Science and Technology

To get that perfect ear of corn, weather has to cooperate. Climate change is making it dicier.

To get that perfect ear of corn, weather has to cooperate. Climate change is making it dicier.

Corn has historically been one of the most reliable agricultural staples, vital not only to American cultivation but also to the worldwide food industry. It plays a crucial role in sectors ranging from animal feed and sweeteners to ethanol production and numerous food items, placing corn at the heart of contemporary farming. Nevertheless, the capability to achieve reliable, top-quality corn yields has always relied on a fragile equilibrium of weather patterns. In recent times, this balance has grown progressively precarious, leading to significant worries about how climate change could impact yields and food security in the future.Farmers have traditionally relied…
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New species of dinosaur with a sail on its back is discovered in Britain

Dinosaur with unique sail on back unearthed in Britain

A significant paleontological discovery has highlighted Britain as scientists have pinpointed a newly identified dinosaur species, distinguished by its unique sail-like feature on its back. This find not only contributes to the area's extensive prehistoric record but also provides fresh perspectives on the diversity and adaptability of dinosaurs during the initial phases of their evolution.The fossil remains, unearthed in a sediment-rich formation, suggest that this species lived millions of years ago in what was then a warm and humid environment. Scientists believe the prominent sail running along its spine could have served multiple purposes. While its exact function is still…
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A sunken city's treasures are pulled from the depths after 2,000 years

2,000 years later, treasures emerge from a submerged city

Beneath the waves of a forgotten coastline, an extraordinary chapter of history has resurfaced. Archaeologists have recovered remarkable artifacts from the remains of an ancient city that lay submerged for nearly 2,000 years, preserving stories of a world long lost to time. This discovery not only illuminates the sophistication of early civilizations but also offers a rare glimpse into their cultural and economic life.The city, which was once a flourishing center of commerce and importance, vanished under the ocean hundreds of years back, its buildings and treasures buried in mud and quietude. For ages, its existence was the stuff of…
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In another AI push, China holds the world's first sports event for humanoid robots

Historic humanoid robot sports event marks China’s ambitious AI progress

China recently organized an innovative sports contest for humanoid robots, demonstrating the country's continued dedication to promoting artificial intelligence. This trailblazing event represents an important achievement, highlighting the swift progress and incorporation of robotics into innovative and versatile uses. The competition gathered a collection of advanced machines, each built to execute a range of sporting activities, from sprinting and leaping to more intricate movements. This occasion emphasizes China's aspiration to be a world leader in AI and robotics, advancing the limits of these technologies' potential.The competition provided a venue for engineers and researchers to evaluate the performance of their newest…
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Las Vegas' growing mosquito problem is 'a ticking time bomb'

Las Vegas’ growing mosquito problem: how to protect yourself

In recent years, Las Vegas has become known not only for its entertainment, casinos, and rapid urban expansion, but also for a less glamorous issue that is steadily growing: the rise in mosquito populations. What was once considered a minor nuisance in the desert climate has transformed into a larger public health concern, driven by environmental changes, urban development, and shifts in weather patterns that make the region more hospitable to these insects.The presence of mosquitoes in desert cities may sound counterintuitive. Las Vegas is located in the Mojave Desert, an area characterized by hot, dry conditions and scarce rainfall.…
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OpenAI's Sam Altman sees AI bubble forming as industry spending surges

AI bubble forming as industry spending accelerates, warns OpenAI’s Sam Altman

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

I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

The journey began with a simple question: Was the fossil I purchased online authentic? This inquiry led me down a rabbit hole of scientific journals, geological databases, and expert forums. I quickly learned that the world of paleontology is filled with complex verification processes, and the digital marketplace is rife with fakes. My initial search was a practical one, a desire to confirm the value of my purchase. However, as I delved deeper, the nature of my question shifted. I realized that the true value of the object was not in its authenticity but in the story it told, whether…
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