metamorworks/Shutterstock From sleep trackers to wakefulness drugs, the 21st century has seen an influx of new technology that could radically alter the way we sleep. Many of these new technologies chase the dream of optimised slumber. They promise to help tailor our sleep schedules to fit around our social lives,Continue Reading
AI systems are likely to find quick traction as assistants to humans. PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock BT recently announced that it would be reducing its staff by 55,000, with around 11,000 of these related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The remainder of the cuts were dueContinue Reading
Macromitrium microstomum is found throughout New Zealand on the trunks or branches of smooth-barked trees, or on rock Silvia Pressel, Author provided When people consider extraordinary plants, most probably don’t spare a thought for moss. It blends in against the green background of plant life, and seems to grow everywhereContinue Reading
BT's transition from copper wiring to fibre-optic cabling is now reaching its end. SatawatK / Shutterstock Artificial intelligence (AI) is often cast as wreaking havoc and destroying jobs in reports about its growing use by companies. The recent coverage of telecom group BT’s plans to reduce its number of employeesContinue Reading
Purple saxifrage, snow pearlwort and drooping saxifrage (left to right). Sarah Watts, Author provided When most people consider the arctic, or high-altitude mountain landscapes, they think of endless snow, ice and bare rock. But pastel-coloured flowers, sometimes just a few millimetres wide, bloom in these dramatic places too. The miniatureContinue Reading
Satanic panic in the modern era: how conspiracy theories take hold in times of crisis. Canva Earlier this year the non-binary singer-songwriter, Sam Smith, performed their song Unholy, at the Grammys. Dressed in a red devil-horned top hat and latex costume, the performance drew upon popular occult and gothic aesthetics.Continue Reading
The control of fire by humans probably developed gradually over thousands of years. matsiukpavel / Shutterstock Human history is intimately entwined with the use and control of fire. However, working out when our relationship with fire began and how it subsequently evolved has been notoriously difficult. This is partly dueContinue Reading
Kissing may seem natural, but it remains unclear whether it's a universal human act, or a cultural one. PeopleImages.com – Yuri A / Shutterstock Lip kissing is an act that’s so natural and common in many present-day societies it is easily taken for granted. But it’s not actually clear whetherContinue Reading
The May 2017 Manchester terrorist attack was a harrowing reminder of humanity’s capacity for destruction. However, there is another side to the incident that testifies to the best parts of human nature. On May 22 2017 an extremist suicide bomber detonated a homemade bomb at pop singer Ariana Grande’s concertContinue Reading
Illus_man / Shutterstock There has been shock around the world at the rapid rate of progress with ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence created with what’s known as large language models (LLMs). These systems can produce text that seems to display thought, understanding and even creativity. But can these systems reallyContinue Reading
