Next time you want to salute your snack, you can make a pilgrimage to the Canadian Cheeto statue in Alberta. It’s even a testament to the dust the orange cheese puffs leave on our hands. But somehow, not everyone is a fan of the “art.”
The story behind the Canadian Cheeto statue
In the quaint town of Cheadle, Alberta stands a colossal statue of a Cheeto. Standing at 20-feet tall, the statue is an unexpected sight, to say the least.
This larger-than-life statue was born out of an unusual collaboration between Cheetos Canada and the local community of Cheadle, a town with a population of fewer than 200 residents. The idea was to boost tourism and put Cheadle on the map—literally and figuratively.
The statue features a giant, crinkly Cheeto, intricately designed to mirror the snack’s iconic look, elevated on a stand that boasts the Cheetos logo. The structure even lights up at night!
What’s in a name?
Adding to the whimsy of the project is the fact that the Cheeto statue is not just any ordinary snack. It’s a representation of the “Cheetle,” a term coined by Cheetos to describe the cheesy dust left on your fingers after enjoying a bag of the iconic snack.
As with any novel concept, the public reaction has been mixed. Some locals view it as a quirky attraction that has brought a new sense of vibrancy to the town. Others, however, see it as an outlandish eyesore.
Critics argue that the funds used to erect the statue could have been spent on more practical community initiatives. But whether you see it as an eyesore or an art piece, there’s no denying the Cheeto statue’s buzz-generating power.
You’ve seen robotic dogs, humanoid robots that can do backflips, etc. – but have you seen the new shape-shifting robots? Just what the world needs, right? Well…maybe!
Do shape-shifting robots really exist?
They do exist, but they’re small – and they’re certainly not a threat. Although we don’t exactly love the headline from EurekAlert “Watch this person-shaped robot liquify and escape jail, all with the power of magnets.” But whatever. Like all robots, they’re pretty cool, aside from their (granted, far-fetched) potential to destroy us all.
This robot can indeed transform, liquefy itself, slip into the smallest crevices, and then reassemble with absolute precision. The shape-shifting robot creators drew inspiration from a sea cucumber.
What do a sea cucumber and a shape-shifting robot have in common?
Sea cucumbers have a unique ability—they can alter their stiffness rapidly and reversibly. This is the fascinating biological phenomenon that the researchers hoped to replicate in their robotic system.
Traditional robots, with their rigid bodies, lack the flexibility to navigate small spaces. There are “softer” robots, but while they’re more pliable, are often weaker and harder to control. So, to overcome these challenges, the team aimed to create a robot that could oscillate between being a solid and a liquid.
The new breed of robot is an alloy of gallium—a metal with a low melting point—and includes embedded magnetic particles. The particles allow the robot to respond to magnetic fields, which scientists can use to control its movement and induce changes in its state—from solid to liquid and vice versa.
The team from Carnegie Mellon University christened their groundbreaking creation the “magnetoactive solid-liquid phase transitional machine.” Catchy!
The power of transformation
In a magnetic field, the robot can jump, stretch, climb walls, and even solder a circuit board. Its most impressive trick? The ability to liquefy and squeeze itself out of a mock prison—only to solidify once again on the outside. When in solid state, this robot can bear weights 30 times its own, demonstrating remarkable strength and flexibility.
Interestingly, the shapeshifting robot might have potential applications in the medical field. In a proof-of-concept experiment, the robot successfully removed a ball from a model of a human stomach. It quickly moved to the ball, melted around it, reformed, and exited the model stomach—ball in tow.
Although gallium was the metal of choice in these experiments, other metals could be introduced to adjust the melting point for real-life applications.
Future applications
Looking ahead, the gallium robots could serve a variety of purposes. From assembling and repairing hard-to-reach circuits to acting as a universal screw that melts and reforms to fit any socket, the possibilities seem endless.
The technology might have significant biomedical applications as well. For instance, these robots could deliver drugs inside a patient’s body or remove foreign objects. However, before any in-human application, tracking the robot’s position within a patient’s body is a hurdle scientists need to overcome.
Who knows, maybe a doctor will ask you to swallow a shape-shifting robot someday. What a thing to look forward to!
Wanna see the robot melt and reconstitute? Someone set it to some soothing music on YouTube:
Archaeologists have discovered the hunter-gatherer woman. So while our general assumption is that men took on the role of hunters in prehistoric times while women gathered resources and cared for offspring, recent discoveries are challenging this age-old belief. We now have a new picture of gender roles in prehistoric societies.
Archaeological insights into the hunter gatherer woman
The discovery of a 9,000-year-old female skeleton buried with her hunting toolkit in the Andean highlands suggests women might have hunted big game right alongside men. The burial site, located in what is now Peru, was rich in hunting artifacts, from spear points to butchering tools.
