Accelerated Melting in Antarctica May Support Key Ocean Currents

Posted on November 14, 2025 by

Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice on Ocean Currents

Juan Barretto/AFP via Getty Images

The melting of Greenland’s ice sheet is predicted to hinder or disrupt the Atlantic current that helps keep Europe warm; however, meltwater from West Antarctica might help maintain this essential flow.

That said, it won’t be sufficient to prevent significant climate changes. The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is already down by 60% and could take up to 3,000 years to recover fully.

“I suggest caution in predicting an AMOC collapse,” states Sasha Sinnett from Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “However, my findings don’t alter what is forecasted for the next century. We may never see if West Antarctica successfully stabilizes the AMOC.”

The AMOC is a system of ocean currents that transports warm surface water from the tropics to northern Europe. Here, the water cools and sinks, then flows back south to Antarctica. This current carries an enormous amount of heat—1.2 petawatts—equivalent to the output of one million power plants, keeping Europe notably warmer than regions like Labrador or Siberia at similar latitudes. Lighter, fresher meltwater from Greenland is expected to obstruct the sinking of the denser, saltier AMOC water, thereby slowing its flow.

If the AMOC were to collapse, winter temperatures in Northern Europe could drop to almost -50℃ (-58°F). Recently, Iceland declared the closure of the AMOC as an “existing” security threat. Additionally, rising sea levels are threatening the U.S. East Coast, while Africa may face even more severe drought conditions.

A recent study indicates that even if we achieve net zero emissions by 2075 and begin reducing CO2 from the atmosphere, there is still a 25% risk of AMOC collapse. One study forecasts its closure in the coming decades, while another suggests that it will remain weakened due to Antarctic winds.

Currently, the melting of the West Antarctic ice sheet has accelerated, with some research indicating a probable complete collapse. However, the impact on AMOC remains uncertain.

The timing of the melting is crucial, according to simulations by Sinet and his team. If pulses of ancient Antarctic meltwater coincide with substantial meltwater from Greenland, the AMOC’s closure will be expedited.

Conversely, if the Antarctic water arrives about 1,000 years prior to the peak melting of Greenland, the AMOC may weaken for a few centuries but then recover over the next 3,000 years. While AMOC shows eventual recovery in all scenarios, early Antarctic melting prevents total collapse and accelerates its resurgence.

This phenomenon could be due to the relocation of the sinking, salty AMOC water moving south as lighter, fresher meltwater accumulates around Greenland, with the flow regaining strength as Antarctic melting decreases.

Though it’s improbable that West Antarctica melts at such a rapid pace while Greenland melts more slowly, these results illuminate a significant connection between AMOC and Antarctic ice melt, notes Louise Sim from the British Antarctic Survey.

“Prior to this study, the extent to which Antarctic changes could significantly influence the effects of Greenland’s ice sheet melting on the AMOC was largely unknown,” she remarks.

However, the study does not address potential feedback effects, such as shifts in wind patterns that might increase Antarctic sea ice, so this relationship needs to be explored in more complex models moving forward, she adds.

Even if rapid melting in West Antarctica prevents the AMOC from collapsing, it could still lead to sea-level rises of up to 3 meters, inundating coastal cities.

“Unfortunately, while one potential disaster may lessen the danger of another, this is little consolation,” concludes Stefan Rahmstorf from the University of Potsdam, Germany.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Empowering Young Gamers: Harnessing Online Skills to Combat Cybercrime and How Parents Can Support Them

Posted on November 11, 2025 by

The rapid technological advancements can widen the gap between parents and teens. Gen

Moreover, a rise in cyberattacks affecting major companies has been frequently reported. Interestingly, many of those who face these hacks are young individuals equipped with advanced digital skills. In fact, the National Crime Agency reports that one in five children engages in unlawful activities under the Computer Fraud Act, which penalizes unauthorized access to computer systems or data. This statistic rises to 25% among gamers.

To combat this, co-ops adopt a unique preventive strategy. As part of our long-term mission to empower young people to harness their technology skills, Co-op has teamed up with a hacking game aimed at helping talented gamers secure positions in the cybersecurity sector.

This collaborative model is crucial because, as Greg Francis, former senior officer at the National Crime Agency and director of 4D Cyber Security, puts it, “A digital village is necessary to nurture digital natives.” Early intervention is essential, and parents play a pivotal role. “Parents are vital as they wield significant influence, but they shouldn’t remain passive. They should grasp the fundamentals of the hacker universe,” notes Francis, who also serves as Hacking Game’s Cyber Ambassador. So, where to begin?

Show Interest Without Judgment

First and foremost, having an interest in hacking isn’t inherently negative.

“Ethical hacking is an exhilarating and rapidly evolving domain, making it completely understandable for children to find it intriguing,” says Lynne Perry, CEO of children’s charity Barnardo’s. The organization collaborates with co-ops to generate funds to support young individuals in forging positive futures.

Maintaining an open dialogue is just as critical as beginning discussions early. “The ideal moment to start is now,” states Perry. “Once your child shows an interest in online technology, it’s time. Frequent, age-appropriate discussions are essential to keep the lines of communication open.”

Activities that seem innocuous can lead to a path towards cybercrime. Composite: Stocksy/Guardian Design

Perry advises involving children in online activities from a young age. “Explore technology together and discuss what to do if something unusual or concerning occurs. As kids mature, they may seek more independence, but regular interaction allows them to steer conversations, ask questions, and express concerns.”

For parents who grew up in a simpler digital age, grasping the complexities of today’s online gaming, dominated by franchises like Roblox, Minecraft, and Call of Duty, might seem daunting. However, both Francis and Perry emphasize that you don’t need to have all the answers to provide support.

Parents should check game age ratings and utilize parental controls, such as friend-only features, to enhance the security of in-game chats. For online resources, check Ask About Games for detailed information on popular games and guides to setting up safety measures.

It’s also beneficial to inquire if your young gamer has ever experienced being “booted” offline. Booting refers to a DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack, where someone hacks another gamer’s IP address and floods it with data, causing an Internet outage. While booting may seem innocuous among gamers, it is a serious issue. Francis clarifies: “They may not realize this infringes on the Computer Misuse Act.” In fact, booting is identified as one of the initial steps towards cybercrime, as noted during Francis’s work with various prevention programs.

Asking questions aligns with observing potential warning signs like excessive gaming, social withdrawal, unexplained tiredness, unusual purchases of equipment or technology (especially if you’re unaware of how it was paid for), and multiple email addresses. While one sign alone might not be serious, a combination of them can be concerning.

Mary* faced these warning signs firsthand. “I had a son engaged in hacking on the darknet. He isolated himself and avoided sleep. I truly had no clue about his activities,” she shares. “After consulting a cybersecurity expert and discussing my challenges, I discovered he was attempting to delve into the cryptocurrency world on the darknet at just 13 years old.”

Guidance from trusted sources inspires talented young individuals to utilize their skills positively. Composite: Getty Images/Guardian Design

A Transformative Path for Neurodivergent Youth

Particularly for neurodivergent youth, engaging with games and spending time online can yield significant advantages in terms of socialization and emotion regulation. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that with these benefits come potential drawbacks, including the considerable risks of internet or gaming addiction and the associated allure of cybercrime.

However, over 50% of technology professionals identify as neurodivergent, according to the Tech Talent Charter, indicating vast opportunities for neurodivergent young individuals in this sector. This is why The Hacking Games directly targets “digital rebels” showcasing “raw talent” and “unconventional thinking,” matching them with cybersecurity job opportunities, mentors, and fostering community through Discord group chats.

As Mary can confirm, mentorship and career awareness can be life-changing. “Cyber experts supported my son as a credible source of information and ultimately coached him on my behalf,” she states. “They helped him realize that he could channel his skills for impactful purposes. Consequently, he began assisting others.”

While this situation may seem alarming, there are numerous ways for parents to intervene positively. Approaching the subject with curiosity and care, rather than judgment, is paramount for guiding your child in the right direction. Here are some suggestions for parents who are concerned about their kids.

1 Begin conversations regarding online gaming safety early, approaching the topic with sensitivity rather than judgment. Remaining calm fosters open communication.

2 You don’t need to be fully informed, but a genuine interest can lead to insightful discussions. Ask your child about their games and online activities. Just as you would inquire about who they play with at a park, ask the same about their online friends. Be vigilant for warning signs like strangers trying to befriend them, offering freebies, or inviting them to unfamiliar worlds or games, as these could indicate grooming.

3 Take proactive measures. Pay attention to age ratings for games, which are significant. The best way to ascertain what is suitable for your child is to play the game together or at least observe them while they play. Remember, just like in Call of Duty, children can also be recruited in games like Minecraft. Games with community or “freemium” options can entice young players seeking extra income through in-game purchases or upgrades.

4 Monitor for warning signs such as social withdrawal, excessive gaming, lack of sleep, unusual tech purchases, and multiple email accounts.

5 Engage with your child’s school. Consult their computer science teacher to learn how they promote digital responsibility. Teachers often have insight into which students may require specific support to enhance their skills. This could serve as an early opportunity to channel their talents positively through initiatives like Cyber First and Cyber Choices or coding communities such as Girls Who Code.

*Mary’s name has been changed to protect her family’s anonymity.

Discover more

Ensure online safety for children and young individuals with Barnardo’s online safety guidance

Source: www.theguardian.com

Enceladus’ Ocean Could Support Life More Effectively Than We Realize

Posted on November 7, 2025 by

A plume of ice particles, water vapor, and organic compounds shooting from Enceladus’s southern polar area

NASA/JPL-Caltech

The hidden oceans of liquid water beneath Enceladus’ icy exterior have long positioned Saturn’s moon as a prime candidate in the search for alien life, and the prospects appear even brighter. Recent findings revealing heat from the frozen northern pole indicate that the ocean is stable over geological periods, allowing the potential for life to thrive.

“For the first time, we can assert confidently that Enceladus is in a stable condition, which has significant implications for its habitability,” states Carly Howett from Oxford University. “While we already knew about the presence of liquid water, a variety of organic molecules, and heat, stability was the crucial missing element.”

Howett and her team utilized data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017, to analyze the heat leaking from Enceladus. The moon’s interior is warmed by tidal forces resulting from Saturn’s gravitational pull, but up to now, this heat had only been observed escaping from the south polar region.

A delicate balance is necessary for life to develop in Enceladus’s ocean. It’s essential for the ocean to emit as much heat as it receives. Although the recorded heat from the South Pole doesn’t account for all incoming heat, Howett and her colleagues discovered that the North Pole is approximately 7 degrees warmer than previously assumed. Together with the heat from the South Pole, the overall heat balance is nearly precise. Due to a thicker ice shell near the equator, a substantial amount of heat escapes primarily in the polar regions.

This indicates that the ocean must maintain stability over extended durations. “Quantifying this is challenging, but we don’t anticipate a freeze in the near future, nor have we seen one recently,” Howett explained. “We understand that life requires time to evolve, and now we can affirm that this stability exists.” Nevertheless, discovering life, if it indeed exists, presents its own challenges. Both NASA and ESA are planning missions aimed at unearthing such life for decades ahead.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Google to Establish Space-Based Data Centers to Support AI Needs

Posted on November 6, 2025 by

Google is set to establish an artificial intelligence data center in space, with initial test equipment scheduled for launch into orbit in early 2027.

The company’s scientists and engineers are confident about deploying a densely clustered array of around 80 solar-powered satellites at approximately 400 miles above the Earth, each outfitted with robust processors to cater to the escalating AI demands.

Google highlights the rapid decline in space launch costs, suggesting that by the mid-2030s, operating space-based data centers may become as affordable as their terrestrial counterparts. The study was made public on Tuesday.

Utilizing satellites could significantly lessen the impact on land and water resources that are currently required for cooling ground-based data centers.

Once operational in orbit, the data center will harness solar energy and aim to achieve up to eight times the productivity of grounded facilities. However, launching a single rocket into orbit emits hundreds of tons of CO.₂.

Astronomers have expressed concerns about the burgeoning number of satellites in low-Earth orbit, describing it as “akin to a bug on a windshield” when observing the cosmos.

The envisioned data centers under Project Suncatcher would use optical links for data transmission, primarily leveraging light or laser beams.

Major technology firms aiming for swift advancements in AI are projected to invest $3 trillion (£2.3 trillion) in data centers worldwide, ranging from India to Texas and Lincolnshire to Brazil. This surge in spending raises alarms regarding the carbon footprint if sustainable energy solutions are not sourced for these facilities.

“In the future, space might be the ideal environment for advancing AI computing,” stated Google.

“In light of this, our new research initiative, Project Suncatcher, envisions a compact array of solar-powered satellites utilizing Google TPUs and linked through free-space optical connections. This strategy has significant scaling potential and minimal impact on terrestrial resources.”

TPUs are specialized processors designed for AI model training and routine use. Free-space optical connections enable wireless communication.

Elon Musk, who oversees satellite internet provider Starlink and the SpaceX rocket program, announced last week that his company would begin expanding efforts to develop data centers in space.

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Nvidia AI chips are anticipated to be launched into space later this month in collaboration with startup Starcloud.

“Space provides virtually limitless low-cost renewable energy,” commented Philip Johnston, co-founder of the startup. “The environmental cost occurs only at launch, and over the lifespan of the data center, there’s a tenfold reduction in carbon dioxide compared to ground-based power.”

Google aims to deploy two prototype satellites by early 2027, referring to the research findings as “the first milestone toward scalable space-based AI.”

However, the company cautions that “substantial engineering challenges persist, including thermal management, high-bandwidth ground communications, and the reliability of systems in orbit.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

US Withdrawal of Support for CMB-S4 Telescope is Catastrophic

Posted on October 30, 2025 by

South Pole telescope. CMB-S4 was meant to explore temperature and polarization changes in microwave light across vast areas of the sky.

Brad Benson, University of Chicago Fermilab

In the words of Robert Frost from The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood / And sorry I could not travel both.”

This sentiment resonates as I reflect on the U.S. government’s July 9 announcement: CMB-S4 projects will no longer receive support. CMB-S4 (Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4) was set to be the next groundbreaking multicontinental telescope system, promising unparalleled insights into the oldest light traversing the universe.

