Horror games are very popular now, with many new titles and crossovers with horror movies. A recent conference at Falmouth University explored how horror games use fear and control themes to engage players and reflect on real-world issues like workplace dangers and global crises.
Key Facts
New horror games like Resident Evil Requiem, Reanimal, Silent Hill: Townfall, Silver Pines, and Dreadmoor are either out or coming soon.
Horror studios like Blumhouse are creating games, and some games become horror films.
The Falmouth University conference included talks on zombies, gothic themes, and the role of scary little girls in horror games.
Creative director Will Doyle explained how game makers build horror using fear, alienation, and a human tendency to see patterns.
Horror games often focus on players feeling both in control and helpless, reflecting tensions around action and agency.
Some games highlight dangers and mistrust in workplaces, mirroring current social concerns.
Academic study of horror games helps treat games as cultural stories and gives new developers important knowledge.
The link between horror games and other cultural ideas, like architecture and radical art, was also discussed at the conference.
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Many people across the United States are worried about data centers that support artificial intelligence (AI) because they use a lot of electricity and water. In response, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has temporarily stopped new data center construction to review these concerns.
Key Facts
Data centers are facilities that store and process large amounts of data, essential for AI technologies.
These centers consume significant electricity and water resources.
There is increasing public concern about the environmental impact of data centers nationwide.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order to pause the construction of new data centers.
The pause aims to give officials time to study and address resource usage issues.
This move reflects a growing trend of scrutinizing AI infrastructure for sustainability.
The pause affects the ongoing boom of building AI-related data centers in New York state.
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Star Wars director George Lucas supports using artificial intelligence (AI) in making movies, saying it makes the process easier and is a natural step forward. Other filmmakers have mixed views on AI, with some praising its help and others worried about its effects on filmmaking.
Key Facts
George Lucas said AI tools make it easier to create movies and compared resisting AI to sticking with old-fashioned horse and buggy instead of cars.
Lucas believes AI in filmmaking is an unavoidable part of progress and the future.
Gareth Edwards, another Star Wars director, called AI "a genius" at helping filmmakers.
Some directors, like Christopher Nolan, have criticized AI, saying the public and especially young people often reject it.
Steven Soderbergh said AI is not a perfect solution or the end of traditional filmmaking, but more of an early phase.
Lucas also criticized the use of audience testing and focus groups, saying filmmakers should not simply follow audience opinions without understanding reasons behind their dislikes.
The discussion shows a range of opinions in the film industry about how AI should be used in movie production.
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Researchers have developed a blood test called p-tau217 that may help predict whether healthy older adults will develop Alzheimer's symptoms within five to ten years. The test measures a protein linked to brain changes seen in Alzheimer's and could help select people for drug studies aimed at preventing the disease.
Key Facts
The p-tau217 blood test detects a form of tau protein related to Alzheimer's brain plaque and tangles.
High levels of p-tau217 in healthy older adults show a 38% risk of cognitive problems in 5 years and 78% risk in 10 years.
The test currently is used mainly to help diagnose Alzheimer's in people who already have cognitive issues.
Researchers advise against healthy people seeking the test now, as it does not yet change treatment recommendations.
The study analyzed data from 2,684 older adults tracked over many years, with 478 developing cognitive impairment.
Some scientists caution that the 10-year risk estimate is less certain due to fewer people tracked for that long.
Other health issues like heart problems could affect results, making it hard to predict Alzheimer's alone.
The test may help speed up clinical trials by identifying high-risk individuals for new drugs or prevention strategies.
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Anil Menon, a NASA flight surgeon, applied four times to become an astronaut but was rejected each time. After joining SpaceX to support human spaceflight missions, he and his wife Anna, also working at SpaceX, eventually both went to space.
Key Facts
Anil Menon applied four times to become a NASA astronaut but was never selected.
Menon is an emergency physician and pilot with experience in Afghanistan and Mount Everest.
He became a NASA flight surgeon in 2014, training astronauts for space missions.
In 2018, Menon left NASA for a job at SpaceX to support the Crew Dragon spacecraft missions.
His wife, Anna, also works at SpaceX in crew operations management.
Menon helped prepare for SpaceX’s first human flight, Demo-2, with NASA astronauts.
Both Menon and his wife eventually traveled to space.
