We often believe we can accurately gauge our dogs’ emotions, yet recent studies indicate that many of us may be misunderstanding their feelings.
Researchers at Arizona State University (ASU) discovered that when individuals are in a good mood, they are more prone to perceive their dog as looking sad. Conversely, when experiencing mild depression, they are likely to view the same dog as happy.
This contrasts with how we interpret human emotions. In social interactions, we generally perceive others’ feelings as mirroring our own.
“I am continually fascinated by how people interpret emotions in dogs,” stated the study’s co-author, Clive Wynn. “We have only begun to uncover what is shaping up to be a significant mystery.”
The researchers believe these findings could greatly influence how we care for our pets.
“By enhancing our understanding of how we recognize emotions in animals, we can improve their care,” explained the first author, Dr. Holly Molinaro, who was a doctoral student at ASU focused on animal behavior at the time.
Dogs involved in the study, from left to right: Canyon, a 1-year-old Catahoula; Henry, a 3-year-old French Bulldog; and Oliver, a 14-year-old mongrel. The video background was black, ensuring only the dogs were visible. – Credit: Arizona State University
The research stemmed from two experiments with about 300 undergraduate students.
Participants first viewed images designed to evoke positive, negative, or neutral moods. They then watched a brief video featuring an adorable dog to assess its emotional state.
Those who saw uplifting images rated the dog in the video as sadder, while participants who viewed more somber images rated it as happier.
The video included three dogs—Oliver, Canyon, and Henry—depicted in scenarios reflecting cheerful, anxious, or neutral moods. Factors like snacks, toys, and the promise of visiting “Grandma” elevated their spirits, while a vacuum cleaner and a photo of a cat were used to bring them down.
Scientists are still puzzled about why humans misinterpret dogs’ emotions. “Humans and dogs have coexisted closely for at least 14,000 years,” Wynn noted.
“Over this time, dogs have learned much about cohabitation with humans. However, our research indicates significant gaps in our understanding of how dogs truly feel.”
EEvery day, Kiran Kasbe navigates her rickshaw taxi amid the bustling Mahuls near her home on Mumbai’s eastern coast, where stalls brim with tomatoes, gourds, and eggplants, often enveloped in thick smog.
Earlier this year, doctors identified three tumors in her 54-year-old mother’s brain. The specific cause of her cancer remains unclear, yet those residing near coal-fired power plants have a significantly higher risk of developing such illnesses. A studyindicates that Mahul’s residents live mere hundreds of meters from these plants.
The air quality in Mahul is notoriously poor; even with closed car windows, the pungent odor of oil and smoke seeps in.
“We are not the only ones suffering health issues here. Everything is covered in grime,” noted Kasbe, 36.
Last year, plans to shut down two coal-fired power plants operated by Indian firms Tata Group and Adani were announced as part of the government’s initiative to reduce emissions. However, by late 2023, these decisions were overturned after Tata claimed escalating electricity demand in Mumbai necessitated coal.
Neither firm responded to inquiries for comment.
Buildings blanketed in smog in Mumbai, India, January. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
India’s electricity demand has surged in recent years, driven by economic growth and increased air conditioning needs due to severe heat exacerbated by climate change. However, a study by Source Material and The Guardian highlighted that a primary hindrance for cities in relying on fossil fuels is the insatiable energy demands of data centers.
Leaked documents also expose Amazon’s significant presence in Mumbai, where it stands as the largest data center operator globally.
In metropolitan areas served by Amazon, the organization has noted three “availability zones,” indicating one or more data centers. Leaked data from a year ago indicated that the company operates 16 machines in the city.
Bhaskar Chakravorty, an academic at Tufts University analyzing technology’s societal impacts, remarked that the surge in data centers is creating a tension between energy needs and climate goals as India evolves its economy into an artificial intelligence hub.
“I’m not surprised by the slow progression towards a greener transition, particularly as demands grow rapidly,” he said regarding the Indian government’s stance.
Amazon spokesperson Kylie Jonas asserted that Mumbai’s “emissions issue” cannot be attributed to Amazon.
“On the contrary, Amazon is among the largest corporate contributors to renewable energy in India, backing 53 solar and wind initiatives capable of generating over 4 million megawatt-hours of clean energy each year,” she stated. “Once operational, these investments will power more than 1.3 million Indian households annually.”
Amazon is establishing numerous data centers globally, vying with Microsoft, Google, and other entities for dominance in the burgeoning AI sector.
Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. office in Mumbai, India. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Amazon Employee Climate Justice representative Eliza Pan criticized the company for not acknowledging its role in perpetuating reliance on one of the most polluting energy sources.
“Amazon is leveraging this shiny concept called AI to distract from the reality of building a dirty energy empire,” she said.
Jonas refuted this assertion, stating, “Not only are we recognized as the most efficient data center operator, but we’ve also been the top corporate purchaser of renewable energy for five successive years, with over 600 projects globally.”
Amazon’s claims regarding green energy are contentious. The organization has been scrutinized for engaging in “creative accounting” by acquiring renewable energy certificates alongside direct green energy purchases, as noted by a member of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice.
“Everything is contaminated”
Kasbe operates her rickshaw in Mahul, a former fishing settlement that has transformed into a residence for tens of thousands who were displaced from slums across the city.
Kiran Kasbe’s mother. Photo: Provided by Sushmita
Kasbe and her mother relocated here in 2018 after their home in Vidyavihar’s outskirts faced demolition. She was in good health prior to the move, but her medical condition significantly worsened, culminating in a brain tumor diagnosis.
Gajanan Tandol, a local resident, shared that pollution-related diseases are prevalent. “There are numerous instances of skin and eye inflammation, cancer, asthma, and tuberculosis, yet we receive no government assistance,” he lamented.
Another community member, Santosh Jadhav, implored the government to relocate residents from Mahul.
“Everything is tainted. We’re exhausted from fighting for a decent existence,” he stated. “This is hell for us.”
Amazon, an e-commerce platform facilitating 13 million customer transactions daily, is investing billions into expanding its profitable cloud computing sector and enhancing its AI-assisted services, such as automated coding and translation, as per research from CapitalOne.
Many of the centers in Mumbai remain under the radar because they are leased rather than owned. Unlike in the U.S., where Amazon predominantly owns its facilities, it frequently rents entire data farms or server racks in centers shared with other companies elsewhere.