Initially, the universe was a turbulent mix of dense particles and plasma, so thick that photons (light particles) could scarcely move without colliding with something. This primordial environment was also extremely hot, hindering the formation of atoms. It wasn’t until cosmic inflation—a rapid expansion of spacetime lasting an imperceptibly short period—that temperatures fell sufficiently to allow the first hydrogen atoms to form, providing photons the freedom to zip across space.

Sixty-one years ago, we discovered the existence of these photons, known as cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB). What began as mere background noise in radio signals has been recognized as a link to the early universe, leading us to meticulously analyze the wavelengths, intensities, and variations of these photons.

The CMB offers a trove of information regarding the origins of all matter we observe, including stars that later create gold through supernovae. By surveying the entire sky for changes in photon temperatures, we can identify minute fluctuations in temperature. While their positions appear random, the magnitude of these variations is consistent across the board.

Our prevailing theory posits that these fluctuations arise from tiny quantum variations in matter density at the time the photons were released. Greater concentrations of matter served as the seeds for gas accumulation, which ultimately merged into protostars, leading to the formation of stars and galaxies. Thus, these CMB fluctuations mark our cosmic genesis.

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The withdrawal from this project signifies a reckless retreat by the U.S. from global scientific cooperation.
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One of the most significant measurements we’ve derived from the CMB is how its temperature fluctuations correlate with various physical scales. Understanding the distances over which particular phenomena manifest allows us to analyze the variation’s origins—whether from larger or smaller scales. Essentially, different epochs in cosmological history are imprinted within the CMB.

For instance, we can “detect” when the universe became transparent to matter and when hydrogen first formed, an epoch referred to as recombination. Although these events are beyond our visual perception, we can gauge the presence of dark matter and dark energy based on their influence on the CMB.

CMB-S4 aimed to advance our understanding of the lessons the CMB has to offer. An important objective was to seek evidence of primordial gravitational waves, ripples in spacetime associated with cosmic inflation. Although different inflationary models propose plausible physical descriptions of our universe, specific details remain elusive. The signatures of gravitational waves on the CMB may provide the most effective means of distinguishing among these models.

The cessation of government backing for CMB-S4 is akin to jamming a bike’s wheel, abruptly halting our exploration of the cosmos. The repercussions will be felt globally. Historically, the U.S. has made significant investments in cosmological science, which attracts students internationally to its educational institutions. U.S.-sourced experimental data typically serves as a critical global resource. The retreat from the project, which seemed likely under the former administration, is now part of a broader trend of the U.S. distancing itself from global collaboration.

Frost concludes his poem by reflecting on the implications of his chosen path. It is indeed regrettable that the United States has opted not to explore the less traveled road in scientific pursuits. It undoubtedly makes an impact, but unfortunately, not for the better.

A week in Chanda

What I am reading

I find the works of Niaesh Afsholdi and Phil Halper captivating. Their book, The Battle of the Big Bang: A New Story About the Origins of Our Universe, is particularly intriguing.

What I see

I keep rewatching DC Universe movies, especially those featuring my favorite character, Harley Quinn.

What I am working on

I’ve been attempting to capture stunning images of the Andromeda Galaxy from my backyard.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Does the Conclusion of Free Windows 10 Support Mean for Users? | Microsoft

Posted on October 14, 2025 by

Beginning Tuesday, Microsoft will cease offering standard free support for Windows 10, the operating system relied on by millions of computer and laptop users globally.

As of September, data indicates that four out of ten individuals worldwide still use Windows 10, despite the release of its successor, Windows 11, in 2021.

What’s Changing with Windows 10?

Effective October 14, 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer standard free software updates, security patches, or technical support for PCs running Windows 10.

While computers utilizing this software will continue to operate, their vulnerability to viruses and malware will increase as new bugs and security issues come to light.

Microsoft states that Windows 11, a more advanced system, “meets modern security demands by default.”

What Are the Risks?

If Windows users take no action, they might find themselves particularly exposed to hackers attempting to exploit vulnerabilities in large systems.

The consumer group Which? has highlighted that around five million British users intend to keep using devices running this software.

Regardless of location, continuing to operate on Windows 10 places users at risk for cyberattacks, data breaches, and fraud.

According to Lisa Barber, editor at Which?, criminals “will target individuals and exploit vulnerabilities to steal data.” – Technology magazine.

How Can I Mitigate the Threat?

The simplest solution is to upgrade to Windows 11 at no cost.

If your PC is less than four years old, it is likely capable of running Windows 11. To confirm, check your computer specifications. The minimum specifications for Windows 11 include 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, and the machine also requires a Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (TPM 2.0) that securely stores credentials, similar to modern smartphones.

Microsoft provides a free tool to determine if your Windows 10 PC is compatible with Windows 11. For additional compatibility checks, you can use online tools based on your CPU.

What If My Computer Lacks the Necessary Hardware to Upgrade to Windows 11?

If you don’t take any action, you could be exposed to malware and security risks. One option is to enroll in a one-year agreement with Microsoft for Extended Security Updates, which will be available until October 13, 2026.

This provides an additional year to plan for the end of support and arrange for replacements.

Registration is free if you log in to Windows 10 with a Microsoft account to sync your settings. Otherwise, it will cost $30 (excluding tax) or you can redeem 1,000 reward points.

Are There Alternatives to Windows 11?

You can use your PC safely with other operating systems if it cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.

A viable solution is installing Linux, a free family of operating systems that offers various distributions.

Ensure you back up all your files to an external drive or secure storage, as switching from Windows may delete or complicate file access.

Among the most popular and user-friendly versions of Linux is Canonical’s Ubuntu, which is free, open-source, and regularly updated for security. Installing it in place of Windows requires a USB flash drive; Canonical provides a step-by-step installation guide.

While many applications support Linux, be mindful that not all Windows software is available for Linux.

Alternatively, if your computing needs can be met via a web browser, Google provides a lightweight version of ChromeOS, which can be installed for free on many PCs. Ensure your model is supported and refer to Google’s installation guide, which also requires a USB flash drive.

Buying a New Computer

If you cannot install alternative software or still require Windows, consider purchasing a new PC equipped with Windows 11 and ongoing support.

Many retailers offer trade-in programs where you can recycle your old computer and get a small discount on a new model. Refurbished Windows 11 devices are also readily available from various retailers. Check out options like Currys, Back Market, and manufacturers like Dell for affordable options.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Home Care Chatbots in Australian Health Systems: AI Tools Revolutionizing Patient Support

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Petalol looked forward to Aida’s call each morning at 10 AM.

While daily check-in calls from the AI Voice bot weren’t part of the expected service package when she enrolled in St. Vincent’s home care, the 79-year-old agreed to participate in the trial four months ago to assist with the initiative. However, realistically, her expectations were modest.

Yet, when the call comes in, she remarks: “I was taken aback by how responsive she is. It’s impressive for a robot.”

“She always asks, ‘How are you today?’ allowing you to express if you’re feeling unwell.”

“She then follows up with, ‘Did you get a chance to go outside today?’

Aida also inquires about what tasks she has planned for the day, stating, “I’ll manage it well.”

“If I say I’m going shopping, will she clarify if it’s for groceries or something else? I found that fascinating.”

Bots that alleviate administrative pressure

Currently, the trial, which is nearing the end of its initial phase, exemplifies how advancements in artificial intelligence are impacting healthcare.

The Digital Health Company collaborated with St. Vincent’s health to trial its generative AI technology aimed at enhancing social interaction, enabling home care clients to follow up with staff regarding any health concerns.

Dean Jones, the national director at St. Vincent’s, emphasizes that this service is not intended to replace face-to-face interactions.

“Clients still have weekly in-person meetings, but during these sessions… [AI] the system facilitates daily check-ins and highlights potential issues to the team or the client’s family,” Jones explains.

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Dr. Tina Campbell, Health Managing Director, states no negative incidents have been reported from the St. Vincent trial.

The company employs open AI “with clearly defined guardrails and prompts” to ensure conversations remain safe and can promptly address serious health concerns, according to Campbell. For instance, if a client experiences chest pain, the care team is alerted, and the call is terminated, allowing the individual to call emergency services.

Campbell believes that AI is pivotal in addressing significant workforce challenges within the healthcare sector.

“With this technology, we can lessen the burden on workforce management, allowing qualified health professionals to focus on their duties,” she states.

AI isn’t as novel as you think

Professor Enrico Coyera, founder of the Australian Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, notes that older AI systems have been integral to healthcare in “back-office services,” including medical imaging and pathology report interpretations.

Coyera, who directs the Center for Health Information at Macquarie University, explains:

“In departments like Imaging and Radiology, machines already perform these tasks.”

Over the past decade, a newer AI method called “deep learning” has been employed to analyze medical images and enhance diagnoses, Coyera adds.

In November, New South Wales became the first in Australia to implement mechanical measurement technology in population-based screening programs to aid radiologists with the interpretation of mammographic images.

These tools remain specialized and require expert interpretation, and ultimately, responsibility for medical decisions rests with practitioners, Coyera stresses.

The role of AI in early disease identification

The Murdoch Children’s Institute in Melbourne, in partnership with researchers at UCL London, has developed an AI method to identify brain abnormalities in epilepsy, specifically local cortical dysplasia in MRI scans.

These lesions can cause seizures that are resistant to medication, making surgery the only treatment option. However, successful surgery depends on the ability to identify the abnormal tissue.

In a study published this week in Epilepsia, a team led by neurologist Emma McDonald Rouse demonstrated that “AI epilepsy detectors” can identify lesions in up to 94% of MRI and PET scans, even detecting a subtype of lesions that are often missed by over 60%.

This AI was trained using scans from 54 patients and was tested on 17 children and 12 adults. Of the 17 children, 12 underwent surgery, and 11 are currently seizure-free.

This tool employs a neural network classifier, similar to breast cancer screening, to highlight abnormalities that experts still need to review, emphasizing a much faster path to diagnosis.

She underlines that researchers remain in the “early stages” of development, and further study is necessary to advance the technology for clinical use.

Professor Mark Cook, a neurologist not associated with the research, states that MRI scans yield vast amounts of high-resolution data that are challenging for humans to analyze. Thus, locating these lesions is akin to “finding needles in a haystack.”

“This exemplifies how AI can assist clinicians by providing quicker and more precise diagnoses, potentially enhancing surgical access and outcomes for children with otherwise severe epilepsy,” Cook affirms.

Prospects for disease detection

Dr. Stefan Buttigieg, vice-president of the Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence section at the European Association of Public Health, notes that deep neural networks are integral to monitoring and forecasting disease outbreaks.

At the Australian Public Health Conference in Wollongong last month, Buttigieg referenced the early detection of the Covid-19 outbreak by Blue Dot, a firm established by infectious disease specialists.

Generative AI represents a subset of deep learning, allowing technology to create new content based on its training data. Applications in healthcare include programs like Healthyly’s AI Voice Bot and AI Scribes for doctors.

Dr. Michael Wright, president of the Royal Australian GPS College, mentions that GPs are embracing AI Scribes, which transform consultations into notes for patient records.

Wright highlights that the primary benefit of scribes is to enhance the quality of interactions between physicians and patients.

Dr. Daniel McMullen, president of the Australian Medical Association, concurs, stating that scribes assist doctors in optimizing their time and that AI could help prevent redundant testing for patients. The promised digitization of health records remains a challenge.

Buttigieg argues that one of AI’s greatest potential is in delivering increasingly personalized healthcare.

“For years, healthcare has relied on generic tools and solutions. Now, we are moving towards a future with more sophisticated solutions, where AI fulfills the same roles,” Buttigieg concludes.

Researchers can utilize AI to analyze MRI data to aid in identifying brain lesions. Photo: Karly Earl/Guardian

Source: www.theguardian.com

Dwarf Planet Ceres Might Have Hosted a Lasting Source of Chemical Energy to Support Habitability

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

While there is no conclusive evidence of microorganisms on Ceres, recent research bolsters the theory that this dwarf planet may have once harbored conditions conducive to single-cell life.

An illustration of Ceres’ interior, highlighting the movement of water and gas from the rocky core to the saltwater reservoir. Carbon dioxide and methane are chemical energy carriers beneath Ceres’ surface. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Previous scientific data from NASA’s Dawn Mission indicated that bright reflective areas on Ceres’ surface were formed from salt left behind by liquid that seeped from below ground.

A subsequent 2020 analysis identified that this liquid originated from a vast reservoir of subsurface brine.

Additional studies found organic materials in the form of carbon molecules on Ceres. While this alone doesn’t confirm the existence of microbial life, it is a crucial component.

Water and carbon molecules are two fundamental aspects of the habitability puzzle for this distant world.

The latest findings suggest that ancient chemical energy on Ceres could have supported the survival of microorganisms.

This does not imply that Ceres currently hosts life, but if it did, “food” sources are likely to have been available.

In a new study led by Dr. Sam Courville from Arizona State University and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a thermal and chemical model was developed to simulate the temperature and composition within Ceres over time.

They discovered that approximately 2.5 billion years ago, Ceres’ underground oceans possibly maintained a stable supply of warm water with dissolved gases emanating from metamorphic rocks in the rocky core.

The heat originated from the decay of radioactive elements within the planet’s rocky interior, a process typical in our solar system.

“On Earth, when hot water from deep underground interacts with ocean water, it frequently creates a fertility hotspot for microorganisms, releasing a wealth of chemical energy,” stated Dr. Courville.

“Therefore, if Ceres’ oceans experienced hydrothermal activity in the past, it would align well with our findings.”

As it stands, Ceres is not likely to be habitable today, being cooler and having less ice and water than it once did.

At present, the heat from radioactive decay in Ceres is inadequate to prevent water from freezing, resulting in highly concentrated saltwater.

The timeframe during which Ceres was likely habitable ranges from 5 billion to 2 billion years ago, coinciding with when its rocky core peaked in temperature.

This is when warm liquid water would have been introduced into Ceres’ groundwater.

Dwarf planets generally lack the benefit of ongoing internal heating due to tidal interactions with larger planets, unlike Enceladus and Europa, moons of Saturn and Jupiter, respectively.

Thus, the highest potential for a habitable Ceres existed in its past.

