The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is making use of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform learning experiences, catering to the individual needs and learning styles of students. “We no longer have to imagine classrooms where technology empowers students, recognises their unique needs and adapts to their learning pace. These tools are here now, implemented and supported by the Ministry,” said Acting Chief Education Officer, Terry-Ann Thomas-Gayle. She was delivering the keynote address at the Caribbean Examinations Council’s (CXC) annual staff appreciation and awards luncheon on Friday (Dec. 13) at the ROK Hotel in downtown Kingston under the theme: ‘The Impact of AI on the Education System.’ Mrs. Thomas-Gayle highlighted the range of technology tools available in the classroom, which are reshaping the delivery, measurement and experience of education, “challenging us to rethink traditional approaches”. Among these are platforms like ALEKS and Knewton Alta, which tailor instruction to fit each student’s learning style and pace, while Lexia Core5 Reading and Google’s Read Along, engage students through interactive and personalised approaches. In addition, there are applications such as ASSISTments and Math AI that provide instant feedback, helping students master complex concepts, while AI writing assistants like NoRedInk enhance students’ writing skills with targeted feedback. Mrs. Thomas-Gayle further cited administrative tools such as Microsoft Copilot, which streamlines tasks, giving educators more time to focus on teaching. Noting that the integration of AI into education brings significant benefits, the Acting Chief Education Officer said the technology adapts to individual needs, allowing every learner to progress at their own pace. She said it prepares students for the future by building vital technological and problem-solving skills. “It provides educators with data-driven insights to refine teaching strategies and bridges gaps by expanding access to quality resources even in remote areas,” she added. Stating that access to AI tools in the classroom must be inclusive, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle said that measures must be taken to ensure that no child or school is left behind. She noted, however, that there are challenges that come with the use of technology and as such, protecting sensitive student information is critical. “Teachers need robust training and support to use these tools effectively,” she pointed out. Meanwhile, Mrs. Thomas-Gayle commended CXC on over four decades of shaping minds and transforming lives, creating opportunities and setting benchmarks for excellence in education across the region. “This legacy has opened doors for countless learners, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their goals and contribute meaningfully to society,” she noted. “We celebrate this legacy and the contribution of every staff member. We are also looking ahead to an era where AI offers new possibilities to enhance and redefine education. I believe that your commitment to adaptability and leadership ensures that these technologies will be seamlessly integrated into the mission of fostering educational progress,” she said.Click celebrates significant growth milestones while introducing a new initiative to support and empower photojournalists in sharing authentic, impactful stories through the platform. SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Click , a groundbreaking mobile app that fights misinformation by making it simple to capture and publish authenticated content, powered by the Nodle Network , has recently launched the Click Photojournalism Fellowship, to empower photojournalists to join Click's mission to build a more truthful future. Joining the fellowship will give photojournalists exposure of their work via the Click app and Nodle Network and allow each photojournalist to share their stories and their photos. Additionally, Click has just reached two growth milestones in its first year of operation, passing 50,000 users and over 1,000 new photos authenticated by Click daily. These follow Click's public beta launch in March. The Click camera app is currently available for download on both iOS or Android , and all content captured with Click can be accessed through the app and on Click's website at clickapp.com . The first two photojournalists to join the Click Fellowship are: "We're thrilled to collaborate with photojournalists, empowering them to share their authentic stories through Click. In an era where digital content authenticity is crucial, we're leveraging blockchain to support journalists in building transparency and trust. The Click Photojournalism Fellowship sets a new standard for credibility in journalistic content on social media," says Micha Benoliel , CEO and co-founder of Intergalactic Labs, the team behind Click and Nodle. Click aims to grow the fellowship to over 20 photojournalists in early 2025 and is currently seeking more photojournalist partners. Photojournalists who join the program will share their recent work via Click's blog (both Click and non-Click photos), that represent their photojournalistic perspective, share their journalist story and be promoted across the Click and Nodle communities. Journalists will also provide feedback on the Click app periodically via scheduled sessions with Click's team. To apply and join the fellowship, photojournalists can fill out this short application and share samples of their work. About Click: Click is a new mobile app empowering everyone to easily create authentic media content. Click is on a mission to combat misinformation and bring truthful photos and videos aka "Deep Reals" to everyone via immutable digital proofs of authenticity. With Click, you can confirm content is real and happened at a specific location, time and via a specific mobile device and camera. This is all made possible by ContentSign , Click's proprietary technology which proves the integrity of data from its moment of capture on-chain. Click is built on ZKsync , the leading Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain and is powered by the Nodle DePIN. Click supports the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and is a member of the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Download Click on iOS or Android and visit us at clickapp.com to learn more and see recent press coverage. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/click-camera-app-announces-new-photojournalism-fellowship-as-app-reaches-50-000-users-signing-1-000-authenticated-photos-daily-302329583.html SOURCE Nodle
