How the earth shook for nine days and nobody knew why

An unprecedented planetary-scale seismic event caused the earth to vibrate for nine days straight back in 2023, but the reason why was unclear. Scientists initially had more questions than answers, labelling the event an unidentified seismic object and undertook a mammoth scientific collaboration across multiple countries and institutions to get to the bottom of what really happened. Josh Toussaint-Strauss looks into the mystery at the heart of this scientific investigation

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Daily Mail​

9 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Scientists reveal how humans will have superpowers by 2030

By 2030, rapid technological advancements are expected to reshape humanity, unlocking abilities once confined to science fiction—from superhuman strength to enhanced senses. Robotic exoskeletons may soon allow people to lift heavy objects with ease, while AI-powered wearables, such as smart glasses and earbuds, could provide real-time information and immersive augmented reality experiences. Healthcare may be revolutionized by microscopic nanobots capable of repairing tissue and fighting disease from within the bloodstream, potentially extending human lifespans. Developers are also working on contact lenses with infrared vision and devices that allow users to "feel" digital objects, paving the way for entirely new ways to experience the world. Tech pioneers like former Google engineer Ray Kurzweil believe these innovations are early steps toward the merging of humans and machines, with brain-computer interfaces offering direct access to digital intelligence. While many of these breakthroughs are already in progress, others remain in the experimental phase, facing significant technical and ethical challenges, including concerns about privacy and safety. Still, some of these futuristic technologies may become reality within the next five years, with the potential to enhance human strength, cognition, and perception in ways never before possible. Superhuman strength Kurzweil, a self-proclaimed futurist, has claimed that the foundation of human immortality will begin in 2030, with man set to merge with machines by 2045. By 2030, robotic exoskeletons could give human beings super strength, either by enabling feats like lifting huge objects in factories or making soldiers stronger on the battlefield. US-based robotics company Sarcos Robotics has already demonstrated a robotic exoskeleton that has a 'strength gain' ratio of 20-to-one. This means that normal people can carry weights of up to 200 pounds over an extended period of time. The suit took 17 years and $175 million to develop. Other exoskeletons, such as German Bionic's 'Exia' exoskeleton, incorporate AI that learns from the wearer's movement, enabling them to lift huge weights without feeling tired. These exoskeletons are already being used by staff in German hospitals. Super-healing and immortality In five years, humans could have tiny 'nanobots' in their bloodstream to keep them healthy, meaning people could recover rapidly from injury and even from diseases such as cancer. Kurzweil has claimed that by 2029, artificial intelligence will become 'superhuman' and that will allow for more technological breakthroughs to follow rapidly. One of the upcoming breakthroughs, according to Kurzweil, will be the development of microscopic nanobots that operate within the bloodstream, maintaining health without the need for constant medical monitoring. In his latest book, The Singularity Is Nearer, Kurzweil forecasts a dramatic transformation in human life after 2029, with essential goods becoming more affordable and people beginning to merge with machines through technologies like brain-computer interfaces, similar to Elon Musk's Neuralink. He also pointed to recent advances in artificial intelligence, including tools like ChatGPT, as evidence that his 2005 predictions are on track, stating that "the trajectory is clear." Super vision Contact lenses that enable wearers to see huge distances or even to beam computer information directly into their eyes could be on sale by 2030. Scientists in China recently developed contact lenses that allow wearers to see in the dark. The new lenses allow wearers to see infrared light, without requiring bulky night-vision goggles. Professor Tian Xue, at the University of Science and Technology of China, said he hopes his work could inspire scientists to create contact lenses that offer people 'super vision.' Enhanced senses Devices that give humans enhanced senses could be on the market, with research by Ericsson, a Swedish multinational networking and telecommunications company, suggesting that digital wristbands could soon give anyone the ability to 'feel' digital objects. Pioneering 'cyborg' designers have already tested devices that give people superhuman senses. Entrepreneur, transhumanist, and self-described cyborg Liviu Babitz created 'Northsense,' which allowed him to sense when he faces magnetic north. Manel Munoz, founder of the Trans Species Society, implanted two 'fins' on top of his head, which enabled him to 'hear' the weather. The sound is transmitted through his skull by bone conduction. Munoz has said he hears the weather through the 'sound of bubbles.' Knowing everything instantly with digital wearables By 2030, AI-enhanced wearables such as earbuds could enable everyone to plug into 'digital superpowers,' with everyone able to receive answers instantly. Meta is already adding AI to Ray-Ban glasses, and Google is designing an operating system for XR (augmented reality and virtual reality). Computer scientist Louis Rosenberg has said that these abilities will emerge from the convergence of AI, augmented reality, and conversational computing. 'They will be unleashed by context-aware AI agents that are loaded into body-worn devices that see what we see, hear what we hear, experience what we experience, and provide us with enhanced abilities to perceive and interpret our world,' Rosenberg explained. 'I refer to this new technological direction as augmented mentality and I predict that by 2030, a majority of us will live our lives with context-aware AI agents bringing digital superpowers into our daily experiences.'

