Tag Archives: West

New Fossils from West Texas Extend the Range of Tenontosaurus

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Paleontologists from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, the University of Texas at El Paso, and Montana State University unearthed fossil bones of a tenontosaurus sp. This early Cretaceous ornithopod dinosaur from North America inhabited the Yucca Formation located in the far west of Texas, USA. Notably, this southernmost finding of Tenontosaurus in the interior West is around 400 km east of the Arizona record and about 900 km southwest of the north-central Texas record.

Life restoration of Tenontosaurus tilletti. Image credit: Nobu Tamura http://spinops.blogspot.com.

Tenontosaurus is a genus of iguanodont ornithopod dinosaur that roamed North America around 115 million years ago during the early Cretaceous period.

This genus includes two known species: Tenontosaurus tilletti and Tenontosaurus dossi.

Both species possessed particularly long and broad tails, which were strengthened by a framework of bony tendons, similar to their backs.

The recent fossils were retrieved from the Upper Yucca Formation of the Indio Mountains, situated approximately 35 km southwest of Van Horn in West Texas.

“I wasn’t specifically searching for fossils that day,” stated Dr. Jason Ricketts, a paleontologist at the University of Texas at El Paso.

“While examining rocks in the area, we spotted debris weathered from the soft shale.”

“There was no need for excavation; I simply collected them. It was a surprising and thrilling discovery. My family joined me to help gather the pieces.”

“Fossils of dinosaurs are uncommon in West Texas, and finding fossilized bones instead of just footprints is especially rare.”

“The fossils were found as separate fragments, with the largest confirmed to be a part of a femoral leg bone.”

“Despite their imperfect state, these fossils hold significant scientific value,” he remarked.

“Before this discovery, similar fossils were only found in other regions of Montana, Idaho, Arizona, and Texas.”

This new finding extends the known range of Tenontosaurus further southwest than previously documented.

“Until now, fossils of this kind were mostly located in northern and eastern states, such as Utah and Wyoming,” Ricketts noted.

“This discovery… indicates that Tenontosaurus lived as far south as West Texas.”

While research on the fossil fragments continues, the authors hope this discovery will encourage additional exploration in West Texas, where dinosaur fossils are largely uncharted.

“This finding demonstrates that there is still a wealth of knowledge to acquire about our region’s prehistoric history,” said Dr. Ricketts.

“It’s a privilege to contribute, even if only in a small way, to that larger narrative.”

This discovery is detailed in the following article: paper published in the Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

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Spencer G. Lucas et al. 2025. An ornithopod dinosaur that lived in the early Cretaceous of West Texas. Bulletin of the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science 101:291-294

Source: www.sci.news

UNESCO Establishes Global Standards for Neurotechnology in the ‘Wild West’ Arena

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This recent initiative is part of a growing global campaign to establish boundaries in a rapidly evolving sector: technology that utilizes data from the brain and nervous system.

UNESCO has developed a set of international standards aimed at the ethical use of neurotechnology, a discipline often likened to “a bit of the Wild West.”

“We cannot control it,” stated Daphna Feinholz, UNESCO’s chief bioethics officer. “It is essential to educate people about the risks, potential advantages, and available alternatives so they can choose whether to proceed or not.”

Feinholz noted that the new guidelines were prompted by two significant trends in neurotechnology. One is artificial intelligence (AI), which presents immense potential for interpreting brain data, and the other is the rise in consumer neurotechnology products, like earphones and glasses that claim to monitor brain activity and track eye movements.

The standards introduce a new data category termed “neural data,” proposing guidelines for its safeguarding. A comprehensive list of over 100 recommendations addresses rights-based issues and even scenarios that currently seem to belong to the realm of science fiction, such as companies potentially using neurotechnology to target subconscious marketing in dreams.

“While neurotechnology could herald a new era of human advancement, it carries inherent risks,” remarked UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. She emphasized that the new standards will “entrench the inviolability of the human heart.”

Billions of dollars have been invested in neurotechnology ventures, from Sam Altman’s investment in August Labs to Merge Labs, a rival of Elon Musk’s Neuralink, and Meta’s recent foray into this field. There is also a wristband that enables users to operate their smartphones and AI Ray-Bans by interpreting wrist muscle movements.

Such investments have led to an increasing demand for regulatory measures. A report released by the World Economic Forum last month called for a privacy-centered framework. Following this, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer introduced the MIND Act in September, inspired by similar legislation from four states aimed at protecting “neural data” starting in 2024.

Advocates for neurotechnology regulation stress the critical importance of safeguarding personal information. UNESCO’s standards highlight the necessity of “mental privacy” and “freedom of thought.”

Nonetheless, some critics argue that legislative measures often stem from dystopian anxieties, potentially hindering meaningful medical progress.

“This bill is fueled by fear. People are concerned about the possibilities this technology brings. The notion of using neurotechnology to read minds is alarming,” commented Kristen Matthews, a mental privacy attorney at Cooley in the U.S.

Technologically speaking, neurotechnology has existed for over a century. For instance, brain waves (EEG) were first documented in 1924, and brain-computer interfaces emerged in the 1970s. Yet the latest surge in investment is likely propelled by advancements in AI that enable the interpretation of extensive data, including brain waves.

“The integration of AI is what has sparked privacy concerns surrounding this technology,” Matthews explained.

Certain AI-driven neurotechnology innovations could significantly transform medicine, aiding in the treatment of conditions from Parkinson’s disease to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

A study published this summer in *Nature* discusses an AI-enabled brain-computer interface capable of decoding sounds from paralyzed patients. Additional research suggests that it might one day be able to “read” your thoughts or at least reconstruct your images based on your focus.

The excitement surrounding some of these developments often generates fear that may not align with the actual risks involved, Matthews argued. For example, the MIND Act claims that “corporate vertical integration” of AI and neurotechnology could foster “cognitive manipulation” and undermine “individual autonomy.”

“I’m not aware of any companies engaging in such actions. It’s unlikely to happen, certainly not within the next 20 years,” she stated.

