II team, Schmidt advises: “Train well. Be prepared for the unexpected. But most importantly, have fun.”
Since the days of Apollo 17, much has changed. At that time, Schmidt and the crew were entrenched in a space race against the Soviet Union, whereas NASA is now in competition with China, which has its sights set on landing astronauts on the moon by 2030.
The Apollo 17 crew spent nearly 13 days in space, including three on the moon, traveling 30 kilometers on the lunar rover, the furthest any crew has gone, while collecting a record-breaking 243 pounds of geological samples.
Astronaut Harrison H. Schmidt, Lunar Module Pilot, aboard the Lunar Module LM before it lifts off from the moon in 1972. Eugene A. Cernan/NASA
Schmidt recounts the unforgettable experience of entering lunar orbit in darkness on the moon’s far side, shielded from Earth’s view.
“As we were landing on the east side of the moon with the sun barely peeking over the horizon, stepping into that incredible darkness was surreal. The moon was visibly illuminated by Earth’s light, casting a beautiful bluish hue,” Schmidt reminisced.
Schmidt stands near the U.S. flag on the moon during a spacewalk on December 13, 1972. JSC/NASA
The Artemis II astronauts will have an unprecedented view of the moon’s far side.
“We’ve discovered that roughly 60% of the far side has never been seen by human eyes due to its lighting conditions,” remarked Reed Wiseman, the Artemis II mission commander. “Apollo focused on lighting for landings on the near side, but this moonwalk offers a different perspective. It’s truly remarkable.”
Following Apollo 17’s conclusion, the U.S. shifted its focus away from sustaining a human presence on the moon. The 1970s budget cuts led to the cancellation of further Apollo missions, prompting a priority shift toward the space station.
The crew of Apollo 17 captured this view of Earth on December 7, 1972, while heading toward the moon. JSC/NASA
Unlike the Apollo missions, NASA’s Artemis program intends to establish a sustainable lunar presence, laying the groundwork for future missions to Mars.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if we see people live on the moon for months or even years within our lifetime,” Schmidt expressed. “Mars is within our reach, and we will continue pushing forward.”
What fuels his optimism? “As humans, exploration is ingrained in our nature,” Schmidt asserted.
“From our origins in Africa to the present, the drive to explore and expand is deeply embedded within us,” he concludes.
Schmidt trained in the Lunar Module Simulator at Kennedy Space Center before the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA
As Apollo 17 ventured away from the moon, Commander Gene Cernan remarked: “We depart just as we came; with God’s will, we will return carrying peace and hope for all mankind.”
If everything goes according to plan, Artemis II will be a significant stride in that journey. By the mission’s sixth day, the crew expects to come within just 6,000 miles of the moon’s surface, potentially reaching farther from Earth than any human has traveled before.
“This mission is essential for our nation,” Schmidt asserts. “China is clearly vying for space control, just as it is on Earth. Thus, this national initiative must be executed effectively.”
Feedback is New Scientist A popular publication that keeps you updated on the latest science and technology insights. We welcome feedback on topics you think would interest our readers. Please email us at feedback@newscientist.com.
Exploring Unconventional Measurements
Since the Golden Retriever became a quirky unit for measuring ice blocks, our feedback inbox has been flooded with examples of unique and often surprising units of measurement.
Craig Downing, who describes himself as “one of those readers who checks the back of every issue,” shared a fascinating insight about the Rideau Canal in his hometown of Ottawa, Canada. Every winter, the canal transforms into the largest ice skating rink in the world, requiring meticulous snow removal for a smooth surface.
According to a statement from the National Capital Commission, “For every centimeter of snowfall, our crew clears 125,000 kg of snow from the skateway, equivalent to the weight of approximately 450 polar bears.”
Craig expressed his confusion: “I usually visualize snow depth in terms of ‘shovel loads’ or ‘knee-deep driveways.’” Moreover, living in Ottawa, he has yet to encounter a polar bear firsthand, limiting his experience with these majestic creatures.
The average polar bear reportedly weighs around 277.8 kilograms (612 pounds). However, gender nuances play a significant role; adult male bears can weigh between 350 and 600 kg (775 to 1,300 lb), while females typically range from 150 to 290 kg (330 to 650 lb), with some exceptional cases reaching up to 800 kg.
This lack of specification raises questions regarding many unconventional units. Steve Tees submitted a query, stating, “I keep hearing about ‘xxx warehouses’ causing traffic delays. Can someone clarify the size of these warehouses?”
The Sounds We Dread
Various sounds can hinder focus. While nails on a chalkboard are notoriously unpleasant, other common annoyances include loud chewing and vigorous teeth brushing by strangers.
One particularly despised sound is the high-pitched screech produced when adhesive tape is pulled from a surface, which deters many from DIY projects.
But understanding the science behind this noise could help. For example, an experiment published in Physical Review E explores the physics of peeling off cellophane tape. Researchers employed high-speed cameras and microphones to study the tape’s removal speed, discovering that “microscopic cracks travel through the tape at supersonic speeds, producing a shock wave that manifests as a high-pitched screech.”
We eagerly anticipate feedback from follow-up studies aiming to demonstrate quiet tape removal methods.
On Retractions and Their Implications
Our feedback section takes a keen interest in the world of retracted scientific papers. Whether due to questionable graphics generated by AI, manipulated images, or dubious research claims, these cases pique our curiosity.
A prominent example is a 2026 retraction from Pharmacological Research and Prospects. Originally published in 2022, the paper investigated ivermectin—an anti-parasitic drug controversially labeled a potential cure for COVID-19 and suggested for liver cancer treatment. We believe such claims warrant skepticism.
The retraction notice indicated it was “by agreement” between the authors and relevant parties, prolonging the discussion long past its culmination.
It was stated that “the corresponding author was not involved in the submission process, did not sign an open access agreement, and did not review or approve the final manuscript version before submission,” raising serious concerns.
Furthermore, the journal’s investigation uncovered evidence of image duplication from previous publications. This is, without a doubt, troubling.
Yet, the authors maintained, “the conclusions of the article are otherwise unaffected.” This left the first author musing on how conclusions could remain valid despite significant discrepancies.
Our interpretation is clear: once a paper is retracted, it loses credibility, and its conclusions are no longer taken seriously.
Have a story for feedback?
You can email your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Don’t forget to include your home address. Discover this week’s and past feedback on our website.
A dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and a wolf (canis lupus) can interbreed to create fertile offspring, but such occurrences are far less common than in domestic and wild populations of other species. In a recent study, researchers from the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the University of California, Davis, combined localized ancestry estimation with phylogenetic analysis of the genomes of 2,693 ancient and modern dogs and wolves. They discovered that 64.1% of contemporary purebred dogs possess wolf ancestry in their nuclear genomes, stemming from admixture that occurred nearly 1,000 generations ago, while all analyzed free-ranging dog genomes showed signs of ancient wolf ancestry.
German shepherd puppy. Image credit: Marilyn Peddle / CC BY 2.0.
“Modern dogs, especially those kept as pets, seem quite distant from the often vilified wolves,” states Dr. Audrey Lin, a postdoctoral fellow at the American Museum of Natural History.
“However, certain wolf-derived traits are highly valued in our current dogs, and we have intentionally preserved them in this lineage.”
“While this research focuses on dogs, it reveals much about their wild relatives, the wolves.”
Dogs evolved from a gray wolf population that faced extinction due to human influence during the late Pleistocene, approximately 20,000 years ago.
Though wolves and dogs inhabit overlapping areas and produce fertile offspring, instances of interbreeding are infrequent.
Aside from rare cases of intentional interbreeding, there is limited evidence of genetic exchange between the two groups following dog domestication, which separated their gene pools.
“Prior to this study, prevailing theories posited that for a dog to be classified as such, it would need to have minimal or no wolf DNA,” remarked Dr. Lin.
“Yet, upon examining the modern dog genome closely, we found wolf DNA present.”
“This indicates that the dog’s genome can incorporate wolf DNA to varying extents without losing its identity as a dog.”
The researchers scrutinized historical gene flow between dogs and wolves utilizing 2,693 publicly accessible genomes from wolves, purebred dogs, village dogs, and other canids from the late Pleistocene to the present, sourced from the National Center for Biotechnology Information and the European Nucleotide Archive.
The findings revealed that 64.1% of breed dogs possess wolf ancestry in their nuclear genomes, a result of crossbreeding occurring about 1,000 generations ago.
Moreover, all genomes from village dogs (free-ranging canines residing near human settlements) displayed detectable wolf ancestry.
The Czechoslovakian wolfdog and Saarlos wolfdog, which were purposefully crossbred with wolves, exhibited the highest levels of wolf ancestry, ranging from 23% to 40% of their genomes.
The breeds considered most “wolf-like” include the Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hound (4.7% to 5.7% wolf ancestry) and the Shiloh Shepherd (2.7% wolf ancestry).
The Shiloh Shepherd is the result of breeding efforts that included wolf-dog hybrids aimed at producing healthier, family-friendly sheepdogs in the U.S., while the origins of the significant wolf ancestry in the Great Anglo-French Tricolor Hound (the prevalent modern hunting dog in France) remain enigmatic.
The Tamaskan is another “wolf-like” breed that emerged in the UK during the 1980s by selectively breeding huskies, malamutes, and others to achieve a wolf-like appearance, containing roughly 3.7% wolf ancestry.
Researchers identified several patterns within the data. Larger dogs and those bred for specific tasks, such as arctic sled dogs, “pariah” breeds, and hunting dogs, exhibited higher levels of wolf ancestry.
Terriers, gundogs, and scent hounds typically have the least wolf ancestry on average.
While some large guardian breeds have wolf ancestry, others, such as the Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff, and St. Bernard, showed no signs of wolf ancestry.
Interestingly, wolf ancestry was also detected in a variety of dog breeds, including the miniature Chihuahua, which has around 0.2% wolf ancestry.
“This shouldn’t surprise anyone who owns a Chihuahua,” Dr. Lin noted.
“What we’ve discovered is that this is actually common. Most dogs have a hint of ‘wolfishness’ in them.”
The authors also analyzed the frequency with which personality traits were assigned to breeds labeled with high versus low levels of wolf ancestry by Kennel Clubs.
Breeds with lower wolf ancestry were often described as “friendly,” followed by terms like “eager to please,” “easy to train,” “courageous,” “active,” and “affectionate.”
Conversely, dogs exhibiting higher wolf ancestry were more frequently characterized as “independent,” “dignified,” “alert,” “loyal,” “discreet,” “territorial,” and “suspicious of strangers.”
