The threat actors behind the ClearFake campaign are using fake reCAPTCHA or Cloudflare Turnstile verifications as lures to trick users into downloading malware such as Lumma Stealer and Vidar Stealer.ClearFake, first highlighted in July 2023, is the name given to a threat activity cluster that employs fake web browser update baits on compromised WordPress as a malware distribution vector.The campaign is also known for relying on another technique known as EtherHiding to fetch the next-stage payload by utilizing Binance's Smart Chain (BSC) contracts as a way to make the attack chain more resilient. The end goal of these infection chains is to deliver information-stealing malware capable of targeting both Windows and macOS systems.As of May 2024, ClearFake attacks have adopted what has by now come to be known as ClickFix, a social engineering ploy that involves deceiving users into running malicious PowerShell code under the guise of addressing a non-existent technical issue."Although this new ClearFake variant continues to rely on the EtherHiding technique and the ClickFix tactic, it has introduced additional interactions with the Binance Smart Chain," Sekoia said in a new analysis."By using smart contract's Application Binary Interfaces, these interactions involve loading multiple JavaScript codes and additional resources that fingerprint the victim's system, as well as downloading, decrypting and displaying the ClickFix lure."The latest iteration of the ClearFake framework marks a significant evolution, adopting Web3 capabilities to resist analysis and encrypting the ClickFix-related HTML code.The net result is an updated multi-stage attack sequence that's initiated when a victim visits a compromised site, which then leads to the retrieval of an intermediate JavaScript code from BSC. The loaded JavaScript is subsequently responsible for fingerprinting the system and fetching the encrypted ClickFix code hosted on Cloudflare Pages.Should the victim follow through and execute the malicious PowerShell command, it leads to the deployment of Emmenhtal Loader (aka PEAKLIGHT) that subsequently drops Lumma Stealer.Sekoia said it observed an alternate ClearFake attack chain in late January 2025 that served a PowerShell loader responsible for installing Vidar Stealer. As of last month, at least 9,300 websites have been infected with ClearFake."The operator has consistently updated the framework code, lures, and distributed payloads on a daily basis," it added. "ClearFake execution now relies on multiple pieces of data stored in the Binance Smart Chain, including JavaScript code, AES key, URLs hosting lure HTML files, and ClickFix PowerShell commands.""The number of websites compromised by ClearFake suggest that this threat remains widespread and affects many users worldwide. In July 2024, [...] approximately 200,000 unique users were potentially exposed to ClearFake lures encouraging them to download malware."The development comes as over 100 auto dealership sites have been discovered compromised with ClickFix lures that lead to the deployment of SectopRAT malware."Where this infection on the auto dealerships happened was not on the dealership's own website, but a third-party video service," said security researcher Randy McEoin, who detailed some of the earliest ClearFake campaigns in 2023, describing the incident as an instance of a supply chain attack.The video service in question is LES Automotive ("idostream[.]com"), which has since removed the malicious JavaScript injection from the site.The findings also coincide with the discovery of several phishing campaigns that are engineered to push various malware families and conduct credential harvesting -Using virtual hard disk (VHD) files embedded within archive file attachments in email messages to distribute Venom RAT by means of a Windows batch scriptUsing Microsoft Excel file attachments that exploit a known security flaw (CVE-2017-0199) to download an HTML Application (HTA) that then uses Visual Basic Script (VBS) to fetch an image, which contains another payload responsible for decoding and launching AsyncRAT and Remcos RATExploiting misconfigurations in Microsoft 365 infrastructure to take control of tenants, create new administrative accounts, and deliver phishing content that bypasses email security protections and ultimately facilitates credential harvesting and account takeover (ATO)As social engineering campaigns continue to become more sophisticated, it's essential that organizations and businesses stay ahead of the curve and implement robust authentication and access-control mechanisms against Adversary-in-the-Middle (AitM) and Browser-in-the-Middle (BitM) techniques that allow attackers to hijack accounts."A pivotal benefit of employing a BitM framework lies in its rapid targeting capability, allowing it to reach any website on the web in a matter of seconds and with minimal configuration," Google-owned Mandiant said in a report published this week."Once an application is targeted through a BitM tool or framework, the legitimate site is served through an attacker-controlled browser. This makes the distinction between a legitimate and a fake site exceptionally challenging for a victim. From the perspective of an adversary, BitM allows for a simple yet effective means of stealing sessions protected by MFA."