Tag Archives: Timeless

Why Erwin Schrödinger’s 1944 Classic ‘What is Life?’ Remains a Timeless Science Essential

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New Scientist - Science news and insights by expert journalists covering developments in science, technology, health, and the environment.

What is Life? Is It Still Impactful?

Erwin Schrödinger, a pioneer of modern quantum science, articulated in his 1944 book that scientists should contribute to their fields as a form of nobility. In What Is Life?, he invites readers to delve into the world of living organisms, moving away from the focus on inanimate atoms that brought him fame. Over approximately 90 pages, he transitions from one area of expertise to another, producing an influential work in popular science during the 20th century.

Based on a series of lectures delivered in Dublin in 1943, What Is Life? maintains a conversational tone while occasionally reflecting on deeper philosophical questions. However, Schrödinger’s core dilemma is framed within the parameters of physics: “How can phenomena occurring within living organisms be explained through physics and chemistry?”

To explore this, Schrödinger employs a physicist’s rationale. What Is Life? begins with a discussion on the minuscule and abundant building blocks of life and how they adhere to statistical physics principles. He clarifies that while physicists can derive averages from large collections, individual behavior remains unpredictable.

The laws of physics indicate that systems trend towards disorder and exhibit fluctuations. Yet, living organisms display remarkable order, akin to the intricate mechanisms of a clock. Schrödinger is captivated, noting that even minimal “genetic material” enables consistent reproduction and trait transmission, a phenomenon that poses questions in his analysis.

Written before the full understanding of DNA’s structure, Schrödinger contemplates the composition of this genetic material. Drawing from his studies on mutation inheritance and linking it to quantum concepts, he reflects on the possibilities of this genetic solidity and its quantum stability. His principal claim is that living entities require “negative entropy” to sustain order, necessitating a continual draw of organization from their environment. Schrödinger asserts that fully unraveling this enigma might demand new physics laws.

Published in 1944, What Is Life? garnered significant attention, inspiring numerous physicists to pivot towards biology. It frequently features in “best of” lists, appealing to general readers, yet chemists and biologists were less enthusiastic.

Nobel Prize laureate Max Perutz examined the extensive contemporary work that Schrödinger might have referenced for his inquiries. He noted that Schrödinger’s confusion about the regeneration of small genetic materials during cell division could have been mitigated with a better understanding of the roles of involved enzymes. Perutz also criticized the concept of negative entropy.

Recently, author Philip Ball indicated that Schrödinger might have gained deeper insight by engaging with ideas connecting entropy and information—such as Leo Szilard’s 1929 solution to Maxwell’s Demon paradox, where rising disorder is seemingly countered.

Despite valid criticisms, as a physicist, I find myself more aligned with Schrödinger’s perspective than those entrenched in modern genetics. In conversations with biophysicists, echoes of What Is Life? resound. Just last year, a researcher shared his ambitions to establish new physical laws addressing living systems. Another scholar sensibly noted, “If you’re in equilibrium, you’re dead,” capturing Schrödinger’s sentiments from the 1940s.

In 2021, biophysicist Rob Phillips at the California Institute of Technology asserted that What Is Life? should be viewed as “a manifesto on the frontiers of physics, signifying that every new phenomenon demands innovative concepts and ultimately results in new laws.” I concur. Although Schrödinger’s grasp of biology and chemistry was incomplete, his physicist’s intuition remains relevant.

Are physicists best equipped to decipher the precise mechanisms that distinguish the living from inanimate matter? It’s a philosophical question that future research may illuminate. This duality of excitement and frustration was poignantly addressed by Schrödinger over 80 years ago, grappling with the same challenges we face today.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Timeless Science Insights: Why Carl Sagan’s ‘A World Possessed’ Remains Relevant Today

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Explore science news and in-depth articles on technology, health, and the environment in New Scientist magazine.

Exploring Carl Sagan’s “Demon-Haunted World”: A Timeless Perspective

Every few months, I encounter a powerful quote from Carl Sagan that resonates deeply. His phrase, “A world possessed by demons: science as a candle in the darkness”, has surged in popularity as it eerily captures our current struggles with misinformation and a decline in critical thinking. Sagan’s reflections on the America of the future were undeniably insightful, highlighting the dangers of a society increasingly consumed by misleading information.

Sagan wasn’t a prophet, yet he passionately advocated for the scientific method—evaluating claims based on evidence. To truly understand our future, it’s crucial to grasp the present and past, knowledge Sagan had in abundance. In A Demon-Haunted World, he elucidates the essence of the scientific method, emphasizing its application in everyday life, which is more vital now than ever as comprehension wanes in the face of overwhelming information.

