Tag Archives: Tips

Tips on Identifying and Avoiding Deception by AI-Generated Misinformation

Posted on by
Reply

Many of the AI-generated images look realistic upon closer inspection.

On the road

Did you notice that the image above was created by artificial intelligence? It can be difficult to spot AI-generated images, videos, audio, and text as technological advances make them indistinguishable from human-created content and more susceptible to manipulation by disinformation. However, knowing the current state of AI technology being used to create disinformation and the various signs that indicate what you're seeing may be fake can help you avoid being fooled.

World leaders are concerned. World Economic Forum ReportMisinformation and disinformation “have the potential to fundamentally disrupt electoral processes in multiple economies over the next two years,” while easier access to AI tools “has already led to an explosion in counterfeit information and so-called 'synthetic' content, from sophisticated voice clones to fake websites.”

While the terms misinformation and disinformation both refer to false or inaccurate information, disinformation is information that is deliberately intended to deceive or mislead.

“The problem with AI-driven disinformation is the scale, speed and ease with which it can be deployed,” he said. Hany Farid “These attacks no longer require nation-state actors or well-funded organizations — any individual with modest computing power can generate large amounts of fake content,” the University of California, Berkeley researchers said.

He is a pioneer of generative AI (See glossary below“AI is polluting our entire information ecosystem, calling into question everything we read, see, and hear,” and his research shows that AI-generated images and sounds are often “almost indistinguishable from reality.”

However, Farid and his colleagues' research reveals that there are strategies people can follow to reduce the risk of falling for social media misinformation and AI-created disinformation.

How to spot fake AI images

Remember when we saw the photo of Pope Francis wearing a down jacket? Fake AI images like this are becoming more common as new tools based on viral models (See glossary below), now anyone can create images from simple text prompts. study Google's Nicolas Dufour and his colleagues found that since the beginning of 2023, the share of AI-generated images in fact-checked misinformation claims has risen sharply.

“Today, media literacy requires AI literacy.” Negar Kamali at Northwestern University in Illinois in 2024 studyShe and her colleagues identified five different categories of errors in AI-generated images (outlined below) and offered guidance on how people can spot them on their own. The good news is that their research shows that people are currently about 70% accurate at detecting fake AI images. Online Image Test To evaluate your detective skills.

5 common types of errors in AI-generated images:

  1. Socio-cultural impossibilities: Does the scene depict behavior that is unusual, unusual, or surprising for a particular culture or historical figure?
  2. Anatomical irregularities: Look closely. Do the hands or other body parts look unusual in shape or size? Do the eyes or mouth look strange? Are any body parts fused together?
  3. Stylistic artifacts: Do the images look unnatural, too perfect, or too stylized? Does the background look odd or missing something? Is the lighting strange or variable?
  4. Functionality Impossibility: Are there any objects that look odd, unreal or non-functional? For example, a button or belt buckle in an odd place?
  5. Violation of Physics: Do the shadows point in different directions? Does the mirror's reflection match the world depicted in the image?

Strange objects or behaviors can be clues that an image was created by AI.

On the road

How to spot deepfakes in videos

An AI technology called generative adversarial networks (See glossary belowSince 2014, deepfakes have enabled tech-savvy individuals to create video deepfakes, which involve digitally manipulating existing videos of people to swap out different faces, create new facial expressions, and insert new audio with matching lip syncing. This has enabled a growing number of fraudsters, state-sponsored hackers, and internet users to produce video deepfakes, potentially allowing celebrities such as Taylor Swift and everyday people alike to unwillingly appear in deepfake porn, scams, and political misinformation and disinformation.

The AI ​​techniques used to spot fake images (see above) can also be applied to suspicious videos. What's more, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Northwestern University in Illinois have A few tips There has been a lot of research into how to spot these deepfakes, but it's acknowledged that there is no foolproof method that will always work.

6 tips to spot AI-generated videos:

  1. Mouth and lip movements: Are there moments when the video and audio are not perfectly in sync?
  2. Anatomical defects: Does your face or body look strange or move unnaturally?
  3. face: Look for inconsistencies in facial smoothness, wrinkles around the forehead and cheeks, and facial moles.
  4. Lights up: Is the lighting inconsistent? Do shadows behave the way you expect them to? Pay particular attention to the person's eyes, eyebrows, and glasses.
  5. hair: Does your facial hair look or move oddly?
  6. Blink: Blinking too much or too little can be a sign of a deepfake.

A new category of video deepfakes is based on the diffusion model (See glossary below), the same AI technology behind many image generators, can create entirely AI-generated video clips based on text prompts. Companies have already tested and released commercial versions of their AI video generators, potentially making them easy to create for anyone without requiring special technical knowledge. So far, the resulting videos tend to feature distorted faces and odd body movements.

“AI-generated videos are likely easier for humans to detect than images because they contain more motion and are much more likely to have AI-generated artifacts and impossibilities,” Kamali says.

How to spot an AI bot

Social media accounts controlled by computer bots have become commonplace across many social media and messaging platforms. Many of these bots also leverage generative AI techniques such as large-scale language models.See glossary below) will be launched in 2022, making it easier and cheaper to mass-produce grammatically correct, persuasive, customized, AI-written content through thousands of bots for a variety of situations.

“It's now much easier to customize these large language models for specific audiences with specific messages.” Paul Brenner At the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.

