We"re social beings: So are the microbes in our microbiomes
The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us that social interactions transmit pathogens. But do humans spread "good" bugs, too? Very much so, say a team of biologists who are probing the links between the microbiome and health......»»
Detecting influence campaigns on X with AI and network science
In the age of generative-AI and large language models (LLMs), massive amounts of inauthentic content can be rapidly broadcasted on social media platforms. As a result, malicious actors are becoming more sophisticated, hijacking hashtags, artificially.....»»
How "ethical influencers" engage their audiences about saving the planet
Have a quick think back to the last time you scrolled through social media. Maybe it was this morning, last night or a few minutes ago. What do you recall? One thing you're bound to remember is the continuous stream of influencers showing off their l.....»»
Study shows regenerating worms have genetic control over their algal partners
Many organisms are far more complex than just a single species. Humans, for example, are full of a variety of microbes. Some creatures have even more special connections, though......»»
Researchers discover new family of bacteria with high pharmaceutical potential
Most antibiotics used in human medicine originate from natural products derived from bacteria and other microbes. Novel microorganisms are therefore a promising source of new active compounds, also for the treatment of diseases such as cancer or vira.....»»
From roots to resilience: Investigating the vital role of microbes in coastal plant health
Georgia's saltwater marshes—living where the land meets the ocean—stretch along the state's entire 100-mile coastline. These rich ecosystems are largely dominated by just one plant: grass......»»
Reducing distrust in social media is not straightforward, computer scientists warn
Are anti-misinformation interventions on social media working as intended? It depends, according to a new study led by William & Mary researchers and published in the Proceedings of the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '24)......»»
Fine roots make the difference in metabolomes and microbiomes
Bacteria and fungi live together on the surface of plant roots, which can promote symbiotic interactions with the plant. Plant roots that are especially fine can support various niches for their microbial proliferations, but traditionally, microbiome.....»»
Black Basta target orgs with new social engineering campaign
Black Basta, one of the most prolific ransomware-as-a-service operators, is trying out a combination of email DDoS and vishing to get employees to download remote access tools. Black Basta TTPs and newest initial access attempts According to a cybers.....»»
Waymo robotaxis now completing 50,000 paid trips a week
Waymo robotaxis are now completing more than 50,000 paid trips a month, according to a post on social media by the Alphabet-owned company......»»
Natural biosurfactants: The future of eco-friendly meat preservation
A recent study has unveiled the potential of biosurfactants—natural compounds produced by microbes—to dramatically improve the preservation of meat products. This innovative approach could replace synthetic chemicals, enhancing food safety and qu.....»»
Report: There are no good or bad oil crops, only good and bad practices
When shopping, have you considered the social and environmental impacts of your vegetable oil purchases? Most products offer limited information on these effects. Labels like "No Palm Oil"—linked to environmental damage and threats to orangutans—.....»»
AI and social media may be fueling the climate crisis, say researchers
Generative artificial intelligence and social media can undermine efforts to address climate change, argue researchers in a new forum article published in the journal Global Environmental Politics......»»
Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you"ve likely never heard of
Algorithms have become integral to our lives. From social media apps to Netflix, algorithms learn your preferences and prioritize the content you are shown. Google Maps and artificial intelligence are nothing without algorithms......»»
You may soon be able to cross-post from Instagram to Threads
Meta is testing a new option which allows users to cross-post from Instagram to Threads. The move is likely intended to boost engagement on the company’s newest social network … more….....»»
Z-Library Confusion as ‘Official’ Social Media Announces Crackdown in China
Last month Z-Library reported that users in China were experiencing difficulties accessing the site, with new domains being blocked very quickly. The site's official WeChat and Bilibili social media accounts seemed unaffected until a surprise announc.....»»
iPhone Users Are Raising Complaints About This Glitch. Some Think They’ve Solved It
Across social media, iPhone users have reported waking up to the scary realization that they had missed their alarm. Across social media, iPhone users have reported waking up to the scary realization that they had missed their alar.....»»
Jack Dorsey Leaves BlueSky Board and Calls X ‘Freedom Technology’
The Twitter founder’s moves suggest an apparent warming of relations between him and Elon Musk. Jack Dorsey has left the board of social networking service Bluesky, which he helped fund and popularize a year ago in the wake of reg.....»»
TikTok Sues U.S. to Block Law That Could Ban the Social Media Platform
The lawsuit filed on Tuesday may be setting up what could be a protracted legal fight over TikTok's future in the United States. TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance are suing the U.S. over a law that would ban the popula.....»»
Business-focused anti-poverty initiatives can have unintended consequences
A new study of entrepreneurial small businesses created to address poverty in rural Africa found that the introduction of the entrepreneurial model led to unexpected social shifts that made the small business operators a source of friction and social.....»»
Number of religious "nones" has soared, but not number of atheists—social scientists want to know why
The number of individuals in the United States who do not identify as being part of any religion has grown dramatically in recent years, and "the nones" are now larger than any single religious group. According to the General Social Survey, religious.....»»