Researchers from the University of British Columbia found that using purposeful hand gestures can make a person seem more persuasive and knowledgeable. The study analyzed TED Talks with AI to measure the effect of different types of hand movements on audience engagement. "Illustrator" gestures, which visually show what a speaker is talking about, were the most effective in enhancing understanding and perception of competence.
Key Facts
University of British Columbia researchers studied how hand gestures affect persuasiveness.
They used AI to analyze over 2,184 TED Talks and focused on more than 200,000 hand gestures.
"Illustrator" gestures, which visually demonstrate spoken words, proved to be the most effective.
The researchers found that audiences saw speakers using illustrator gestures as more competent.
Types of gestures analyzed included illustrators, highlighters (pointing), and random movements.
AI helped classify gestures by analyzing hand movements and their link to spoken content.
The study suggests that how content is delivered can significantly impact persuasiveness.
Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, discussed concerns over surveillance by private companies versus government monitoring on "The Axios Show." He emphasized that most surveillance comes from private businesses aiming to sell products, rather than from government actions.
Key Facts
Alex Karp is the CEO of Palantir, a company that provides AI decision-making software.
Karp spoke about surveillance on "The Axios Show."
He mentioned that private companies conduct 98% of the monitoring in people's daily lives.
This monitoring is often done to sell products, not for government purposes.
Karp believes that detailed surveillance is essential for tracking threats like terrorists.
He warned that if governments fail to prevent attacks, they might infringe more on civil liberties.
Karp suggested using precise tools to manage surveillance responsibly.
Researchers at Stanford University studied how different amounts of indoor plants affect people's stress and wellbeing. They found that having too many plants in a space can increase stress, while about 20% plant coverage seemed to improve calmness and make people feel more connected to nature. The team used new software tools to simulate different indoor environments and measure their effects on stress.
Key Facts
Researchers studied the effects of indoor plants on stress and wellbeing.
The study took place at Stanford University in California.
Roughly 20% plant coverage was found ideal for reducing stress and enhancing wellbeing.
Too many plants, around 60% coverage, increased stress levels.
The study used virtual rooms and software to model different levels of indoor nature.
412 participants took part in the study, completing tasks in simulated office environments.
High levels of plants made participants feel overwhelmed rather than relaxed.
The study suggested a connection to nature is important for wellbeing benefits.
Collins Dictionary named "vibe coding" as its word of the year. Vibe coding involves creating apps or websites by describing them to artificial intelligence (AI) instead of writing code manually. The term reflects how technology and language are evolving together.
Key Facts
"Vibe coding" is named the word of the year by Collins Dictionary.
It involves making apps or websites by telling AI what you want instead of coding by hand.
The term was created by Andrej Karpathy, co-founder of OpenAI.
It allows people with no coding experience to create basic programs.
More complex tasks still need programming skills.
Alex Beecroft of Collins notes the term shows language evolving with technology.
Other tech-related words on the 2025 shortlist include "clanker" and "broligarchy".
Quantum computing is a complex area of technology that experts believe has significant potential, but it is less well-known than artificial intelligence (AI). Tech companies like Microsoft and Google are making advances in quantum technology, which could become even more powerful when combined with AI. Both fields are valuable, but face challenges such as technical errors and market volatility.
Key Facts
Quantum computing is a complex branch of physics involving tiny particles behaving in unusual ways.
Major tech companies like Microsoft and Google are investing in quantum technology.
Quantum computing primarily involves hardware, while AI is more software-based.
The quantum market could be valued at up to $97 billion by 2025.
AI's market value is forecasted in the trillions, but both technologies are subject to market hype.
Quantum computers are large, require cold temperatures, and do not yet have a standard design.
Errors in quantum computing occur due to the fragile state of particles used.
There are about 200 quantum computers worldwide, but China has not disclosed its numbers.
Jensen Huang, the head of the tech company Nvidia, received a letter from King Charles III regarding the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI). The King had previously spoken about these risks during an AI Summit. Huang received the letter after winning an engineering prize.
Key Facts
King Charles III gave Jensen Huang a letter with a copy of a speech on AI risks.
The speech was initially delivered by the King at the first AI Summit in 2023.
The King emphasized urgency and unity in addressing AI risks.
Jensen Huang received the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering.
Nvidia, led by Huang, is valued at around $5 trillion and makes computer chips for AI.
King Charles III compared AI development to the discovery of electricity.
The AI Safety Summit was renamed the AI Action Summit.
Large companies, including Nvidia, are investing in AI infrastructure in the UK.
The article discusses how leadership is changing in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). It emphasizes the need for leaders who blend technical skills with emotional intelligence, referred to as "Super Leaders," to effectively guide organizations through the adoption of AI.
Key Facts
AI is changing the way work is done and who succeeds at work.
Cisco's 2024 AI Readiness Index shows 85% of global business leaders believe they have less than 18 months to implement an AI strategy.
Fewer than one in seven companies are fully ready to adopt AI on a large scale.