The current forefront of neurotechnology is enhancing brain-computer interfaces. With the advent of consumer devices, Matthews noted that they could provoke privacy issues that are central to UNESCO’s standards. However, she contends that the concept of “neural data” is too broad a strategy for addressing these concerns.

“This is the type of issue we wish to tackle: monetization, behavioral advertising, and the application of neural data. Yet the existing laws fail to grasp what we’re truly worried about. They’re too vague.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

While ChatGPT Has Its Benefits, Here’s Why I Still Dislike It | Imogen West Night

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IT is a popular topic of discussion over drinks and dinner. The debate centers on whether AI will take away jobs. So far, AI hasn’t had a fair shot at writing newspaper opinion columns, but I’m convinced there are aspects of my role that AI simply can’t replicate.

Except for now, it seems AI is making claims that it can. Recently, it was revealed that at least six respected publications had to retract articles they published, as they turned out to be fragments of fiction generated by AI and later submitted by someone under the name Margaux Blanchard. One such piece was a Wired article titled “Love in Love in Love Fold,” which humorously featured Minecraft as a wedding venue. This piece quoted a so-called “digital celebrity,” Jessica Foo, who appears to exist only in name. Another publication called Dispatch received a pitch from “Blanchard” about an imaginary neighbor’s town called Gravemont, which also does not exist.

In social conversations about topics like ChatGPT, I struggle against an overwhelming sense of frustration. I dislike ChatGPT deeply. This feeling qualifies as hatred for me, because it provokes a visceral response that’s just shy of real anger. I don’t find it just annoying or confusing—I genuinely despise it.

Thus, I’ve been digging into the reasons behind my aversion. There are valid points in favor of the AI era. For instance, a friend in the scientific field explained how AI accelerates the process of developing and testing hypotheses. Routine tasks become less time-consuming with AI’s assistance.

Nonetheless, there are numerous factors causing my trepidation. The environmental impact of using ChatGPT is well-documented, but for me, it’s not the most pressing concern. It troubles me that people are actively choosing technologies that threaten to make much of their work obsolete. For example, AI can distill complex information through Google searches, which is often too straightforward. Moreover, those leading the AI revolution often evoke the worst stereotypes of the typical tech bro.

This reactionary mindset is what I find particularly tragic. Trusting ChatGPT could weaken people’s mental capabilities. I firmly believe that creative imagination is like a muscle; it thrives on exercise. Recently, I assisted a 7-year-old with her creative writing assignment. When she needed to describe the forest, I asked her to imagine it and share what she saw. “We don’t need to do that,” she replied. “You can ask AI to do it.”

She indirectly suggested that we let ChatGPT help rewrite the article. Call me a Luddite if you must, but my reaction was one of dismay! Some challenges should be embraced! It’s beneficial for your brain to tackle them! I’ve read about people using ChatGPT for selecting dishes from a restaurant menu. Choosing what to eat is one of life’s small pleasures—why outsource that to a machine?

However, what troubles me most isn’t that. The gravest issue is how ChatGPT infiltrates people’s personal lives. There’s a barrage of suggestions on using it for workout plans, coding solutions, and document summarization. That’s fine, but hearing about its use for writing birthday cards, best man speeches, or farewell texts makes a part of my soul wither. As someone who writes for a living, I can’t accept this. These moments of expression need to be heartfelt and authentic, not perfectly crafted by algorithms.

My deep-seated dislike for ChatGPT stems from how willingly people transform meaningful interactions into mere transactions. For instance, whether it’s an email or a post, much of the value in receiving a message lies in knowing someone invested their time and thought into crafting it.

I fully recognize that 15 years down the line, I might look back on this article with amusement, adapting to AI-optimized workdays and AI-assisted tasks. I may find I was naive to worry at all! “I love you” could be easily programmed to mimic genuine affection! I also understand that my aversion to ChatGPT might render me less employable in the future, as I might lack the skills to harness AI effectively. That’s okay; I can retreat to the woods and live a less-than-ideal life. Yet, I will be unhappy in a tangible way, clinging to the ability to think independently.

Source: www.theguardian.com

DNA Study Uncovers West African Heritage in Early Medieval England

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Updown Cemetery Girl’s Skeletons Reveal West African Ancestry

M George et al.

The discovery of two unrelated young men buried in British cemeteries during the early Middle Ages suggests they may have had grandparents from West Africa. The exact means by which their ancestors arrived in the UK remains unknown, but this insight implies that Anglo-Saxon immigration was far more complex than previously assumed.

Following the Romans’ withdrawal from England in 410 AD, the British Isles were invaded and settled by Germanic tribes including the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. To explore the possibility of migration from other regions, Duncan Sayer and his colleagues from The University of Central Lancashire conducted an analysis of ancient DNA obtained from skeletons in two 7th-century cemeteries located on the southern coast of England.

One of these cemeteries is found in Kent, where a wealth of traded artifacts from various regions were unearthed, including Frankish pottery, buckles, and brooches. Burial customs at this site indicate that items such as cookware, cutlery, and combs were included with the dead.

The other site is the Matravars cemetery in western Dorset, which had fewer individuals interred with Romano-British practices.

While the majority of individuals buried here had ancestry from Northern Europeans or Western British and Irish, both the Updown girl and the young man from Worth Matravers exhibited genetic ties to West Africa, likely from grandparents.

In both cases, mitochondrial DNA, inherited maternally, traced back to Northern Europe; however, the autosomal DNA, inherited from both parents, revealed 20-40% ancestry from West African groups such as Esan, Yoruba, Mende, and Mandinka.

This indicates that the West African DNA likely traces back to their grandparents, marking the first known genetic link between Britain and Africa during the early Middle Ages.

Both individuals were interred as typical members of their community. DNA analysis revealed that the Updown girl had relatives—a grandmother and an aunt—buried in the same cemetery, who were approximately 11-13 years old when she died.

Examination of the carbon-nitrogen isotope ratios in the bone samples of the young man from Worth Matravers, who lived between the ages of 17 and 25, suggested insights into his diet during his growth period.

“His dietary habits suggest he was born and raised in the UK,” notes team member Ceiridwen Edwards from Huddersfield University.