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorMarch 19, 20255 Min ReadDenis Putilov via Alamy Stock PhotoArtificial intelligence, video surveillance, facial recognition: Today's IT leaders must struggle with an increasing number of ethical dilemmas. While innovation supports business growth, it also creates opportunities for potential abuse.IT leaders lead because they already have an important combination of procedural knowledge and ethics expertise, states Jonathan Beever, an associate professor of ethics and digital culture at the University of Central Florida. "IT leaders benefit, like we all do, from continued literacy building as new technologies and techniques challenge ethical understanding," he adds in an email interview.An ethical IT department operates with transparency, integrity, and accountability, while balancing the needs of the business and its customers, says Mike Lebron, senior IT director at photography and imaging firm Canon USA. "This involves not only adhering to regulatory standards, but also proactively addressing ethical considerations that may arise from the use of technology," he notes via email. "By fostering an environment where ethical conduct is prioritized, IT departments can help build trust both internally within the organization and externally with customers and partners."First StepsAn important first step is embracing the classical adage of knowing thyself, Beever says. "What values guide you personally?" He explains that values shape decisions implicitly and making values explicit helps leaders understand their own actions and decisions.Related:Beever, who is also the director and co-founder of the UCF Center for Ethics, advises IT leaders to question the values that guide their department. "Are these clear and transparent to all stakeholders?" Also consider what possible conflicts might arise between individual values and department commitments. "Finally, what ethical decision-making strategies can help navigate those possible conflicts."Codes of ethics provide guidance at the organizational level. Yet broader strategies, such as principlism, suggest key ethics principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice offers attributes that cut across departments/cultures/disciplines, Beever says. "Since interdisciplinary work is essential for IT departments, maybe now more than ever shared ethics principles can help communication about values across boundaries."Success in the digital era hinges on trust and an ethical approach to all aspects of IT operations fosters this trust, Lebron says. "Trust builds a virtuous cycle that enhances collaboration and strengthens relationships," he explains. When stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, feel confident that an organization's IT operations are guided by strong ethical principles, they're more likely to engage positively and collaborate effectively, potentially creating a stable and sustainable path forward.Related:Trust is also the foundation of customer loyalty, and an ethical IT approach is key to maintaining and strengthening that foundation, Lebron advises. "Organizations that embrace ethical practices may experience quicker decision-making, resilience, and long-term sustainability."Leadership ValuesEthically literate individuals are necessary to build ethical cultures, Beever says. "There seems to be a traditional corporate move to train top-down, as if regulations and rules could govern ethical behavior," he observes. Beever notes that professional ethics codes, such as the one created by The Association for Computing Machinery, push against this trend by directing responsible individuals. "But what opportunities do IT departments give their workers to develop the skills required to analyze, understand, and implement the principles of those codes?" he asks. "An ethical IT department would couple procedural literacy to ethics literacy, in support of an ethical culture."Related:Ethical considerations should be factored into every aspect of digital projects, from data privacy and cybersecurity to AI and automation, Lebron says. "Ethical IT practices help ensure that technology is used responsibly and unintended consequences that could negatively impact customers are avoided," he notes. "By doing so, organizations can mitigate risks, enhance their reputation, and drive more meaningful innovation." Lebron believes that the trust that's built from ethical IT practices can move the needle in all aspects within an organization, creating a competitive edge, a true force multiplier.Responsibility and accountability for technology outcomes -- including failures -- are key to building trust between stakeholders and IT, Lebron says. "Ethical vendor selection means you choose partners who align with your organizations ethical standards," he explains. "Accessibility and inclusivity in technology allows you to create products and services that consider people with disabilities so that everyone benefits."Ethics SuccessEthical practices should not come solely from within the IT department, Lebron advises. "They should also be shaped by those whom IT serves and supports." Engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders -- including employees, customers, partners, and community members -- helps ensure that ethical standards reflect a wide range of perspectives and needs.Inclusivity not only builds trust but also helps create more comprehensive and relevant ethical guidelines, Lebron says. Furthermore, open communication channels allow the continuous exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of transparency and mutual respect. "By embracing diverse inclusion and active communication, IT departments can ensure that their transformation efforts are well-informed, equitable, and truly supportive of all stakeholders."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