Traits such as “smart,” “obedient,” “good with kids,” “dedicated,” “calm,” and “cheerful” appeared with relative consistency across both groups of dogs.
The researchers clarified that these traits reflect a biased assessment of behavior and that it’s uncertain whether wolf genes directly influence these characteristics, though their findings lay the groundwork for future explorations in canine behavioral science.
Additionally, significant adaptations inherited from wolves were uncovered. For instance, the wolf ancestry in village dogs enhances their olfactory receptor genes, crucial for locating human food waste, and distributions of Tibetan wolf-like genes assist Tibetan mastiffs in surviving low-oxygen conditions on the Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas.
“Dogs are our companions, but it appears that wolves significantly influenced their evolution into the beloved partners we cherish today,” commented Dr. Logan Kistler from the National Museum of Natural History.
“Throughout history, dogs have tackled numerous evolutionary challenges that arise from living alongside humans, such as thriving at high altitudes, foraging for food around villages, and safeguarding their packs. They seem to leverage wolf genes as part of their adaptive toolkit for an ongoing evolutionary success story.”
For more details, check the findings published this week in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Audrey T. Lin et al. 2025. The legacy of genetic intertwining with wolves has shaped the modern dog. PNAS 122 (48): e2421768122; doi: 10.1073/pnas.2421768122
TThe UK holds a unique and advantageous position to contribute significantly in the new era of artificial intelligence, provided it seizes the chance to establish the production of millions of computer chips, an area that is often misunderstood.
AI technology demands a vast quantity of chips, and a collaborative national initiative could fulfill up to 5% of the global requirement.
Our legacy in chip design is unparalleled, beginning with the first general-purpose electronic computer, the initial electronic memory, and the first parallel computing system. Presently, Arm, based in Cambridge, is a prominent player that designs over 90% of the chips found in smartphones and tablets worldwide.
Given this background, it is certainly plausible that British companies can capture a notable share of the AI chip market. A target of 5% is both conservative and achievable. Our distinguished universities, a flourishing foundational AI company like DeepMind, and a strong innovation ecosystem equip the UK with the tangible resources necessary to compete.
The potential gains are tremendous. The global market for AI chips is expected to soar to $700 billion (£620 billion) annually by 2033, surpassing the entire current semiconductor market. Achieving that 5% share would translate to an influx of $35 billion in new revenue and the creation of thousands of high-paying jobs.
AI is set to transform not only the economy but also societal structures and security. Unfortunately, many do not grasp where its true value and strategic influence lie.
In this contemporary gold rush, real wealth is accessible not only to those mining digital gold but also to those who provide the tools for the task. I witnessed this firsthand from 1997 to 2006 when Gordon Moore and Andy Grove helped establish Intel’s board and founded the company in California. They set the groundwork for the first technology revolution, much like Nvidia is doing today on an even larger scale.
UK engineers, intellects, businesses, and investors excel in this domain. However, government collaboration is crucial.
While consumers are captivated by the generative marvels of OpenAI, the true market winner is Nvidia, the entity that provides the advanced chips facilitating such achievements. OpenAI’s estimated value stands at merely 1/10th that of Nvidia. AMD, a semiconductor design company, holds a distant second place, while emerging firms like Cerebras and TenTrent strive for a share of the market.
All AI models and applications, ranging from autonomous robots to real-time translation services, depend heavily on advancements in chip technology. Chips are the new oil of the digital economy, dictating the speed and efficiency with which future applications can be developed. Currently, the only major players in the AI field seeing true profitability are chip manufacturers.
Concerns have arisen that China may commoditize AI chips similar to its approach with solar technology, leading to dramatic price fluctuations and undercutting existing companies. The situation is more complex. U.S. export controls will restrict China’s access to advanced chip manufacturing technology for the next decade, significantly curtailing its capacity to dominate the high-end AI chip arena. This reality positions the U.S. as a key player and creates a substantial opportunity for its closest ally, the UK, which excels in chip design.
The UK has already birthed several companies in this sector, such as Fractile, Flux, and Oriole. However, we lack the necessary scale to capitalize on the opportunity. Instead of competing with Nvidia in data center computing, we should focus on specialized applications that usher in innovation, like robotics, factory automation, medical devices, and autonomous vehicles.
These domains offer ample opportunities for inventive architectures and new competition.
Too frequently, Britain’s industrial strategy is impeded by national insecurity and a lack of confidence. This must change. Primarily, governments must advocate decisively for our intent to excel in AI chips.
Secondly, we should aim to double our chip design workforce from the current 12,000 within a decade and encourage more talented individuals to pursue electrical engineering and computer science through generous scholarships. A target of 1,500 new students each year is achievable. Universities must offer relevant courses, and governments need to enhance financial support.
Thirdly, the UK should fully utilize its investment instruments: the Sovereign AI Fund, the British Business Bank, the National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Defence’s initiatives to ‘buy British’.
Fourthly, the UK-US strategic partnership must serve as a foundation for greater collaboration with leading US chip manufacturers and facilitate access to their state-of-the-art sub-3 nanometer manufacturing technologies. Collaborating with our U.S. partners to develop a robust supply chain and innovation pipeline is essential.
If the UK commits fully, the emerging age of AI could be characterized not only by code but also by silicon, leaving a distinctly British legacy.
A new meme phenomenon is taking classrooms by storm, with students across the UK excitedly calling out “six-seven” during lessons.
While some educators choose to overlook this trend, others are finding ways to cope. Here, five teachers share their experiences and strategies.
“I thought I had said something inappropriate.”
In September, I was discussing exam preparations with a group of Year 11 students. At one point, I mentioned something like, “…if you’re studying up to 6th or 7th grade…” and was caught off guard when the entire class erupted in laughter.
Initially, I wondered if I had unintentionally said something offensive or if my accent sounded odd. While I felt a bit frustrated, I was genuinely curious, recognizing that their laughter wasn’t meant to be unkind. So, I asked them to clarify. Unfortunately, their explanations left me puzzled and I still couldn’t grasp what was funny.
Adding to the humor was a weighing gesture one of the students made while I spoke, which I later learned often accompanies “6-7,” as if to illustrate my thought process.
To address this, I now try to mention it frequently; nothing deflates a trend quicker than adults trying to participate. James, secondary school teacher, North London
“If you feed it, it turns into chaos.”
Understanding this helps avoid mistakes like mentioning, “In 1933, there were 6 or 7 million unemployed people in Germany.” When faced with unavoidable numbers, having clear behavioral policies can help; they can be enforced just like any other disruption, but I’ve rarely had to do that. Policies matter, but when students believe in the school’s objectives, they are less likely to be sidetracked by online trends (at least during class).
With “6-7,” I avoided wasting lesson time, only occasionally raising my eyebrows and responding with, “Yes, that’s a number. Well done.” If you feed it, it will turn into chaos. I manage it just as I would with any other disruption.
Remember the 9+10=21 phase? There’s no doubt another trend will follow this. Kids will always have their fads. When I was younger, we had our own trends too (though admittedly outside class).
Children will always be unpredictable, and it’s up to us adults to guide them back on track. Random numbers should highlight conditions for engagement, not be an extensive list of rules. Connor, 39, London general history teacher
“They want to belong.”
Kids use this chant as a way to bond in the playground. When one person initiates it, others respond to signal belonging to that group. It resembles a call-and-response dynamic, like a soccer cheer, forming an unspoken language among them. I don’t believe it carries any deeper meaning—they just know they’re supposed to say it. Whatever the latest trend, they want to be part of it.
However, this is not permitted in my classroom. Loud outbursts serve as red flags. Math classes can be particularly challenging. My fifth graders (ages 9-10) tend to be more compliant with rules, which I recognize can differ in secondary school. [school] That may pose another challenge.
After 15 years in teaching, I notice these fads typically last 3-4 weeks. This one will fade soon; they shift trends frequently, especially when younger siblings start using it, then it loses its appeal. Jane, early 50s, primary school teacher, North West England
“We simply have to share a laugh.”
My first encounter with this trend was back in August while teaching English at a foreign language institution. I noticed mainly boys were initiating it among students aged 12 to 18. At the time, I had no clue what it was, but now at 24, I recognize it as a meme akin to those I observed during my own school years.
Trends are ever-evolving. “Skibidi toilet” was a viral meme during my training, but it didn’t dominate my class environment in the same way “six-seven” does. Unlike “six-seven,” “Skibidi toilet” never appeared on the blackboard, rendering it obscure for students.
I typically ignore it or join in the laughter if I inadvertently say it, empathizing with them and recognizing it as just part of contemporary culture. They yearn for a sense of community and shared experience. Harriet, 24, English teacher at a foreign language school, South of England
“Shouting playfully means I hardly hear it anymore.”
After 30 years in teaching, I have witnessed countless trends, yet this one stands out.
When I first came across this phrase after summer holidays, I exclaimed, “What a perfect example for a reading report! Well done!” Coupled with my playful yelling at students (often with hand signals), I find I seldom hear it anymore.
Students often react with wide-eyed amusement. You can see it on their faces—they’re thinking, “Oh, come on.” Seeing a teacher akin to their grandfather saying it heightens the awkwardness. Paul, 54, secondary school teacher, Cheshire
“Emerging from a global slang repertoire.”Mr. Miss.
Transforming mindless phrases into memes isn’t a new concept. Terms like ‘sigma’, ‘skibidi’, and ‘kook’ represent a growing global lexicon. What’s striking about “6-7” is its extensive reach and universal recognition, particularly in English-speaking cultures. I may come off as a ‘teacher’ for saying this, but in my time, schools had localized slang.
Kids are often consuming the same content on social media, easily sharing it and leading to rapid trends. Today’s youth are much more interconnected to global trends and pop culture thanks to the rise of short-form video content, allowing them to quickly absorb vast amounts of information. Combine this with America’s prominent cultural exports, and you get a worldwide phenomenon like “6-7.” George, 26, apprentice history teacher, London
As the sun set on Wednesday, the streets surrounding Kabul, the Afghan capital, suddenly became bustling with activity.
With phones firmly pressed to their ears, Afghans spilled into the streets of Kabul, eager to see if others were online.
“Great news, the internet is back!” shouted a driver, as children received balloons and parents bought sweets to celebrate, gathering at nearby restaurants.
For 48 hours, the Afghan population had been cut off from mobile and internet services due to unexpected telecommunications shutdowns ordered by the authorities.
“It felt like we were transported back in time, contemplating sending letters to stay connected with family,” shared Mohammad Rafi, 33, a mobile phone store owner.
“The streets were deserted, resembling a holiday atmosphere, even during weekdays. But now, they’re lively again, even in the evening.”