While it was tempting to declare his magnum opus as Cosmos, an awe-inspiring tribute to the universe, A Demon-Haunted World stands as an essential read for aspiring critical thinkers. Sagan’s prose continues to inspire as readers often find themselves lost in his extraordinary articulation, questioning if they could ever create such remarkable work.

When astronaut John Glenn mistook a “firefly” for burning paint, Sagan insightfully noted, “The temptation of the wonderful dulls our vital faculties.” Even in this simple observation, he exhibits a profound sense of wonder!

Beneath Sagan’s elegant writing lies warmth and genuine admiration for the universe’s mysteries. Rather than debunking individuals, he scrutinizes ideas compassionately. In today’s highly polarized climate, it would be challenging for him to avoid turning A Demon-Haunted World into a manifesto. Yet, his humor and thoughtful approach offer a refreshing perspective. Regarding the pervasive issue of misinformation, Sagan expresses disappointment rather than anger, recognizing it as a systemic challenge that individuals can combat.

In an era where information is abundant, so too is misinformation. This reality underscores the relevance of Sagan’s work. While some of the scientific details may seem dated—having been published in 1995—the commitment to understanding the scientific process remains timeless. This book serves not merely as a catalog of scientific advancements but as a guide to critical thinking.

The scientific method transcends laboratory confines; it shapes how we assess the myriad ideas presented to us constantly. A Demon-Haunted World is a crucial reminder that diligent effort in seeking truth is invaluable. Sagan’s “baloney detection kit” presents practical tools for discerning fact from fallacy. While it doesn’t grant prophetic insight like Sagan’s, it certainly aids in understanding the complexities of our world.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Timeless Math Memes: A Century of Distraction for Mathematicians

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The tree-like form arises from the connections within the Collatz conjecture.

Marzio de Biagi/Algolito Malte

Nearly a century ago, the renowned mathematician Lothar Collatz introduced a deceptively simple yet profoundly challenging puzzle. This problem has captivated numerous mathematicians, generating much discourse and debate. Despite many claiming to have solved it, the quest for a comprehensive proof continues. Once you grasp the rules, you might find yourself enraptured, and I take no responsibility for any hours you might lose to this intriguing riddle.

The process begins like a magic trick: choose any positive integer. If the number is even, divide it by 2. If it’s odd, multiply by 3 and add 1. Apply these rules iteratively to the resulting numbers. Mathematicians believe that eventually, this process will always lead to 1.

This question, known as the Collatz conjecture, remains unresolved for all positive integers. The conjecture, initiated by Lothar Collatz in the 1930s, has proven to be remarkably challenging. Even the esteemed mathematician Paul Erdős remarked, “mathematics may not be ready for such problems.”

So, what makes the Collatz conjecture so perplexing to prove? Upon hearing about this problem, many rush to calculators, eager to verify if various numbers reach 1. In fact, comprehensive computer algorithms have checked all numbers up to 271, but given the infinity of integers, finding a definitive proof remains elusive.

The behavior of these numbers is unpredictable. Starting with 1 leads to conclusive results, while initiating with 2 accomplishes the same. However, beginning with 3 generates a chain: 10, 5, 16, 8, 4, 2, and finally 1. For 7, the sequence is more extensive, containing intermediate steps that eventually lead back to previously evaluated numbers. This implies that once you revisit past numbers, there’s no need to recalculate since their paths are already known.

This chaotic nature poses significant challenges for mathematicians. I recall a quote from the xkcd webcomic: “There’s a certain type of brain that easily malfunctions when presented with an intriguing problem.” Indeed, as the Collatz meme spread, countless individuals became ensnared by its allure.

The consequences of Collatz’s conjecture affect many enthusiasts.

xkcd.com/356/

The Mysteries of the Collatz Conjecture Unveiled

Tracing the origins of the Collatz conjecture is surprisingly challenging, yet obtaining a proof remains an even greater endeavor. In a 1980 correspondence, Collatz mentioned his long-standing investigation. Initially, he seemed to view this problem as merely a mathematical curiosity. The conjecture began gaining traction around 1950 during the International Congress of Mathematicians conference, where discussions among peers brought it into the spotlight.

Following its rise in popularity, the problem was rediscovered by various mathematicians, acquiring names like the Syracuse problem, Hasse’s algorithm, and the 3x+1 problem. This topic first appeared in print in 1971, described as “mathematical gossip.” It gained wider recognition when Martin Gardner featured it in a 1972 issue of Scientific American. Gardner, a prominent figure in recreational mathematics, fueled public intrigue in this enigmatic problem.