This ‘magical’ material made almost entirely of air can stop EV fires from spreading
Nebraska Public Media is making legislative floor debate and committee hearings held at the Nebraska State Capitol accessible to more Nebraskans. Beginning this session, Nebraska Public Media will offer closed captioning in Spanish, as well as in English. The addition is a result of Legislative Bill 254, which passed during the Nebraska Legislature’s 2023 session. Powered by artificial intelligence, new technology integrates closed captioning and real-time translation, providing nearly 100% accuracy according to a press release from Nebraska Public Media. It transforms a resource-intensive process into an efficient, automated solution to document local government. Mark Weakly, Nebraska Public Media’s chief engineer for government services, spearheaded the project, completing it well ahead of the legislative deadline. “The system does a phenomenal job of interpreting speech patterns, including things like accents, hesitations, pacing and variations in how people speak. We’ve trained it to be specific to legislative proceedings with a goal of reaching a wider audience,” Weakly said. As part of LB 254, Nebraska Public Media will also provide the legislature with video files of floor debate and committee hearings for a state-run, searchable digital archive. When the Nebraska Legislature convenes on Jan. 8, gavel-to-gavel broadcasts on Nebraska Public Media’s WORLD television channel, local radio reporting from Fred Knapp during NPR’s “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” and online streaming at nebraskapublicmedia.org/capitol and on the Nebraska Public Media app will connect constituents with state government action from the debate floor and more than a dozen other venues. Nebraska Public Media’s coverage of legislative issues began in the mid-1950s with the interview series "Your Unicameral," followed by occasional live and videotaped coverage of specific legislative activities beginning in 1967. Gavel-to-gavel coverage began in 1980. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!
AS Zimbabwe charts a path towards sustainable development and economic resilience, the 2025 National Budget emerges as a pivotal tool to achieve these goals. Presented by the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube recently, the budget is framed under the theme, “Building Resilience for Sustained Economic Transformation.” This ambitious financial plan reflects a clear intent to overcome current challenges while paving the way for long-term growth and inclusivity. With projected Gross Domestic Product growth of six percent for 2025, this budget balances fiscal prudence with an expansive vision for development. It targets critical areas such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and social equity, offering a robust framework to drive economic recovery, resilience, and transformation. Agriculture is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing significantly to the GDP, employment, and exports. The 2025 National Budget makes transformative strides in addressing the vulnerabilities of this sector, especially in the context of climate change. With the La Niña phenomenon expected to bring above-average rainfall, the budget capitalises on this opportunity to boost agricultural productivity. One of the standout initiatives is the introduction of hybrid agricultural index insurance under the Farmers’ Basket programme. This innovative insurance mechanism provides financial protection to smallholder farmers against climate-induced losses, a critical step towards mitigating the adverse impacts of droughts and other extreme weather events. The success of the pilot phase, which paid out US$232 997 to 4 014 farmers following drought-induced losses, highlights its potential to enhance resilience among rural communities. The allocation of resources for irrigation infrastructure, rural development, and extension services further strengthens the agricultural framework. By empowering farmers with modern tools and techniques, the budget aims to achieve food security and position Zimbabwe as a regional agricultural powerhouse. Energy shortages have long been a bottleneck for Zimbabwe’s economic progress. The 2025 budget takes a bold stance to address this issue by prioritising reforms in the energy sector. Recognising the private sector as a key partner, the Government plans to lower restrictions on self-generation and attract private investments in energy infrastructure. This approach is not only pragmatic but essential for ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply. The allocation for energy development, though modest, is strategically focused on expanding domestic power generation. By integrating renewable energy sources and enhancing grid efficiency, Zimbabwe can reduce its reliance on imported electricity and achieve greater energy independence. This will, in turn, unlock productivity across sectors, from manufacturing to mining. Infrastructure investment is a cornerstone of the 2025 budget, reflecting the