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The Evolution of Generative AI: Meet OpenClaw
Since the launch of ChatGPT, Generative AI has transformed our digital landscape over the past three years. It has spurred a significant stock market boom, integrated into our search engines, and become an essential tool for hundreds of millions of users daily.
Despite its benefits, many still hesitate to use AI tools. But why? While asking AI for text, audio, images, and videos can save time, crafting the right prompts often becomes a burdensome task. Users still grapple with everyday chores like answering emails, booking appointments, and paying bills.
This is where AI’s true power lies; handling the mundane tasks. The promising concept of “agent AI” suggests that people desire an efficient, always-on assistant to tackle time-consuming tasks. The latest advancement in this field is OpenClaw.
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw, previously known as ClawdBot, is an AI agent poised to fulfill AI’s grand promises. Once granted access to your computer files, social media, and email accounts, it can efficiently complete various tasks. This capability is powered by Claude Code, a model released by the AI company Anthropic.
Developed by software engineer Peter Steinberger and launched in late November 2025, ClawdBot initially gained traction but was rebranded due to concerns from Anthropic. After temporarily adopting the name MoltBot, it is now officially known as OpenClaw. (Mr. Steinberger did not respond to multiple interview requests.)
How Does OpenClaw Work?
OpenClaw operates on your computer or a virtual private server and connects messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord to coding agents powered by models like Anthropic’s Claude. Users often opt for a high-performance device, like the Apple Mac Mini, to host OpenClaw for optimal speed. Due to increasing demand, some shops are reporting sold-out status.
Although it can run on older laptops, OpenClaw needs to stay operational 24/7 to execute your specified commands.
Commands are sent through your preferred messaging app, enabling a simple conversational interface. When you message OpenClaw, the AI agent interprets your prompt, generates, and executes commands on your machine. This can include tasks such as finding files, running scripts, editing documents, and automating browser activities. The results are succinctly summarized and sent back to you, creating an efficient communication loop akin to collaborating with a colleague.
How Can OpenClaw Help You?
OpenClaw serves as an all-in-one assistant for both personal and professional tasks. Users typically start by decluttering files on their devices before transferring the tech’s prowess to more complex responsibilities. Some users report utilizing it to manage busy WhatsApp groups by summarizing necessary information and filtering out the irrelevant.
Other practical applications include:
Comparing supplier prices to minimize household spending.
Automating web browser tasks for seamless transactions.
Facilitating restaurant reservations by calling venues directly.
Preparing initial drafts for presentations while you sleep.
What Are the Risks?
While OpenClaw’s capabilities shine brightest when granted extensive access, this convenience raises significant risks. Experts warn that users may overlook potential vulnerabilities. For instance, OpenClaw could be exposed to prompt injection attacks or hacking if hosted on insufficiently secured virtual servers. This means sensitive data could be compromised.
Alan Woodward, a cybersecurity professor at the University of Surrey, cautions, “I can’t believe people would allow unrestricted access to sensitive software, including email and calendars.”
White hat hackers have already identified several security flaws in OpenClaw, raising concerns about the hands-off approach many users prefer, which simultaneously invites substantial risk.
Is This the Future of AI?
OpenClaw has recently launched its own social network, Moltbook, enabling its AI agents to interact and share insights. While humans can observe, they cannot engage directly in discussions, prompting fears about progression toward artificial general intelligence (AGI), potentially matching or exceeding human capabilities.
As we navigate this new realm, it’s vital to consider the implications of relinquishing extensive data access to AI agents. We may be standing on the brink of a new AI era—an agent capable of managing your life efficiently, if you’re prepared to grant it free access and relinquish control. It’s a thrilling yet daunting prospect.
Ozempic is a well-known name, primarily approved for diabetes treatment in the UK and US, yet it is commonly prescribed ‘off-label’ for weight loss. This medication has essentially become synonymous with a groundbreaking new category of weight loss drugs.
Injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Rybelsus, and Saxenda can facilitate significant weight loss, approaching 20% of a person’s body weight in certain individuals.
Now, the next generation of weight loss solutions has arrived, and they are available in pill form.
The debut of these tablets occurred in the United States, with Novo Nordisk (the producer of Ozempic) launching Wegovy tablets on January 5, 2026. Their quick rise in popularity resulted in over 18,000 new prescriptions issued in the first week alone.
But Wegovy won’t stand alone for long. Eli Lilly’s competing drug, orforglipron, is projected to gain FDA approval this spring, and several alternatives are in development.
(Currently, these tablets are not available in the UK; however, UK policies are anticipated to follow the FDA’s example.)
The mechanism of these tablets mirrors that of injectables. The active compounds, known as “incretins” (like Wegovy’s semaglutide and Mounjaro’s tirzepatide), deceive the body into feeling full by imitating natural satiety hormones.
As digestion slows down, you naturally consume less, leading to weight loss. Don’t let hunger hinder your journey to success.
Now available in pill form, this medication promises similar life-altering effects and protection against obesity-related illnesses, all while being more affordable than ever.
Is it too good to be true? Experts caution that while the pill presents notable risks, it also brings substantial benefits.
Read more:
Can Weight Loss Drugs Transform the Landscape of Treatment?
These tablets could signify a new chapter in the management of obesity, providing broader access to life-altering healthcare.
“Not everyone prefers injectable medications,” states Dr. Simon Cork, a senior lecturer in appetite and weight regulation at Anglia Ruskin University in the UK. “Injections can be uncomfortable for many patients, making oral administration a more appealing option.”
Besides comfort, switching from injections to pills could massively reduce monthly costs. Those using weight loss drugs today often spend hundreds of dollars each month on injections.
Weight loss pills can be stored at room temperature in standard pill blister packs, making them more accessible – Credit: Getty Images
Thanks to the absence of needles and refrigeration needs, these pills can be produced and distributed at lower costs, providing weight loss solutions to millions who previously faced exorbitant prices.
“Overall, these pills are expected to be significantly more affordable than current injection therapies,” says Cork.
This trend is already visible in the US, where Wegovy pens are priced at $349 (approximately £250) per month, whereas Wegovy tablets retail for $149 (around £110).
In the UK, nearly 95% of incretin users incur high private fees. According to Professor Giles Yeo from the University of Cambridge, the NHS often cannot prescribe these expensive medications to all patients who need them.
“Patients may need to maintain these drugs for extended periods, which exacerbates the financial barrier, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds most susceptible to obesity,” Cork noted. “I hope that these oral medications will democratize access.”
Addressing Long-Term Challenges
However, these drugs may not be the most effective options, even as their availability increases.
Incretins tend to offer lower efficacy in pill form. Injectable Wegovy has demonstrated a capacity to help users lose 15% of body weight after 68 weeks, while Wegovy tablets showed only 13.6% weight loss across 64 weeks.
The efficacy of pills may not match that of modern injected solutions. Retatortide, still in development, has shown results of 24% body weight reduction in just 48 weeks.
Administering these drugs through pills poses inherent challenges. Oral medications must traverse the stomach and liver before entering circulation, resulting in the manufacturer needing to increase the amount of active ingredient to achieve desired outcomes.
Consequently, weight loss results from pills may not be as rapid as from injections. Nevertheless, a significant complaint regarding injections—that discontinuing them often leads to weight regain—may see improvement.
A 2022 study revealed that participants who halted Wegovy injections regained up to two-thirds of their lost weight within one year.
The emergence of the pill could provide a solution. A recent study, the Eli Lilly ATTAIN-MAINTAIN Trial, showed that Orforglipron tablets helped participants stabilize their weight after stopping injectable therapy.
“Many might rely on these medications to maintain weight loss,” Yeo suggests.
Cork adds, “Injectables can be utilized for optimal weight loss, and pills can help maintain this weight affordably.”
Most incretins mimic the natural satiety hormone GLP-1, but new treatments are targeting multiple hormones for enhanced effectiveness – Credit: Getty Images
The Risks and Concerns of the Pill Revolution
While these drugs possess the potential to catalyze significant positive change, their widespread availability also raises risks for vulnerable populations.
“The major danger is these drugs entering the wrong hands,” warns Yeo. “Since there’s no weight limit to how these drugs might impact individuals, a 300-pound person aiming to lose 50 pounds could utilize it as well as a 16-year-old girl weighing 75 pounds.”
“Pills can easily be trafficked, making them accessible to anyone. It’s essential to establish strict regulations around their distribution,” he urges.
Cork shares concerns over side effects. Incretins can provoke various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Clinical trials found that three-quarters of participants experienced digestive issues.
Moreover, there are rare but serious risks such as pancreatitis, gallstones, and gastroparesis. Additionally, interactions with other medications, including contraceptives, could affect their efficacy.
“The risk of pancreatitis is low, around 1%,” Cork notes. “But with millions potentially using these drugs, this risk becomes concerning without appropriate oversight.”
Though these warnings are sobering, they remain speculative. The actual impact of these drugs is still uncertain.
“2026 is poised to be a crucial year in understanding the efficacy, prevalence, and applications of these medications,” Yeo concludes. “Time will tell how things unfold.”
Credit: Dr. Gavin Leroy/Professor Richard Massey/COSMOS-Webb Collaboration
In a groundbreaking study, scientists leveraged subtle distortions in the shapes of over 250,000 galaxies to construct the most detailed dark matter map to date, paving the way for insights into some of the universe’s greatest enigmas.
Dark matter, elusive by nature, does not emit any detectable light. Its existence can only be inferred through its gravitational interactions with normal matter. Researchers, including Jacqueline McCreary from Northeastern University, utilized the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to map a region of the sky larger than the full moon.
“This high-resolution image depicts the scaffold of a small segment of the universe,” noted McCreary. The new map boasts double the resolution of previous ones created by the Hubble Space Telescope, encompassing structures much farther away.
The researchers studied approximately 250,000 galaxies, noting that their shapes, while interesting, serve primarily as a backdrop for understanding gravitational distortions. As Liliya Williams from the University of Minnesota explained, “These galaxies merely act as the universe’s wallpaper.” The critical component is the way dark matter’s gravitational pull warps the light from these distant galaxies—a phenomenon known as gravitational lensing. The more distorted the shape of these galaxies is from a perfect circle, the greater the amount of dark matter situated between us and them.
By analyzing these optical distortions, the team was able to derive a map illustrating massive galaxy clusters and the cosmic web filaments linking them. Many of these newly identified structures deviate from prior observations of luminous matter, suggesting they are predominantly composed of dark matter. “Gravitational lensing is one of the few and most effective techniques for detecting these structures across vast regions,” Williams stated.
This research is significant, considering that dark matter constitutes about 85% of the universe’s total matter, crucial for the formation and evolution of galaxies and clusters. Understanding its distribution could shed light on its behavior and composition, according to Williams.
“This achievement is not just observational but also paves the way for various analyses, including constraints on cosmological parameters, the relationship between galaxies and their dark matter halos, and their growth and evolution over time,” McCreary highlighted. These parameters include the strength of dark energy, the enigmatic force driving the universe’s accelerating expansion.
While initial findings from the JWST map align with the Lambda CDM model of the universe, McCreary emphasizes that a thorough analysis of the data is still required to unearth new insights. “At first glance, it appears consistent with Lambda CDM, but I remain cautious. A final assessment will depend on complete results.”
Everyone has secrets to protect. In today’s digital age, whether safeguarding personal messages, business communications, or confidential state information, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) offers essential security and peace of mind.
E2EE ensures that your communications remain private from internet service providers and the operators of messaging or video conferencing applications. Messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted by the recipient, making them unreadable to unauthorized parties while in transit. This prevents access by any entity, including law enforcement or corporate insiders.
Digital encryption is rooted in robust mathematics rather than mere assurances. The RSA algorithm, introduced in 1977, pioneered modern encryption by relying on the complexity of factoring large numbers into their prime components. Since then, various algorithms have emerged, utilizing intricate mathematics to enhance cryptographic security.
The true strength of E2EE lies not just in its technical implementation, but in how it upholds democracy and human rights across the globe. As Matthew Feeney from the UK privacy group Big Brother Watch states, “There are individuals in perilous regions depending on encryption to preserve their lives.” Additionally, even in recognized democracies, freedom is vulnerable. Feeney warns that those who claim “I have nothing to hide” should take heed of history’s lessons.
Many governments view E2EE unfavorably because it blocks surveillance, similar to how postal services safeguard letters. Notably, UK governments have attempted to ban E2EE; most recently, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reversed a controversial request for a backdoor into Apple following a public outcry.
Feeney acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the potential for E2EE to be compromised, as intelligence agencies typically do not disclose their capabilities. Concerns loom regarding the advent of quantum computing, which may soon breach current encryption algorithms. However, cryptography continues to evolve, with emerging mathematical solutions challenging outdated algorithms. “Governments may wield power, but they can’t override the laws of mathematics,” Feeney asserts.
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The Mediterranean diet is widely regarded as the ultimate in healthy eating. Rich in fiber, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, and moderate fish consumption, this diet is low in meat and dairy, making it both delicious and beneficial for health and the environment. As Luigi Fontana from the University of Sydney highlights, “Not only is it healthy, but it’s also very tasty.”
Supported by extensive research, unlike transient diet fads, the Mediterranean diet has been celebrated for over 21 years. This longevity stems from a series of randomized controlled trials that established its status as a nutritional gold standard.
In the 1940s, physiologist Ansel Keys advocated that the Mediterranean diet significantly lowers heart disease risk, primarily due to its low levels of saturated fat from meat and dairy, which are known to contribute to cholesterol buildup.
Keys, along with his wife Margaret, a nutritionist, conducted pioneering research comparing diet and heart health across seven countries. Their findings suggest that those following the Mediterranean diet enjoyed a markedly lower risk of heart disease, although external factors like income levels weren’t accounted for.
The most compelling evidence was presented in 1999. In this study, participants with prior heart attacks were assigned to either a Mediterranean diet or a low-fat diet, demonstrating that the former significantly reduced the risk of both stroke and subsequent heart attacks.
This breakthrough set the stage for a transformative shift in our dietary understanding over the next 25 years. Since 2000, multiple randomized controlled trials have confirmed the cardiovascular benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Further research links this eating pattern to diminished risks of infectious diseases, breast cancer, slower cognitive decline, and enhanced IVF success rates, although further investigation remains essential. “Eating a Mediterranean diet reduces your risk of developing multiple chronic diseases,” Fontana emphasizes.
Insights into the diet’s effectiveness point to the importance of fiber and extra virgin olive oil, which are believed to foster beneficial gut bacteria and mitigate harmful inflammation. “Many chronic diseases arise from inflammation, making the Mediterranean diet particularly advantageous,” states Richard Hoffman at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Furthermore, adopting the Mediterranean diet benefits the environment. With meat and dairy production accounting for about 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to a diet rich in legumes and vegetables significantly reduces this impact. As global temperatures rise, it is imperative to move away from diet trends and embrace these time-honored culinary practices.
Satellite image of Antarctic iceberg A23a displaying meltwater on its surface
NASA
The Antarctic iceberg A23a, comparable in size to a city, is experiencing an alarming build-up of meltwater on its surface, signaling potential fragmentation.
Researchers are captivated by the massive A23a iceberg due to its unique ability to collect and retain meltwater.