The Collatz conjecture has consistently straddled the line between recreational and formal mathematics. An article from 1983 titled “Do Not Try to Solve These Problems” warned mathematicians against tackling the conjecture, understanding that the temptation was almost irresistible.

Lothar Collatz dedicated over 50 years to analyzing his conjecture.

Oberwolfach photo collection

A notable advancement came in 1976, when Riho Terrace demonstrated significant results. When starting with an even number, the first operation halves it, ensuring that the Collatz chain remains below this initial number. Conversely, starting with an odd number means the first step goes above the starting point. This concept introduced the “stop time” of numbers, confirming that, in most instances, the numbers will decline rather than diverge indefinitely.

Nevertheless, this isn’t sufficient to validate the Collatz conjecture. A solitary enormous counterexample that fails to converge to 1 would invalidate the conjecture. Moreover, tackling infinite potentials raises questions about the meaning of “almost all.” In 2002, Ilya Krasikov and Lagarias provided a proof indicating that for a given number x, at least x0.84 of integers less than x ultimately arrive at 1. For instance, if x is 100, it implies at least 47 integers below 100 do reach 1.

The most significant breakthrough emerged in 2019, when Terence Tao, perhaps the preeminent mathematician of our era, accepted the Collatz challenge. He established a stronger version of Terras’ findings, suggesting that “almost all” numbers not only drop below their initial value but can be reduced to any desired lower threshold. While this progress feels near proof, the existence of potential counterexamples continues to loom.

What lies ahead for the Collatz conjecture? As I compose this piece, reports emerge that OpenAI utilized large-scale language models to tackle a major mathematical conundrum that has confounded scholars for approximately 80 years. Not through a straightforward proof, however, but via the discovery of unexpected counterexamples. Could AI potentially solve the Collatz conjecture? While predictions are premature, it would be intriguing if a challenge that has vexed the human intellect were ultimately resolved by artificial intelligence.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Experiencing the Timeless Wonder of Stonehenge: A Journey Through History

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Majestic Aerial View of Stonehenge

Russell Brown/Alamy

For those eager to experience the wonder of Stonehenge, the most convenient route is along Britain’s A303 road. This ancient Neolithic monument, standing for over 5,000 years, offers one of the most breathtaking vistas for travelers.

Your first sighting of the remarkable stone circles is truly awe-inspiring. But merely driving past it presents a missed opportunity to connect deeply with the site.

While it’s tempting to view Stonehenge as just a magnificent ruin shrouded in mystery, experiencing it from a distance neglects the intimate connection one could have up close. Imagine ascending a hill and witnessing the giant stones slowly rising before you, surrounded by an expansive landscape.

Explore the Origins of Humanity: A Walking Tour in Southwest England

Embark on a journey through the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age with this fascinating walking tour that unveils early human history.

Despite extensive research into Stonehenge’s temples, burial sites, and ancient calendars, the site continues to evoke a sense of mystery.

During my visit from Australia, I opted for the Inner Circle Tour led by English Heritage experts, which provided a deeper understanding of the site. As dusk approached, we entered a designated area not open to the public, transforming Stonehenge from a distant silhouette into a magnificent monument rising before us.

James captures a memorable moment at Stonehenge.

James Woodford

We had about 30 minutes to explore, examining the iconic stones from various angles. As our time drew to a close, the sun broke through the clouds, bathing the monument in a warm golden glow. Stonehenge is a powerful reminder of deep time and should be experienced meaningfully, rather than just casually observed from afar.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Why Kim Stanley Robinson’s ‘Red Mars’ Remains a Timeless Masterpiece After 34 Years

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New Scientist - Discover in-depth science news and features by expert journalists on topics like technology, health, and the environment.

Kim Stanley Robinson, author of Red Mars

Terese Loeb Kreuzer/Alamy

2026 marks a significant milestone as humanity embarks on its bold journey to colonize Mars.

Later this year, NASA’s ESCAPADE rover is set to launch towards Mars, laying the groundwork for future manned missions. For more details, read about the rover’s objectives here.

Future settlers aim to create self-sustaining cities on Mars, transforming its harsh landscape and opening new possibilities for humanity beyond Earth. This endeavor also has the potential to extend the survival of human consciousness.

Elon Musk has expressed his ambition to land on Mars within two years, as noted in 2024 on X. He has often referenced Kim Stanley Robinson’s acclaimed novel, Red Mars, published in 1992.

Set in 2026, Robinson’s narrative doesn’t rely on extraterrestrial conflicts or futuristic technologies. Instead, it delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by humans, highlighting debates surrounding the sanctity of intelligent life versus the need for solar system exploitation.