Pam Baker, Contributing WriterMarch 19, 20257 Min ReadAndyS via Alamy StockIts hard to survive a layoff or a firing. Its tougher now than ever given the long hiring cycles and the growing number of ghost jobs. Adding to the unemployment chaos are the massive White House and DOGE firings as well as expected upticks in layoffs correlating with a spike in tariffs. The future looks bleak for the unemployed.Layoffs arent just numbers but a form of economic trauma, says Lars Nyman, CMO of CUDO Compute, a platform that powers many AI programs.Right now, the job market feels like an obstacle course rigged against the people running it. Generative AI isnt a magic bullet and actually takes many jobs, but if you use it right, it can tilt the odds back in your favor, Nyman adds.But how do you use AI right to get another job. Here are eight ways to apply GenAI to your advantage.1. AI as exorcist: expelling ghost jobs from your job huntGhost jobs arent a fluke. They are an actual business strategy for companies seeking to accomplish goals that often have nothing to do with hiring anyone now.A whopping 40% to 50% of job postings are ghost jobs, meaning roles companies never intend to fill but leave up to look busy or fish for future talent. Generative AI tools can analyze patterns in job postings to flag likely fakes. Red flags would be vague descriptions, recycled listings, and positions staying open forever. If youre seeing those, move on, says Nyman.Related:Use general generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, or Perplexity AI to weed out ghost jobs. Sample prompts for GenAI tools connected to the Internet: A ghost job is a job opening announcement which the company does not actually plan to fill now or maybe ever. The following are indicators that a job announcement is a ghost job: vague descriptions, recycled listings, and positions staying open (listed or relisted) for longer than 3 months in a one-year period. Analyze the following job announcement to determine whether it is a legitimate job opening or a ghost job [copy and paste job description here].2. AI as scam buster: identifying scam job postingsDesperate times call all the predators forth to feast on desperate people. Watch out for fake jobs. You might apply, be interviewed, get hired, fill out the onboarding forms with your personal data including your social security number and bank details. After that theres only crickets. Youve been scammed. This job didnt exist.AI can help identify fake jobs posted by scammers. But do research job listings further, too. AI can get you a false red or green flag.Related:Feed the job posting text into AI, asking it to flag suspicious phrases or inconsistent requirements, says Sam Wright, head of operations and partnerships at Huntr.You can add flags to the prompt too, like asking AI to check the email or web address in the job announcement against the web address and emails of the company advertised. Add any other red flags too, so AI can make a better assessment.3. Use AI to automatically fill out job application formsAutofill helps fill out some fields on online forms, but not very many. That leaves you to fill out the rest of job application forms online. If youre smart and playing the numbers, youre filling out a lot of job applications. That means entering the same data over and over and over again. AI can do that for you and much faster!I used this extension called: Simplify Jobs, it allowed me to fill most of the job applications within one minute, which allowed me to apply to 30+ jobs within an hour. Generally, it takes 15-30 minutes for each application if you manually do it, says Devansh Agarwal, senior machine learning engineer at Amazon Web Services.I set up LinkedIn alerts for the companies and job types that I was interested in and every day I would receive mails with job posting alerts. Then I would use Simplify Jobs to apply to these roles, Agarwal adds. He also says that all the views he expressed in this article are his own and do not reflect his current or previous employers.Related:4. Use AI to tailor resumes and cover lettersYou can use a generative AI tool to create your resume. When creating your resume, you need to be precise, as the recruiters spend less than 10 seconds looking at one. You need to write your experiences in the correct format, it takes time and is complicated to do it yourself. ChatGPT can help you rephrase things and write them in the proper format, says Agarwal.But then be sure to use AI to repurpose your resume and cover letter to fit the exact requirements for each job application. Go the extra mile and prompt the GenAI tool to use keywords that will trigger the AI on the other side to conclude an exact candidate match.You can automate job applications, and without looking like a bot. There are tools like LazyApply that mass-send applications, but the value is in using AI to customize your resume and cover letter -- producing quality, accurate material at scale, says Nyman. AI can tweak tone, highlight specific achievements, and adjust language to better suit company culture.5. Use AI to boost your LinkedIn reach so more employers see youPosting often on LinkedIn is a great way to build your following and profile views which can be helpful to your job search.During a job search there isnt enough time to focus on posting content on LinkedIn but since it is the primary platform for job search it is important to increase your network on it. People use GenAI to post things on LinkedIn and increase their reach, by using GenAI it barely takes any time to create the posts so you can continue to focus on job search and interview preparation, says Agarwal.6. Use AI for practice in mock interviewsIt can be hard to think of a good answer to an interview question on the spot. Some people find