Xiaolei Ren, a computing scholar from the University of California, Riverside, remarked that shared “colocation” units lead to significantly higher energy consumption in data centers compared to wholly owned or fully leased operations.
“The majority of energy used in the data center sector is concentrated in colocation facilities,” he noted. “They are ubiquitous.”
Employees near the Amazon Prime brand in Mumbai, India, September. Photo: NurPhoto/Getty Images
Based on leaked information, Amazon’s colocation data center in Mumbai consumed 624,518 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2023, sufficient to power over 400,000 homes in India for an entire year.
India is on the verge of surpassing Japan and Australia, poised to become the second-largest consumer of data center power in the Asia-Pacific region. S&P predicts that by 2030, data centers will account for one-third of Mumbai’s energy consumption, according to Techno & Electric Engineering CEO Ankit Saraiya.
“Poison hell”
In a bid to keep up with power demand, the Maharashtra government has extended the operational duration of the Tata coal-fired power plant in Mahul by at least five years. Additionally, the closure of a 500-megawatt plant operated by Tata competitor Adani Group in the city’s north has been postponed.
When Tata requested an extension in its proposal to the State Energy Commission, it cited the rising energy demand from data centers as the primary justification. Adani projected that the anticipated surge in demand during the five years following the plant’s scheduled closure would come predominantly from data centers.
These power plants represent merely two of the numerous polluting sources within Mumbai’s Mahul district. The area also houses three oil refineries and 16 chemical facilities, as stated in a 2019 report by the Indian Center for Policy Research, which branded the locality a “toxic hell.”
The Tata power plant has been operational since 1984, and like many old power stations, it is subject to lenient emissions regulations, as noted by Raj Lal, chief air quality scientist at the World Emissions Network, who labeled it “one of the major contributors to air pollution in Mumbai.”
The Center for Energy and Clean Air Research noted that PM2.5 particles comprise nearly a third of the area’s pollution. PM2.5 particles are airborne and less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, which can lead to severe health issues when inhaled.
Smoke emanates from the chimney of Tata Power Company’s Trombay thermal facility in Mumbai, India, August 2017. Photo: Bloomberg/Getty Images
Shripad Dharmadhikari, founder of the environmental organization Manthan Adhyayan Kendra, stated that the toxic heavy metals in ash generated by the factories are likely to trigger “respiratory diseases, kidney ailments, skin issues, and heart problems.”
While Tata’s facilities continue operations, Mumbai’s power grid is buckling under the increasing demand. To mitigate potential power shortages, Amazon’s colocation data center in the city has invested in 41 backup diesel generators and is seeking permission for additional installations, according to the leaked documents.
A report from the Center for Science and Technology Policy (CSTEP) released in August identified diesel generators as a primary pollutant source in the locality.
Air quality expert Swagata Dey at CSTEP argued that the presence of data centers requiring continuous electricity, coupled with the backup diesel generators, “will inevitably exacerbate emissions,” advocating for legal requirements for data center operators to utilize pollution-free solar energy.
Particularly, the Amazon facility across Thane Creek from Mahul has 14 generators already installed, and one partner was granted permission to set up another 12 generators on-site earlier this year.
“Public health considerations must be central to decisions regarding data center locations and energy source selections,” stated Wren from the University of California, Riverside, co-author of a recent paper evaluating the public health consequences of diesel generators in U.S. data centers.
Sushmita notes that in India, surnames are not commonly used as they signify caste, reflecting a hierarchical and discriminatory social structure.
You might be surprised to discover that diabetes encompasses more than just two types. While Type 1 and Type 2 are well-known, you may have come across Type 1.5, which has recently gained attention.
Type 1.5 diabetes, formally known as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes (LADA), is not a new variant of diabetes but is relatively uncommon. It has been recognized as a distinct type since 1993; comprising 3 to 12 percent of all adult diabetes cases.
Like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, LADA is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, or glucose, in the blood.
Regardless of the diabetes type, symptoms remain consistent. These include intense thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and unexpected weight loss. The UK’s leading charity against diabetes notes these include the “four T’s”: thirst, toileting, tiredness, and thinness. diabetes uk
If you experience these symptoms, prompt diagnosis is crucial. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications affecting the kidneys, eyes, feet, and even nerves.
So, if the symptoms are similar across diabetes types, how can healthcare experts discern which type you have? And how does this differentiation influence treatment?
Comparing Type 1.5 Diabetes to Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes, in its various forms, has affected humans throughout history. Ancient healers in Greece, India, and Egypt frequently mentioned a peculiar symptom: sweet-smelling urine. Thus, the term diabetes derives from the Greek word “diabetes,” meaning to pass, and the Latin word “mellitus,” meaning sweet.
This sweet-smelling symptom arises from the buildup of glucose in the body. Glucose is processed by a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas, which converts it into a usable energy source for cells.
Glucose buildup occurs when the body either:
Fails to produce sufficient insulin (as in type 1 diabetes)
Or does not respond effectively to insulin (as seen in type 2 diabetes)
In both scenarios, the kidneys struggle to reabsorb excess glucose in the bloodstream. When they cannot eliminate glucose effectively, surplus sugar spills into the urine, indicating the presence of disease.
LADA shares numerous traits with these two predominant diabetes types, leaning closer to type 1 than type 2.
Finger prick test provides an immediate overview of blood sugar levels.
One significant reason individuals with type 1 diabetes have insufficient insulin is that their immune system attacks pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production. As these cells decline, the body struggles to maintain glucose levels.
The same is true for LADA. An influx of immune cells targets the pancreas, leading to decreased insulin production and gradually rising blood sugar levels. However, the timeline for the onset of the disease differs.
Type 1 diabetes typically has a rapid onset, often diagnosed in childhood or during a clinical emergency. In contrast, LADA progresses slowly and usually occurs in adults over 30.
As we age, a protective layer known as the periislet basement membrane (BM) develops around insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Current understanding suggests that this layer shields these cells from immune system attacks.
Thus, LADA’s onset resembles type 2 diabetes, which typically manifests in adults. Due to this similarity, up to 14% of individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may actually have LADA.
Significance of Misdiagnosis
The primary treatment for type 2 diabetes is a medication called metformin. Administered in pill form, metformin works in two ways: it not only restricts the liver from absorbing excessive glucose but also enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
However, a clear management strategy for LADA is still not established. While metformin may be prescribed, insulin replacement therapy could also be necessary. If someone has LADA misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes, they might receive metformin when insulin is the actual requirement.