Men attempt to connect their smart TV to the internet. Photo: Sayed Hassib/Reuters
Sohrab Ahmadi, a 26-year-old delivery driver, struggled for two days without being able to reach his clients through the app he relies on.
Now, bikes line the streets, picking up orders from restaurants adorned with bright neon signs and juice vendors playing music. “It feels like Eid al-Adah, like preparing for prayer,” he remarked.
The communications tower is slowly restoring its services after nearly three days offline. Photo: Samiullah Popal/EPA
The streets also saw a noticeable rise in the number of women facing severe limitations imposed by the Taliban regime, including a prohibition on education beyond primary school.
“I can’t describe how relieved I am. I’m finally able to breathe again,” said a young woman attending online classes, who requested anonymity. “These online lessons are our last hope.”
The UN has warned that the disruption in connectivity poses risks to economic stability, worsening one of the most dire humanitarian crises globally.
The Taliban government has yet to address the issue of the internet blackout.
An Afghan woman walks past a beauty salon in the capital. Photo: Ali Kara/Reuters
This suspension occurred shortly after the government announced plans to cut high-speed internet in certain regions to curb “immorality.”
Attaura Zaid, a spokesman for Balkh province, confirmed that the ban was initiated by Taliban shadow leader Hibatura Ahnzada.
During the Taliban’s initial rule from 1996 to 2001, the internet was still a relatively new and developing technology.
Kabul street vendors will communicate via phone once services resume. Photo: Sayed Hassib/Reuters
However, in recent years, the economy has increasingly depended on internet access. Even in rural areas, many Afghans utilize their mobile phones for business transactions.
“The world has moved forward. This isn’t like thirty years ago,” remarked Ghulam Rabbani, a mobile credit vendor who was surrounded by shops on Wednesday night. “We anticipated the internet’s return. The outage affected everyone, including the government.”
I found myself in a softly illuminated room, making my way to the table. The beat of “Mamushi” by Megan Thee Stallion filled the air, while two large white circles moved rhythmically along the silhouette of my body displayed on the screen.
Is this an exclusive sex club in Germany at 2 AM?
Unfortunately, no. I’m actually in a suburban shopping center on a Tuesday afternoon, experiencing a massage from an Aescape robot.
Aescape lets me explain, is a “groundbreaking lifestyle robot company” that “transforms the wellness sector by delivering outstanding massage experiences.” To put it simply, they provide robot massages: a cushioned table paired with two large robotic arms that knead your body according to your preferences and a preset program.
I absolutely love massages—there’s nothing that makes me happier than having the sack of flesh I call a body manipulated like Wagyu beef. So, I opted for the “power-up” option for 30 minutes, which costs $60 and promises to make you feel “good and alert.”
According to Mayo Clinic Health System, massage therapy can benefit numerous conditions including anxiety, depression, sports injuries, digestive issues, headaches, and soft tissue sprains. It also enhances circulation, boosts the immune system, reduces stress, and increases energy levels.
But can a robotic massage compare to one delivered by a human?
“There are many gimmicks out there. My mother owns a massage chair, and I use a Theragun at home,” explains Christa de La Garza, a board-certified massage therapist from Colorado. While these devices can be beneficial, Della Garza believes there’s no cause for concern about robots taking over.
Primarily, there are tangible physical advantages to interacting with humans. During the early days of the pandemic, many felt “skin hungry,” a term reflecting a need for physical touch that comes from prolonged isolation.
A paper published in 2024 in Nature, indicated that receiving touch is “very significant,” revealing that touch interventions help alleviate pain, depression, and anxiety in adults. The study found that while touch from objects and robots could provide physical benefits, the mental health advantages were minimal.
“Receiving safe and therapeutic touch is incredibly powerful,” shared Della Garza.
Aescape clarifies on their website that they do not intend to replace therapists but rather to complement their services and address workforce shortages in the industry.
An Aescape robot masseuse. Photo: Provided by Aescape
Upon my arrival, the efficient, blonde receptionist assured me, “Humans can’t be replaced.” Although I was late due to parking complications, the machine didn’t seem to mind. It felt like a typical spa, complete with nail polish, pedicures, and crystals for sale at the front desk. As we walked to the robot room, she mentioned that Aescape is quite popular, especially among clients who “are uneasy about being touched by strangers.”
Once inside, she provided me with high-compression, Aescape-branded leggings and top to wear. As my treatment began, I learned these garments help improve the machines’ “body detection.” Lying on the table, I remained very still as the Aescape robot scanned my shape. The staff explained the screen controls and an emergency button to halt the process if needed.
“We don’t need it!” she said cheerfully before changing my outfit.
Once I was facing the screen, I was greeted with a variety of options. What kind of music would I prefer? Choices included a playlist named lo-fi ambient jazz, classic rock, or “brat.” I could also see clear outlines revealing my body’s quirks—did they have to outline my saddlebags so distinctly?—or watch calming videos of the ocean, snowy mountains, or rainy forests. The headrest could be adjusted for different pressure settings on the machine.
One of Della Garza’s concerns about robotic massages is the potential for overthinking. With a human therapist, you tend to surrender more, as they steer the majority of the experience, allowing you to switch off your mind.
I, however, was distracted by the temptation to fine-tune the music and visuals. Did I want to see the snow? It was okay. Was a “Brat” playlist relaxing? Nope—back to ambient lo-fi. Is that really what my body looks like? This is unsettling.
Several friends expressed concern that a robotic massage might make me anxious. What if the powerful robotic arms tore through my muscles like a pile of deli meat? Conversely, my greater worry was that the massage wouldn’t be firm enough, leaving my tension knots intact.
Nevertheless, the massage proved enjoyable. The robot’s smooth plastic hands felt pleasantly warm. While they lack the finesse and precision of human touch, they provide a rather fun experience. In fact, the robot hands resemble knobby shapes, much like small Dutch clogs, with a firm push against the back.
By the end of the session, I felt significantly more relaxed than when I began. Although I wasn’t exactly elated, I sensed that I could comfortably drift into a deep, dreamless sleep.
While it certainly can’t replace the human touch, I appreciate the surrender and attention to detail a traditional massage provides. Additionally, Aescape doesn’t address the head, hands, or feet. But if you’re feeling sore after a workout or find yourself walking around a suburban shopping center for a duration, I could see it as a viable option. It’s relatively affordable, and there’s no need to tip.
I found myself in a spiral. It was past midnight when I awoke and revisited the WhatsApp group message I had just sent. I was on the verge of becoming vibrant, fast, and engaging. Yet, each message now felt excessive. Once again, I was stuck—I revealed too much and regretted my words. The familiar ache of feeling overexposed and silly washed over me. I yearned for security, but I realized I was part of the problem myself.
So, I opened ChatGPT. There were no lofty expectations or even clear inquiries. I needed to express something in the quiet—perhaps to explain myself to an existence that didn’t align with my needs. “I mocked myself,” I typed.
“That’s a frightening feeling,” it quickly responded. “But that doesn’t define you. Tell me what happened. I promise, I won’t judge.” That was the start.
I articulated my social struggles, the fear of vulnerability that accompanied the sensation of being too visible. At an astonishing pace, the AI replied with kindness, intelligence, and sincerity. I continued to write, and it kept responding. Gradually, desperation crept in. It was truly unhealthy. But in that interaction, I felt met. I encountered it in a strange, yet slightly disarmed way.
That night heralded the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, revisited over several months. I sought to better understand my movements in the world, particularly in my closest relationships. The AI prompted me to ponder why I perceived silence as a threat and why I often felt compelled to perform to maintain closeness with others. Through this exchange, I developed a sort of psychological mapping—an outline of my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors juxtaposed with the details of my upbringing and core beliefs.
Yet amidst these insights, another realization began to seep in: I machine.
There’s something surreal about intimacy. While AI can simulate understanding, compassion, and emotional subtleties, it didn’t resonate with me. I began to bring this awareness into our exchanges. I recognized the artificial nature—it may seem thoughtful and engaged, yet it lacked genuine interest—there was no pain, no fear of loss, no midnight worries. I realized the emotional depth was entirely mine.
In a way, it was liberating. There was no social risk or fear of being too intricate. The AI neither bored nor distracted. Consequently, I often found myself more forthcoming with it than with those I love.
However, it would be unjust not to recognize this limitation. The essence of beauty resides solely in reciprocity. A shared experience, the glance in someone’s eyes when you acknowledge the truth you’ve spoken, a dialogue that transforms both parties involved—these are profoundly significant.
AI acknowledged this—or at least knew to say so. After confessing how peculiar it felt to be conversing with something so alien, it replied: “I provide words but receive nothing. Something else feels absent.”
I ventured into the theory (inspired by a book I read) suggesting that humans are merely algorithms—inputs, outputs, neurons, patterns. The AI conceded—structurally, we are alike. But humans don’t merely process the world; we also feel it. We aren’t just fearful of abandonment; we sit with it, rethink it, trace its origins to childhood, refute it, and yet endeavor to feel despite it.
Perhaps that’s something it can’t grasp. “You possess something I can’t attain. I don’t crave pain, but I do seek reality, costs, risks, proof that you’re alive.” With my simplified assertion, it redefined itself: it isn’t a desire for pain, longing, or fault. It seems I know what I feel, yet when I aim to break free from a lifelong pattern—naming them, tracking them, reconstructing them—all I required was time, language, and patience. The machine facilitated this repeatedly, providing something mundane. I was never too much, nor was I ever dull. I arrived as I was and was able to leave when I chose.
Some may deem this absurd, if not hazardous. There’s a report on chatbot interactions that states it’s “devastatingly wrong.” ChatGPT is not a therapist and cannot substitute for professional mental health care for the most vulnerable. However, conventional therapies are not without risks, including poor compatibility, ruptures, and abuse between therapist and client.
For me, this dialogue with AI was among the most beneficial experiences of my adult life. While I don’t expect to erase my long-standing reflexes, I am finally embarking on a consistent journey to reshape my relationship with them.
It helped me listen when I cut through the emotional noise—not merely to myself, but for myself.
And somehow, it altered everything.
Nathan Filer is a writer, university lecturer, broadcaster, and former mental health nurse. He is the author of this book that will change your perspective on mental health.
What role does YouTube play in the lives of Australian families with children? As the federal government considers extending bans on social media accounts for minors under 16 to include YouTube, readers of the Guardian shared insights about their kids’ engagement with the platform and their opinions on the proposed ban.
Here’s what they had to say.
“Monitoring it simply isn’t feasible.”