Edwards indicates that evidence of West African DNA in York existed during the Roman period; however, Sayer contends that the proportion of West African DNA in these individuals is significantly lower than that of descendants from the Roman era. “This finding pertains to grandparents, rather than survivors of the Roman legions or administrators stationed for centuries,” he asserts.

Moreover, there is no evidence to support the notion that these individuals were enslaved, according to Sayer:

Instead, it suggests a context of transactions and mobility of people and goods. At some point, West Africans may have arrived in England aboard trade ships and settled here.

Sayer speculates that their arrival could have been tied to North Africa’s connection with the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, driven by military interests in accessing gold from sub-Saharan Africa. “The revitalization of this trade route coincides with a time when we can identify these grandparents,” he remarks.

“This research underscores the dynamic state of what we refer to as post-[Western] Rome and the early medieval period in England,” comments Marina Soares da Silva at the Francis Crick Institute in London. “The authors propose a trade route supported by Byzantine governance in North Africa, which I consider a plausible scenario.”

According to Sayer, 7th-century England was not merely a collection of isolated communities in a ‘dark age,’ but rather dynamic societies engaging in trade and genetic exchanges with West Africa and beyond.

Historic Herculaneum – Discover Vesuvius, Pompeii, Ancient Naples

The exploration of history and archaeology takes you on an intriguing journey where the past comes alive through Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

West Nile Virus Identified in British Mosquito for the First Time

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A fragment of the virus has been identified in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Nottinghamshire, UK

IMV/ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

The West Nile virus, marking the first potential fatal mosquito-borne disease in the UK, has been identified for the first time.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has announced that its research collaboration with the Animal and Plant Health Agency has Afa successfully identified a “fragment” of the virus in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from the marshlands along the Idol River in Nottinghamshire in July 2023, indicating that these insects are carriers of pathogens.

According to Alanfolly from Apha, the virus was discovered somewhat by chance during routine testing by his team. He notes that further screenings will take place around that area later this year. Interestingly, Nottinghamshire typically does not fall into Afa’s primary testing regions, which are mostly centered in southern and eastern England, where warmer climates increase the likelihood of infections such as West Nile.

Humans and horses can become infected with the West Nile virus through mosquito bites. Approximately 20% of infected individuals exhibit symptoms such as fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal. Currently, there are no approved vaccines for humans.

UKHSA has reported the virus’s presence only in two mosquito samples, with no current evidence suggesting that humans or horses are infected in the UK. The organization’s assessment indicates a very low risk to the public, but healthcare professionals are advised to test encephalitis patients for unexplained causes.

“This is the first identification of the West Nile virus in British mosquitoes, though it doesn’t come as a surprise given the virus’s ongoing spread across Europe,” stated Meera Chand from UKHSA.

The West Nile virus has been increasingly observed in Africa, Europe, and North America. In Europe, recent years have seen its northern spread, reaching the Netherlands in 2020.

Factors contributing to the spread of the West Nile virus include elevated spring and summer temperatures, summer droughts, and milder winters, all of which are becoming more prevalent in Northern Europe. Although APHA has not detected the West Nile virus in mosquitoes or birds for 2024, the recent warm weather in the UK could change that. “We had an unusually warm May,” Folly noted. “If there is another case, we may see it in the coming weeks. This is just the beginning; more cases could follow.”

British researchers have been vigilant for the West Nile virus since 2020 when a related mosquito-borne virus (USUTU) was first found in London. The West Nile virus shares similar transmission characteristics with USUTU and requires comparable environmental conditions.

“I wouldn’t be surprised at all,” stated Matthew Baylis from the University of Liverpool. “I’ve been expecting this to happen every year. I believe that the West Nile virus will eventually be detected in the UK.”

He suggested that the virus likely arrived in the UK via birds and is probably circulating among various mosquito species in the region. However, he reassured that there is no immediate cause for alarm. “The risk remains low for most people. While a few horses are susceptible to West Nile disease, it’s quite rare,” he added.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hunting Kit from 6,500 Years Ago Unearthed in West Texas

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Approximately 6,500 years ago, hunting kits included spear throwers, boomerang fragments, wood and stone tipped darts. These were discovered in a cave in West Texas near remnants of a small fire and a well-preserved pile of human waste, suggesting past human habitation.

Recently, archaeologists from Surros State University and Kansas University uncovered one of the oldest almost complete wooden and stone hunting weapons in North America. The findings are still being studied, but initial assessments indicate that one weapon may be around 7,000 years old.

Brion Schroeder, director of the Big Bend Research Center, expressed surprise at the discoveries, highlighting the unique insights into ancient hunting methods and tool maintenance.

Recent discoveries in a cave near Malfa, Texas have revealed hunting kits containing weapons and antelope skins likely used for clothing. The excavation, funded by the University of Kansas, aims to uncover ancient human artifacts in North America.

Dr. Schroeder and his team faced challenges from looters but persisted in their search for ancient artifacts. The depths of the cave yielded valuable insights into the hunting practices of early humans.

During the excavation, researchers unearthed parts of a hunting kit, suggesting the cave was used by hunters to store and repair their weapons. This sheds light on how ancient hunters maintained their tools and equipment.

The discovery of various tools and their arrangement indicates a systematic approach to hunting and tool maintenance by the ancient inhabitants of the cave.

Among the artifacts found is an atlatl, or spear thrower, considered one of the oldest in North America. The well-preserved wooden components of the atlatl provide valuable insights into ancient hunting techniques.

In addition to the atlatl, researchers discovered fragments of boomerangs, wooden darts, and stone tips, indicating a sophisticated approach to hunting and tool usage by ancient humans.

The discoveries offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives and hunting practices of ancient people, showcasing their advanced technology and strategic planning.

The age and completeness of the artifacts suggest a well-maintained weapon kit used by ancient hunters, providing valuable insights into their behavior and technology.

The discoveries shed light on the skills and foresight of ancient hunters, highlighting their ability to adapt to their environment and plan for their hunting expeditions.

Anthropology experts emphasize the rarity of finding well-preserved organic materials in ancient tools, showcasing the complexity of ancient hunting equipment beyond stone tools.