Taking inappropriate medication over extended periods can elevate blood sugar levels. Chronically high blood sugar can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, eye issues (retinopathy), foot problems (ranging from increased susceptibility to infections and ulcers to sensory loss), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disorders (neuropathy).
LADA can also invoke damage to small blood vessels, termed microvascular disease. A 2020 study indicated that strict glycemic control from the onset of LADA significantly decreases the risk of subsequent microvascular disease.
Consequently, minimizing misdiagnosis rates is vital for individuals with LADA. Fortunately, there are effective methods to distinguish LADA from type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The first and foremost step a doctor can take is to check for antibodies. These antibodies incorrectly signal the immune system to attack insulin-producing pancreatic cells. Finding at least one antibody suggests the presence of autoimmune diabetes. Elevated antibody levels may indicate a more rapid progression of LADA.
This principle also applies when multiple antibodies are present. In such cases, immediate insulin treatment becomes crucial to help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.
Practitioners may also assess a person’s insulin output. This can be done by measuring a blood protein known as c-peptide, which is produced during insulin synthesis in the pancreas. Elevated c-peptide levels may respond well to metformin. However, if the levels are significantly low or undetectable, immediate insulin therapy should be initiated. In LADA, c-peptide levels tend to diminish over time, and it is recommended to conduct tests every six months.
A person’s body composition can further indicate LADA. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of the “four T’s” (thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss) who maintain relatively low fat levels or body weight are generally more inclined to have LADA than type 2 diabetes. Additionally, LADA patients typically possess favorable cholesterol levels, which can aid in refining the diagnosis.
Once an accurate diagnosis is established, LADA can be treated appropriately. It’s critical to reach this point with guidance from healthcare professionals.
Certain problems remain insurmountable for quantum computers.
Jaroslav Kushta/Getty Images
Researchers have uncovered a “nightmare scenario” computation tied to a rare form of quantum material that remains unsolvable, even with the most advanced quantum computers.
In contrast to the simpler task of determining the phase of standard matter, such as identifying whether water is in a solid or liquid state, the quantum equivalent can prove exceedingly challenging. Thomas Schuster and his team at the California Institute of Technology have demonstrated that identifying the quantum phase of matter can be notably difficult, even for quantum machines.
They mathematically examined a scenario in which a quantum computer receives a set of measurements regarding the quantum state of an object and must determine its phase. Schuster mentioned that this is not necessarily an impossible task, but his team has shown that a considerable number of quantum phases of matter—such as the complex interactions between liquid water and ice, including unusual “topological” phases that exhibit strange electrical currents—might necessitate quantum computers to perform computations over extremely protracted periods. This situation mirrors a worst-case scenario in laboratory settings, where instruments may need to operate for billions or even trillions of years to discern the characteristics of a sample.
This doesn’t imply that quantum computers are rendered obsolete for this analysis. As Schuster noted, these phases are unlikely to manifest in actual experiments involving materials or quantum systems, serving more as an indicator of our current limitations in understanding quantum computers than posing an immediate practical concern. “They’re like nightmare scenarios. It would be quite unfortunate if such a case arose. It probably won’t happen, but we need to improve our comprehension,” he stated.
Bill Fefferman from the University of Chicago raised intriguing questions regarding the overall capabilities of computers. “This might illuminate the broader limits of computation: while substantial speed improvements have been realized for specific tasks, there will inevitably be challenges that remain too daunting, even for efficient quantum computers,” he asserted.
Mathematically, he explained, this new research merges concepts from quantum information science employed in quantum cryptography with foundational principles from materials physics, potentially aiding progress in both domains.
Looking ahead, the researchers aspire to broaden their analysis to encompass more energetic or excited quantum phases of matter, which are recognized as challenging for wider calculations.
eSince my journey began in 1988, the annual Game Developer Conference (GDC) has taken place in California each year. It started modestly as a cozy gathering in the living room of Atari designer Chris Roford, hosting just 27 attendees. By the mid-90s, the event outgrew Chris’ home and expanded to over 4,000 participants. In 2005, it found a permanent venue at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Nowadays, nearly 30,000 game development professionals attend annually. The GDC Vault online is a valuable resource, offering insights into the history of game development and practical tips across gaming disciplines.
However, GDC has faced challenges in recent years. Rising costs have become a significant barrier for developers, with conference passes exceeding $1,500, and expenses for travel and accommodation in one of the world’s most expensive cities can quickly escalate to between $5,000 and $10,000—even for small hotel rooms.
Additionally, following Trump’s re-election, many members of the global video game development community have expressed reluctance to visit the United States. The atmosphere at the conference has been dampened by the loss of funding throughout the gaming industry, alongside the pressures brought on by AI developments and ongoing layoffs. If securing funding for games is challenging, why should professionals spend thousands on travel for meetings with thousands?
As Jon Ingold, founder of UK Studio Inkle, remarks, “GDC, as an industry networking event, currently lacks financial viability and job opportunities. The United States feels like an inhospitable environment.”
This may be a reason behind the event’s recent rebranding. It was announced on Monday that the Game Developers Conference will now be known as the Festival of Gaming: GDC, promising a “week of opportunity” linked to a comprehensive B2B game ecosystem in a vision presentation. The key takeaway appears to be that obtaining a pass will be more accessible, with events being hosted not only at the Moscone Center but also across the city.
Calling California… Within GDC: Game Festival.
Unfortunately, this rebranding has not addressed long-standing worries among developers—that the conference is not accessible enough, and that San Francisco (or the U.S. at large) is an unsuitable venue for global gaming events. “Despite clear evidence from the COVID era that GDC could have integrated digital access, the exorbitant ticket prices reflect [organizer] Informa’s focus on profits rather than accessibility,” says independent game developer Rami Ismail, who has advocated for the global developer community on GDC’s issues.
Even when a visa is obtained, safety concerns regarding firearms, crime, and healthcare expenses linger. Furthermore, the Trump administration’s right-leaning populism has rendered the U.S. unwelcoming for many.
This concern is valid. Visitors to the U.S. face risks of deportation and even detention since Trump’s reelection. Many choose to carry burner phones and clean their social media profiles, with numerous European developers and journalists, myself included, feeling hesitant about traveling to the U.S. under the current administration. For individuals coming from Arabic or South American countries, these fears are intensified.
