Pelican Press

The Switch 2 Has Big Shoes To Fill The Switch 2 Has Big Shoes To Fill The Nintendo Switch’s impact on gaming is as obvious as it is undeniable. Currently the third best-selling console of all-time, it has an impressive library of hundreds first and third-party games. But perhaps its biggest contribution to gaming was its ability to amplify indie games. There are no hard numbers, but the Switch is perhaps the best place for indie developers to list their games. The only contender for better marketplace for indies is Steam, with a huge and varied audience that are willing to try new and unique games of all types. Many indie developers have repeatedly said they sell more games on Switch than anywhere else, with others not even bothering to release their game on PlayStation or Xbox consoles. Source link #Switch #Big #Shoes #Fill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft investigates ****** Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know Microsoft investigates ****** Windows 11 bug that leaves PCs unable to boot – here’s what you need to know Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 have been hit by a bug that can leave a PC unable to boot Microsoft is investigating this recovery error glitch in the May update Windows 11 Home users are unlikely to be affected, we’re told, but that doesn’t mean they can’t run into this showstopping affair Those who haven’t yet installed the latest cumulative update for Windows 11 in May – by which I mean the upgrade released the week before last, not the most recent optional update – should be aware of a ****** bug that some users are encountering. Microsoft has said that it’s investigating whether the May update can cause a showstopping error, which means your PC won’t boot. However, this warning is delivered with a welcome caveat that it isn’t likely to affect Windows 11 Home users. Still, that possibility isn’t ruled out, and given the gravity of the bug, it’s worth bearing in mind if you’re about to pull the trigger on this cumulative update. Bleeping Computer reports that Microsoft has updated its release health dashboard with information on the bug, and how the upgrade might fall over with a ‘recovery error 0xc0000098 in ACPI.sys’ message. You may like This is no simple error or installation failure, though, because it leaves Windows 11 unable to boot and requires a repair to be run on the system. And whether that repair will be successful is anyone’s guess, as sometimes, these are the kind of situations that are tricky to recover from – and the OS won’t necessarily pull itself out of the hole that’s been dug. The good news is that affected devices running Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2 – note that 24H2 is not affected here – are few in number. Primarily, this problem pertains to virtual machines, not physical Windows 11 PCs. Microsoft explains: “Home users of Windows using Home or Pro editions are unlikely to face this issue, as virtual machines are mostly used in IT environments.” However, being ‘unlikely’ does not equate to being impossible, and so there must have been some reports of Windows 11 PCs (as opposed to virtual machines) being affected by this unfortunate issue. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. I did find one such recent report on Reddit, although it isn’t explicitly linked to the latest update being installed, so take that with a grain of salt. The error message was slightly different as well, but in its warning, Microsoft acknowledges that a file name other than ACPI.sys might appear in the error. Analysis: A cautious approach may be wise here (Image credit: MAYA LAB / Shutterstock) Microsoft wouldn’t announce such an investigation lightly, so if you haven’t yet installed the May update, I think that it’s worth considering delaying the installation of that upgrade for a little longer. Mainly to allow for Microsoft to complete its investigation here, after all, you’ve waited a couple of weeks (for whatever reason) now, so what’s another week, or perhaps a bit longer? It is possible to pause OS updates for over a month, even on Windows 11 Home, though you’ll be forced to apply any given patch after 35 days of deferring it. In this additional time, you can wait for Microsoft to complete its deeper dive into what’s going on here, and hopefully that’ll lead to a fix being implemented soon, too. Granted, you’d probably be very unlucky to encounter this recovery error, but even a small chance is off-putting, given that it could be a potentially thorny problem to extricate yourself from. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and if you’ve already installed the May update without encountering any such error, I should make it clear that you’ve got nothing to worry about. Microsoft isn’t having a great time of things lately when it comes to bugs of a seriously unpleasant nature, as there was a real sting in the tail for some Windows 10 users with the May update, too. You might also like… Source link #Microsoft #investigates #****** #Windows #bug #leaves #PCs #unable #boot #heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ella Toone: England midfielder said she didn’t properly grieve after her father’s death Ella Toone: England midfielder said she didn’t properly grieve after her father’s death After nine weeks out, Toone was back with a bang. She scored six goals in her first five games back for United, including a stunning hat-trick against rivals Manchester City. “When I was back on the grass and around the girls I was like ‘I miss it’ and that’s when I knew I was ready to kick on,” Toone said. “I came back and started playing well and scoring goals. Then my love for the game really grew and I wasn’t putting as much pressure on myself as I was before in wanting to do everything and wanting to score for dad, thinking I’m never going to score again. “It was perfect timing and now it’s about not falling again. It’s hard in football because you are up and down all the time anyway.” Toone is currently on international duty as England prepare to face Portugal and Spain in the Nations League. Her former United team-mate, best friend and podcast partner Alessia Russo, who now plays for Arsenal, drove to Manchester when she heard of Nick’s passing. “From living together to then being so far away down in London was hard anyway,” Russo said. “When something as heavy as that happens, all I wanted to do was be there. “Whether she wanted me there or not I didn’t really care. I just wanted to be there, to sit with her, to cry with her, to eat with her, to try and make her laugh and to help with anything she needed. “It’s so hard being away from someone at a time like that. As soon as I could I wanted to go and see her. I know Tooney would drop anything to help me if I needed her, big or small.” Source link #Ella #Toone #England #midfielder #didnt #properly #grieve #fathers #death Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