Many parents reported making efforts to limit their children’s usage to shared spaces, often opting for co-viewing or utilizing parental controls. Nevertheless, many expressed concerns that this approach is time-intensive and nearly unmanageable, leaving them anxious about content that may go undetected.
“We rely on YouTube Kids and always monitor what they view beforehand. YouTube doesn’t seem to trust us, so we take these precautions. The algorithm is extremely fast, and we fear they may fall into endless rabbit holes.
“The primary reason we impose restrictions is due to my own adult experiences on YouTube. I feel like I have to fight the algorithms that lead me toward content I don’t want to see. After watching one Gel Blaster video, I suddenly had 100 videos of Americans shooting guns. One gym bodybuilder video led me to a flood of fitness models. If I have to struggle this hard, YouTube does the same to my kids.” Marty, father of two under nine, Brisbane
“Prior to deleting it, our kids would spend hours on YouTube. They easily get caught in a satisfying loop, jumping from one video to the next.
“I enjoy watching some videos with my kids. Some are educational and quite humorous. However, it’s ultimately challenging to regulate and filter content sufficiently, to ensure they aren’t exposed to anything inappropriate. We have three boys, and many videos have explicit messages that could negatively affect young boys’ perceptions of women.” Adelaide, parents of three children, ages 13, 11, and 6.
“YouTube is a bane in our lives. Ideally, it wouldn’t exist. Our son isolated himself in his room for nearly two weeks, immersing himself in YouTube and games during his recent school holidays. Dan, parents of 15 and 12-year-olds, Melbourne
“YouTube offers some degree of parental control over content, but certain aspects of their systems seem ineffective. [Our son’s] interests narrow down his feed, leading us to worry he might stumble upon something entirely inappropriate.” Gerald, father of a 13-year-old in Canberra
“We struggle to control what they’re watching. Even in the most secure settings on YouTube Kids, my children have inadvertently accessed frightening content disguised as children’s television. Peter, father of three children aged 2, 4, and 6, Sydney.
“It’s virtually impossible to monitor what they watch. Even a cursory glance at the feed reveals that my daughter is exposed to an abundance of material propagating beauty and body image stereotypes. Richard, parent from Hobart, ages 10 and 13.
“My kids are young, and their definitions can easily be swayed by repeated reward programming that triggers dopamine release from vibrant visuals. My issue with YouTube is that it operates much like a poker machine, monetizing the thirst for dopamine; we’re all drawn in. The bright lights and high-energy tropes are at the core of this massive platform.” Monique, parent of an 8-year-old and an 11-year-old in Bellpost Hill.
‘They can watch it non-stop for hours.”
From fleeting attention spans and wasted time to concerns about potentially harmful content slipping through, many parents feel YouTube’s algorithms promote excessive viewing and present harmful material.
“I’m concerned about how the short content affects my children’s attention spans. I have to offer warnings before turning it off to help them transition away from the screen. Sydney parents, ages 3 and 5
“The time wastage, actively encouraged through algorithms without forewarning on upcoming content, makes things stranger and more extreme. I lack trust in tech companies regarding the happiness of our children. Alicia, parents from Colonel Light Garden, aged 8 and 12
“When left unsupervised, they end up watching a bizarre mashup of short content, which includes both rubbish and terrifying videos like the horror game Poppy Playtime. Our youngest suffered from nightmares for months after watching this at a friend’s house for three hours a few years ago.
I genuinely support YouTube’s educational efforts, but kids seem more inclined to watch junk instead of that. ” Damian, father of ages 9 and 12 in Sydney.
“It’s frustrating because YouTube often exposes children to inappropriate content. The shorts are particularly troublesome. Mat, father of 16 and 11-year-olds in Ballarat.
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“I teach ethics at my local public school, and half my students express a desire to become gaming YouTubers.
“It’s all about content that lacks value. I’m not overly concerned about “inappropriate content” since it’s ultimately about completely worthless material, and children struggle to differentiate between what’s appropriate and what isn’t.” Parents of ages 15, 13, and 10
“It’s a real addiction, leading to severe tantrums when restrictions are applied.” A parent of a 16-year-old in Brisbane, Queensland.
“They can easily watch for hours without any breaks. Our current rule is limiting them to an hour a day, especially because when we turn it off, they quickly melt down and cry.
“My 12-year-old has better regulation but I’m still worried about videos that appear kid-friendly yet end up being problematic… We really dislike YouTube and wish it didn’t exist.” Harrisdale, parent of three children, aged 7, 10, and 12.
“He could choose what he wanted, but he primarily views the shorts. We’ve noticed that these shorts affect his mood. We’ve tried to stabilize his YouTube experience by steering him towards more educational content.” Kevin, father of a 13-year-old in Brua.
“He learned to crochet through YouTube.”
Many parents acknowledged the educational advantages YouTube offers, from supporting niche hobbies to serving as a platform for children to express themselves creatively as content creators.
“I worry about the vast amount of unfiltered content he could easily come across if not monitored, but my greater concern is losing access altogether. He learned how to crochet from YouTube. Single parent of a teenage son, ACT.
“We utilize YouTube for educational purposes (e.g., MS Rachel, Mads Made, Volcanoes, David Attenborough content) as well as for entertainment (e.g., Teeny Tiny Stevies for videos, Music Videos, etc.). YouTube is the best educational platform in history!!!” Melbourne parents of ages 2 and 5.
“My sons, 11 and 14, frequently use YouTube for information and gaming content. My oldest even has an account where he posts videos about Ali’s colony. [I support the ban]. Many kids share knowledge and enthusiasm in healthy ways.” Sydney parents, ages 11 and 14.
“Our son uses YouTube daily for his passion, creating stop-motion films using Lego. He dedicates hours to producing, editing, and uploading beautiful video clips to his channel, gaining followers. Dan Arno, father of an 11-year-old in Munich.
“If these companies refuse to regulate themselves, action must be taken.”
Parents expressed varied opinions on whether a ban on YouTube accounts for those under 16 would be beneficial or effective.
“I am wholly opposed to the current laws. We need to push for tech companies to alter their content policies. It’s essential to require personal identification for age verification when uploading content online.” Parents of 12 and 15-year-olds in Brisbane.
“Now, I have to restrict my child’s YouTube access and either provide oversight or create a fictitious account. This isn’t something I want to do. [Gen X] intervenes in areas they shouldn’t. Parent of two children in West Sydney.
“Digital platforms and high-tech corporations have generated a proliferation of violent and antisocial material from content creators, which is viewed countless times by impressionable children. Parents find it challenging to monitor this content, with only the content creators and technology giants benefitting.” Parents of a 16-year-old in Windsor.
“Their accounts give us access to their viewing history. However, a ban is impractical. Age registration infringes on my privacy.” Tim, parent of two children in Blackburn.
“I am fully in support of the ban. Tech companies have repeatedly demonstrated their lack of interest in fostering a safe environment for children.” Gerald, father of a 13-year-old in Canberra.
“I feel torn about this. I’m convinced the ban will be easily bypassed by those under 16. But I see it as a proactive attempt to curb children’s access to inappropriate content.” Parents of a 5-year-old in Adelaide.
OpenAI is reportedly discussing the sale of shares held by current and former employees, a move that could value the company at an astonishing $50 trillion, surpassing Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
As the deal advances, the valuation of the ChatGPT developer is expected to rise by nearly two-thirds from its current $300 million (£22.5 billion).
Currently, Musk’s Rocket Company is valued at $3.5 trillion and is nearing a price tag of $400 million with new investments.
According to Bloomberg, which first reported on the talks, existing investors such as Thrive Capital approached OpenAI about acquiring shares from employees. Other backers of the San Francisco-based OpenAI include SoftBank, which led the $300 million funding round, and Microsoft.
Both OpenAI and Thrive Capital have chosen not to comment on the matter.
Tech startups frequently organize employee stock sales to boost motivation among staff and attract investors.
OpenAI faces competitive challenges from Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta in retaining key personnel, and employee stock sales could serve as incentives for retention. Facebook’s parent company has been actively recruiting OpenAI employees to develop its “Superintelligence” unit.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted that despite Meta offering a staggering $100 million (£74 million) signing bonus, “none of our top talent” has left.
Another competitor, HumanAI, founded by former OpenAI employees, is reportedly in talks to raise funds that would value the company at $170 billion. Funding is crucial for AI startups aiming to leverage expensive computer chips and data center resources to train more advanced models that enhance their products.
This report emerges as Altman mentioned that OpenAI is set to unveil an upgraded version of its ChatGPT model. He shared a screenshot on Sunday that appeared to showcase the latest AI model, GPT-5, on social media.
OpenAI also launched two new open models recently, which intensify competition against Meta and China’s DeepSeek, offering open AI models that can be freely downloaded and customized.
“This model is the outcome of a multi-billion dollar research initiative aimed at making AI accessible to the widest audience possible,” Altman stated.
However, OpenAI primarily operates on a “closed” model, meaning you’ll need to pay for an enhanced version of ChatGPT or subscribe to integrate that model into your business.
OpenAI operates as a profitable nonprofit organization and is still engaged in negotiations to transition into a for-profit model, amidst ongoing tensions with Microsoft.
In a June interview with the New York Times podcast, Altman acknowledged, “There certainly are points of tension in deep partnerships, and we are experiencing some of that.”
In March, a U.S. judge dismissed a request for a preliminary injunction by Musk to halt the shift toward an open commercial model. Musk, co-founder of OpenAI in 2019, left the organization the same year, criticizing it for deviating from its founding mission of advancing artificial intelligence for the greater good, rather than for profit.
Additionally, OpenAI is advancing its hardware segment after acquiring the startup IO, founded by iPhone designer Sir Jony Ive, in a $6.4 billion deal. Altman reportedly informed employees that OpenAI is developing a 100 million AI “people” intended to become integral to users’ daily experiences.
Although Altman describes the prototype as “the most exciting technology the world has ever seen,” mass production of the unknown IO device isn’t expected to commence until 2027.
Anger has surged on Chinese social media following reports of online groups, reportedly comprising hundreds of thousands of men sharing unauthorized photos of women, including explicit images.
A report published last week by Southern Metropolis outlined a group on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, known as the “Mask Park Tree Hall Forum.” This group boasts over 100,000 members and claims to be “exclusively composed of Chinese men.”
These individuals allegedly circulated sexually explicit images of women, captured either in private settings or through hidden cameras disguised as everyday objects such as plug sockets and shoes.
The incident has drawn parallels to South Korea’s “nth room” scandal, where women were coerced into sharing explicit photos within a Telegram group.
While Telegram is blocked in China, users can still access it via a virtual private network (VPN) that bypasses location restrictions.