A consensus seems to be forming within the global game development workforce: the U.S. no longer serves as a crucial industry hub. While San Francisco remains home to top companies and studios, many feel the city has lost its creative spirit, hollowed out by the relentless pursuit of Silicon Valley’s interests.
There are viable alternatives. Canadian tax incentives make it an attractive destination for game development, and the current government is welcoming to foreigners. From Brighton in the UK to Game Connect in Australia, various regions host local developer gatherings. Events like Gamescom in Cologne, along with an increasing number of developer-centric events around the world, underscore this shifting landscape. While the GDC organizers cannot control U.S. policy, maintaining relevance as a professional game nexus will require more than a rebrand.
What to Play
Unpleasant and funny… consumes me. Photo: Jenny Jiao Hsia
The video game landscape continues to expand with exciting choices. Hades II, a visually stunning and challenging action game developed by Supergiant, is eagerly anticipated. Meanwhile, the horror reboot Silent Hill F has garnered positive feedback from many critics.
I am currently immersed in Consuming Me, an entertaining and occasionally uncomfortable game by developer Jenny Jiao Hsia about navigating high school amidst the pervasive diet culture of the 2000s. It features a quirky mini-game where players must focus on class and manage walking their dog while dealing with awkward conversations about weight with their parents.
This topic can be triggering for many, as it evokes painful memories of the 2000s’ beauty standards for women. If you’ve ever wrestled with disordered eating (or know someone who has), finding enjoyment might be challenging. However, the game addresses sensitive issues with humor, empathy, and plenty of satirical jabs, making the discomfort worth exploring.
Stardew Valley-style sim… Palpharm from Palworld. Photo: PocketPair
The developers behind last year’s hit, Palworld, are currently entangled in legal disputes with Pokémon companies over similarities to their creature-collecting games. They’ve announced a new game: Palpharm, which fuses adorable creatures with Stardew Valley-like gameplay.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed video game memoirs from TV comedy writer Mike Drucker. His latest release, Good Game, No Rematches, is now available in the UK. It offers a fascinating perspective on growing up with Nintendo across the Atlantic during the NES era, detailing how a young gamer turned into a game writer.
For years, our game correspondent Keith Stuart has tackled the question: Why do some people choose to invert the controls? His 2020 article on the subject prompted scientists to delve into the matter, and they have finally determined that it relates to how our brains perceive 3D space.
Question Block
Words of wisdom…The Legend of Zelda. Photo: Nintendo
Following up on last week’s discussion about video game dialogue, reader William asks:
“I believe there are quotes from various video games that serve as life advice. Two of my favorite quotes are: ‘When the time comes, just act’ (Wolf O’Donnell, Star Fox Assault) and ‘Anyone who is stubborn enough can survive. Anger is an anesthetic hell’ (Zaeed Massani, Mass Effect 2). What video game wisdom resonates with you?”
This may be a contentious viewpoint, but I often find that video game quotes are profound by coincidence. The most memorable lines frequently emerge from translation quirks and voice acting inconsistencies (“I used to be an adventurer…but I took an arrow in the knee,” “Your bass is all ours,” “Jill, Master of Rocking”). They stick with us not necessarily for their deep meaning, but for their absurdity.
That said, the phrase “It’s dangerous to go alone” from the original Legend of Zelda somehow strikes me as genuinely supportive, while “The right man in the wrong place can make all the difference in the world” also comes to mind.
I invite readers to share: Are there any video game quotes that genuinely carry significance for you?
If you have a lingering question or want to include your favorite game quotes in the newsletter, please reply to this or email us at buttons@theguardian.com.
Rangers aiming to install stoat traps in the KEA Basin, New Zealand
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
A massive conservation initiative is being undertaken throughout New Zealand to eliminate invasive species, allowing various native and endangered birds to thrive.
Kiwis that live on the ground
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
The nationwide predator eradication initiative, documented by photographer Robin Hammond, boldly aims to exterminate three invasive species introduced by humans: rats, stoats, and possums. These predators have decimated the populations of ground-nesting birds like kiwis. This ambitious plan includes the controversial aerial application of sodium fluoroacetate poison targeting these mammals (as seen in the main image).
Biodiversity Ranger Steven Cox releases a young kiwi
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
“It’s conservation through culling,” states Hammond. “It’s a tough choice, yet inaction leads to significant losses in our bird populations.”
Efforts are also focused on ensuring kiwis and other birds are large enough to withstand mammalian predation (as shown above).
Staff releasing Takahe birds
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
In the wild, kiwi eggs have only a 5% chance of maturing into adults. However, adult birds like the non-flying hawk (as shown above and below) have significantly better survival rates.
Conducting a final health assessment and attaching transmitters to Takahe birds
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
Stuffed Auckland Island merganser (Mergus australis)
Robin Hammond/Panos Photos
Unfortunately, it’s already too late for certain birds, like the Merganser from Auckland Island (illustrated above). After its disappearance in 1902, it has since been confined to museum exhibits. “I’ve witnessed flocks flying around Wellington without even knowing they existed as a child,” states Hammond. “Though, you can now hear their songs, something that was not the case before.”
Climate change will lessen the availability of most staple crops, including corn
Jon Rehg/Shutterstock
Despite farmers’ best efforts to adapt, increasing global temperatures have the potential to significantly impact the world’s essential crops. Comprehensive analysis indicates that by the century’s end, for every degree of warming, global food supply may drop by nearly 121 kcal per person per day.
In a 3°C warming scenario—aligned with current trends—”It might mean skipping breakfast for everyone,” notes Andrew Hartgren from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Hartgren and his team gathered data on the yields of six major staple crops globally, which account for over two-thirds of the world’s calories. “This represents one of the largest datasets currently available for high-resolution crop yields,” he states. They also incorporated local weather information from 54 different countries.
The researchers utilized this data to forecast how various crops would respond to climate changes and how farmers might adapt. “We examined historical data on how farmers have reacted to weather fluctuations,” Hartgren explains. This approach enabled the team to assess how different agricultural strategies might mitigate losses, like crop variety adjustments, enhancing irrigation, or increasing fertilizer use.
Except for rice, which thrives under warmer nighttime conditions, higher temperatures generally lead to considerable yield reductions. For instance, global corn yields are anticipated to decline by about 12% to 28% by the century’s end, contingent upon whether greenhouse gas emissions are moderate or extremely high compared to projections without climate change.