They took a risk in switching jobs and moving their family to Houston and then California.
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SpaceX is planning to build data centers in space by launching a large group of satellites called AI1, each powered by solar panels and designed to handle advanced computing tasks. Experts say there are many technical challenges to overcome, such as managing heat and radiation in space, and the business side of this idea is also uncertain.
Key Facts
SpaceX wants to create a network of about 1 million satellites that act as data centers in orbit.
These satellites will use solar power, with panels around 600 square meters in size to generate up to 150 kW of power.
The project aims to support tens of millions, possibly up to 100 million, high-performance computing units called GPUs.
Elon Musk said building these satellites uses technology similar to what is already in SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
Experts recognize the technical problems involved, including cooling systems, radiation protection, and communication delays.
Some industry leaders think the excitement is more about potential money and company value than immediate practical use.
The idea of orbital data centers is new, and SpaceX is the main company actively developing this concept.
The project’s success depends on solving many difficult engineering and financial issues.
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A major Australian healthcare provider, Partnered Health, experienced a cyber-attack that stole thousands of patient medical records and personal information. The company reported the breach to authorities and is taking legal action to prevent misuse of the stolen data.
Key Facts
The cyber-attack happened on June 23 and affected 21 clinics in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra.
Personal details taken include names, birth dates, addresses, and health insurance information.
Medical records stolen include consultation notes, referral letters, and test results.
Partnered Health is owned by private equity firm Quadrant and has over 60 medical centers serving more than five million people.
The company reported the incident to the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the privacy commissioner, and law enforcement.
Partnered Health requested a court order to stop anyone from using or publishing the stolen data.
Bupa is in the process of buying Partnered Health, making it the latest healthcare business targeted by hackers.
Data breach reports in Australia reached a new high in 2025, with 1,205 incidents, including a major Qantas airline hack affecting millions of customers.
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BBC Radio 1 is changing its presenter lineup, with six hosts leaving and new presenters, including TikTok stars GK Barry and Charley Marlowe, joining the station. The schedule changes will take effect starting in September and include new shows and time slots.
Key Facts
Six presenters, including Dean McCullough, Rickie Haywood-Williams, Melvin Odoom, Nat O'Leary, James Cusack, and Swarzy, will leave BBC Radio 1.
Jeremiah Asiamah will replace Haywood-Williams and Odoom. Charlie Hedges will continue hosting the Live Lounge.
TikTok stars GK Barry and Charley Marlowe will join as new presenters. Barry will host shows throughout the year, starting in September.
Marlowe will co-host weekend mid-morning shows with Vicky Hawkesworth, taking over from O’Leary.
Danny Mylo and Rosie Madison will take over the Early Breakfast slot from McCullough.
Emil Franchi is taking over the Weekend Breakfast show.
A new show, The Official Chart: First Look, will be hosted live from Birmingham by Lauren Layfield on Sunday evenings.
Departing presenters expressed gratitude for their time at the station and excitement about their next steps.
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Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company, is hiring experts to prevent its AI from being misused for dangerous purposes like making explosives or nuclear weapons. The company pays high salaries for roles focused on safety and testing the AI models to stop harmful actions before they happen.
Key Facts
Anthropic has 32 job openings aimed at stopping AI misuse related to chemicals, explosives, nuclear weapons, scams, and cybercrime.
One specific role is for an Enforcement Analyst focused on preventing AI use that could cause radiological or nuclear harm.
Salaries for these safety jobs range from the mid $200,000s to upper $200,000s per year.
The company hires experts with backgrounds in biology, explosives, and other sensitive fields to test and improve AI safety.
CEO Dario Amodei has warned about serious risks, including biological attacks potentially causing millions of casualties.
Anthropic opposed collaborating with the Defense Department over concerns about using AI for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons.
Other AI labs like OpenAI are also hiring specialists in biological and chemical risks, with salaries up to $445,000.
Due to lack of clear government rules, private companies are taking lead roles in creating safety measures for AI.
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A new report from Common Sense Media warns that Google’s built-in AI search features, used by millions of students, pose risks to children. These AI tools often give wrong answers, never refuse to answer homework questions, and cannot be turned off in Google Search.
Key Facts
Google Search has two AI features: AI Overview (automatic summary) and AI Mode (conversational search tab).