“Since then, Ceres’ oceans are likely to be cold, concentrated saltwater with minimal energy sources, making current habitability unlikely,” the authors concluded.

A paper detailing these findings was published today in the journal Advances in Science.

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Samuel W. Courville et al. 2025. Core metamorphosis controls the dynamic habitability of the medium-sized marine world – the case of Ceres. Advances in Science 11 (34); doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adt3283

Source: www.sci.news

Can Exoplanets Orbiting TRAPPIST-1 and Other Red Dwarfs Support Life?

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A protective atmosphere, a welcoming sun, and abundant liquid water make Earth a remarkable place. Leveraging the extraordinary capabilities of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers are on a mission to uncover just how unique and extraordinary our planet truly is. Is it possible for a temperate environment to exist elsewhere, perhaps around a different type of star? The TRAPPIST-1 system offers an intriguing opportunity to explore this question, as it contains seven Earth-sized planets orbiting red dwarf stars—the most common type in the Milky Way.

The artist’s concept depicts TRAPPIST-1d passing in front of a turbulent star, showing the other planets in the background. Image credits: NASA/ESA/CSA/Joseph Olmsted, STSCI.

TRAPPIST-1 is a super cool dwarf star situated 38.8 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius.

These stars are slightly larger than Jupiter, comprising only 8% of our Sun’s mass. They rotate quickly and emit UV energy flares.

TRAPPIST-1 is home to seven transiting planets designated TRAPPIST-1b, c, d, e, f, g, and h.

All these planets are similar in size to Earth and Venus, or marginally smaller, with very brief orbital periods of 1.51, 2.42, 4.04, 6.06, 9.21, 12.35, and 20 days, respectively.

They may all be tidally locked, meaning the same side always faces their star, akin to how the same side of the moon is always turned towards Earth. This results in a permanently night side and a permanently day side for each TRAPPIST-1 planet.

“Ultimately, we aim to discover whether similar environments to those we enjoy on Earth exist elsewhere, and under what conditions they might thrive,” stated Dr. Caroline Piaulett Graeb, an astronomer at the University of Chicago and the Trottia Institute for Planetary Research.

“At this stage, we can exclude TRAPPIST-1d as a potential twin or cousin of Earth, even as Webb enables us to investigate Earth-sized planets for the first time.”

Dr. Piaulet-Ghorayeb and her team utilized Webb’s NIRSpec (near-infrared spectroscopy) instrument to capture the transmission spectra of the TRAPPIST-1d planet.

They found no common molecules typically present in Earth’s atmosphere, such as water, methane, or carbon dioxide.

However, they have outlined several possibilities for the exoplanet that warrant further investigation.

“There are multiple reasons we might not detect an atmosphere around TRAPPIST-1d,” Dr. Piaulet-Ghorayeb mentioned.

“It may have a very thin atmosphere, similar to Mars, which is challenging to identify.”

“Alternatively, thick, high-altitude clouds may obscure certain atmospheric signatures.”

“Or it could be a barren rock with no atmosphere whatsoever.”

In any case, TRAPPIST-1d faces challenges as a planet orbiting a red dwarf star.

TRAPPIST-1, the host star of the system, is known for its volatility and often emits high-energy radiation flares that can strip away the atmosphere of nearby small planets.

Nevertheless, scientists remain eager to search for atmospheric signs on the TRAPPIST-1 planets, as red dwarfs are the most prevalent stars in our galaxy.

If these planets can retain an atmosphere here, it suggests they could potentially do so anywhere, even under the harsh conditions of stellar radiation.

“Webb’s sensitive infrared instruments allow us to probe into the atmospheres of these small, cold planets for the first time,” said Dr. Bjorn Beneke, an astronomer at the Institute for Planetary Research at Montreal University.

“We are using Webb to identify atmospheres on Earth-sized planets and define the thresholds between those that can and cannot sustain an atmosphere.”

Results will be published in Astrophysical Journal.

____

Caroline Piaulett Graeb et al. 2025. Restrictive conditions on the potential secondary atmosphere of the temperate rocky exoplanet TRAPPIST-1d. APJ 989, 181; doi:10.3847/1538-4357/ADF207

Source: www.sci.news

Gaming as Life: How Therapists Leverage Video Games to Support Vulnerable Children

Posted on July 14, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

oWhen Russia’s invasion of Ukraine commenced, Leksii Sukhorukov’s son was just 12 years old. For months, their family endured trauma and uncertainty. Sukhorukov had to leave his job in the entertainment sector, which included virtual reality and video games, leading to isolation from friends and family. Amid all this chaos, his son found solace in Minecraft. No matter the turmoil outside, he could enter Mojang’s block-building game to escape.

“After February 24, 2022, my perspective on the game shifted dramatically,” Skorkov reflects. He discovered a community of Ukrainian children playing together online. Some lived under Russian occupation, while others resided in government-controlled regions frequently targeted by missile strikes. Many had become refugees, yet they managed to connect, support each other, and construct their own worlds. Isn’t that fascinating? I felt compelled to explore how video games could be harnessed for this purpose.”

Sukhorukov, who holds a degree in psychology, chose to return to his roots, aiming to integrate his gaming experience with mental health practices. He is now the MC of the Ukrainian National Psychological Association’s Cyber Psychology Department. In 2023, he launched HealGame Ukraine, a project focused on utilizing video games for mental and emotional health support. “Currently, in collaboration with the Donetsk National Institute of Technology, we are developing a Minecraft server aimed at bringing together Ukrainian children who feel particularly isolated due to the conflict,” he explains. “The server will be facilitated by psychologists and social workers, and we also plan to create a Minecraft project for children with special educational needs.”

Lighthouse…Moment from Oleksii Sukhorukov’s Wonderworld project, where kids create towers to connect with each other on Minecraft servers. Photo: оacy

Play has been a foundation of child therapy for nearly a century, thanks to pioneers like Anna Freud, Melanie Klein, and Virginia Axlein. However, the integration of video games into therapy has been spearheaded by a new generation of practitioners who grew up gaming since the early 2010s. In 2011, Massachusetts-based therapist and gamer Minecra Grova published “Reset: Video Games and Psychotherapy,” a guide for clinicians seeking to understand gaming culture’s impact on adolescents. This piqued the interest of UK counselor Ellie Finch. Growing up with Mega Drive games, she began contemplating how to incorporate games into therapy after engaging with titles like Nie and Minecraft in 2012. However, the onset of the pandemic halted her plans.

“I transitioned from in-person youth counseling to online sessions overnight,” Finch recalls. “There are limitations to providing counseling via video calls, and I noticed many of the children were gamers. I began discussing video games with them.

Minecraft has shown to be particularly effective for several reasons: it’s one of the most popular games globally, with over 200 million players, making it familiar and accessible to many kids. Its open and creative structure allows players to express themselves freely, gathering materials to construct homes, explore, and fend off zombies.

Finch creates a private Minecraft environment exclusively for her and the children she works with. Clients can dictate parameters; some may prefer no hostile characters and opt for creative mode, while others desire a flat sky landscape. “I often begin the first session by asking my clients to design a safe space in their world,” Finch states. “This could be a house, castle, or underwater observatory. Their creations reveal much about their inner world right from the start.”

The ideal home… Ellie Finch guides clients in building a secure home within Minecraft. Photo: Microsoft/Ellie Finch

Therapists can navigate the game in various ways, allowing for a non-directed format where they follow the client to develop trust and employ therapeutic skills to decode the ongoing dynamics. “Minecraft provides a sense of adventure,” Finch notes. “Clients might wish to explore caves, swim underwater, battle hostile mobs, or construct intricate machines, opening a multitude of possibilities.

Therapists can also employ commands that engage clients in therapeutic or psychoeducational tasks. Recently, Sukhorukov and Ukrainian psychologist Anna Schulha, along with nonprofit Martesezer Werke, orchestrated a quest called Wonderworld for Ukrainian refugees aged 11-13 in Germany. These children, often feeling isolated and burdened by forced migration, participated in sessions where they had to find envelopes containing Minecraft-related resources hidden around their living spaces and nearby parks. They then utilized these resources in the game to create cakes and other items.

“At the conclusion of each session, we encouraged kids to reflect on the positive emotions and experiences they encountered during the game,” Skorkov shares. “It’s fascinating to observe the kids’ constructions and the choices they make. Are they vibrant and open, or concealed underground? How do they navigate this gaming realm?

Finch resonates with the notion that creativity within video games serves as a medium of communication, akin to drawing or building with LEGO. “The kids have shown me their fears and feelings of entrapment by guiding me into dark caves. They constructed slime block trampolines to relieve tension. Teenagers have utilized the game to venture outside their ‘safe spaces’ and explore unfamiliar territories beyond the guidance of therapists and trusted adults. In 2024, she plans to collaborate with the Cambridge University Faculty of Education on a project named ‘Chasm: Creating Accessible Services Using Minecraft’ to showcase these therapeutic uses.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EsEuxDReV3k?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Therapeutic Adventures in Minecraft with Ellie Finch" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Today, an increasing number of therapists are exploring the potential of video games in diverse ways. Drawing influence from Sukhorukov, they’re doing essential work that elucidates the digital landscape, cyber trauma, and the realities children face in gaming.

It’s not just about Minecraft. Games like Fortnite, Roblox, and Animal Crossing are also becoming therapeutic tools. Regardless of the game, therapy is essential in reflecting the increasingly digital lives of our youth. “For individuals raised in a tech-rich world, digital play isn’t merely a pastime,” Stone asserts. “They utilize platforms, programs, and devices as their primary forms of creativity and connection, amplifying the foundations of psychotherapy rather than replacing them.

Finch is currently contemplating extending video game therapy to adults, recognizing that this approach can be beneficial across all ages, given her lifelong devotion to gaming.

For Sukhorukov, a profound dynamic exists between Ukrainian children and Minecraft. The therapeutic impact is expanding throughout the nation. “If you search for the term ‘майнкрафт’ on Ukrainian YouTube, you will find numerous videos created by Ukrainian children and teenagers within Minecraft. They reflect lives intersected by war, with military parents, loved ones, or displaced companions. The war has fragmented their connections, affecting every Ukrainian child.

“Moreover, there’s something else that may be challenging to convey. The homelands of many Ukrainians—Volnovakha, Sievierodonetsk, Soledar, Mar’inka, Bakhmut—only exist in Minecraft. Children lack the capacity to articulate their experiences in extensive articles about these realities.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Scientists Seek Public Support Amid Trump Administration Funding Cuts

Posted on June 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: www.nbcnews.com

US Halts Support for COVID-19 Vaccines for Children—Are Other Vaccines Next?

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy JR

Tasos Katopodis/Getty

One of the leading vaccine specialists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lakshmi Panagiotakopoulos, resigned on June 4th, just a week after Robert F. Kennedy JR announced that the Covid-19 vaccine would no longer be advised for most children and pregnancies.

This declaration prompted several days of uncertainty regarding the availability of the Covid-19 vaccine in the U.S. Although there has not been a significant shift in access, parents may face new challenges when trying to vaccinate their children. Nonetheless, Kennedy’s statement reflects a concerning departure from established public health practices.

“My career in public health and vaccinology began with a deep-seated desire to assist the most vulnerable members of our population. This is not something I can continue in this role,” Reuters reported.

Panagiotakopoulos was part of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) since 1964. However, last week, Kennedy, as the highest authority in public health in the country, reversed decades of protocol. “As of today, we are unable to announce that the Covid vaccine for healthy children and pregnant women has been removed from the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedule,” he stated in a video shared on the social media platform X on May 27th.

Despite his directive, the CDC has only made minor modifications to its recommendations regarding the Covid-19 vaccine. Rather than a full endorsement for children, it is now recommended “Based on shared clinical decisions,” meaning parents should consult their doctors prior to making a decision. It remains uncertain how this will impact vaccine access in various situations, but it may complicate obtaining vaccinations for children at pharmacies.

The CDC’s guidance on vaccination during pregnancy is rather unclear as well. The relevant website still recommends Covid-19 shots during pregnancy, noting that “This page will be updated to reflect your new vaccination schedule.”

Kennedy’s declaration also stands in stark contrast to the positions of major public health organizations. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have expressed opposition to this stance.

“The CDC and HHS advise individuals to consult healthcare providers regarding personal medical choices,” a spokesperson for HHS told New Scientist. “Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, HHS is re-establishing the connection between doctors and patients.”

However, Linda Eckart of Washington University in Seattle argues that these conflicting messages create confusion for the public, stating, “It opens doors for misinformation and undermines overall confidence in vaccines. I cannot fathom that vaccination rates will not decline.”

Numerous studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of Covid-19 vaccinations during adolescence and pregnancy. In fact, Martin McCurry, head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, emphasized this in a risk assessment for severe Covid-19 published a week before Kennedy’s announcement, further complicating the government’s public health message.

Kennedy’s announcement aligns with similar community policies in several countries. For instance, Australia and the UK do not recommend the Covid-19 vaccine for children unless they are at high risk of severe illness. Likewise, they advise against Covid-19 vaccinations during pregnancy for those already vaccinated.

Asma Khalil, a member of the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, stated that the UK’s choice is informed by a reduced risk from omicron variants, the cost-effectiveness of vaccinations, and high herd immunity. Nevertheless, these variables can differ from one country to another. Eckart notes that the UK population generally has better access to healthcare than that of the U.S. “These evaluations necessitate a meticulous consideration of risks and benefits for the national populace,” Khalil asserts. HHS did not respond to New Scientist regarding whether a similar assessment influenced Kennedy’s decision.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Kennedy’s announcement is its circumvention of the expected ACIP vote on proposed revisions to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, which was slated for later this month. “This method of decision-making—by individual professionals who carefully review conflicts of interest and scrutinize the data—has never occurred in our country,” Eckart emphasizes. “We are traversing uncharted territory,” and she fears that Kennedy’s actions could establish precedents for other vaccine recommendations. “I am aware there are numerous vaccines he has actively opposed,” she continues, recalling Kennedy’s previous denunciations of vaccines linked to autism and false claims regarding the polio vaccine.