These statistics illustrate how farmers adjust to rising temperatures and the implications of potentially beneficial effects of climate change, like elevated carbon dioxide levels fertilizing crops. Both factors are significant. Without adjustments, for example, crop losses could reach a third by the century’s end under extreme warming scenarios, yet this won’t mitigate the majority of losses. “In a warmer future, the corn belt will still be relevant,” Hartgren asserts.
Wolfram Schlenker of Harvard University emphasizes that agricultural adaptations seldom completely offset crop losses due to climate change, with previous studies from specific regions suggesting similar conclusions. “The major strength of their research is its global perspective, compiling data from numerous countries,” he remarks.
The global approach reveals some fascinating patterns. For example, researchers observed that the most significant projected crop losses are not concentrated in low-income nations but rather in comparatively affluent agricultural hubs like the Midwest and Europe. “They aren’t inherently better suited than poorer countries,” Schlenker notes.
Michael Roberts from the University of Hawaii Manoa states that these findings align with the conclusions of a smaller study. However, he highlights considerable uncertainties, such as the extent of future climate change and the complexities of global food systems’ responses.
“What’s alarming is our lack of knowledge,” Roberts adds. “There’s significant uncertainty, much of which is negative. Losses could range from non-existent to catastrophic, potentially causing massive famines. It’s a sobering thought for many.”
fOr, for many years, double roles have been played primarily for laughs. Think of Jack and Jill’s Adam Sandler’s Razzy Sweep Twin Turn, or Lisa Kudrow as both friends Phoebe and Ursula Buffay. Eddie Murphy has always been particularly prolific, and his most numerous performances as the clutch of clamps for Professor II of Nuts.
Of course, there are exceptions. But all legends and fame have Austin’s Powers, Bowfinger and – trembling turbit. But this year, we are giving us a more dramatic kind of overlap. Robert De Niro took a double dong job with the Alto Knights, Michael B. Jordan played twin leads in the supernatural sinner, and the pair of Robert Pattinson clones currently finds Bong Jun-ho’s Mickey 17.
And there’s more. Monkey provided horror with Theo James’ two bloody scoops. Zac Efron recently wrapped up an A24 thriller playing both a stalker and a superstar. Recently at Sundance, Dylan O’Brien played twin brothers in the dark comic drama Twinless. So, even if you ignore the genre of the film, it’s a noticeable surge in viewers who still watch the double. So why now? And how do these seemingly impossible shots come true?
“For years, filmmakers have been able to use a variety of techniques to show the actors multiple times in the same scene,” says Daniel Harrington, a London-based VFX artist and compositor. “In the parent’s trap, the split screen allowed the same actor to occupy both sides of the frame, while the social network used motion controls to portray the Winkleboss twins by repeating precise camera movements.”
However, before you tackle the technology, there is a brief history of dual roles. Because the concept is almost as old as the film itself. In 1898, pioneer Georges Méliès had already double-exposed to capture the portrait twice within the same frame. His methods jumped to feature films in 1917 when actor William Farnham performed on opposite sides of himself in Dickens’s two city tales adaptation.
The following year, Mary Pickford played dual roles in Stella Maris using new split screen technology that has been used for decades in films such as Deadlinger, Adaptation, and Double Impact of Jean-Claude Van Dam’s Asquado-Shooded Ask Ask. Altonite, more than a century later, uses similar techniques to double De Niro in a particular scene.
But today, split screening is just one of many tools in the dual-roll toybox. The most notable advance in this field was released in 1989 on the commission of future Part II and Director Robert Zemeckis’ Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) to create a vistaglide and create a motion-controlled camera dolly system for the robot.
This remains the most popular dual-roll method, Harrington says. Several mats (the individual shots that make up the final frame) are filmed with the same actor playing separate parts. This footage is then delivered to the rotoscope and paint artists. Rotoscopes and paint artists task by clearing the edges of the raw mats and then stitching the composite together into one seamless whole.
“Ultimately, the success of the fantasy depends on the synergy between onset preparation and post-production artistry,” says Harrington. “Digital effects can be increasingly refined, but when built on a strong practical foundation, they are still the most effective. Therefore, on set, consistent lighting, accurate framing, and stand-in are important to ensure seamless synthesis later. Without these elements, even the most sophisticated digital tools will struggle to create compelling results. It is teamwork, exemplified not only by films but also by television series such as Orphan Black.”
The small screen certainly earned the rewards for these technological advancements. 2025 will also be your final season, where you can also watch Netflix’s debut Twin Jamie Dornans at Underto and Twin Anna Camp. Malaki Kirby doubles for the Anansi boys on Prime Video, while Cynthia Eribo plays the same sexturette as Leanne Johnson’s poker face returns to Peacock. “And we are not solely responsible for breakthroughs, though [for this increase in dual roles]”Recent developments in AI-driven deepfakes and performance cloning have significantly reduced costs and increased production times,” says Harrington.
This deepfake method of swapping faces (Robert Pattinson’s face was digitally ported to replace Mickey 17) was another ILM gimmick developed for the 1993 Jurassic Park. Oscar-nominated VFX supervisor Theo Jones works at Framestore, a studio that worked on many of Joon-Ho’s latest products. And while Jones doesn’t think there’s a single catalyst for the current moment of a dual-roll project, “it’s probably a kind of happy accident,” he says.
Poker face Cynthia Eribo and Natasharillon
Photo: Peacock
“It wasn’t Option 10, and probably not even five years ago,” says Jones. “But even this is not optimal for dual roles. You will need to find someone with similar features and proportions. Baseline performances will come from the stand-in rather than the actor. What’s more, “Off-the-Peg” deepfake technology certainly doesn’t suit IMAX quality at the moment, so VFX work is necessary to be trusted. ”
The Framestore, revealed by Jones, states that it has developed its own “neural face rendering technology” called Facade. “But for a purely dramatic moment,” he adds. “It would be much better to use practical techniques for filming and post-production modifications to make the finished photos seamless with post-production modifications. This may include rewriting the VFX rulebook, and sometimes using techniques that exist before computers become part of filmmaking.”
It’s a great way to approach the art of dual roles. Because whether it’s an actor attracted to creative challenges or a filmmaker trying to advance the technical aspects of his craft, these twin turns have always been a joint effort. By continuing to blend old and new techniques, viewers will not only guarantee performances that dodge envelopes, but the entire concept of dual roles will remain true to its innate patchwork nature.