it helpful to prepare ahead of time by interacting with GenAI tools in mock interviews or as career coaches.Tools like ChatGPT or Gemini can simulate interview Q&As, giving you feedback and potential follow-up questions -- helping you feel more confident and prepared, says Agarwal.Dont forget to use AI to do your homework on the company before the interview too.Sometimes you need to review certain topics just before the interview, searching for notes online is time consuming and often times they are not concise. In this situation, you can ask LLMs to explain the topic and provide the important concepts in this topic with examples. This is extremely useful and can save hours of time, says Agarwal.7. An extra AI tip for government employees and their supportersMass government layoffs have led to mass despair with little recourse other than the courts. While youre waiting for your case to be heard, it may be helpful to connect with your federal representatives.You can use AI tools to write a series of emails that you, your family, your church, your friends, and community supporters can send daily to government representatives and hotlines. Changing the message to reflect the feelings and concerns of each person sending it or simply changing the wording some to keep the message fresh over time is a good use of AI. Who knows, maybe a congressman will help you get your job back. Its worth a try.8. Use AI to automate everything you can in the job search processYou dont have to limit your use of AI to the things on this list. Take notice of the things youre doing manually in the job search -- especially if youre doing the same thing repeatedly. Whatever those steps are, the odds are that you can use AI tools to do it automatically for you. Give it a shot and see where it leads.Weve seen job seekers slash hours off their application process by harnessing generative AI for resumes, cover letters, and mock interviews, leaving them more time to handle the real-life challenges that come with a layoff, says Wright.About the AuthorPam BakerContributing WriterA prolific writer and analyst, Pam Baker's published work appears in many leading publications. She's also the author of several books, the most recent of which are "Decision Intelligence for Dummies" and "ChatGPT For Dummies." Baker is also a popular speaker at technology conferences and a member of the National Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Internet Press Guild.See more from Pam BakerWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

Salary range: 2,000-4,000 USD, depending on experience and skills.Location:Job Type: Part-Time or Full-TimeCompany: Highticket.ioStart date: ASAPAbout UsHighticket.io is an e-commerce education company that helps entrepreneurs build and scale profitable online stores. Through our Accelerator and Incubator programs, we provide students with the tools, strategies, and resources they need to succeed in high-ticket dropshipping. We are now expanding our team and looking for a Shopify Designer to help our students by designing high-quality Shopify stores and custom logos.Role OverviewAs a Shopify Designer, you will be responsible for creating visually appealing and conversion-optimized Shopify stores for our students. You will also design unique, professional-quality logos that align with each student's niche and branding needs. Your work will directly contribute to our students' success by providing them with a strong foundation for their e-commerce businesses.ResponsibilitiesDesign & Build Shopify Stores: Create high-quality, professional, and optimized Shopify stores for students based on their niche and product selections.Logo Creation: Design unique and professional logos for each store that align with branding and industry trends.Theme Customization: Modify Shopify themes, layouts, and settings to match the desired aesthetic and functionality.Branding & Aesthetics: Ensure all designs maintain a clean, modern, and high-converting design.App & Plugin Setup: Install and configure essential Shopify apps to enhance store functionality.Mobile Optimization: Ensure all stores are fully responsive and perform well across all devices.Collaboration: Work closely with the team and students to understand their vision and deliver high-quality results.Qualifications & SkillsProven experience as a Shopify Designer with a strong portfolio of Shopify stores and logo designs.Proficiency in Shopify, Canva, Figma, Photoshop, or other design tools.Strong understanding of Shopify themes, Liquid coding (preferred but not required), and customization options.Ability to create high-quality, conversion-optimized, and visually appealing store layouts.Experience with branding, typography, and color theory.Knowledge of Shopify apps and plugins to enhance store functionality.Excellent communication skills and ability to work with students to bring their vision to life.Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.Preferred QualificationsExperience working with e-commerce or dropshipping businesses.Basic knowledge of SEO and e-commerce best practices.Experience with Shopify Plus (a bonus, but not required).Why Join Highticket.io?Work remotely with a flexible schedule.Be part of a fast-growing e-commerce education company.Help entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses.Opportunity for long-term growth and collaboration.How to ApplyIf you're a talented Shopify Designer with a passion for e-commerce and branding, we'd love to hear from you! Click "Apply" and complete the role application. The form includes 20 questions covering your contact details, technical and strategic skills, and Shopify experience.