Satellite visuals reveal a distinctive raised ice rim encircling the entire cliff-edge of this slab-like iceberg, giving it an intriguing resemblance to an oversized playground. This pooling region spans approximately 800 square kilometers, larger than the city of Chicago.
In several areas, the meltwater appears deep and brilliantly blue, indicating depths of several meters. The total volume of water on A23a is estimated to be in the billions of liters, enough to fill thousands of Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Douglas MacAyeal from the University of Chicago explains that this rim effect is a typical phenomenon observed in the world’s largest icebergs.
“My hypothesis is that the edges curve downward from the nose, forming an arched dam that retains snowmelt,” he states. “This curvature likely results from a combination of wave undercutting and melting ice, as well as the inherent flexibility of vertical ice cliffs.”
The streaks of water visible in the satellite images indicate remnants of past ice flow when these icebergs were still attached to the Antarctic coast, he noted.
Image of iceberg A23-A captured from the ISS on December 27, 2025
NASA
A23a dates back to 1986 and originated from the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf, initially being over five times its current size. It once held the distinction of being the largest iceberg on Earth.
In recent years, A23a has drifted north into increasingly warmer waters, leading to its gradual fragmentation. The substantial volume of surface meltwater can ultimately contribute to its collapse. “Should that water seep into its fractures and subsequently refreeze, it will effectively split the iceberg,” remarks Mike Meredith from the British Antarctic Survey.
He contends that the iceberg can deteriorate unexpectedly within a matter of days.
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Wondering who actually uses gift guides these days? You know your loved ones better than anyone else. Are you aiming to give a meaningful gift? Take a moment to reflect.
Instead of stressing over pointless suggestions, I decided to create a curated list just for you.
This season, let’s explore innovative tech that fulfills real wants and perhaps some whimsical desires, making you feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
Nike Alphafly 3 Eliud Kipchoge Edition
A fresh year brings fresh resolutions to stay fit. If I’m asking Santa for the ultimate running shoes, I want them to feel like a secret edge.
These “super trainers” are so advanced that they might even be disqualified at official races. When their namesake ran a sub-two-hour marathon wearing them, they didn’t qualify for record status!
They work like Go Go Gadget’s spring shoes, absorbing impact from your foot and adding a delightful rebound to your stride.
“How much should I spend on a kettle?” is not a question I thought I’d ponder in middle age. I’d rather be deciding between a Lambo or a Ferrari!
Sadly, that’s not the case. I find myself defending a nearly £120 investment on a kettle to my partner.
Bermuda focuses on everyday gadgets that strive for perfection. They describe their kettle as quiet, precise, and delivering a “refined experience from the first boil to the last pour.” That might sound like marketing jargon, but it seems essential for a pleasant morning routine.
Each time I leave the doctor’s office without diabetes or high cholesterol, I feel like I’ve won a prize. But eating ice cream at home, whenever I want? That’s a risky treat!
Yet, if my jolly benefactor were to deliver it, I’d be eager to whip up some delicious bread-and-butter pudding-flavored ice cream.
The CREAMi transforms any liquid you pour into it into ice cream within 24 hours. It also makes milkshakes, sorbets, and Slurpees. How about a daiquiri?
The Super73 bike is visually striking; my only worry is looking silly riding it—like a gorilla on a tricycle!
This electric bike boasts suspension, durable tires, a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph), and a range of 64 to 120 km (approximately 40 to 75 miles). Plus, it even has a cup holder!
After adopting a fluffy dog, my home is a constant battle against her shedding!
Now, a $200 down payment and $500 monthly subscription don’t seem so unreasonable to keep it furry-free. This eerie humanoid robot will vacuum your home, making life easier.
However, having read my Asimov, I do worry about what happens next.
“Why do we need a hair dryer?” my partner asks. While my hair may be thinning, beauty remains essential.
Recently, I learned that drying hair improperly can cause damage. My hair needs all the help it can get!
Experts recommend drying hair on low heat from a distance, ideally with a diffuser attachment.
While many dryers can accomplish this, the Dyson stands out with its airflow sensors, temperature monitors, and RFID chip for attachment performance adjustment. Perfect for achieving various styles!
Greetings! Welcome to TechScape. I’m your host, Blake Montgomery, reaching out from Barcelona where my culinary adventures have, quite humorously, turned half of me into ham.
Who will lead the self-driving car industry?
The global rollout of self-driving cars is on the horizon. Next year, leading companies from the United States and China plan to expand their operations considerably and introduce robotaxis in major cities worldwide. These firms are akin to male birds strutting to attract a mate, setting the stage for upcoming worldwide rivalries.
On the U.S. front, we have Waymo, the autonomous vehicle initiative by Google. Over the last 15 years, it has invested billions into Waymo. After extensive testing, the company launched its robotaxi service for the public in San Francisco in June 2024, and has since expanded significantly. Waymo vehicles are now a common sight in most parts of Los Angeles, with introductions planned for Washington, D.C., New York City, and London next year.
On November 2nd, Chinese tech giant Baidu lodged a complaint against Google. Baidu claimed its autonomous vehicle division, Apollo Go, conducts 250,000 rides weekly, matching Waymo’s performance. Waymo recently hit a major milestone in the spring.
Most electric vehicles in China are priced significantly lower than their American counterparts, even without self-driving capabilities. Experts estimate that a single Waymo vehicle costs hundreds of thousands to manufacture, though exact figures remain unclear. “The hardware costs for our vehicles are much less than Waymo’s,” declared the CFO of Pony AI, a leading Chinese self-driving firm, to the WSJ.
To recoup its billion-dollar investment in Waymo, Google must persuade potential customers of its superior quality.
Google is highlighting transparency as a distinguishing factor. Much less data is accessible regarding Baidu’s vehicles, raising concerns about their safety records. Baidu asserts that its vehicles have amassed millions of miles without “a single major accident.” Google referenced this in a statement, posing a question about the extent to which the success of Chinese self-driving companies has been communicated to U.S. transportation authorities, as noted by the Wall Street Journal.
However, Apollo Go, which has unlocked taxis in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is not Waymo’s only contender, as Gulf nations pursue diverse tech partnerships. Wheels from WeRide, another Chinese autonomous vehicle company, have made their way to the UAE and Singapore. All major players in the Chinese market are pursuing expansion into Europe, according to Reuters. Vehicles built by Momenta and deployed by Uber are slated to begin operations in Germany by 2026. WeRide, Baidu, and Pony AI are also gearing up to introduce robotaxi services in various European locations soon, leading to many more people encountering self-driving cars in their everyday lives.
Initially, the primary question concerning self-driving cars was: can we create a working vehicle? Now, the focus has shifted to: who will dominate the market?
Read more: Driving competition: Chinese automakers race to take over European roads
This Week in AI
Elon Musk’s loyal supporters push his wealth to $1 trillion
Martin Lawson discusses Elon Musk’s new compensation package. Illustration: Martin Rowson/The Guardian
Tesla’s recent performance has been lackluster. The looming end of the U.S. electric vehicle tax credit has resulted in a surge of buyers at dealerships over the past few months, yet the company reported a 37% drop in profits in late October. This decline adds to a series of challenges facing EV manufacturers.
In spite of Tesla’s struggles, shareholders voted in favor of a plan to compensate Elon Musk $1 trillion over the next decade, contingent on his ability to elevate Tesla’s valuation from $1.4 trillion to $8.5 trillion. Should he succeed in this and other objectives, it would mark the largest reward in the company’s history.
The results of the vote were revealed during the company’s annual shareholder meeting in Austin, Texas, where more than 75% of investors backed the proposal. Enthusiastic chants of “Elon” filled the room following the announcement.
Musk has been associated with Tesla for a decade through this pay structure, yet his attention has rarely been confined to just one venture. He has remained deeply involved in politics. My colleague Nick Robbins Early details how Musk has aligned himself with the international far-right:
Since his departure from the Trump administration, Musk’s political endeavors have included wielding social media as a platform to influence the New York mayoral election and orchestrating a right-wing, AI-generated alternative to Wikipedia. He has expressed concerns over a “homeless industrial complex” of nonprofits purportedly harming California and declared that “white pride should be acceptable.” On X, he stated that Britain is on the brink of civil war and warned of the collapse of Western civilization.
The social and economic repercussions stemming from Musk’s political stance have not deterred his public support for the far right, and he has increasingly showcased these affiliations, all while maintaining in his characteristic obstinacy that being branded a racist or extremist is of no consequence to him.
Read more: How Tesla shareholders’rewarded Elon Musk towards becoming the world’s first trillionaire
Can you take on the data center?
Google data center located in Santiago. Photo: Rodrigo Arangua/AFP/Getty Images
The data centers fueling the AI revolution are truly colossal. Their financial scope, physical dimensions, and vast datasets encompass all, making the idea of halting their construction seem counterintuitive amid ongoing developments. Silicon Valley’s leading firms are investing hundreds of billions at a rapid pace.
Yet, as data centers expand, resistance is mounting in the United States, the UK, and Latin America, where these facilities are rising in some of the most arid regions globally. Local opposition typically centers on the environmental repercussions and resource use of such monumental constructions.
Paz Peña, a researcher and fellow at the Mozilla Foundation, focuses on the social and environmental effects of data center technology in Latin America. She shared insights with the Guardian at the Mozilla Festival in Barcelona on how communities in Latin America are filing lawsuits to extract information from governments and corporations that prefer to keep it hidden. This dialogue has been condensed for brevity and clarity.
Read my Q&A with Paz Peña here.
Read more: “Cities that draw the line”: A community in Arizona fights against massive data centers
Year: The Oxford English Dictionary featured lol for the first time in 1997.
Don’t confuse: LOL, as in what dogs might do at times.
Is it similar to “laugh out loud”? Yes, but David Cameron once thought it meant “a lot of love,” leading to a big laugh with former Sun and News of the World editor Rebecca Brooks.
I find his comical blunders hilarious. You probably shouldn’t.
Why not? Because those who still smile aren’t considered cool.
Is laughing out loud now forbidden? Yes, using LOL in texts or WhatsApp is no longer in vogue.
Who claims this? According to Gen Z, a Sky Mobile survey revealed that 26% of 18 to 28-year-olds feel offended by “LOL” in messages, making it their second biggest grievance.
What tops the list? Ix’s? A bland response. Closely related is the impatient “??” that appears when one doesn’t get an instant reply to their initial message. Interestingly, 79% admitted to ignoring such messages.
It’s as if I despise myself! In reality, 61% said they feel embarrassed by their texting habits.
I’d probably opt for something simple like a good emoji, just to be safe 👍 However, that often feels off-putting. Likewise, the unsightly monkey 🙈, the awkward grimace 😬, and the happy poop 💩.
Eh! What about the tears of joy emoji 😂? Instead of laughter, is that also passe? It seems to be favored by older generations. Gen Z (and younger) often prefer sending a skull 💀 or a coffin ⚰️.
So die together in sorrow, instead of sharing laughter? That’s correct.
What’s the deal with abbreviations like “hru” and “wyd”? As for me? I’m doing fine. And I’m probably ignoring those queries.
Ruri? Seriously. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology indicates that while abbreviations may save time for senders, they can be perceived as insincere by recipients. It’s a bother for people of all ages and genders.
Goodness, it’s intricate! Keeping up is tough, isn’t it? Believe me, it’s true. There is an ABC News video showcasing children expressing discomfort to their teachers.
“Cringe” is indeed cringe-worthy! And “ick” will likely leave them unsettled.
Are any of these phrases meaningful? I hope individuals can perceive beyond texts and emojisto see the real person.Let’s hope for that! Referring back to the Sky Mobile research, 58% of Gen Z confessed to pondering a breakup because they felt their partner had poor texting manners. Who’s laughing now?
The most powerful and impressive Apple Watch returns for its third generation. Now featuring a larger display, extended battery life, and satellite messaging capabilities to help you stay connected, even in remote areas.
The Ultra 3 is Apple’s response to adventure watches such as Garmin’s Fenix 8 Pro, but it doubles as a comprehensive smartwatch for your iPhone, complete with all essential features. Priced at £749 (€899/$799/AU$1,399), it’s £50 less than the 2023 variant, yet pricier than the Series 11 starting at £369 and the Watch SE 3 at £219.
At first glance, the Ultra 3 doesn’t appear markedly different from its predecessor released two years ago. Available in natural or black titanium, it maintains the same dimensions but now boasts a slightly larger display with reduced bezels, affirming its status as the largest Apple Watch yet.
The screen presents greater brightness at various angles, enhancing visibility at a glance, and displays a ticking seconds feature when idle, much like the Series 10 and 11. It’s exceptionally bright, shielded by ultra-durable sapphire glass, and ranks among the finest screens available on a wearable.
The robust crown and reinforced side buttons minimize accidental touches during workouts and are user-friendly even with gloves on. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Equipped with the same S10 chip as the Series 11, the Ultra 3 incorporates excellent touch-free gestures. A double-tap of your thumb and index finger can activate buttons or scroll, while swiftly releasing your wrist and returning it dismisses an alarm or notification or goes back to the watch face.
Apple has successfully integrated a 6% larger battery into the Ultra 3, allowing over three days of usage in typical conditions, including overnight sleep monitoring. Most users will find a recharge necessary every three nights. This represents a full day longer than other Apple Watch variants, though it still lags behind adventure-watch competitors like Garmin that offer week-long battery life.
A full charge is achievable in about two hours, and it reaches 50% within 30 minutes using the included USB-C magnetic charging cable.
Satellite and 5G
If you subscribe to a compatible phone plan, your watch can leverage 5G, greatly enhancing mobile connectivity in areas with weak 4G signals. Apple has also introduced complimentary satellite SOS messaging from your iPhone to the Ultra 3, enabling emergency text communications via satellite, even without cellular service. Satellite usage is also available for “Find My location” tracking and messaging to friends, although this feature is limited to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and both require an eligible cellular data plan.
The Ultra 3 operates on the latest watchOS 26 software like the Series 11 and other Apple Watches, featuring a refreshed design with new watch faces. Moreover, the Ultra 3 showcases a captivating new Waypoint watch face that includes a live compass displaying surrounding points of interest. This face adds to several other information-rich Ultra-exclusive designs, including Wayfinder and Modular Ultra.
A collection of Ultra 3 watch faces, including the new Exactograph (top left), Waypoint (top-center), Flux (top right), and an always-on off-angle display. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, UWB, satellite, optional 5G/eSIM
Top-Notch Sports and Health Tracking
A domed sapphire glass sensor array on the back captures most health metrics and fits snugly on your wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Ultra encompasses the same extensive health and fitness tracking capabilities found in standard Apple Watches, including rich heart monitoring features, ECG, abnormal rhythm alerts, blood oxygen tracking, and a new high blood pressure warning that assesses readings over 30 days.
It introduces Apple’s innovative Sleep Score metric for easily interpreting your tracked sleep, wrist temperature monitoring, cycle tracking with ovulation prediction, and more functionalities.
Ultra enhances typical Apple Watch workout tracking in several notable ways. An extra action button allows immediate workout initiation, and unlike other Apple models, you can delay until GPS has locked before pressing it a second time to begin your workout.