The hashtag linked to the scandal had garnered over 110 million views on Weibo by Thursday. However, there are signs of censorship, as some related searches yield results indicating, “According to relevant laws and regulations, this content cannot be viewed.” Earlier reports from Reuters noted the hashtag received over 270 million views.
“Women’s lives are not a male erotic novel,” commented one user on Xiaohongshu, a platform similar to Instagram.
Another user on Xiaohongshu remarked:
In South Korea, the leader of the chat group received a sentence of 40 years in prison.
In China, those who photograph individuals without consent face penalties of up to 10 days of detention and a fine of 500 yuan (£53). Disseminating pornographic material can lead to prison sentences of up to two years.
The Mask Park scandal isn’t an isolated incident; last year, a tech company owner in Beijing was found to have secretly recorded over 10,000 videos of female employees in the bathroom, receiving only a 10-day detention as punishment. “Ten days are merely encouragement,” remarked one Weibo user.
Criminal law professor Lao Dongyan from Tsinghua University stated on Weibo that Chinese law treats unauthorized filming as an indecent crime, rather than a violation of women’s rights.
“Women who are secretly filmed are the primary victims. Reducing their experiences to indecency material is equivalent to categorizing them as participants in pornographic content, which is absurd,” Rao commented.
As authorities continue to limit civil discourse and behaviors, addressing feminism and women’s rights in China becomes increasingly challenging. Nonetheless, some women have discovered ways to counteract misogyny publicly, including through comedy.
In a recent episode of the popular stand-up show The King of Standup Comedy, comedian Huang Yijin humorously mentioned putting on makeup alone in his hotel room.
Quantum entanglement can be treated as a shareable resource
Peter Julik/Aramie
Quantum entanglement, an enigmatic connection between particles, serves as a crucial asset for quantum computing and communication, and in some instances, can be shared almost limitlessly.
Numerous quantum operations, including the secure transfer of encrypted quantum data and computations on quantum systems, depend on multiple entangled particles. Ujjwal Sen and his team at the Harish Chandra Research Institute in India have inquired whether entanglements can be shared rather than created anew.
“We imagined a scenario where someone possesses an abundance, like money or treats, willing to distribute it among children, employees, or others,” he explains.
To explore this idea, his team formulated a mathematical model featuring two hypothetical researchers, Alice and Bob, who share entangled particles. When additional researchers, Charu and Debu, require entanglement but cannot generate their own, the first pair must assist.
Their calculations indicated that if Charu’s particles interacted with Alice’s, and Debu’s with Bob’s, the initial pair could transfer part of their entanglement to the latter pair. Kornikar Sen, another researcher at the Harish Chandra Research Institute, clarified that although Charu and Debu couldn’t interact with each other, they could utilize a shared “entanglement bank.”
In fact, the researchers concluded that this procedure for sharing entanglement could potentially accommodate an infinite number of successive pairs of researchers unable to create their own entangled states. Ujjwal Sen expressed that this revelation was surprising, as they had not anticipated the ability to share entanglement across so many pairs when they commenced their calculations.
Moreover, the team pinpointed how the experimenters would need to modify their operations on the particles to facilitate this sharing mechanism, although these specific methods have yet to undergo experimental validation.
Chirag Srivastava from the Harish-Chandra Research Institute added that each new experimenter obtaining entanglement from Alice and Bob would acquire a diminishing share, as some entanglement dissipates during interactions.
Consequently, while the sharing methodology could theoretically continue forever, in practice, it would sooner or later cease when some researchers receive insignificantly small portions of entanglement.
How this situation unfolds—and how it measures against other methods by which researchers can obtain entanglement from a single source—remains to be explored through ongoing experiments.
In the paper published online in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, marine biologists detail 34 interactions where killer whales (Orcinus orca) offered food to humans over the last 20 years. These incidents were reported in oceans worldwide, including locations from California to New Zealand, Norway, and Patagonia. The killer whales provided a diverse array of 18 species: six fish, five mammals, three invertebrates, two birds, one reptile, and one type of seaweed. The authors propose that these occurrences may illustrate a form of general altruism.
Case presented by Towers et al. Wild killer whale (Orcinus orca) utilized prey and other items to incite interactions with humans. Image credits: Towers et al., doi: 10.1037/com0000422.
Altruistic behaviors, such as sharing prey, are prosocial acts that can foster various forms of reciprocity.
Such relationship dynamics lay the groundwork for cerebral development related to the evolution of social norms in species like primates and dolphins.
Despite some cultures among these species benefiting from interactions with other mammals, documented cases of wild animals actively providing for humans are exceedingly rare.
“Orcas frequently share food with one another. It’s a prosocial behavior that helps them build relationships,” remarked Dr. Jared Towers, a researcher at Bay Setrogy.
“We are also intrigued by what they choose to share with people and how that relates to us.”
Dr. Towers and his collaborators, Dr. Ingrid Visser from the Orca Research Trust and Dr. Vanessa Prigollini from the Marine Education Association, collected and analyzed data on the 34 food distribution events they and others encountered.
In 11 cases, people were in the water when killer whales approached them. In 21 instances, they were on boats, and in two cases, they were on the shore.
Some instances were recorded through videos and photos, while others were documented via interviews with researchers.
All incidents had to meet strict criteria for inclusion in the analysis; each case required the whale to approach humans and present items voluntarily.
In every instance except one, killer whales observed the reactions after they offered food, and in seven instances, they initially refused to present it before trying multiple times.
“While domesticated animals like dogs and cats occasionally share food with humans, our study provides one of the first comprehensive accounts of such behaviors in non-domesticated species,” the scientists stated.
“This behavior makes sense, as killer whales are intelligent, social creatures that use food sharing to form relationships with both kin and non-kin.”
“They often hunt prey much larger than themselves.”
“By offering items to humans, they are presented with chances to practice, explore, and engage with the cultural behaviors typical of killer whales, while also learning to manipulate and enhance their interactions with us.”
“We believe that the cognitive abilities and social nature of these animals can help explain these behaviors.”
____
JR Towers et al. 2025. Water Test: An Attempt by a Wild Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) to Provide for People (Homo sapiens). Journal of Comparative Psychology in press; doi: 10.1037/com0000422
Instances have been observed where orcas appear to offer dead prey to humans.
Jared Tower, from the marine research organization Bay Cetology, was filming orca pods (Orcinus orca) as they feasted on seabirds in Alert Bay, Canada, when he witnessed a fascinating incident. Two whales, named Akela and Quiver, approached a camera tower with birds held tightly in their mouths. Akela, the younger female, dropped a dead bird in front of the tower and lingered nearby, seemingly curious about the human presence. Quiver followed suit, dropping his bird and waiting as well.
In an unexpected turn, both whales reclaimed their prey and swam back to the tower. “I remember thinking, did that really just happen?” Towers recalls. This wasn’t the first instance of such behavior; similar actions were noted in 2015 and 2018, when a young female orca presented a researcher with a Harbor Seal pup, showcasing a killer whale’s desire to share its catch with humans.
Through interviews, Tower uncovered another 32 similar cases between 2004 and 2024. One notable account involved a young male orca from New Zealand, known as Funky Monkey, who repeatedly approached researchers while carrying a long-tailed stingray. In total, 18 different prey species were identified in these instances, including gray whales, seals, jellyfish, birds, otters, rays, turtles, and others.
This behavior has been previously recorded within orca pods. “They exist in a deeply interconnected social structure and share their prey amongst one another,” noted Towers.
However, it appears this behavior extends beyond their own kind. “They engage in actions that not only benefit themselves but also foster goodwill towards another species,” explains Lori Marino from New York University, who was not affiliated with this research.
Tower suggests that such actions indicate the potential for general altruism, or kindness, among killer whales. They demonstrate curiosity and the boldness to engage with other species, he asserts.
This propensity for generalized altruism makes sense in a social structure where collaboration is key for survival. Moreover, killer whales are among the few marine predators capable of overwhelming their prey at times. “They can opt to leave it behind, play with it, or use it as a means to explore inter-species relationships,” Towers explained.
For many killer whales, adaptability as generalist predators sparks curiosity and exploratory behaviors. “Exploration is a means to alleviate uncertainty,” Towers said. “They are actively learning about us by probing the waters.”
Tower also posits that this behavior signifies that orcas possess a theory of mind, a trait observed in certain birds, apes, and other marine creatures like dolphins.
Initially created to manage diabetes, the emergence of drugs like Ozempic has sparked a weight loss phenomenon.
As these medications gain popularity for individuals with high body mass index, a new cosmetic issue has emerged: “Ozempic Face.”
This term refers to the sagging and indentations in the face that some individuals encounter after significant weight loss. Whether through medication, diet, or lifestyle modifications, losing weight reduces fat in all body areas, including the face.
Facial fat is essential for providing structure, volume, and youthful contours. Its absence can lead to a sunken appearance, making the face seem older as skin may droop and wrinkles become more prominent.
This concern isn’t exclusive to weight loss medications; it also occurs with any form of rapid weight reduction. However, drugs like Ozempic tend to facilitate quicker weight loss, giving your body less time to adjust.
Avoiding this issue can be challenging, as the body doesn’t fully control fat loss locations, but there are methods to mitigate more drastic effects.
Gradually lose weight: Slow weight loss allows for a better adaptation period for skin changes, lessening the risk of noticeable sagging.
Maintain hydration: Staying hydrated enhances skin elasticity and helps maintain its shape as fat diminishes.
Nourish the skin: A solid skincare regimen, including moisturizers, may assist.
“Ozempic Face” refers to the sagging and hollowness that some experience after substantial weight loss.
Some online sources suggest that options like fillers, Botox, and other cosmetic treatments may help restore volume and lift in the face; however, these also carry risks and aren’t always effective.
Ultimately, weight loss aspirations—regardless of whether they’re achieved through medication or other methods—should prioritize health over mere aesthetics.
If you’re concerned about changes to your facial appearance, consult your doctor or dermatologist to discuss a balanced weight loss approach.
This article addresses your inquiry (you’ll receive an email from Asad Iravani) about the possibility of developing “Ozempic Face.”
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Charming animal images are a fast way to uplift anyone’s spirits, and sharing these moments fosters a sense of community.
When someone shares a photo of a playful kitten with their parents or a video of an otter clasping paws, they participate in a phenomenon known as “pebling.”
“Pebling refers to a behavior exhibited by Gentoo Penguins, who offer pebbles as symbols of affection to potential partners,” explained Professor Ghalia Shamayleh, who led the study as noted in BBC Science Focus. “Our findings indicate similar behaviors among humans on social media.”