Daily Mail​

14 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

King Charles pays tribute to 'resilience' of antarctic research scientists

The king has recorded a personal message for Antarctic researchers as the southern hemisphere marks the shortest day of the year. While the UK enjoys its longest day of sunlight on Saturday, British scientists at the South Pole experience 24 hours of darkness. In a morale-raising message recorded for the BBC World Service's midwinter broadcast, Charles praised the researchers' 'critically important' work as well as their 'resilience and commitment' to their jobs. 'With the sun shying away from your horizon today, I particularly wanted to send my warmest good wishes to all of those serving at British Antarctic research stations this midwinter's say and, above all, to express the greatest admiration for the critically important work you do.' He then went onto talk a little about the researchers' work. The king continued: 'The scientific research that the British Antarctic Survey undertakes, alongside teams from across the world, is today more vital than ever, telling us stories of the past, the present and possible futures. 'Each observation, measurement and calculation you undertake adds to the world's understanding of the Earth's fragile systems and the role humanity plays, as we struggle to live in harmony with nature. 'I very much appreciate the resilience and commitment to duty you all demonstrate so effectively, and which embody the pioneering spirit that has characterised British polar exploration for generations. 'On the 70th anniversary of this midwinter broadcast, I send countless special thoughts for your celebrations today.' It comes a month after the King, a longtime environmental advocate, urged people to help save the planet during a charity fundraiser. He told the crowd: 'Collaboration is far better than conflict.' The monarch said the charity's work comes at a time when efforts are under way to 'develop an even greater ability to manage the human and animal conflict'. Charles said: 'If we're going to rescue this poor planet (from) continuing degradation, and restore some degree of harmony to the proceedings, we must also understand that whatever we take and exploit from nature. 'We need to give something back in return to enable nature to sustain us.' The BBC World Service's midwinter broadcast is part of a day of celebrations for personnel at British Antarctic Survey stations. These personnel are based at at Rothera, Bird Island, and South Georgia, and they join colleagues at other international bases across the continent to mark the day. Alongside the King's message, the programme consists of music requests and messages from home to those at BAS research stations. They traditionally feast, exchange presents, and watch the classic 1982 horror film The Thing, set in the Antarctic. This year midwinter coincides with sweltering weather back on British soil. This means the UK is preparing for thunderstorms which are set to mix with continued high temperatures on Saturday. These temperatures could reach all the way up to 34C in some areas. A yellow thunderstorm weather warning covering all of northern England, from Nottingham up to above Newcastle, will come into force from 3pm and last until 4am on Sunday. The Met Office warned the most intense storms could produce 'frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds', along with a chance of flooding. Parts of eastern England could also see temperatures peak high enough to eclipse the 32.2C seen on Thursday and become the hottest day of the year so far.

The Independent

20 hours ago

• The Independent

King Charles pays tribute to ‘resilience' of Antarctic scientists facing 24 hours of darkness

King Charles sent a personal message to British Antarctic researchers to mark the southern hemisphere's shortest day, praising their "critically important" scientific work. The message, part of the BBC World Service's midwinter broadcast, highlighted the researchers' resilience and commitment to understanding Earth's fragile systems. Charles, a known environmental advocate, stressed the importance of collaboration and giving back to nature to sustain the planet. The midwinter broadcast is a tradition for personnel at British Antarctic Survey stations, involving celebrations, music, and messages from home. This Antarctic midwinter coincides with high temperatures and thunderstorm warnings across parts of the UK, potentially leading to the hottest day of the year.