Brenner and his colleagues found that volunteers were only able to distinguish between AI-powered bots and humans when About 42 percent Even though participants were told they might interact with a bot, they would still be able to test their bot-detection skills. here.

Brenner said some strategies could help identify less sophisticated AI bots.

5 ways to tell if a social media account is an AI bot:

  1. Emojis and hashtags: Overusing these can be a sign.
  2. Unusual phrases, word choices, and analogies: Unusual language can indicate an AI bot.
  3. Repetition and Structure: Bots may repeat words that follow a similar or fixed format, or may overuse certain slang terms.
  4. Ask a question: These may reveal the bot's lack of knowledge on a topic, especially when it comes to local locations and situations.
  5. Assume the worst: If the social media account is not a personal contact and its identity has not been clearly verified or confirmed, it may be an AI bot.

How to detect audio duplication and audio deepfakes

Voice Clone (See glossary belowAI tools have made it easier to generate new voices that can imitate virtually anyone, which has led to a rise in audio deepfake scams replicating the voices of family members, business executives and political leaders such as US President Joe Biden. These are much harder to identify compared to AI-generated videos and images.

“Voice clones are particularly difficult to distinguish between real and fake because there are no visual cues to help the brain make that decision,” he said. Rachel TobackCo-founder of SocialProof Security, a white hat hacking organization.

Detecting these AI voice deepfakes can be difficult, especially when they're used in video or phone calls, but there are some common sense steps you can take to help distinguish between real human voices and AI-generated ones.

4 steps to use AI to recognize if audio has been duplicated or faked:

  1. Public figures: If the audio clip is of an elected official or public figure, review whether what they say is consistent with what has already been publicly reported or shared about that person's views or actions.
  2. Look for inconsistencies: Compare your audio clip to previously authenticated video or audio clips featuring the same person. Are there any inconsistencies in the tone or delivery of the voice?
  3. Awkward Silence: If you're listening to a phone call or voicemail and notice that the speaker takes unusually long pauses while speaking, this could be due to the use of AI-powered voice duplication technology.
  4. Weird and redundant: Robotic or unusually verbose speech may indicate that someone is using a combination of voice cloning to mimic a person's voice and large language models to generate accurate phrasing.

Out of character behaviour by public figures like Narendra Modi could be a sign of AI

Follow

Technology will continue to improve

As it stands, there are no consistent rules that can consistently distinguish AI-generated content from authentic human content. AI models that can generate text, images, videos, and audio will surely continue to improve, allowing them to quickly generate content that looks authentic without obvious artifacts or mistakes. “Recognize that, to put it mildly, AI is manipulating and fabricating images, videos, and audio, and it happens in under 30 seconds,” Tobac says. “This makes it easy for bad actors looking to mislead people to quickly subvert AI-generated disinformation, which can be found on social media within minutes of breaking news.”

While it's important to hone our ability to spot AI-generated disinformation and learn to ask more questions about what we read, see and hear, ultimately this alone won't be enough to stop the damage, and the responsibility for spotting it can't be placed solely on individuals. Farid is among a number of researchers who argue that government regulators should hold accountable the big tech companies that have developed many of the tools that are flooding the internet with fake, AI-generated content, as well as startups backed by prominent Silicon Valley investors. “Technology is not neutral,” Farid says. “The tech industry is selling itself as not having to take on the responsibilities that other industries take on, and I totally reject that.”

Diffusion Model: An AI model that learns by first adding random noise to data (such as blurring an image) and then reversing the process to recover the original data.

Generative Adversarial Networks: A machine learning technique based on two neural networks that compete by modifying the original data and attempting to predict whether the generated data is genuine or not.

Generative AI: A broad class of AI models that can generate text, images, audio, and video after being trained on similar forms of content.

Large-scale language models: A subset of generative AI models that can generate different forms of written content in response to text prompts, and in some cases translate between different languages.

Voice CloneA potential way to use AI models to create a digital copy of a person's voice and generate new voice samples with that voice.

topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Tips for Viewing the Perseid Meteor Shower 2024: Experience the Stunning Fireball Display Tonight

Posted on by
Reply

The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most stunning meteor showers in 2024, is currently in full swing and offering a breathtaking display of fast, bright shooting stars streaking across the night sky.

As we move closer to the middle of August, the excitement is set to increase. During the peak of the shower, if conditions are favorable, you could witness up to 100 meteors per hour, some of which might even turn into fiery fireballs.

Unlike other meteor showers this year, the moonlight is not expected to overshadow this magnificent event. Although the waxing crescent moon will be visible as we near the peak, it will have set below the horizon by the time meteor activity intensifies.

For a comprehensive list of meteor showers throughout the year, check out our meteor shower calendar. If you’re interested in astrophotography but unsure where to begin, expert Pete Lawrence has put together a beginner’s guide on capturing amazing photos of the moon.

When is the Perseid meteor shower in 2024?

The Perseid meteor shower will commence on July 17, 2024, and extend until around August 24. The optimal viewing time for the meteors is from midnight until dawn.

The peak of the meteor shower is expected on August 12, with increased meteor activity around this period. Since the peak occurs during the daytime, the best times to observe the Perseids are before and after the peak, specifically on the nights of August 11/12 and August 12/13.

You’ll have the best visibility between midnight and just before sunrise (around 5:30 am in the UK, 6 am in New York, and Los Angeles).

How many meteors can you see?