“What this implies is that [Kennedy] is undermining established scientific guidelines,” stated Amesh Adalja from Johns Hopkins University.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

UnitedHealth Shifts Health Care Provider Strategy, Retreats from CyberTack Loan Support

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Two independent healthcare practices in Minnesota once aimed for expansion but have faced challenges recovering from the significant cyberattacks on the UnitedHealth Group Payment System over the past year.

Odom Health & Wellness, specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation, and Dillman Clinic & Lab, a family medicine provider, are among numerous medical offices that faced sudden financial disruption last year. Cyberattacks on Change Healthcare, a division of United, have crippled many healthcare payment systems nationwide for months.

Billions of dollars have been lent to medical practices short on cash, with repayment demands now surfacing.

Odom and Dillman are filing a lawsuit against United in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, alleging negligence related to the cyberattack and claiming they are incurring excessive costs due to its aftermath.

Furthermore, Odom and Dillman alleged in their court documents that their insurer, UnitedHealthcare, denied claims on the grounds of late filings despite covering patient care.

Lawmakers view the disruption caused by these attacks as a consequence of United’s relentless pursuit of acquisitions, including Change and various medical practices. This widespread upheaval highlights the deep entrenchment of United’s subsidiaries in the national healthcare framework.

“This serves as another reminder that the swift integration of major healthcare firms may be doing more harm than good,” stated Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat from Oregon, regarding the financial strain imposed on practices by these cyberattacks.

Last month, the American Medical Association expressed its concerns to Optum, the United Health division owning Change, regarding the pressure many practices face to repay loans despite ongoing financial hardships due to the attacks.

Since March 2024, Change has provided $9 billion in interest-free loans to over 10,000 healthcare providers, including $569,680 for Odom and $157,600 for Dillman.

A year later, approximately $5.5 billion has been repaid, according to United’s court application. About 3,500 practices, including Odom, Dillman, and six other plaintiffs, had yet to repay as of April 1. Numerous other practices and patients have also initiated lawsuits against United.

In its statement, Change emphasized it would “proactively work with providers to identify flexible repayment plans tailored to their specific circumstances.”

“We’ve also collaborated with UnitedHealthcare to ensure claims are reviewed considering the challenges we’ve faced, including waiving timely submission requirements for plans under its governance.”

Change drew parallels between its loan recovery efforts and those of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Following the cyberattack, CMS expedited payments to practices to assist with Medicare claims pending due to the attack. They offered accelerated payments to reclaim funds from Medicare claims.

In court filings, United reported data indicating that a minor percentage of Odom and Dillman’s healthcare claims were rejected due to being “too early,” although denials escalated after the cyberattacks.

Denouncing the plaintiff’s motion as a “group shakedown,” UnitedHealth urged the district court to dismiss a request for an injunction regarding loan repayment, asserting the right to manage relations with thousands of other loan recipients.

United contended that the injunction might permit other medical practices to “hold billions of dollars hostage.”

Dr. Megan Dillman, a specialist in pediatrics and internal medicine, opened her practice in Lakeville, Minnesota in 2022, aiming to “restore joy in practicing medicine.” She argued that her healthcare business spends significantly more time with patients compared to the average 15 minutes doctors are increasingly limited to.

“Without our existence, there are patients who might not be here today,” Dr. Dillman noted, referencing a cancer diagnosis that was missed by another hurried physician.

Her husband, Richard Dillman, manages the business operations of her practice and has called for United to fulfill its repayment obligations.

“I would rather endure the Special Forces Qualification Courses than face this situation again,” remarked former Green Beret Dillman.

At the time of the cyberattack, Change’s Medical Building Clearinghouse processed approximately 45% of healthcare transactions across the nation, amounting to around $2 trillion annually. The company had to pause services in February 2024 to mitigate damage, halting a significant portion of the healthcare system’s cash flow.

There was a breach of sensitive personal information, marking the largest breach recorded in U.S. healthcare history. In January, United increased the number of individuals whose personal data was compromised to 109 million from approximately 100 million previously reported.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Civil Rights Office commenced an investigation in March 2024 concerning the ransomware attack. An agency spokesperson noted that they “do not comment on ongoing or potential investigations.” Some healthcare firms may face penalties for violations related to patient data mishandling.

Company executives reported that hackers exploited compromised login credentials, utilizing a portal that didn’t require multifactor authentication.

United authorities confirmed that they paid a $22 million ransom to a Russian cybercriminal who claimed responsibility for the attack. In a January revenue report, the cyberattack was stated to have cost the company $3.1 billion.

Healthcare reimbursements did not start flowing more freely through Change until June 2024, with United noting that the full restoration of services took time and some areas were still not back to 100%.

During a May 2024 Congressional hearing, a senator criticized United CEO Andrew Witty regarding the company’s response to the cyberattacks and the resulting struggles faced by thousands of providers. Witty testified that the company “will not pursue repayment until providers confirm that operations are back to normal.”

The repayment terms stipulate that Change does not require payments until “the affected billing and/or payment processing services have resumed during the service disruption period.”

The interpretation of “to be dealt with” is central to the ongoing lawsuit.

Change initiated collection attempts from Dillman and Odom, which were described in court documents as a series of increasingly aggressive letters. Both practices have been changed, barring repayment and rejecting offers for repayment plans. Change subsequently demanded full repayment in January, threatening to withhold future health care reimbursements.

“It’s disheartening, but not surprising, that United Health Group has chosen to prioritize profits over the well-being of families and small businesses,” stated Wyden, who led the Senate inquiry into the cyberattacks.

The AMA urged the company to negotiate “individual and realistic repayment plans” with each practice.

Dr. Katherine Mazzola, who operates pediatric neurology and neurosurgery practices in New Jersey, is among many others contesting United over loans.

“In my view, Optum operates like a loan shark that seeks swift collection,” remarked Dr. Mazzola, a non-plaintiff in the case against United.

Dr. Mazzola received a loan of $535,000 and later informed Change that she was unable to repay it. Despite suggesting a payment schedule, there was no response. Consequently, she began paying $10,000 monthly in January. Nevertheless, without notice, she reported that United started to withhold her reimbursements.

Currently, Dr. Odom employs around 110 individuals, many of whom assist seniors in assisted living facilities. He contended that if his practice were forced to immediately repay the Change loan, at least 22 staff members would need to be laid off. Dr. Odom asserted that this could hinder care availability, reduce services, and create further economic challenges.

“We are navigating a challenging battle as a small firm,” declared Odom President Dr. Meghan Klein, emphasizing the significant impact the financial situation poses for his company compared to United’s. “These are lives we are concerned about.”

According to the lawsuit, Dillman Clinic, which relies on United Insurance reimbursements for about 25% of its income, could face bankruptcy if compelled to fully repay the loan.

They claimed Dillman would risk losing all assets, including homes, vehicles, and retirement savings, if bankruptcy ensues.

“Part of my purpose in being here is to manage my schedule,” Dr. Dillman mentioned. However, the chaos stemming from the cyberattacks consumes their time, leaving little for their six-year-old daughter.

“I have just an hour to spend with her,” Dr. Dillman said, “I am missing out on her childhood.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

RFK Jr. offers strong support for measles vaccine

Posted on April 10, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

During a rare sit-in interview with CBS News, National Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recommended getting a measles vaccine and stated that he was “unfamiliar” with reducing state and local public health programs.

The conversation took place after a visit to West Texas, where he attended the funeral of an eight-year-old girl who succumbed to measles. An intense outbreak in the area has resulted in over 500 illnesses and the deaths of two young children.

In a clip from the interview released on Wednesday, Kennedy emphasized the importance of the measles vaccine. He stated, “People should receive the measles vaccine, but the government shouldn’t mandate it.”

However, he also expressed concerns about the safety of the vaccine, as he has done previously.

Kennedy has been heavily criticized for his handling of the West Texas outbreak by health professionals who believe that lack of full support for vaccinations is hindering efforts to control the virus.

Additionally, he has promoted unproven treatments for measles like cod liver oil. Physicians in Texas have linked its use to signs of liver toxicity in some children admitted to local hospitals.

Throughout the outbreak, Kennedy has often combined his support for vaccines with discussions about safety concerns and an alternative “miraculous” treatment.

Recently, he took to social media to declare that measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines are the “most effective way” to prevent the spread of measles. This statement has relieved infectious disease experts but angered vaccine opponents.

That evening, he posted again, this time praising “two extraordinary healers” who claim to have successfully treated around 300 children with measles using antibiotics.

Scientists argue that there is no cure for measles and promoting alternative treatments undermines the importance of vaccination.

In a CBS interview, Kennedy was questioned about the recent suspension of over $12 billion in federal grants to state programs addressing infectious diseases, mental health, and childhood vaccinations.

(The cuts were temporarily blocked after a lawsuit was filed by a state coalition against the Trump administration.)

Kennedy claimed to be unaware of the suspension and suggested it was primarily aimed at cutting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs targeted by the administration.

Dr. Jonathan Lapook, a medical correspondent for CBS, inquired about specific research cuts at universities, including a $750,000 grant for diabetes research in adolescents at the University of Michigan.

Kennedy responded, “I was not aware of that, and that’s what we’re seeing. There were many research projects that caught our attention and did not deserve to be cut, and we are reinstating them.”

Source: www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump alleges Tesla boycott is “illegal”, plans to purchase company in support of mask production

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Donald Trump announced that he was purchasing a “brand new Tesla” and placed blame on the “radical left-handed man” who he claimed was orchestrating an “illegal” boycott. This announcement followed a significant drop in Tesla’s stock price, the worst in nearly five years.

During a press conference, President Trump also declared his intention to classify the violence against Tesla showrooms as domestic terrorism, responding to a reporter’s suggestion that such actions should be labeled as such.

He mentioned that he had spoken with Elon Musk and his son on his White House driveway, with a selection of Tesla cars parked for his choosing. Trump ultimately opted for a red Model S, praising Musk’s contributions to the country.

Trump went on to accuse the “radical left madman” of attempting to illegally boycott Tesla and harm the American automaker, posting his remarks on True Social and affirming his commitment to stopping the damaging boycott efforts.

Despite claims of the boycott being illegal, the Supreme Court ruling from 1972 protects the right of Americans to peacefully protest against private companies, challenging Trump’s stance on the matter.

Tesla’s stock has seen significant declines amid protests and threats linked to Trump’s tariff plans. The TeslaTakeown Group, organizing anti-Tesla protests, insists on their right to peaceful demonstrations outside Tesla showrooms.

Reports indicate a sharp drop in Musk’s net worth over the past year, impacting Tesla’s profits. Tesla board members, including Musk’s brother, have sold off millions in stocks, while Tesla car sales have also declined.

The boycott against Tesla emerged in response to Musk’s controversial “Doge” initiative and concerns over lack of transparency in federal spending. Polls suggest mixed public sentiment towards Musk’s influence and actions.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Tech Industry Begins to Support President-Elect as Amazon Contributes $1 million to Inaugural Fund

Posted on December 14, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Amazon is the latest tech giant to donate to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund.

Reports indicate that the company plans to donate $1 million to the fund, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Following in Meta’s footsteps, Facebook’s parent company, which also donated $1 million to President Trump’s inaugural committee, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that he would make a personal donation of $1 million. This was reported by Fox News.

As President Trump prepares for his second term, several major tech companies are showing support in hopes of gaining favor for their businesses. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to meet with President Trump next week, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently dined with him at his Mar-a-Lago mansion. Google CEO Sundar Pichai is also expected to meet the president soon, according to reports. Time magazine, owned by Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, even named Trump its “Person of the Year.”

Altman of OpenAI expressed his belief that Trump will lead the country in technological advancement. In a statement to the Guardian, Altman said, “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I look forward to supporting his efforts to ensure the United States stays ahead.”

Donating to inaugural committees is a common practice for large companies seeking to establish rapport with the incoming administration. Amazon, for example, donated $57,746 to President Trump’s first inaugural fund in 2017, according to Open Secrets. Google and Microsoft also made donations, while Mehta confirmed to the Guardian that he did not donate that year.

Amazon stated that during Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, the administration declined donations from technology companies, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

Allegedly, Trump plans to offer additional perks to donors who contribute at least $1 million to his inaugural committee, including access to various events around the inauguration, dinners with Trump, Cabinet nominations, and a dinner with J.D. Vance, according to the New York Times.

Bezos, who owns the Washington Post, has been a target of Trump’s criticism. However, before the election, the Washington Post decided not to endorse a presidential candidate, likely in an attempt to avoid provoking Trump, as reported by The Washington Post.

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After Trump’s victory, Bezos and Amazon CEO Andy Jassy expressed their support for the new administration. Bezos praised Trump for the opportunities ahead, while Jassy celebrated the victory and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the administration. Amazon’s stock price reportedly rose by 14% after the election.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Elon Musk’s Influence on British Politics: How Farage’s Support with Funding, Legal Support, or X Will Shape the Future

Posted on December 7, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Elon Musk seems to have many preferences. The world’s richest man is evangelical about electric cars, space travel, and Donald Trump. Another of his interests could have a significant impact on British politics.

The billionaire is reportedly considering paying a rumored £80m to Nigel Farage’s British Reform Party, becoming its biggest donor in history.

Musk watchers say that, like many who supported Trump’s militant brand of right-wing populism, he became radicalized by frustration with the lockdowns.

Frustrated by the damage to manufacturing at Tesla car factories, he began spending more time online and testing the limits of the misinformation rules set by Twitter, as it was then known. Ta.

Now that he helped propel Trump to the White House, he is reportedly turning his attention to Britain.

Reform officials say they have no knowledge of Mr. Musk’s spending plans, which Mr. Musk also denies. But if the Tesla and X owners back up their online criticism of Keir Starmer’s government with huge donations to the Labor opposition, it could be one of the most significant political moves of this parliament.

Within two years of acquiring Company X (formerly Twitter) in October 2022, Mr. Musk has already become a darling of the international far-right, and under the banner of free speech has previously suspended his account. Thank you for reviving it. But Musk went further, using his account to amplify the messages of far-right activist and convicted criminal Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.

By the time riots erupted in British cities this year, Mr Musk had engaged in a full-scale onslaught against the Labor government, claiming “a civil war is inevitable” and echoing that position, calling the prime minister “two-tiered”. Police reportedly treated white far-right “protesters” more harshly than minorities.