Upon examining the skeleton and associated tools, archaeologists concluded that this prehistoric woman was likely a hunter. This conclusion stemmed from the diversity of hunting tools buried alongside her, which would have been used to kill and butcher large game, not just small animals.
Broadening perspectives
The discovery sparked a wider investigation, prompting researchers to reanalyze burials from around the same period. Their analysis yielded more surprises: out of 429 burials from across the Americas, they found 27 individuals associated with big-game hunting tools, and 11 of these were women. This data suggests that in these communities, both men and women were likely to be hunters.
These findings upend the prevailing narrative of prehistoric gender roles. The assumption that men were the hunters while women were the gatherers has shaped our understanding of prehistoric societies for generations. However, these new findings suggest a more equitable distribution of roles than previously thought.
Implications for our understanding of prehistoric societies
These findings have crucial implications for our understanding of social organization and labor division in ancient hunter-gatherer societies. They not only shift our perspective on gender roles but also reshape the way we interpret archaeological data. For instance, when we unearth hunting tools in future excavations, we should consider the possibility that they may have belonged to women.
In the face of new archaeological evidence, we are rethinking long-held assumptions about prehistoric societies. The discovery of women hunters suggests a more egalitarian division of labor than previously assumed. As we continue to unearth clues from our past, we gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of human history.
Apparently, the best thing since sliced bread is white crustless bread.
Known as “mujipan,” or “crustless bread,” it has become a staple of Japanese kitchens, popular among both young and old. With its fluffy texture and mild flavor, it’s ideal for making sandwiches, toast, and various other dishes that the Japanese have ingeniously adapted to their cuisine.
Creating white crustless bread
The creation of crustless bread is not merely about slicing off the browned edges. Japanese bakers have perfected the technique of baking loaves where the crust is almost non-existent. This process involves using soft wheat flour, a lot of water, and a precise amount of yeast. The dough is then kneaded and left to rise multiple times before it’s finally baked at a lower temperature compared to traditional bread. The result is a soft, pillowy loaf with a very thin crust that is almost indistinguishable from the rest of the bread.
The crustless bread trend in Japan originated from the desire to create a perfect sandwich. In the Japanese context, sandwiches aren’t just a quick lunch option; they are an art form. The aesthetic appeal of the sandwich is as important as its taste. A sandwich made with crustless bread looks neat and elegant, the filling is the star, and nothing detracts from its visual appeal. This focus on visual presentation extends to all aspects of Japanese cuisine, from sushi to bento boxes.
Cutting off the flavor?
However, the popularity of crustless bread is not without its critics. Some bakers and food connoisseurs argue that the crust is where the flavor is. It’s the part of the bread that caramelizes during baking, creating a complex taste profile that the soft, white interior lacks. Yet, the demand continues to be strong, proving that its appeal goes beyond mere aesthetics.
Another interesting cultural aspect is the practicality of crustless bread. Japanese homes are often smaller with minimal storage space. The compact size of the loaves makes them easy to store. Additionally, they’re also more convenient for children and the elderly to eat.
In recent years, the trend has spread beyond Japan. Crustless bread is now available in various other countries, and the international market is growing. Its appeal lies in its convenience and its suitability for a variety of culinary applications, from breakfast toast to gourmet sandwiches.
Yet, despite its global reach, white crustless bread remains quintessentially Japanese. It encapsulates the Japanese approach to food, where taste, aesthetics, and practicality are all intimately connected. Like sushi, ramen, and matcha, this bread is a culinary innovation that reflects the culture from which it originated. In a world where cuisine is increasingly globalized, these unique cultural expressions provide a sense of connection to a particular place and way of life.
The Synthetic Party is a Danish AI political party led by an AI chatbot named Leader Lars.
How does an AI political party work?
Denmark’s political landscape is making an intriguing pivot towards artificial intelligence. Leader Lars was brought to life by artist collective Computer Lars and the non-profit art and tech organization MindFuture Foundation. Is this a new era in political representation?
The Synthetic Party, established in May 2022, aspires to represent the values of the 20% of Danes who do not vote. This AI chatbot is not just a figurehead. It’s equipped with policies drawn from Danish fringe parties since 1970. And its human members are committed to executing these AI-derived platforms.
Why involve an AI in politics?
The Synthetic Party seeks to represent data from all fringe parties striving for a parliamentary seat. It’s a novel concept that allows individual political visions, usually limited by financial and logistical constraints, to gain representation. The unique aspect of this political approach is the interaction between citizens and Leader Lars on Discord, a platform where people can speak directly to the AI. This feature fosters a unique form of democratic engagement.
The party’s AI-led political approach raises questions about the viability and accountability of machine learning in government. For instance, can an AI truly grasp and represent human needs and values? How do we hold an AI accountable for its decisions? The Synthetic Party’s response to these questions lies in the transparency and auditability of AI decision-making processes.