The Perseids are known for being one of the most active meteor showers of the year, but it doesn’t mean there will be a constant stream of meteors to observe. Most images capturing numerous meteors are the result of long exposure shots that can capture dozens, or even hundreds, of meteors in a single frame.

Under ideal conditions and dark skies, you could potentially see up to 100 meteors per hour. However, in reality, you’re likely to witness far fewer, possibly only a few dozen per hour. Nonetheless, the Perseid meteor shower remains a spectacular event.

The Perseid meteor shower is about to reach its peak. – Photo credit: Getty Images

Where to look in the sky

The most favorable direction to observe the Perseid meteor shower is directly overhead. Aim to have as much of the sky in your field of view as possible, as the meteors will traverse the entire sky and won’t be confined to a specific location.

It can be useful to know the radiant point, as it helps differentiate the Perseids from sporadic meteors. The radiant point of a meteor shower appears to be the origin of the meteors.

In the case of the Perseid meteor shower, the radiant point is within the constellation Perseus, hence the name “Perseid meteor shower.”

If you look towards the northeast early in the morning, you’ll spot the constellation Perseus positioned directly above the bright Jupiter. Taurus is situated to the right of Jupiter, and you might even catch a glimpse of Mars nearby.

Since the sun rises in the east, facing in that direction and slightly turning left will have you looking towards the northeast. However, don’t worry if you’re unsure of the direction – meteors can appear anywhere overhead.

Perseus lies between the prominent “W” of Cassiopeia and the Pleiades star cluster. If you’re having difficulty locating the radiant point, an astronomy app can assist you (check out our recommended astronomy apps).

* The closest conjunction of Mars and Jupiter is set to occur on August 14, 2024. This will be the closest conjunction of the two planets until 2033, potentially offering an extraordinary sight alongside the Perseid meteor shower.

What causes the Perseid meteor shower?

Meteor showers manifest when a parent object (typically a comet or asteroid) leaves behind a trail of debris in its path around the Sun. As Earth intersects with this debris stream, the particles interact with the atmosphere, creating luminous streaks known as shooting stars.

Regular meteor showers like the Perseids follow a predictable pattern, occurring at the same time each year and peaking when Earth’s orbit intersects with the densest part of the shower.

According to astronomer David Schneider, “As Earth passes through the debris stream, the density of particles increases to a maximum and then decreases again. This usually takes a few weeks, but can also take a few days. The meteor shower peaks during the period of maximum density.” Presenter Pete Lawrence further elaborates.

In the case of the Perseids, Comet Swift-Tuttle serves as the parent body, which is a sizable comet composed of dust, ice, and rock. With a nucleus diameter of approximately 26 kilometers (about 16 miles) and a 133-year orbit around the Sun, Comet Swift-Tuttle is classified as a short-period comet denoted by the “P” in its official designation, 109P/Swift-Tuttle.

The comet’s last visible appearance was in 1992, with its next anticipated return in 2125 or 2126. While it was too dim to be observed with the naked eye in 1992, a clearer view is expected a century from now.

Will the moon affect visibility?

This year, moonlight may pose a challenge as a half moon will be visible on the evenings of August 11 and 12 before and after the peak. The moon’s luminosity will gradually increase as it approaches full moon status on August 19.

If observing at night, you may have to contend with moonlight obstruction, with the Moon being 51% bright on August 12 and 61% bright on August 13.

However, as the Perseid meteor shower activity intensifies after midnight on both nights, observing in the early morning should not be hindered by the moon’s light.

The optimum viewing time for the Perseid meteor shower is before sunrise between midnight and 5:30 am in the UK and 6 am in the US. With the moon below the horizon, there will be a higher probability of witnessing more meteors.

Tips for Maximizing Your Meteor Watching Experience

You don’t need a telescope or binoculars to enjoy the Perseid meteor shower; it’s best observed with the naked eye to capture a wider expanse of the sky than through optical devices.

“For optimal visibility, watch in a dark, moonless sky and allow at least 20 minutes in complete darkness to acclimatize to your surroundings,” suggests Lawrence. “A reclining chair provides an ideal vantage point for meteor observation.”

“Spend at least 30 minutes, if not longer, watching the sky. The rest is up to chance, but witnessing a bright summer meteor streaking across the sky will leave a lasting impression,” he adds.

Here are some tips to help you maximize your meteor viewing experience.

  • Avoid bright lights. Choose viewing locations away from bright artificial lights and ensure that streetlights are not directly in your line of vision.
  • Allow your eyes to adapt. Spend about 20 minutes outside until your eyes adjust to the darkness.
  • Use a red light filter when looking at your phone. This can be a physical red filter or an app that maintains your night vision until your eyes acclimate.
  • Choose the right time: Early morning is the prime time to witness the Perseid meteor shower at its peak activity and with the Moon below the horizon.
  • Block out the moon. If unable to observe in the early morning, still look out for meteors in the evening. During the peak on August 11/12 and 12/13, the Moon will be about 50-60% illuminated, so position yourself where the Moon is obscured by buildings or trees for better viewing.
  • Keep a wide field of vision. Maximize your peripheral vision to see as much of the sky as possible.
  • Beware of fireballs. The larger particles from the comet fragments responsible for the Perseid meteor shower can produce bright, long-lasting bursts of light, known as fireballs.

Identifying Perseid Meteors

While other meteors might be visible during this event, they are considered sporadic meteors.