Government’s commitment to economic modernisation. The budget allocates substantial resources to transport, water, housing, and digital infrastructure. These projects are not just about economic growth; they are about connecting communities, improving accessibility, and creating equitable opportunities. Transport infrastructure, for instance, is set to benefit from targeted road rehabilitation projects. By improving connectivity between urban and rural areas, these initiatives will enhance trade, reduce logistics costs, and boost market access for agricultural and industrial goods. Similarly, investments in water and sanitation infrastructure aim to address critical public health and environmental challenges. Housing development receives a noteworthy allocation, reflecting the government’s dedication to addressing urbanisation and housing shortages. Affordable housing projects, coupled with innovative financing mechanisms, will provide secure living conditions for thousands of families while stimulating the construction sector. In a challenging fiscal environment, the Government has demonstrated commendable discipline in managing public finances. The projected fiscal deficit of 1,4 percent of GDP underscores a commitment to prudent spending and resource optimisation. This is achieved through a combination of measures, including limiting recurrent expenditures, rationalising public sector wages, and enhancing revenue collection mechanisms. Debt sustainability remains a critical focus. With external debt standing at U$12,3 billion, the Government is pursuing arrears clearance and restructuring processes to reduce debt servicing costs. These efforts are complemented by cautious borrowing strategies, leveraging concessional loans for infrastructure projects while avoiding unsustainable debt accumulation. One of the most inspiring aspects of the 2025 budget is its emphasis on social equity and empowerment. Programmes targeting women, youth, and marginalised communities are at the forefront, ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for all. The expansion of financial inclusion initiatives, such as loans for women and youth entrepreneurs, is a game-changer. By increasing access to credit and business support services, the Government is fostering grassroots entrepreneurship and reducing economic disparities. The data speaks volumes: loans to women as a percentage of total bank loans rose from 4,48 percent in 2023 to 9,86 percent in 2024, a testament to the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the focus on education and skills development, particularly in science, technology, and innovation, aligns with the Government’s vision of building a knowledge-driven economy. Investments in human capital development will empower the workforce to adapt to evolving economic demands, driving productivity and competitiveness. Zimbabwe’s vulnerability to climate change necessitates urgent action, and the 2025 budget does not disappoint. Substantial allocations for environmental protection, climate resilience, and renewable energy projects reflect a clear commitment to sustainability. Programmes such as the African Risk Capacity drought insurance policy and reforestation initiatives are forward-thinking measures that address both immediate and long-term challenges. The Government’s emphasis on sustainable mining practices and reducing carbon emissions further aligns with global environmental goals. By integrating climate considerations into economic planning, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a responsible global player. While the 2025 budget sets an impressive agenda, its success hinges on effective implementation and collaboration. Challenges such as external debt management, revenue generation, and corruption must be addressed to ensure that the allocated resources deliver maximum impact. However, these challenges also present opportunities. Public-private partnerships can play a pivotal role in financing and executing infrastructure projects. Strengthening institutions and governance frameworks will enhance transparency and accountability, building public trust in the budget process. The 2025 National Budget is a transformative roadmap that balances ambition with realism. It addresses Zimbabwe’s immediate needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and resilience. From agriculture and energy to infrastructure and social empowerment, the budget reflects a holistic approach to development. As citizens and stakeholders, we must support this vision by actively participating in its implementation and holding our leaders accountable. The journey to economic transformation is not without challenges, but with collective effort and determination, Zimbabwe can achieve its goals and secure a prosperous future for all. The festive lights are already on in many places. The colours — red and white — are back, dazzling. The Father of the time is back too in that outfit and with the bell in hand, entertaining the kids with chocolate, sweets and the opportunity for a snap. Over the next few days, the pay [...] Stephen Mpofu Underhand activities by which Harare City Council employees are accused of enriching themselves with Bulawayo public transport operators blamed for malpractices, will no doubt have besmirched Zimbabwe’s good name locally and abroad, causing some who intended to do business with us to re-examine their minds. Harare, as the seat of this country’s government, [...] Jacqueline Ntaka ACADEMIC research is a cornerstone of higher education, driving the creation and enhancement of knowledge within universities and facilitating student learning. To navigate the complexities of academic research, various tools have been developed to simplify and enhance the research process. This article explores some of the best tools available for academic research, covering [...]