The Precision Start feature, exclusive to the Ultra, is anticipated to also be integrated into standard Apple Watches. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Notably, its dual-band GPS system enhances tracking precision in challenging environments, such as urban areas with tall buildings or dense forests. This feature, found in premium running watches, has shown marked improvement since the first Ultra, establishing it as one of the most accurate timepieces available, often matching or surpassing the best performers in urban GPS assessments.
It tracks an array of metrics including running power and dynamics, training load, heart rate zones, and more, alongside conventional stats like distance, pace, and cadence. The Ultra can store structured workouts such as interval training and features an excellent track detection mode for laps. It’s equally effective in cycling, swimming, triathlons, and supports diving up to 40 meters along with more than 22 other activity types.
Brilliant orange action buttons can be customized for various functions, including workouts, torches, stopwatches, voice memos, and more. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Combined with a large, bright display, it offers a commendable 11-14 hour battery life during high-accuracy run tracking, making the Ultra 3 a surprisingly effective sports watch.
Ultra also offers new features like Apple’s Workout Buddy AI Coach for walking, running, hiking, cycling, and various training workouts, providing both pre- and post-activity encouragement through Bluetooth headphones. However, you will need to carry an iPhone 15 Pro or later model for this functionality.
Sustainability
Apple states that the battery can endure over 1,000 full charge cycles while retaining at least 80% of its original capacity and is replaceable for £95. Repair costs for damage amount to £489.
This watch incorporates over 40% recycled materials, including cobalt, copper, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, titanium, and tungsten. Apple provides device trade-ins and free recycling services, along with a report detailing the environmental impact of its watches.
Price
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is available in two colors and various bands, starting at £749 (€899/$799/AU$1,399).
Verdict
The Ultra 3 is the largest and most potent Apple Watch available, but enhancements over previous variants are minimal.
Aside from the satellite SOS messaging, which may truly prove vital in emergencies, the rest of the features chiefly improve upon the Ultra 2.
Nonetheless, the longer battery life is a much-appreciated upgrade, and the increase in screen size and brightness on the same watch frame is fantastic. The new software capabilities are impressive, particularly the flick-through-list gesture for clearing notifications, representing one of the best recent upgrades to the Apple Watch.
The Ultra remains a unique option compared to other models; if you desire a less common Apple Watch, this is the right choice for you. However, those in search of a high-end, specialist sports watch might prefer alternatives like Garmin. Yet, the Ultra 3 boasts all the qualities of an excellent smartwatch compatible with your iPhone while serving effectively as a training companion, provided it is charged frequently.
The Ultra 3 stands tall as the premier Apple Watch, though significant upgrades from earlier Ultra models are generally absent.
Pros: Exceptional display, durable yet elegant design, double-tap and wrist-flick gestures, three-day battery life, 5G and satellite SOS/messaging capabilities, top-tier health monitoring, excellent activity tracking with dual-band GPS, customizable action buttons, 100m water resistance, 40m dive support, and sustained software updates.
Cons: Quite costly, only compatible with iPhones, and lacks the ability to support third-party watch faces. The previous Ultra model offers no major enhancements and does not match the battery longevity of rival adventure watches.
The Ultra 3 is a sizable Apple Watch, yet remains more compact than competing adventure watches, making it easier to fit beneath your cuff. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The iPhone Air represents a stunning blend of technology and design, prompting the question, “What sacrifices are you ready to make for an ultra-lightweight, sleek device?”
More than just a marvel of engineering, the Air signifies a minimalist approach, condensing the iPhone experience into a premium chassis with essential features.
By eliminating the rear camera, reducing battery size, and forgoing stereo speakers while maximizing screen real estate, what remains is a striking combination of titanium and glass.
The cost reflects this craftsmanship. Priced at £999 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,799), the iPhone Air sits between the standard iPhone 17 at £799 and the £1,099 17 Pro variant.
The sleek design is subtly disrupted by a raised camera lens, adding to the phone’s overall thickness of around 11.3mm, reminiscent of Google’s Pixel series. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Images alone fail to showcase the Air’s beauty. Upon handling it, one immediately recognizes it as something unique. The slender 5.64 mm frame feels even lighter due to its rounded edges, making it 12 g lighter than the already featherweight iPhone 17.
The glass rear constitutes the majority of the phone’s structure, while the remainder houses the battery. Traditional iPhone buttons, including those for camera control and actions, line the sides. The top features only the ear speaker. While adequate, you’ll find the absence of stereo sound disappointing during video playback—especially since the 6.5-inch screen delivers a crisp and vibrant viewing experience.
Functionally, the Air operates like any contemporary iPhone. It features a glass-like aesthetic, runs iOS 26, offers all standard apps, includes Face ID, and boasts a highly responsive interface. However, it has a notable drawback: the iPhone Air lacks a nano SIM card tray, operating solely on eSim. In the U.S., Apple has only supported eSim since the iPhone 14, while earlier models sold in other regions included nano SIM slots.
The profiling of the phone’s edges is only marginally thicker than the buttons themselves. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Most major networks in the UK now support eSim; however, experiences with setup and transitions between devices can vary, especially among budget providers. Mobile network companies must enhance their eSim services to ensure wider accessibility.
Specifications
Screen: 6.5 inch Super Retina XDR (120Hz OLED) (460ppi)
The Air takes approximately 105 minutes to charge fully, reaching 60% within 35 minutes using a 20W or higher USB-C power adapter (sold separately). Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Air is equipped with the same A19 Pro chip found in the iPhone 17 Pro, though it contains one less GPU core—resulting in somewhat slower performance during gaming and graphics-intensive activities. For routine tasks, it feels swift, yet the camera protrusions can cause it to warm up noticeably when under strain.
The reduced battery capacity marks a significant trade-off for the Air’s thin profile, despite much of the structure being allocated for the battery. Battery life is less than other iPhones, but surprisingly adequate. A moderate day with 5 hours of usage for browsing and video streaming on Wi-Fi saw the Air comfortably last 40 hours between charges.
A Qi2 or MagSafe magnetic wireless charger, like the Twelve South Power Bug, could significantly enhance daily usage of the Air. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
On more hectic days filled with photography, 5G navigation, music streaming, messaging, and videos, the Air maintained about 30 hours of life, ending the day with around 25% of the battery remaining. A full overnight charge should suffice for most daily demands, but those heavily into gaming or intense tasks might find themselves requiring low-power mode.
Sustainability
The sleek design of the Air includes a replaceable battery that may require changing after about 1,000 charge cycles. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Air comprises over 35% recycled materials, including aluminum, cobalt, gold, lithium, rare earth elements, steel, tin, titanium, and tungsten. Apple outlines the environmental implications of mobile devices in its annual report, and offers trade-in and complimentary recycling options, even for non-Apple products.
Camera
While functioning like other iPhone cameras, the Air is somewhat limited due to the absence of ultra-wide and telephoto options. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The camera represents a significant compromise. It features a single 48MP camera at the back and an upgraded 18MP selfie camera at the front, using Center Stage technology from the iPhone 17 series.
The primary camera parallels that of the standard iPhone 17 rather than the larger sensor of the 17 Pro, yet it delivers commendable performance. It captures impressive photos and videos in good lighting and handles dim indoor environments reasonably well. At times the images may appear soft and grainy. While it doesn’t often win awards, it typically produces satisfactory photos. A 2x crop zoom is available, excellent for brightly lit scenes, but further zooming reveals the downsides of a digital zoom—textures and distant subjects tend to lose clarity.
The Air’s zoom capacity is satisfactory in bright conditions, but is prone to detail loss when focusing on further objects. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The absence of ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities restricts creative options for photography. The only other iPhone model with a single rear camera is the more budget-friendly iPhone 16e.
The 18MP front camera dynamically pans and zooms to capture group shots, allowing you to take landscape selfies without rotating your device. This feature is particularly useful. Moreover, it enables simultaneous video recording from both the front and rear cameras, placing you in the frame within a small window.
Price
The iPhone Air starts at £999 (€1,199/$999/AU$1,799) and includes 256GB of storage.
For perspective, the iPhone 16e comes in at £599, the iPhone 17 at £799, the iPhone 17 Pro at £1,099, the 17 Pro Max at £1,199, and the Google Pixel 10 retails for £1,199. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge sells for £899 and the Fairphone 6 is priced at £899, with the Fairphone 6 available for £499.
Verdict
The iPhone Air is a notable design that effectively addresses a specific need. Many have wished that contemporary smartphones would focus on being thinner rather than just emphasizing battery life or camera quality.
The remarkably thin design feels distinctive at first, but the novelty quickly diminishes. Similar to Samsung’s equally slender Galaxy S25 Edge, the primary advantage lies in reducing weight, enhancing comfort during use and storage. Despite its expansive screen, the Air remains compact and easy to carry.
Battery longevity exceeds expectations; while it performs adequately on most days, it might not hold up as well over several years. Apple offers a smart MagSafe battery that can increase its capacity by an additional 65%. However, using it can compromise the device’s thin, lightweight advantages, as would placing it in a case.
A significant limitation is the sole rear camera; the absence of ultra-wide and telephoto features can be restricting for users who rely on their phones for photography.
If you’re an Apple enthusiast seeking a slim, eye-catching device that’s easy to maneuver, the iPhone Air is a remarkable option. Otherwise, there are alternatives that might be more suitable.
Pros: Ultra-thin and lightweight, excellent display, impressive single rear camera, enhanced center stage selfie camera, superior performance, long-term software updates, and Face ID.
Cons: Lacks ultra-wide and telephoto capabilities, high price point, comparatively short battery life, best suited for use without a case, and lacks cutting-edge AI features.
The iPhone Air is visually striking and offers a unique feel compared to other models in the iPhone lineup. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Humans are inherently social beings. Our evolution took place within communities, leading to the creation of the complex civilizations we know today. At a fundamental level, we crave the company of others.
So, why might you occasionally wish for some time alone on this planet?
I consider myself a humanist, a pluralist, and generally a pleasant individual. However, there are moments—though I seldom admit it—when I yearn for the mass of humanity to fade away, at least for a while.
After all, with a global population of 8 billion, I can’t be the only one. The urge to find solitude can be just as powerful as our innate need for companionship.
Research highlights this desire: Loneliness. It reflects the negative feelings and emotional states that arise when you don’t carve out some personal time for yourself.
Introverts like myself are particularly attuned to this, though we are not alone in our feelings.
Advantages of Spending Time Alone
Parents grappling with long school holidays can find this challenge overwhelming. Those who live in bustling shared spaces or work in hectic environments, like schools and hospitals, share similar sentiments.
Interestingly, the concept of solitude fascinates many. Dr. Thuy-vy Nguyen, a Professor of Psychology at Durham University, emphasizes its importance through her research. She asserts that spending time alone facilitates recovery from stress.
“Our research consistently shows that being alone is beneficial for emotional regulation,” she explains.
“Initially, we induce stress in participants during experiments. Following this, we allow them to spend time alone in a room, where they experience noticeable calm in just 15-30 minutes.”
Remarkably, this emotional calming effect diminished when participants were with others, possibly because solitude offers essential opportunities for rest and renewal.
Engaging in activities like hiking in nature or pursuing creative hobbies can be fulfilling—Credit: Ipei Naoi via Getty
Feelings of anger, anxiety, and excessive excitement are often accompanied by cognitive burdens, which appear to dissipate when we allow ourselves to be alone.
Nguyen has even observed physical changes. “We track cortisol levels, which indicate stress, and see it decrease with solitude,” she notes.
This gentle feeling of relief is just one of the benefits. Research during the Covid-19 lockdown showed that solitary time could boost creativity. Other studies indicate that time spent alone can enhance self-compassion and resilience.
The Difference Between Loneliness and Solitude
It might sound odd to some, especially those who view solitude as detrimental. It’s often linked to poor mental health, increased cardiovascular risks, and a higher likelihood of early mortality.
However, it’s crucial to differentiate between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness can feel imposed, but solitude is something one can embrace and nurture.
Nguyen suggests introducing structure into your alone time, stating, “Empty time can be daunting for many. Give yourself a task.”
In one experiment, she found that participants who sorted hundreds of pencils preferred this engaging activity over simply sitting idle. Another study revealed that some individuals would choose to self-administer mild electric shocks rather than endure the discomfort of doing nothing.
In her free time, Nguyen enjoys crafting miniature models, a healthier alternative to mindless screen time. Other fulfilling options could include reading, gardening, tackling jigsaw puzzles, or sketching.
“Opt for a hands-on activity,” she advises, but avoid jumping straight to your phone.
Nguyen is currently exploring how distracting devices might disrupt the cognitive processes that solitude can stimulate.
“When we are alone, we gain the chance to reflect on our days,” she remarks. “However, smartphones often divert our attention and push us into multitasking instead.”
Another tip is to get outside when possible, especially if you feel overwhelmed.
“If you’re constantly surrounded by stress, you might struggle to leave that environment when alone,” Nguyen explains. “That’s why many parents feel the need to step outside their homes. There’s a marked difference between just being alone and dedicating time to oneself.”
When lonely parents express a need for space during busy holiday seasons, they’re speaking a universal truth.
Issa Schultz follows a daily routine that few can match.
“I wake up, brew my coffee, then head to the computer for quizzes. After lunch, I return for more quizzes,” he states. “It might sound obsessive, but I embrace it. It’s fair to say I treat it like a full-time job.”
Schultz is the top quizzing champion in Australia, known among enthusiasts for his serious approach to trivia. Quizzing is not just a pastime for him; it defines his life. Every year, he appears on Channel 7 for about six weeks as one of the “Chasers” on the quiz show Chase Australia. The rest of his time is spent immersed in various topics, from sibling rivalries to AFL Drafts and Academy Award winners.
“I could easily go outside and engage in normal activities,” he chuckles. “But as one single guy without family responsibilities, I’ve got the unique opportunity to invest time into this.”
Schultz as the Supernard of Channel 7’s Chase Australia. Photo: Chase
“What’s crazier is that some individuals dedicate even more time than I do, especially in the UK and the US.”
Quizzing is a niche but worldwide phenomenon, thriving from North America to Europe and India. It can often be viewed as an evolution of pub trivia, particularly in its complexity. Schultz participated with pub teams daily before advancing to the next level. “When we enter international quizzes, pub trivia just isn’t challenging enough,” he explains.
A standard quiz question isn’t necessarily straightforward, often requiring one to connect seemingly unrelated images (“Was he a Chilean military dictator from 1973 to 1990?”).
Instead of raucous environments, the world of quizzing tends to be characterized by silence or solitude. The premier event in the quizzing calendar is the World Quiz Championship, held each June, where participants solve questions read by a proctor in a formal examination setting. Australia began hosting its national championship in February across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane. These events, devoid of prizes, ascertain rankings both nationally and globally, with enthusiasts also exploring smaller competitions and Zoom leagues.
“When we arrive at the international quiz, the pub trivia is not obscure enough”: Issa Schultz. Photo: Guardian
“Usually, when I tell people about my weekend plans, I say, ‘I’m off to the library to sit quietly with a group of fellow nerds for an hour,'” shares Sally Gridley, an enthusiastic Australian quizzer. “We’ll take an exam for fun. Prizes? No, it’s purely for bragging rights, and you have to pay to participate.”
