Stories

  • W-002 — AI and Mental Health, Alzheimer’s Treatment, and Brain Nutrition — Friday, April 10, 2026

    W-002 — AI and Mental Health, Alzheimer’s Treatment, and Brain Nutrition — Friday, April 10, 2026

    The idea that our therapists should be asking us about our use of artificial intelligence chatbots is a relatively new concept, one that highlights the evolving nature of our interactions with technology. As we navigate the complexities of mental health, it’s essential to consider the role that AI plays in our lives. The relationship between technology and our well-being is multifaceted, and understanding this dynamic is crucial for providing effective support.

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  • T-002 — Google’s Censorship, AI Pricing and Console Hacking — Friday, April 10, 2026

    T-002 — Google’s Censorship, AI Pricing and Console Hacking — Friday, April 10, 2026

    Google’s decision to remove a popular psychological horror game from the Play Store due to its depiction of sensitive themes raises questions about the company’s content moderation policies and their impact on developers. The move also highlights the ongoing debate about censorship and freedom of expression in the tech industry. As companies like Google and Apple continue to shape the digital landscape, their decisions on what content to allow or remove can have significant consequences for users and creators.

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  • S-001 — Hidden Genetic Codes, Ancient Migration and Artificial Taste — Friday, April 10, 2026

    S-001 — Hidden Genetic Codes, Ancient Migration and Artificial Taste — Friday, April 10, 2026

    The discovery that our DNA has a secret “second code” that decides which genes get silenced is a remarkable finding that sheds new light on how our genes are used. This, combined with the revelation that humans reached Australia 60,000 years ago, and the surprising way our brain can trick us into liking artificial sweeteners, makes for a compelling day in science. The fact that these discoveries span from the intricacies of our genetic code to the ancient history of human migration and the subtleties of taste perception is particularly intriguing.

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  • G-001 — Trees, Trains and Tornadoes — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    G-001 — Trees, Trains and Tornadoes — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    On the Isle of Man, a project to regenerate a Celtic rainforest has exceeded its goal of planting 30,000 trees, with the new forest now covering 100 acres. This achievement is a notable one, given the importance of reforestation efforts in combating climate change. The trees were planted over the course of three years, and the project’s success is a testament to the power of dedicated conservation work. The Celtic rainforest is a unique ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species. The project’s leaders are now looking to build on this success and continue to expand the forest. The Isle of Man’s government has expressed support for the project, recognizing the importance of preserving the island’s natural beauty. The forest is not only a valuable habitat for wildlife, but also a popular destination for tourists. As the forest continues to grow, it is likely to become an even more important part of the island’s ecosystem. The project’s success has also inspired other conservation efforts in the area.

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  • W-001 — Mobile Health Clinics, Gut Health and Artificial Sweeteners — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    W-001 — Mobile Health Clinics, Gut Health and Artificial Sweeteners — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    The concept of mobile health clinics is becoming increasingly relevant, as seen in the story of a doctor who turned a 31-foot RV into one of the country’s only mobile OB-GYN clinics. This initiative highlights the importance of accessible healthcare, particularly in areas where traditional clinics may be scarce. (more…)

  • T-001 — AI Models, Drone Delivery and Social Media Restrictions — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    T-001 — AI Models, Drone Delivery and Social Media Restrictions — Thursday, April 09, 2026

    Meta has released a new AI model called Muse Spark, which brings reasoning capabilities to the Meta AI app, and DoorDash is expanding its drone delivery partnership to Atlanta. The Muse Spark model is a lightweight version of Meta’s AI systems, built by its recently formed Superintelligence team, and is geared toward consumer use. Meta plans to offer more capable versions of Muse in the future, but for now, it’s focusing on nailing the basics. This new model is a departure from Meta’s previous AI releases, such as Llama 4, which received a lukewarm reception. The introduction of Muse Spark is likely an attempt by Meta to improve its AI offerings and provide more value to its users. Meta’s AI app has been steadily improving, and the addition of Muse Spark is a notable update. The company’s decision to release a lightweight version first may indicate that it’s prioritizing accessibility and user experience. As AI technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Meta’s Muse Spark model is received by consumers. The model’s reasoning capabilities could potentially set it apart from other AI models on the market.

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  • Top Gun Lied to Us. War Was Never That Clean.

    There is a scene in Top Gun: Maverick where Pete Mitchell pulls off a manoeuvre that is physically impossible and saves his squadron. The crowd in the cinema cheered. It is a genuinely thrilling film. It made a billion dollars in its opening month. Navy recruiters set up tables outside theatres specifically to catch people walking out still buzzing from the adrenaline.

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  • The Internet Was Supposed to Make Us Smarter

    There is a particular kind of clarity that comes with being a child in a classroom before the internet existed.

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  • The Country I Used to Dream About

    There was a poster of the New York skyline on the bedroom wall. The Twin Towers were still standing in it. It stayed up for years.

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  • From Zero: A Tribute to Chester Bennington and Matthew Perry

    Linkin Park played Sydney a few days ago. Two nights at Qudos Bank Arena, their first time back in Australia since 2013. The city was ready for it — both shows sold out almost immediately when tickets dropped, and a third date was added just to meet demand.

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