Role Brief: We are seeking an experienced and passionate Frontend Manager with a strong background in Next.js to lead our frontend development team. In this role, you will oversee the architecture, development, and deployment of web applications while managing a team of frontend developers. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and backend engineers, to deliver high-quality, performant, and user-friendly web applications.Key Responsibilities:Lead and Manage Frontend Development: Oversee the frontend team, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure project milestones are met. Coordinate and manage testing resources, allocating tasks across internal and external teams.Architect and Develop Next.js Applications: Design and implement scalable, robust, and maintainable Next.js applications, leveraging best practices for performance optimization and user experience.Collaborate with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with product, design, and backend teams to align frontend development with business goals and project requirements.Code Quality and Review: Establish coding standards, conduct code reviews, and implement best practices to maintain high-quality codebase.Performance Optimization: Ensure applications are optimized for speed, accessibility, and SEO, leveraging Next.jss built-in features and other modern technologiesStay Current with Frontend Trends: Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in frontend development, including Next.js updates, and advocate for their adoption when beneficialProject Planning and Management: Assist in planning and organizing the teams workload, including setting realistic timelines and monitoring project progress.Team Development and Hiring: Play an active role in hiring, onboarding, and training new team members to build a strong and cohesive frontend development team.Requirements:5+ years of professional frontend development experience, with at least 2 years in a managerial role and 3+ years working with Next.js.Proficiency in Java Script (ES6+), React.js, Next.js, HTML5, and CSS3.Familiarity with Modern Frontend Tools: Experience with TypeScript, Redux, Webpack, Babel, and other related tools and libraries.Backend Understanding: Familiarity with RESTful APIs, GraphQL, and server-side rendering (SSR) principles.Strong understanding of responsive and adaptive design principles, with experience in building applications for various devices and screen sizes.Proven experience leading and managing frontend teams, with excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Experience with Agile methodologies, project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Trello), and an ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.SEO & Performance Optimization: Knowledge of SEO principles, web performance, and accessibility standards.Proficiency in using Git for version control and collaborative development.Preferred Qualifications:Experience with CI/CD Pipelines: Familiarity with continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) tools and processes.Cloud & Deployment Knowledge: Understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud) and experience deploying applications using Next.js.UI/UX Sensibility: A good sense of design and user experience principles, with the ability to collaborate effectively with UI/UX teams.Contributions to Open Source: A history of contributing to or maintaining open-source projects is a plus.Notes:By clicking Apply, you will be automatically redirected to a form to fill out your information, after you fill out the form you'll be redirected to a 1-hour exam. Please ensure that you are ready to begin, as the exam will start immediately upon redirection.Join us and get ready to Soar!

March 19, 20253 min readMeet the Woolly Devil, the Strangest Sunflower Youve Ever SeenA tiny, woolly flower found hiding in Texass Big Bend National Park shows the intriguing strangeness of sunflowersBy Meghan Bartels edited by Andrea ThompsonA close-up view of the woolly devil sunflower. NPS/D. ManleyTheres a new sunflower in town. But it isnt your stereotypical sunflower with cheery yellow petals.The so-called woolly devil is tiny, pale and well camouflaged amid limestone-rich rocks and look-alike plants in Texass Big Bend National Park, where it was discovered. When we found it, we didnt realize it was something new, says Deb Manley, a park volunteer, who, with a colleague, was the first to spot the little plant. I just figured it was another small annual that was going to be difficult to look up.And indeed, it was quite difficult to look up; it didnt quite match anything in the guides for tiny, fuzzy wildflower plants. But that turned out to be for a very good reasonthe flower was a species not yet known to scientists. It was so unique that it actually needed to have its own genus, and thats a very rare thing, says Isaac Lichter Marck, an evolutionary biologist and a daisy taxonomist at the California Academy of Sciences. Like Manley, hes a member of the team who published the discovery of the woolly devil in February in PhytoKeys.