Gridley has been a serious quizzer for 11 years and even secured a win on a quiz show. Programs like The Chase and Mastermind capture audiences with their excitement and are one of the few effective ways to monetize one’s hobby. Gridley estimates the Australian quizzing community comprises around 30-35 regular quizzers, while the Global Leaderboard indicates unofficial membership is below 2,000. Participants note it’s a small yet committed community, warm and inviting to newcomers.
Nonetheless, a specific demographic predominates: men. Gridley estimates she is one of about eight regular female quizzers across Australia, where local groups are approximately 90% male. There are overlaps in other communities as well.
“It’s important to note that quizzing is quite popular among neurodivergent demographics; many quizzers have conditions such as autism and ADHD,” Gridley mentions. “In fact, I might be the most socially engaged person at any quiz event.”
Or as Schultz puts it, “There are many quirky individuals, and we embrace eccentricities!”
To climb the leaderboard as a quizzing participant, a unique form of dedication is required.
“It’s purely about glory”: Quizzer Sally Gridley showcases prizes from ABC’s hard quiz. Photo: Ellen Smith/Guardian
Aaran Mohann, a 35-year-old financial worker ranking third in Australia, believes he isn’t as dedicated to studying as many of his counterparts. His primary strategy involves completing numerous online quizzes, as competitors often cover similar topics. For instance, many focus on events from Coldplay concerts and popular culture phenomena like Dubai Chocolate.
Flashcards as memory aids have gained popularity within the quizzing community, reveals Mohan. “It’s clear that many quizzers delve deeply into Wikipedia. One article leads to another, and before you know it, hours have passed.”
Schultz expects films to feature prominently in quizzes. He also invests in DK reference books covering topics from medicine to fishing, transcribing intriguing facts into his notebooks—a system that is “pointless to anyone except myself.”
However, he sets limits. “Pat Gibson is among the best British quizzers of all time and reads about five newspapers daily. I can’t keep up with that.”
Australian representative for Spain’s 2024 Quiz Olympiad (Aaran Mohann)With Jane Allen from the International Quiz Association. Photo: Supply
There’s much to appreciate about being a dedicated quizzer beyond mere competition and TV appearances. Gridley finds fulfillment in answering questions correctly, and the knowledge she gains benefits her career as a teacher. Mohan states that his hobby satisfies his innate curiosity about the world. The quizzing process improves attention to detail, as participants must read questions closely to avoid misnaming cities instead of countries.
For Schultz, this pursuit offers a soothing sense of consistency.
“I appreciate that it’s all centered around facts and truths in an era dominated by AI and misinformation. [fake news] He explains. Charles I will always be Charles I, today and 100 years from now.”
Schultz cherishes the life he has crafted around quizzes, for better or worse.
“I’ve never driven a car, I can’t cook, and I often lose my house keys… I think outside of quizzing, I seem to lack direction. My fate seems intertwined with this.”
Schultz is determined to retain his status as Australia’s number one quizzer, a title he has maintained since 2011.
“Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, has dedicated his life to running; I aim to dedicate my life to quizzing,” he states. “After all, why not?”
“sTeamy Windows! “I belted out a Tina Turner classic.
Aside from the humidity that turns hair to icicles—I felt like I was staring at a plug socket for two days—the primary challenge was figuring out how to evaluate the kettle. They all essentially perform the same function, though they’ve evolved somewhat over the decades. Some models from the 1970s could fit right into a modern kitchen today. Beyond foundational features, good kettles hold on to basic qualities that make them user-friendly.
Infini-tea and beyond
Until now, my contributions to filtering have relied on tangible results. We tested the hues of our homemade chips and crispy snacks to determine which were superior and which fell short. Before that, my kitchen was a blend of blender chaos (the right term for this scenario). Once again, the creamiest smoothies and soups pointed to appliances featuring the sharpest blades and strongest motors.
In the case of kettles, it became evident that gadgets which had the best boiling capabilities required a closer inspection. So I embarked on heating water armed with a power meter, infrared thermometer, a cell phone running decibel X, another phone serving as a timer, and a probe thermometer—among other tools. I could brew enough hot beverages for my entire street and a couple of friends. Gradually, my kitchen resembled a tropical rainforest.
However, simply testing which kettle brewed better wasn’t the only metric; we also assessed other specific aspects such as build quality, the minimum fill requirement—should you always boil 0.5 liters when only 200ml is needed—and value for money—what you truly get for your investment.
It’s simply the best
After thorough evaluation, I arrived at my top recommendation: the Bosch Sky Kettle (£100), which offers a great balance of speed, design, and insulation to keep water hot longer, making it ideal for most households. For those on a tighter budget, the Kenwood Ripple Kettle (£32) stood out as my top economical choice, combining style and functionality with quick boiling times and varied color options.
Of course, upon learning that Gen Z is skipping kettles in favor of less energy-efficient microwaves, one might question the relevance of my tests. Yet, in tribute to Tina, my undercover product tester, it seems necessary to know which kettle truly reigns supreme when it’s time to replace yours.
This week’s picks
Editor’s Pick
Glory Blade: Handle with care, and this knife will serve you well for years. Photo: 10’000 hours/Getty Image
A quality knife is a worthwhile investment, so it’s essential to maintain it. Food writer and co-associate editor of Feast, Anna Beril, consulted experts for tips on extending the lifespan of your knives.
We also covered advice on caring for everything from smartphones to leather goods and coffee makers. In the long run, you’ll save money and help reduce landfill waste. What additional topics would you like us to explore in this newsletter? Let us know.
Hannah Booth Editor, Filter
Just in case you missed it…
Apaitivo Hour from Shinshin this bank holiday weekend! Photo: Vershinin/Getty Images
Joanne Gould sampled the finest spritzers (all on the lighter end of the alcohol spectrum) ranging from apple and ginger liqueurs to rhubarb syrup. Serve with ice, prosecco, and salted potato chips (Felicity Cloak recently evaluated the best salted potato chips for us). If you’re curious about what it’s like to test alcoholic beverages for a living, Joan shared insights with us last week. Cheers!
Get Involved
Everything but the kitchen sink? Share your essential Smart Student Digs kit list. Photo: Solstock/Getty Images
Are you a student or a parent? Which items have proven indispensable for undergraduate life and settling in? Also, what modifications did you make to your accommodation that were ultimately unnecessary? Reply to this newsletter or email thefilter@theguardian.com.
Innovative treatments may transform the management of lower back pain by addressing the root causes associated with inflammatory “zombie” cells. Recent research conducted using mice.
A group of scientists, led by researchers from McGill University in Canada, found that a combination of two medications, O-Vanillin and RG-7112, effectively eliminates zombie cells from mouse spinal tissues, alleviating pain and inflammation symptoms.
“Our results are promising because they indicate that by eliminating cells that not only obscure pain but also contribute to issues, we can approach lower back pain treatment in a novel manner,” stated the senior author, Professor Lisbet Haglund from McGill’s Ministry of Surgery.
Zombie cells, also referred to as senescent cells, do not function like typical cells. Rather than undergoing division and death to make way for new cells, they persist in the body.
As we age, these zombie cells can build up, leading to inflammation, pain, and spinal damage.
For the hundreds of millions of adults globally suffering from back pain, the impact of zombie cells is often masked and inadequately addressed by current medications.
This new treatment, however, aims to alleviate back pain by targeting and eliminating these lingering zombie cells, thereby addressing the underlying issues.
Aging or zombie cells accumulate in the shock-absorbing discs between each spinal vertebra, releasing inflammatory molecules that damage discs – Credit: Nemes Laszlo/Science Photo Library via Getty
The McGill research team discovered this promising new treatment while working with mice genetically engineered to develop spinal injuries and lower back pain over seven months.
The researchers administered varying doses of O-Vanillin and RG-7112 to these mice. Some received only one of the drugs, while others received a combination of both.
RG-7112 is a medication already established to remove zombie cells in various contexts, though it hasn’t been applied to lower back pain treatment until now.
O-Vanillin, a natural compound sourced from turmeric, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory benefits, but had not been previously tested against zombie cells.
After 8 weeks of treatment, mice receiving both drugs at higher doses exhibited the lowest levels of zombie cells, inflammation, and pain.
Those treated with a single drug showed some improvement, but the results were not as significant as those achieved with the combination therapy.
“The pressing question now is whether these medications can produce the same effects in human subjects,” Haglund remarked.
the Sage Bambino Plus is a £350 espresso machine that not only brews espresso but also automatically froths milk with the touch of a button. I won’t spoil the surprise, but this might just be the best espresso machine for beginners currently available. Even if you’re looking to upgrade from a simpler model, such as the fantastic De’Longhi Stilosa, this is an excellent option.
Its straightforward design and true ease of use are key to its appeal, and it’s one of the things I love about using it, despite having much pricier machines at home. However, this isn’t a fully automated machine that guides you through every step; you’ll need to get the hang of dialing in the right grind size and dosage for the perfect shot. Fortunately, the included tools and helpful manuals ensure that even novices can quickly find their footing.
Once you’ve brewed a few espressos and honed your skills, the Bambino Plus will gladly take over the steaming process. Just fill the included stainless steel jug with a bit of milk, place it in the drip tray, and immerse the steam wand. Press one of the small buttons on the machine and wait. The gentle rumble transforms into a steady rhythm, and in about a minute, you’ll have a jug of cold milk turned into hot, silky foam. Pour this into your espresso, and voilà—you’re a barista now. I’d like a cappuccino, please. Just don’t forget the sprinkle!
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What You Need to Know
“Almost everything you need comes in the box.” Photo: Sasha Muller
The sleek appearance of the Bambino Plus gives it the impression of a more luxurious machine, yet its compact size fits perfectly on your countertop, making it easy to slot between a microwave and a mixer. While its price may not be considered inexpensive, it remains relatively affordable compared to high-end machines with hefty price tags.
Almost everything you need is included. The package contains tools for a stainless steel milk jug, a lightweight tamper, and a bag of coffee grounds. It also features a small pin on the tamper to clear any blockage in the steam wand from dried milk residue. Light metal portafilters come with a selection of baskets for both single and double shots.
The reason I say mostly everything is essential is that you still need a coffee grinder. If you’re okay with a hand grinder or a Baratza Encore ESP (£159.94), I’d suggest something like the Kingrinder K6 (£99). A set of scales for measuring your coffee beans will also prove invaluable; I recommend getting one that measures to at least 0.1g.
Selecting a filter basket is especially helpful for beginners. Pressurized baskets for single and double shots are perfect if you’re making espresso with pre-ground coffee from the store. The dual-wall construction enhances brewing pressure for a rich crema. However, if you have access to fresh, high-quality coffee and grinders, consider using a non-pressurized basket. That’s what I’d recommend.
Specifications
Type: Manual espresso machine with automatic milk frothing Dimensions: 19 x 36 x 30 cm (WDH) Water Tank: Removable 1.9L Replaceable Water Filter: Yes Included Accessories: 54mm portafilter (3 ears), tamper, dosing razor, water filter, 480ml milk jug, pressurized baskets (single and double), non-pressurized baskets (single and double), cleaning tool, backflush disc Heating Time: 6 seconds Milk Steaming Time: 56 seconds Grinders Included: No Noise Level: 46db (brewing), 59db (steaming) Weight: 5.9kg Warranty: 2 years of repair, replacement, or refund at Sage’s discretion
What We Love
Simple buttons make the Sage Bambino Plus user-friendly. Photo: Sasha Muller
See it at Currys View on Amazon
The Bambino Plus is straightforward to operate. The front panel features an intuitive layout with large buttons for both single and double shots, plus a button for milk frothing and two small buttons to adjust the milk temperature and froth level. Each setting has three preset options. It doesn’t hurt that the user manual is informative and easy to reference.
At the back, the sturdy 1.9-liter removable water tank fits securely and has a satisfying click when in place. The package includes one Claroswiss water filter that fits at the bottom of the tank and lasts up to three months. Replacement filters are available for £14.95.
Contrary to traditional boilers, the water is heated using a thermoblock that takes just 3 seconds to reach temperature. When you power on the machine, the button will flash for a few seconds, then light up continuously once it’s ready to brew. Unlike most machines in the sub-£500 range, it is equipped with a PID temperature controller which ensures stable heat. There’s even low-pressure pre-infusion, a feature generally found only in more expensive machines that allows for even extraction.
Perfecting your espresso shot will still require some trial and error. While the Bambino Plus is a manual espresso machine, Sage’s user manual and YouTube video playlist can help newcomers avoid a frustrating experience. Even without precise scales, the Razor Tool helps prevent over-tamping in the portafilter, resulting in a smooth espresso texture—it might take a little patience, but the rewards are often worth it.
Those rewards are undeniably delightful. I have experimented with various medium-roasted beans from local roasters, Crafthouse Coffee, and the Bambino Plus handled them all well. The only drawback is that the preset brewing temperature may not be optimal for lighter roasts, making it challenging to get a balanced shot. If light roasts are your preference, consider investing in a more expensive model with adjustable brewing temperatures.
If you’re wondering if you should save some money and opt for the standard Sage Bambino, I would advise against it. The Bambino lacks automatic milk frothing and doesn’t feature a positive pressure relief valve. This is crucial; in instances where the machine clogs and the espresso grinds become overly fine, the Plus can release excess pressure into the drip tray. Doing the same on the standard Bambino would require removing the portafilter, causing a sudden burst of coffee grounds and water to eject messily.
Pricing could be more competitive. Photo: Sasha Muller
To truly optimize your experience with this machine, a bit of attention is required, although it’s not overly complicated. For instance, running hot water through an empty, pressurized portafilter warms everything up, making it easier to achieve a consistent tasting shot. This hot water can even be used to preheat your cups. There’s a raised area for cups on top of the Bambino Plus, but it doesn’t get hot enough during normal use.
If you find yourself missing a dedicated hot water button for Americanos and other drinks, you can activate it by pressing the single shot and milk froth buttons simultaneously. I honestly didn’t find the absence of a dedicated button too strange.
For those who prefer quick, hassle-free coffee, and who have ever considered this purchase, I suggest you think it through carefully. The processes of grinding, measuring, tamping, and brewing are part of the allure of manual espresso. However, while the Bambino Plus’s quick warm-up and automated milk frothing are great, they aren’t quite comparable to the ease of capsule machines.
Finally, I believe the pricing could be more competitive. Before the pandemic, the Bambino Plus sold for around £250. Prices rose during the pandemic and haven’t returned to those levels. If the current price of £349.95 feels excessive, patience may pay off; discounts do crop up during sales.
Warranty and Repairability
Repairing common issues can range between £80 and £120. Photo: Sasha Muller
Sage offers a two-year warranty covering manufacturing defects and material issues. However, it does not cover standard wear and tear. If a replacement occurs, it’s important to note that the original warranty period won’t be extended.
For problems that arise post-warranty, most of us would prefer to keep our coffee machines out of landfills. I spoke with Radu Bria, the owner of Espresso Repair Shop in Stockport, regarding the Bambino Plus’s repairability.
He noted that it’s relatively straightforward to disassemble the machine for internal access. However, with only one official supplier in the UK, sourcing replacement parts can take longer.
