Science and Technology

Apple just landed a key win for the global encryption fight

Apple secures major victory in global encryption battle

In a major development for the technology industry and digital privacy advocates, Apple has achieved a crucial triumph in its ongoing efforts to safeguard end-to-end encryption on its devices and services. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the broader global debate surrounding user privacy, cybersecurity, and government access to encrypted data.For a long time, technology firms and governmental entities have been in conflict regarding the establishment of robust encryption protocols. Authorities frequently contend that encryption creates difficulties for law enforcement and national security, as it hampers their ability to retrieve crucial information during probes into criminal activities or terrorism.…
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Scientists make 'superfood' that could save honeybees

Scientists develop ‘superfood’ to help honeybees survive

In a remarkable breakthrough that may be crucial for protecting worldwide ecosystems, researchers have developed a unique dietary supplement intended to improve honeybee health and longevity. This creation emerges as bee populations globally confront significant downturns due to issues like habitat destruction, pesticide contamination, climate change, and the proliferation of dangerous pathogens. The innovative product, often described as a "superfood" for bees, seeks to deliver vital nutrients that strengthen their immune defenses and enhance their general robustness.Los abejorros desempeñan un papel crucial en la polinización, ya que ayudan en la fertilización de una gran parte de los cultivos que la…
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OpenAI's Sam Altman sees AI bubble forming as industry spending surges

Sam Altman of OpenAI predicts AI bubble amid soaring industry spending

Artificial intelligence has become one of the most talked-about technologies of the decade, drawing unprecedented attention from investors, governments, and corporations. Yet, as enthusiasm grows, OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman has cautioned that the sector may be heading toward what he describes as a bubble. His comments arrive at a time when billions of dollars are flowing into research, infrastructure, and startups, raising both opportunities and concerns about the sustainability of this rapid expansion.According to Altman, the vast volume of financial investments in artificial intelligence reflects historical trends of speculative overinvestment. Although he recognizes the technology's transformative potential, he also…
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I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

The truth about buying fossils online: Why authenticity isn’t the only concern

The adventure started with a straightforward query: Was the fossil I bought on the internet genuine? This question pulled me into a maze of scientific articles, geological resources, and specialist discussions. I soon discovered that the field of paleontology involves intricate authentication methods, and the online market is flooded with counterfeits. My initial investigation was rooted in practicality, aimed at verifying my purchase's worth. Yet, as I explored further, my focus evolved. I understood that the object's true significance lay not in its genuineness but in the narrative it conveyed, whether it was authentic or a brilliant imitation.The realm of…
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Mexico’s bat man on saving the ‘most unfairly treated animals on Earth’

Mexico’s bat man on protecting Earth’s most misunderstood animals

In the thick jungles and ancient caves of Mexico, a silent transformation is taking place, driven by a man with a mission to alter the public's view of one of the globe's most misunderstood animals: the bat. Rodrigo Medellín, a distinguished ecologist and conservationist, has devoted his life to safeguarding these nocturnal creatures. His fervent advocacy has earned him the endearing nickname "Mexico's Bat Man." Through his steadfast efforts, he is demonstrating that these creatures are not symbols of fear but vital components of their ecosystems, crucial for everything from farming to the health of entire woodlands. His initiative is…
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Under water: How FEMA’s outdated flood maps incentivize property owners to take risks

Under water: Why FEMA’s outdated flood maps encourage risky property decisions

The maps intended to guide decisions on flood risk across the nation are increasingly being exposed as a source of hidden danger, not a solution. The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) flood maps, which are the primary tool for assessing a property's vulnerability, are becoming demonstrably outdated. This creates a profound and dangerous paradox, as homeowners and investors are often lulled into a false sense of security, unwittingly taking on risks that are far greater than they realize. This systemic issue is reshaping the real estate market and a homeowner's perception of their financial exposure.For many years, FEMA's flood maps…
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Why Niger is investigating the  million sale of the largest Mars rock found on Earth

Niger examines $5 million deal for the largest Mars rock unearthed on Earth

In the dry stretches of the Sahara Desert, a significant geological discovery once captivated the world—a large piece of Mars, blasted off the Red Planet’s surface by a forceful cosmic event and ultimately arriving on Earth. Heavier than the majority of meteorites and possessing immense scientific worth, the piece was celebrated as the biggest Martian rock ever found on our planet. Its path from an isolated area in Niger to the global market, however, is currently under a prominent investigation.Niger’s government has opened a formal probe into the $5 million sale of this exceptional meteorite, raising questions about ownership rights,…
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Instagram's Map feature raises privacy concerns among some users

Instagram’s Map feature under fire for privacy issues

The updated geolocation functions of the social media network have caused concern among users who value their privacy. Instagram's map tool, intended to assist users in finding local content and events, has sparked inquiries about data gathering methods and possible misappropriation of location details.Digital privacy experts highlight several aspects of the feature that concern them. The automatic tagging function can precisely identify and display a user's whereabouts unless manually disabled. Even when location services appear turned off, some metadata embedded in posts might still reveal approximate positions through background processes.Many individuals are not fully aware of the range of location…
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Scientists discovered a distant black hole 300 million times the size of the sun. It's a portal back in time.

300 million solar mass black hole discovered—Scientists say it’s a window to the past

A team of international researchers has identified an enormous celestial object that provides an unprecedented window into the early universe. This newly discovered black hole, located approximately 13 billion light-years from Earth, possesses a mass roughly 300 million times greater than our sun, making it one of the most massive black holes ever observed from such a distant epoch.The discovery, made using advanced telescopic technology and sophisticated data analysis techniques, represents a significant breakthrough in astrophysics. What makes this particular black hole extraordinary isn't just its tremendous size, but its age - the light we observe from it began its…
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Scientists want to prevent AI from going rogue by teaching it to be bad first

Scientists aim to stop rogue AI by first teaching it bad behavior

A novel approach to artificial intelligence development has emerged from leading research institutions, focusing on proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks before AI systems become more advanced. This preventative strategy involves deliberately exposing AI models to controlled scenarios where harmful behaviors could emerge, allowing scientists to develop effective safeguards and containment protocols.The technique, referred to as adversarial training, marks a major change in AI safety studies. Instead of waiting for issues to emerge in active systems, groups are now setting up simulated settings where AI can face and learn to counteract harmful tendencies with meticulous oversight. This forward-thinking evaluation happens…
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