Party policy
The Synthetic Party’s policies are bold, to say the least. From establishing a universal basic income of 100,000 Danish kroner per month (equivalent to $13,700, and over double the Danish average salary) to creating a jointly-owned internet and IT sector within the government, the party seeks to innovate and challenge the status quo.
Crucially, the Synthetic Party is not about putting a chatbot in charge. Instead, it’s about exploring the democratic potential of AI and machine learning. The party sees AI as a tool to amplify and understand a wide range of opinions, even if those opinions sometimes contradict each other.
In addition to offering fresh political perspectives, the Synthetic Party aims to raise awareness about the role of AI in our lives and the importance of AI accountability. For example, it advocates for the addition of an 18th Sustainable Development Goal. This would focus on the relationship between humans and AI to the United Nations’ SDGs.
The Synthetic Party seeks to promote a more democratic, accountable, and transparent use of AI in politics. The party needs 20,000 signatures to run in the 2023 November general election. If it gets those, it could introduce a novel form of political representation in Denmark. It would be one that goes beyond a simple figurehead and instead uses AI as a tool for political change.
Life is short – and the shortlife clock is here to remind you of that grim fact every morning. It was designed to make you question your perception of time and mortality – which is obviously the first thing you want to do when the alarm goes off. Right?
This fascinating gadget is the brainchild of artist Dries Depoorter. And it does add an extra layer of thought-provoking contemplation to the mundane act of timekeeping.
What exactly is the Shortlife Clock?
The Shortlife clock isn’t just your run-of-the-mill timekeeper. At first glance, it seems to be a standard digital clock. But wait, there’s a catch! This unique gadget counts down the estimated time left in your life, based on statistics from the World Health Organization. Talk about a reality check! The clock gives an entirely new perspective on the value of each second, minute, and hour.
How does it work? The clock requires the user to input their age and gender. Then, it uses this information, along with WHO data, to estimate the user’s life expectancy. The countdown starts ticking from that point forward, offering a thought-provoking and somewhat confronting reminder of our mortality.
With every tick, the Shortlife clock gently nudges you to seize the day. At the very least, you get a humbling reminder that time is a finite resource. So make the most of every moment!
A $180 reminder of your mortality
The clock isn’t just about morbid fascination. Or at least it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as a heartfelt call to action to appreciate the time you have.
Though the Shortlife clock might seem a bit macabre to some, its concept has fascinated many. And it’s sparked some meaningful conversations about life, death, and how we choose to spend our time.
More than just a quirky gadget, it’s a tool for introspection. It can help you to reflect on how you spend your days. Or it can be a (subtle?) reminder to get on with life and make the most of the time you have left.
To some, the Shortlife clock serves as an invitation to live more intentionally, to appreciate the fleeting beauty of existence. To others, it serves as a conversation starter, a unique piece of decor that sparks curiosity and in-depth discussions about life and time.
The Shortlife clock’s popularity is a testament to its thought-provoking nature. It seems that people are drawn to the idea of visualizing the impermanence of life. The Shortlife clock caters to this interest, allowing people to confront their mortality in a tangible way.
So, if you’re in the mood for a little existential contemplation, or if you’re looking for a conversation starter that goes beyond the usual small talk, the Shortlife clock might just be what you need. After all, it’s not every day you come across a gadget that makes you contemplate life’s biggest questions. It is, however, $180.
Our sense of smell is strongest at night. So if you feel like your pets seem extra smelly, or your bubble bath is a bit too fragrant in the evening hours, you’re not just imagining things. You’re picking up on scents that are somewhat dampened during the day.
Why is smell important?
Smell influences everything from taste perception to memory formation. However, what you may not know is that our ability to detect and discern scents fluctuates throughout the day, peaking during the late hours. This might seem trivial or even surprising, but it is a fascinating aspect of our biology. And it’s linked to our circadian rhythms.
The circadian rhythm is an internal process that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. It repeats roughly every 24 hours and impacts many physiological processes, including hormone release, body temperature, and various neural functions. Interestingly, this includes our olfactory sensitivity – our ability to perceive smells.
During the daytime, our brains process a multitude of sensory inputs. The sights, sounds, and tactile sensations we encounter are processed and analyzed, taking up significant neural resources. Consequently, our sensitivity to smells is somewhat overshadowed by this barrage of information.
Why is our sense of smell strongest at night?
However, the scenario changes at night. As the environmental stimuli decrease and our focus shifts inward, our sensitivity to smells becomes more pronounced. This shift is likely due to changes in body temperature and brain activity that occur during our sleep-wake transition.
The nocturnal enhancement of olfaction has implications beyond being a mere biological curiosity. For one, it directly influences our sleep quality. We are more susceptible to disturbances from unpleasant or potent odors at night. Therefore, the significance of maintaining a fresh and pleasant sleeping environment becomes clear for a good night’s sleep.