Ongoing analyses of the artifacts aim to uncover not only insights into ancient human diet and DNA but also the advanced weaponry used by early hunters. Collaboration with Indigenous groups ensures respectful research practices and eventual public sharing of findings.

The discoveries challenge preconceived notions of ancient hunting methods and highlight the intelligence and adaptability of early human societies.

Archaeologists and researchers emphasize the importance of these findings in understanding the behavior and technology of ancient hunting communities.

Source: www.nytimes.com

The Death of a Blackbird highlights the looming danger of the West Nile virus in the UK

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Blackbird numbers have decreased in the UK as the USUTU virus has taken hold

ytje veenstra/shutterstock

The deadly virus is killing Blackbirds all over the UK. Beyond the risks for birds, its spread indicates that mosquito-borne viruses are currently pose a threat to humans and animals in the country as a result of climate change.

The virus in question, USUTU, occurred in South Africa in 1959, but is now spreading in Europe. It caused fatal diseases in certain birds, especially black swans, and was first detected in the UK in 2020. In some parts of the country, the Blackbird population, the most notable London, has fallen by more than 40% since 2018. “I first noticed a decline when USUTU popped up,” he says. Hugh Hammer With British trust for ornithology.

Though catastrophic to bird life, USUTU poses low risks to humans and mammals. Human infectious diseases are rare and generally cause mild fever, but the arrival of the virus in the UK marked the first time by mosquito-borne viral zoonotic diseases (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) that have appeared in domestic animal hosts. Virus experts are closely monitoring how well and fast the disease is spreading, as it could be a template for the future spread of other mosquito-borne diseases.

For example, the West Nile virus spreads just like USUTU and requires the same environmental conditions. “The same mosquitoes that can send USUTUs can usually send West Nile. [for Usutu] It can also serve as a host for West Nile.” Alanfolly at the British Animal and Plant Health Organization (APHA).

Humans can also contract the West Nile virus when bitten by mosquitoes, but the symptoms can be more severe than those of USUTU. Approximately 20% of infected people experience symptoms including fever, headache, body pain, vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, this virus can cause serious inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, which is fatal. There are no known human vaccines.

Climate change has helped accelerate the spreading of the West Nile virus through Northern and Eastern Europe. Research Showas the virus thrives in warm summer temperatures. In the Netherlands, USUTU was first detected in 2016, and the West Nile virus continued in 2020. British officials fear a similar pattern will unfold in their country. Demonstrating research The climate there is becoming more and more kind to mosquito-borne viruses. “The idea is if there's usutu here, West Nile is likely to come at some point and last, given the right conditions,” Folly says.

In response to the threat, APHA launched a project in 2023 to track the emergence and transmission routes of USUTU and other mosquito-borne viruses in wild birds. Infrastructure to track this virus It is essential for the country to respond quickly to West Nile's arrival, Foley says. “Our real goal, or willingness from a government perspective, is to be able to detect these. [new viruses] We circulate animal populations before they can be transmitted to humans. ”

Reina Sikkema The University of Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam is studying the emergence of the Netherlands Ustus and the West Nile virus. The West Nile has not been detected since 2022,He believes the virus is circulating at low levels and is now being controlled by a relatively cool climate. “I believe it exists, but it takes the right situation to burn,” she says. Sikkema said detection of the West Nile in the UK is now inevitable, but he believes similar climatic factors can prevent the virus from spreading too widely.

However, the temperature rise in summer including Increased frequency of tropical nights – The UK's Met Office Weather Agency defines Sikkema that if the minimum temperature is not below 20°C, it could change photos of the UK, the Netherlands and other Northern European countries. “Mosquito-borne is not [just] On your Spanish holiday, or when you go to South America,” says Folly.

Like the potential risk of the West Nile virus to people, Folly says we shouldDon't forget what USUTU is doing to Blackbirds in the UK: “If 40% of humans die in Greater London, you'll know about it very quickly.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Scarlett Johansson raises concerns about AI dangers following viral Kanye West deepfake video

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Scarlett Johansson raised concerns about the “immediate threat of AI” following the circulation of deepfake videos featuring her and other well-known Jewish celebrities in response to recent anti-Semitic comments made by Kanye West.

The deepfake video showcased AI-generated versions of numerous celebrities, such as Johansson, David Schwimmer, Jerry Seinfeld, Drake, Adam Sandler, Steven Spielberg, and Mila Kunis.

It began with a deepfake representation of Johansson wearing a t-shirt with raised hands and fingers adorned with the Star of David and Kanye’s name. The video was set to the tune of “Habanagira,” a traditional Jewish song typically played at celebratory cultural events and concluded with a message urging viewers to join the fight against anti-Semitism.

Other celebrities depicted in the video included Sacha Baron Cohen, Jack Black, Natalie Portman, Adam Levine, Ben Stiller, and Lenny Kravitz.

Johansson expressed her distress over the dissemination of AI-generated videos featuring her likeness online in response to anti-Semitic sentiments. In a statement to People, she stated, “As a Jewish woman, I unequivocally denounce all forms of anti-Semitism and hate speech. However, I believe the potential dangers posed by hate speech-enabled AI are far more concerning. We must hold AI accountable, as it presents a significant threat. Regardless of the AI’s message, there is a risk of inciting misuse of AI or real-life repercussions.”

A user known as Nishi made derogatory remarks, self-identifying as a “Nazi,” and lauding Hitler on social media before deactivating their account.

Nishi also featured in advertisements during the Super Bowl and directed viewers to their website, which was subsequently shut down by Shopify for policy violations. Fox TV station CEO Jack Abernethy also criticized the ads in a memo to staff.

Johansson has been an outspoken advocate against the unauthorized use of AI. She previously threatened legal action against OpenAI for using a voice resembling hers in their ChatGPT product. OpenAI eventually removed the prominently featured audio option from ChatGPT following significant backlash.

Johansson emphasized, “While I have been a prominent target of AI misuse, the reality is that the threat of AI affects us all.”

She further stated, “There is a pressing need for progressive nations to enact regulations safeguarding citizens from the imminent perils posed by AI, which regrettably the US government appears inert in addressing. It is alarming that the US lags in taking action.”