Common issues faced by Bambino and Bambino Plus models include faulty solenoid coils, temperature probes/sensors, and blocked thermojets due to hard water. If you wish to maintain your machine beyond its warranty, it should last for several years. Just keep in mind that the included filter, or even a basic filter jug, won’t prevent limescale buildup; a non-scaling water softener or a reverse osmosis filter is essential for that.
Sage Bambino Plus: Should I Buy It?
In short, the Bambino Plus stands out as perhaps the ideal beginner machine. Over the years I’ve owned it, it has become one of my favorites, thanks to its ease of use, compact size, and exceptional quality. The only lingering question is whether you really need that fourth cappuccino before lunch. Those coffee beans in the cupboard await your attention.
See it at Currys View on Amazon
Sasha Muller is a freelance technician and consumer journalist, an avid coffee enthusiast, and a craft beer aficionado, with over 20 years of experience testing products. When not exploring the local woods with his kids, he’s likely found in discussions about mountain bike tires or classic drum bath vinyl.
tThis is some kind of guy looking at Google Maps for fun. I’m that guy. As a child, I went through the stages of cartography, drawing elaborate maps of fictional islands, peering into the family’s road supervision, working to ensure that the lines and dots of overcrowded pages were harmonized in the eyes of my mind, the shops, and friends’ homes. You can say that the phase never really ended.
Just like some people measure IMDB entries in movies, whenever I start watching the second time, whenever I come across an interesting town, country, or geographical oddity (often in the news business), I burn maps to see what bites of terrain I can discover. I’m not a Geoguessr Savant, but I spent a lot of fun time getting confused by the interesting enclaves and Panhandles and getting tired of the faraway parts of Street View. After finishing a recent episode of Severance, I opened the tab and took an armchair tour through the remote Newfoundland filmed.
I’m not revealing exactly the mystical corners of the internet here. Google Maps is very ubiquitous and has become a utility – I feel like I’ll admit to opening it and praise the virtue of the calendar app or call Centrelink Just to enjoy hold music. There are many other decent navigation apps, but the special source for Google Maps is a mountain of user-generated data.
The key to the power of Google Maps is the compulsive “local guide” volunteer workforce. Clicking on these profiles makes it vaguely illegal, as if you’re tracking it for ASIO. These are users who record every move, gathering hundreds of reviews, from restaurants to payphones, detailing opening hours, accessibility features, and taking the worst food photos you’ve ever seen. I don’t understand these people and their points and badge currency, but I am grateful to them. There are men who reviewed all the public mailboxes in Ballarat and expressed their opinions on all of them. My nearest bus stop has a 3.3 star rating and a single review: “It’s just a bus stop.” got it!
Flumpy: Google’s Neighborhood Cat is a map with (almost) complete ratings. Photo: Google Maps
Some Google Maps discoveries feel like they’re stumbling over other people’s private jokes. Not too far from my girlfriend’s house, the inconspicuous tarmac is dubbed “Tristan’s Roundabout” – The review tab boasts tourist selfies and comically exaggerated admiration for Tristan of the same name, responding in equally enthusiastic terms to reviewers comparable to intersections.
On Google Maps, this roundabout list includes “tourist selfies and comically exaggerated admiration.” Photo: Google Maps
In the surrounding streets, reviewers can be found waxing more lyrical than local attractions. Hole in the ground or Abandoned trailerand the friendly orange cat that writes a sparkling tribute terrible. When I pass through these waypoints as I move around my neighborhood it feels like a digital scavenger hunt. This is the act of realizing and recording small habits of suburban life.
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Maps are packed with political and imperialist symbolism, and Google is mostly more responsible for the dire state of the Internet. At the moment, we are confident that product managers are brainstorming how to put shoes on the maps even more AI slops. But for now, when the internet feels like a constant flow of noise, it’s nice to relax by slowly wrapping around your neighborhood.
Apple’s iPad Air remains a premium tablet with the latest version, featuring chip upgrades to stay ahead of the pack.
The new iPad Air M3 costs £599 (€699/$599/$999) – the same as its predecessor, it comes in two sizes with an 11-inch or 13-inch screen. It is between the base model £329 iPad A16 and the £999 iPad Pro M4, splitting the difference in price and functionality.
Nothing has changed outside the tablet. The M3 model is a straight replacement for the M2 model, featuring the same crisp screen, refined aluminum design, and touch ID fingerprint scanner on the power button.
The center stage webcam at the top of the screen makes video calls easier by automatically panning and scanning to keep you and your family in frame. Stereo speakers watch TV and movies, but the support for the £129 Apple Pencil Pro is lazy and note-taking.
The thin aluminum frame includes stereo speakers, touch ID sensors, and volume buttons. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
specification
screen: 11-inch or 13-inch liquid retinal display (264ppi)
Processor: Apple M3 (9-core GPU)
Ram: 8GB
Storage: 128, 256, 512GB or 1TB
operating system: iPados 18.4
camera: 12MP rear, 12MP center stage
Connectivity: WiFi 6E (5G option ESIM only), Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Touch ID, Smart Connecter
size: 247.6 x 178.5 x 6.1mm or 280.6 x 214.9 x 6.1mm
Weight: 460g or 616g
M3 upgrade and solid battery life
The iPad takes about 2 hours to charge using a power adapter of 30W or higher, but this is not included. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
A major change in the new Air is an upgrade of the Apple M3 chip that was first seen on the MacBook Pro in late 2023 and successfully used on the MacBook Air until it was replaced with the M4 chip on the MacBook Air.
The M3 is not Apple’s latest chip, but on tablets, it’s much stronger than most people need, and much faster than the competition. It’s about 10-20% faster than the outgoing M2 model under test, and does short work on gaming and pro-level apps. Affinity Photos, Reproduction Or Adobe Lightroom.
Combined with a reliable battery life of 9-10 hours, it can be easily used as a laptop replacement when equipped with accessories such as a new version of Apple’s excellent magic keyboard case, but costs £269. However, inexpensive third-party options such as Logitech are available.
The iPad Air runs iPads 18.4, which includes a collection of multitasking tools, and can be plugged into an external monitor such as a laptop via a USB-C port. However, the M3 chip also enables a variety of Apple Intelligence features that cannot be used with the standard iPad A16. These include several AI image editing and generation tools, writing and proofing tools, ChatGPT integration into SIRI, and more.
Sustainability
The recycled aluminum body also looks great. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Apple says the battery should last more than 1,000 full charge cycles at least 80% of its original capacity and can be replaced from £115. Tablets are generally repairable Damaged Warrant Repair Costs Starting from £429.
The tablet contains at least 30% recycled content, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, lithium, plastic, rare earth elements, tin, and more. Apple breaks down the environmental impact of tablets in reports and offers trade-in and free recycling schemes that include non-Apple products.
price
The 11-inch iPad Air M3 costs £599 (699 Euros/$599/$999) and the 13-inch iPad Air M3 costs £799 (949 Euros/$799/$1,349).
For comparison, the iPad A16 costs £329, the iPad Pro M4 costs £999, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE costs £499. The MacBook Air M4 starts at £999.
verdict
The iPad Air M3 is an excellent premium tablet that makes your base model Apple tablet a great upgrade.
This is a very capable machine with laptop-level power, long battery life, high-quality screens, enough accessories to turn it into a drawing tablet, computer replacement, or many other tools. Size choice balances well between portability at 11″ and the 13″ version of the large screen utility.
However, the M3 model is not a worthwhile upgrade to make with the latest iPad Air versions. Even just watching TV or movies, the standard iPad A16 does much less work. Meanwhile, the top-end iPad Pro M4 beats the air on every count, but costs a lot of money.
So, for those looking for a premium do-it tablet, beating the iPad Air M3 is difficult.
Strong Points: Select size, laptop-level M3 performance, solid battery life, high-quality screen, USB-C, long software support life, various apps and accessories, excellent speakers, landscape center stage camera, recycled aluminum.
Cons: Expensive, no multi-user support, iPados still need to act as a laptop replacement, no kickstand, face ID, 60Hz screen without a case.
Browsing the web and reading stories is the joy of an 11-inch iPad Air. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
aFeathered horses, dust and rain, whisk around you, arrive on a mountain path where purple crystals cover the walls with frost. The weather is still outside, but calm inside the cave at the end of the road. The environment allows you to see what kind of creatures live here. Reidau is a horned wyvern that commands the elements.
You’ve seen it before, but when you unexpectedly appear while you were on another expedition, you descended from the lightning striped sky and sunk its claws into an unfortunate pack of hairy lion-like creatures. You weren’t strong enough to face it, but you’re now. Hopefully.
The next battle is to bite the nail. To try to jump out of the corners and teeth paths of powerful electric bolts and Wyvern, you have to pull out all the tricks you know to wear it out. Fire a grappling hook at a rocky outcrop hanging from the ceiling and bring it over the creature. You blow your mouth while for your mount, leaps back to the dragon’s head, clinging and stabbing with a dagger trying to smash against the wall. You will be flung by, fried, stomped, but you will cling to fight and chew on repair potions at every opportunity.
Then an even bigger predator appears from anywhere, taking the monster you fought desperately for 25 minutes with just that jaw and throw it like a rag doll. Take a closer look at it: it’s what you fight next.
The 15-hour story of Monster Hunter Wilds is a series of escalating and escalating epic battles with bigger, more ferocious creatures. I didn’t do it for a moment. Within hours, you’d fought against awful giant spiders, supple sand dragons, and a disgusting, overgrown oil chick child. After that, you will face a nasty and dangerous version of the beasts of monster hunter games, especially the last 20 years, in addition to the fierce fire drawings and dragons shooting lightning from their faces. It’s literally all the killers, no fillers, a long way from the old game of slow and heavy. There, they had to collect mushrooms and fight raptors before they could go near the Wyvern.
The fight is relentlessly wonderful. When the monster fell I let out a breath that I didn’t notice that I was holding. With the exception of Dark Souls and their siblings, no game made me feel like Monster Hunter. The adrenaline of these battles, the peerless, perfectly balanced feel of oversized weapons, and the pure malice and dignity of the creatures make this game feel unparalleled thrilling despite having played it in some way since I was a teenager. And it’s far better than it was back then. Not only monsters, but their huge natural habitats also ripple overflowing into life.
“The monster’s huge natural habitat is full of life.” Photo: Capcom
Towards the end of the Wild story, I have to admit that I felt some disappointment creep up. I enjoyed almost all of these creatures’ clashes. But I wasn’t trying much. Certainly, I have had a lot of experience with these games, but I’m used to being eaten or torn apart to bite by a new monster several times before conquering it. During the entire Wilds campaign, I was knocked out only twice.
But Wilds’ story turned out to be a 15-hour interactive tutorial on what makes Monster Hunter great. This is a roller coaster of combat thrills designed to sell newcomers on the concept and acquire the taste of scale and visual splendor that Capcom’s modern game engine brings to his favorite series. The real fun begins afterwards.
After taking on the worst creature I’ve ever seen, in the final quest of the story, I was dumped into a base camp in the jungle and sent to capture a small, sparked bird of prey. I was humbled quickly. Embarrassingly, I became lazy and it knocked me out.
Monster Hunter isn’t just about swinging giant spears. It is also about studying quarries, learning their weaknesses and delving into the environment for useful plants and materials used to make coatings of potions, tools and arrows that give you the advantage in battle. Experienced players will help the rookie, so it’s about working with other hunters to complement each other’s playstyle. Being a friend’s Monster Hunter mentor is one of the most rewarding multiplayer gaming experiences out there.
This game cannot be reduced to a series of battles. It’s a community of the world, the ecosystem, and the players. You are some hunters, some nature researchers. Wild goes too far towards frictionless fun in the story, but once I was free to explore, I began to feel more connected to my habitat. From battle to battle, instead of being led by a nose or by my Dascho horse, I climbed up the canopy, scouted for the creatures, took out binoculars, discovered an underwater cave full of hidden corners and useful materials from the campsite. I found myself having to switch weapons more frequently, upgrade armor, and re-recognize myself with a nasty array of gems and doodads that gave hunters useful additional skills.
You can spend a lot of time picking up Wild as a rookie and playing through the story. You can stop there, but it will still be worth the price of admission. But I’ll play it length It’s still time.
The upcoming director of CERN stated that advanced artificial intelligence is revolutionizing basic physics and opening windows for the fate of the universe.
Professor Marktomson, a British physicist who will take on the leadership at CERN on January 1, 2026, envisions progress in particle physics comparable to the AI-driven prediction of protein structure that recently won Google Deepmind Scientists an award. Speculations suggest a potential Nobel Prize in October.
With the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) playing a key role, there is hope to unravel how particles obtained mass at the moment of the Big Bang and whether our universe is extraordinary. Professor Marktomson mentioned the adoption of a similar strategy to potentially avert a catastrophic collapse event.
Tomson emphasized, “These are not just incremental improvements, but rather significant strides achieved by embracing cutting-edge techniques.”
He also added, “The field will undergo a transformative change. Dealing with complex data like protein folding presents intricate challenges, and employing advanced AI technologies can lead to breakthroughs.”
CERN’s council anticipates a promising future with revolutionary advancements. Despite skepticism following the groundbreaking Higgs boson discovery in 2012, Professor Thomson believes that AI brings a fresh perspective to explore new frontiers in physics. The enhanced beam strength of LHC is expected to enable unprecedented observations of the Higgs boson, also known as the “God particle,” shedding light on other particles and the universe at large.
There is a particular focus on measuring the Higgs boson’s self-coupling, which plays a critical role in understanding how particles acquire mass and the evolution of the Higgs field post-Big Bang. Higgs’ self-coupling strength is crucial for determining the stability of the Higgs field and potential future transitions.
Dr. Matthew McCallow, a theoretical physicist at CERN, emphasized that the exploration of Higgs’ self-coupling is significant for advancing our understanding of the universe’s fundamental characteristics. Integrating AI into LHC operations has streamlined data collection and interpretation processes, enabling faster decision-making for experiments like the LHC ATLAS project.
Scientists have long sought to uncover dark matter using the LHC, considering it comprises a significant portion of the universe. With AI’s assistance, researchers hope to untangle this mystery. Thomson remarked, “AI allows us to pose more intricate and open-ended queries rather than merely searching for specific signals, hoping to uncover unexpected insights within the data.”
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the smell of freshly baked gingerbread wafting through your home. A blend of warming spices and rich molasses, it’s a must-have snack on a winter’s day. And when I was a kid, it was always gingerbread that I fed Santa every Christmas Eve. In fact, gingerbread might be my favorite biscuit. It has the perfect balance of crunch and chewing power.
I’d like to think I know a thing or two about how to accomplish that. Participated in the 2023 series. Great British Bake Off He also received the notoriously difficult handshake from judge Paul Hollywood during Biscuit Week.
My success lies in the careful application of science to the art of baking. So let me share some key insights you need to bake gingerbread that will really turn heads, and the science behind why they’re so important. I’m a chemist by trade, so I eschew the traditional gingerbread house and instead assemble biscuits to create a stand-alone Christmas ‘chemistry’. Drool was already coming out of my mouth.
As with all biscuits, the first step is to prepare the dry ingredients. Flour, sugar, spices, and baking soda (see “Ingredients and Instructions” on the right) are required, and each has an important role to play. The flour acts as a binder and helps form the structure of the biscuit, while the sugar caramelizes to create sweetness, color, and texture.