Moreover, this increased olfactory sensitivity might have roots in our evolutionary history. Our ancestors needed to be alert to dangers like predators or fires, especially during the night. A heightened sense of smell would have been advantageous in such scenarios, leading to better survival and reproductive success.
On a practical level, this knowledge can be advantageous to various industries, especially those involved in perfume and scent manufacturing. By understanding our olfactory system’s functioning, businesses can tailor their products for maximum impact during the evening hours.
When fruit flies see or smell their dead comrades, their own lives are cut short. Talk about putting a damper on your day!
Fruit flies stress after seeing other dead fruit flies
If you’re a fruit fly, seeing one of your fallen is not just unsettling. It’s downright harmful to your health. Despite their diminutive size, experience stress and negative health effects when they witness the remains of their kin.
Neuroscientists have found that when fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) see their deceased fellow flies, specific brain cells are triggered.
And these aren’t just any brain cells. They are neurons that respond to visual stimuli, known as visual projection neurons (VPNs). These cells relay information from the flies’ eyes to their brains, helping them interpret and react to what they see.
What’s going on in a fruit fly’s brain?
But let’s add a pinch of intrigue to the mix. These neuroscientists didn’t stop at merely identifying the type of neurons involved. They zeroed in on the specific group of neurons that reacts to the sight of dead flies. The neurons in question are part of a cluster known as the “globus pallidus.” This is an area associated with movement and learning.
These scientists have discovered the precise neighborhood in the fruit fly’s brain where the “dead fly sighting stress response” takes place.
So, what happens when these neurons fire? In short, they trigger a series of stress responses that have a tangible impact on the fruit flies’ health and lifespan. As the sight of a dead fellow fly becomes ingrained in the fly’s brain, it alters the expression of stress-related genes, tipping the physiological balance and leading to a shorter lifespan.
This discovery has raised intriguing questions about the evolution of empathy and social responses in insects. While fruit flies may not experience empathy in the way humans do, their stress response to seeing dead comrades suggests a level of social awareness. This raises the question: why would such a response evolve? One possibility is that the sight of death serves as a warning signal, indicating the presence of potential threats or diseases, thus prompting the fly to modify its behavior.
However, this remarkable finding does more than just throw light on fruit flies’ stress responses. It could also contribute to our understanding of how human brains process stress and trauma. Humans, like fruit flies, have neurons that respond to visual stimuli. Therefore, these findings could lead to a better understanding of how our brains respond to stressful visual experiences, and potentially inform treatments for stress-related disorders.
Source: “Seeing dead fruit flies is bad for the health of fruit flies – and neuroscientists have identified the exact brain cells responsible” — The Conversation
The human body contains more bacterial cells than human cells. Weird, right?
The majority of the cells that constitute “you” are, in fact, not human. They are microscopic organisms that are hitching a ride, making a living off your body. It might sound like science fiction, but this is a confirmed scientific fact. The human body contains ten times more bacterial cells than human cells.
How can we contain more bacterial cells than human cells?
Now, before we allow our imagination to scare us into a frenzy, let’s unpack this a bit.
These bacterial cells, collectively known as the human microbiota, live mostly in harmony with our bodies. We provide them with a suitable habitat, and they return the favor by aiding in bodily functions like digestion and immune response. Our gut houses the vast majority of these organisms.
This raises some provocative questions: With our bodies being made up predominantly of non-human cells, what does that imply about our identity? What actually makes us human?
How are we fully human if we contain so many non-human cells?
Biologically speaking, being human is about more than just the number of cells. Human cells, while fewer in number, are much larger and more complex than bacterial cells. So, in terms of volume and genetic material, we are predominantly human.
But the philosophical implications are still fascinating to consider. We ten to link our human identity to our biological makeup. But the massive presence of non-human cells introduces an intriguing paradox.
Science has often categorized organisms based on their cellular composition. However, this fact might prompt us to reconsider such traditional boundaries. We need to acknowledge the complex symbiosis that constitutes our “self.” We are, in essence, a walking, talking microbiome.
Teamwork makes the dream work
These non-human inhabitants of our body have a far-reaching impact on our health and well-being. There’s a dynamic relationship between our human cells and these bacterial cells. When this relationship is in balance, we thrive. But when it’s out of whack, we may face health issues. This fact has driven researchers to explore the potential of microbiota in shaping future treatments for various diseases.
Yet, as we learn more about our microbial inhabitants, we also uncover deeper layers of what it means to be human. Are we individual entities, or are we, as some philosophers might argue, a “superorganism” made up of numerous symbiotic relationships?
Indeed, we might be more ‘alien’ than we ever imagined, yet this very fact underscores our extraordinary complexity as living beings.
So next time you glance at your reflection, remember: You’re not just looking at ‘you.’ You’re seeing an intricate ecosystem.