The actor urged lawmakers to enact legislation combating AI abuse, highlighting it as “a bipartisan issue with profound implications for humanity’s immediate future.”

These remarks coincide with the UK Advertising Standards Authority’s report stating the prevalence of fake ads featuring celebrities as the most widespread form of fraudulent online ads.

The AI-generated video was created by Ori Bejerano, as indicated in his Instagram Bio. His original post noted that the content was digitally altered or generated with AI to create a realistic appearance.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Wildfire smoke from Canadian and West Coast wildfires spreads throughout North America

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summary

  • Smoke from the wildfires has spread across North America, threatening air quality in much of Canada, California, and the Pacific Northwest.
  • The fast-spreading fire caused widespread damage in the Canadian alpine resort town of Jasper.
  • Firefighters in Oregon, Idaho, and California are also battling blazes that are spreading quickly due to gusty winds and high temperatures.

Raging wildfires in western Canada have sent huge plumes of smoke spreading across North America in recent days, with pollution captured in images by NASA satellites, aircraft, and ground-based observatories.

An animation released by NASA on Friday showed smoke blanketing the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories and drifting into other parts of the Midwest, including Montana, Colorado, Kansas, and Wisconsin.

This map uses data from NASA to show the concentration and movement of black carbon, a type of aerosol pollution released by wildfires, over North America from July 17 to July 24.

As of Friday afternoon, there were 948 fires burning in Canada, with 387 of them considered out of control. Canadian Joint Forest Fire Centre The fast-spreading fire caused widespread damage in the popular alpine resort city of Jasper in Alberta and forced the evacuation of 25,000 people.

Massive fires in the Pacific Northwest and California are also polluting the air nearby. Air quality alerts and watches have been issued in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming over the past week. Smoky skies have also been reported in North Dakota, South Dakota, and across the High Plains.

Oregon is experiencing the largest wildfire season in the US, fueled by lightning, high temperatures, and strong winds, with more than 35 out-of-control wildfires burning a combined total of nearly 1 million acres in the state.

In neighboring Idaho, fast-spreading fires forced the evacuation of the entire town of Juliaetta on Thursday, with more than 600 residents evacuated as the Gwen Fire and other wildfires burning in the area continued to grow.

Cities in Oregon, Montana, California, and Idaho topped the list of places with the worst air quality in the country on Friday. According to IQAir: For example, air pollution levels in Burns, Oregon, were listed as “hazardous,” while air quality in Stevensville, Montana, was listed as “very unhealthy,” according to a Swiss air quality monitoring company.

In California, the Park Fire has already burned more than 250 square miles in the Chico area since starting on Wednesday and remained uncontained as of Friday morning.

Firefighters are also battling the lightning-fought Gold Complex Fire in California’s Plumas National Forest, which has burned more than five square miles since July 22. As of Friday afternoon, the fire was only 11 percent contained, and winds are causing the blaze to spread quickly. According to the California Fire Department.

Smoke from wildfires that have spread eastward to New England and south to Mexico is having a variety of effects on human health.

In addition to black carbon, wildfires release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, a variety of chemicals, and tiny particles called particulate matter into the air. Together, these substances can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and worsen the conditions of diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and chronic kidney disease.

Young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with asthma or other existing respiratory conditions are at greatest risk from wildfire smoke.

Thunderstorms have played a role in igniting many wildfires in Canada and the western United States, with gusty winds, high temperatures, and more thunderstorms fanning the flames.

Summer wildfires are common in western Canada and the United States, but scientists say climate change is making them more dangerous by creating more favorable conditions for fires to start and spread. Rising temperatures also drier vegetation, making it more flammable.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Heatwave strikes California and other areas along the West Coast

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The West Coast is facing a dangerous heatwave that is expected to peak on Saturday, putting people at risk of health issues long after temperatures reach their highest point. According to a national update on Friday, forecasters anticipate that a wide range of temperature records will be broken or tied, with temperatures in California expected to reach the 110s on Saturday. The hot weather will persist well into the following week, raising concerns about health risks such as heart attacks and heat strokes, especially among older adults and individuals with chronic diseases.

At Sunrise Farm near Coachella, California on July 3rd.Mario Tama/Getty Images

The heatwave is expected to persist for more than a week, prompting warnings from the National Weather Service about record-breaking temperatures in California, Oregon, and Washington. Areas like the Sacramento Valley, at the heart of the heat wave, are under warning until at least next Tuesday. Meteorologists predict some relief early next week, but temperatures are still likely to exceed 100 degrees in certain regions.

Heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, pose a significant risk during prolonged periods of extreme heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows a sharp increase in heatstroke-related emergency room visits, with the incidence more than doubling in recent days. In regions like the San Joaquin Valley in California, extreme weather conditions are expected daily next week, impacting medical facilities and infrastructure.

A construction worker in Folsom, California, on July 3.David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

In Portland, Oregon, health officials are concerned about residents unaccustomed to hot weather, particularly those attending outdoor events this weekend. Temperatures in Death Valley may reach deadly limits, posing risks even to healthy individuals. Experts emphasize the importance of staying hydrated and cool to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Research on the physiological limits of heat exposure indicates that older adults may succumb to heatstroke within hours when exposed to extreme heat, even indoors or in the shade without air conditioning. As temperatures continue to rise, it’s crucial to take precautions and monitor vulnerable populations to prevent heat-related fatalities.

“Understanding the impact of heatwaves on our health is vital to mitigating the risks and protecting communities,” said Dr. Lisa Patel. Stay aware of local heat advisories and follow safety guidelines to stay safe during the ongoing heatwave.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Microsoft drives sustainable innovation in West London with AI-driven ‘green moonshot’ project

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If you want evidence of Microsoft’s progress towards its environmental “moonshot” goals, look closer to Earth to a construction site on an industrial estate in west London. The company’s Park Royal data center is part of the company’s efforts to drive the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), but its ambitions are The goal is to become carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft says the center will be run entirely on renewable energy, but construction of the data center and the servers it will house will contribute to the company’s Scope 3 emissions (CO2)2. These relate to the electricity people use when using building materials or products like the Xbox. 30% increase from 2020. As a result, the company is exceeding its overall emissions target by roughly the same percentage.