Robinson’s prophetically accurate depiction of the future includes a world dominated by powerful multinational corporations, overshadowing the United Nations. The author suggests that the UN operates as a mere tool for these corporations, predicting a future where corporate interests dictate global affairs.

His vision resonates with early predictions by Pulitzer Prize-winning science writer David Dietz, who forecasted rampant resource overexploitation and an increase in competition, leading to rising prices and a decline in luxury goods.

Robinson’s Red Mars illustrates how future generations will navigate environmental challenges. Climate change is a key factor motivating humanity to leave Earth, and the protagonist, Anne Claiborne, views Mars as a new beginning rather than a mere resource. “You can’t simply erase the surface of a planet that’s 3 billion years old,” she notes during discussions on terraforming.

The character Frank Chalmers reflects on past ecological disasters on Earth, drawing parallels to today’s ambitious “climate megaprojects,” such as glacier stabilization and large-scale re-greening efforts.

Red Mars also continues the tradition of classic speculative fiction, focusing on human conflict and societal division as the settlers grapple with how best to cultivate their new home. This central theme is further developed in Robinson’s sequels, Green Mars and Blue Mars.

Anne’s concerns about the ethical implications of creating breathable air on Mars echo a profound respect for potential undiscovered native life. “It would be unscientific and, worse, immoral,” she asserts.

The depth of Robinson’s characters and narratives makes Red Mars a treasured work, earning both the Nebula Award and the British Science Fiction Society Award, and has been subject to numerous attempts at a screen adaptation, including interest from director James Cameron before he focused on the Avatar universe.

The prequel, Green Mars, was also included in NASA’s Mars rover Phoenix lander in 2006 as part of an interplanetary library, a nod to Robinson’s influence on the genre to this day.

Outside of his Mars Trilogy, Robinson has expressed caution regarding future technological advancements and governance in his works. His novel, 2312, published in 2012, envisions a world facing extreme heat and rising sea levels while reflecting on humanity’s slow response to climate issues.

In the same year, he addressed the future of technology and society at the Humanity+ conference, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in tech advancements, stating, “[It] has to be for All People Plus,” hinting at underlying societal tensions.

The New Scientist Book Club is currently reading Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson. Join us for a collective reading experience here.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Lavish Reimagining of the Timeless Tale

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Oscar Isaac embodies the obsessive and charismatic Victor Frankenstein

Ken Woroner/Netflix

frankenstein
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Now playing in selected cinemas in the UK and US, streaming on Netflix beginning November 7th

Guillermo del Toro has long been captivated by the intersections of science, mythology, and monsters. In his latest film, frankenstein, he finally explores Mary Shelley’s essential text—the 1818 novel widely regarded as the foundation of both science fiction and modern horror.

The outcome is visually lavish, delivered with intensity, and at times thought-provoking, though its pacing and certain design choices reflect the influence of Netflix, the film’s financier.

Shelley’s tale of Victor Frankenstein, the brilliant yet reckless scientist seeking to animate lifeless matter, remains one of the most poignant cautionary narratives regarding the allure and risks of scientific ambition. In del Toro’s rendition, Oscar Isaac portrays Victor as a charismatic and obsessive character, driven by his personal and intellectual struggles into unknown territories.

Isaac’s performance captures both arrogance and fragility, while the surrounding ensemble enriches the narrative. Charles Dance plays Victor’s authoritarian father, and Mia Goth delivers a standout performance as the poignant and compassionate Elizabeth Lavenza.

The film truly shines in the laboratory scenes. Del Toro, alongside production designer Tamara Deverell, crafts an environment echoing a 19th-century anatomical theater, equipped with towering instruments and rudimentary electrical devices. The representations of anatomy and experimental medicine are stylized, yet maintain an element of realism. Authenticity is embedded in the nuances of ligation, scalpel usage, and surgical procedures.

However, Victor’s excess may risk the film’s realism. The abundance of fresh corpses at his disposal stretches believability, yet his actions resonate with Romantic-era debates on electricity, vitalism, and the boundaries of life and death.

The creature, created and forsaken by Victor (played by Jacob Elordi), deviates from the iconic giant with a neck bolt seen in the 1931 film frankenstein. Instead, we encounter a leaner, scarred figure brought to life through prosthetics and CGI. While effective, certain close-ups—particularly when the creature lies still—evoke discomfort due to his jawline. Additionally, his appearance, imbued with a brooding “emo” aesthetic, aligns more closely with contemporary tastes than Shelley’s 19th-century context.

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The film’s visuals present chiaroscuro depictions of captivating laboratories and landscapes.
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In many ways, this aesthetic continues the early films’ fascination with biology as bricolage, viewing the body as a site for transformation, as seen in water shape. Even through a modern lens, this creature exemplifies our enduring interest in reconstructing life from remnants—a scientific ambition that remains as mesmerizing today as it was in Shelley’s era.