But over the weekend there were hints that Mr Musk might trade words and actions regarding the UK when the Sunday Times reported: He may be about to donate £80m He was a supporter of Nigel Farage’s British Reform Party and believed that the MP would be the next British Prime Minister.

Mr Musk denied the claims on Thursday, but Reform UK has remained noticeably silent on the matter, while Mr Farage boasted last month that he was counting on the support of his “new friend Elon” in the next general election. I was doing it. A major donor to his party even said quite bullishly to the Guardian this week: “Keep an eye on this area.”

Mr Musk’s wealth has increased by $133bn (£104.4bn) so far this year, reaching $362bn from his roughly 13% stake in Tesla and ownership in a number of companies.

The reasons behind Mr Musk’s apparent hostility towards Starmer and interest in Britain may be more complex.

Various theories about why the UK has been targeted by Mr Musk include the idea that he has come to view the UK as the epicenter of what he calls the ‘waking mind virus’. , blames Musk for his estranged daughter’s gender change. .

An even more outlandish theory, based partly on Musk’s time with X, is that Musk’s tweets in response to breaking news in the UK are a result of his tendency to stay up late in the US is.

“I don’t think you should tweet after 3am,” Musk told the BBC last year.

But one of the most obvious explanations is Musk’s own liberal, ultra-free speech vision that X is the true “town square” of the internet, and Labor’s mission to crack down on online hate speech. It is related to a clear conflict between

Mr Musk is “not accountable to anyone”, Peter Kyle, the UK science and technology secretary who is directly responsible for the government’s engagement with social media companies, complained in August. Also irritating Mr. Musk, Mr. Starmer’s current chief of staff has been involved in the creation of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which criticizes Mr. Musk for stripping away guardrails against hate speech on Twitter. This is likely a role played by Labor Party officials, including Morgan McSweeney, who is the head of the party. . In October, Musk issued a “declaration of war” on CCDH, calling it a “criminal organization” and saying he would “go after” it.

But there is no sign that holding Mr Musk to account will stop Britain’s move into right-wing politics. Beyond the near-relentless torrent of tweets, it’s even more uncertain how Mr Musk will expand his footprint in British public life.

Mr. Musk could avoid strict regulations on overseas donations by providing the funds through Company X’s British arm or by securing British citizenship. Her father, Errol, claims he is eligible because his grandmother is British.

Mr Musk may also be tempted to take further discussions with British industry and engage further with Starmer’s government.

Mr Musk was last in the spotlight in the UK last November when he attended the first AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park, home of the Enigma codebreakers. People who encountered him at the Bletchley summit said he was polite, talkative, surrounded by a surprisingly minimal entourage, and appeared to handle much of the official email about the event himself.

This convinced one former government adviser that discussing AI policy was probably the best way for Labor to forge a beneficial relationship with Mr Musk. The tech mogul, who founded his own AI company xAI, has consistently warned about the dangers of unchecked technology development. Speaking at the summit, he said, “There is a greater than zero chance that AI will kill us all.”

The former adviser said the creation of the UK AI Safety Institute by Rishi Sunak’s government, then the world’s first, could carry some weight for Mr Musk.

“He cares about the safety of AI, and has done so for years. A grown-up conversation with him about the UK’s world-leading work on national security risks from AI is a good place to start.” “I think Rishi Sunak will be a good ambassador even if Starmer finds out next,” the former adviser said. Politically undesirable. “Musk doesn’t suffer fools and Sunak really knows what he knows about AI.”

Another option would be to send Mr. Kyle and National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, who were impressed with their understanding of the brief. “It would show seriousness,” the former adviser said.

When will Democrats come to the realization that big tech does not support their agenda?

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

a■ As Democrats consider how to counter the Trump administration, they need to accept a very simple lesson from the past eight years. Big tech and corporations are part of the opposition forces working on behalf of Donald Trump, not allies of the Democratic Party working against Trump and Trumpism.

One would think there is no need to point out what appears to be an obvious fact. Still, some Democrats are trying to get closer to big tech companies and downplaying the importance of antitrust policy regarding authoritarian risks. For example, a few days ago, the largest Democratic superpack, Priorities USA, held a large resistance strategy session sponsored by “friends of google“.

As another example, Adam Jentleson, political writer and former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, writes: recent works The New York Times particularly criticized the fight against monopolies as a “niche issue.” He argued that there was a dichotomy between table issues and challenging corporate power, and that the focus should be on the former.

The belief that big technology, and big business more broadly, serves the Democratic Party has already been tested and turned out to be untrue.

When Trump was elected in 2016, one of the central pillars of Democratic resistance was to use big tech platforms as a counterbalance. If you remember, Google’s CEO also Participated in anti-Trump demonstration. Google, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and pre-Elon Musk’s Twitter have been reprimanded for using technology that enables extremism, but Democrats are pushing for changes to regulation of algorithm design, liability rules, or Instead of moving aggressively to split, it focused on encouraging platforms on editorial policy.

The assumption was that they would be able to defeat Trump and Maga-ism and corral them into a set of “correct” editorial practices that would help limit the scope of his rhetoric in the short term. This is the context in which the “misinformation and disinformation” framework arose.

We use this phrase all the time, but it’s worth thinking about how strange it is. Misinformation can refer to inadvertent lies and disinformation can refer to intentional lies, but the term can also encompass information that is factually correct but misleading, such as information about Barack Obama. there is. claimed In 2022, “suppression of true information” will occur if such suppression is carried out for purposes such as “political gain” or “targeting people you don’t like.”

These new categories not only infuriated those caught up in broad and vague definitions, but also diverted Democratic attention away from issues of power. The misinformation/disinformation framework is partially compatible with partnering with big tech companies as an anti-fascist alliance. We, the science-based Democratic Party, will succeed in working with the world’s largest technology companies to protect America.

Eight years later, Democrats lost the White House, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Major tech platforms are full of extremist content. Big tech companies should no longer look like allies. Not only is Mr. Musk fully entrenched at the top of the power table, right next to Mr. Trump, but the CEOs of Meta, Alphabet, Apple, and Amazon all reached out to Mr. Trump before the election. He probably took it seriously. his threat Mark Zuckerberg would go to jail if he opposed it, but he’s probably just recognizing that Trump is the titan of deregulation.

musk He is said to have participated in Recent phone conversation between President Trump and Google CEO. It is expected that dozens of such meetings at the highest level will occur and strong relationships will emerge. And instead of repeatedly claiming that the tech giants have too much power, we have spent eight years arming them with language they can use to suppress dissent.

repetition vote It turns out that voters actually hate corporate monopolies, and that antitrust politics is very popular. I don’t want to overstate this point – for 30 years, from 1980 to 2020, antitrust politics disappeared in America. It’s fair to argue that we can do more experimentation with how we talk about anti-monopoly policy, especially towards big tech companies. that. But we should be very concerned about its content.

Facebook, Google, and Amazon have destroyed local journalism, a real bulwark against authoritarian leaders, while coddling real dictatorships. They currently dominate the digital advertising industry. According to a recent study, if news organizations were paid the profits they made by acting as intermediaries between readers and writers, Expected to be delivered between $12 billion and $14 billion One year. The very journalists and news organizations we rely on for fact-checking and fact-checking fear being shadowbanned. Jeff Bezos’ fear of President Trump shows how it affects editorial content.

Thankfully, thanks to the work of the Department of Justice under Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Cantor, Google has been officially recognized by the courts as an illegal monopoly, and other antitrust cases involving Facebook and Amazon have The case is pending in court. But even if Google is forced to sell Chrome, which seems possible, it now seems grotesque that Democrats in power can’t bring serious tech-disruption legislation to a vote. He didn’t seem to be trying to stop the emerging power couple of Trump and tech.

As experts try to sort out the lessons of how Kamala Harris lost an election she looked like she could win, we look back further and remember the real lessons of 2016. That would be good. The idea is that to align with the big tech oligarchy is to align with the state. Democratic Party and the Destruction of Democracy.

Zephyr Teachout is a professor at Fordham Law School and author of Break ‘Em Up: Recovering Our Freedom from Big Ag, Big Tech, and Big Money.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Navigating the Challenges of Modern Sports Games with EA Customer Support | Games

Posted on June 28, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

I I’m so grateful for my dual citizenship now. The horror of Scotland’s dismal performance at Euro 2024 was tempered by Canada’s heroic play in the inaugural Copa America and by the Edmonton Oilers, a Canadian hockey team that’s reached its third Stanley Cup final in 18 years – a team so thoroughly Canadian that it has a fossil fuel in its name.

Thank you, NHL 93 and 94 on the Mega Drive. Not only were those two games the twin-headed epitome of sports gaming perfection, but they’re also the reason I can walk into any pub in Canada and bluff my way through a conversation about Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman, and Mark Messier. I could also make the case for why Jeremy Roenick is the most underrated hockey player of his generation, if only because NHL 94 combined the four horsemen of the apocalypse into one. He was on par with Barry Sanders in Madden, Kylian Mbappe in any FIFA, the Stockton/Malone combo in NBA Jam, and other insanely good players whose teams you couldn’t beat.

The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers will play in 3D. Photo: Rebecca Blackwell/AP

I hadn’t played NHL in decades, but inspired by the Oilers’ near-victory, I decided to fire up NHL 24 on my Xbox, and I was instantly neurotic. What happened to the simple game on the Mega Drive, where you skate to one side, shoot at the back post, and get one-timers into the net 4 out of 5 times? Now it’s hyper-realistic, with 50-meter control options and loads of icy inertia. In the first game, I felt like a Rebel soldier during the Empire’s attack on Hoth.

So, back to the beginning. Master the basics with free skating. Then move on to the awesome 1v1v1 mode, where three people shoot at the same goal in a variety of snowy, convenient locations. This is the perfect place to start mastering the individual skills that matter in a game where creating scoring chances is surprisingly easy, but actually scoring is like threading a needle. With the puck. While sliding. And while getting hit.

Once you’ve mastered basic individual skills, move on to a 3v3 NHL three-match. You score your team’s first goal and feel great. Then the game stops, the Hawk mascot starts dancing in frustration and you start playing as the Blackhawks. This is how it should be at the Euros. Can you imagine a beleaguered Gareth Southgate trying to explain why he chose Hartlepool’s Hangus the Monkey over Harry Kane? Or how well Scotland would have performed with the Gunnersaurus in place of the injured Kieran Tierney?

I got overconfident and tried my first trick deke move, lost the ball, Hawk got the puck, and the mascot scored on me. A mascot! And I got two points! Why? Apparently we were playing MONEY PUCK, which is a rhyming slang for what I was yelling at the screen. But I put in the hours and soon got a mascot to play on my team. And it’s fun!

I was ready to play online. But things have changed because I’m one of those people with an old EA account linked to an email address I no longer have access to. I went through 7 layers of hell that is EA Online Support and submitted a ticket asking them to link another account to my Xbox One. I was told I needed to wait 6 minutes. That’s not too bad. The number 6 shows up on the screen but doesn’t change. For 10 minutes. And then it finally switched over.

Up to 8.

So 10.

So it’s 11.

Hell, EA took all the money they ripped people off of Fifa Ultimate Team and spent it on time travel. Wait a few days and you’ll see how the dinosaurs went extinct (and probably starve to death while waiting for help from EA).

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NHL 94 on the Mega Drive – Ahh, the good old days. Photo: EA

After decades, I finally connected with a human being. To access my account, I need to correctly answer six personal questions. Six! No way. The Canadian citizenship test was easier than this. Six personal questions? More than I asked my wife before we got married. Two questions are enough to access my bank account. Frustrated, I tried to prove my identity, offering to hold out my finger since I wouldn’t need it to play NHL 24 online anyway.

I tried to imitate Karen and said I wanted to speak to a manager, politely explaining that I was writing an article about the game. My “helper” said she would raise a ticket with the team and someone would get in touch. In the end, no one contacted me. Later, I realized there was an old case on my account from 2021. Clicked through the transcript. Same issue, still not fixed then.

My virtual hockey adventures will likely continue for a few more decades. I never have Something that happened on the Mega Drive.

Source: www.theguardian.com

‘Almost all the people support Labour’: Why the 2024 election won’t be dominated by TikTok | TikTok

Posted on June 8, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

While this may be the first general election to be decided using TikTok, it won’t be the first election to be decided on TikTok for the simple reason that British users of the video app are already more likely to vote for Labour.

“The problem is that pretty much everyone on TikTok is already on our side,” a Labour campaign source said. “We need to reach out to the swing vote.”

TikTok’s relatively young user base, and Labour’s commanding lead among young voters, give the app a strange role in this election. There’s no doubt that tens of millions of Britons are consuming election content on the platform — a fertile ground for memes to spread, embarrassing videos to go viral, and passionate political opinions to rally support — and all political parties feel they have to be involved.

But within the Labour party, it is also seen as an unreliable way of conveying Keir Starmer’s core messages on economic and education policy to “Whitby women” and other specific undecided voters who will decide the outcome of dozens of close constituencies across the UK.

Just using TikTok is a strong indicator that someone is already inclined to vote Labour, according to Deltapol research, which found that TikTok users are 31% more likely to vote for Keir Starmer’s party than people of the same age and background who don’t use the video app.

“This allows us to conclude that people who use TikTok are more likely to vote Labour,” said Mike Joslin, a veteran digital campaigner who commissioned the research for artificial intelligence start-up Bombe. “Other channels give them more control in reaching undecided voters.”

TikTok’s cultural influence in the UK is undeniable, with 45% of UK internet users spending an average of 28 minutes a day on the app, according to the British Communications Authority. If you’ve ever seen the queues outside a TikTok-inspired restaurant or shop, you know the app can have a huge real-world impact and change behavior. While the typical user is Gen Z, its audience is actually ageing, with much of its recent growth coming from people in their 30s.

Lord Cameron was filmed on a voter's Ring doorbell camera while campaigning for the Conservative party in the general election. Photo: TikTok

Joslin said the app has become “essentially television,” with users endlessly scrolling through videos without necessarily engaging. “You can reach 10 million people, but what impact does that have on their actual willingness to vote? It’s more of a tool for mobilizing voters than necessarily a tool for persuading voters.”