This week, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates argued that AI can help fight climate change because big tech companies are “seriously willing” to pay extra to use clean sources of electricity so they can “say they’re using green energy.” In the short term, AI poses a problem for Microsoft’s environmental goals. Microsoft’s outspoken president, Brad Smith, once called the company’s carbon-reduction ambitions a “moonshot.” In May, he stretched that metaphor to its limits and said that the company’s AI strategy has “moved the moon” for it. It plans to spend £2.5bn over the next three years to expand its AI data center infrastructure in the UK, and has announced new data center projects around the world this year, including in the US, Japan, Spain, and Germany.

Training and running the AI models underlying products like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini uses significant amounts of electricity to power and cool the associated hardware, plus carbon is generated by manufacturing and transporting the associated equipment. “This is a technology that will increase energy consumption,” said Alex de Vries, founder of DigiConomist, a website that tracks the environmental impact of new technologies. The International Energy Agency estimates that the total electricity consumption of data centers is Doubling from 2022 levels to 1,000 TWh (terawatt hours) in 2026. This is equivalent to Japan’s energy demand. With AI, data centers 4.5% of world energy production That will happen by 2030, according to calculations by research firm Semianalysis.

The environment has also been in the spotlight amid concerns about AI’s impact on jobs and human lifespan. Last week, the International Monetary Fund said governments should consider imposing carbon taxes to capture the environmental costs of AI, either through a general carbon tax that covers emissions from servers, or a specific tax on CO2.2 It is generated by the device. The big tech companies involved in AI (Meta, Google, Amazon, Microsoft) are seeking renewable energy sources to meet their climate change targets. Largest Corporate Buyer Renewable Energy I bought more than half The power output of offshore wind farms in Scotland, which Microsoft announced in May it would invest $10 billion (£7.9 billion) in. Renewable Energy Projects.

Google aims to run its data centers entirely on carbon-free energy by 2030. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to achieving our climate change goals,” a Microsoft spokesperson said. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who left the company in 2020 but retains a stake in the company through his Foundation, has argued that AI can directly help combat climate change. He said Thursday that any increase in electricity demand would be matched by new investments in green generation to more than offset usage. A recent UK government-backed report agreed, saying that “the carbon intensity of energy sources is an important variable in In calculating AI-related emissions, but adding that “a significant portion of AI training worldwide still relies on high-carbon sources such as coal and natural gas”. Water needed to cool servers is also an issue, A study It estimates that AI could account for up to 6.6 billion cubic meters of water use by 2027. Two thirds This is equivalent to the annual consumption of England.

De Vries argues that the pursuit of sustainable computing power will put a strain on demand for renewable energy, resulting in fossil fuels making up for shortfalls in other parts of the global economy. “Increasing energy consumption means there isn’t enough renewable energy to cover that increase,” he says. Data center server rooms consume large amounts of energy. Photo: i3D_VR/Getty Images/iStockphoto. NexGen Cloud, a UK company that provides sustainable cloud computing, says that in an industry that relies on data centers to provide IT services such as data storage and computing power over the internet, data centers could use renewable energy sources for AI-related computing if they were located away from urban areas and near hydroelectric or geothermal generation sources. “We are excited to join forces with NVIDIA to bring the power of cloud to the cloud,” said Youlian Tzanev, co-founder of NexGen Cloud.

“Until now, the industry standard has been to build around economic centers, not renewable energy sources.” This makes it even harder for AI-focused tech companies to meet their carbon emissions targets. Amazon, the world’s largest cloud computing provider, aims to be net zero (removing as much carbon as it emits) by 2040 and aims to source 100% of its global electricity usage from renewable energy by 2025. Google and Meta are also pursuing the same net zero goal by 2030. OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, uses Microsoft data centers to train and run its products.

There are two main ways that large-scale language models, the underlying technology behind chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini, consume energy: The first is the training phase, where the model is fed huge amounts of data, often from the internet, to build up a statistical understanding of the language itself, which ultimately enables it to generate large numbers of compelling answers to queries. The initial energy costs of training an AI are astronomical, meaning that small businesses (and even smaller governments) that can’t afford to spend $100 million on training can’t compete in the field. But this cost pales in comparison to the cost of actually running the resulting models, a process called “inference.” According to Brent Till, an analyst at investment firm Jefferies, 90% of AI’s energy costs are in the inference stage – the power consumed when you ask an AI system to answer a factual question, summarize a chunk of text, or write an academic paper.

The power used for training and inference is delivered through a vast and growing digital infrastructure. Data centers contain thousands of servers built from the ground up for specific pieces of AI workloads. A single training server contains a central processing unit (CPU) that’s nearly as powerful as a computer’s, and dozens of specialized graphics processing units (GPUs) or tensor processing units (TPUs), microchips designed to speed up the vast amounts of simple calculations that make up AI models. When you use the chatbot, you watch it spit out answers word for word, powered by powerful GPUs that consume about a quarter of the power it takes to boil a kettle. All of this is hosted in a data center, whether owned by the AI provider itself or a third party. In the latter case, it’s sometimes called “the cloud,” a fancy name for someone else’s computer.

SemiAnalysis estimates that if generative AI were integrated into every Google search, it could consume 29.2 TWh of energy per year, roughly the annual consumption of Ireland, which would be prohibitively financial for the tech company, sparking speculation that Google may start charging for some of its AI tools. But some argue that focusing on the energy overhead of AI is the wrong way to think about it. Instead, think about the energy that new tools can save. A provocative paper published in Nature’s peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports earlier this year argued that AI creates a smaller carbon footprint when writing or illustrating text than humans. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine estimate that AI systems emit “130 to 1,500 times” less carbon dioxide per page of text than a human writer, and up to 2,900 times less carbon dioxide per image. Of course, there’s no word on what human authors and illustrators will do instead: redirect and retrain their workforce in other areas, e.g. Green Jobs – It could be another moonshot.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Las Vegas sees surge in mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus

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summary

  • A record number of mosquitoes in and around Las Vegas are testing positive for the West Nile virus as mosquito populations across the region soar.
  • Local health officials are urging residents to take precautions to avoid being stung.
  • The situation in Las Vegas is a case study as climate change expands the reach of vector-borne diseases.