Education Sec. Sonny Angara MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has vowed to “remedy” the huge cut on the budget of the Department of Education (DepEd) for 2025, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said on Sunday. The education chief, a former senator himself, could not help but again express his dismay over the bicameral conference committee’s huge reduction of DepEd’s budget for next year. “After all the promises and nice words, sadly Congress cut the President’s proposed budget for the [DepEd], particularly P10 billion for computerization,” Angara said in a statement. READ: Solon says P10-billion DepEd’s budget cut a call for accountability Last week he disclosed that P10 billion was reduced from the DepEd’s computerization program, which he said could have been used to buy gadgets, including computers for public school students. In the final version of the P6.352-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB), DepEd’s allotment was reduced by nearly P12 billion to P737 billion from its original proposal of P748.6 billion. This was the same fate suffered by the Commission on Higher Education and the University of the Philippines system. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and Department of Foreign Affairs as well as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority were given huge increases in their budgets. Angara noted Marcos’ remarks in his State of the Nation Address in July when he asked Congress to “help bridge the digital divide.” “In [the] past years, Congress has increased the President’s proposed budget for DepEd and education,” Angara, who previously served as chair of the Senate finance committee, pointed out. He cited the apparent pledge from Marcos himself to find ways to restore the budget cuts of DepEd. “President [Marcos] himself told us he will remedy this,” Angara pointed out, but did not say how. One way is to discuss it backdoor with the legislators to have the budget restored, similar to the discussions on the Magna Carta for Seafarers wherein the Senate recalled the bill several times from the Office of the President and underwent backdoor negotiations between the President and the senators. Another remedy would be for the President to veto the particular line item of DepEd for its computerization program. However, 1-Rider party list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez explained that the P10-billion reduction was primarily due to DepEd’s very low utilization rate of its previous funds for the procurement of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment. “Congress cannot keep throwing good money after bad. This is not about depriving education, it’s about ensuring proper fund use and accountability,” Gutierrez said, as he cited DepEd’s poor track record in spending wherein the Commission on Audit itself had noted that the agency disbursed only P2.075 billion of its P11.63-billion budget last year for ICT equipment. “As former Senate finance committee chair, Secretary Angara knows that the law is clear: unused funds must be accounted for before new allocations can be made. Now that he’s education secretary, he should focus on fixing DepEd’s internal mess. Congress cannot turn a blind eye to these issues,” Gutierrez said. The budget cuts at the bicameral committee meetings have raised other doubts and concerns. Sen. JV Ejercito on Sunday said he supported a scrutiny of the massive reductions suffered by major agencies, saying that he was also clueless about the wisdom behind the fund transfers in the final version of the 2025 GAB. He acknowledged, for instance, the skepticism prompted by the P213 billion increase in the proposed funding for the DPWH to a record P1.113 trillion. “Admittedly, that [increase] raised a lot of questions, but that was not among my main concerns,” Ejercito told dzBB in an interview. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . He also expressed his reservations about the P26-billion allotment for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program, saying this only perpetuates the doleout mentality in the country. —with a report from Jeannette I. AndradePalo Alto Networks May Scale With AIChandigarh: The Indian Building Congress (IBC), in association with the Engineering Department of the Chandigarh Administration, on Sunday organized a technical seminar on “Sustainable Building Construction Practices” and “Glass Fibre Reinforced Rebars”. The session began with a welcome address by C B Ojha, Chief Engineer, UT Chandigarh, who extended his greetings to all IBC members and distinguished guests present. This event brought together eminent architects, engineers, urban planners, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on “Sustainable Building Construction Practices”, urban development and the future of infrastructure growth in India. TNN We also published the following articles recently India-Greece ties reinforced at international seminar in Thessaloniki The 2nd International Conference