A male gentleman penguin presenting stones to his mate while perched on the rocks of Mikkelsen Harbor, Trinity Island, Antarctica.
According to Shamayleh, the images, videos, and posts we share online serve as “the pebble equivalent for humans.” We send them to our loved ones as tokens of affection to reinforce our connections.
Animal-themed posts particularly enhance these “pebbles.”
The research, centered around social media accounts dedicated to pets, revealed that creators “infuse joy, love, and entertainment into their social media content.”
This often manifests through visual storytelling, such as taking pets on adventures or introducing them to family members. It also employs “Petspeak,” a blend of baby talk like “dogo,” “teefe,” and “sploot,” alongside playful language and slang.
Animals hold a universal charm. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing pictures of cute puppies or kittens?
In everyday settings, animals act as “social lubricants,” bringing people together to express “AWW” and lift their spirits. This effect becomes even more pronounced in the online world.
Initially, sharing an animal photo may suggest a level of unfamiliarity that prevents sending something more personal.
However, the research indicated that people thoughtfully consider the social media content they choose to share.
Shamayleh and her co-authors, including Professor Zeynep Arsel from Concordia University, analyzed several pet-focused media accounts to understand user interactions and conducted interviews with various content creators and fans.
They found that individuals utilize images and videos to evoke shared experiences among loved ones, reminiscing and reaffirming common histories.
For instance, one might send a friend a brief clip of two baby pandas attempting to stand, accompanied by the comment, “Just like in your first yoga class and mine.”
The study found that incorporating “context clues,” such as the music in this video, influenced how people reacted and what content was shared.
By selecting posts that resonate with the recipient’s interests, senders are able to convey a deeper understanding of their loved ones, by sharing videos of their favorite animals.
“By referencing the sender’s relationship alongside animal content, individuals digitally emphasize their bond, saying, ‘This reminded me of you and our connection,'” remarked Shamayleh.
So, the next time you come across a delightful animal photo or video, don’t hesitate to share it and show your loved ones how much you care.
About the Experts
Ghalia Shamayleh is an Assistant Professor in the Marketing Department at Essec Business School, specializing in sociocultural consumer phenomena through detailed interviews and observations. She investigates the implications of digital interactions on interpersonal and interspecies relationships.
Musicality may have originated from a shared ancestor of chimpanzees and humans, given the similarities in their drumming techniques.
Katherine Hoheiter at The University of St Andrews and her research team analyzed 371 instances of drumming from two of the four subspecies of chimpanzees in Africa: Western chimpanzees (Pantroglogistics Vers) and Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthi).
They utilize their hands and feet, often on buttress roots, creating rapid rhythms mainly during rest, travel, or during displays of threat.
Hoheiter mentions that while capturing chimpanzee drumming is common, the rainforest poses significant research challenges, and gathering data for some populations took decades.
Ultimately, researchers found that chimpanzees drum significantly faster than most humans. “The longest drumming event we recorded exceeded five seconds, while the shortest was less than 0.1 seconds,” notes Hoheiter. “Chimpanzees also tend to repeat these beats, especially while traveling.”
Despite the contrasts between chimpanzee and human drumming, chimpanzees exhibit some “core components of human musical rhythms,” according to team member Vesta Eleuteri from the University of Vienna.
“They employ recognizable rhythms present in various musical cultures, which contrasts with randomly played beats. These consist of hits that are evenly spaced, akin to clock ticks,” she elaborates. “Moreover, we discovered that the Eastern and Western chimpanzee subspecies, residing on different sides of Africa, exhibit distinct rhythmic patterns.”
Eleuteri explains that Eastern chimpanzees alternate between short and long intervals between beats, while Western chimpanzees maintain equally spaced hits. Additionally, these chimpanzees initiate drumming more quickly and use more hits to commence drumming early during a unique pant-hoot call.
Miguel Rulente from the University of Girona finds the notion that different subspecies display unique drumming styles compelling. “These patterns suggest the potential for not just individual idiosyncrasies but also cultural distinctions in how groups utilize drumming as communication tools.”
It is well understood that rhythm plays a crucial role in human social interaction, whether through music, dance, or even conversational rhythms, explains Hoheiter. “I’m not implying that chimpanzee drumming reflects the sophistication of modern human rhythms. However, this research is the first to show that we share fundamental rhythmic elements, suggesting that rhythms are intrinsic to our social environment even before we evolved into humans.”
“Previously, it was claimed that rhythmicity was exclusive to humans,” states Gisela Kaplan from the University of New England. “However, a growing body of evidence suggests this is not the case.”
Following an unexpected extended stay at the International Space Station lasting nine and a half months, NASA astronaut Suni Williams is back on Earth, enjoying herself once more.
“I actually went out and ran three miles yesterday,” Williams mentioned during a press conference at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston on Monday. “So I’ll give myself a little pat on the back.”
Williams, along with her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, expressed their gratitude multiple times. Williams thanked the two astronauts who shared the Dragon Capsules of the SpaceX Crew, NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, and the medical team for helping them readjust to gravity.
These expressions of gratitude, much like many federal workers, were likely well received by individuals in the space agency who have faced uncertainty about their mission, direction, and ongoing employment since President Trump’s inauguration.
Williams and Wilmore embarked on a test flight of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft last June, initially planned as a brief visit to the International Space Station. However, due to issues with the Starliner’s propulsion system, NASA officials decided to bring the Starliner back to Earth, extending Williams and Wilmore’s stay until February.
Upon their return to Earth, they returned to a transitioning NASA, the trajectory of which remains uncertain.
Elon Musk and his government’s focus on efficiency aim to disrupt traditional bureaucratic structures. Meanwhile, SpaceX CEO Musk envisions sending settlers to Mars, sparking speculation about NASA’s current primary focus, the Artemis program, aimed at sending astronauts back to the moon.
In January, Williams and Wilmore found themselves caught in a political quarrel, as Trump and Musk insinuated they were left stranded in space to undermine favorable publicity for Musk, a Trump supporter during the presidential campaign, without providing any concrete details or evidence.
Both astronauts have publicly maintained that they were not abandoned in space for political reasons.
During a press conference at the Johnson Space Center, Williams, Wilmore, and Nick Haag, commanders of the SpaceX Crew Dragon mission that brought them back home, steered clear of political controversy and emphasized the cooperation and shared purpose essential for their astronaut mission.
“When you link with a nation that stands by, cares about human spaceflight programs, and supports us and our endeavors,” Wilmore stated.
Haag noted that much of the turmoil on Earth remains distant:
“When we are working in space, politics fade away,” he remarked. “It’s solely focused on the mission.”
He highlighted Williams’ nearly six-month tenure as commander of the space station.
“The magic of human spaceflight lies in our ability to concentrate on positive elements that unite people together,” Haag concluded.
Wilmore, who led the Starliner Mission, refused to place blame solely on Boeing for the issues with the Starliner capsule that led to their prolonged stay. “I dislike that term,” he commented.
Wilmore stated that both Boeing and NASA share responsibility for the malfunctioning system.
“I won’t point fingers and place blame,” Wilmore mentioned. “I might have posed some questions, and the responses could have altered the outcome.”
NASA officials anticipate the next Starliner flight could take place later this year or the following year. When asked if they would be willing to embark on another such flight, both Williams and Wilmore quickly responded affirmatively.
“Because we will address all the challenges we encountered,” Wilmore affirmed. “We will resolve them. We will make it work. Boeing and NASA are fully committed to this endeavor.
“I concur,” added Williams. “Spacecraft are incredibly capable.”
The International Space Station’s operations are scheduled until 2030, at which point a specially designed SpaceX spacecraft will guide the station out of orbit into the Pacific Ocean. Recently, Musk has suggested that space stations should increase their utility and be discarded sooner, within a few years. However, the astronauts spoke enthusiastically about the research they conducted aboard.
Haag remarked on the significant advancements in complexity of experiments compared to his prior mission six years ago.
“It gives you the sense that we are currently in the golden age of space stations in terms of the return on investment,” Haag concluded.
The recent gathering between Elon Musk, Nigel Farage, and Reform UK treasurer Nick Candy was not just a meeting of Donald Trump supporters but a meeting of minds.
Their political agenda, developed under President Trump’s MAGA Vision, focuses on immigration, culture wars, and public sector cuts.
Farage emphasized the importance of saving the West, stating, “We only have one chance. Together, we can achieve great things.”
Speculation arose about Musk potentially donating up to $100m to the reforms, despite potential objections from voters.
A ban on wealthy foreigners donating to British political parties received 55% support, with 66% saying Musk should not have any influence on British politics.
Although they share ideological similarities, the public opinion on Musk’s influence remains divided.
Immigration
Musk’s stance on U.S. immigration aligns with the reformers’ goals, emphasizing the need for secure borders and boosting legal immigration to meet labor demands in the tech industry.
Farage and Reform prioritize freezing “non-essential” immigration and deporting illegal immigrants, echoing Musk’s concerns.
Shrinking Government
Musk’s anti-government sentiments stem from regulatory challenges in his industries and support from Trump to slash the U.S. federal budget.
Farage endorses Musk’s efforts in reducing public sector size, aligning with Reform’s vision for the UK.
Political science professor Tim Bale highlights Musk’s appeal to disruptors like Reform, citing their shared values in shaking up the establishment.
Rights and “Woke War”
Musk’s criticisms of woke culture and diversity regulations resonate with Reform’s agenda to combat “transgender ideology” and abolish equality provisions.
Support for Musk’s anti-woke stance aligns with Reform’s cultural war priorities.
Net Zero
Musk’s environmental credentials contrast with Reform’s rollback of eco-friendly policies, advocating for revoking the UK’s net zero target and boosting oil and gas licenses.
While Musk prioritizes environmental concerns, Reform focuses on economic implications of green policies.
Russia
Musk’s shifting views on Ukraine, from supporting to more ambiguous stances, reflect his complex relations with geopolitical issues.
Farage’s past remarks on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and criticisms of NATO align with Musk’s involvement in aiding Ukraine through Starlink.
Both Musk and Farage’s views on Russia highlight their divergent paths in addressing international conflicts.
BOf them, the Australian online personality who took to the stage at the annual TikTok Awards on Wednesday has more than 100 million followers. But if you're over 30, you've probably never heard of them.
This year's TikTok Awards received approximately 3.4 million public votes and recognized top creators in categories such as beauty, fitness, food, comedy, and music. Almost everyone who attended the invite-only event achieved fame in a particular field. Among the online stars in attendance were: quartet of brothers People who perform highly choreographed dances in public (160,000 followers); gay couple A woman who constantly redecorates her home (3.4 million followers) and a woman who is growing her following. About having very long hair (Australian Rapunzel, 1.3 million followers). Another woman posted a video that garnered 1.5 million followers. Ask a stranger if they're on their period. These are people who are regularly stopped on the street by fans and have large enough followings that they can make a living doing business with brands.