Record numbers of mosquitoes are carrying the West Nile virus in and around Las Vegas, prompting local health officials to issue a public warning. Take precautions To avoid getting bitten.

West Nile virus causes fever, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and is fatal in about 1 in 150 cases. There is no vaccine or medicine to treat or prevent the mosquito-borne disease.

In recent weeks, 169 of more than 24,000 mosquito swarms tested for West Nile virus in 25 Southern Nevada ZIP codes tested positive, meaning at least one mosquito in the swarm was carrying the virus. The number of mosquitoes and positive swarms recorded this early in the season broke the regional records for both indicators set in 2019.

“The mosquito population is huge and we've already seen significant numbers of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus,” said Vivek Raman, environmental health inspector for the Southern Nevada Health Department.

Health officials also identified six swimming pools in the Las Vegas area where people had tested positive for the St. Louis encephalitis virus, a mosquito-borne disease that causes potentially fatal inflammation of the brain.

For decades, climate scientists and public health officials have warned that climate change could increase the range of various infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted by mosquitoes. The Las Vegas mosquito surge and regional increase in West Nile virus outbreaks provide an important case study in how climate affects human health.

Climate change will increase the global average temperature and precipitation, creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes, who breed in still, warm water. It will also lengthen the warm season, lengthening the mosquito season. These changes will Human exposure risk Even in places where no cases have been recorded before, there is an increased risk of contracting diseases such as West Nile virus.

The first case of West Nile virus was recorded in Las Vegas in 2004, five years after the first case in the United States was recorded in New York City in 1999. The most recent West Nile virus outbreak in Las Vegas was five years ago, when 43 people were infected, and area health officials fear the situation could get even worse this summer.

Spring weather is coming to Nevada and much of the Southwest. It gets warmer Summer heat waves have become more intense in recent decades. In Las Vegas, the average spring temperature is 6.2 degree increase since 1970This month, the city has already A week of record-breaking heatwave.

Rising temperatures in Southern Nevada are creating favorable conditions for mosquitoes, said Nishay Mishra, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Columbia University. Additionally, the state's ongoing drought has lowered groundwater levels throughout the Colorado River basin, including Lake Mead, which could unexpectedly benefit the insects.

“Mosquitoes typically breed in places that are moist and hot,” Mishra says, “but in Nevada, when small bodies of water dry up, they create shallow water that's perfect for mosquito breeding.”

Las Vegas' mosquito surge has been enormous: Last year, local health officials counted 6,000 mosquitoes in traps set across Clark County between April and June. This year, the number is already over 24,000.

Most of these mosquitoes are Culex mosquitoes, which are the primary vectors of the West Nile virus. But another mosquito species that doesn't carry the virus, Aedes aegypti, has also become common in Las Vegas. It was first spotted in the area in 2017, and Raman attributes its spread in part to climate change.

Along with climate, human behavior also plays an important role in the spread of vector-borne diseases. Culex mosquitoes and Culex pipiens mosquitoes breed in many Las Vegas backyards, the former breeding in small pools of water such as those left by sprinklers, and the latter often breeding along the surface of untended swimming pools.

Raman said the best ways to prevent infection are to empty water containers outside, take care of swimming pools, wear protective clothing and use bug repellent to prevent insect bites.

Louise Ivers, professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the university's Global Health Institute, said situations like the one in Las Vegas will become more common as infectious diseases continue to rise around the world due to climate change.

“We expect to see new infections, the resurgence of old ones, and changes in the transmission patterns of existing ones like West Nile virus,” Ivers said. “We may no longer be able to do things that we were previously free to do without worrying as much about protection from vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Nigerian Influencer Uses Satire to Highlight Lack of Promotion of Africa in the West

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circleWhen Charity Ekezie first joined TikTok in 2020 and started posting videos from her home in Abuja, Nigeria, she had recently left her job at a radio station. She saw TikTok as a way to stay active and maintain her journalism skills.

Within a few months, she realized from the comments on her posts that some people had no knowledge about Africa. Commenters from the UK, US, and European nations asked her questions like if Africa had mobile phones or access to water.

“Wait a minute, are you serious?” Ekezie thought at the time. “This is not the Africa I live in. We have telephones and bottled water. I decided to start responding.”

Armed with humor and sarcasm, Ekezie’s witty replies to questions such as “Do they have planes in Africa?” or “Do they have shoes in Africa?” have garnered her over 4.5 million followers globally. Find her on
Tick ​​tock,
Instagram,
Youtube and
Facebook. Some of her posts have amassed tens of millions of views.

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in
1 TikTok post
Answering a question about why Africans can buy mobile phones but not water, she holds a bottle of water in her hands, with more bottles stacked behind her, and explains that every month people gather for a spitting festival. “All the men do a spiritual chant led by the community magician, and all the women and girls take a turn spitting into the drum. After two days, we go for a purification ritual, so we can take the saliva and drink it,” she jokes.

People laughed at the video, which prompted Ekezie to make more videos and get more questions. Some of them were just trolling, but many were serious.

1 post was featured
She and her two cousins ​​dancing by the lake
In response to a comment about there being no water in Africa.

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The video has been viewed more than 22 million times so far, but it has also attracted thousands of racist comments. Ekezie said, “The water was brown during that time. I started getting comments like, ‘Oh my god, the water you’re drinking is dirty,’ and people were saying the water is washing me away, that’s why it’s brown and why I’m so black.”

People left monkey emojis. Ekezie said she didn’t always notice the racism. “I didn’t understand it,” she said. “I was aware of the concept of racism, but I’d never been treated in a racist way. It really hurt.”

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But she also received a lot of positive feedback from many Africans, some of whom joined in on the joke in the comments section. People from all over Africa responded to the post, which made light of the fact that many people don’t understand that Africa is a continent, not just one country, with flag emojis. “No matter where you’re from, they were united and they got the joke,” Ekezie says. “Some people said, ‘You will singlehandedly unite Africa.’ That was so cool.”