One of the biggest challenges is that TikTok employs an opaque recommendation algorithm that is extremely difficult for political activists and journalists to monitor, meaning that just determining which videos are popular focuses on what political parties are doing on their official accounts, even though much of the conversation is taking place elsewhere and is largely invisible.

Older social networks like X and Facebook were built on the concept of following individuals and sharing content, such as links to news articles, in a way that could be tracked and monitored. TikTok is centered around powerful algorithms that identify users who are likely to enjoy specific content and serve them appropriate video streams.

The end result is highly unpredictable and not necessarily useful for political campaigns: if an ordinary person with no followers produces a particularly compelling political video (such as the 1 million people who watched David Cameron through a Ring doorbell during an election campaign in Hampshire), it can be more effective than a carefully crafted official post by an official channel (such as the 40,000 people who watched Rishi Sunak answer a question about agriculture on the official Conservative party account).

According to one Labour campaigner, the aim of the party’s TikTok strategy is to encourage young people to watch videos (e.g.
A post comparing Rishi Sunak to a Magic the Gathering card) and post it to a family WhatsApp group. This way, they say, TikTok content can actually reach swing voters. “The strategy isn’t to target young people, but to connect with friends and family by sharing outside the platform.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Overcoming the Hesitation to Ask for Help: Strategies for Seeking Support

Posted on June 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

It can be challenging to ask for help when you need it, but you’re not alone in feeling this way.

Psychologists have studied this phenomenon for many years, as people’s reluctance to seek help has led to various high-profile failures. These failures, such as those with the Hubble Space Telescope and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, were often worsened by key individuals not seeking assistance.

Asking for help requires bravery because it means admitting you have needs or lack knowledge in certain areas. You may fear appearing incompetent, losing control, or giving someone else credit for your efforts. However, seeking help is essential for growth and success.

Low self-esteem or anxiety can make asking for help even more challenging, as you may fear rejection. Remember, it’s okay to seek help, as no one can do everything alone. Research shows that asking for advice actually makes you appear more competent.

Studies indicate that those who help others tend to like them more, and people are often more willing to assist than you might think. Remind yourself of this the next time you need help and be thoughtful about who you ask and when.

If someone can’t help, don’t take it personally. They may be busy or unsure of how to assist. Asking for help is a normal and necessary part of life, so don’t hesitate to reach out when needed.

This article addresses the question of why it’s challenging to ask for help, posed by Sally Gardner via email.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via the email address below. For more information, you can also reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

For more fascinating science facts, visit our page. Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New research indicates that saber-toothed cats retained their baby teeth to support their iconic sabers.

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

new analysis of distinctive canine teeth saber-toothed tiger (Smilodon Fatalis) The deciduous teeth that precede each saber (the deciduous teeth that all mammals grow and lose by adulthood) remain in place for years to stabilize the growing permanent saber teeth, and perhaps adolescents break them off. This suggests that it was possible to learn how to hunt without having to hunt.

The canines of saber-toothed predators are among the most specialized tooth structures known. Hypotheses regarding the function of enlarged dogs range from exhibition and conspecific interactions, processing of soft foods to active prey acquisition. Recent studies on the ontogenetic timing of cranial traits have shown that adult dogs may take many years to fully erupt, but long-term implications for inferences of functional morphology in dogs. The impact of the eruption is missing from current discussions and remains unquantified. In his new study, Tseng evaluates hypotheses regarding bending strength and stiffness, respectively, in adult dogs during rash. Smilodon Fatalis. Image credit: Massimo Molinello.

This new study provides the first evidence that saber teeth alone were increasingly vulnerable to lateral breakage during eruption, but would have been more stable if they had primary or deciduous teeth next to them. .

The evidence consists of computer modeling of the strength and lateral bending stiffness of the saber tooth, as well as actual testing and failure of a plastic model of the saber tooth.

“This new study is confirmation through physical and simulation tests of an idea that several collaborators and I published several years ago. It is possible that the timing of the saber ejection is adjusted and the double fang phase “It's possible,” he said. Study author Dr. Jack Tseng is a paleontologist at the University of California, Berkeley.

“Imagine a timeline where the milk canine comes out, and once it finishes erupting, the permanent canine comes out, overtakes the milk canine, and eventually pushes out the milk canine.”

“What would happen if this baby tooth was in the mouth right next to this permanent tooth for 30 months?”

“Long after the saber's permanent teeth erupted, the baby dog's unusual presence protected it, while the adult tiger learned how to hunt without damaging the saber.”

“Eventually, the baby teeth will fall out and the adult will have learned how to use the saber, but they will lose the support of the saber.”

Paleontologists still don't know what saber-tooth preferences are Smilodon He hunted his prey without breaking his unwieldy saber.

Dr Tseng said: “The double fang stage is probably worth revisiting now that we have shown there is insurance potential and broader protection.”

“This allows our teenage equivalents to experiment, take risks, and essentially learn how to become fully grown, perfect predators.”

“If you look at sabertooth use and increased hunting through a mechanical lens, I think it's not a solution, but it's a refinement.”

The same canine stabilization system may have evolved in other saber-toothed animals, researchers say.

Although no examples of double tusks in other species have been found in the fossil record, some skulls have been found to have adult teeth elsewhere in the jaw and deciduous teeth where the saber grows. has been done.

“What we are seeing is that milk canines are preserved in specimens with adult dentition. This means that the adult teeth, the sabers, are erupting or are beginning to erupt. “This suggests that milk canines were retained over a long period of time,” Dr. Tseng said.

of study Published in anatomical record.

_____

Z. Jack Tseng.Changes in bending performance during long-term eruption of saber gingival canine teeth: a case study. Smilodon Fatalis. anatomical record, published online on April 8, 2024. doi: 10.1002/ar.25447

Source: www.sci.news

New Study Suggests That Venus’ Clouds Could Potentially Support Life

Posted on March 21, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Planetary scientists have long speculated that Venus' potential habitability lies not in its hot surface but in a cloud layer at an altitude of 48 to 60 kilometers, where temperatures match those of Earth's surface. However, it is commonly believed that Venusian clouds cannot support life because their chemical composition is concentrated sulfuric acid, a highly aggressive solvent. In the new study, chemists studied 20 biogenic amino acids across a range of sulfuric acid concentrations and temperatures in the Venus cloud. After four weeks, the researchers found that 19 of the biogenic amino acids tested were either unreactive or chemically modified only in their side chains. Their main discovery is that the amino acid backbone remains intact in concentrated sulfuric acid.

This composite image taken by JAXA's Akatsuki spacecraft shows Venus. Image credit: JAXA / ISAS / DARTS / Damia Bouic.

“What is quite surprising is that concentrated sulfuric acid is not a universally hostile solvent for organic chemistry,” said MIT researcher Dr. Janusz Petkowski.

“We found that the building blocks of life on Earth are stable in sulfuric acid, which is very interesting as we consider the possibility of life on Venus,” said Sarah Seager of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. the professor added.

“That doesn't mean life there will be the same as it is here. In fact, we know it's unlikely. But this study suggests that Venus' clouds support the complex chemicals necessary for life. We advance the idea that there is a possibility that

The search for life in Venus' clouds has gained momentum in recent years, spurred by the detection of the controversial molecule phosphine, a molecule thought to be a signature of life, in the planet's atmosphere. There is.

Although the discovery remains debated, the news reignited old questions about whether life could actually exist on Earth's sister planet.

In search of answers, scientists are planning several missions to Venus. That includes the first largely privately-funded mission to Venus, backed by California-based launch company Rocket Lab.

The mission, for which Professor Seeger is the principal scientist, aims to send a spacecraft into the planet's clouds and analyze their chemistry for signs of organic molecules.

Ahead of the mission's launch in January 2025, Professor Seager and his colleagues will test various materials in concentrated sulfuric acid to find out whether debris from life on Earth might be stable in Venus' clouds. I've been testing molecules. The most acidic place on earth.

“People have a perception that concentrated sulfuric acid is a very aggressive solvent that will tear everything apart, but we are finding that this is not necessarily true,” Dr. Petkowski said.

In fact, the authors have previously shown that complex organic molecules, such as some fatty acids and nucleic acids, are surprisingly stable in sulfuric acid.

They are careful to emphasize, as they do in the current paper, that complex organic chemistry is of course not life, but without organic chemistry there is no life.

In other words, if certain molecules can survive in sulfuric acid, Venus' highly acidic clouds are probably habitable, if not necessarily habitable.

In the new study, researchers focused on 20 biogenic amino acids, amino acids that are essential for all life on Earth.

They dissolved each type of amino acid in a vial of sulfuric acid mixed with water at concentrations of 81% and 98%, representing the range found in Venus' clouds.

They then used a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer to analyze the structure of the amino acids in sulfuric acid.

After analyzing each vial several times over a four-week period, they found that the basic molecular structure, or “skeleton,” of 19 of the 20 amino acids was stable and unaltered, even under highly acidic conditions.

“Just because this skeleton was shown to be stable in sulfuric acid does not mean there is life on Venus,” said Dr. Maxwell Seager, a researcher at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

“But if we had shown that this spine was compromised, there would have been no possibility of life as we know it.”

of study Published in this week's magazine astrobiology.

_____

Maxwell D. Seeger other. Stability of 20 biogenic amino acids in concentrated sulfuric acid: Implications for the habitability of Venusian clouds. astrobiology, published online March 18, 2024. doi: 10.1089/ast.2023.0082

Source: www.sci.news

Adobe drops support for Figma, Apple Watch sales paused, millions of accounts breached by hackers

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Welcome everyone to Week in Review (WiR). This is TechCrunch’s regular newsletter that recaps the top tech and tech-related stories from the past few days. With the holidays approaching, reporters expected a quiet week. But the opposite happened. I have no shortage of stories to write.

In this WiR, we learn that Comcast and Mr. Cooper’s customer data was stolen, electric scooter company Bird files for bankruptcy, Adobe ends its plan to acquire Figma, and Apple The report deals with the fact that the company is being forced to suspend sales by the International Trade Commission (ITC). apple watch. Also: Nikola founder Trevor Milton’s securities fraud conviction, Microsoft’s chatbot CoPilot now adding music-generating capabilities, and Consumer Reports’ impressions of Tesla’s Autopilot recall fix (spoiler: good news) We also highlight the

There are many things we need to overcome, so let’s do our best. But before that, if you haven’t already, here’s a reminder to subscribe here so you can receive his WiR in your inbox every Saturday.

well read

Hackers target Comcast: Comcast has confirmed that hackers who exploited a security vulnerability rated critical gained access to sensitive information of approximately 36 million Xfinity customers. The vulnerability, known as “CitrixBleed,” was discovered in Citrix networking devices commonly used by large enterprises and has been heavily exploited by malicious actors since August, Carly reports.

Mr. Cooper under fire: In related news, hackers stole sensitive personal information of more than 14.6 million of Cooper’s customers, Zack wrote. The mortgage and loan giant admitted that criminals stole customers’ names, addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers, as well as social security numbers and bank account numbers.

Adobe gives up: Adobe finally makes a huge $20 billion bid to acquire rival Figma officially dead This comes after the companies announced this week that their acquisition plans had been scrapped due to regulatory resistance in Europe. The deal, first announced last September, has always attracted regulatory scrutiny due to its size and the fact that it removed one of Adobe’s major rivals from the shadows. Paul points out.

Apple stops selling Apple Watch: Apple has stopped selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches following an October ruling by the ITC over a patent dispute with California-based medical technology company Masimo. The controversy revolves around the blood sensor monitor in the latest flagship Apple Watch. Apple is appealing the ITC’s ruling.

Nikola’s founder declared: Trevor Milton, the disgraced founder and former CEO of electric truck startup Nikola, was sentenced Monday to four years in prison for securities fraud. Rebecca wrote that the ruling ended a years-long saga in which Nikola’s stock soared as much as 83% at one point, only to plummet months later amid fraud charges and contract cancellations.

The co-pilot learns the composition skill. Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered chatbot, can now compose songs through integration with generative AI (GenAI) music app Suno. Users can enter prompts into Copilot, such as “Create a pop song about my adventures with my family,” and have her Suno bring their musical ideas to life through the plugin.

Tesla fixes ‘inadequate’: After the test, consumer report He said Tesla’s fixes for the Autopilot recall of more than 2 million vehicles were “insufficient.” Sean noted that while the test is not comprehensive, it shows that questions remain about Tesla’s approach to driver monitoring, the technology at the heart of the recall.

Bird files for bankruptcy: bird Submitted Under Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code, capping off a turbulent year for the electric scooter company.in press releaseBird confirmed it had entered a “financial restructuring process aimed at strengthening its balance sheet” and said the company was continuing business as usual with the aim of “long-term, sustainable growth.”

audio

Want a listening ear as you prepare your holiday dishes? You’re in luck — TechCrunch’s podcasts are just the ticket.

this week’s capitalthe second in a two-part series looking back at 2023, in which our staff recapped the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the long and tedious trial of FTX founder Sam Bankman Fried, and the wild office politics of OpenAI .

meanwhile, found We focused on Charlie Hernandez and his journey building My Pocket Lawyer, an online platform aimed at giving people who can’t afford a lawyer democratic access to legal advice and guidance . Hernandez talked about why he decided to use his law degree to tackle this issue.

and Chain reaction Featuring Staci Warden, CEO of the Algorand Foundation, the organization behind the layer 1 blockchain Algorand. Algorand is a Singapore-based blockchain that aims to be fast, secure, decentralized, and “the greenest” with a carbon negative network.

TechCrunch+

TC+ subscribers have access to in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys. You probably know these if you’re already a subscriber. If not, please consider signing up. Here are some highlights from this week.

Etsy headcount reductions: Etsy recently announced it would lay off 11% of its workforce, which comes as no surprise to those who follow the e-commerce space closely, Anna writes. She predicts that “junkification” and fierce competition will chart a difficult future.

DEI backlash: Dom writes about the dispiriting backlash against DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), a framework for creating more conscious workplace efforts to support marginalized communities in the tech sector. I am.

Figma’s rosy outlook: Anna writes that things don’t seem too bad for Figma even without Adobe. CB Insights estimates that the startup’s value is still between $8.3 billion and $9 billion.