on "History, Science, Entrepreneurship, and Society" in Athens strengthened Indo-Hellenic ties. Academics, diplomats, and policymakers explored shared cultural roots and collaboration opportunities. Discussions ranged from the Greek Chair at JNU and Indian diaspora connections to trade, defence, and technology partnerships. Sustainability in Data Centers: Addressing the Urgent Need for Indias Low-Carbon Digital Future India's booming digital economy relies heavily on data centers, but their energy consumption poses an environmental challenge. Key players like hyperscalers, developers, and investors are embracing sustainability to mitigate risks and ensure long-term viability. From transitioning to renewables and optimizing cooling systems to incorporating ESG criteria in investments, the industry is striving for a greener digital future. Focus on policy stability & sustaining growth: RBI governor Sanjay Malhotra, the new RBI governor, emphasized stability, trust, and growth as the central bank's core values. He pledged to support India's continued growth trajectory, focusing on financial inclusion. Malhotra, seen as potentially more dovish than his predecessor, stressed policy stability and a consultative approach in navigating a complex global landscape. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
White had five rebounds and five assists for the Bison (10-4). Jacksen Moni added 16 points while shooting 7 for 10, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc while they also had seven assists. Masen Miller finished 5 of 9 from 3-point range to finish with 15 points. The Bison extended their winning streak to seven games. The Broncos (3-7) were led by Chansey Willis Jr., who recorded 22 points and five assists. Marquese Josephs added 12 points for Western Michigan. Markhi Strickland also put up eight points. North Dakota State took the lead with 19:23 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 49-28 at halftime, with White racking up 13 points. North Dakota State extended its lead to 73-38 during the second half, fueled by a 9-0 scoring run. Darik Dissette scored a team-high eight points in the second half as their team closed out the win. North Dakota State next plays Monday against CSU Bakersfield at home, and Western Michigan will host Valparaiso on Friday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .White scores 19 in North Dakota State's 98-62 win over Western MichiganAaron Judge unanimously wins 2nd career AL MVP award after another monster season
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 6:46 p.m. EST
Texas State Board of Education approves school curriculum with Biblical references
KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Jamarques Lawrence's 16 points helped Rhode Island defeat Central Connecticut 77-69 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Jamarques Lawrence's 16 points helped Rhode Island defeat Central Connecticut 77-69 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Jamarques Lawrence’s 16 points helped Rhode Island defeat Central Connecticut 77-69 on Sunday. Lawrence added seven assists for the Rams (10-1). David Green scored 14 points and added five rebounds. Tyonne Farrell shot 5 of 7 from the field and 2 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Blue Devils (6-4) were led by Devin Haid, who posted 24 points, 12 rebounds and two blocks. Central Connecticut also got 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Joe Ostrowsky. Davonte Sweatman also had 11 points. Rhode Island took the lead with 3:45 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 35-32 at halftime, with David Fuchs racking up eight points. Rhode Island used an 8-0 run in the second half to build a 10-point lead at 54-44 with 14:41 left in the half before finishing off the win. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementAddressing the meeting, Mikhail Ulyanov stated that the US representative spoke about a broader strategy towards Iran at the June meeting. "In this regard, we want to ask if this strategy has been formed? Unfortunately, we don't see any strategies. To a large extent, it seems that the Biden administration, which promised to bring the United States back to the JCPOA, did not do so due to a lack of political will and has now decided to give (an anti-Iran resolution) to Donald Trump." "Perhaps the US strategy is to instruct the Director General for a new resolution to prepare a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of Iran's nuclear program to be prepared at the next meeting of the Board of Governors in March or by the spring of 2025 at the latest. We believe that such a directive not only lacks legal and logical basis, but also creates a very negative precedent for the entire IAEA safeguards system," he added. The Russian ambassador stated that the destructive resolution of the Troika and the United States against Iran's peaceful nuclear program shows why the western countries that are members of the JCPOA abandoned their political and diplomatic efforts during the Vienna negotiations and brought the talks to a dead end. 2050