Referred to as “sporadic meteor showers,” these meteors can appear from any direction in the sky and are not linked to a specific meteor shower like the Perseids (albeit they may originate from undiscovered meteor showers).

Lawrence differentiates between sporadic and shower meteors, stating: “Sporadic meteors occur when a small rock, typically the size of a grain of sand, enters Earth’s atmosphere, vaporizes, and creates a luminous streak known as a meteor trail. These occur randomly and can appear at any time, from any direction.”

Distinguishing between a sporadic meteor and a Perseid meteor shower can be tricky, but it’s based on their apparent direction in the sky. Meteor showers typically emanate from the radiant point associated with the shower, while sporadic meteors can streak across the sky from any direction at any given time.

According to Lawrence, “Meteor showers, in contrast [to sporadics], occur when a stream of sand-sized particles in orbit around the Sun intersects Earth’s atmosphere. Associated with comets and possibly asteroids, these particles are released over time and dispersed into orbit.”

“As they follow parallel orbits around the Sun and enter the atmosphere, they appear to originate from the same region of the sky, known as the shower’s radiant point.”

Knowing the radiant point of a specific meteor shower (such as the constellation Perseus for the Perseid meteor shower) enables you to discern whether the meteor you’re witnessing belongs to that meteor shower or if it’s a sporadic meteor.

About our experts

Pete Lawrence: With extensive experience as an astronomer, astrophotographer, and BBC night sky presenter, Pete Lawrence’s expertise shines on the show aired on BBC Four and available on demand through BBC iPlayer.

Read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Simple Tips from Professionals to Soothe a Stressed Dog on Independence Day

Posted on by
Reply

Flashing lights, barbecues, parades, and red, white, and blue flags flying: Fourth of July celebrations have arrived in America, as Americans across the country come together to celebrate the nation’s independence.

But for our furry friends, fireworks may not be such a fun experience, especially as many dogs can find fireworks scary, even if they can only hear and see them from a distance.

Luckily, if your pup has an aversion to fireworks going off in the sky, there are ways to make the whole process a lot more relaxing. Dr. Zazie ToddWe spoke to an animal behavior expert for all the tips you need to keep your dog calm during a fireworks display.

Why are dogs scared of fireworks?

If you’ve ever whispered to your dog that you’re going for a walk, you’ll know that dogs have extremely good hearing — and this can be a problem when they encounter a particularly loud, scary sound like fireworks.

Without any context about what these sounds are, it can be a pretty frightening experience. “We know why there’s this loud explosion or this bright light going on, but dogs don’t,” explains Todd.

“If we don’t do anything to teach them that these sounds are OK, they’re likely going to get scared. And if they’re scared, they’re going to continue to get more scared every time they hear it.”

So how exactly can you teach your dog that loud noises outside aren’t a threat? Well…

Tips for keeping your dog calm during fireworks

Create a suitable environment for your dog

Drawing the curtains and turning on the TV is one way to protect your dog from outside noise and light, but while this may make the sound of fireworks less noticeable, it won’t block them out completely. “This helps, but it’s even more effective if you’re there to reward your dog when there are particularly loud noises,” says Todd.

“A room with closed blinds and soothing sounds is a dog’s happiest place, but that’s their choice. Tidy up the room, but don’t lock your dog in there. It won’t solve the problem, but it will help.”

Don’t be afraid to comfort them

It’s often said that you should not comfort a scared or anxious dog as this will make them more afraid, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up.

“It’s perfectly OK to comfort your dog – in fact, you are important to them – and when they’re stressed, they’re looking to you for help and to make them feel better,” says Todd.

“Unfortunately, fireworks can be very frightening for them and even your comforts will make them difficult to cope with, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.”

Fireworks are a traditional way to conclude Independence Day celebrations in the United States. – Image credit: Getty

Try desensitization training

It takes planning, but training your dog properly at a young age can set you up for a lifetime of peaceful firework enjoyment.

“Puppies have a sensitive socialization period from three weeks of age to around 12 to 14 weeks, and we recommend exposing them to quiet firework sounds during this time to prevent any fear of fireworks,” Todd says.

“This will give them a more positive experience and reduce stress for them in the future. They don’t have to be puppies, you can train them at any age, but it’s easier when they’re younger.”

But what if your dog is already afraid of fireworks? Although this exposure training can work, a different approach may be more effective. Rather than getting your dog used to loud noises and flashing lights, building a fun association with the experience can be a great way to reduce the fear.

“The idea with desensitization or counterconditioning is to give your dog a tasty treat that he’ll enjoy every time a loud noise is heard,” Todd says.

“Over time, you develop what’s called a conditioned emotional response. You might even learn to love the sound of fireworks!”

Going to the vet

In some cases, your dog may have had no resistance to fireworks for a long time and then suddenly become extremely frightened of loud noises – in this case it’s worth seeking professional help.

“Scientists at the University of Lincoln Your dog associates fear with pain. “If the fear of fireworks starts later in life, it’s well worth getting tested just to be safe,” Todd explains.

This could be due to a different experience, but it’s best to check with your vet first to be safe.

Get a prescription for medicine

Some of the strategies above require a fair bit of advance planning, but what if you don’t have the time to train your dog?

“Your vet can discuss medications and will often prescribe medication to help your dog survive the fireworks,” explains Todd.