Both AI features cannot be disabled by users.
Common Sense Media tested over 2,600 interactions and found the AI tools failed to recognize harmful content and gave incorrect or inconsistent answers.
These AI features answer every homework question instead of encouraging students to think or learn.
About 75% of American children ages 9 to 17 use AI summaries in search results.
Google tools are widely used in thousands of schools and power many classroom experiences.
Google says their AI tools have safety measures and parents can control some search settings.
Lawmakers are considering rules to make AI safer and ensure better understanding of AI for students.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced the creation of a new office to oversee artificial intelligence (AI) in Australia. He promised strong protections for Australian artists, writers, musicians, and journalists to keep control over their work and be paid when AI uses it. The government will also set strict rules for energy use and location of large data centers that support AI.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Albanese said Australian creative works must not be used by AI companies without permission and payment.
The government will create an office to manage AI policies and protect creators’ rights.
Large tech companies like OpenAI will not get free access to Australian content for training AI models.
Copyright law reforms are being discussed to clarify creators’ control over their work in the AI age.
The government will impose new rules on data centers about land use, power and water consumption, and cost impacts on consumers.
The Australian Recording Industry Association supports licensing deals to compensate artists for AI use of their music.
AI companies like Anthropic recognize the importance of complying with Australia’s emerging AI regulations.
The government plans binding standards to govern AI development and data center operations.
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Scientists have found that a blood test measuring a protein called p-tau217 can predict the risk of developing Alzheimer’s-related memory and thinking problems up to 10 years before symptoms appear. This test could help doctors identify at-risk people earlier and improve chances for prevention and treatment.
Key Facts
The blood test measures p-tau217, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
Older adults with very high p-tau217 levels had about a 78% chance of cognitive decline within 10 years.
The study tracked nearly 2,700 healthy adults, average age 70, for about five years.
Elevated p-tau217 levels better predicted Alzheimer’s risk than brain scans or genetic tests alone.
P-tau217 relates to brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s, including tau tangles and amyloid beta buildup.
Early detection via this test could allow doctors to offer personalized prevention like managing blood pressure and sleep.
Experts warn the test must be paired with counseling and fair access to avoid anxiety and discrimination.
The test may help speed up clinical trials to find treatments that delay or prevent Alzheimer’s.
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Anthropic, an AI company, has started a program called "Claude for Teachers." This program gives verified teachers free access to its advanced AI tools for one year.
Key Facts
The program is named "Claude for Teachers."
It offers one year of free use of Anthropic’s premium AI tools.
Only verified teachers can access this offer.
Anthropic focuses on building useful AI technology.
Elizabeth Kelly, a leader at Anthropic, discussed the program on CBS News.
The goal is to help educators benefit from AI in their teaching.
The offer aims to support teachers with new digital tools.
The program was announced through CBS News coverage.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE), especially Abu Dhabi, has integrated artificial intelligence (AI) deeply into daily life through a government app called TAMM. The UAE has invested billions in AI infrastructure and research, aiming to diversify its economy beyond oil and maintain global business strength despite regional conflicts.
Key Facts
Abu Dhabi uses the TAMM app, which automates tasks like renewing IDs, health insurance, and vehicle registrations.
The TAMM app includes an "AutoGov" feature that completes paperwork and payments without user input.
The UAE appointed the world’s first AI minister in 2017 and opened a graduate university dedicated to AI (MBZUAI) in 2019.
The country sees AI as vital to its future economy beyond oil wealth.
UAE leaders cooperate with both the U.S. and China on AI technology.
The Trump administration recently expanded the UAE’s access to American AI chips as a reward for assistance related to Iran tensions.
UAE’s government control by a royal family allows fast and broad implementation of AI projects not easily done in democracies.
The TAMM app allows residents to report issues like broken streetlights and track government responses using AI to analyze reports and route them to responsible agencies.
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Several book publishers have filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming the company used copyrighted books without permission to train its artificial intelligence model called Gemini. The publishers say that Gemini creates content that competes with human authors and copies their creative styles.
Key Facts
Publishers including Hachette, Cengage Learning, Elsevier, and author Scott Turow sued Google in New York.
The lawsuit alleges Google copied millions of copyrighted works from Google Books for AI training.
Google’s AI model, Gemini, produces content that rivals the original authors’ books.