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.Sunflowers are the part of the most diverse family among flowering plants, Asteraceae, which contains more than 30,000 formally described species. This includes, of course, the iconic, bright yellow common sunflower, or Helianthus annuus. All sunflower species have a strange trait in common: any one of their blooms, called a capitulum, is actually made up of two varieties of flowersray flowers, which make up the sunflowers characteristic halo of petals, and disc flowers that fill the inner ring of the flower head. The woolly devil follows this plan in miniature: it sports two or three ray flowers that are white with maroon stripes, with a few unremarkable disk flowers between them.Big Bend National Park botanist Carolyn Whiting photographs the tiny woolly devil sunflower.C. HoytWild sunflowers tend to thrive in harsh environments, such as the desert conditions that characterize Big Bend National Park: lots of sunshine, extreme heat and occasional sudden summer storms. Thats made them really successful in the last 15 to 20 million years, in which the Earth has undergone a lot of cooling and drying, Lichter Marck says.The new find is formally known as Ovicula biradiata. Ovicula means little sheep in Latin, and the name not only describes the plant but also honors the iconic bighorn sheep that used to roam Big Bend before they were killed by hunters and diseases. (Texas began to reintroduce sheep to the region in 2010). Meanwhile the common name woolly devil reflects the plants discovery near a canyon called Devils Den, Manley says, as well as the hornlike appearance of plants with two ray floretsand, she admits, the frustration of distinguishing it from other tiny, fuzzy plants.And these plants really are woolly, Lichter Marck says. Thousands of hairs fully cover the stems and leaves. In order to extract DNA from the plant, we actually had to give the leaves a little shave, he says. The hairs likely protect the plant from hungry animals, he notes. Imagine youre an herbivoreyou come to chew on these leaves, but you just get a mouthful of wool, Lichter Marck says.This feature is surprisingly common among sunflowers in such harsh environments. It likely also protects the plant from damaging ultraviolet light or the dry desert air that sucks moisture from plants. And right now the region is in a severe drought, so woolly devils need all the protection they can get, Manley says.The drought also makes keeping tabs on the woolly devil a challenge for Manley and anyone else looking to spot it. The plant is difficult to distinguish when not in flowerand it only flowers after it rains. Its frustrating, Manley says, noting that not even she can track down the plant right now, much less newcomers to the park who have heard about the discovery. There is not much going on in the park right now, botanicallythe main event right now is theres a lot of plants dying, she says.Even if the drought eases up, Lichter Marck worries about the fate of the woolly devil, which Manley and other park representatives identified last year in only a few patches of the park. We may have documented this plant as its on its way out, and were lucky to do so, he says. Its almost an urgent type of science. We need to document these things before they go extinct.

March 18, 2025Debunking Colonoscopy Myths That Could Be Putting Your Health at RiskA colonoscopy can save your life, but misinformation keeps many people from getting one. A gastroenterologist sets the record straight. Anaissa Ruiz Tejada/Scientific AmericanSUBSCRIBE TO Science QuicklyRachel Feltman: For Scientific Americans Science Quickly, Im Rachel Feltman.Few outpatient medical procedures inspire as much negativity as the colonoscopy. In honor of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, weve decided to bust up some of the myths that make people avoid this crucial procedure. My guest today is John Nathanson. Hes a gastroenterologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Columbia University Irving Medical Center.Thanks so much for joining us today.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.John Nathanson: Its great being here. Thank you for having me.Feltman: So we are here to debunk some colonoscopy myths. First things first, you know, why do you think colonoscopies are, like, so reviled by the general public? I had one to check on some post-COVID GI issues about a year ago, and I was really surprised at how not awful it all was [laughs] based on the general vibe. So, yeah, why do you think they sort of loom so large in peoples minds?Nathanson: Well, absolutely. You know, I think it's a sensitive topic. People, you know, dont normally get these things checked out and dont normally talk about the things that we address in colonoscopy in a normal day-to-day conversation. So I think, for people, theres this mystical nature about it, where they kind of understand what we do but may not have a full understanding of everything, and because its such a sensitive area, people tend to have some misconceptions about it.Feltman: Yeah, so what do colonoscopies do? Why are they important?Nathanson: Colonoscopy is a critical tool in our armamentarium as gastroenterologists. Number one, colonoscopy can be used to diagnose common GI issues like constipation, bleeding, diarrhea without any other cause, but more importantly, and for the general public at large, it can be used as a tool for screening for colon cancer.Feltman: So most people assume colonoscopy prep is gonna be really awful. What does it actually involve, and what is it like?Nathanson: You know, its highly variable from doctor to doctoreverybody recommends their own way of doing things. But for most people it generally involves, a day before your colonoscopy, modifying your