Obviously, this is best used as a one-off technique and you’ll be better off approaching training your dog in the long term.

About our experts

Zazie Todd Author of Pet Psychologyis an award-winning blog that brings you the latest science on our pets and evidence-based pet care practices. Todd has a PhD in Psychology, a Certificate in Training and Counseling from the prestigious Dog Trainer Academy, and an Advanced Certificate in Feline Behavior from International Cat Care. She is the author of the following books: Wag: The science behind making dogs happy and Purring: The science behind making cats happy.

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

9 simple tips from a dermatologist to enhance your skincare regimen

Posted on by
Reply

Dr Bab Shergill is a consultant dermatologist specializing in skin cancer treatment and is a Fellow of the British Association of Dermatology. Here are his top nine skincare tips:

Less is more

Most people only need a basic cleanser, moisturizer, and possibly sunscreen if they are going outside.

Some skin types require additional care

There are around 3,000 different skin-related conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. If your skin is scaly, dry, and red, you may need a specific routine with moisturizers to hydrate the skin and short-term use of steroids to soothe inflammation.

Moisturizers do not hydrate the skin

undefined

This is a common misconception: moisturizers work by creating a protective barrier and allowing moisture to move from deeper layers of the skin to the surface.

Need to know…

  1. For most people, a basic cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen are sufficient.
  2. Expensive products do not always mean better; look for key ingredients if you have specific needs.
  3. To maintain healthy skin, eat well and limit alcohol consumption.

Expensive creams aren’t always better

There’s a psychological aspect to choosing expensive skincare products; sometimes we value them more because of their high price. However, if you have specific needs, it may be worth paying more for products with beneficial ingredients.

If you have brown spots known as “liver spots,” products containing vitamin B3 can be helpful.

Anti-aging creams are effective

Studies have shown that vitamin A-based compounds like retinol can reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, fade blemishes, and improve skin tone. Be cautious of using too much as it can cause irritation.

© Joe Waldron

There is no difference between men’s and women’s skincare products

Aside from packaging and scent, there is no significant difference between products for men and women.

No need for separate day and night creams

If using a cream with retinol, consider applying it at night to avoid increased sun sensitivity.

read more A Scientist’s Guide to Life:

Avoid excessive alcohol consumption

Dehydration affects both your body and skin, so stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Foods rich in vitamins C and E can help combat damage from free radicals as antioxidants.

Consider your clothing choices

Wearing a wide-brimmed hat during sunny hours can protect your skin, especially for men with thinning hair on their scalp.

This article was first published on August 4, 2020

read more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Detecting A Deepfake: Top Tips Shared by Detection Tool Maker

Posted on by
Reply

As a human, you will play a crucial role in identifying whether a photo or video was created using artificial intelligence.

Various detection tools are available for assistance, either commercially or developed in research labs. By utilizing these deepfake detectors, you can upload or link to suspected fake media, and the detector will indicate the likelihood that it was generated by AI.

However, relying on your senses and key clues can also offer valuable insights when analyzing media to determine the authenticity of a deepfake.

Although the regulation of deepfakes, especially in elections, has been slow to catch up with AI advancements, efforts must be made to verify the authenticity of images, audio, and videos.

One such tool is the Deepfake Meter developed by Siwei Lyu at the University at Buffalo. This free and open-source tool combines algorithms from various labs to help users determine if media was generated by AI.

The DeepFake-o-meter demonstrates both the advantages and limitations of AI detection tools by rating the likelihood of a video, photo, or audio recording being AI-generated on a scale from 0% to 100%.

AI detection algorithms can exhibit biases based on their training, and while some tools like DeepFake-o-meter are transparent about their variability, commercial tools may have unclear limitations.

Lyu aims to empower users to verify the authenticity of media by continually improving detection algorithms and encouraging collaboration between humans and AI in identifying deepfakes.

audio

A notable instance of a deepfake in US elections was a robocall in New Hampshire using an AI-generated voice of President Joe Biden.

When subjected to various detection algorithms, the robocall clips showed varying probabilities of being AI-generated based on cues like the tone of the voice and presence of background noise.

Detecting audio deepfakes relies on anomalies like a lack of emotion or unnatural background noise.

photograph

Photos can reveal inconsistencies with reality and human features that indicate potential deepfakes, like irregularities in body parts and unnatural glossiness.

Analyzing AI-generated images can uncover visual clues such as misaligned features and exaggerated textures.

An AI-generated image purportedly showing Trump and black voters. Photo: @Trump_History45

Discerning the authenticity of AI-generated photos involves examining details like facial features and textures.

video

Video deepfakes can be particularly challenging due to the complexity of manipulating moving images, but visual cues like pixelated artifacts and irregularities in movements can indicate AI manipulation.

Detecting deepfake videos involves looking for inconsistencies in facial features, mouth movements, and overall visual quality.

The authenticity of videos can be determined by analyzing movement patterns, facial expressions, and other visual distortions that may indicate deepfake manipulation.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Reasons why you are consistently late and tips to help you be punctual.

Posted on by
Reply

Many of us have a friend or acquaintance who is consistently late, struggling with time management. While it may be a source of humor in social circles, being chronically late can lead to serious consequences like missing important meetings, flights, or appointments.

Several factors may contribute to habitual lateness. Individuals with lower scores on conscientiousness and neuroticism on personality tests are more likely to be late. This trait can also be attributed to a relaxed personality type or influenced by upbringing and cultural background.