Marin Voice: E-bikes are vehicles, not toys, so think before you buy one as a gift
Click celebrates significant growth milestones while introducing a new initiative to support and empower photojournalists in sharing authentic, impactful stories through the platform. SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Click , a groundbreaking mobile app that fights misinformation by making it simple to capture and publish authenticated content, powered by the Nodle Network , has recently launched the Click Photojournalism Fellowship, to empower photojournalists to join Click's mission to build a more truthful future. Joining the fellowship will give photojournalists exposure of their work via the Click app and Nodle Network and allow each photojournalist to share their stories and their photos. Additionally, Click has just reached two growth milestones in its first year of operation, passing 50,000 users and over 1,000 new photos authenticated by Click daily. These follow Click's public beta launch in March. The Click camera app is currently available for download on both iOS or Android , and all content captured with Click can be accessed through the app and on Click's website at clickapp.com . The first two photojournalists to join the Click Fellowship are: Patricia Chaira , based in Beirut, Lebanon . Patricia had been on the ground in Beirut capturing the conflict as it's happening on Click. Patricia's story and photos can be seen here . Bill Finan , based in Rochester, New York . Bill is working at the limits of art, exploration and photojournalism, becoming famous in the underground world of Urban Exploring or "URBEX". Bill's story and photos can be seen here . "We're thrilled to collaborate with photojournalists, empowering them to share their authentic stories through Click. In an era where digital content authenticity is crucial, we're leveraging blockchain to support journalists in building transparency and trust. The Click Photojournalism Fellowship sets a new standard for credibility in journalistic content on social media," says Micha Benoliel , CEO and co-founder of Intergalactic Labs, the team behind Click and Nodle. Click aims to grow the fellowship to over 20 photojournalists in early 2025 and is currently seeking more photojournalist partners. Photojournalists who join the program will share their recent work via Click's blog (both Click and non-Click photos), that represent their photojournalistic perspective, share their journalist story and be promoted across the Click and Nodle communities. Journalists will also provide feedback on the Click app periodically via scheduled sessions with Click's team. To apply and join the fellowship, photojournalists can fill out this short application and share samples of their work. About Click: Click is a new mobile app empowering everyone to easily create authentic media content. Click is on a mission to combat misinformation and bring truthful photos and videos aka "Deep Reals" to everyone via immutable digital proofs of authenticity. With Click, you can confirm content is real and happened at a specific location, time and via a specific mobile device and camera. This is all made possible by ContentSign , Click's proprietary technology which proves the integrity of data from its moment of capture on-chain. Click is built on ZKsync , the leading Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain and is powered by the Nodle DePIN. Click supports the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and is a member of the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Download Click on iOS or Android and visit us at clickapp.com to learn more and see recent press coverage. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/click-camera-app-announces-new-photojournalism-fellowship-as-app-reaches-50-000-users-signing-1-000-authenticated-photos-daily-302329583.html SOURCE Nodle © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight
I'm Sad Reindeer Games Isn't Happening This Year, But There's One Fan-Suggested Big Brother Series I Still Hope Does Happen
Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelationsDecember 23, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Weizmann Institute of Science Anyone who has dealt with ants in the kitchen knows that ants are highly social creatures; it's rare to see one alone. Humans are social creatures too, even if some of us enjoy solitude. Ants and humans are also the only creatures in nature that consistently cooperate while transporting large loads that greatly exceed their own dimensions. Prof. Ofer Feinerman and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science have used this shared trait to conduct a fascinating evolutionary competition that asks the question: Who will be better at maneuvering a large load through a maze? The surprising results, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences , shed new light on