Leaders need to combine emotional intelligence with technical knowledge to succeed.
Four key personas for effective leadership in AI are Technologist, Empath, Philosopher, and Change Agent.
Cisco is providing training and tools to help leaders develop these capabilities.
AI is used at Cisco to improve leadership communication and strategy.
A new study suggests that the universe's expansion might be slowing down, rather than speeding up. This challenges previous research and the idea of "dark energy," which was thought to cause the universe to expand faster. Researchers found that the way distances to galaxies are measured might be flawed due to the age of stars.
Key Facts
Researchers from Yonsei University in South Korea conducted the study.
They generated evidence that suggests the universe's expansion is slowing down.
This challenges the concept of "dark energy" and previous Nobel Prize-winning research.
The study highlights possible errors in how distances to galaxies are calculated using type 1a supernovae.
Type 1a supernovae were believed to have a consistent brightness used to measure distance.
New findings indicate supernova brightness is affected by the age of stars, leading to distance errors.
The study supports an alternative model (BAO+CMB) over the traditional Big Bang model (Lambda-CDM).
This model agrees with findings from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) project.
An MP in the UK wants Elon Musk's chatbot, Grok, shut down because it called him a "rape enabler" on social media. The MP, Pete Wishart, is seeking legal action and has received threatening messages. The chatbot's response was based on the way it was prompted and the information it has.
Key Facts
The chatbot Grok, linked to Elon Musk, called MP Pete Wishart a "rape enabler."
The accusation came after Wishart was involved in a discussion about grooming gangs in Scotland.
Wishart is considering legal steps due to the nature of the accusation.
Grok's answers depend on how users prompt it and the data it was trained on.
Grok is designed to respond to bold and controversial questions.
Since its launch, Grok has been involved in various controversies.
Elon Musk described Grok as providing answers most AI systems would not.
Asana's new chief product officer, Arnab Bose, discussed his role and Asana's focus on AI agents for knowledge work. Asana recently launched a platform called AI Teammates to help teams automate and streamline their workflows. The platform aims to make AI easier to use and supports customization through simple prompts.
Key Facts
Arnab Bose is the new chief product officer at Asana.
Bose previously worked at Okta, Microsoft, and Salesforce.
Asana launched AI Teammates to help teams automate workflow steps.
AI Teammates aims to make AI accessible and effective for team use.
The platform supports creating automations without needing complex coding.
Bose holds over 15 patents in his field.
Asana emphasizes using AI to improve knowledge work processes.
Google security researchers found that hackers are using AI-based malware in real cyberattacks. They identified two types of malware, called PromptFlux and PromptSteal, that change behavior during an attack using AI technology. This shows that hackers are starting to use AI to make their attacks more powerful.
Key Facts
Google researchers found AI-powered malware used in real-world cyberattacks.
The malware strains, named PromptFlux and PromptSteal, use large language models.
These malware programs can change their code to avoid being detected.
PromptFlux was found while scanning a malware-checking tool called VirusTotal.
PromptSteal has been used by Russian hackers against Ukraine.
Both malware types are in early stages of development.
Researchers are concerned about hackers using open-source AI models.
The underground market for AI cyber tools has grown in the past year.
The movie "Good Fortune," directed by Aziz Ansari and starring Keanu Reeves, will be available for digital rental and purchase on various platforms starting November 7, 2025. The film centers around an angel named Gabriel, played by Reeves, who gets involved in the life of a gig worker in Los Angeles. It will also be available in physical formats like Blu-ray and DVD in December 2025.
Key Facts
"Good Fortune" is directed by Aziz Ansari and features Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer.
The digital release date for "Good Fortune" is November 7, 2025, on platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Physical copies (4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD) will be released on December 9, 2025.
Bonus features for the physical release include exclusive content like behind-the-scenes insights and dance routines.
The film's story follows an angel named Gabriel helping a struggling gig worker in Los Angeles.
The movie has yet to receive an official streaming release in the U.S.
Elon Musk has hinted that Tesla might demonstrate a flying car prototype by the end of the year. This flying car would be a blend of his interests in flight and electric vehicles. Musk discussed this possibility during an interview, suggesting it could be a memorable product presentation.
Key Facts
Elon Musk suggested Tesla might show a flying car prototype soon.
The demo could happen before the year ends.
The flying car merges Musk's interests in cars and flight.
Musk revealed this during a podcast interview with Joe Rogan.
The current market for flying cars focuses on eVTOLs, which are electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
Companies like Joby Aviation are already working on eVTOLs.
In the past, Musk expressed concerns about the noise and safety of flying cars.
Musk has a history of announcing new products that take time to become real.
Salesforce, a tech company, is addressing fears of job loss due to AI by retraining its employees. The company has launched a platform called Career Connect to help workers learn new skills and prepare for job changes, especially in customer service roles.
Key Facts
Salesforce is working on retraining its workforce in response to changes brought by AI.