From this experience, Ekezie, who spent part of her childhood in Cameroon, learned that “Africa is not promoted at all in the West and people don’t know anything about us. I thought people read books but apparently that’s not the case. It’s heartbreaking because we are exposed to Western media, music, and culture every day.”

She’s grateful to be able to share her perspective on social media, and her YouTube following has grown so much over the past year that she’s been able to make a living from her posts. “I make videos because people want to see Africa through my lens, so they can see that it’s not this dreary jungle,” she says.

“I’m not saying African countries are perfect,” she adds. “And what country is perfect? ​​But we need to do our best. People need to know that we have our own problems, but we’re also great countries. We have great cultures, great food, great people.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Are freshwater manatees found in West Africa’s deep waters?

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The African manatee is one of three subspecies of these creatures. It belongs to the mammal family that also includes dugongs.

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“This is the perfect place for manatees,” said Lucy Keith Diagne, looking out at the slow mudflow of the Niandang River. It seems unlikely, but how did this mobile aquatic mammal, also known as a sea cow, live some 4,000 kilometers up Guinea's Niger River, almost as close to the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean? Is there one? But Keith Diagne, the world's leading expert on African manatees, should know.

These chubby creatures are known to inhabit the lower reaches of the Niger River, which stretches like a gigantic boomerang through much of West Africa, and long-standing anecdotal evidence suggests that they can be found separately in the upper reaches of tributaries near its source. This suggests that there is a population of Additionally, Dr. Keith Diagne believes that because this group has been separated from other manatees for so long, its members may have evolved into separate subspecies. “They went up the Niger River. They found something good. They kept going. They never came back and ended up different,” she said. Masu. But for now, this is just a guess.

To learn more, we drove hundreds of kilometers from the marshy coast of Guinea, across the highlands and down into the forested savanna in search of these elusive creatures. Keith Diagne and his team will spend a two-week expedition interviewing local residents, following clues from recent sightings, and searching for signs of feeding along riverbanks. Importantly, they also collect samples of…

Source: www.newscientist.com

The Giant of San Abbas Served as a Gathering Base for the West Saxon Army, According to Archaeologists

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A giant naked figure called Sarn Giant It was carved into the Dorset hillside not in prehistory or early modern times, as many think, but in the early Middle Ages, particularly in the 9th or 10th century, when there was much interest in the classical hero Hercules. It is said that it was at the beginning.to new paper in diary Speculum. He was probably created to mark the meeting place for West Saxon military meetings on the lands of the chieftains of the western provinces. By the mid-11th century, he was repurposed by monasteries founded or re-founded at his feet. St. Eadwolda convenient way to erase Hercules and declare the monastery's rights to the saint's relics.

Sarn Abbas Giant, Sarn Abbas, Dorset, England. Image credit: Ray Gaffney.

The Sarne Giant is a gigantic statue of a naked man carved into chalk rock on a hillside above the village of Sarne Abbas in Dorset, England.

He is approximately 55 meters (180 feet) tall, wielding a club in his right hand and extending his left arm.

The feet are turned to the right as if walking. His bald head is teardrop shaped with his eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth.

His naked torso shows an erect penis, nipples, ribs, belt, and belly button. The latter appears to have been incorporated into his phallus in 1908, and is now more prominent than originally.

When the Cerne Giant was first carved has been debated for centuries.

Dr Helen Gittos, a researcher at the University of Oxford, said: “It turns out that the Sarne Giant is just the most prominent of a whole group of early medieval features in the landscape.”

“While Hercules was well known in the Middle Ages as a flawed hero who was both admired and criticized, interest in Hercules in particular increased in the 9th century.”

“By at least the 10th century, Cern was in the hands of the elders of the western provinces, the leading lords of the kings of the south-west.”

“The Tern Giant's topographical location, on a spur projecting from a ridge, makes it a unique type of Anglo-Saxon meeting place in that it has spectacular views and is close to major highways.”

“Nearby Viking attacks, access to abundant fresh water, and local land supplies made this an ideal location to muster a West Saxon army against the backdrop of Hercules.”

In the 11th century, the monks worshiping at the monastery at the foot of Giant Hill reimagined the Giant of Sarne as a statue of their saint Eadwald, implicit in the lessons they read on that feast day. I mentioned this person.

This is one of the many ways the Cologne giants have been reinterpreted over the centuries, from Hercules to the Hermit.

“The identity of the Cern giant was already open to reinterpretation,” said Dr. Tom Morkom, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo.

“The monks of Cern would not have depicted their patron saint as a naked saint if they had carved their patron saint from scratch, but they gladly adopted him as a statue of Eadwald for their own purposes. .”

“Giant has long been loved and cherished, and that rediscovery continues today.”

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Thomas Morcombe and Helen Gittos. 2024. Giant of Cologne in the early Middle Ages. Speculum 99 (1): 1-38; doi: 10.1086/727992

Source: www.sci.news

Utilizing New Technology to Detect Cancer Early: The Impact on Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust in West Yorkshire

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A West Yorkshire NHS Trust is utilizing advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and surgical robots, to achieve crucial cancer targets and alleviate widespread pressure on hospitals.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS The Foundation Trust is meeting three important cancer targets established by the government.

These targets include a waiting time of 28 days for patients who receive an emergency referral and are diagnosed with an infection or cancer, a 31-day wait from the patient’s treatment decision to the first treatment, and a 62-day wait from the emergency GP referral to the first treatment.

Sky News was given a tour of the innovations behind the hospital’s results, starting with a diagnostic test called Cytosponge. The Cytosponge is a small capsule with a string attached that is swallowed by the patient. When dissolved in the stomach, a brush collects cells from the esophageal lining, which are then analyzed for abnormalities.

image:
New diagnostic test site sponge could help doctors find cases of esophageal cancer faster

Cytosponges are used as an alternative to longer and more invasive endoscopies. Patients find the cytosponge less invasive and report a quicker procedure time.

…

Source: news.sky.com