Story-wise, frankenstein may falter in places. Del Toro dedicates his 150 minutes of screen time to Victor’s formative years, intellectual development, and gradual immersion into his quest for conquering death. While this extensive focus fleshes out Victor’s psyche, it may result in a sluggish pacing that some viewers could find overly drawn-out. Additionally, the creature’s strength—capable of lifting a ship as if it were driftwood—runs the risk of exaggeration, potentially undermining the film’s serious examination of scientific potential.

Nevertheless, the central theme remains pressing. In the end, frankenstein is less about the mechanics of resurrection and more about society’s response to the unfamiliar. The film dazzles with consistent visual allure, featuring Dan Laustsen’s cinematography that highlights chiaroscuro scenes of both laboratories and landscapes, along with Alexandre Desplat’s score oscillating between eerie crescendos and tender motifs of longing.

Del Toro’s oeuvre includes various ambitious projects; however, frankenstein stands as a sincere and provocative exploration of one of science’s most profound fables. It compels us to question not only whether we can engineer life, but also whether we can coexist with what we’ve created.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

This Timeless Blue Sea Creature Has Rescued Countless Lives

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Long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, peculiar creatures abandoned their journeys across the ocean floor. They resembled beings adorned with spiked helmets and had eyes positioned on top, along with sharp tails extending behind them.

Today, horseshoe crabs still exist and belong to the animal order known as Xiphosura, derived from ancient Greek, meaning “sword” and “tail.” Despite their name, they are more closely related to spiders than to crustaceans.

Fossils of horseshoe crabs date back to the Upper Ordovician period, approximately 450 million years ago. Their descendants—four existing species—have undergone significant changes in appearance, earning them the title of “living fossils.”

Despite their ancient lineage, horseshoe crabs are crucial in today’s world. Most people eventually come into contact with life-saving doses of bright blue blood derived from these creatures.

The blue hue comes from Hemocyanin, a pigment responsible for oxygen transport, which is analogous to red hemoglobin found in vertebrate blood.

Importantly, it also harbors their blood. Amebocytes, a powerful immune cell are exceptionally sensitive to harmful toxins produced by bacteria. Endotoxins, prevalent in the environment, are resistant to standard sterilization methods.

Should a vaccine contain endotoxins, it could trigger a dangerous reaction historically known as “injection fever.”

Previously, tests were conducted by injecting a vaccine batch into a living rabbit; if any exhibited a fever, it signified contamination.

In the 1960s, American marine biologists observed that the blue blood of horseshoe crabs coagulated instantly upon contact with fever-inducing endotoxin. This mechanism allows horseshoe crabs to encapsulate bacteria by forming clots around them, proving beneficial for human applications.

Now, rather than injecting rabbits, hundreds of thousands of horseshoe crabs are harvested from the ocean each year, with a third of their blood extracted to test for endotoxins in intravenous medications and medical implants.

Many people eventually encounter the vibrant blue blood of a life-saving horseshoe crab – Image credit: Jurgen Freund/Naturepl.com

The demand for blue blood has surged, especially with the competition surrounding the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Not all horseshoe crabs survive the blood collection process; approximately 15-30% do not. Conservationists are advocating for synthetic alternatives to blood tests.

In the 1990s, researchers in Singapore developed a method to create synthetic endotoxin detection using a compound based on horseshoe crab DNA. Currently, various alternative compounds mimic this reaction without utilizing horseshoe crab blood.

Although regulatory processes have been sluggish, these new compounds received approval for use in Europe in 2016 and 2024. Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies are increasingly opting for synthetic methods.

This development bodes well not just for horseshoe crabs but also for other species reliant on them. Each year, thousands of horseshoe crabs come ashore on sandy beaches along North America’s East Coast, particularly in Delaware Bay, where eggs are laid near Philadelphia.

A single female lays around 4,000 eggs, many of which become vital sustenance for migratory birds like the red knot, which journey between South America and the Canadian Arctic.

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Explore our ultimate Fun facts for more amazing science insights.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Twenty Years Later, I’m Still Emotional: The Timeless Brilliance of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | Games

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It’s unforgettable—the first time you play a Metal Gear game. Among them, Konami’s iconic stealth series is epitomized by the 2004 installment, Snake Eater. This initial chapter and its sequel acted as a reboot. Initially aimed for the PS3 due to its ambitious technology, it was eventually released on the PS2. The writer-director, Kojima, sought to take the gravelly-voiced protagonist, Solid Snake, out of the shadowy military bases and into the great outdoors. With elements like food hunting and broken bones that could be reset, Snake Eater felt far more grounded and immersive compared to PlayStation games of the 2000s.