Source: techcrunch.com

Member states do not provide enough support for EU interim agreement on gig worker rights

Posted on December 23, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

The Christmas present for the EU’s precarious gig workers can’t come soon enough: a political agreement announced in the middle of this month aims to strengthen the rights of platform workers across the European Union by establishing a legal presumption of employment. However, it does not have the support of the necessary qualified majority among the people. Dear Member States, that is clear today.

A quick update to the European Council online press release had promoted previous political dealings on file, the agency wrote.[O]On December 22, 2023, the Spanish Presidency concluded that it was not possible to reach the necessary majority for a provisional agreement among the representatives of the Member States (Coreper). The Belgian Presidency will resume negotiations with the European Parliament to reach an agreement on the final form of the directive. “

This development was previously covered bloomberg and Euractic — reported that the deal failed to secure a qualified majority at core par on Friday.

Euractic cited information that the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary and Italy had “formally said no to the deal they believe in”, adding: “As it became clear that a majority would not be reached, the document There was not even a formal vote taken.” It was too far removed from the board’s directives. “

France has been cited as being at the forefront of resistance to the deal announced mid-month by exhausted parliamentary negotiators, with parliamentary co-representatives also on file. Blaming French President Emmanuel Macron for opposition to deal Early this month.

Depending on the changes requested by the blocking Member States, the file could be forced back into the EU’s tripartite legislative negotiation process known as the Trilogue, where the European Parliament, Council and Commission The co-legislators will have to try again. To find a compromise that they can all agree on.

However, with European elections looming, there will be the added complication of tight deadlines if the Estates-General has to reconvene in January.

Unless a way can be found to move this file forward in the coming months, gig worker labor reform will be at the mercy of reconfigured political priorities under the new European Commission and Parliament. It is likely that the current system will lean even further to the right.

In a thread posted on He then announced on December 13 that an agreement had been reached on the platform worker file, and he blamed the Conservative and Liberal governments for blocking the reforms.

‼️ The Conservatoire and Liberals of Los Gobiernos stop the criminal acts of Plataformas Digital against the President of the UE.

🇪🇺 You give 30 million dollars of trabajador and 5,5 million dollars of autonomy to Pionera que Orgaba Derechos.

— Joaquín Perez Rey (@jperezrey) December 22, 2023

“The Spanish Council Presidency has reached an agreement with the support of all political groups in the country. [the European] Parliament other than the far right,” he also wrote [translated from Spanish using AI]. “This directive is inspired by the directive known as the Lidar Law, which came into force in Spain on August 12, 2021.”

“This pioneering regulation at international level, which positions the EU as a leader in a just digital transition, must continue to be discussed in the next Belgian Presidency, based on the agreement reached by the Spanish Presidency and the European Parliament.” he said. Added. “Spain and the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy will continue to defend an ambitious directive that truly improves the situation of workers on digital platforms.”

Congressional negotiators said at a press conference earlier this month to announce a tentative agreement on the file that estimates of the employment relationship between gig workers and platforms are among a list of five “indicators of control or direction.” He said it will be triggered if two of these conditions are met. However, he declined to provide details on what these standards would be.

Opposition to the deal is likely to focus on this element of the reform, with reports suggesting that bloc member states are seeking to raise the threshold before employment estimates begin.

Asked about this, a council spokesperson told TechCrunch: “We acknowledge that the disagreement centers on the issue of legal presumption.”

The council’s position is that came back in june, At least three of the seven criteria set out in the Directive had to be met for the employment presumption to be triggered. An interim agreement (now unsuccessful) had lowered the threshold to two out of five levels. However, the agreement announced earlier this month also allowed member states to expand the list of criteria, so disabled people are likely to only have two criteria to trigger employment presumptions instead of three. .

Lawmakers who touted the deal earlier this month called it “historic” and “ambitious” and said it “shifts the burden of proof” and burdens on precarious gig workers. It suggested that this would prevent them from being “incorrectly considered to be self-employed”. Prove on the platform that the employee is truly self-employed.

Source: techcrunch.com

New EU initiative to provide increased support for AI startups using supercomputers for model training

Posted on December 20, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

The European Union plans to support its own AI startups by providing access to processing power for model training on the region’s supercomputers, announced and launched in September. According to the latest information from the EU, France’s Mistral AI is participating in an early pilot phase. But one early learning is that the program needs to include dedicated support to train AI startups on how to make the most of the ‘s high-performance computing. “One of the things we’ve seen is that we don’t just provide access; facility — In particular, the skills, knowledge and experience we have at our hosting centers — to not only facilitate this access, but also to develop training algorithms that take full advantage of the architecture and computing power currently available at each supercomputing center. however, an EU official said at a press conference today. The plan is to establish a “center of excellence” to support the development of specialized AI algorithms that can run on EU supercomputers. Rather than relying on the processing power provided by supercomputers as a training resource, AI startups may be accustomed to training their models using specialized computing hardware provided by US hyperscalers. Access to high-performance computing for AI training programs is therefore being enhanced with support wrappers, said EU officials speaking in the background ahead of the formal ribbon-cutting, mare nostrum 5a pre-exascale supercomputer, which goes live on Thursday at the Barcelona Supercomputing Center in Spain. “We are developing a facility to help small and medium-sized enterprises understand how best to use supercomputers, how to access supercomputers, how to parallelize algorithms so that they can develop models in the case of AI,” said a European Commission official. “In 2024, we expect to see a lot more of this kind of approach than we do today.” “AI is now considered a strategic priority for the , they added. “Next to the AI Act, as AI becomes a strategic priority, we are providing innovation capabilities or enabling small businesses and startups to make the most of our machines and this public infrastructure. “We want to provide a major window of innovation.” ” Another EU official confirmed that an “AI support center” was in the works, including a “special . “What we need to realize is that the AI community hasn’t used supercomputers in the past decade,” they noted. “They’re not new users of GPUs, but they’re new to how to interact with supercomputers, so we need to help them. “A lot of times the AI community comes from a huge amount of knowledge about how many GPUs you can put in a box. And they’ve been very good at it. What you have is a bunch of boxes with GPUs, and you need additional skillsets and extra help to scale out the supercomputer and exploit its full potential.” The bloc has significantly increased its investment in supercomputers over the past five years, expanding its hardware to regionally located clusters of eight machines, interconnected via a Terabit network. We also plan to create federated supercomputing resources. Accessed in the cloud, it is available to users across Europe. The EU‘s first exascale supercomputers are also expected to come online in the next few years, with one in Germany (likely next year) and a second in France (expected in 2025). The European Commission also plans to invest in quantum computing, providing hybrid resources co-located with supercomputers and combining both types of hardware, so that quantum computers can act as “accelerators”. There are plans to acquire a quantum simulator that will As the committee states, it is a classic supercomputer. Applications being developed on the EU‘s high-performance computing hardware include projects that simulate Earth’s ecosystems to better model climate change and weather systems. destination earth and one more thing needs to be devised Digital twin of the human body This is expected to contribute to the advancement of medicine by supporting drug development and making personalized medicine possible. Leveraging his resources in supercomputing to launch his AI startup has recently been announced, especially after the EU president announced this fall that his AI model would have computing access to his training program. It is emerging as a strategic priority. The bloc also announced what it called the “Large-Scale AI Grand Challenge.” This is a competition for European AI startups “with experience in large-scale AI models” and aims to select up to four promising domestic startups for a total of four. Access to millions of hours of supercomputing to support foundational model development. According to the European Commission, there will be a prize of 1 million euros to be distributed to the winners, who will be able to release their developed model or publish their research results under a non-commercial open source license. It is expected. The EU already had a program that provided industry users with access to core hours of supercomputing resources through a project recruitment process. However, the bloc is increasing its focus on commercial AI with dedicated programs and resources, and there is an opportunity to incorporate the growing supercomputing network into a strategic power source for expanding ‘Made in Europe’ general purpose AI. They are intently aiming for this. Thus, France’s Mistral, an AI startup that aims to compete with US infrastructure model giants like OpenAI and claims to offer “open assets” (if not fully open source), is an early adopter of It seems no coincidence that the beneficiaries of the Commission‘s Supercomputer Access Program. (That said, the technology company, which just raised €385 million in Series A funding that includes US investors including Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst and Salesforce, is at the front of the line for computing giveaways.) That may raise some eyebrows, but hey, it’s another sign of the high-level strategic bets being made on “big AI.”) The ‘s “Supercomputing for AI” program is still in its infancy, so it’s still unclear whether there will be enough benefits in model training to warrant reporting from dedicated access. (We reached out to Mistral for comment, but he did not respond as of press time.) But the committee’s at least hope is that by focusing support on AI startups, they will be able to move into high-performance computing. It is about being able to leverage investments. The construction of supercomputer hardware is increasingly being procured and configured with AI model training in mind, and this is due to the fact that local, hyperscalar-like US AI giants are starting at a disadvantage. This will be a competitive advantage for the AI ecosystem. “We don’t have the massive hyperscalers that the Americans have when it comes to training this kind of basic model, so we’re using supercomputers and a new generation that is increasingly compliant with AI. “We intend to develop a supercomputer,” a committee official said. “The objective in 2024, not just with the supercomputers that we have now, is to move in this direction so that even more small and medium-sized businesses can use supercomputers to develop these basic models. It is to do.” The plan includes acquiring “more dedicated AI supercomputing machines based on accelerators rather than standard CPUs,” they added. Will the ‘s AI support strategy align with or diverge from certain member states’ ambitions to develop national AI champions? We heard a lot about this during the recent difficult negotiations to develop the ‘s AI rulebook, in which France took the lead in pushing forward the AI rulebook. Regulatory carve-outs to the underlying model It drew criticism from small and medium-sized businesses. – As seen. But Mistral’s early presence in the ‘s supercomputing access program may suggest a consensus.

Source: techcrunch.com

Breakr, a music marketing startup, secures new funding and allocates $3.5 million to support creators

Posted on December 19, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

The last thing I wrote was breaker — a platform that connects record labels, artists, and brands with social media influencers to run large-scale campaigns in a programmatic manner — when it closed a $4.2 million round in 2021. In the past two years, Breaker has hired over 30,000 influencers and generated $3.5 million in deals with creators. Now, to fuel growth, Breaker has secured an additional $1.9 million in his investment at a valuation of $20 million.

Slow Ventures will lead the expansion, which the company will use for recruiting and product development. Breakr is led by Marc Benioff, a16z/TxO, former Tik Tok CEO Kevin Mayer, RGA Ventures, Charles Hudson (Precursor Ventures), Complex founder Rich Antoniello, and Ro Tony. To date, it has raised $8.7 million from an impressive list of investors including (Plexo). Capital), Ant Selah (WdrCo), and Quiet Capital.

While Breakr’s user growth highlights the scale of the creator economy, the modest size of this funding round and the total deal value over the past two years suggests that many of the sector’s business models are still It shows that it is in its early stages.

Still, there is much hope. goldman sachs I estimate that Total addressable market for creator economy could reach $480 billion by 2027.

Players who pay attention to and do business with Breakr will also tell their stories. These include Def Jam, Samsung, Billboard, Rolling Loud, Live Nation, Meta, Tidal, Epic, Kit Kat, P&G, Celsius, Mountain Dew, White Claw, and more. Labels and brands use Breakr to connect music to their campaigns. Meanwhile, musicians include Megan Thee Stallion, Future, Rick Ross, Gunna, J.I.D., Sleepy Hallow, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Pink, Young Thug, Kanye West, Brent Fayers, Toby Nwigwe, Includes the Pink Panther, Armani White, Charlie Ona Friday, and Nas. Investor).

There are many platforms on the market today that connect creators, brands, and content (not just music but other media) to build influencer campaigns. Breakr’s unique selling point is that it effectively treats this basic concept as a programmatic opportunity, similar to how online advertising is created, sold, and distributed today.

“Breakr wants to be Google Ad Words, powered by creators,” co-founder Anthony Brown told TechCrunch. “With the underlying audience data, a ton of liquidity, and intelligence capabilities, I think going to Breakr and spending $15,000 should be as easy as setting it and forgetting it on Google. We believe.”

The company recently started with a more hands-on approach and exited closed beta as a self-service SaaS platform. SaaS platforms are backed by wallets that act as escrow accounts. You can pay money from your wallet for your involvement and services provided.

“This move to a SaaS model aligns with our goal to streamline and democratize the influencer marketing process, making it more accessible and efficient for a wide range of users inside and outside the music industry.” Brown explained.

Currently, Breakr is set up like a three-sided marketplace. On the creator side, individuals submit their profiles to the platform to be considered for campaigns.

On the music side, artists (or labels) submit music to specific campaigns. And once the music is selected, it will be promoted to new audiences. Musicians may pay to have their music used, but as a result, they also take a cut of some of the revenue generated by the campaign.

On the marketing side, brands look for influencers to run promotions and access each influencer’s 40 data points (language, voice location, type of interests, etc.). You can also check those influencers’ past content and engagement rates, or more pointedly, scrutinize their brand safety and see if the influencer in question is dabbling in fake followers. You can also run some diagnostics (to determine how much of a factor, if any, it’s for them).

“The creator economy, especially the music sector, is rapidly evolving with a shift to direct, curated, and scalable relationships between digital marketers and creators. Traditional management tools are becoming obsolete and more efficient is paving the way for relationship-focused technologies. These include platforms that move away from high-cost, short-term campaigns and make it easier to deliver personalized content and offers to creators. “This trend toward continuous, evergreen marketing has proven to be effective, emphasizing the importance of ongoing engagement over one-off interactions,” said Brown.

While music marketing is the company’s main bread and butter, Breaker hopes to eventually branch out into other areas such as film and television.

Source: techcrunch.com

Utilizing DNA from Polar Bear Snow Tracks to Support Conservation efforts

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Researchers have developed a breakthrough method to protect polar bears by analyzing DNA from footprints in the snow. This non-invasive technique can also be applied to other snow-dwelling animals such as lynx and snow leopards, providing a safer and more efficient way to collect data essential to wildlife conservation.

Scientists have discovered a way to capture DNA Observations from snow tracks – a promising non-invasive way to monitor elusive animals like polar bears.