F-Zero and Wipeout inspired Switch 2 launch game Fast Fusion gets new trailer F-Zero and Wipeout inspired Switch 2 launch game Fast Fusion gets new trailer The first trailer for Switch 2 launch game Fast Fusion has been released. The trailer, which can be watched above or on the game’s official YouTube channel, shows its futuristic racing in action. Inspired by F-Zero and Wipeout, Fast Fusion runs at up to 4K and supports HDR and 5.1 surround sound. It also supports Switch 2‘s wireless GameShare feature, meaning nearby players can take part in its local multiplayer without having to own a separate copy of the game. “Fast Fusion is the fastest antigrav racing game you may have ever experienced,” the game’s description reads. “Race your anti-grav vehicle through brilliant tracks such as the beautiful Redwood Forest, the storm planet Tempesta or through the lofty heights of Yama Crest. “Use the exciting Fusion ability – Fusion lets you create hundreds of improved racing machines by fusing your favourite vehicles into new ones, with improved specifications and unique looks. Risk it all by mastering the new antigrav hyper jump technology to get ahead of your opponents.” Fast Fusion is the fourth game in the Fast series of racing games, all of which have been exclusive to Nintendo consoles, and all of which have been praised for pushing each generation of Nintendo hardware to its limits. Fast Racing League was a WiiWare title released on Wii in 2011, and was praised for its extremely fast gameplay and its 60fps frame rate. Its sequel Fast Racing Neo was released on the Wii U eShop in 2015, and got a retail release the following year in Europe and Australia. This was followed by Switch launch eShop title Fast RMX, which also got a limited edition physical release. Fast Fusion is available to pre-order now on the Nintendo eShop, priced at $14.99 / £13.49, and will only be 3.6GB in size. Source link #FZero #Wipeout #inspired #Switch #launch #game #Fast #Fusion #trailer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'If you think it's between me and Oscar, you are silly' 'If you think it's between me and Oscar, you are silly' McLaren’s Lando Norris says title race is wide open after closing gap on *********** teammate Oscar Piastri to three points before Sunday”s Spanish Grand Prix. Source link #039If #it039s #Oscar #silly039 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump could ask Supreme Court to halt tariff block as soon as Friday Trump could ask Supreme Court to halt tariff block as soon as Friday U.S. President Donald Trump holds a document as he delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. Carlos Barria | Reuters President Donald Trump’s top aides are lashing out at the federal trade-court judges who just struck down many of the president’s tariffs, even as his administration requests that those same judges pause any enforcement of their ruling while the case is being appealed. “We are living under a judicial tyranny,” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed on Thursday, after three judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade issued the ruling Wednesday night. Immediately after the tariff ruling came down, Miller had written, “The judicial coup is out of control.” Top trade advisor Peter Navarro accused the court of being “globalist” and “pro-importer” on Bloomberg TV Thursday, and claimed it was biased against the administration’s tariff policies. “We have these unelected judges who are trying to force their own will when it comes to tax policy, trade policy and all matters of the economy,” Trump advisor Jason Miller said during a Fox Business interview Thursday morning. Those three judges — Jane Restani, Timothy Reif and Gary Katzmann — were appointed to the federal bench by two Republicans, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Trump, and one Democrat, Barack Obama, respectively. Their ruling Wednesday invalidated dozens of country-specific tariffs that Trump imposed earlier this year under the purported authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The judges found that the law does not “confer such unbounded authority” to presidents. The nationwide, permanent block they imposed covers all of the retaliatory tariffs that Trump issued in early April as part of his sweeping “liberation day” plan to reshape international trade with the rest of the world. The ruling also bars the administration from making any future modifications to the tariffs in question. The court gave the administration 10 days to make the necessary changes to carry out the orders. The Trump administration filed a notice of appeal shortly after the judgment came down. Read more CNBC politics coverage Trump and the other defendants in the case have also asked the trade court to pause enforcement of its ruling while the appeal process plays out. “It is critical, for the country’s national security and the President’s conduct of ongoing, delicate diplomatic efforts, that the Court stay its judgment,” Department of Justice attorney Sosun Bae wrote. Bae pointed to declarations from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who all warned that the ruling would “destroy” a preliminary trade agreement reached with China earlier this month, and throw future negotiations into doubt. If the trade court’s ruling survives the upcoming appeals, it could strike a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda. Tariffs and trade protectionism are a pillar of the president’s worldview. More recently, he has leaned heavily on the promise of tariffs to generate federal revenue as he seeks to cut taxes and increase military spending. In the meantime, however, Trump has other means of imposing import taxes unilaterally. Goldman Sachs economists pointed to three relatively obscure parts of U.S. trade law that could come into play soon: Sections 122 and 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and Section 338 of the Trade Act of 1930. Navarro projected optimism about the administration’s choices on Thursday. “Any trade lawyer knows there’s just a number of different options we can take,” he said. “There is all sorts of things we can do well within the law.” “So nothing has really changed here in that sense,” Navarro added. Source link #Trump #Supreme #Court #halt #tariff #block #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump could ask Supreme Court to halt tariff block as soon as Friday Trump could ask Supreme Court to halt tariff block as soon as Friday U.S. President Donald Trump holds a document as he delivers remarks on tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., on April 2, 2025. Carlos Barria | Reuters President Donald Trump’s top aides are lashing out at the federal trade-court judges who just struck down many of the president’s tariffs, even as his administration requests that those same judges pause any enforcement of their ruling while the case is being appealed. “We are living under a judicial tyranny,” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller claimed on Thursday, after three judges on the U.S. Court of International Trade issued the ruling Wednesday night. Immediately after the tariff ruling came down, Miller had written, “The judicial coup is out of control.” Top trade advisor Peter Navarro accused the court of being “globalist” and “pro-importer” on Bloomberg TV Thursday, and claimed it was biased against the administration’s tariff policies. “We have these unelected judges who are trying to force their own will when it comes to tax policy, trade policy and all matters of the economy,” Trump advisor Jason Miller said during a Fox Business interview Thursday morning. Those three judges — Jane Restani, Timothy Reif and Gary Katzmann — were appointed to the federal bench by two Republicans, Presidents Ronald Reagan and Trump, and one Democrat, Barack Obama, respectively. Their ruling Wednesday invalidated dozens of country-specific tariffs that Trump imposed earlier this year under the purported authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The judges found that the law does not “confer such unbounded authority” to presidents. The nationwide, permanent block they imposed covers all of the retaliatory tariffs that Trump issued in early April as part of his sweeping “liberation day” plan to reshape international trade with the rest of the world. The ruling also bars the administration from making any future modifications to the tariffs in question. The court gave the administration 10 days to make the necessary changes to carry out the orders. The Trump administration filed a notice of appeal shortly after the judgment came down. Read more CNBC politics coverage Trump and the other defendants in the case have also asked the trade court to pause enforcement of its ruling while the appeal process plays out. “It is critical, for the country’s national security and the President’s conduct of ongoing, delicate diplomatic efforts, that the Court stay its judgment,” Department of Justice attorney Sosun Bae wrote. Bae pointed to declarations from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who all warned that the ruling would “destroy” a preliminary trade agreement reached with China earlier this month, and throw future negotiations into doubt. If the trade court’s ruling survives the upcoming appeals, it could strike a major blow to Trump’s economic agenda. Tariffs and trade protectionism are a pillar of the president’s worldview. More recently, he has leaned heavily on the promise of tariffs to generate federal revenue as he seeks to cut taxes and increase military spending. In the meantime, however, Trump has other means of imposing import taxes unilaterally. Goldman Sachs economists pointed to three relatively obscure parts of U.S. trade law that could come into play soon: Sections 122 and 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, and Section 338 of the Trade Act of 1930. Navarro projected optimism about the administration’s choices on Thursday. “Any trade lawyer knows there’s just a number of different options we can take,” he said. “There is all sorts of things we can do well within the law.” “So nothing has really changed here in that sense,” Navarro added. Source link #Trump #Supreme #Court #halt #tariff #block #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