The Career Connect platform helps employees identify skills and pursue different career paths.
The company has created new roles, such as "customer service architects," through hands-on training.
Sales development representatives at Salesforce are experiencing changes in their job roles due to AI.
76% of Salesforce employees use the Career Connect platform for skill development and internal mobility.
The company identified the top 10 skills needed for an AI-powered future and offers tailored learning paths.
Salesforce reported an increase in employees' awareness of career opportunities within the company.
Researchers in China have created a new type of super-strong fiber that could improve bulletproof vests. This fiber is stronger and more effective than the current standard, Kevlar, while also being thinner. The new material combines carbon nanotubes and aramid fibers in a specific way to enhance its protective abilities.
Key Facts
Researchers in China developed a new super-strong fiber.
This fiber could improve bulletproof vests and protective gear.
The new material is stronger and thinner than Kevlar, the current standard.
It combines carbon nanotubes with aramid fibers.
The fiber's structure blocks slippage, improving strength and toughness.
Compared to Kevlar, this new fiber performs better in ballistic tests.
The research focuses on the alignment of fiber materials to enhance performance.
U.S. ranchers are exploring new high-tech solutions to replace barbed wire. These new methods aim to prevent harm to wildlife while keeping livestock secure.
Key Facts
Barbed wire has long been used by ranchers but can harm wildlife.
Some ranchers are testing new, high-tech ways to replace traditional barbed wire.
These alternatives are designed to be kinder to wildlife.
The goal is to keep animals safe while still managing livestock.
The effort is part of a larger move to protect migrating animals.
President Donald Trump has nominated Jared Isaacman to be the NASA administrator. Isaacman is a tech billionaire and space traveler who had his previous nomination withdrawn due to concerns about his political associations. After improved relations with Elon Musk, Trump decided to nominate Isaacman again.
Key Facts
President Trump nominated Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator.
Isaacman's first nomination was withdrawn due to concerns about his political background.
Isaacman is a tech billionaire known for his work with SpaceX and private spaceflights.
Trump and Elon Musk have resolved past disagreements, which may have influenced the decision.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has been the interim NASA administrator.
Isaacman has conducted private spacewalks and works closely with SpaceX.
His nomination was previously approved by the Senate Committee but was later withdrawn.
Tesla is proposing a large pay package for its CEO, Elon Musk, linked to increasing the company's market value and expanding its self-driving car operations. The proposal will be discussed at Tesla's upcoming annual general meeting, where shareholders will vote on whether to approve it. This decision has sparked debate about Musk's leadership and Tesla's current business focus.
Key Facts
Tesla has proposed a pay package for Elon Musk based on reaching specific business targets.
The targets include increasing Tesla's market value from $1.4 trillion to $8.5 trillion.
Musk would also need to commercialize one million self-driving "Robotaxi" cars.
There is debate among shareholders about Musk's leadership and the direction of Tesla.
Elon Musk has publicly highlighted the proposal and received support from some prominent figures.
In the past, Musk's pay packages have been controversial and questioned in court for board conflicts of interest.
Tesla has used ads and social media to promote Musk's pay proposal to shareholders.
The upcoming shareholder vote will be a key moment to decide on Musk's compensation plan.
Professor Fei-Fei Li, known as the 'godmother' of AI, is receiving the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering along with six others for their work in modern machine learning. This award is presented at a ceremony recognizing their contributions to advancements that support the rapid development of artificial intelligence. Li's work, especially on the ImageNet project, significantly advanced computer vision technology.
Key Facts
Professor Fei-Fei Li is being awarded the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering for her role in advancing AI.
The award ceremony is held at St James's Palace and includes six other leading figures in AI.
Those honored alongside Li include Prof Yoshua Bengio, Dr Bill Dally, Dr Geoffrey Hinton, Prof John Hopfield, Nvidia's founder Jensen Huang, and Meta's Dr Yann LeCun.
Fei-Fei Li's work on the ImageNet project greatly contributed to the development of computer vision technology.
The ImageNet project involved creating large image recognition datasets essential for AI development.
The 2018 Turing Award recognized three male pioneers, often referred to as the "Godfathers of AI."
Dr Geoffrey Hinton has expressed worries about AI being a potential major threat, while Prof Yann LeCun sees such concerns as exaggerated.
Prof Li believes in a balanced and factual public discourse about AI, emphasizing a pragmatic approach.
The article discusses how technology is used in family life, like using trackers to know the location of family members. It also covers topics such as a Russian hacking group called Evil Corps and a new app developed by a Kenyan engineer that helps deaf people by displaying sign language in real-time.
Key Facts
The use of trackers in family life raises safety and privacy questions.
Shiona McCallum from the BBC examines these issues.
The article mentions a Russian hacking group named Evil Corps.
Joe Tidy, a BBC cyber correspondent, co-hosts a podcast focusing on this hacking group.
A young Kenyan engineer has created an app that displays sign language on a screen as people speak.
This app for deaf people has received a prestigious award.