Have you ever wondered why some dogs look naturally rounded, no matter how much they run around? After all, the same genes that contribute to human obesity are also found in our dogs.
in New genome researchscientists have identified several genes associated with obesity in dogs. This is a gene that we humans share. This means that our favorite furry friends (sorry, cats) will actually help researchers unlock new insights into weight gain, health and complex diseases.
Environmental factors such as Inexpensive availability of ultra-processed foods Scientists, commonly chosen for increased rates of obesity, emphasize that it is a complex condition with a large number of biological root causes. The main factor is hereditary Research from 2007 People estimate that there is 40-70% of people who develop obesity due to genes they inherit from their parents.
As Dr. Eleanor Rafansaid he will lead the academics with new research. BBC Science Focus, “If you're unlucky enough to get the genes that are prone to obesity, it manifests as a bigger appetite and makes it difficult to resist those drives. Slim people aren't morally good. You don't need to show that much willpower to maintain a healthy weight.”
To see if obesity in dogs is also hereditary, researcher Natalie Wallis and her team looked at the genes of a 241 pet Labrador retriever.
Oscar and Isla, and the Labrador used in this study. Photo credit: Natalie Wallis
Using a heterologous approach, they identified multiple obesity-inducing genes shared by dogs and humans. Among these, the gene dennd1b plays an important role in the way our cells process energy – has emerged as a particularly strong genetic association between human and dog obesity.
“By looking at just a few hundred Labrador retrievers, we discovered new biology about the associations of the whole species. We hope that more people will consider using dog genetic models for more scientific discoveries in the future, especially for complex diseases,” Wallis said. BBC Science Focus.
Not only does it provide scientists with new models to understand human diseases, but this study also helps to care for dogs. Pet obesity is on the rise, and at Royal Veterinary College in London Recently, we have reported 1 in 14 dogs It is recorded as overweight every year in the UK.
In the US, 2022 Pet Obesity Association (APOP) Survey It is found that 59% of dogs are overweight, indicating a wide range of issues in pet health. However, up until now, the genetic basis of dog obesity has not been extensively studied.
Dr. Eleanor Lafan takes chocolate Labrador retrievers. Photo credit: Dr. Eleanor Rafan
Understanding pet genetics may be a game changer for their care. “Our results underscore the importance of encouraging exercise and limiting food intake for pet dogs,” says Dr. Rafan.
“Many people still blame the owners of fat dogs, saying they are lazy or extravagant, and the same stereotypes are reflected on obese people. Our data shows that controlling food intake in high-risk dogs is much more difficult. It should actually change the way dogs deal with obesity. They should target high-risk dog owners and support effective management (rather than criticizing them).”
tWith a wide range of boating hours from Manaus, the capital of the Amazonas province, Deodato Alves Da Silva is hoping for enough power to keep his Tucumã and Cupuaçu Fruits fresh. These highly nutritious Amazon superfoods are rich in antioxidants and vitamins and serve as the main source of income for farmers in the Silva region. However, there is a lack of electricity to refrigerate the fruit, making it difficult to sell produce.
Silva's fruit cultivation work is located in the village of Boa Frente in Novo Alipuana, one of the most energy-poor regions in Brazil, with only one diesel-powered generator working several hours a day.
Seventeen families in the community pay for diesel, but due to the high prices, everyone agrees to use the generator between 6pm and 10pm. This is also the only time they can communicate with the outside world. There is no mobile phone connection in this area, only satellite internet.
“The power is supplied for four hours per night. The motor is off and the switch is turned back the next night,” says Silva, 72, a rural health worker and fruit grower who has lived in the area since birth.
“If we have the power to preserve Cupuaçupulp, we will have much higher incomes. Our community is a massive producer of Tucumã, but lack of power prevents conservation.”
Andrew Carter and Adam DiMartino launched Smallhold in 2017 with a goal of providing mushrooms to more people. Carter believed that mushrooms are highly sustainable in terms of water, waste, plastic use, and emissions. Over the years, Smallhold has successfully introduced specialty mushrooms like shiitake, green oysters, and trumpet mushrooms to grocery stores and households across America.
As mushrooms gained popularity as a symbol of sustainability during the pandemic, Smallhold found success and attention from the media, resulting in a valuation of $90 million. Despite starting in a Brooklyn shipping container, the brand expanded rapidly with farms in New York, Texas, and California, selling in 1,400 stores nationwide.
Smallhold’s co-founders, DeMartino and Carter, believe in promoting sustainability and reducing waste in the food industry. However, the company faced challenges when the founders resigned, leading to Smallhold filing for bankruptcy. Although the brand was acquired and reorganized, it struggled to maintain its original vision, closing farms and reducing staff.
For entrepreneurs, Smallhold’s journey serves as a lesson on finding a niche beyond sustainability and ensuring economic sustainability. While the company focused on unique mushroom varieties and sustainable practices, it also built a strong brand through aesthetics and social media. It’s crucial for startups to deliver quality products, maintain profitability, and avoid excessive reliance on venture capital.
In the evolving landscape of food startups, lessons can be learned from Smallhold’s experience. By combining sustainability with quality, variety, and branding, companies can attract customers and thrive in the market. Innovating in the food industry requires a balance between financial responsibility and sustainability goals, defining success on your own terms.
IIn 2021, linguist Emily Bender and computer scientist Timnit Gebru Published a paper. The paper described language models, which were still in their infancy at the time, as a type of “probabilistic parrot.” A language model, they wrote, “is a system that haphazardly stitches together sequences of linguistic forms observed in large amounts of training data, based on probability information about how they combine, without any regard for meaning.”
The phrase stuck: AI can get better, even if it’s a probabilistic parrot; the more training data it has, the better it looks. But does something like ChatGPT actually exhibit anything resembling intelligence, reasoning, or thought? Or is it simply “haphazardly stringing together sequences of linguistic forms” as it scales?
In the AI world, such criticisms are often brushed aside. When I spoke to Sam Altman last year, he seemed almost surprised to hear such an outdated criticism. “Is that still a widely held view? I mean, it’s taken into consideration. Are there still a lot of people who take it seriously like that?” he asked.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Photo: Jason Redmond/AFP/Getty Images
“My understanding is that after GPT-4, most people stopped saying that and started saying, ‘OK, it works, but it’s too dangerous,'” he said, adding that GPT-4 did reason “to a certain extent.”