American Truck Simulator Reveals First Gameplay of Iowa DLC American Truck Simulator Reveals First Gameplay of Iowa DLC SCS Software has showcased the first gameplay of the upcoming Iowa DLC for its popular sim, American Truck Simulator. Source link #American #Truck #Simulator #Reveals #Gameplay #Iowa #DLC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starship Flight 8 Explosion Traced to ‘Flash’ in Rocket Engines, SpaceX Investigation Confirms Starship Flight 8 Explosion Traced to ‘Flash’ in Rocket Engines, SpaceX Investigation Confirms While SpaceX gears up for the highly anticipated ninth test of its Starship launch vehicle, the company, being open as always, has disclosed why Flight 8’s upper stage failed, which subsequently resulted in it blowing up in midair back on March 6. The test flight, which took off from the company’s Starbase site in Texas, came to a screeching halt within minutes of reaching the sky when the top stage — known as Ship — experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Although the Super Heavy booster returned safely to Starbase with the aid of “Mechazilla”, the upper-stage anomaly cut the mission short, halting its attempt to deploy simulated Starlink satellites. SpaceX Reveals Engine Flash Caused Starship Flight 8 Explosion, Flight 9 Cleared for May 27 Launch As per a SpaceX update released on May 22, the mishap was caused by a hardware failure in one of the ship’s centre Raptor engines. The failure resulted in a “flash” near the sea-level Raptor, which triggered a shutdown of multiple engines, including vacuum Raptors, and initiated vehicle tumbling. Two minutes later, communications were lost and the automated flight termination software activated, leading to the vehicle’s destruction. The incident closely mirrored that of Flight 7, which also ended in an upper-stage explosion, albeit from a fire in a different engine section. The flash was traced to inadvertent propellant mixing and ignition within the engine bay. SpaceX mentioned further inspection revealed overheating in the ignition system of several engines. While Super Heavy returned to Earth mostly intact, ignition issues affected 2 of its 13 engines during the boostback burn. SpaceX is reinforcing engine insulation and modifying thermal systems to prevent recurrence in future flights. To correct the faults, SpaceX engineers implemented structural and mechanical improvements. More than 100 long-duration test firings at McGregor, Texas, overseen by the FAA, NASA, and Space Force, involved tighter joints, a new nitrogen purge system, improved propellant drainage, and Raptor 3 engine preparations. With the FAA now satisfied SpaceX has resolved the issues, Starship is cleared to return to flight. Flight 9 is scheduled to launch no earlier than May 27 aboard a reused Super Heavy booster. SpaceX will livestream the launch on its official platforms starting at 7:30 p.m. EDT. Source link #Starship #Flight #Explosion #Traced #Flash #Rocket #Engines #SpaceX #Investigation #Confirms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why are ChatGPT model names so confusing? GPT 4o, o3, 4.1 mini, and more explained Why are ChatGPT model names so confusing? GPT 4o, o3, 4.1 mini, and more explained If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT and felt baffled by the alphabet soup of model names – like GPT-4o, o3, o4-mini – you’re not alone. OpenAI (the company behind ChatGPT) doesn’t exactly make it easy with its naming conventions. But understanding what these models are, what they can do, and how to access them can help you get the most out of ChatGPT With that in mind, here’s a straightforward guide to help demystify the different ChatGPT models and help you choose the best one for whatever you need. You may like What’s a model? Before we get into the details, let’s start with the basics. What is a “model” in this context? When we talk about ChatGPT’s model, we’re referring to the version of the AI that’s doing the hard work behind the scenes to generate a response. The model is what determines how ChatGPT works, how smart it is, what it knows, and how it communicates with you. OpenAI has released several models over the years. Each new one is more advanced than the last. If you’re using the free version of ChatGPT, you’ll only have access to the latest default model. But if you’re on a paid plan (like Plus, Pro, Team, or Enterprise), you can choose between models using the model selector. (It’s a drop-down menu at the top of the dashboard.) Each model version has its own strengths. Some are faster, others are more accurate, and some are better at understanding nuance. While the names like “GPT-3.5” or “GPT-4” suggest a simple progression, the naming system has become more complex over the years. That’s why we’re here to help you. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. GPT-4o Best for: All-round use. Think writing, researching, analyzing images, and chatting, too. Who can access it: Everyone. Well, free users will have limits. But you’ll get full access with Plus, Pro, Team, and Enterprise subscriptions. GPT-4o (that “o” is short for “omni”) is OpenAI’s top-tier model. It can understand text, images, and even audio in real time. That means you can ask it to help with all sorts of things, like writing an email, explaining a photo, or talking to you via the voice mode. It’s ideal for general users, creative projects, and anyone who wants to interact with ChatGPT in a way that feels natural. Free users get a taste of it with some limits. While paid plans unlock full access to it. GPT-4.5 Best for: Natural conversation, writing, and brainstorming ideas. Who can access it: It’s currently being tested and not widely available yet – but some users might be able to get it in a preview mode. Think of GPT-4.5 as a smoother, more intuitive version of other ChatGPT models. It’s still in preview mode, but early testers say it feels more like chatting to a human, which means it’ll soon be a great choice for helping with writing, thinking creatively, or just bouncing ideas around. If you’ve ever wanted ChatGPT to feel more like a helpful creative partner or co-pilot in terms of generating new ideas, this is what OpenAI is working towards with GPT-4.5. GPT-4.1 Best for: Writing code, building websites, or solving technical problems. Who can access it: Available to Plus, Pro, Team, and Enterprise users. You’ll need to click “more models” in the drop-down menu to access it. This one is for the builders. GPT-4.1 is particularly good at following instructions and tackling tasks like coding or debugging. This means that if you need help writing a function, fixing an error, or walking through complex instructions, this model is a solid pick. GPT-4.1 Mini Best for: Quick help with instructions, basic coding, and everyday questions. Who can access it: Free users (it’s a fallback when GPT-4o above is limited), also available to paid users. Think of GPT-4.1 mini as the leaner and faster version of GPT-4.1. This means it’s handy for simple day-to-day tasks, like asking: “How do I format this in Excel?”