Psychologically, some individuals may be considered “time optimists,” underestimating the time things take or struggling with procrastination. Familiarity with a given route can also lead to underestimating travel time, as demonstrated in studies on spatial cognition.

An aversion to arriving early, which often requires waiting, can also contribute to lateness. To address these factors, committing to arrive early, accurately estimating travel time with a buffer, and planning activities for waiting time can help improve punctuality.

If you resonate with these reasons for being late, taking proactive steps to address them can lead to better time management habits. By analyzing travel time more realistically and allowing for extra buffer time, it becomes easier to arrive punctually and avoid stressful situations.

This article aims to address the question “Why am I always late?” (submitted by Alvin Pittman via email).

For any queries, please reach out to us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (remember to provide your name and location).

Explore more:

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Introducing Galaxy Squad: 5 essential tips for selecting a gaming laptop

Posted on by
Reply

When it comes to gaming, the experience is everything. Whether you’re into Fortnite or Baldur’s Gate 3, full immersion is key, and that requires a laptop that can keep up. According to expert Eleanor Alley, who coordinates events at the University of Warwick Esports Center, the laptop you choose will depend on the specific requirements of the game you want to play. From beginners to seasoned pros, there are certain technical aspects that everyone should be aware of…

What should you consider in a gaming laptop?
One crucial factor that can elevate your gaming experience is the speed of your computer. This directly impacts how smoothly the game runs and how realistic the graphics appear. Performance is influenced by three main components: the CPU (Central Processing Unit), which serves as the computer’s “brain”; RAM (Random Access Memory), which stores data required for quick access during operations, similar to short-term memory; and the GPU (graphics processing unit), which generates the images displayed on the screen.

What are the key features of a high-performance gaming laptop?
Nothing is more frustrating than a game freezing at a critical moment, indicating that your computer may not meet the game’s requirements. If the CPU, RAM, or GPU are not powerful enough, loading times and frame rates will suffer. Higher frame rates result in smoother visuals, while faster loading speeds lead to seamless transitions between scenes.

When shopping for a laptop, processing power should be a top consideration. The CPU, the main processor, typically contains multiple cores that handle instructions. While a “quad-core” processor may be adequate for some laptops, those designed for gaming should ideally have 8 or more cores. For top-notch performance, a processor with 16 cores, like the newly launched Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Ultra 9 in the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra, is recommended.

Immerse yourself in the action with high-quality audio

Increasing the amount of RAM can also enhance your gaming experience by ensuring smoother gameplay. Insufficient RAM can lead to lag, instability, and frustration. Gaming laptops should ideally have at least 16 GB of RAM, with options for more like the 32 GB available in the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra.

The final piece of the puzzle is the graphics processing unit, which is essential for better visuals and gameplay. A dedicated GPU, separate from the CPU, is crucial for improved performance, especially in demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. The Galaxy Book4 Ultra offers two highly acclaimed NVIDIA RTX graphics options.

For Lee, the overall gaming experience hinges on the integration of these elements.

Her recommendation is to compare your system’s specifications with the game’s hardware requirements and test your favorite games on the laptop you’re considering or try out more demanding titles like Baldur’s Gate 3.

What is the ideal screen size for gaming?
Lee suggests a minimum screen size of 15.6 inches, which is met by the 16-inch screen of the Galaxy Book4 Ultra. She advises opting for a screen resolution of at least 1080p and a refresh rate of 120 Hz for an enhanced gaming experience. The Galaxy Book4 series features a 3K screen resolution, providing a superior gameplay experience, especially for players who enjoy first-person games.

Modern laptops utilize AI and high-performance GPUs to create more realistic visuals. Vibrant colors and a visible touchscreen even in bright conditions further enhance the gaming experience.

Besides a great screen, top-notch audio is essential for gamers. Therefore, the inclusion of high-quality speakers and a studio-quality microphone with AI noise cancellation ensures immersive sound and minimal distractions.


How can I ensure my laptop is compatible with gaming hardware?
Portability is a key aspect of laptops. However, this should not limit your ability to use various hardware such as external screens, controllers, charging docks, headsets, and other accessories. Therefore, a laptop with multiple ports is essential. The Galaxy Book4 series laptops are equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, along with USB, HDMI, headphone, and microphone jacks.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a gaming laptop?
As long as you have a capable CPU and GPU, sufficient RAM, and a quality screen, you likely have a great gaming laptop. While some may prioritize a 4K display, the graphics processor is more crucial and should be the main focus when balancing costs.

One of the advantages of laptops is their portability, as noted by Lee who values the ability to take it anywhere. In the past, this could mean compromising performance, but modern laptops maintain both portability and power.

For more information on which Samsung Galaxy Book4 laptop suits your gaming needs, visit: samsung.com/uk/galaxy-book

© Intel Corporation. Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Safely Viewing the April Solar Eclipse: Tips on Using Eclipse Glasses and Identifying Key Features

Posted on by
Reply

Use special eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage

Gino Santa Maria/Shutterstock

Watching a total solar eclipse is an experience you’ll never forget, but if you don’t take the right precautions, it could end up for the wrong reasons. Looking directly at the sun can be dangerous, so read on to learn how to safely observe a solar eclipse and what you need to prepare in advance.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be visible to more than 42 million people across North America. The total path is only about 185 kilometers wide and touches Mexico, 13 U.S. states, and parts of Canada. Most people in North America will experience this phenomenon as a partial solar eclipse, rather than a total solar eclipse.