group decision making, as well as on the pros and cons of cooperation versus going it alone. To enable a comparison between two such disparate species, the research team led by Tabea Dreyer created a real-life version of the "piano movers puzzle," a classical computational problem from the fields of motion planning and robotics that deals with possible ways of moving an unusually shaped object—say, a piano—from point A to point B in a complex environment. Instead of a piano, the participants were given a large T-shaped object that they had to maneuver across a rectangular space divided into three chambers connected by two narrow slits. The researchers created two sets of mazes that differed only in size, to match the dimensions of ants and humans, as well as groups of different sizes. Recruiting study participants was easier in the case of humans, who volunteered simply because they were asked to participate, and probably because they liked the idea of a competition. Ants, on the other hand, are far from competitive. They joined because they were misled into thinking that the heavy load was a juicy edible morsel that they were transporting into their nest. The ants chosen to compete against Homo sapiens were Paratrechina longicornis. They are called this because of their long antennae, though they are sometimes referred to as "crazy ants" for their tendency to dash around. This familiar species of black ant, about 3 mm long, is common around the world. In Israel they are particularly prevalent along the coast and in the south of the country. The ants tackled the maze challenge in three combinations: a single ant, a small group of about seven ants and a large group of about 80. Humans handled the task in three parallel combinations: a single person, a small group of six to nine individuals and a large group of 26. To make the comparison as meaningful as possible, groups of humans were in some cases instructed to avoid communicating through speaking or gestures, even wearing surgical masks and sunglasses to conceal their mouths and eyes. In addition, human participants were told to hold the load only by the handles that simulated the way in which it is held by ants. The handles contained meters that measured the pulling force applied by each person throughout the attempt. The researchers repeated the experiment numerous times for each combination, then meticulously analyzed the videos and all the advanced tracking data while using computer simulations and various physics models. Unsurprisingly, the cognitive abilities of humans gave them an edge in the individual challenge, in which they resorted to calculated, strategic planning , easily outperforming the ants. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . In the group challenge, however, the picture was completely different, especially for the larger groups. Not only did groups of ants perform better than individual ants, but in some cases they did better than humans. Groups of ants acted together in a calculated and strategic manner, exhibiting collective memory that helped them persist in a particular direction of motion and avoid repeated mistakes. Humans, on the contrary, failed to significantly improve their performance when acting in groups. When communication between group members was restricted to resemble that of ants, their performance even dropped compared to that of individuals. They tended to opt for "greedy" solutions—which seemed attractive in the short term but were not beneficial in the long term, and—according to the researchers—opted for the lowest common denominator. "An ant colony is actually a family," Feinerman says. "All the ants in the nest are sisters, and they have common interests. It's a tightly knit society in which cooperation greatly outweighs competition. That's why an ant colony is sometimes referred to as a super-organism, sort of a living body composed of multiple 'cells' that cooperate with one another. "Our findings validate this vision. We've shown that ants acting as a group are smarter, that for them the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In contrast, forming groups did not expand the cognitive abilities of humans. The famous 'wisdom of the crowd' that's become so popular in the age of social networks didn't come to the fore in our experiments." Despite all the challenges of human cooperation, several authors successfully joined forces in this study. They included Dr. Ehud Fonio from Feinerman's group in Weizmann's Physics of Complex Systems Department, Prof. Nir Gov of Weizmann's Chemical and Biological Physics Department and Dr. Amir Haluts, then a Ph.D. student supervised by Gov and Prof. Amos Korman of the University of Haifa. More information: Tabea Dreyer et al, Comparing cooperative geometric puzzle solving in ants versus humans, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2414274121 Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Provided by Weizmann Institute of ScienceTrico Bancshares director sells $252,275 in stock