. It can also write some quick snippets of code and understand instructions. If you’re a free user, you may notice this model kicks in when you hit your GPT-4o limits. o3 Best for: Complex reasoning. Think data analysis, scientific tasks, consulting-style thinking. Who can access it: Paid users only. This one is the deep thinker of the bunch. o3 is great for projects that require really careful analysis, logic or multiple steps. Think interpreting a graph, solving a complex maths problem, analyzing a business case or testing a theory. If you need a model that thinks critically, make this one your go to. o4-mini Best for: Efficient problem solving in STEM subjects. Great when you need lots of answers fast. Who can access it: Paid users. o4-mini is fast, affordable, and smart. It’s built for handling lots of queries, like debugging code, helping with data analysis, or walking through exam-style questions in maths or science. Great for students, analysts, or developers who don’t want to have to wait around for anything. o1 and o1-mini Best for: Solving tasks that require logic, doing research, or writing strategy documents. Who can access it: Paid users. These are older models with a reasoning focus, which means they’re still good at breaking down complex problems. Think writing a research plan, exploring strategy options, or tackling academic tasks. The problem is that they don’t support newer features, like voice or memory. o3-mini Best for: Smart, quick help with coding, reasoning, and web search. Who can access it: Paid users. o3-mini is a clever assistant like the rest, but it knows how to Google. It’s great for developers or researchers who need quick answers and want real-time web results alongside smart analysis. It’s not built for visual task,s but it’s strong in coding and general logic. Which ChatGPT model should you use? If you’re not sure which model to pick, GPT-4o is the best all-rounder. It’s fast, smart, and it can handle text, images, and even voice, making it the go-to for most users. Free users get access to GPT-4o with some limits, but it’s also the default for Plus, Pro, Team, and Enterprise plans. If you’re working on a coding project or want ChatGPT to follow specific instructions, GPT-4.1 or GPT-4.1 mini are solid choices. They’re designed to be sharp and accurate, especially for technical tasks. For more complex reasoning (think multi-step problems, business strategy, scientific analysis), the o-series models like o3 and o4-mini are your best options. They’re especially useful for developers, researchers or anyone who wants to push these AI tools into more challenging territory. And if you just want something fast, efficient, and capable for everyday questions and tasks, the “mini” versions like GPT-4.1 mini or o4-mini are solid choices – especially if you’re on a tight usage limit or want speedy replies. No matter which one you choose, they’re all designed to help, but with slightly different strengths under the hood. The good news is that soon you might not need to choose at all. GPT-5 is officially on hold, but when this latest version arrives from OpenAI, it’s expected to select the best model for your task automatically. You might also like… Source link #ChatGPT #model #names #confusing #GPT #mini #explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

In Trump, Harvard battle, trade schools may be an unlikely winner In Trump, Harvard battle, trade schools may be an unlikely winner In the escalating standoff between Harvard University and the White House, trade schools could come out on top. As part of a broader crackdown at the nation’s wealthiest and most elite Ivy League schools, President Donald Trump recently signaled that he would divert funds from Harvard to financially support vocational training. “I am considering taking THREE BILLION DOLLARS of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land,” Trump posted on Monday on Truth Social. It’s unclear how the president’s plan might work, and there would be many obstacles associated with redirecting federal funding. But the president’s comments underscore a changing perspective around alternative career pathways. In an interview on CNBC Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said, “the paradigm, looking at education, is shifting.” “More adults, who are looking to upskill, are looking at different programs — two-year or short-term programs,” McMahon said on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” “We believe there are other ways to train people to make a good living for their families in this country, and maybe not go into the debt of four-year universities.” More from Personal Finance: Harvard students are ‘frantic,’ college consultant says Wage garnishment for defaulted student loans to begin Is college still worth it? It is for most, but not all The rising cost of college and ballooning student loan balances have played a large role in changing views about the higher education system. Overall, college enrollment is still climbing, but largely driven by gains at community colleges as more students choose shorter-term credentials at a lower cost. Undergraduate enrollment increased across the major institutional sectors this spring. However, community colleges notched the largest uptick, rising 5% year over year, according to a recent report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment also jumped from a year ago, and is now up 20% since 2020. “This is great news for community colleges, and especially for those with strong vocational programs,” said Doug Shapiro, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center’s executive director. “Four-year colleges can also feel good about higher numbers of undergraduates this spring, but their growth rates are slower.” Is college still worth it? Increasingly, high school students are questioning whether a four-year degree is worth it. Roughly 42% of high school students say they are pivoting to technical and career training or credentialing, or are planning to enroll in a local and less-expensive community college or in-state public school, according to a separate survey of 1,000 seniors, juniors and sophomores by the College Savings Foundation. That’s up from 37% last year. A shortage of skilled tradespeople, due to experienced workers aging out of the field, is also boosting the number of job opportunities and pay in those roles. “Career programs at community colleges provide students with accessible, affordable and accredited credentials and certificates that lead to jobs in their local communities and in the global economy,” said Walter Bumphus, president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges. “In President Trump’s first term we were able to partner with the U.S. Department of Labor to increase the number of apprenticeship programs and services across the nation, garnering 22,000 registered apprentices across 633 occupations, illustrating what is possible when we harness the power of partnering with the nation’s community colleges,” Bumphus said in an email. However, as lower-income students increasingly choose to attend community colleges or career training programs, there may be consequences for their longer-term financial standing, other reports show. Attending college once provided a similar wage premium for students regardless of their parents’ financial standing, but that’s changed in recent years, according to a working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research. As “lower-income students have been disproportionately diverted into community and for-profit colleges,” their return on investment has suffered, the report found: “Higher-income students now derive greater average observational value from going to college than the lower-income students.” In other words, despite efforts to improve college access, wealthier students, who are more likely to enroll in four-year schools, get a ******* payoff. What is an Ivy League degree worth? Meanwhile, getting an Ivy League degree has a “statistically insignificant impact” on future earnings, according to a 2023 report by Harvard University-based nonpartisan, nonprofit research group Opportunity Insights based on admissions data from several private and public colleges. Even attending a college in the “Ivy-plus” category — which typically includes other top schools like Stanford University, Duke University, the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology — rather than a highly selective public institution, has benefits, the report found. It nearly doubles the chances of going on to an elite graduate school and triples the chances of working at a prestigious firm. Further, it increases students’ chances of ultimately reaching the top 1% of the earnings distribution by 60%, the Opportunity Insights report found. “Highly selective private colleges serve as gateways to the upper echelons of society,” the group of Harvard and Brown University-based economists who authored the report said. “Because these colleges currently admit students from high-income families at substantially higher rates than students from lower-income families with comparable academic credentials, they perpetuate privilege.” Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #Trump #Harvard #battle #trade #schools #winner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wall St gains after court blocks most Trump tariffs – Reuters Wall St gains after court blocks most Trump tariffs – Reuters Wall St gains after court blocks most Trump tariffs ReutersTrump Tariffs Blocked by U.S. Court of International Trade The New York TimesCourt Blocks Trump Tariffs – CNN This Morning with Audie Cornish – Podcast on CNN Audio CNNUS federal court blocks Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs The GuardianWATCH LIVE: White House holds briefing after court blocks many of Trump’s tariffs PBS Source link #Wall #gains #court #blocks #Trump #tariffs #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nekograms+ receives its biggest update yet with the addition of Nyan Nyan Plaza Nekograms+ receives its biggest update yet with the addition of Nyan Nyan Plaza Nekograms+ is getting a brand-new update on Apple Arcade It introduces the new Nyan Nyan Plaza update This includes 40 new levels, accessories and an additional cat Nekograms+ is set to receive its largest update yet with the introduction of Nyan Nyan Plaza. This new world offers 40 new levels, a new plushie cat, accessories and arcade-inspired background music. But wait a sec, what is Nekograms? Well, let’s dig in and find out why you should check out this new update. Well, if Connor Derrick’s glowing appraisal of this intriguing puzzler at release isn’t enough to sway you, maybe learning more about it will. Nekograms is an adorable, simple on the surface but hard to master puzzler, where the objective is simply to get a variety of cats to sleep. To do so, you need to slide tiles consisting of cushions, ensuring that each cat has a place to rest. Sound simple? Well, with these cats ranging from regular two-tile wide moggies to bona fide long kitties, there’s a surprising amount of challenge to be had, even for experienced puzzlers. Neko Neko Neko As mentioned above, the Nyan Nyan Plaza update comes jam-packed with 40 levels, three new accessories, Stuffie the plush cat, arcade-inspired background music and the titular Nyan Nyan Plaza World to tackle. It promises to offer a challenge for even the most avid of Nekograms veterans. Speaking of challenges, though, are you looking to expand your puzzle playing palate? Well, look no further than our truly mighty list of the top 25 best puzzle games on iOS and Android for a huge swathe of great releases to put your brain cells to the test out right now! And if that’s still not enough, we’ve also got the more current feature covering the top five new mobile games to try this week. This up-to-the-minute feature offers amazing launches across mobile that you may’ve missed, hand-selected by our team from virtually every genre that there is on mobile! Source link #Nekograms #receives #biggest #update #addition #Nyan #Nyan #Plaza Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China Launches AI-Powered Satellite Constellation to Build Space Supercomputer China Launches AI-Powered Satellite Constellation to Build Space Supercomputer China has successfully launched the first cluster of 12 satellites of its ambitious Three-body computing constellation on May 14 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 2D rocket. The complete supercomputing network will comprise 2,800 satellites and will deliver a combined computing capacity of 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS). The twelve satellites currently in orbit are interconnected through high-speed laser communication links that transfer data at up to 100 gigabits per second. This initiative will be using the cold vacuum as a natural cooling system and it might be able to shift the AI processing from Earth to the space. This project is led by the company ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab. AI in Orbit According to a translated ADA Space statement, each satellite in China’s launch contains an 8 billion-parameter AI model that can perform 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). When combined together, their processing power will be able to perform five peta operations per second. Traditionally, satellites collect raw data and transmit it back to Earth, limited by narrow bandwidths and transmission windows. This causes data loss and processing delays. By processing data in space, the system cuts transmission needs and takes advantage of solar power and space’s natural cooling, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Global Cooperation and Cosmic Inspiration According to Zhejiang Lab’s Wang Jian, the platform is open to international use, encouraging other countries and organizations to take part in its development. Although the U.S. and Europe have performed tests on space computers, China’s array is the first to be deployed at an operable scale. Meanwhile, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, following his purchase of a controlling interest in the California launch company Relativity Space, has proposed launching data centers into orbit. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: China, AI satellites, space computing, Three-Body Constellation, ADA Space, Zhejiang Lab, orbital supercomputer, satellite technology, AI in space, space innovation, Long March 2D, edge computing Google and TSMC Strike Long-Term Deal to Manufacture Tensor Chips for Pixel Phones: Report Red Magic 10S Pro, 10S Pro+ With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, Under Display Front Camera Launched Source link #China #Launches #AIPowered #Satellite #Constellation #Build #Space #Supercomputer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Thailand drops royal insult case against US academic Thailand drops royal insult case against US academic A royal insult prosecution against an American academic in Thailand has been dropped, as authorities confirmed Paul Chambers had left the country. Chambers, 58, a political science lecturer, had been in legal limbo since his arrest last month on a lese-majeste charge, which led to the loss of his job, his work visa and the seizure of his passport. “I am relieved that this situation has been resolved. I have always had great respect for the Thai royal family and anyone who knows me understands that these charges were always based on false allegations by unnamed parties in the military,” Chambers said in a statement. Chambers, who first came to Thailand as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1993, said he was returning to the US but “will maintain my many friendships with the people of Thailand”. Thailand has one of the world’s harshest lese-majeste laws, setting jail terms of up to 15 years for anyone convicted of defaming, insulting or threatening King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family. The prosecutor earlier this month dropped the case against Chambers but police appealed that decision. The attorney-general overruled the appeal earlier this week, said Chambers’ lawyer, Wannaphat Jenroumjit. “The case is now concluded,” she said, adding that the legal team was appealing the revocation of his work visa. The US State