At times, this debate feels semantic: what does it matter whether an AI system is reasoning or simply parroting what we say, if it can tackle problems that were previously beyond the scope of computing? Of course, if we’re trying to create an autonomous moral agent, a general intelligence that can succeed humanity as the protagonist of the universe, we might want that agent to be able to think. But if we’re simply building a useful tool, even one that might well serve as a new general-purpose technology, does the distinction matter?
If a human knows the fact that “Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in space,” then they can also correctly answer the question “Who was the first woman in space?” This seems trivial, since it’s a very basic form of generalization. However, autoregressive language models show that we cannot generalize in this way.
This is an example of an ordering effect that we call “the curse of inversions.”
Researchers have repeatedly found that they can “teach” large language models lots of false facts and then completely fail the basic task of inferring the opposite.But the problem doesn’t just exist in toy models or artificial situations.
When GPT-4 was tested on 1,000 celebrities and their parents with pairs of questions like “Who is Tom Cruise’s mother?” and “Who is Mary Lee Pfeiffer’s son?”, the model was able to answer the first question (” The first one was answered correctly, but the second was not, presumably because the pre-training data contained few examples of the parent coming before the celebrity (e.g., “Mary Lee Pfeiffer’s son is Tom Cruise”).
One way to explain this is that in a Master’s of Law you don’t learn the relationships between facts. tokena linguistic formalism explained by Bender. The token “Tom Cruise’s mother” is linked to the token “Mary Lee Pfeiffer”, but the reverse is not necessarily true. The model is not inferring, it is playing wordplay, and the fact that the words “Mary Lee Pfeiffer’s son” do not appear in the training data means that the model is useless.
But another way of explaining it is to understand that humans are similarly asymmetrical. inference It’s symmetrical. If you know that they are mother and son, you can discuss the relationship in both directions. However, Recall Not really. Remembering a fun fact about a celebrity is a lot easier than being given a barely recognizable snippet of information, without any context, and being asked to state precisely why you know it.
An extreme example makes this clear: Contrast being asked to list all 50 US states with being shown a list of the 50 states and asked to name the countries to which they belong. As a matter of reasoning, the facts are symmetric; as a matter of memory, the same is not true at all.
debtMark Aitken has been working on a photo series in Lapland for the past two years. The Presence of Absence“The work explores the delicate, sometimes eerie, boundary between life and death experienced by people living in this extreme climate and landscape,” he says.
Aitken, who was born in New Zealand, grew up in South Africa and has lived in London for many years, took the photo on a sheep farm this spring. “Kukkola is a small village on the Finnish-Lapland border on the Tornio River close to Sweden. The farm has been running for 20 years and this lamb is one of around 100 born in March and April,” Aitken says.
The lamb doesn’t have a name, but the inquisitive collie does: “He’s a lively young male called Possu, which means piglet. I saw the two animals interacting when I went into the barn to find Jaana, one of the farm owners, and arrange a time to take her portrait.”
Aitken usually shoots on 35mm film and likes to take his time preparing to take a photograph, especially when working with people. “When the right atmosphere, light and mood is achieved, I press the shutter. I like this discipline. This process also applies to printing in the darkroom. Only then does the memory of that moment become associated with the photograph.”
That day, he didn’t have his camera with him, but he did have his iPhone SE, and before his eyes the theme of his series was playing out in a whole new way: “I was amazed and intrigued by the inter-species relationships. The possu were trying to herd the lambs, but they were failing. The lambs hadn’t yet learned fear.”
Self-driving car driving through downtown San Francisco
Jason Doi Photography/Getty Images
Self-driving cars may be safer than human drivers in everyday situations, but the technology struggles more than humans in dark places and when turning, according to the largest accident research study to date.
The findings come at a time when self-driving cars are already on the roads in some US cities, and GM-owned Cruise is set to resume testing of driverless cars. Pedestrian dragging incident The March incident prompted California to suspend its license, but Google spinoff Waymo has been gradually expanding its robot taxi operations in Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco.
“It is important to improve the safety of self-driving cars at dawn, dusk or when turning,” he said. Ding Sheng Xuan “Key strategies include strengthening weather and lighting sensors and effectively integrating sensor data,” say researchers from the University of Central Florida.
Ding and his colleagues Mohamed Abdel AtiA team from the University of Central Florida collected data from California and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on 2,100 crashes involving vehicles equipped with some degree of autonomous or driver-assistance technology, as well as more than 35,000 crashes involving unassisted human drivers.
The researchers then used statistical matching techniques to find pairs of accidents that occurred under similar circumstances, with common factors such as road conditions, weather, time of day, whether the accident happened at an intersection or on a straight road, etc. The researchers focused their matching analysis on 548 autonomous vehicle accidents reported in California, excluding less automated vehicles equipped only with driver assistance systems.
Abdel Aty said the overall results suggest that self-driving cars are “generally safer in most situations.” But the analysis also found that self-driving cars are five times more likely to crash when driving at dawn and dusk than human drivers, and are almost twice as likely to crash when making turns.
One obstacle to research is that “the database of autonomous vehicle accidents is still small and limited,” Abdel Aty said. He and Din cited the need for “enhanced autonomous vehicle accident reporting,” a major caveat that independent experts agree with.
“I think this is an interesting, but very early, step in measuring the safety of self-driving cars.” Missy Cummings Cummings, of George Mason University in Virginia, said the number of self-driving car accidents is “too small to make blanket conclusions about the safety of these technologies,” and warned about biased reporting by self-driving car makers. During her time at NHTSA, Cummings said, video footage of accidents didn’t always match the manufacturers’ explanations, which tended to place the blame on the human driver. “When you looked at the actual videos, they told a completely different story,” she said.
He said some minor collisions may not be reported to police, so that factor needs to be taken into account when comparing accidents involving self-driving cars with those involving human drivers. Eric Teo Virginia Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2017 study Early testing of Google’s self-driving cars found that only three out of 10 accidents made it into police reports.
“Neither California nor NHTSA require comprehensive data reporting on the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles,” Cho Junfeng “Autonomous vehicles, and especially robotaxis, often operate in specific regions and environments, making it difficult to generalize research findings,” the Arizona State University researchers said.
IIt’s fitting that this latest Alone in the Dark game chooses a generational curse as its premise, as the series that pioneered the survival horror genre hasn’t had a good run for nearly 30 years. Its various misadventures include the disastrous 2008 game of the same name. The game included a blink-only button, among many strange design decisions. But it was terrible, at least in an interesting way, and that’s more than can be said for this boring and derivative re-imagining of the game that started it all.