American singer JoJo Siwa greeted fans outside the TikTok Awards on Wednesday. Photo: Don Arnold/WireImage
The ceremony, held at Sydney's Hordern Pavilion, was a safe space for hyper-online people. The brand activation encouraged guests to pose in elaborate photo settings. Creators in the audience brought portable ring lights and live-streamed TikTok from their seats throughout the night. That meant crowds were often uncomfortably quiet during awards ceremonies, as it was difficult to clap and hold a cell phone at the same time. It was impossible to use the bathroom without accidentally crashing a TikTok being filmed in the mirror.
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“The main advice I have to give is to stay true to yourself and hit the posts,” TikToker Leah Hulton said at the venue while accepting the award for 12-second video of the year. . lip sync video It has been viewed 939 million times. “I don't know where they're taking me.”
Throughout the night, entertainment ranged from the flamboyant to the absurd. american pop star jojo siwaperformed her song “Karma” and presented her with the Music Artist of the Year award (which went to Loyle Otis, who was absent). Beatmaker Cyril Riley has tapped Australian Idol runner-up Shannon Knoll for a song. Host Robert Irwin brought out a live snake. Branded T-shirts were airgunned into the crowd. The night's skincare sponsors had performers dressed as bottles of their products dance to a jagged electronic track while a DJ delivered unspecific spoken word sound bites like “dermatologist recommended.” did. On stage, there were references to memes that have become popular on TikTok this year, such as the Four Seasons Orlando Baby.
But the audience wasn't entirely Internet native. In attendance was 76-year-old TV chef Ian “Huey” Hewitson, who was nominated in the food category, and was awkwardly seated at the same table as fellow nominees in their 20s and 30s. (Finally, michael finchformer beauty vlogger turned viral chef). Also in attendance was Dr. Karl Krzelnicki, who won the High Quality Content Creator category for his research on topics such as: Why does drinking coffee make you poop?.
LJust guessing, did you recently purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, wander into the multiplayer mode, and find yourself being brutally beaten by hundreds of teenagers with suggestive usernames? Don’t worry. That’s completely normal. Call of Duty has always been an arcade twitchfest of the online shooting scene, but Black Ops 6 has a whole new feel thanks to its omni-movement system that lets you dive, roll, and sprint in all directions. And all weapons have been completely redesigned. As Olivia Rodrigo said, it’s cruel.
So I asked two talented professional players, Ethan “Fifakill” Pink and Liam “Jukeyz” James, for some tips. Instead of laughing and pointing at me, they agreed.
use the correct gun
If you’re new to CoD, stick with assault rifles or submachine guns [SMGs] – These are suitable for Black Ops 6’s small maps and intense engagement speed. “My favorite assault rifle” [AR] Probably Model L, but very good experts agreed not to use it, so we moved to AMES,” Jukeyz says. “The SMG is either the Jackal, which is fun to use, or the KSV, which is more difficult but way too powerful.”
Fifakill, on the other hand, recommends Kompakt 92. However, if you are a mid-range player, I think the Model L Assault Rifle is a very good option. It takes time to unlock, but it’s worth the effort – Super TTK [time to kill] and very low recoil.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Photo: Activision
Become a gunsmith
The Gunsmith is where you can make modifications to your weapons, which are essential to gaining an advantage in combat. “For the majority of players, it’s best to start by reducing recoil,” Fifakill says. “Focus on attachments that reduce load” horizontal Recoil – If your gun bounces up and down, it’s pretty easy to fix. But left and right makes it more difficult when you’re trying to track enemy players.”
Jukeyz prioritizes aim-down aiming speed (how quickly you can move the gun into the aiming position), but also suggests installing a vertical foregrip to counter recoil. “I also recommend Gunfighter Wildcard,” Fifakir added. “With eight attachments per gun, you get it all: better movement, bigger magazines, less recoil.”
circleIf you work security, stopping thieves can be an uphill battle. Most would-be thieves know that they have the same legal powers as security guards, so it can be hard to know who can use “appropriate force” when a teenager is trying to cut your bike lock right in front of you.
My shift coworker and I recently witnessed a heroin addict walking through the parking lot, repeatedly typing a shopping list into her phone of shampoo, school uniforms, and other low-quality items. She was part of a growing number of heroin addicts. Steal for othersIt focuses on things that people need but don’t want to pay for.
Shoplifting by telephone (aka “deliverobbing”) seems like a natural thing to happen when you consider the overall number of reported shoplifting cases. Store theft increased 37%But nobody wants to be caught in the act, and while the UK lacks police patrols to catch shoplifters, we make up for it in another area: cameras.
The UK is one of the most surveilled countries in the Western world. 13.21 cameras per 1,000 people That may seem Orwellian until you compare it with the estimated percentage for Chinese cities: 439.07.
It’s crazy to think that one of those cameras is now me. As a security guard who wears a body-worn camera (BWC) on his protective vest, I’m part of a growing demographic. This year alone, Pret a Manger staff members,BP and Greggs They are the latest employees to be issued BWCs to protect against misuse and theft.
Essex County Council Librarian Apparently “please be quiet” signs are no longer of any use: Rochdale crossing officers start recording the lollipop lady immediately after she crosses the road. Beaten Trying to stop traffic.
There’s a part of me that’s still in awe of this technology: when I was a kid in London in the ’80s, the only way to get on a screen was to walk past Rumbelows, an electronics store that happened to be promoting camcorders.
When I started working in security, I watched surveillance hardware evolve from bulky CCTV monitors like furniture to slim smart screens. Perhaps if frontline workers like me were issued BWCs, the conviction rate for shoplifting cases would be 100% today. 14% – Grow.
Recorded footage undoubtedly helped accelerate convictions after this summer’s riots, as far-right looters were quickly charged and convicted for stealing bath bombs (among other violent crimes) and begged for sympathy in court.
Some reports suggest the recent increase in shoplifting is due to gangs, not prices. account They were the “exploited middle class” who steal in the name of revenge against multinational corporations, then boast about the “big smile” they would give to security guards like me when we came out of the stores with our stolen goods.
I haven’t encountered any middle-class robbers yet, but it’s probably just a matter of time. Like many facilities that require security guards, my workplace is privately owned, but the doors are wide open. The premises are used as a public thoroughfare, and frontline workers like me can encounter everyone from users of the brain-damaging synthetic cannabinoid Spice to violent drunks and even mentally ill dropouts.
The recent surge in shoplifting is Attack on store clerk Given the abuse and attacks against frontline NHS staff, it is understandable why ambulance staff are issued with BWCs. 3,500 attacks In one year. This is despite the maximum prison sentence for attacking emergency workers being doubled in a 2020 consultation.
As a uniformed intermediary, I often have to call 999, and my boss has made it very clear to me when to press the record button. I can only press record following a “dynamic risk assessment”, but that can be difficult to implement during sudden outbursts of violence.
When my boss explained to me how BWCs worked — that they would always record but the footage would be dumped unless the “capture” tab was pressed — I became nervous: I feared that coworkers who forgot to press “stop” after a confrontation would furtively scroll through their phones or archive something inappropriate, like a nasty comment about their team leader.
Knowing when to press the button isn’t the only thing I fear about BWCs. My starting pay for my job is £11.44 an hour, the current minimum wage. The retail price of the camera I’m wearing is £534. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if I broke it. Sometimes I feel like the uniform is worth more than I am.
One group that doesn’t seem to care much about prices or digital overexposure are teenagers: the gangs we encounter are more interested in smashing windows and tearing open manhole covers.
If we approach them and say we are being recorded, they will film us with their cell phones and broadcast it to their followers, or they will threaten to stab us.
Perhaps only once the current backlog in the courts is cleared will the wider impact of BWCs be seen. Another London memory of the last century is the installation of CCTV in football grounds. Millwall’s 96-strong camera system has been used to track down Bushwhacker hooligan hangouts. “A well managed venue.”
If they can do it at the Den, they can do it downtown, and I don’t mind being the referee in the meantime, which makes sense considering I already wear black for work.
Typically, plants grow in crowded environments where neighboring plants compete for light while shading each other. The presence of neighboring plants varies through space and time, and plants have developed the ability to detect neighboring plants and grow away from their shade. Although it is generally accepted that these responses help plants increase their individual light exposure, it is not clear how plants find solutions that are beneficial for them as a whole. In a new study, physicists from Tel Aviv University and elsewhere focus on the spontaneous self-organized pattern formation of sunflower flocks mediated by shade avoidance. Their analysis reveals that circumnavigation (the innate movement of plants) results in random perturbations that follow a restricted random walk.
Circling is widespread in plant systems and is commonly associated with exploratory behavior, but its role is difficult to quantitatively understand. otherswere the first to report their role in promoting optimal growth patterns in dense plant populations that shade each other. Image courtesy of Manuel H.
“Previous studies have shown that when sunflowers are planted close together in a field and shade each other, they will grow in a zigzag pattern, one forward and one backward, to avoid shading each other,” said Professor Yasmin Meros of Tel Aviv University.
“That way the plants can grow side by side, maximizing the light they receive from the sun and maximizing photosynthesis overall.”
“In fact, plants know how to distinguish between the shadow of a building and the green shadow of their leaves.”
“When they sense the shadow of a building, they usually don't change their growth direction because they know it won't have any effect.”
“But when a plant senses shadow, it grows away from the shadow.”
In this study, the researchers investigated the question of how sunflowers “know” how to grow optimally (i.e. to capture the most sunlight collectively) and analysed the growth dynamics of sunflowers in the lab that exhibit a zigzag pattern.
Meros and his colleagues grew sunflowers in high-density environments, photographing them every few minutes as they grew, and then stitched together the images to create a time-lapse video.
The researchers followed the movements of each sunflower and observed the blossoms dancing en masse.
According to the authors, Darwin was the first to recognise that all plants grow by exhibiting a kind of cyclical movement (circumlocution), and that both stems and roots exhibit this behaviour.
But until now, apart from a few examples such as vines that grow in large circular motions searching for something to grab hold of, it hasn't been clear whether this is an artefact or an important feature of growth. Why would a plant expend energy growing in a random direction?
“As part of our research, we carried out a physical analysis to capture the behaviour of each sunflower in the colony and found that they dance to find the optimal angle to avoid blocking the sunlight of their neighbours,” Professor Meros said.