Despite Snake Eater’s significant transformations, one classic aspect remains unchanged—stellar voice acting. In Konami’s upcoming remake, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, all the iconic, absurd lines from the original script are preserved. Enhanced with modern controls and stunning new graphics, Delta more closely resembles a 4K restoration of a beloved film than a standard remake akin to the latest Resident Evil titles.

“To their credit, Konami wanted to maintain the authentic experience,” says David Hater, the voice of Solid Snake. “They aimed to ensure it felt like the original, while still leveraging today’s technology.”




“Very cinematic”… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Hater, who also penned the scripts for the 2000s X-Men films, takes immense pride in his portrayal of Solid Snake, a role achieved through the unique recording process of his eccentric performances. “For my first Metal Gear Solid, I recorded in an unusual house in Hollywood,” he reflects. “There were five microphones set up and it was just me and the other actors.”

This atypical setup was in stark contrast to the usual individual recording method, where voice actors would record separately, and their performances would be pieced together afterward. Hater found this collaborative approach to be incredibly effective. “I insisted my contract required me to record in this manner for all the Metal Gear games; I’d be in the booth alongside other top voice talents for months at a time.”

By the time the actors recorded their roles for Metal Gear Solid, the storyline was nearly finalized. However, for Snake Eater, they received only cues, leaving much of the visual imagination to the voice talent. “We had no visuals,” says Hater. “It was challenging to grasp the full impact of what we were creating at the time.”




“I know why you go back to it over and over again”… Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

This shared experience resonates with Lori Alan, who voices The Boss, a key character in Snake Eater. “This is where the voice director showcased his remarkable skills,” Alan shares. “The recording sessions were intense. After a session, you’d exit saying, ‘What a ride!’ as the director would quietly remind you, ‘You love him. You trained him. You’ll betray your country!’ It was astonishing, and left you feeling completely drained.”

As Alan departed the booth while Hater was recording, she didn’t fully grasp the impact of the character she embodied. “I have a devoted fan who once sent me a clip, but I’ve never played it,” Alan admits. Over two decades later, she finally experienced the iconic role she helped create. “We were filming promotional videos for the remake,” Hater recalls. “Lori mentioned she wanted to know what we did back then, but it was hard to convey! So, I sent her the complete cutscene from the game… A couple of hours later, I received an emotional call from her. She was in tears, saying, ‘Oh my god! I didn’t understand before, but now I get it.'”

“It’s incredibly cinematic,” Alan adds. “The depth of the relationships stands out, giving me chills. I found myself completely engaged in the storytelling, as one would when reading a captivating novel or watching a compelling film.”




“We didn’t need to change anything great from the original”… Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. Photo: Konami

Beyond some audio refinement and adjustments to fit the new control system, the cast confirms that no additional material was introduced in Delta. “I like to think I’ve become a better actor since then,” Hater muses. “Yet, these recordings had to align perfectly with the original, making it surreal to step back into the booth and reprise the same role after 20 years.”

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Hater and Alan aren’t alone in revisiting the jungle—Cynthia Harrell, the original singer of Snake Eater’s theme, has re-recorded the iconic anthem for the remake. Harrell noted that she recorded her vocals with little direction. “That final scene, with the song playing as she dies, the red petals falling… I still cry 20 years later.”

Decades later, that moment remains powerful. Following an emotional climax, players are given the choice to pull the trigger. “I wished there was an option to shoot her in the leg instead,” Hater admits.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/sKMayCD1u3w?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater – Gameplay Trailer | PS5 Games" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

The ongoing separation between Kojima and Konami means that the original Snake Eater director isn’t involved in Delta, yet the publisher has engaged and retained members from the original development team. “For me, that thrill and surprise felt like the first time I played, 21 years ago, and that’s the experience we aimed to replicate,” shares Yuji Korekado, a producer on Delta and a former team member. Fellow producer Okamura Noriaki emphasized the intention to maintain creative integrity: “We concluded that adding twists or new plot elements was unnecessary; the original was already exceptional.”

As a new generation grows up unaware of the significance of Revolver Ocelot, Hater views Snake Eater Delta as the ideal reintroduction to one of gaming’s most revered franchises. “Someone asked me last night why they started remastering with No. 3,” he mentions. “That’s because it’s the best, you know? The characters are incredible, and the storylines are profound. These are some of the most tragic and beautiful moments in gaming history. It’s akin to living through a cinematic masterpiece for 60 hours.”
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Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will launch on PC, PS5, and Xbox on August 28th

Source: www.theguardian.com

Readers’ Reflections on the Timeless Allure of Microsoft Excel | Microsoft

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“I’m a boring guy,” says Mike Erwin, an energy management consultant based in Warrington. “My friends think it’s crazy how much I use Microsoft Excel, but it’s a very useful tool.”