The publishers claim Gemini mimics unique creative elements of specific authors.
The lawsuit asks for class action status, a court order to stop Google, and unspecified damages.
Similar lawsuits have been filed against other AI developers like Meta and Anthropic.
Some courts have ruled that using copyrighted works to train AI can be “fair use,” but other uses were not allowed.
This case continues an ongoing legal debate about copyright and artificial intelligence.
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Microsoft’s Xbox division announced it is cutting about 3,200 jobs, around 20% of its staff, over the next year. The company says the layoffs are needed to focus more on its biggest and most popular video game series.
Key Facts
Xbox is laying off about 3,200 employees, with half losing their jobs immediately.
These cuts represent roughly 20% of Xbox’s total workforce.
The layoffs follow a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announcing a "reset" of the business.
The goal is to put more resources into popular game franchises like The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Call of Duty.
Xbox’s acquisitions include ZeniMax/Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, bought for $69 billion in 2023.
Many employees say the cuts remove experienced talent and have caused uncertainty and shock.
Job reductions in the video game industry have been common since 2022 due to over-hiring during the pandemic boom.
Rising production costs, changing customer habits, and investments in AI have affected the gaming market.
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Anthropic has introduced a free chatbot called Claude for Teachers, designed to assist K-12 teachers in the United States. The platform offers educational resources and teaching tools to help educators use artificial intelligence in their classrooms.
Key Facts
Anthropic launched Claude for Teachers on Tuesday.
The chatbot is free and meant for K-12 teachers in the U.S.
The platform provides a library of teaching skills and tools.
It aims to support teachers in using artificial intelligence in education.
Claude for Teachers focuses on helping educators with classroom tasks.
This launch responds to the growing use of AI in schools.
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A security feature called Secure Boot, designed by Microsoft to protect computers from harmful firmware attacks, has had a major weakness for 13 years. Researchers found that some old software pieces called shims, which Microsoft signs to maintain trust, had security problems but were never revoked, allowing hackers to bypass Secure Boot on both Windows and Linux devices.
Key Facts
Secure Boot is a security system introduced in 2012 to stop malicious software from running before the operating system starts.
Microsoft signs small programs called shims to extend Secure Boot protection, especially for Linux devices.
Researchers discovered 11 old shims with known security flaws that Microsoft did not revoke for over a decade.
Attackers can use these vulnerable shims to install harmful firmware that remains even if the operating system is reinstalled.
This flaw affects both Windows and Linux machines and can be exploited with only basic hacking knowledge.
Microsoft finally revoked these problematic shims in June 2024 after being informed by security researchers.
The Secure Boot system is complex, which might have contributed to Microsoft missing the need to revoke these shims earlier.
Physical access to a device is often required to exploit Secure Boot weaknesses, but Secure Boot’s job is to protect against that risk.
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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given permission to a startup called Reflect Orbital to build and launch a satellite with a mirror to reflect sunlight onto dark areas of Earth. The satellite, named Eärendil-1, will be tested in low Earth orbit.
Key Facts
The FCC approved Reflect Orbital’s request on July 9.
Reflect Orbital is a startup based in Hawthorne, California.
Their plan is to send a mirror satellite into space.
The satellite will reflect sunlight onto parts of Earth that are dark.
The project is currently experimental and will be tested in low Earth orbit.
The satellite is named Eärendil-1.
The goal is to provide light to dark regions by using reflected sunlight.
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The UK government plans to introduce a default overnight social media curfew for 16 and 17-year-olds, blocking apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube between midnight and 6 a.m. Teenagers can opt out by adjusting their account settings. The government also wants to disable addictive features such as auto-play and infinite scroll to improve teens’ sleep, focus, and family life.
Key Facts
The curfew applies to 16 and 17-year-olds by default but can be turned off by users.
Social media apps affected include Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Addictive features like auto-play and infinite scroll would be disabled under new rules.
The UK already announced a ban for under-16s on many social media platforms starting next spring.
The government trialed different restrictions, finding overnight curfews gave the best sleep and family time benefits.
Critics say the curfew may not fully protect children and could limit access to support during nighttime.
Plans for AI chatbot safety measures include required breaks for users under 18.
The government aims to introduce these measures by the end of 2026 to work alongside the under-16 social media ban.
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