The polar bear is a symbol of the Arctic, an elusive and vulnerable animal. Close monitoring of polar bear populations is critical to polar bear conservation, but polar bears are so difficult to find that critical data about population size and connectivity between those populations is lacking. I am. Scientists have now developed a helpful new tool: DNA analysis using skin cells shed from bear tracks in the snow.

Dr Melanie Lancaster of the World Wildlife Fund’s Global Arctic Program said: ‘Finding polar bears in the Arctic, let alone counting them and understanding how they are coping with climate change, is particularly difficult. “And it’s expensive and time-consuming.” , senior author of the study Frontiers of conservation science.

Innovative forensic techniques in preservation

The scientists were inspired by forensic techniques that can be applied to trace amounts of degraded DNA samples. These techniques eliminate the need to physically capture bears, which can be stressful and dangerous for both bears and humans, and is a concern for some local indigenous communities. Instead, scientists can look at the source of accidentally released DNA: environmental DNA.

A polar bear in Utchagvik, Alaska.Credit: Elizabeth Kruger, World Wildlife Fund

“Many Inuit have expressed concerns about invasive research methods,” said the article’s author, Elizabeth Krueger of the World Wildlife Fund. “People are concerned about the welfare of individual polar bears and the health and safety of those who may later harvest the bears. This is one reason we are so excited about new methods like this. The person collecting the samples does not need to see or even be seen by the polar bear.”

Environmental DNA: a non-invasive tool

A common form of environmental DNA is deposited when animals defecate. However, the quality of DNA is not always sufficient for the individual-level analysis required for preservation. Furthermore, in the case of territorial animals like her other two, seed Scientists tested lynx and snow leopards, and the collection of faeces can affect the animals’ behavior. So the researchers focused on the skin cells in snowy footprints.

“Trucks typically contain fresh cells and the DNA is intact due to the cold ‘storage’ temperatures. “The DNA that passes through the intestine is further degraded, making it more difficult to study,” said lead author Dr Michaela Helström from MIX Research Sweden AB.

Real-world tracking and sampling

The researchers collected snow from individual footprints made by polar bears in Alaska and Eurasian lynx in Sweden in the wild and in captivity. They also collected snow from footprints made by captive snow leopards. Additional substances such as hair, saliva, and mucus were also sampled to ensure that the traces yielded accurate genotypes.

Twenty-four wild polar bear tracks and 44 wild lynx tracks were sampled. The researchers melted and filtered the snow to collect environmental DNA and analyzed the microsatellites. Although the concentration of DNA recovered from footprints collected in the wild was very low, we were able to recover nuclear DNA from 87.5% of wild polar bear footprints and 59.1% of wild lynx footprints. We were able to genotype 13 of the wild polar bear samples and identify 12 different individuals.

They were able to genotype 11% of the lynx footprints, but this percentage increased significantly when scientists examined only footprints sampled by trained personnel. They were able to recover nuclear DNA from 76% of the samples collected by trained personnel and genotype 24% of the samples.

A step-by-step approach

This technology has great potential to inform conservation of these animals, better understand animal populations and behavior, and manage conflicts with humans through accurate animal identification. Although non-invasive sampling has a low success rate, it is easy to collect and can greatly expand sample size.

“We hope this method will be adopted by the polar bear research community as a new way to collect information about polar bears, with the participation of hunters, volunteers, and indigenous communities,” Lancaster said. “We also hope that this method can be extended to other animals that live in snowy environments. We have started by showing that this method works for lynx and snow leopards as well. I did.”

Reference: “Capturing environmental DNA from snow tracks of polar bears, lynx, and snow leopards for individual identification” Michaela Hellström, Elisabeth Kruger, Johan Neslund, Mia Bister, Anna Edlund, Patrick Hernvall, Viktor・Birgerson, Rafael Augusto, Melanie L. Lancaster, October 11, 2023. Frontiers of conservation science.
DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2023.1250996

Source: scitechdaily.com

Andreessen Horowitz is willing to provide funding to politicians in support of technology deregulation.

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

Venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz has announced its intention to begin lobbying the U.S. government, but their plan is as tone-deaf and insensitive as this summer’s dreaded “Techno-Optimist Manifesto.” Essentially, they would give anyone — literally anyone — Someone who “supports an optimistic technology-enabled future.”

These are called single-issue voters, and co-founder Ben Horowitz (who wrote the blog post) believes that publicizing themselves that way lends a childlike innocence to lobbying. It seems like it is, but it is quite the opposite.

The fact is that they are rich ideologues who have expressed a willingness to pay politicians who promote their agenda, regardless of what that politician’s other opinions may be. It’s really easy!

Fundamental to their approach is that technology is more important than people. They claim to be pro-human in the sense that they are pro-technology, e.g., writing, “Artificial intelligence has the potential to lift all humanity to an unprecedented quality of life.” right.

Therefore, being more AI-oriented means being more human-oriented.And actually, if you think about it, if you have AI. did it It justifies taking actions that lead to a 100-fold improvement in the human condition in the long term but have worse outcomes in the short term. For example, supporting politicians who oppose basic civil rights simply because they propose more liberal technology regulations.

For example, if a politician proposing a national abortion ban or a widespread ban on “Wake Agenda” books said he trusts AI companies to do what’s best for everyone, Andreessen and Would Horowitz support it? Now, according to A16Z’s statement of purpose here, abortion is not their business. They are “nonpartisan, one-issue voters.”

But that’s just bullshit, right?

To begin with, the idea that this one issue is bipartisan is at risk. Supporters of forced birth will likely describe themselves as independent, one-issue voters. After all, it’s not about politics, it’s about the right to life. It is irrelevant that a single political party has cynically linked this and other “traditional values” to all other policy proposals for decades.

No, no, you can’t just do that declare Nonpartisanship in blog posts. Technology regulation, like everything else, is a partisan issue. Net neutrality, Section 230, TikTok, social media disinformation, A16Z’s pet tech Debate about AI, cryptocurrencies, and biotech are all partisan. That’s just the nature of politics today.flat do not have Participating in lobbying is, in a sense, a partisan decision because it shows that you are not taking sides.

But that partisan language is just the usual pretense for this kind of announcement. Everyone claims it because it is a meaningless property and cannot be proven or disproved. The problem with A16Z’s philosophy here is that it is a wolf in sheep’s clothing: an overtly deregulatory and pro-capitalist agenda masked superficially in the language of empowerment.

You have to imagine some tobacco industry executive wrote a similar blog post in the 60’s. We are nonpartisan, single issue voters on a faulty regulatory system that unfairly prevents Americans from enjoying the great taste and health benefits of our natural tobacco products.

The same goes for plastics, food additives, leaded gas, and everything else. All they were interested in, and all Andreessen Horowitz was interested in, was removing onerous obstacles to increasing wealth from the boardroom.

If they actually cared at all about people and how politics and lobbying affect them, then perhaps “the people” would theoretically mean “exalted” in some imagined future. It would have been referred to as more than an abstract concept that could be ” or hurt.

It’s unrealistic to think that by donating to politicians who support a vision of deregulation, A16Z won’t also support other policies that people are actually voting for right now. voting rights, reproductive care, education, etc. This obvious conflict of interest is conveniently avoided. Are any positions or proposals so despicable that they will withdraw their support, or will they stand by their principles, if it can be described as such?

They cannot expect us to believe that their understanding of lobbying and politics is this simple. There are smart people in that company. We have to take at face value their statements that they really don’t care about anything other than growing the areas they’re investing in. But what they are proclaiming is not an idealistic pro-humanity position as they suggest, but cynical selfishness. Basically an anti-people attitude.

But A16Z doesn’t care. people — I’m curious about that. Human race.

And as we enter this golden age of technology and enter a dark age of social policy, humanity will no doubt be grateful, right? Women like Kate Cox may not have physical independencebut at least they will have blockchain.

Source: techcrunch.com

Helicity Space secures $5 million funding to support fusion propulsion and high-speed deep space travel

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

helicity space has raised $5 million in seed funding to accelerate the development of technology that will ultimately enable fast and efficient travel in deep space.

That technology is nuclear fusion propulsion, which has long been the realm of science fiction. The startup says it has discovered a way to use plasma jets in fusion reactions. The project is the brainchild of Setthivoine You, a plasma physicist and co-founder of Helicity. He and two other co-founders, CEO and former banker Stefan Lintner and former Boeing Rocketdyne executive Marta Calvo, officially founded the business in 2018.

Helicity spent several years in stealth, “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s, thinking about what we could do,” Lintner explained in a recent interview. “Fusion is a tainted field and we first needed to be sure we could handle it before raising venture capital capital.”

The Pasadena-based company has successfully raised funding from a prominent group. Airbus Ventures is the venture capital arm of a major European aerospace company. TRE Advisor; Voyager Space Holdings, the company behind the Starlab commercial space station. European space company E2MC Space. Urania Ventures and Geingels.

Lintner said Helicity’s key differentiator is that it focuses squarely on fusion propulsion, rather than fusion for ground-based applications. “Everything we’re doing is moving the spacecraft forward, not generating sustainable grid power,” Eh explained. In some ways, the former problem is easier than the latter. Space is a great vacuum, and that’s exactly the environment that his jet of plasma needs.

“Our concept is first uniquely tailored to be useful in space,” he said. “over time […] Ours may also turn into a nuclear reactor on Earth, but by that time others will have worked it out. That’s not our main goal. ”

The startup’s technology is based on a method called magnetic-magnetic fusion, which compresses a stable plasma jet with a magnetic nozzle. The plasma is heated to hundreds of millions of degrees, causing a fusion reaction that pushes the spacecraft forward.

The startup plans to use the funding to manufacture a proof-of-concept fusion drive that will demonstrate basic technology on a small scale. On a longer-term scale, Helicity aims to fly a complete prototype in space within about 10 years.

Lintner was upfront about the fact that there is still a lot to de-risk and a lot to learn when it comes to the emerging market for Fusion Drive.

“Look, it’s still early days,” he said.
“As economies develop in space, our engines will become increasingly important. The final business model is still a little difficult to predict.”

Source: techcrunch.com

Fr8Labs, with support from East Ventures, seeks to digitalize the logistics sector in Asia.

Posted on November 30, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

While freight forwarders in Western markets are working to digitize their operations, the founders say the same is not true in Southeast Asia. Fr8Labs. Reasons for this include a lack of localized software and a more fragmented logistics industry dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. Fr8Labs wants to digitize the logistics industry in Asia with its SaaS operating system and plans to turn it into an open ecosystem where multiple players can utilize his API.

The Singapore and Indonesia-based startup today announced that it has raised $1.5 million in seed funding from East Ventures, FEBE Ventures, Kaya Founders, Mulia Sky Capital, Seedstars, Venturra, and angel investors. Fr8Labs currently has over 50 customers in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Australia and is expanding to other Asian regions.

The startup was founded in 2022 by CEO Glenn Rye and head of product technology Felix Lu. Mr Lai, whose family is in the freight forwarding industry, started his career in the logistics industry in 2015 with his Sinar Gas Golden Agri Resources. Then, in 2019, he and Lu joined Indonesian e-commerce logistics company Bizzy, where he served as COO and VP of Products, respectively.

After Bizzy was acquired by Warung Pintar, the two returned to Singapore, where Mr Lai became head of strategy and growth at software company Gravity Supply Chain. He has traveled the world and worked with major international logistics and supply chain companies. He found that in contrast to Asian markets, supply chains in developed markets are digitally interconnected.

Lai said one of the reasons for the technology gap in Asia’s freight transportation industry is that the market is more fragmented compared to Western countries, where corporate players dominate. Large freight forwarders can encourage other players to go digital, especially since they have systems that allow the companies they do business with to connect using APIs. Freight forwarders in Asia, on the other hand, are mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and do not have enough concentration to influence new practices. Another reason is that digital logistics systems are built for specific markets and won’t work in Asia due to different accounting and customs policies, Lai added.

As a result, many carriers in Asia, especially Southeast Asia, still use on-premises software or a combination of Microsoft Excel, email, chat, and off-the-shelf accounting systems. Lai said this not only makes it difficult to scale, but also introduces errors that can result in carriers paying customs duties and late penalties (fees charged for shipping containers that aren’t picked up on time). It says that there is a sex.

“This contrast inspired me to think about how we can improve the freight industry in Asia,” Lai tells TechCrunch. “I gathered Felix and some of his past colleagues to brainstorm a solution. Rather than disrupt the strong network, expertise and relationships of Asian freight forwarders, we , we realized that it was important to take advantage of them.”

Fr8Labs co-founders Felix Lu and Glenn Lai

Fr8Labs develops products that power these networks, including allowing freight forwarders to offer cargo insurance, foreign exchange trading, and financing capabilities to their end customers (e.g., allowing online travel agents to offer travel insurance to their passengers). (similar to the method provided). The startup’s core product is an operating system that supports the entire carrier workflow, including quoting, booking confirmation, shipping confirmation, job accounting, and accounting backends. The platform enables departments such as sales and operations to work together more efficiently and links platforms such as email and chat.

One use case is that instead of multiple manual data entries, carriers can upload a PDF of a shipping order and automatically create shipping reservations and other documents, including forms that need to be submitted to customs. is. Another example of how Fr8Labs can be used is as a warehouse management system module. This allows freight forwarders to interface directly with their clients’ backend ERP, allowing them to manage international shipments to and from the same warehouse.

A portion of Fr8Labs’ funding will be used to expand the platform, adding FX trading, lending, cargo insurance, rate management, and a marketplace. The startup’s goal is to turn its platform into an open ecosystem that can be integrated and managed with a variety of logistics technology software.

“Think of Android or Apple and how integrated each device is into the ecosystem,” Lai says. “We want to provide freight forwarders with a seamless operational experience and build further value-added services on top of that.”

Roderick Pulwana, managing partner at East Ventures, said in a statement: “While the application of technology is critical in logistics as it helps improve cost efficiency and productivity, industry players are not immune to challenges in enhancing digital logistics. Fr8Labs’ innovative technology solutions We address the challenges faced by freight forwarders in Southeast Asia. We are confident that the team’s expertise will enable Fr8Labs to transform the logistics industry and add value across the value chain.”

Source: techcrunch.com

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