Erwin, 56, has been using Excel to organize his life for years, from mapping his finances to plotting medical test results to monitoring his home’s energy usage. When his son was born in 2007, he created a spreadsheet of his feeding schedule.

“We were recording the feeding time and the amount of milk, and calculating when we could fall asleep.” None of this data was very helpful, “but then I felt better.” added Erwin.

Still, he’s an evangelist about Excel. “I have charts from 10 years ago,” he says. “Some of my friends have Mickeys, and now they’re starting to use them to plan their vacations.”

Erwin is one of dozens of people who responded to an online call for love Excel has celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Many people have found uses for the software that were probably not intended by the developers.

“I grew up with it,” says John Severn, 35, Mansfield’s marketing director. “When I was 11, I couldn’t afford Warhammer models, so I wrote the names of the models in Excel and printed them out and did elf-dwarf battles on the cheap.”




John Severn playing a board game (not generated by Excel). Photo: Guardian Community

Mr. Severn’s innovations puzzled some opponents. The Warhammer tabletop game is meant to be played with intricately painted models rather than a labeled grid.

“The children of my mother’s wealthy friends weren’t very keen,” he says. “They had spent a lot of money getting some beautifully painted models and they were laying them out on a table with landscapes. And what I brought in was basically a square piece of paper. .”

Although Severn has graduated from being a model soldier, he still plays Warhammer. “I still don’t like drawing.”

For Lucy, 41, Excel proved useful in a long-distance relationship when her partner moved from London to Macclesfield in 2010.

“I love Excel,” she says. “I devised a spreadsheet to track trains and fares. I lived in London and traveled every weekend in shifts for 18 months. We split the cost so that higher income earners pay proportionately more.”

Lucy admits how “unromantic” this sounds. But “this is very convenient and we are more inclined to share money. Now we have children and we have bought a house. Excel is working with the administrator on this matter. They supported me.”

Excel played a role in helping London civil servant Luke name his two sons. “My wife and I were talking about baby names, and at one point we pasted the list of names into a spreadsheet called Names for Baby V.1.xlsx.”

He shared the spreadsheet with his office in hopes that his colleagues would find inspiration. “I remember there was a good push for Frederick and Maximilian, and Optimus Prime and Herodotus were also added,” he says. “The Russian wife liked Igor and Ivan.''

Luke and his wife ultimately did not accept his colleague’s idea at all. But I created a separate spreadsheet for my younger son. “His name came from a suggestion from a colleague I met at a drinking party at work. But it also tested very well with Names for Baby V.2.xlsx,” he added.

Nick Owen of Lincoln took that enthusiasm a step further by featuring Excel as the centerpiece of his 2019 wedding.

“We wanted to get as many friends together as possible and we managed to get 250 people together,” says Owen, 68. Since there were so many guests, he decided to appoint seven talented men to help plan the day.




Nick Owen wedding t-shirt. His spreadsheet is printed on the back. Photo: Guardian Community

“I call them the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ and they each had a different role.” These jobs include rings, meals, speeches, and drinks. “I diligently created a spreadsheet of what everyone had done that day with little crosses in cells for each hour.I went through all of this with them the night before. “There was some resistance,” he says.

“It was April in Cumbria and the weather was poor for a few weeks leading up to the wedding day. But miraculously the clouds parted, the sun shone and my wedding spreadsheet worked. ”

To remember that day, Owen printed T-shirts for his men. “They had a picture of Yul Brynner.” [from the Magnificent Seven film] It has a photo of my spreadsheet on the front and on the back. ”

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Enduring Legacy of Destiny: A Timeless Game That Will Stand the Test of Time

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isEvangelion was released 10 years ago, an eternity in the world of video games. It's also one of the most compelling games of the decade, and sometimes it's not. On the surface, it's a gorgeous online progressive rock space shooter made by Bungie, the creators of the Xbox classic Halo. Gather up with some friends, deploy somewhere in the shimmering landscapes of a future solar system, and shoot people, aliens, and robots to earn better loot.

None of this is unprecedented, and maybe that's the point. You could say that Destiny's touchstones are Halo with its gunplay, World of Warcraft with its persistent online space, and (admittedly, this is a bit odd) the immortal British retailer Marks & Spencer. This last point is especially true because Destiny is a game of fluctuating destiny that seems to fascinate everyone involved in video games, whether they actually play Destiny or not. Just as many in the UK secretly know if M&S is currently trending up or down (there is no middle ground), everyone in the games industry knows if Destiny is doing well or not. Is it doing better than it has in many years? Or is it in a state of decline that is not comparable to where it was two, five, or seven years ago? Destiny is always an uneasy conversation topic for us.