“For those outside the path of totality, the moon will never completely cover the sun,” he says. Jeff Todd At Prevent Blindness, a Chicago-based eye care advocacy group. No matter how you look at it, eye protection is essential.

“To avoid damaging your eyes, you should wear eclipse glasses throughout the eclipse,” says Todd. Otherwise, you risk burning your retina. This phenomenon, also known as “eclipse blindness,” can occur painlessly and can be permanent. It may take several days after seeing a solar eclipse before you realize something is wrong. Sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection. However, it is perfectly safe to wear eclipse glasses over your prescription glasses.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

The prize for those traveling the path of totality is seeing the sun’s corona with the naked eye. However, it is only visible for a short few minutes during totality. Otherwise, partial phases will be visible and must be observed through eclipse glasses. Todd says people on the path to totality should wear eclipse glasses at all times, except during totality, a brief period of darkness when the sun is completely hidden by the moon. “Only then can you take off your eclipse glasses,” he said.

It is important for those in the path of totality to use their naked eyes to view the Sun during a total solar eclipse. “You have to look without a protective filter, otherwise you won’t see anything,” he says. ralph chow At the University of Waterloo, Canada.

solar eclipse 2024

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse will pass over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our special series covers everything you need to know, from how and when to see a solar eclipse to the strangest solar eclipse experience of all time.

Just before totality ends, light from the Sun’s photosphere flows between the Moon’s peaks and valleys. Called Bailey beads, they appear for a few seconds and eventually become a flashing “diamond ring,” exposing enough of the sun’s photosphere for sunlight to return. “It gives us ample warning that it’s time to resume viewing partial solar eclipses with protective filters,” Chow said.

Which solar eclipse glasses should I buy?

It is important to wear eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard. ISO 12312-2 applies to products used for direct viewing of the sun. “Look for the ISO standard label and buy your glasses from a trusted source,” says Todd. “Get your glasses early in time for the eclipse.” Before you buy, make sure the company or brand is listed on the American Astronomical Society’s site. A vetted list of suppliers and resellers.

Do not use Eclipse glasses with binoculars or telescopes. If you want to use these instruments to observe a solar eclipse, you’ll need to attach a solar filter over the objective lens (the lens opposite the one you’re looking through). Never place solar filters or eclipse glasses between the telescope eye and the eyepiece or binocular eyecup.

Another way to safely view the eclipse is with a pinhole projector. This is a simple device that projects an image of the sun onto paper or cardboard through a small hole. An even easier method is to use a colander or a small hole in a spaghetti spoon. This projects a small crescent sun onto every surface.

topic:

  • solar eclipse/
  • solar eclipse 2024

Source: www.newscientist.com

Ensuring Optimal Brain Function: Tips for Peak Performance

Posted on by
Reply

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock k

Thomas Edison says: He held a steel ball in each hand as he prepared for a nap.. When he nodded, they would fall and wake him up so he could write down ideas that came to him in the moments just before sleep, when he believed he was most creative. But are there really specific times when our brains perform better? And more broadly, are we better at different kinds of thinking at different stages of life? If so, it's worth asking how you can make the most of these mental peaks and maximize your brain's capabilities.?

Edison's methods may have been unorthodox, but It turned out that he was onto somethingas Delphine Audinet It was discovered in 2021 by the Paris Brain Institute and colleagues. They gave 103 slightly sleep-deprived people a seemingly complex math problem that they could solve with simple creative insight. Participants who woke up immediately after falling asleep were almost three times more likely to take a creative leap and solve a problem than those who stayed awake throughout the experiment.

This knowledge may be useful if you are looking for inspiration. But if that's the memory you're trying to optimize, deep sleep is when your brain does the heavy lifting, accumulating new long-term memories from the day's experiences. To get the most out of this, you need plenty of sleep. Adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you are among them, A lot of people…

Source: www.newscientist.com

Millions at Risk Following ‘Super Saturday’ Scam: Science & Technology News Provides Tips

Posted on by
Reply

Millions of mobile phone users have been warned about possible text scams in the run-up to Christmas, reaching a peak today on what has been dubbed “Super Saturday.”

The BT-owned EE network says cybercriminals are trying to take advantage of the busy last-minute shopping season to carry out delivery-style scams that suggest packages are waiting to be dropped off or have been delayed. He said there is a possibility.

This technique tricks recipients into clicking a link that unknowingly installs malware (malicious software) or leads them to a phishing page designed to collect personal or financial data. There is likely to be.

EE said it had successfully blocked around 3 million SMS scams sent to customers’ mobile phones on this day last year.

The company expects to stop up to 5 million such scams this month. It also announced that it has blocked more than 45 million fraudulent texts so far in 2023.

EE said in a statement: “December’s most common SMS scams were delivery-related, as shoppers scrambled to organize their packages at the last minute in time for the holidays.”

“These include missed delivery or tracking text scams that prompt customers to click on a link that gives criminals the opening they need to steal consumer data and money.”

image:
Photo: Alamy

The company is urging consumers to be wary of scams, especially in the coming weeks, as the stress of preparing for the holidays can “impair your judgment and make you less alert.”

read more:
Booking.com customers warned of ‘well-designed scam’
Scammers’ tactics are becoming increasingly complex – here’s what to watch out for
UK launches charter to fight fraud, false advertising and romance scams

Johnny Bunt, director of regulation at BT Group’s consumer arm EE, said: “Super Saturday is set to be the busiest day of the year for mass retailers.”