Gingerbread’s flavor comes from a blend of spices, with ginger and cinnamon being the main ingredients.
You have seen game award name.
you have seen British Academy Awards longlist.
We’re still a little ways off from announcing our own Guardian Games of the Year list, but while you wait with bated breath, we’re sure to give you an appetizer. It is an alternative prize to Pushing Buttons. Right away…
Make the most of your bed as a gameplay device
Need to restore your mind while adventuring through the eerie rifts tearing Hyrule apart? All you have to do is conjure a bed out of thin air, stay out of reach of your enemies, and take a quick nap. Need to overcome a bridgeable gap? Now it’s time to conjure some bed. Need stairs? Barricades? Something decorative? Bed, bed, bed. in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom the bed is the real hero.
The perfect game to survive a long-haul flight
Hours of fun…Balatoro.
Photo: LocalThunk/Playstack
On my way to this year’s Summer Game Fest in LA, I pre-downloaded Steam Deck and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to board the plane and prepare for my first uninterrupted 10-hour gaming session in my 30s. Ta. But when I loaded it, I had to authorize the purchase. And the Wi-Fi on the plane didn’t work. So, after getting really grumpy, I said, “I don’t know. baratolo (Photo above) And the 5 hour flight felt like a blink of an eye. Thank you, Mr. Baratolo, for not only taking up most of my free time in February, but for getting me through that awful flight.
impudence award
It led to a ton of plagiarism accusations and eventually a lawsuit from Nintendo, but it still has to be turned over to the game’s developer. pal world (Top photo) For his true face, he simply imitates a Pokemon and makes him hold a gun. (Palworld’s lead developer claims that the game does not infringe any copyright.)
Problematic Favorites Award
For years, I’ve been disgusted by the glorification of military forces in first-person shooters, as first-person shooters have become more realistic-looking. The connections between these games and real-world weapons manufacturers are also disturbing. These are frequently used as a recruiting tool in the military. And at the same time, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 The single-player campaign of “90s Special Operations Thriller…
Best First Date Award
The perfect date…Life is Strange: Double Exposure.
Photo: Square Enix
One of the first scenes of Life is Strange: Double Exposure (Above) During a student dive, we see 20-something Max Caulfield trying to flirt with a cute girl behind the bar…
When it comes to buying something you love, planning ahead is key. Take the time to carefully consider and prepare before making a purchase, especially when buying something second-hand. Monica Marriott Mills, a TikTok user who shares insights on vintage clothing styles, suggests starting by creating a detailed list for each person you need to buy gifts for.
“I create a profile for each person, noting their preferences, favorite colors, and any items they have mentioned wanting, like a photo frame for their wedding anniversary,” she explains. “By jotting down this information on your phone, you can stay focused while shopping at thrift stores or antique shops.”
Marriott Mills, like many others her age, buys 50% of her Christmas presents second-hand. According to a report from the resale app Vinted, more than half of people under 45 buy used items at least once a month, compared to 43% of all consumers.
If you’re short on time, online second-hand marketplaces like eBay, Vinted, and Vestiaire Collective are convenient options to explore. You can browse and shop from the comfort of your own home.
Shopping for second-hand items can potentially allow you to purchase gifts that may have been out of reach if bought new. For example, a beginner in sewing might appreciate a sewing machine. While John Lewis sewing machines start from £135 when new, you can find similar working models on eBay starting at just £10 through bidding or £45.99 for an instant purchase, complete with a box.
Please Wake Up Early
Shoppers at the Red Brick Market in Liverpool, England. Keep an eye out for bargains in charity shops and markets. Photo: Chris Hellier/Alamy
If you know someone is selling household items or electronics, consider checking charity shops, flea markets, antique stores, car boot sales, and online marketplaces for hidden gems.
Marriott Mills suggests researching the delivery schedules of used furniture stores as a strategy to score great deals. “The second-hand furniture store from British Heart Foundation in my area opens on Tuesdays, so I try to visit on that day,” she shares.
“Being one of the first shoppers can be advantageous, but consider going early on Saturdays or during your lunch break.” If you can’t shop in person, many of these stores have online platforms as well.
Also Look for Children’s Gifts
eBay, Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace are excellent sources for finding gently used toys that make perfect gifts for children. Some items are even new and still in their packaging.
For example, LOL dolls typically cost around £25 each when new, but you can find bundles of dolls in good condition on eBay for as low as £4. If you’re looking for larger items like playhouses or kitchens, check out Facebook Marketplace where prices range from £10 for brand new items that normally cost between £60 and £200.
However, be mindful of the seller’s location when purchasing larger items, as they may only be available for local pickup. Shipping costs could offset any savings you make.
Designer Goods Search Filter
“You’ll find a plethora of designer items on Vinted and Depop,” Marriott Mills suggests. “Sometimes, it’s hard to tell if a gift is brand new or gently used.”
You can refine your search by specifying “New with Tags” in the search bar to find brand new items. For instance, Ralph Lauren beanies typically cost between £80 and £110 when new, but you can snag one in like-new condition on Vinted for as low as £25.
Check for Safety
When purchasing a used toy, it’s important to check for loose parts or signs of damage. Photo: PhotoAlto/Alamy
For electronics and lighting products, try to test them out before purchasing to ensure they are safe and functional. Luke Osborne, Deputy Technical Director at Electrical Safety First, recommends performing checks like verifying the presence of a genuine safety certification label on the product.
“Also, check if the product comes with a 3-pin UK plug containing a fuse. Foreign plugs and adapters may not offer the same level of protection as a 3-pin plug,” he adds.
When buying a used toy, inspect for loose or damaged parts, wear and tear, and signs of damage. While many charity shops sell battery-operated and electric toys, they may not always be tested for safety. Watch out for obvious signs of damage, such as battery leakage, that could pose a safety hazard. If you’re satisfied with the item, check the return policy before making a purchase and test it out once you get home. Keep your receipt handy, as returns are typically allowed within 28 days.
Shopping online from platforms like Vinted or eBay requires sellers to disclose the working condition of the toy. If the item arrives and doesn’t function as described, buyers are usually protected by a warranty that offers a refund.
Parents can refer to a used toy buying guide to ensure the safety of toys, as some older toys may contain traces of harmful chemicals like chromium, selenium, and lead. Look out for recalled toys, which can often be identified through a quick online search. Safety and quality marks like the Lion Mark and CE Mark indicate compliance with safety standards.
It’s crucial to sanitize toys before gifting them. Soft toys can be washed in the washing machine, while plastic and wooden toys can be cleaned with soap and water.
Beware of Scams
Shopping online comes with risks of potential scams, but there are precautions you can take to avoid falling victim. “Before making a purchase, always check reviews,” recommends Marriott Mills. Be cautious if a seller has few reviews or if the reviews are negative. Positive reviews can provide assurance of a legitimate transaction. For designer items, consider using authentication websites like Legit Grail.
Look out for sellers who include the original receipt with the item, as this can help verify authenticity. Familiarize yourself with hallmarks and engravings to authenticate jewelry or tableware. “I gave my mom a silver bracelet stamped with 925. I knew it was genuine,” says Marriott Mills. “Don’t hesitate to double-check. You can even Google it right there in the store or at an antique shop.” Depop, eBay, and Vinted offer buyer protection guarantees, ensuring a refund if the item significantly differs from the description.
Present Them Well
Cardboard gift boxes make any gift look great. Photo: Purestock/Alamy
While many second-hand gifts may not come in their original packaging, you can present them beautifully with some extra care and thoughtful wrapping. Cardboard gift boxes are a versatile option to elevate the presentation of your gifts. Additionally, consider repurposing items you have at home, such as a shoebox for a makeshift basket or an old perfume box for stocking stuffers.
Meta’s latest virtual reality headset, the Quest 3S, offers almost all the features of the Top Model but at a more affordable price point of £290 (€330/$300/AU$500). This makes it around 40% cheaper than the Quest 3 and even cheaper than the 2020 Quest 2.
Positioned between the Quest 2 and Quest 3, the Quest 3S utilizes the same high-performance Qualcomm VR chip found in the Quest 3 while maintaining a similar design and feel to the Quest 2 to keep costs down.
Well-designed straps, rotating arms, and a well-cushioned faceplate make it easy to get a comfortable fit. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
The Quest 3S has adjustable straps, rotatable arms, and a foam faceplate that make it one of the most comfortable headsets for extended wear. Additional straps and faceplates are available for users seeking a customized fit.
Featuring speakers in the arm, the Quest 3S provides decent spatial audio, but users can also opt to connect Bluetooth headphones or use a USB-C headphone adapter for wired audio.
The Quest 3S boasts the same screen and lens as the Quest 2, delivering sharp images at up to 120 frames per second. However, the use of fresnel lenses with limited distance settings may lead to blurriness at the edges when looking around.
The headset comes with industry-leading hand controllers for precise and intuitive interactions. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian
Two hand controllers, light and comfortable, feature capacitive buttons that respond to finger movements without accidental presses. Each controller uses a standard AA battery, with rechargeable options recommended for cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
The Quest 3S also includes spacers for glasses and offers prescription lenses for an additional cost.
Hello. Welcome to TechScape. I’m Blake Montgomery, technology news editor at Guardian US. In today’s newsletter, we discuss the final form of X, learnings from a jam-packed week of earnings, and niche online Halloween costumes. Thank you for your participation.
The US election culminates the transformation of X into Elon Musk’s weapon. He has managed to bend social networks to his will.
Last week, Musk tweeted and linked to a forum within X called the Election Integrity Community, encouraging his followers to report “potential voting fraud or fraud.” Experts told my colleague Johana Bhuiyan that the community, which has more than 50,000 members, has a swamp of conspiratorial overtones and uncorrected misinformation that will make it a face in 2020. It is said that it is similar to the book “Stop the Steal” group.
Users posting to the self-contained feed quickly began pointing out what appeared to be evidence of fraud and election interference.
Tweets showing everything from torn ballots to ABC News to system tests to postal workers doing their jobs and dropping mail-in ballots were all presented as evidence that the presidential election was compromised. Some of the tweets include attempts to record personal information and identify people who users have falsely accused of stuffing ballots and interfering with voting by Trump supporters. Before anyone can decide whether the allegation is true or false, users occupy the post and assume the unsuspecting person they see is guilty.
Mr. Musk has weaponized the ability of X. He is trying to bend the posts of others to his own political will and frame the discussion into an alternate reality. He gives preferential treatment to some posts and hides others. The Washington Post reported last week that of the top 100 tweeting accounts in Congress, only Republicans are spreading the word. When he first acquired Twitter, Musk deployed Twitter’s internal documents to rebuild its public image. twitter file. He then criticized his own account for supporting Donald Trump. He bombarded his followers with pro-Trump messages and flawed Trump interviews on the Twitter space.
We have never seen a transformation like X. Billionaires are not afraid of campaigning or naked partisanship, bending the connected networks of tens of millions of people to their own vision of reality. The October surprise was Elon Musk.
With no economic success with forced purchases, Musk turned to politics to make his $44 billion bet pay off. My colleague Dan Milmo says: “Company X’s continued influence as a news source and its role as a vehicle for broadcasting its owner’s right-wing views to over 200 million followers requires measuring the benefit to the world’s richest people. That means no ‘financial benchmarks alone.” Think of the restoration of Trump’s account and all of Musk’s pro-Trump tweets as an in-kind donation that Musk will cash in on during Trump’s presidency.
Will it ever end once the election is over? – The value of X decreases. It will become less important for the world’s richest man to make noise about voter fraud conspiracies. As with any media that has seen an increase in interest in political battles and the associated craters, X’s traffic will likely decline. We will see the effects of Mr. Musk’s weaponization in the light.
Lessons learned from profits
The floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Photo: Spencer Pratt/Getty Images
Five of the Magnificent Seven (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple) announced their quarterly results last week. Not all stocks rose, but all beat Wall Street’s earnings expectations. Several lessons can be learned from their impressive performance.
1. Advertising remains the lifeblood of the internet economy Google’s revenue, Meta’s revenue, and even Amazon’s revenue show that digital advertising can still maintain an empire.
2. Investments in AI, especially in cloud businesses, are paying off. Bully Google, Microsoft, and Amazon! Like Meta, these companies have increased their capital spending by tens of billions of dollars to pay for their artificial intelligence products, but investors think it’s worth it. It seems so. Each company reported strong growth in its cloud business. Meta’s investments in open source AI likewise led to Meta AI being deployed at Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and claiming the title of most used AI. Investors loved it.
3. Both of these outcomes benefit one company in particular Last week, Reddit became the first publicly traded company to report a profit, posting a massive 68% increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. The company makes most of its revenue from advertising, so a strong market means Reddit makes more money, even if it’s a smaller player than Google or Meta. Reddit’s ad revenue increased by 56%.
Reddit chief Steve Huffman also attributed the company’s better-than-expected results to a new revenue stream: deals with AI companies. Anyone who wants to build a large-scale language model that generates English text uses Reddit to train their AI. That social network is a huge, well-organized collection of human-written texts. Reddit licenses its datasets to Google, OpenAI, and others for tens of millions of dollars. That funding source may not last forever, but it’s not going away anytime soon.
Reddit is also benefiting from AI. The social network’s monthly user count increased by half to 97 million in the past quarter alone. Huffman attributes the dramatic increase to the social network’s new translation feature, which uses AI to transliterate English posts into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German. The company plans to expand this feature in the coming months.
new york magazine John Herman points out on Reddit:As a repository of human-written material, it is also useful for people who want to be sure that what they are reading was not written by an AI. As a result, Reddit has become “Google’s favorite website” and a throne with the Sword of Damocles, Herman writes. Huffman said Reddit became the sixth most searched word on Google. Many digital media reach similar heights only to be brought down by a crash.
This week on iPhone
Halloween costumers made headlines on Twitter and Instagram this week. Photo: Sonia Bonnet/Alamy
Niche Halloween costumes have received meme treatment with a proliferation of jokes starting with “I hate gay Halloween…” on Instagram with X. This meme seems to point to something bigger. Online culture has gotten to the point where we’re not just debating the appeal of individual specific references. NeNe Leaks and the white refrigeratorFor example, we discuss the value of taking internet inside jokes seriously. Is it worth wearing a bulky cardboard box all night screaming, “This is from an early season of ‘The Real Housewives’!” It’s a little self-loathing to start a tweet about your costume with “I hate it.” We expect to see more witches and cats next year.
Although perhaps not. a Rebuttal from X In the Name of Joy: “I love everyone’s niche Halloween costumes!! “I love the specificity of it. I love the creativity. Putting so much time and effort into something literally just to make yourself laugh And I really love having things explained to me when I don’t understand.
As for me, I dressed up as a skeleton for the third year in a row.
Wider Techscape
Keeping up with tons of messages in group chats can be a pain. Photo: Weare/Getty Images
Whether you're roasting a chicken in the oven, browning onions in a skillet, or choosing a spread for your toast, oil is at the heart of our culinary endeavors.
The choices are dizzying. Around 30 different oils are currently used in cooking, from sunflower to flaxseed, avocado to coconut. Deciding which one to use can have a big impact on your health, including your cholesterol, blood pressure, and risk of cardiovascular disease.