Amazingly, this has been the case from the very beginning. in front The beginning. Fate met with great misfortune. Revealed as a company Long before it was announced as a fictional universe, the game was announced as SKUs and Q1 financial forecasts, not as a fun gunfighting world dreamed up by the best combat designers in the industry. When the first game finally arrived, it was seen as a beautiful epicenter of action surrounded by something that felt somewhat hastily produced. It was an early star where dust and gas hadn't yet fully solidified. Sure, if you had the right shotgun, you'd go into battle and the whole world would sing with you, but the story and lore were scattered across the game's surface as a series of trading cards, as if Homer had unleashed the Iliad on a collection of beer mugs and hidden them across various battlefields.

A great action game… Destiny was shown on a curved screen at E3 in Los Angeles in June 2014. Photo: Michael Nelson/EPA

But here's the thing: people just couldn't stop playing Destiny. From the start, nights spent online with friends couldn't have been more fun: join in, blow up stuff, win stuff, and compare your gains. Leveling up felt like something meaningful here. New loot had real personality. Set pieces unfolded beneath skyboxes so vast and intense they reminded us that, spaceships aside, Bungie's soul has always been deeply romantic.

Part of the game's enduring appeal is a series of striking images: the funereal hulk of the Traveler, an artificial moon, floating in the sky above the world's last city. Claw-like eruptions of Martian rock illuminated by sunlight turned into a barium haze through the airborne dust. But from the beginning, Bungie's games also seeped into the real world: players could view their builds outside the game, millions of raid-party WhatsApp groups sprung up overnight, and websites and YouTube channels were devoted to everything from leveling tips to reconstructing the story of a Frankenstein-style soap opera.

So for the last decade, playing Destiny has meant arguing about the game, getting annoyed and uninstalling it, then reinstalling it and spending the night engrossed in the game again. The existence of conspiracy theories means that the game means something to people. Caves with easy loot The in-game economy nearly collapsed within the first few months. Was this a bug or an intentional design flaw? Raid area with cheese spots A place where players can dish out massive amounts of damage without putting themselves in danger. Is this the sign of an unstable map, or a sign of a savvy developer generating a different kind of buzz?

Inevitably, people were nostalgic for even the Grimoire lore cards by the time Destiny 2 came out in 2017. Since then, there have been ups and downs. Death of a major character Everyone was talking about it The price of the expansion is the samePeople get tired of the drudgery, they think the raids are unfair, they understandably complain about the store, but they also understandably buy Destiny: The Official Cookbook. Complicating things is the fact that Destiny has been steeped in nostalgia from the get-go. Another final point of connection to M&S is that Destiny is an institution.

Few would argue that Destiny is a great action game, and always has been. At its heart is a core of charismatic gunplay, and what radiates outwards from there is an evocative and unforgettable twist of sci-fi, combined with Bungie's long-standing talent for sad, flashy naming conventions. This is the studio that brought us Halo levels “Pillar of Autumn” and “Silent Cartographer.” It's no wonder that the game “Destiny Weapon Name or Roxy Music Deep Cut?” remains a reliable drinking game. (It goes both ways; it's easy to imagine Bungie releasing Sentimental Fool and Mother of Pearl SMGs.)

Striking image…Destiny 2. Photo: Activision

Still, there are fluctuations. The latest expansion was hailed as one of the best in a while, but player numbers haven't increased significantly since then. Over time, Bungie has gone from questions about the cost of cosmetics to serious allegations about its internal culture; the studio has changed owners and recently suffered layoffs. Last week, Destiny 2 Steam player numbers hit all-time low.

Still, we talk about the games that are always in the news (Includes bungeeannounced that it would be publishing a developer blog tonight discussing the future of the game. Many of us still feel nostalgia for a game that was born out of nostalgia. And these two things create a powerful allure. I remember when I first played Destiny 2, long after everyone I knew had cooled off from their obsession with the game. I found a game that kept me entertained for a few minutes, but those minutes could easily turn into hours. I also found a world that felt as if it was covered in blue plaques that told of a painter from long ago who once vacationed here.

After all, Destiny as a game benefits greatly from its dialogue fallbacks. For example, when I first met Devrim Kay, Destiny's gentlemanly sniper, in person, I knew so much about him I could have been his biographer. I felt like I was in the presence of a celebrity, even though he was just another quest giver.

Source: www.theguardian.com