Asking for a friend.

IFLScience presents True Crime in Science

It’s hoped the video will help biology students to better understand the process of infection.

The old idea they are captured asteroids may be half right.

A new hypothesis proposes that, should humanity vanish, the dominant species on Earth will not be primates or terrestrial mammals but remarkable ocean dwellers: octopuses. Global climate change or a nuclear war could lead to the extinction of humanity, leaving the planet open for another species to rise. While primates might seem like the obvious successors, scientists at Oxford University suggest otherwise. Tim Coulson, a researcher from the university, believes that octopuses—intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful marine invertebrates—could emerge as Earth’s new dominant species in a post-human era. Coulson highlights that octopuses possess key physical and intellectual qualities that could enable them to build a civilization of their own. Agile and curious, they demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and advanced communication skills. These traits, combined with their capacity to manipulate objects and craft tools, position them as strong contenders for reshaping the planet, albeit underwater. Octopuses’ unique decentralized nervous system and sophisticated neural structures further enhance their adaptability. Coulson notes their remarkable ability to camouflage, solve complex puzzles, and adjust to changing environments—qualities that could help them thrive in a world transformed by catastrophic events. Additionally, their diet versatility and resilience to harsh conditions would provide them with a significant survival advantage. While their aquatic nature and lack of a skeleton make it unlikely that octopuses will evolve into land-dwelling creatures, Coulson speculates they could construct underwater cities akin to human settlements on land. He suggests that rapid environmental changes could drive their evolution at an unprecedented pace, potentially enabling them to develop the tools and social structures necessary for a complex civilization. On the other hand, Coulson points out that primates, despite being closely related to humans, would likely face the same threats that could wipe out humanity, making their survival equally precarious. The post Could These Remarkable Creatures Rule the Earth After Humans? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In an age of rapid technological progress, with artificial intelligence (AI) integrating deeply into nearly every aspect of daily life, scientists are beginning to explore its profound implications for humanity’s future. A new study by researcher Robert C. Brooks sheds light on how our interactions with AI may be influencing the evolutionary trajectory of our species. Brooks’s research, published in The Quarterly Review of Biology, challenges dramatic, dystopian narratives of humanity being overtaken by machines. Instead, he proposes a subtler but equally profound scenario: the gradual transformation of human nature through the natural mechanisms of evolution. The study draws parallels between AI’s role in human society and ecological dynamics, such as predator-prey relationships or competition between species. These natural interactions have long shaped evolutionary paths, and Brooks argues that AI is beginning to play a similarly influential role in shaping human development. One central idea in the research is that human interaction with AI increasingly mirrors social relationships. AI-powered systems are no longer mere tools; they are becoming significant agents within society. This shift could influence crucial aspects of human behavior, including partner selection, family formation, friendship dynamics, and even judicial processes. Brooks highlights how AI could accelerate certain evolutionary trends. For instance, the observed reduction in average brain size over recent millennia might hasten as humans delegate more cognitive tasks to machines. Additionally, traits such as attention span, personality types, and mental predispositions could undergo selective pressures influenced by our reliance on AI systems. The study also delves into the impact of AI on personal relationships. Machine learning algorithms powering dating apps may alter partner selection principles, potentially reshaping social structures over time. Questions arise: will our standards of beauty evolve to align with algorithmic preferences? Will AI-driven metrics redefine the qualities we value in partners? These questions remain open to exploration. Despite these biological implications, Brooks emphasizes that AI’s influence on cultural evolution is even more immediate and pronounced. Our habits, values, and communication methods are evolving at a far faster pace than our biology. This cultural shift, he argues, is where AI’s impact will be most acutely felt. Predicting the precise course and speed of human evolution is a daunting challenge. Even in controlled laboratory conditions, evolutionary outcomes often defy expectations. The complexity increases exponentially in an unpredictable, technology-driven world. Brooks’s study underscores that AI is not just altering how we work and interact—it is reshaping the very foundations of our existence. Centuries from now, humanity may look, think, and live differently as a result of this intricate relationship with artificial intelligence. The post How Might Artificial Intelligence Influence Human Evolution? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

indie.io is an indie publishing platform that helps small devs get their game all the way from the conceptual phase to storefronts. From the player's perspective, it's a great place to grab the latest and greatest indie games - especially when they have a sale going. And, would you believe it, there’s one live right now. With a vast range of thrilling, relaxing, or enchanting games at your fingertips, you might need some help finding the shiniest diamonds in the indie.io haystack. That’s what we’re here for. With the current sale running until December 4, we’ve done the bargain hunting so you can snap up the best deals before it’s too late. From cozy management sims to gory zombie games and turn-based tactics, there’s something for you below. Continue reading The top indie games on sale right now

Opposing Force is quietly one of the best Half-Life games. I like the simplicity of Blue Shift. On the contrary, the overarching plot and the action set pieces of the Half-Life 2 saga still feel fresh 20 years later. Alyx has the tech. The original Half-Life is the original Half-Life. But Adrian Shephard’s story is the funniest, the most spectacular, and it has an M249 SAW gun. We haven’t seen or heard from the unfortunate HECU corporal since 1999, but now, at last, he’s coming back. A complete Half-Life Opposing Force remake has just been revealed, and it looks just as thorough and professional as Crowbar Collective’s Black Mesa. Continue reading New Half-Life Opposing Force fan remake looks just as good as Black Mesa MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Whatever happened to Half-Life 3?, Best old games, Best FPS games

Victoria 3 update 1.8 may well be a good time to reassess the long-suffering grand strategy game. Launching without the warfare elements long-time players desired, the Paradox sequel landed to a decidedly mixed reaction. It’s been more than two years since launch, however, and the Crusader Kings 3, Stellaris, and Europa Universalis 4 developer has continued to upgrade and support Victoria 3 in its typical long-form fashion. As the latest patch notes bring a wealth of improvements alongside its new Pivot of Empire DLC, recent reviews are back to ‘mostly positive,’ and things are really looking up. Continue reading Victoria 3 update reworks culture systems completely as new India DLC arrives MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Victoria 3 review, Victoria 3 beginner's guide, The best strategy games on PC