diet and taking some sort of laxative to help cleanse the system prior to the procedure.Feltman: And why is getting a good prep in so important for the procedure?Nathanson: Getting a good prep is a critical part of this experience because the better the prep, the more thorough our exam is. So the cleaner the colon, the more we are able to look for precancerous lesions, to make sure theres nothing else developing in the colon and to potentially diagnose some issues that brought people in in the first place.Feltman: Yeah. Is there anything that people can do to make the prep process more easier? I mean, for example, my doctor recommended, you know, slowly changing my diet in the days before, which I found really helpful.Nathanson: Absolutely, thats a great idea. And, you know, we try and make very mild changes to peoples routines so that this is not a disruptive experiencerather, this is just something that you get through very easily.We generally recommend drinking the prep cold; that can sometimes help. Number two is just changing your diet little by little prior to the colonoscopy. Mostly what we recommend is just the entire day before the colonoscopy, be on a liquid diet, but you can do things like drink broth, Jell-O, Popsicles, that type of stuff.Feltman: What are some of the sort of common mistakes people might make in their prep work that might impact the quality of the colonoscopy?Nathanson: Sure, you know, people these days love fiber, and as a gastroenterologist we recommend that people increase fiber in their diet pretty much to everybody.Feltman: Mm-hmm.Nathanson: In the days leading up to your colonoscopy, however, a high-fiber diet may make it more difficult to prep completely for your colonoscopy ...Feltman: Right.Nathanson: So while fiber in general is excellentits great for your health, its great for your digestionit may make the prep process a little bit more complicated. And it may make it so that the prep is not as complete as we need it to be. So generally we recommend a lower-fiber diet in the days leading up to the colonoscopy.Feltman: That makes sense. So moving from the prep into the procedure, you know, in the most not-scary terms, what happens during a colonoscopy?Nathanson: Sure, well, you come into our office, you get an IV in your arm, and youre being monitored by an anesthesiologist, who is giving you medication to keep you comfortable. And as a patient is asleep we put a camera in from below to examine the lining of the colon. While youre asleep we look for any signs of cancer or any signs of developing cancer. And if we see anything irregular or developing, we biopsy it or take it out completely.Feltman: And do you have to be sedated to have a colonoscopy?Nathanson: You dont. We recommend it. We find that when patients are more comfortable, we do a more thorough and complete exam. However, there are patients that choose to forgo anesthesia altogether and do just fine.Feltman: Yeah, well, and relatedly, you know, what about people whove heard that colonoscopies are really painful, either during or even after due to bloating? How bad is it usually?Nathanson: The vast majority of our patients experience almost no discomfort at all. During the procedure patients are incredibly comfortable and are being monitored by an anesthesiologist, who can give them more medication if they experience any discomfort whatsoever. And after the procedure any discomfort is, is minimal as well. Patients usually pass gas very quickly, dont feel any discomfort lasting after the procedure.Feltman: So now that weve demystified the procedure itself a little bit, lets talk about deciding to get one.So what would you say to people who assume they dont need colonoscopies because theyre healthy, they eat right, they dont have any problems in the bathroom?Nathanson: Sure. I, I say to everybody: if you are between 45 and 75, a colonoscopy is right for you for colon cancer screening. This is something that everybody, provided they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and healthy enough to undergo the procedure, should be offered as a critical method to screen for and to prevent colon cancer.Feltman: So weve been seeing a lot of studies and stuff in the news about younger folks getting colorectal cancer. Is there anything that people should take away from that in terms of when they should get screened or what symptoms they should be looking out for?Nathanson: For sure, and I think this is an important point to bring upwe are seeing a slight increase in the absolute number of patients under the age of 45 who are being diagnosed with colon cancer.So colonoscopy is only one tool that we use to screen for colon cancer. Its the tool that I generally recommend most often because colonoscopy has the added advantage of being able to detect but also prevent colon cancer. I always say: Dont ignore symptoms. If there are symptoms that are scary, that are new, speak with your doctor to figure out whether or not a colonoscopy is the right test to evaluate whats going on.I will say, starting at 45 is a great time to think about colorectal cancer screening, but if there is a family history, if there is a high-risk genetic condition, you may be a candidate to start screening earlier. For example, if a patient has a family history of colon cancer in a first-degree relative, we generally recommend starting at 40 or 10 years before the age of diagnosiswhatever is earlier. So I always say to talk