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Hollywood actors strike over use of AI in films and other issues

14 July 2023

The US actors’ union is striking over disagreement with Hollywood studios about using AI to create "digital twins" of actors, and the results could determine the viability of acting as a career


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Quick crossword #134: High-carbon coal residue (4)

1 June 2023

Challenge your brain by solving New Scientist's weekly crosswords on your mobile, tablet or desktop


Larry Brown, owner of Brown's Farm, which produces sustainable eggs for NestFresh, walks around the property in Gonzales, Texas, U.S., on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. Farmers are betting they can profit further with specialty eggs by adding another layer of premiumization: eggs from a special type of sustainable farm that can be trumpeted as being better for the planet. Photographer: Mary Kang/Bloomberg via Getty Images

We already have ethical options for replacing industrial farming

31 May 2023

The industrialised food system harms the environment and animal welfare, but new ways of farming are now addressing these issues and further change is coming


Why we should do more to protect frogs and toads

Why we should do more to protect frogs and toads

31 May 2023

Amphibians could help cure our ills, from diabetes to fungal infections – if they don't go extinct first, says Matthew Gould


Hidden jerk and where to find it

Hidden jerk and where to find it

31 May 2023

Feedback explores the links between jerk (hidden and otherwise), bamboo chopsticks and spaghetti, and admires a quietly charming graphical abstract


The Supermoon rises over houses in Olvera, in the southern Spanish province of Cadiz, July 12, 2014. Occurring when a full moon or new moon coincides with the closest approach the moon makes to the Earth, the Supermoon results in a larger-than-usual appearance of the lunar disk. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: SOCIETY CITYSCAPE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - GM1EA7D0FC401

This week’s new questions

31 May 2023

When was it first realised that the lit portion of the moon always faces the sun? And in the comics, Thor is pulled into flight by throwing his hammer. Could a machine “fly” using such a principle?


Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

Could land-dwelling octopuses develop technology? (part 2)

31 May 2023

A reader shares their thoughts on how difficult technological development would be for underwater species without access to fire


Hot dogs closeup; Shutterstock ID 373080193; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

How much tea must I drink to counter the effect of eating a hot dog?

31 May 2023

Our readers say just two cups of tea a day would be enough to overcome the negative effects of a twice-weekly hot dog habit


Bernini statue detail of Gange with Latin words engraved on a wall Roman Capitol; Shutterstock ID 131482886; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Do we actually know how the ancient Romans pronounced Latin words?

31 May 2023

Surviving verse and plays can give us clues about Latin pronunciation, say our readers, as can the languages that are descended from Latin today


Puzzle #224: Can you find the ring inside the Russian dolls?

Puzzle #224: Can you find the ring inside the Russian dolls?

31 May 2023

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle, Russian dolls? Plus the answer to puzzle #223


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