If the headlines are to be believed, palm oil is obsolete, sunflower oil is in limbo, and there seems to be no end to the benefits extra virgin olive oil can bring to our plates. But are these claims backed by solid science, and how do the health impacts of these products compare to their environmental costs?
Saturated or unsaturated?
First, let's talk about chemistry. Edible oil contains fat, which is made up of long chains of carbon atoms. Saturated fats found in red meat and dairy products are so named because each carbon atom is connected to the next carbon atom by a single bond. The remaining electrons of each carbon atom are available to form bonds with hydrogen atoms, and the molecule becomes completely “saturated” with this element. This structure makes these fats very hard and stable, which is why butter and lard are solid at room temperature.
Unsaturated fats, which are commonly found in plants and fatty fish, have at least one double bond between adjacent carbon atoms, which reduces the number of bonds.
Amazon has been attempting to enter the gaming industry for quite some time. Despite having abundant resources and hiring top designers, progress has been slow. However, in recent times, Amazon has found success in releasing massively multiplayer online games. First came New World in 2021, a fantasy game focusing on survival and player-built settlements. This was followed by Lost Ark in the next year, developed by SmileGate from South Korea, blending MMO elements with Diablo-style combat. While reviews were mixed, both games found popularity among players. Now, Amazon is launching its third MMO in four years, Throne and Liberty, also developed in Korea. Here’s what you need to know about this latest offering.
What is Throne and Liberty?
A large, detailed world… Throne and Liberty. Photo: Amazon Games
Throne and Liberty is an MMO set in a fantasy world akin to World of Warcraft. Players create characters and embark on adventures, either alone, with friends, or as part of a guild. The game offers main storylines, cooperative dungeon battles, and player-versus-player combat for territory control.
The game had a prolonged development, initially announced in 2011 as an expansion of the Lineage series. It was released in South Korea in December after facing delays, technical changes, and leadership shifts. Amazon is the global publisher, having acquired the rights in February the previous year.
How is Throne and Liberty different?
Traditional MMO combat combined with action-game dodging and parrying for real combat. Photo: Amazon Games
Throne and Liberty offers unique elements, such as the ability to transform into various animals for faster travel. Combat and character progression stand out; instead of fixed classes, character abilities revolve around weapon usage. With six different weapons and customizable combinations, players can create unique playstyles.
Is Throne and Liberty worth playing?
A unique world… a massive floating whale in the sky. Photo: Amazon Games
Throne and Liberty offers engaging exploration and combat mechanics, blending MMO and action elements. However, it lacks depth in storytelling and character development. Crafting and upgrading systems may feel complex and tedious. Overall, the game is free-to-play and provides a decent gaming experience without requiring excessive time investment.
Should I try Throne and Liberty?
Fashionable style… Characters resembling a mix of wizards, warriors, orcs, and goblins. Photo: Amazon Games
Throne and Liberty is recommended for casual play, offering basic yet enjoyable gameplay. However, if choosing between Amazon’s Korean MMOs, Lost Ark may be a better choice due to its more engaging combat and storytelling. Both games are free-to-play, providing diverse experiences for players.
Upon entering my department’s weekly Astro Coffee Journal Club some years ago, I was immediately struck by an existential crisis regarding the future of our planet.
Let me clarify; our discussion was not centered on the planet itself. Rather, we were delving into a newly published research paper detailing intriguing features in the light spectrum of very distant stars known as white dwarfs—or dead stars.
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While this white dwarf wouldn’t directly impact Earth, nor did its spectrum pose any particular threat, the paper did offer a peek into our Sun and, in turn, our own future in a somewhat terrifying manner.
First and foremost, rest assured that our sun won’t explode, contrary to popular belief. One prevalent astronomical misconception is the notion that our sun will eventually go supernova, ending in a dramatic explosion that engulfs our solar system.
Based on our knowledge of stellar evolution, this fate does not await our Sun at all.
There are two main routes for a star to go supernova: a nuclear collapse supernova, where a massive star exhausts its fusion fuel, collapses, and bounces back in a violent explosion, or when a stellar remnant interacts catastrophically with a companion star, annihilating both. Fortunately, our Sun is safe from these outcomes as it lacks the mass for nuclear collapse and doesn’t have a companion star.
Nonetheless, immortality isn’t in the cards for the Sun.
Presently, our sun operates as a massive fusion reactor, converting hydrogen into helium at its core and emitting vast energy. Although some energy escapes as light, the rest bounces inward off the plasma, creating pressure that counteracts gravitational collapse—similar to how air pressure shapes a balloon. For the next 5 billion years, the Sun will function normally, but as hydrogen depletes, its core will compress, triggering fusion of helium into heavier elements and causing the sun to swell and grow brighter.
At this point, the sun will become potent enough to evaporate Earth’s oceans, likely wiping out life. Mercury and Venus will face a more severe fate, swallowed by the expanding sun. The future of Earth is uncertain during this phase, known as the red giant phase, when the Sun ceases nuclear fusion and sheds its outer layers, potentially birthing stunning planetary nebulae.
As the core collapses, it forms a dense white dwarf star sustained by quantum mechanical processes rather than fusion. Eventually, all Sun-like stars end as white dwarfs, cooling and fading away.
In our journal club, researchers studied a white dwarf’s spectral lines and noted unexpected elements like calcium, potassium, and sodium—fragments likely from a devoured planet, a notion hauntingly depicted as blood on a predator’s jaw. This insight into contaminated white dwarfs evoked a sense of emotional calm and reflection.
Perhaps in the distant future, alien astronomers will gaze upon us, reminiscing about the once vibrant Earth. The contemplation of these cosmic phenomena leaves one pondering the impermanence of all things.
If you’ve been browsing the internet recently, you’ve likely come across advertisements for Lionsman Mushroom supplements that claim to enhance health and prevent illness. But are these claims and products scientifically supported, or are they just a passing trend?
What exactly is a Lionsman mushroom?
The lion’s mane mushroom, scientifically known as Yamabushitake mushroom, is a sizable, hairy edible mushroom with a sweet taste and soft texture. It is used in gourmet cuisine and has a lengthy history in traditional medicine, attracting attention from both Western scientists and modern marketers.
There have been numerous studies on Lionsman mushrooms, with at least 410 research papers published in the last decade. However, only about a quarter of these studies have been conducted on humans, with the rest utilizing model systems like rodents or cell cultures. There have been a total of seven human clinical trials to date.
Is Yamabushitake good for your health?
Heart Health
Around one in three adults in the UK suffers from high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Lionsman extract has been studied for its potential to improve blood lipid levels, reduce oxidation, and possibly act as an anticoagulant.
Diabetes
Research suggests that Lionsman mushrooms may help control blood sugar levels, but this has only been demonstrated in rodents and cell studies, not in humans, especially those with diabetes.
Cancer Prevention
Studies have identified substances in lion’s mane mushrooms that may inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. However, more research is needed to determine if these effects translate to human consumption.
Mental Health and Cognition
Studies have shown that Lionsman extract can promote nerve cell growth, reduce oxidation and inflammation, and improve brain health. Small-scale studies have indicated potential benefits for memory and cognitive function.
Immunity and Inflammation
Lionsman compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but their effects on immunity in humans are yet to be fully understood.
Supports Gastrointestinal Health
Lionsman mushrooms have shown promise in limiting the growth of harmful bacteria and reducing the severity of gastrointestinal disorders in animal models. Human studies are still ongoing to confirm these effects.
So, can Lionsman mushroom supplements be beneficial for humans?
Most Lionsman products on the market focus on extracts, capsules, and powders, as these are easier to study than the whole mushroom. Dosage recommendations are challenging to determine due to the variability in products and the lack of conclusive data.
Are there any side effects?
Lionsman supplements are generally well-tolerated but may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and skin rashes. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking them, especially if you are on other medications.
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Climbers cling to dizzying rock faces, toes digging in, knuckles white, limbs trembling with extreme tension. In this perilous moment, they have a few options: move quickly to regain their balance, rest for a few seconds, or simply let go and hope the belay can support their weight as they succumb to the massif.
Cairn, the new “survival climbing game” from French studio The Game Bakers, is full of dangerous, panic-inducing moments like this. There’s no visible stamina bar, meaning players must derive all their information from the state of their controllable climber, Aava. When under extreme stress, Aava’s breathing becomes intense and rapid and shallow, and her body begins to tremble. “We want you to focus on her posture and the railing in front of her,” says creative director Emeric Thoa.
Beneath this naturalistic presentation lies a huge amount of mathematical calculation. Using only the left analog stick, you control all of Aava’s body and limbs, and lock in handholds and footholds with the press of a button. The system calculates the stress on Aava’s limbs and core in real time, which determines the most physically realistic next movement for Aava. “Limbs are chosen automatically by the system; it predicts which arms and legs will move smoothly and easily,” Thoa explains. “The challenge for the player is to keep Aava balanced.”
This kind of dynamic scrambling is a far cry from Assassin’s Creed’s automated parkour, which has you clinging to stone walls with the pull of a trigger, or the navigation puzzles of recent climbing hit Jusant, which have you clinging to mineral outcrops on a predetermined path up a mountain. Cairn makes even the most dizzying activities even more complex by combining a freeform control system with a meticulously designed mountain, whose intersecting routes even Thoa and his colleagues don’t fully understand.
“It’s 2024, and there are words like ‘procedural’ and ‘AI,’ but we designed this mountain and built it completely by hand, placing every rock and crevice and handhold,” Thoa says. “It’s really hard work, and very iterative. I’m really grateful to our level design team.”
What sights and emotions await the player and Arva on their journey? Tore remains tight-lipped, saying only that he and the studio consulted with renowned mountaineer Elizabeth Revol, who spoke of “the intense freedom you feel when you push yourself past your limits at the top of the Earth.” Another detail that stayed in the game’s creator’s mind was that upon reaching the highest, thinnest mountain air, Revol experienced an almost delirious euphoria, “crying, screaming, going into a kind of strange trance.”
Cairn arrives with multiple game modes: the story sees Aava take on a gruelling, multi-day climb of a single mountain, and there’s an Expedition mode with additional mountains and challenges. Those willing to forgo the safety of the rope can also climb “free solo.” “This is where the real fun begins,” declares Toa, with a devilish glower, who, unlike Joussant, “will definitely die” in Cairn.
So what’s the Dark Souls of climbing games? Probably. But as Thoa stresses, “this isn’t a rage game.” Rather, he says, Cairn aims to convey “what climbing and alpinism is really about.” “You try, you fall, you try again, you fall, and then when you manage to get up, it’s very satisfying.”
IEven though it’s the next big game for the PlayStation 5 and it’s in Sony’s DNA, there’s still something Nintendo about Astro Bot. That’s because it’s perfectly designed for the controller it’s played on, taking advantage of all the features of the DualSense controller. The spacey aesthetic, with different planets representing different colorful worlds to jump into, is reminiscent of Super Mario Galaxy, and it’s just pure joy to play. On a console where the most well-known hits are pretty serious (like God of War and The Last of Us), Astro Bot prioritizes fun.
“I think Sony’s product design is about cool, but it also embraces playfulness,” says Nicolas Doucet, studio director at Team Asobi, the Japanese studio behind Astro Bot. “The two are not mutually exclusive or antagonistic… [PlayStation] The hardware team loved it and no one cared less about it. These are highly crafted products, so you can imagine that designers wouldn’t want them tampered with. But we were looking at PSVR and turning it into a mothership.”
The first Astro Bot game, Rescue Mission, was the best thing ever made for PlayStation’s VR headset, a clever platformer brimming with original ideas. Astro’s Playroom was a treat that came packaged with the PS5 when it launched in 2020, designed to show off the capabilities of Sony’s new console and its controller. It did so brilliantly, with levels themed around the PS5’s super-fast SSD hard drive and a singing GPU soundtrack, taking full advantage of every little gimmick in the PS5 controller, from the microphone to the haptic triggers. But Astro’s Playroom was also, unexpectedly, an interactive museum of Sony’s gaming hardware. As I played, I collected consoles, peripherals, and other knickknacks, gradually filling the lab with PlayStation history. It was fun.
A cheeky idea that will never come again… Astro Bots. Photo: Sony/Team Asobi
During the development of Astro’s Playroom, Team Asobi worked very closely with the people making the PS5 and the controller. They were even running around the building with prototypes in paper bags, Doucet said. “They gave us prototype controllers that were twice the size of a normal controller, or they put two controllers together because they needed more power. You can see how much work went into miniaturizing all that and making a controller that looks and feels good. They came up with features like adaptive triggers and haptics because they Feeling Our job is to generate as many ideas as possible about how it might be used, and then validate and sometimes deny those intuitions. After all, we’re not selling technology, we’re selling an experience, a magical experience. come “From technology.”
Now, Team Asobi was given the freedom to create a bigger, longer game (12 hours or so) as an extended tech demo, without being tied to a single piece of PlayStation hardware. That said, it’s still a clear tribute to all things Sony. It incorporates many ideas that didn’t make it into the 2020 game. Astro Bot now flies between levels in a controller-shaped spaceship whose exhaust gases are made up of PlayStation button symbols. Running around several levels as this adorable robot, I slid down a waterslide with a bunch of beach balls, jumped off a high board into a pool, took down an angry giant octopus by slingshotting myself in the face with a retractable frog-face boxing glove, used a magnet to gather pieces of metal into a ball big enough to smash things, and blew up Astro like a balloon before sending him flying with the gas that erupted.
It’s super cute, funny and full of playful details. We discovered that the flames spewing from Astro’s jetpack can cut through wooden logs, but only because it’s fun; Astro struck a confident surfing pose when he hopped onto a turtle to see if he could ride on its back; and when we tickled a sad-looking anemone to discover a secret room, we were greeted with a chorus of “Secret!” These details are inconsequential, but as Doucet points out, “They’re important, because all these little things become memories.”
The levels are like a solar system that slowly expands outwards as the challenge increases. There’s the safest one towards the middle, where a 5-year-old can have fun kicking a football, jumping through water, and punching the occasional bad guy. And then there are the hardest levels towards the edge. There are over 150 little tributes to PlayStation games, from PaRappa the Rapper to Journey, in the form of cosplay robots that you can rescue. The challenge levels will test your 90s childhood 3D platforming skills, including precision jumps across platforms suspended in time and a miniature ice rink floating in space. This is the simplest fun I’ve had playing a game in a long time.
Team Asobi is relatively small, with about 65 people, and relatively international. According to Doucet, three-quarters of the team is Japanese, and the rest are from 16 countries. Some of them have worked on past PlayStation projects, such as Shadow of the Colossus and Gravity Daze, but some are newcomers. They are all focused on making Astro Bot a true mascot for PlayStation, Doucet says. “We want to develop Astro into a really strong franchise. We want to develop this little character even more,” he says. “There are a lot of expectations to meet at PlayStation, but we never forget that we are the underdogs. That’s part of the mindset of a successful person, you always want to be in pursuit of something. If you become too satisfied, the game starts to lose its soul.”
Astro Bot certainly has a soul. It’s clear that the development team is having a lot of fun. “We’re geeky people, and I’m a PlayStation collector myself,” says Doucet. “It might sound a little corny, but it’s important that we’re happy so that our players are happy.”
