When asked to fix something, we don’t even think of removing parts
Across many experiments, participants tried to fix problems by adding stuff. Enlarge (credit: Jim Pennucci / Flickr) As a society, we seem to have mixed feelings about whether it's better to add or subtract things, advising both that "less is.....»»
Meta to discontinue its ‘Spark’ platform for creating AR filters for Instagram
Meta on Tuesday announced a major update coming to Instagram and its other apps. However, rather than adding a new feature, the company is removing one. That’s because Meta has confirmed that it will be shutting down its Spark platform, which lets.....»»
A world mired in conflict calls for international tribunals that play multiple roles
The International Court of Justice in The Hague has been busier than ever in recent years: it has been asked to render judgments and issue advisory opinions on conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Myanmar, among others, and it settles border disputes all o.....»»
You Asked: Why is TV Ethernet is so slow, and what happens to old gear?
On today’s episode of You Asked: Why don't smart TVs include faster Ethernet connections and how much of all the gear I get to see I actually still use?.....»»
Automakers insourcing crucial EV parts, leaving suppliers with fewer potential customers
Automakers are increasingly insourcing production of e-motors and other crucial electric vehicle components, posing a challenge for suppliers vying for business in the EV space......»»
Cards on the table: Are Butch and Suni coming home on Starliner or Crew Dragon?
On the eve of a fateful decision, we're answering some frequently asked questions. Enlarge / NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, seen in their Boeing flight suits. (credit: NASA/Francisco Martin) After month.....»»
Astrobiologist explores likelihood of life originating on Earth
Florida Tech astrobiologist Manasvi Lingam has asked life's biggest questions from a young age. Though he can't recall his exact queries, he says his interests were perfectly consistent with those of other children: dinosaurs and aliens......»»
Mosquitoes sense infrared from body heat to help track humans down, study shows
While a mosquito bite is often no more than a temporary bother, in many parts of the world it can be scary. One mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, spreads the viruses that cause over 100,000,000 cases of dengue, yellow fever, Zika and other diseases ev.....»»
Apple Cash to require ID verification for sending more than this amount
Apple Cash is a popular and easy way to send money right within the iOS Messages app and soon with just a tap. Until now, you haven’t needed to submit an ID to use parts of the feature. That will change for many users as Apple will require identity.....»»
A survival guide for data privacy in the age of federal inaction
Things change fast in the world of data privacy. Just earlier this year, the question I was being asked most frequently was, “How similar will the proposed federal privacy law (APRA) be to the EU’s GDPR?” Now that APRA is pretty much dead on ar.....»»
Modeling study suggests heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by century"s end under current climate policies
Deaths from heat could triple in Europe by 2100 under current climate policies, mostly among people living in southern parts of the continent, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health journal......»»
Study tracks decades of extreme heat, cold in Upper Midwest
Researchers analyzed meteorological data from nine Upper Midwest states from 1979–2021, tracking trends in extreme heat and cold over every 4-kilometer square of that territory. They found striking regional differences in the extremes. Many parts o.....»»
Pixel 9 family: The “just hardware” review (no AI)
Google's AI says you can use Pixel 9 without AI. Is that a reason to upgrade? Enlarge / For this "neutral," hardware-focused review of the Pixel 9 phones, I asked the Pixel to "reimagine" a "neutral white background." (credit: Ke.....»»
Pixel 9 phones: The Gemini AI stuff, reviewed
A newcomer dives into AI with the Pixel 9 Pro. Enlarge / I asked Gemini to "reimagine" the background of this Pixel 9 group shot (originally on beige paper) as "science fiction moonscape," and then used "Auto frame" to expand the.....»»
Surprising mechanism for removing dead cells identified
Billions of our cells die every day to make way for the growth of new ones. Most of these goners are cleaned up by phagocytes—mobile immune cells that migrate where needed to engulf problematic substances. But some dying or dead cells are consumed.....»»
Lithospheric oddities may be sculpting continental interiors
Interactions between neighboring tectonic plates can push parts of Earth's surface up or down to form notable features, such as the Andes and the Himalayas. The forces that sculpt the Earth's surface far from plate edges are less well understood. For.....»»
Xbox’s one-handed accessibility controller is a game changer
Xbox has expanded its commitment to accessibility with its new Adaptive Joystick and 3D-printed parts......»»
Trade-in talk on service drive is mostly not happening, survey shows
More than half of both mass-market and luxury customers said they were not asked whether they wanted to know their vehicle's trade-in value......»»
macOS Sequoia includes new Apple Park backgrounds for video conferencing apps
As we approach the public release of macOS Sequoia this fall, Apple continues to add new features. In the latest macOS Sequoia betas, there are nine new built-in backgrounds for video conferencing apps that showcase various different parts of Apple P.....»»
Bali gives a snapshot of what "overtourism" looks like in the developing world
Barcelona residents marched against tourists in July after similar protests in Venice earlier in 2024. Recently, residents of Santorini in Greece were in uproar after a Facebook post reportedly asked them to stay home and make room for the thousands.....»»
This is what people really want from the iPhone 16
They asked, you answered: These are the most important considerations for upgrading to the iPhone 16......»»