“With deliveries piling up on doorsteps, scammers will be looking for ways to capitalize on the festive enthusiasm.

“As one of the UK’s front lines against SMS scam texts, we have a clear picture of the threat level here at BT and EE, and we have already seen an alarming spike in delivery fraud in particular.”

We’re sharing some tips to help you stay safe from scams.

• Never click on links in text from unknown sources.
• Trust your intuition. If something is questionable, there is probably a catch.
• Keep your device software up to date
• Never give out your bank account details, passwords, or security codes on linked websites.
• If you receive a call from your bank, consider calling back on the published number or using the 159 service.
• If someone calls you as scheduled, if in doubt, hang up and call back to a trusted number.
• If you receive a suspicious text, please forward the number and incident to 7726 toll-free for investigation by your mobile phone provider.
• Once reported, block the number and notify others about the scam to avoid falling victim to it.

Source: news.sky.com

FTC warns of increasing QR code scams – Tips to safeguard against them

Posted on by
Reply

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, codes have grown in popularity and their use in the form of paperless menus and invoices has skyrocketed. But the convenience and efficiency of scannable codes comes with threats. Users can easily fall victim to fraud. According to a report by Check Point cybersecurity experts: 587% increase In phishing, or “kissing,” the Federal Trade Commission is also warning consumers who may be putting their personal information at risk. Cybercriminals send legitimate codes (also known as “quick response” codes, traditionally seen as a mix of white and black pixels that direct the scanner to a website) by sending the scanner to a fake site. It can be hidden with a unique code that steals personal and private information. Install malware. Fake codes can be found in public places, such as parking meters, or sent via texts or emails claiming there was suspicious activity on your account or there was a problem with your package delivery. There is also. The coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in the use of codes, offering consumers a completely paperless way to view menus, pay bills, and fill out forms. adobe stock “We want you to scan a code and open a URL without thinking,” the FTC said. was warned about Wednesday’s blog post. To protect yourself, the FTC advised inspecting before opening them to make sure they haven’t been spoofed by misspellings or transposed characters. The agency also recommends not opening codes from unexpected communications (such as urgent messages indicating problems with your account), keeping your phone updated and enabling two-factor authentication. The FTC warned the public not to scan random codes and to be suspicious of unsolicited communications containing codes. adobe stock The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s September blog post also urged consumers to be skeptical and “suspicious” of codes that request login information after scanning, and further warned consumers not to scan codes that appear to have been “tampered with.” did.

Source: nypost.com

Give Your Proposal Materials a Refresh with These Tips

Posted on by
Reply

The holidays are in full swing. So when people go on vacation, they might start receiving auto-reply emails.

But don’t let a relatively quiet holiday stop you from fundraising. According to DocSend’s report on funding trends, young startups don’t seem to be getting as much attention. This means that they have been trying to attract investors’ attention without success. For example, investors are spending less time on the “product” and “business model” slides, and significantly more time on the “competitor” slides.

All articles on TechCrunch+ are available to members only.
Use discount code TC Plus Roundup Save 20% on a 1-year or 2-year subscription.

Now is the perfect time to brush up your pitch deck, practice your pitch, and be ready for when it starts again next year, writes resident pitch deck expert Haje Jan Kamps.

thank you for reading!

Karin

secondary, venture secondary,

Image credits: We/Getty Images

As I wrote last week, if startup IPOs pick up in 2024, as many predict, the secondary market could start to return to normal. But what are investors in the secondary venture market thinking now? One of the things venture reporter Rebecca Skutak found in her research is that LPs don’t actually want liquidity as much as you think.

Deep tech startups should use these 4 techniques when raising capital

Image credits: oxygen (Opens in new window) / Getty Images

Roman Axelrod, founder of smart contact lens maker XPANCEO, knows a thing or two about raising capital for deep technology startups. His company just raised a $40 million seed round. He offers his four tips on what to focus on when raising capital for his own deep tech business.

Why internal platforms can undermine your business strategy

Image credits: henrik sorensen (Opens in new window) / Getty Images

That’s natural. It’s better to build tools in-house than to buy or subscribe to them from a vendor. Having control over every aspect of your business reduces costs and even increases efficiency.

But not so soon, says Asanka Abeysinghe, CTO of WSO2. Having complete control over everything is an “illusion” and “leads organizations down a path full of unforeseen challenges and constraints.” What may seem like a comprehensive solution at first, quickly becomes can turn into a quagmire of rising costs, lack of focus, and suffocating complexity. ”

Get the TechCrunch+ Roundup newsletter in your inbox!

To receive TechCrunch+ Roundups via email every Tuesday and Friday, scroll down on this page, find the “Subscribe to Newsletter” section, select “TechCrunch+ Roundups,” enter your email, and click ” Click “Subscribe.”

Click here to subscribe

Startups need to master operations

Image credits: Lujan Nagiyev/Getty Images

“While technological innovation gets most of the glory, operational innovation is the next big leap for companies looking to gain a competitive edge,” writes Accelsius CEO Josh Claman. He offers some tips on how companies should think about innovation rather than improvement and excellence.

Source: techcrunch.com