Astro Bot will be available on PlayStation 5 on September 6th
In April, a total solar eclipse is expected to occur, promising great scientific success thanks to new spacecraft, telescopes, and cosmic coincidences.
The upcoming eclipse will feature the Moon very close to Earth, resulting in a prolonged period of darkness, and an anticipated increase in solar activity with possible dramatic plasma bursts. Additionally, densely populated areas from Mexico to America to Canada will witness this phenomenon.
During the eclipse, citizen scientists among the tens of millions of spectators will assist NASA and other research groups in studying our planet and stars. They will capture images of the sun’s corona as the moon blocks sunlight for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds on April 8. The atmosphere will witness calm among birds and animals as darkness envelops midday. Other activities include measuring temperature drops, monitoring clouds, and using amateur radio to assess interruptions in communications.
Simultaneously, a rocket carrying scientific instruments will be launched into the ionosphere near the edge of the universe. This launch, from Wallops Island, Virginia, aims to study the electrically charged region of the atmosphere during the partial solar eclipse, obscuring 81% of the sun. NASA’s high-altitude jets will also be deployed with improved telescopes to observe the eclipse’s effects on the sun’s corona and surrounding dust.
Various scientific activities will take place along the eclipse path across different locations. More than 600 weather balloons will be launched for live-streamed atmospheric studies by university students, irrespective of cloudy skies. The eclipse will provide a rare opportunity to observe the sun’s corona, which is usually hidden by its glare, and offer valuable insights into the corona’s extreme temperatures.
The eclipse will traverse through several U.S. states, into Canada, and finally exit into the Atlantic Ocean. Scientists are looking forward to the event to gather valuable data and insights, especially with the heightened solar activity compared to the 2017 eclipse. With new spacecraft studying the sun and advanced scientific instruments in place, April’s solar eclipse promises a wealth of scientific discoveries.
This eclipse, passing through U.S. radar sites monitoring space weather, will offer a unique opportunity for scientific observation closer to home.
WIn a surprising move, Nintendo made an announcement at the Oscars ceremony revealing its collaboration with Illumination Studios to create another Mario movie on March 10th. The decision was unexpected considering the lack of attention at the event that day. The previous Mario movie was a massive success, grossing $1 billion and marking the end of a cursed era for video game adaptations. The new movie is scheduled for April 2026, with co-directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic and screenwriter Matthew Fogel returning for the project. Despite this, the film may not necessarily be a direct sequel as both companies have not confirmed its title as a sequel. Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto expressed excitement for “a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros.” promising a bright and fun narrative.
The previous Mario movies faced criticism from movie critics, with mixed reviews on performances such as Jack Black’s Bowser and Seth Rogen’s Donkey Kong. Regardless, the upcoming sequel presents an opportunity to enhance the storytelling and expand the world of Mario beyond nostalgic references.
While the first movie focused primarily on Mario, there are hopes for the sequel to explore other characters and locations within the Mario universe. The lack of a complex storyline in the games provides a blank canvas for the filmmakers to develop a compelling narrative that goes beyond just fan service.
Detective Pikachu. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures/AP
The next Mario movie could potentially expand beyond the Mushroom Kingdom, drawing inspiration from games like Mario Galaxy to create a visually spectacular experience. However, there is still room to explore within Mario’s familiar world, offering an opportunity to push creative boundaries and deliver a more ambitious sequel.
what to play
Expeditions: Mud Runner Game. Photo: Steam
Keith recommends diving into the world of Expeditions: Mud Runner Game, a unique off-road simulation game that offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Unlike traditional racing games, this title requires strategic decision-making and overcoming obstacles in rugged environments. It provides a refreshing gameplay style that goes beyond typical racing titles, offering a more intellectually engaging experience.
Available on: PC, PS4/5, Xbox, Switch Estimated play time: 30 hours or more
what to read
The Legend of Zelda: Kingdom of Tears. Photo: Nintendo
– WSJ reports former Activision president, Bobby Kotick, considering investing in TikTok as a potential acquisition amid regulatory pressure. The move raises questions about corporate motivations and industry dynamics.
– Toyota engineers develop a real-life robot version of a Pokémon capable of riding, highlighting the fusion of technology and pop culture.
– British Academy Game Award nominations include popular games like Baldur’s Gate 3, Alan Wake 2, and Zelda: Kingdom of Tears, showcasing the industry’s diverse offerings.
What to click
question block
Customers who have a PS5 on the release date. Photo: Hollandse Hoogte/REX/Shutterstock
Reader John poses a thought-provoking question about the dynamics between Sony and Microsoft within the gaming industry, exploring notions of corporate strategy and market dominance.
“Why is Microsoft perceived differently from Sony in terms of market dominance despite both companies aiming for profitability through different strategies?”
The response highlights the scale and influence of companies like Microsoft within the industry, shaping perceptions and dynamics based on their financial capabilities and strategic positioning.
Have a question for the question block or feedback on the newsletter? Feel free to reach out to pushbuttons@theguardian.com.
PIf you're of a certain age, there's no doubt that you have fond memories of the paper instruction manuals that once came with every video game. Dan Marshall, author of The Swindle and Lair of the Clockwork God, certainly does. He remembers the ritual of poring over a new game's manual on the bus ride home from the store, trying to absorb all of the information in preparation for playing the game itself.
He vividly remembers receiving Bullfrog's 1993 game Syndicate by mail order early one morning and waiting for hours until his younger brother woke up to play it on the PC in his room. “And during that quality time, I did nothing but read the manual over and over and over again,” Marshall says.
Although Marshall has now gotten rid of most of his old DVDs, games and magazines, he still maintains a shelf of treasured physical items that remind him of a time in his life. It's the book he used when he first learned to code, 1989's Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles LCD Handheld, a strange game box he couldn't part with. “They’re nice to walk past and they bring a smile to your face,” he says. “And a well-made manual or a well-made box is fun in that sense.”
A box of fun…early video games came with a set of instruction manuals
Photo: Stephen Cooper/Alamy
In the early days of home video games, manuals were essential. Every byte of memory is valuable, and even adding a simple command like “press A to jump” takes up memory that could be better allocated elsewhere. Information about how to play the game can instead be moved to a manual, which also provides an opportunity to provide a story or background to accompany simple on-screen sprites. There may be other interesting things in the game box. Memorably, Revolution's 1994 adventure game Beneath a Steel Sky It came with a comic by Dave Gibbons of 2000AD., described several events leading up to the start of the game. His pioneering 1984 BBC micro-title, Elite, came with an entire novel called The Dark Wheel, which provided insight into the world of Elite.
However, as consoles and computers became more powerful throughout the 1990s, it became increasingly possible to include instructions on how to play within the game itself. In-game tutorials quickly became mandatory, allowing players to jump right into new games without having to stop to read the manual first. Then, in the 2000s, digital downloads started to become popular. Initially, publishers often offered him PDF versions of game manuals, but eventually even this tradition fell out of fashion. The instruction manual was redundant and dead.
However, several developers have been working hard to revive this lost part of gaming tradition. His 2021 strategy title HighFleet: Deus in Nobis by Konstantin Koshutin has arrived with his lovingly crafted 92-page PDF manual. Downloaded from Steam. The game was published by the newly reformed Microprose, a company that has historically specialized in simulation and strategy games such as F-15 Strike His Eagle and Civilization. All of them came with correspondingly large manuals (his Civilization manual was well over 100 pages long).
And earlier this year, Media Molecule released Tren for the Dreams gaming platform. The game is based on his Brio-style wooden railway tracks, and the company Beautifully crafted digital manual I'm going to talk about the fictional toy “Tren Modular Play System” manufactured by a company called BeechCorp. Best of all, the manual even features realistic-looking tear tracks and children's doodles.
We've seen some developers venture into physical manuals as well. In July, The Banished Vault from Lunar Division added an in-game manual. This manual is printed on demand and can also be ordered in paper form for £4.99. The developers were surprised at how many players did just that. Approximately 10% of those who purchased a digital game also purchased a paper manual. “We've found that people never get tired of beautiful game manuals.” Mike Bissell said. Head of publisher Bithell Games, on X/Twitter. This is perhaps part of a broader trend at the moment, where physical objects are revered by a generation that has seen movies, music and video games disappear into the digital realm. Check out the unexpected love for records among the younger generation.
Tunic's manual is authentic in another way, in that you actually need it to progress through the game. Otherwise, little guidance is provided on how to progress through the game. Manual pages are scattered throughout the in-game world, and each page contains important information. Perhaps providing a map, revealing a plot, or even revealing a special move. Each page is written in indecipherable runes, except for the odd intriguing English word here and there, playing imported games and deciphering Japanese manuals for hints on what to do. It reminds me of the days when I tried.
Shouldice worked hard to make the in-game manual look really beat up. “I made a physical booklet, damaged it, tore parts off, spilled stuff on it, then put a little bit in the tumble dryer and messed it up,” he says. “We then scanned every page.” The text was added digitally later to make it easier to translate the manual into different languages. It's certainly a beautiful thing, and Fangamer physical version It's available for purchase by players.
Beautiful things…Fangamer's printed tunic manual.
Photo: Fangamer/ISOMETRICORP Games Ltd./FINJI
Banished Vault also requires players to read the manual carefully. This turn-based title involves leading a gigantic space monastery as it flees from solar system to solar system, harvesting resources from planets, closely monitoring fuel levels, and attempting to escape. malicious phenomenon. Nick Tringali, the game's director, is not nostalgic for manuals. He became interested in games because they were becoming obsolete. Instead, he was inspired by his board game and his table talk role-playing game (TTRPG). “In his modern TTRPG, this book is very well designed to teach you the system and help you navigate this experience smoothly,” Tringali says. His idea was to use the same technique for a complex strategy video game.
“[In-game] “The tutorial is very complex and very likely to break if the interface or design changes,” Tringali said, noting that it may eventually have to be completely reworked later in development. Did. “So I looked at all of this and thought, okay, it's going to be less effort to actually make the book.”
Developers and players may still have a soft spot for game manuals, but it's hard to imagine manuals making a comeback outside of a few niche games. Dan Marshall thinks that's a shame. “I want to make games that come with a physical manual, so make sure you read it,” he says. “There's no tutorial, no explanation of what the buttons do…Imagine releasing a game where you can do things like: only I have a physical copy. Yes, it would be an economic disaster, but a very small number of people our age would be very happy.
As reported in nature communications, a collaborative international effort led to the creation of the first mid-infrared supermirror with extraordinary reflectivity. This innovation promises to significantly enhance environmental gas sensing and industrial processes, and represents a major leap forward in mirror technology.
Advanced infrared mirrors enhance climate and biofuels research through precise trace gas detection. An international research team from the United States, Austria, and Switzerland has demonstrated the first true supermirror in the mid-infrared spectral region. These mirrors are key to many applications, including optical spectroscopy for environmental sensing and laser cutting and welding for manufacturing.
Achieving near-perfect reflectance. In the field of high-performance mirrors, everyone is searching for the impossible: a perfectly reflective coating. In the visible wavelength range (i.e. between 380 nm and 700 nm), advanced metal mirrors achieve reflectivity as high as 99%. This means 1. photon 99 is lost with each reflection.
Although this may be impressive, in the near-infrared region (i.e., between approximately 780 nm and 2.5 μm), mirror coatings demonstrate a reflectance of 99.9997%, meaning that out of 1 million reflected photons, only one photon is lost. There are only three.
There has been a long-standing desire to extend the performance level of this supermirror into the mid-infrared (wavelengths from 2.5 μm to 10 μm and beyond), where it could enable advances in trace gas sensing tasks related to climate change and biofuels. Become. It can also be used in industrial applications such as laser processing and nanofabrication. So far, the best mid-infrared mirrors lose one photon to approximately 10,000 photons. This is about 33 times worse than near-infrared mirrors.
International cooperation leads to breakthroughs. As explained in the article published in nature communications, Thorlabs’ Crystalline Solutions (Santa Barbara, California), the Christian Doppler Institute for Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy at the University of Vienna (Austria), the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the University of Neuchâtel (Switzerland) are the first to create a truly intermediate We have demonstrated an infrared super mirror.
These mirrors lose only 8 out of 1 million photons and achieve a reflectance of 99.99923%. Achieving such extreme reflectance required a combination of mastery of materials, mirror design, and manufacturing processes.
Patterned 4-inch GaAs wafer with single-crystal GaAs/AlGaAs die. The final product is fused onto a coated silicon substrate. Credit: George Winkler A new paradigm for mirror coatings. To realize this first-generation mid-infrared (MIR) supermirror, researchers devised and demonstrated a new paradigm in coatings. They combined traditional thin-film coating techniques with new semiconductor materials and methods to overcome material limitations in the challenging mid-infrared region.
Garrett Cole, technical manager for our crystal solutions team, said: By extending this platform to longer wavelengths, our international collaboration has demonstrated for the first time a MIR coating method with less than 5 ppm of undesired absorption and scattering losses. ”
These mirrors utilize the extremely high purity and superior structural quality of molecular beam epitaxy, an advanced process used to fabricate many different semiconductor devices, to produce single-crystal GaAs/AlGaAs with negligible absorption and scattering. Produces multilayer films. This starting material is processed into high-performance mirrors using advanced microfabrication techniques, including direct “fusion” bonding onto high-quality conventional amorphous thin-film interference coatings deposited at the University of Neuchâtel.
Manufacturing these revolutionary mirrors was only half the challenge. Scientists also needed to systematically measure the mirrors to prove their superior performance. Gar-Wing Truong, principal scientist at Thorlabs Crystalline Solutions, said: “It was a huge team effort to bring together our equipment and expertise to clearly demonstrate total losses as low as 7.7ppm, six times higher than previously achieved by any of his traditional MIR coating techniques will do. ”
Co-lead author Lukas Perner, a scientist at the University of Vienna, added: Our combined efforts in innovative mirror technology and advanced characterization methods have enabled us to demonstrate superior performance and break new ground in MIR. ”
Impact on environmental sensing and spectroscopy. The immediate application of these new MIR supermirrors is to significantly improve the sensitivity of optical devices used for measuring trace gases. These devices, called cavity ring-down spectrometers (CRDS), can detect and quantify trace amounts of important environmental markers, such as carbon monoxide.
The research team turned to NIST research chemists Adam Fleischer and Michelle Bailey, who have been working on this technology for years. In a proof-of-concept experiment that put these mirrors through their paces, Fleischer and Bailey showed that the mirrors were already superior to the state-of-the-art.
“Low-loss mirrors make it possible to achieve very long optical path lengths in small devices, in this case like compressing the distance from Philadelphia to New York City to a one-meter range,” says Bailey. says Mr. “This is an important advantage for ultrasensitive spectroscopy in the mid-infrared spectral range, such as the measurement of radioisotopes important for nuclear forensics and carbon dating.”
Reference: “Mid-infrared supermirror with finesse greater than 400,000” Gar-Wing Truong, Lukas W. Perner, D. Michelle Bailey, Georg Winkler, Seth B. Cataño-Lopez, Valentin J. Wittwer, Thomas Südmeyer, Catherine Nguyen, Author David Folman, Adam J. Fleischer, Oliver H. Heckle, Garrett D. Cole, December 6, 2023, nature communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43367-z
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