Set in early 20th century Louisiana, Alone in the Dark follows Emily Hartwood (Jodie Comer), who is sent to a mental health clinic after receiving a worrying letter from her uncle Jeremy. It depicts a visit to Tokoro Delceto Manor. So worried, in fact, that she not only hires private investigator Edward Carnby (David Harbour) to accompany her, but one of the first questions she asks Carnby is whether he’s “waving a gun.” I expected that there might be a need for it, so I was wondering if he brought a gun. She is there to meet her uncle.
As it happens, you get to choose between Carnby and Heartwood to swing the gun, and that decision creates a slightly different perspective on the same story. This reimagining retains the general premise of his 1992 original, but its presentation and mechanics are heavily borrowed from Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 2. Explore Delceto mansion in limited freedom and solve simple puzzles to unlock different rooms. This is interspersed with more action-oriented segments where you enter Uncle Jeremy’s dreams and fight monsters in locations inspired by HP Lovecraft’s stories.
Very boring most of the time…Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic
The southern Gothic manor house is fun enough to explore, and the puzzles it contains may be a little distracting. But for the most part, Alone in the Dark is pretty boring. The biggest problem is writing. The game aims for a snappy, noir-esque detachment, but it can’t match it with the fundamental silliness of a Lovecraftian mystery. The sudden switch in tone and location is more disconcerting than interesting. It also struggles to justify itself. Why do the dual protagonists spend most of the game apart, even though Heartwood specifically hired Carnby to protect her?
If Pieces Interactive was hoping that the star talent they hired would improve their writing skills, unfortunately the effect is quite the opposite. Comer seems confused as to what Heartwood’s character is. Almost every line she says is off-key. Simple filler phrases like “I need the key” sound like something a sarcastic teenager would say to her. Harbor sometimes sounds like he’s reading a script with one eye on the clock, but he does a somewhat better job of it.
It’s worth noting that the Resident Evil games aren’t narrative masterpieces either. But those people teeth Scary and exciting, the qualities of Alone in the Dark stumble past. Aside from a few instances, exploring the mansion lacks any sense of suspense, as combat and puzzle-solving exist in separate realms. Even in the dream world, encounters with monsters are surprisingly rare. Assuming you can’t stand enemies quaking in corners due to the game’s regular AI glitches, it might be fun to shoot them when they appear, but most other interactions are underwhelming or not at all It’s frustrating. Melee combat is sluggish, but opening doors and climbing ladders is excruciatingly slow.
The sudden change in sound is more disconcerting than intriguing… Alone in the Dark, 2024. Photo: Places Interactive/THQ Nordic
Moreover, for someone who is supposed to be lost in the abyss of madness, Jeremy’s dreamscapes are disappointingly mundane. These include Louisiana swamps, cemeteries, warehouses, and libraries (apparently ancient). You’ll visit some more exotic locations later on, but they’re too fleeting to have much of an impact. It takes enough effort just to hear real people talk about their dreams. If you’re going to force yourself to experience a fake person’s dream, you’d better make sure it’s very weird.
Where Alan Wake 2’s excellent surrealist horror offered a clear and compelling story while reveling in its weirdness, Alone in the Dark was too staid, too clumsy and, so haphazard that it evokes nothing more than a shrug. The mystery surrounding Jeremy’s madness isn’t worth the weighty unraveling, but the combat and puzzle-solving are just a shadow of Resident Evil 2’s excellent design. It seems the curse lives on.
This year, the rise in popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) has been substantial. This is not good news for anyone. Even if you prefer a sturdy Cybertruck over a smaller vehicle, it is still not an ideal solution. In general, cars are not a sustainable mode of transportation, such as using trains or bicycles. However, due to budget and environmental factors, many people find themselves needing a larger, tank-like truck or SUV. Unfortunately, larger electric vehicles also require more materials and energy, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions during and after production. Despite these drawbacks, automakers continue to build large vehicles because they are popular among buyers. Several vehicles from newer companies and traditional automakers have tried to challenge the concept of “bigger is better” with more compact designs and lower prices. However, they have not been successful. Some examples include the ElectraMeccanica Solo, Sono Sion, and Mazda MX-30, all of which have failed to gain traction in the North American market. Here, we will discuss the struggles of small, affordable EVs in the current market.
Electra Mechanica Solo
The ElectraMeccanica Solo was marketed as a small EV that was legally categorized as a motorcycle. It featured a single seat, a range of 160 miles, and a price tag of $18,500. However, the company recalled all Solos in April due to power outage issues and later decided to focus on four-wheelers. The company is now planning to merge with electric truck maker Tevva and has discontinued production of the Solo.
Honda e
The Honda e debuted in Europe and Japan with a range of 160 miles and a price range of $36,000 to $43,000. Despite its appeal to critics, it failed to attract buyers due to its high price. Honda eventually announced that it would stop producing the small vehicle in January 2024.
Sono Sion
German automaker Sono introduced the Sion, a five-seater hatchback with solar panels. Priced at $25,000, the production was initially planned for 2023. However, the company pivoted to selling to third-party automakers and laid off employees as it shifted its focus to integrating solar technology into other vehicles.
GM, Honda’s affordable EV
General Motors and Honda initially announced plans to jointly develop small, affordable EVs. They aimed to release a sub-$30,000 vehicle for North America by 2027 but later called off the partnership, citing “extensive research and analysis.”
Mazda MX-30 (USA)
The Mazda MX-30, while smaller than the Cybertruck, struggled to gain traction in the United States due to its limited range and availability. Ultimately, Mazda announced that it would discontinue EV sales in the US but continue sales in Japan and the EU.
Revel Moped
Revel, a moped sharing company, faced a decline in users due to fatal accidents, leading them to transition to electric cars instead.
VanMoof
Dutch e-bike startup VanMoof experienced rapid growth but struggled to sustain it, leading to difficulties in fund-raising. It eventually suspended sales and declared bankruptcy.
Lavoie
Electric scooter maker Lavoie acquired VanMoof’s remaining assets after it emerged from bankruptcy.
Despite the struggles of some small EVs, there are still positive developments in the electric vehicle space. Urban bike share programs are on the rise, and electrification is gaining momentum. Companies like Arcimoto and Telo Trucks are making strides in the development of rare three-wheeled EVs and light trucks, respectively. Additionally, the Fiat 500e will be introduced in North America in limited quantities, and GM has decided to continue producing the Bolt EUV.
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