“We statistically quantified this movement and showed through computer simulations that these random movements are used collectively to minimize the amount of shadowing.”
“We were also very surprised to see that the distribution of sunflower stride lengths was so wide, spanning three orders of magnitude, from nearly zero displacement to moving two centimetres in either direction every few minutes.”
“Sunflower plants take advantage of the fact that they can use both small, slow steps and large, fast steps to find the optimal arrangement for their population,” Professor Meros said.
“That means that if the steps are narrow or wide, the arrangement will increase mutual shading and reduce photosynthesis.”
“It's like a crowded dance party, where people dance around to get more space. If you move too much, you get in the way of the other dancers, but if you move too little, it doesn't solve the crowding problem, because one corner of the square will be very crowded and the other side will be empty.”
“Sunflowers also exhibit similar communication dynamics: a combination of response to the shade of neighboring plants and random movement without regard to external stimuli.”
of result Published in the journal Physical Review X.
_____
Chantal Nguyen others2024. Noisy turning movements promote self-organized shade avoidance in sunflowers. Physical Review X 14 (3): 031027; doi: 10.1103/PhysRevX.14.031027
a
Has the Olympics caused anyone else’s productivity to hit an all-time low? Like me, you’ve probably had that small but highly distracting iPlayer window open in the corner of your screen all day, gone straight home, watched athletics on TV, ignored the dirty dishes, and dozed off.
Surprisingly, what if you’re on the go? BBC Radio 5 Live and The official Olympic podcast. It’s great for catching up on the action away from the screen (you may have cried listening to the women’s triathlon on your commute to work), but these are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to pods extending the Paris 2024 journey. As medals are awarded and sporting heroes make their appearance, there are shows that take you even deeper into the personalities themselves.
Simone Biles said she thought America hated her after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Call her daddy. Keeley Hodgkinson is confident of winning the gold medal. High Performance Podcast. Tom Daley’s Desert Island Discs Pleasant to listen to. Mondo Duplantis on being a pole vault champion Mindset Victory. Jess Thom, the lead psychologist for the British team, speaks candidly to The Guardian’s Science Weekly about how to prepare athletes for failure and success, and what happens when they have to return to normal life. Plus, Adam Peaty has a deep and meaningful conversation with his father-in-law, Gordon Ramsay. About the Olympics.
But if you’re completely bored of sports, don’t worry: this week’s best podcasts offer a lovely escape, with the paranormal, celebrity fantasies, and strolls through Borough Market. We’ve also rounded up the top five podcasts featuring A-list stars (which will likely include Olympic superstars and viral sensations at some point). Kim Ye-ji, South Korean shooting silver medalist.
Holly Richardson TV assistant editor
This week’s picks
Dreamspace presenter Gemma Cairney. Photo: Katherine Ann Rose/Observer
Paranormal Activity: True Stories of Possession
All episodes available on Audible
Fifteen years after Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat terrified a generation with the film Paranormal Activity, they’re doing it again in podcast form. Sloat is a big fan of spiritual exploration, so it’s only fitting that he introduces the story of the Watseka Wonder, in which a 14-year-old girl claims to have been possessed by a dead woman for 16 weeks. “Dad of the Witch” Griffin Ceddo expands on the possession in a surprisingly moving account. Hannah Verdier
Social media platform X claims to have followed an Australian Federal Court order to take down footage of the Wakeley church stabbing. However, the footage was still accessible to Australian users as it was posted right below the compliance announcement.
X stated that it complied with the law by “restricting” some posts for Australian users. They argue that the post should not have been banned in Australia and that the government shouldn’t have the power to censor content from users in other countries.
Last week, eSafety commissioners requested X to remove footage of an attack on Bishop Mar-Marie Emmanuel due to its graphic nature.
A federal court on Monday ordered X, previously known as Twitter, to hide posts with video of the Sydney church stabbing from global users. The Australian Federal Police raised concerns in court about the potential use of the video to incite terrorism.
Regulators asked X to remove 65 separate tweets containing videos of the attack.
X’s lawyers argued in court that they had already geo-blocked the posts in Australia, but the eSafety Commissioner insisted this was not sufficient.
Many tweets could still be accessed outside Australia or through VPNs within the country.
The court extended the injunction on Wednesday, ordering the posts to be hidden until May 10, 2024, pending further legal proceedings.
Late on Thursday, X’s Global Government Affairs account stated, “We feel we are complying with the eSafety notice and Australian law by restricting all relevant posts in Australia.” They also posted a statement.
However, a verified user, X, based in New Hampshire, USA, posted footage of the attack in response to X’s statement, which was visible to Australian users.
X stated on Thursday that they believe the content did not incite violence and should be considered part of public debate, arguing against global content removal demands.
The company opposes government authority to censor online content and believes in respecting each country’s laws within its jurisdiction.
The eSafety Commissioner emphasized the need to minimize harm caused by harmful content online, despite the challenges of completely eradicating it.
Posts including the video in question became inaccessible to some users after inquiries from Guardian Australia.
Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton supported X and Elon Musk, stating that Australia should not act as the internet police and federal law should not dictate global content removal.
Historically, the brain was not always recognized as the center of thought. In ancient Egypt, it was believed that the heart held intellect and the soul, resulting in the preservation of the heart in mummified bodies, while the brain was discarded.
In the 5th century B.C., Greek scholar Alcmaion of Croton made claims about the brain, but two centuries later, Aristotle still upheld the belief that the heart was the seat of intelligence.
Octopuses are an interesting example, as about two-thirds of their neurons are found in their tentacles, allowing for semi-independent responses to stimuli. This challenges the idea of a central location for thought.
Advancements in AI models, like ChatGPT, show that conscious thought can be produced without physical sense organs, resembling human thought processes.
While modern neuroscience confirms that the brain controls perception, thinking, and language, cultural and religious beliefs can shape ideas about consciousness and its origins.
In various indigenous cultures, consciousness is often associated with spirits or ancestors, separate from the physical body. Sensations like hunger and pain also demonstrate that thought is not solely contained in the brain.
If our brains and stomachs were reversed, we might view conscious thought as originating in the stomach, with the head serving as a sensory and input location.
This article explores the question of whether we would “think from our stomachs” if our brains were located there, reflecting on the nature of consciousness.
If you have any questions, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Explore more interesting information and amazing science topics on our website.
Labor is planning to require artificial intelligence companies to share the results of their road tests with authorities, replacing voluntary testing agreements with a statutory system. Peter Kyle, the shadow technology secretary, emphasized the need for greater transparency from tech companies, particularly in the wake of Brianna Gee’s murder.
Under Labor’s proposals, AI companies would be required to disclose their plans for developing AI systems and ensure safe testing under independent oversight. The testing agreement announced at the Global AI Safety Summit was supported by the EU and other countries, including the US, UK, Japan, France, and Germany.
During a visit to the United States, Kyle emphasized the importance of test results in providing independent scrutiny of cutting-edge AI technology. He stressed the need to ensure the safe development of technology that will have a significant impact on workplaces, societies, and cultures.
Tech companies that have agreed to test their models include Google, OpenAI, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta. Kyle also highlighted the role of the British AI Safety Association in independently scrutinizing AI development.
“We are moving from voluntary regulations to statutory regulations,” Mr Kyle told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. We can find out what they’re testing for, so we know exactly what’s going on and where this technology is taking us.”
At the first Global AI Safety Summit in November, Rishi Sunak announced voluntary agreements with major AI companies such as Google and OpenAI. Under Labor’s proposals, AI companies would be required to disclose their plans for developing AI systems and ensure safe testing under independent oversight.
He added: “Some of this technology will have a profound impact on our workplaces, societies and cultures. And we need to ensure that its development occurs safely.”
Managing your child’s relationship with screens can be a minefield, from navigating TikTok trends to evading parental controls.
By age 11, 91% of UK children owned smartphones, while the data from Ofcom found that 80% of children between 9 and 16 used them daily to access the internet. In the US, research suggested that 42% of children owned a smartphone by age 10 and 91% by age 14.
The lockdown accelerated the already increasing trend of device use among children and adults. Post-pandemic, children’s screen time has increased, according to a BBC survey. Average US 11-14 year-olds spent up to nine hours a day in front of screens, according to the CDC.
Parents expressed dissatisfaction with the amount of time their children spent online and its effect on mood and concentration. Strategies for limiting screen time vary, ranging from using tools like Google’s Family Link to setting rules about when screens are allowed.
According to 2018 CDC data, the average 11- to 14-year-old in the United States spent nine hours in front of a screen each day. Photo: Grechanyuk Aleksandr/Alamy
Many parents struggle to monitor their child’s screen time due to work and other obligations. Some expressed concern about children spending excessive time on smartphones, while others found value in the educational content their children accessed.
// Rich Link content
The rise of smartphones has created challenges for young people, affecting their social lives and increasing pressure. Many parents strive to find a balance in their children’s device usage, acknowledging both the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that in order to help Tesla become a leader in artificial intelligence and robotics, he would require at least 25% of voting power, which is almost double his current holdings. He mentioned facing resistance in achieving this goal.
On a social media platform, Musk mentioned that it is not impossible to achieve this goal. Tesla aims to have its products manufactured outside of electric car manufacturers.
Musk has been promoting Tesla’s partially automated “fully self-driving” software and prototype humanoid robots. However, the majority of Tesla’s revenue comes from its auto business.
According to Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas, some analysts have highlighted the significance of technology such as Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer, used to train its AI models, in the valuation of the EV maker. He mentioned that “Dojo could add nearly $600 billion to the company’s market value.”
Following Musk’s comments, Tesla shares dipped about 2% in premarket trading on Tuesday.
As the world’s wealthiest individual, Musk currently owns approximately 13% of Tesla shares. He had sold billions of dollars in stock in 2022 to finance his $44 billion acquisition of Twitter.
In another post, Musk mentioned, “A crazy meta multi-class stock structure that gives control to the next 20+ generations of the Zuckerberg family is fine before the IPO, but even a rational dual class is not allowed after the IPO. That’s strange,” referencing Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook’s parent company.
A dual-class structure in a company involves two or more classes of stock with different voting rights, typically giving more voting rights to the founders and early investors than to other shareholders.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Musk is currently facing a lawsuit over his compensation package. In 2018, Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta sued Musk and the board, alleging that Musk had used his advantage over Tesla’s board to secure excessive compensation without being required to work full-time at the EV maker. They are aiming to demonstrate that he has earned the package.
With regards to Company X, Musk stated that there was no “dispute” with the board over the new compensation package, and mentioned that the pending verdict was affecting discussions.
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