Department had expressed alarm at the arrest of Chambers, saying the case “reinforces our longstanding concerns about the use of lese-majeste laws in Thailand”. The charges against him, which came after a complaint by the royalist army, had stemmed from a blurb for an online academic seminar at which he was a speaker, according to his lawyers. The blurb was posted last year on the website of a research institute based outside of Thailand. Thailand’s constitution enshrines the king in a position of “revered worship”, and royalists regard the palace as sacrosanct. A party that won the 2023 election was dissolved last year over its campaign to amend the lese-majeste law, under which more than 280 people have been charged since 2020, according to the Thai Lawyers for Human Rights legal aid group, which also represented Chambers. Thai immigration police confirmed Chambers’ passport had been returned to him and that he had left the country earlier on Thursday. “The case is closed as the attorney-general decided to drop it,” Police Major General Sarawut Khonyai, a commander of immigration police in northern Thailand, told Reuters. Source link #Thailand #drops #royal #insult #case #academic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elden Ring Nightreign Trophy List Revealed Elden Ring Nightreign Trophy List Revealed Elden Ring: Nightreign offers a bold but uneven twist on Soulsborne formula, blending PvE co-op with battle royale mechanics. While its intense boss fights and improved mobility shine, the punishing solo experience, restrictive class builds, and awkward shrinking-map gimmick hold it back. Source link #Elden #Ring #Nightreign #Trophy #List #Revealed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wildix rolls out embedded agentic AI for UCaaS Wildix rolls out embedded agentic AI for UCaaS A recent study from professional services firm KPMG forecast that agentic artificial intelligence (AI) will autonomously resolve as many as 80% of customer service issues by 2029, leading to a 30% reduction in operational costs, and to bring that future forward, unified communications as a service (UCaaS) provider Wildix has launched what it claims is the industry’s first fully embedded agentic AI layer for UCaaS. The company says it has spent years building AI features designed for real business use cases, from live call summaries and multilingual support to headset-triggered in-store alerts and sales coaching. The release is attributed with consolidating those innovations into a single automation layer that can scale without disrupting daily operations or introducing third-party complexity. It is fundamentally designed to reduce overflow, as well as speed up response through contextual automation, shared memory and “codeless” design. Wildix added that it can prove its value from the start, delivering return on investment (ROI) from day one. “Organisations are under pressure to accelerate service, reduce costs and improve responsiveness,” said Dimitri Osler, Wildix co-founder and chief information officer. “This release is designed to meet those expectations immediately. Our AI doesn’t just assist. It executes, adapts and integrates natively into existing workflows with zero disruption.” The AI is attributed with automating the high-frequency, high-friction tasks that slow teams down – scheduling, call routing, follow-ups and FAQs, while maintaining what Wildix assured would be “full context” across every interaction. Wildix says the product is designed to adapt to how each user organisation operates. The AI layer automates interactions across voice, chat, SMS, WhatsApp and web, without relying on static scripts or bolted-on bots. The system interprets language, references past exchanges and applies contextual logic to guide each decision. Modular by design, the system can be tailored to specific workflow such as routing calls in public services, handling appointments in healthcare, or managing call surges in retail. Configuration happens through a visual no-code studio, making deployment fast, repeatable and scalable for partners and customers alike. Other key capabilities include multilingual support across voice and chat; sentiment-aware escalation to route complex or emotional cases to humans; native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, WhatsApp and Make.com; omnichannel deployment, including browser, mobile, headsets and embeddable widgets; persistent memory across agents, channels and sessions; and General Data Protection Regulation-aligned architecture with transcription engines separated from large language models to protect personally identifiable information. Upcoming enhancements include unified scoring to assess both AI and human agent performance, customer relationship management-driven coaching with real-time next-best-action prompts, native WhatsApp automation with live hand-off, and expanded language support. In terms of installation, Wildix partners work directly with customers to define metrics before deployment, from first-contact resolution to overflow cost reduction, and configure automation to deliver visible, immediate value. Early deployment has seen the Valencian Community Football Federation in Spain use Wildix AI to absorb seasonal surges in fan inquiries, including ticketing, schedules and matchday updates. The system handles tens of thousands of contacts during peak events, without requiring year-round staffing. “We saw the demand was going to grow before it became a problem,” said the federation’s IT manager, Jaime Mestre. “With Wildix and the support of our Wildix Leader Network Gold Partner, we’ve created a system that understands our members, responds instantly and gives our staff time to focus on what really matters.” Source link #Wildix #rolls #embedded #agentic #UCaaS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Viking Trade Routes More Expansive Than Thought, Finds Swedish Archaeologist After 5000 km Expedition Viking Trade Routes More Expansive Than Thought, Finds Swedish Archaeologist After 5000 km Expedition A Swedish Archaeologist, Greer Jarett, pilots a small sailboat along the Norwegian coast to learn in-depth about Viking trade routes. He sailed it for 5000 kilometres, which led him to identify previously known harbours towards the Norwegian coast that Vikings explored and used around a thousand years ago. This experimental expedition told about the maritime trade routes and took them further ahead from land than was assumed. For a long time, we just knew about the start and end points of the trade voyage during the Viking Age. Viking Routes are More Extensive & Decentralised Greer Jarett from Lund University in Sweden sailed the Viking replica vessel and provided a trailblazing report on the Viking seafaring after sailing the boat known as a faering for three years. Jarett’s work was published in the Journal of Archaeological Method & Theory on May 8, 2025. The research suggests that the Viking trade routes have been more expansive, decentralised and offshore than was previously known. Exploring the Viking Routes by Faering Faering is a type of sailboat with oars, a replica of what Vikings used a millennium ago to explore the routes. Jarett travelled to Trondheim in the central part of the Norwegian coast to the Arctic Circle and returned. He interviewed the sailors and fishers to learn about the historical maritime routes. Jarett identified four harbours on the small islands and promontories. Vikings moored and sheltered at their accessible ports. Seafaring of the Vikings through Mental Maps This research gives the idea of seafaring through large ports like Dublin, Ribe and Denmark. Vikings didn’t use any compass and moved ahead through their mental maps with places to meet and share the information, as this was crucial for maritime success. Excavation Not Done for Vikings Jarett has not done any excavation at the harbours to lock their consumption by the Vikings. However, if the team found evidence like jetties, temporary shelter, cooking pits and ballast stones, it would confirm the presence of Vikings through such routes, Jarett said. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. China Launches AI-Powered Satellite Constellation to Build Space Supercomputer Red Magic 10S Pro, 10S Pro+ With Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, Under Display Front Camera Launched Source link #Viking #Trade #Routes #Expansive #Thought #Finds #Swedish #Archaeologist #Expedition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says – CNBC Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says – CNBC Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says CNBCBoeing (BA) Anticipates Resuming Deliveries to China by June | BA Stock News GuruFocusBoeing to resume deliveries to China next month; CEO aims to ramp up MAX production (BA:NYSE) Seeking AlphaOrtberg: Boeing to resume China deliveries next month breakingthenews.net Source link #Boeing #resume #airplane #deliveries #China #month #ramp #Max #production #CEO #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rush Royale to launch in China after securing approval license Rush Royale to launch in China after securing approval license My.Games’ Rush Royale is set to launch in China This comes after a short turnaround, receiving an approval license But Rush Royale could face stiff competition from a vibrant market My.Games have managed to secure a release licence for their multiplayer tower defence, Rush Royale. This could mean that ******** players will soon be able to get hands-on with this top release, in a pretty daring move for the developer. But it’s not the first to make its way to China from My.Games by far. First off, though, why do they need a licence? Well, in China, every developer, both domestic and international, requires one to launch their game. You may remember, if you’re a reader of our sibling site PocketGamer.biz, that a freeze on these licences a while ago sent shockwaves through the ******** gaming industry. However, in the years since the freeze, things have thawed significantly, especially for international developers. And now My.Games, having already released War Robots and Huge Castle in China, are on track for their third successive launch in the country. Headed east According to My.Games the ******** version of Rush Royale will be published by local company iDreamSky, who’ll be responsible for managing it in the country. It also seems their partnership managed to achieve a surprisingly brief turnaround for the licence, something sure to make the developer confident of success. But, like many international developers My.Games is going to face stiff competition. You need only look as far as the recently released (internationally, that is) Mirren: Star Legend to see that high-quality titles are not in short supply in China. If Rush Royale proves to be a hit, though, it would be reaching a massive audience of dedicated mobile gamers. And if you’re planning to jump into (or back into) Rush Royale to enjoy some fast-paced multiplayer tower defence, why not try out some of our Rush Royale promo codes to nab some free rewards from our constantly updated list of everything floating around out there? Source link #Rush #Royale #launch #China #securing #approval #license Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MIT Study Reveals Why Roman Concrete Lasts Thousands of Years MIT Study Reveals Why Roman Concrete Lasts Thousands of Years Ancient Roman structures have always been a major attraction for both common people and researchers. The durability of those magnificent architectural feats like the Pantheon of Rome has made researchers curious about how they are standing tall nearly after two thousand years of the height of the Roman empire. While The longevity of these structures can be attributed largely to Roman concrete, question still prevails about the speciality and the materials used in the concrete itself. Ingredients of Roman concrete According to the study published in the journal Science Advances, an international team of researchers led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that not only are the materials slightly different from what we may have thought, but the techniques used to mix them were also different. One key ingrediant was pozzolan, or ash. The Romans used ash from the volcanic beds of the Italian city Pozzuoli and shipped it all over the empire. The silica and alumina in the ash react with lime and water in a pozzolanic reaction at ambient temperatures, resulting in a stronger, longer lasting concrete. Another key ingredient is lime clasts, or small chunks of quicklime. These clasts give Roman concrete its self-healing capability. Concrete weathers and weakens over time, but water can infiltrate its cracks and reach the clasts. When they react with the water, the clasts create crystals called calcites that fill in the cracks. Difference with modern day cement The high-temperature kiln process used today to make modern day Portland cement, grinds all materials into fine powder. It eliminates the lime clasts which results into the lack of the self-healing properties of Roman cement. The Romans utilized a method known as hot mixing, which involves combining quicklime with pozzolan, water and other ingredients and then heating them up. The MIT team found that this method helps unlock the lime clasts’ self-healing abilities, and can result in faster setting than cement made with a quicklime-water solution called slaked lime. Source link #MIT #Study #Reveals #Roman #Concrete #Lasts #Thousands #Years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

French MPs vote to scrap low-emission zones in blow to Macron French MPs vote to scrap low-emission zones in blow to Macron France’s National Assembly has voted to abolish low-emission zones, a key measure introduced during President Emmanuel Macron’s first term to reduce city pollution. So-called ZFEs (zones à faibles émissions) have been criticised for hitting those who cannot afford less-polluting vehicles the hardest. A handful of MPs from Macron’s party joined opposition parties from the right and far right in voting 98-51 to scrap the zones, which have gradually been extended across French cities since 2019. The motion was put forward by Pierre Meurin of the far-right National Rally, and backed by some motoring organisations. But it was a personal victory for writer Alexandre Jardin who set up a movement called Les #Gueux (Beggars), arguing that “ecology has turned into a sport for the rich”. “Everyone played their part in the vote. The MPs voted either for the end of this nightmare, or they abstained,” he told Le Figaro newspaper. “They were afraid of going back to their constituencies if they had voted against the abolition of the ZFEs.” The low-emission zones began with 15 of France’s most polluted cities in 2019 and by the start of this year had been extended to every urban area with a population of more than 150,000, with a ban on cars registered before 1997. Those produced after 1997 need a round “Crit’Air” sticker to drive in low-emission zones, and there are six categories that correspond to various types of vehicle. The biggest restrictions have been applied in the most polluted cities, Paris and Lyon, as well as Montpellier and Grenoble. They have turned into something of a lightning rod for Macron’s opponents. Marine Le Pen condemned the ZFEs as “no-rights zones” during her presidential campaign for National Rally in 2022, and her ********** counterpart warned of a “social bomb”. The head of the right-wing Republicans in the Assembly, Laurent Wauquiez, talked of “freeing the French from stifling, punitive ecology”, and on the far left, Clémence Guetté said green policies should not be imposed “on the backs of the working classes”. The government tried to head off Wednesday night’s revolt by watering down the restrictions, but also preserving the zones in Paris and Lyon. This amendment was defeated by a large margin. Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the minister for green transition, told MPs that “air pollution is behind almost 40,000 premature deaths a year… and the low-emission zones have helped bring down [that number]”. The Greens and Socialists also voted to maintain the zones. Green Senator Anne Souyris told BFMTV that “killing [the ZFEs] also means killing hundreds of thousands of people” and Socialist MP Gérard Leseul said the vote sent a negative signal as it did not address the reduction that had to be made to levels of air pollution. The abolition is expected to go through the upper house, France’s Senate, but it still needs to be approved in a broader bill in the lower house in June and will have to be approved by France’s Constitutional Council, which is not guaranteed. Source link #French #MPs #vote #scrap #lowemission #zones #blow #Macron Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Panther Devs Mourn EA’s “Stunning” And “Amazing” Game ****** Panther Devs Mourn EA’s “Stunning” And “Amazing” Game In 2023, EA announced a single-player ****** Panther game from Cliffhanger Games that would have been a AAA title. However, EA shut down Cliffhanger nearly two years after the announcement, and canceled ****** Panther as well. Now, some of the developers who worked on ****** Panther are eulogizing the game they call “stunning” and amazing.” Artist Karla Ortiz wrote on Bluesky that her team was “working on such an amazing and stunning game. Detailed, rich, beautiful. It breaks my heart the world won’t see it. It also breaks my heart to say goodbye to the team.” Freddie Lee, the senior environment architect on the game, praised Ortiz and the rest of the team behind ****** Panther. “It has to be said that during my short time there, I’ve had the honor and pleasure to work with people like Karla whose art inspired myself and the team, and also [instilled] confidence and growth into my professional artwork,” wrote Lee. “This team was, and is GOAT.” The now-canceled ****** Panther game was a separate title from Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra, an upcoming title from Skydance New Media that will team up Captain America with the ****** Panther of World War II–Azzuri–the grandfather of the modern ****** Panther, T’Challa. Skydance recently pushed back the release of Marvel 1943 to early 2026. ****** Panther isn’t the only AAA superhero game to be canceled recently. Warner Bros. Games also canceled the ambitious Wonder Woman title from Monolith Productions that would have utilized the Nemesis system from the developer’s Lord of the Rings titles. The studio was shuttered, as well. For now, EA still has its Iron Man game in development as part of its partnership with Marvel. But as recent events have shown, even some of the top heroes from Marvel and DC aren’t immune from abrupt cancelations. Source link #****** #Panther #Devs #Mourn #EAs #Stunning #Amazing #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Analysis Weakens Claims of Life on Distant Exoplanet K2-18b New Analysis Weakens Claims of Life on Distant Exoplanet K2-18b Last month, astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope made headlines by announcing they had detected hints of the chemicals dimethyl sulphide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) on the exoplanet K2-18b, located 124 light-years away from the Earth. These chemicals are only produced by life such as marine algae on Earth, meaning they are considered potential “biosignatures” indicating life. recent follow-up research questions the reliability of this finding. A new study led by researchers from the University of Chicago reanalysed the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data and found the evidence for DMS far less convincing than previously reported. Weakening of signals According to a recent arxiv preprint, yet to be peer-reviewed, Rafael Luque, Caroline Piaulet-Ghorayeb, and Michael Zhang, used a joint approach by combining all JWST observations across its key instruments (NIRISS, NIRSpec, and MIRI). They found that the supposed DMS signal becomes significantly weaker when all data are considered together. Differences in data processing and modelling between the original studies also cast doubt on the initial results. According to the team, even when DMS-like signals appear, they are weak, inconsistent, and can often be explained by other, non-biological molecules like ethane. The researchers stressed the importance of consistent modelling to avoid contradictory interpretations of planetary atmospheres. Spectral Complexity Molecules in an exoplanet’s atmosphere are typically detected through spectral analysis, which identifies unique “chemical fingerprints” based on how the planet’s atmosphere absorbs specific wavelengths of starlight as it passes or transits in front of its host star. The difference between DMS and ethane a common molecule in exoplanet atmospheres is just one sulfur atom, and current spectrometers, including those on the JWST, have impressive sensitivity, but still face limits. The distance to exoplanets, the faintness of signals, and the complexity of atmospheres mean distinguishing between molecules that differ by just one atom is extremely challenging. The recent claim of a “3-sigma” detection of DMS falls short of the scientific standard for confirmation. The team calls for more rigorous standards in both scientific publication and media reporting. Source link #Analysis #Weakens #Claims #Life #Distant #Exoplanet #K218b Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Italian activists face trial for migrant sea rescue Italian activists face trial for migrant sea rescue An Italian judge has ordered six members of a charity ship to stand trial on accusations of aiding ******** immigration, the first time crew members of a rescue vessel have faced such prosecution. The case centres on a 2020 operation where the Mare Jonio charity ship, operated by the Mediterranea NGO, picked up 27 migrants who had been rescued by a giant tanker in the Mediterranean Sea. The activists then brought them to Italy. The defendants include a doctor, the Mare Jonio’s commander, and Luca Casarini, co-founder of the charity and a prominent left-wing activist. They all deny wrongdoing. “This is the first indictment of its kind,” lawyer Serena Romano told Reuters. “All prior proceedings against NGO crews were shut down at the investigative stage or during preliminary hearings.” The charges come as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office in 2022, continues her long-running campaign to reduce immigration flows across the Mediterranean. The six defendants, five men and one woman, are accused of facilitating ******** immigration after they agreed to pick up the group of migrants, who had been stranded aboard the Danish tanker Maersk Etienne for more than a month. At the time, neither the Maltese, Italian nor Libyan authorities had let the tanker bring the migrants ashore, according to Maersk Tankers, the operator of Maersk Etienne. The group had been rescued from a sinking wooden dinghy near Malta as they sought to reach Europe. The Mare Jonio took them to Sicily. According to the Ansa news agency, prosecutors allege the rescue was financially motivated. They cite a 125,000 euro ($A217,239) payment from Maersk to Idra Social Shipping, which owns the Mare Jonio. Mediterranea denies the accusation, calling the payment a “transparent donation” to support rescue efforts. Casarini, who was a friend of the late Pope Francis, said the trial, ordered by a court in Ragusa, would offer an opportunity to scrutinise official conduct during the incident. “We will call as witnesses the ministers and authorities who decided to leave 27 human beings adrift in the middle of the sea,” he said. Meloni’s government, in power since 2022, has enacted policies aimed at reducing sea arrivals and limiting NGO rescue operations, though the case predates her administration. Some members of the ruling coalition have accused the judiciary of looking to sink government efforts to prevent migrant crossings, including repeated rulings that have thwarted attempts to detain irregular migrants in Albania. Earlier this year, several Mediterranea members, including Casarini, were targeted with spyware. The government has denied involvement and called for an inquiry. Source link #Italian #activists #face #trial #migrant #sea #rescue Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]