Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Global Rural Population Estimates May Be Seriously Undercounted

2025-03-23

New research suggests that global rural population estimates may be significantly underestimated, with the actual number potentially exceeding current figures by at least half. Researchers, analyzing data from 307 dam projects, found substantial discrepancies between existing data and actual populations, with an average undercount of 53%. This finding sparks debate regarding global population totals and public service planning. While some demographers question the findings, arguing the undercount's impact on national or global totals is limited, researchers emphasize the importance of improving rural censuses and recalibrating population models to ensure rural communities aren't disadvantaged.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech rural population data bias

Male Blue-Lined Octopus Uses Venom to Conquer Mates

2025-03-16

A groundbreaking study reveals a unique mating strategy in the blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata): males inject females with tetrodotoxin during mating, temporarily paralyzing them to avoid being cannibalized. This differs from other species' use of venom for hunting or defense; it's a unique reproductive application. Researchers observed males precisely biting near the females' aorta to inject the venom. While deadly to most animals, females have evolved resistance, ensuring successful mating. Male venom glands are significantly larger, suggesting a need to overcome female resistance. This study highlights an evolutionary arms race between sexes for reproductive success.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech octopus venom mating

UK Tech Minister Uses ChatGPT, Sparking FOI Debate

2025-03-13

UK's technology secretary, Peter Kyle, used ChatGPT to seek advice on the slow AI adoption in UK businesses and podcast recommendations. His ChatGPT interactions were released under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, a potential first in determining whether chatbot interactions are subject to such laws. ChatGPT's advice included improving awareness, addressing regulatory and ethical concerns, and increasing government support. While the government claims AI is used as a labor-saving tool, the incident raises questions about government use of commercial AI tools and transparency, setting a precedent for other nations with similar FOI laws.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech Freedom of Information

Earth's Inner Core May Have Changed Shape: Seismic Waves Reveal a Twist

2025-03-08

New research using seismic wave data suggests Earth's solid inner core may have altered its shape over the past two decades. Analyzing seismic waves from 128 earthquakes off South America (1991-2023), researchers found discrepancies between waves passing through the core and those that didn't. This indicates a change beyond just rotational speed. The change could stem from magnetic forces in the outer core's convection acting on the inner core's less viscous edge, or interactions between the inner core and the lower mantle. However, other factors like outer core changes, inner core convection, or molten material eruptions remain possible explanations. This study offers a new perspective on understanding the Earth's deep interior evolution, but further research is needed for confirmation.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech Earth's inner core geophysics

Musk's DOGE Cuts Leave US Government Tech Efficiency in Limbo

2025-03-05

Under Elon Musk's leadership, the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has disbanded 18F, an in-house tech team focused on improving government efficiency. 18F developed digital services for tasks like passport applications and online tax filing. Its elimination risks stalling government projects and leaves a void in promoting efficient technology use within the government. Experts criticize the move as akin to 'hiring a demolition crew to build a skyscraper,' overlooking 18F's role in avoiding wasteful IT spending and facilitating technology adoption across agencies. The layoffs impacted roughly 85 employees, leaving the US government without an organization focused on government-wide technology development and implementation, negatively impacting digital transformation efforts.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech government tech

AI Speeds Up DNA Data Reading, Bringing Practical Use Closer

2025-03-04

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed an AI system called DNAformer that can decode data stored in DNA nearly 90 times faster than previous methods. The system uses a deep learning model to reconstruct DNA sequences, incorporating error correction and data conversion algorithms. It successfully read 100MB of data, including images, audio, and text. This breakthrough promises to accelerate the practical use of DNA data storage, offering new solutions for long-term data preservation.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech DNA storage data reading

Graphene's Surprising Superconductivity: A Glimpse of Room-Temperature Superconductors?

2025-02-07

Physicists from Harvard and Northeastern Universities have unlocked secrets behind the superconductivity of twisted bilayer and trilayer graphene through ingenious experiments. They discovered that the kinetic inductance of these materials is unusually 'stiff', defying conventional superconductivity theories and potentially linked to quantum geometry. Even more exciting, the kinetic inductance of trilayer graphene resembles that of materials exhibiting superconductivity at higher temperatures, opening new avenues for research into room-temperature superconductors and potentially drastically reducing energy consumption in numerous devices. This research also presents new possibilities for fields like space exploration, such as creating smaller and lighter particle detectors.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech superconductivity room-temperature superconductivity

Bonobos Show They Understand Ignorance: A Breakthrough in Theory of Mind Research

2025-02-04

A new study demonstrates that bonobos possess theory of mind, understanding others' lack of knowledge and acting accordingly. Researchers designed an experiment where bonobos helped an experimenter find hidden treats. Results showed bonobos pointed faster and more often when they realized the experimenter didn't know the treat's location. This indicates bonobos track and respond to differing perspectives, suggesting theory of mind might be more evolutionarily ancient than previously thought, and potentially present in our common ancestor.

(www.newscientist.com)

AI Theory of Mind Bonobos

Laser Technique Achieves Nanometer Precision Over Vast Distances

2025-01-16

Scientists have developed a new laser-based technique capable of measuring distances exceeding 100 kilometers with nanometer precision. This breakthrough promises significant improvements in the accuracy of space telescopes and other long-range measurement applications. Previously, long-distance laser measurements were limited to millimeter precision, highlighting the revolutionary nature of this advancement.

(www.newscientist.com)

Tech laser ranging nanometer precision space telescopes