with your doctor to figure out when you should start screening and start thinking about engaging in this process.Feltman: And if people have, you know, any GI concerns that make them feel like maybe they should be getting a colonoscopy, what should their first steps be?Nathanson: Absolutely. You know, this is what we specialize in, and if patients have any questions about GI symptoms, I always recommend speaking with a gastroenterologist. Working with your doctor is an excellent way to figure out if a colonoscopy may be the right screening test for you and may be the right test to figure out what is going on and what is causing your symptoms.Feltman: I think a lot of people assume that all a colonoscopy can do for you is tell you that youve got colon cancer. What else can come out of these procedures?Nathanson: Yeah, I think thats a dangerous misconception because colonoscopy is an excellent way to actually prevent colon cancer, which is the reason why we push it so much, or we, we really talk with our patients more about getting colonoscopies, because if we find precancerous polyps, we can remove them and prevent them from ever becoming an issue.Feltman: Yeah, thats a huge deal. Are there any other big misconceptions about colonoscopies that you want our listeners to know the truth about?Nathanson: Yeah, that this is an unpleasant experience. I find that most of our patients actually say, Well, that was not much of a problem at all, and if I had known it was so easy, I would have come in sooner.So this is a, a straightforward test, its a safe test, and it is a test that is not associated with significant discomfort.Feltman: Awesome, thanks so much for coming in and helping us dispel some of these myths.Nathanson: Absolutely. Thank you so much for having me.Feltman: Thats all for todays episode. Well be back on Friday with a special look into the science of the hit TV series Severance, featuring the neurosurgeon who helped writers develop the shows titular procedure.Science Quickly is produced by me, Rachel Feltman, along with Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck fact-check our show. Our theme music was composed by Dominic Smith. Subscribe to Scientific American for more up-to-date and in-depth science news.For Scientific American, this is Rachel Feltman. See you next time!

The Sims-like Inzoi has "16 different types of deaths", so watch out for slippery bathroom floorsHere lies Anne Accident.Image credit: Krafton News by Victoria Kennedy News Reporter Published on March 19, 2025 Let's be honest, when it comes to The Sims, sometimes it is quite a lot of fun to kill off various members of your community, be it by letting them get devoured by a cowplant or the always classic pool ladder removal technique (although, you now also need walls to box those Sims in).So, if you are like me - and don't pretend that you aren't - you will probably be wondering what methods there will be to kill off your characters in Inzoi, the upcoming Sim-like from Krafton. And, the good news for us players who like to flex those Godly muscles, Inzoi has "16 different types of deaths" for players to discover.8 Wholesome 2025 Cosy Games. Watch on YouTube"One of the biggest features of this game is death," game director Hyungjun 'Kjun' Kim said during an Inzoi livestream (thanks, PC Gamer), acknowledging that "life comes with death".So, what of those deaths? "In Inzoi you could go to the bathroom and if you slip you might die. Or if you eat some old food you might have to go to the bathroom and, again, die," the director shared."And when you fix broken-down electronics you might get electrocuted, so you need to be careful. I made the chance really low, but actually electronics can very often break down. We have 16 different types of deaths."Now, some of those deaths sound very similar to deaths in EA's The Sims series, but Inzoi will have one rather unique death - "dying from the need for recognition".Said Kjun: "In the modern world you find a lot of people feel fulfilled from being recognised by others and this death reflects that. For example, in Inzoi let's say I fought with someone and that rumor spread and came back to me. I could get a text message about it, or a friend of mine could tell me about the rumor and if the rumor is negative then my need for acknowledgement can go down."And if that drops too drastically then you might die from that."Inzoi's characters can also get hit by cars, so be sure to practice some road safety when out and about. "I reiterate, we have a simulation and death and this type of thing is a part of the game," Kjun concluded. Image credit: KraftonDuring the same showcase, Kjun revealed Inzoi will launch in early access for $40 (that's around 30), and "until there's a full launch all updates and DLCs will be provided for free". The director also revealed Inzoi's roadmap for the rest of the year. As laid out by PC Gamer, this is as follows:Update 1, MayMod kit (Maya, Blender)Changes to weight, muscle adjustmentIn-game cheat codesRelationship improvementsAdoption systemBuild mode improvements & new furnitureCreate a Zoi improvementsOutfit updatesUpdate 2, AugustGhost playSwimming & poolsMore resources for edit cityAI build modeFreelancer jobsImprovements to text messages & skillsParenting improvementsUpdate 3, OctoberFamily timeHotkey customisationBuild modeadjust object sizeNew furnitureMoving homes UX improvementsCreate a Zoi improvementsMod updatesUpdate 4, DecemberMemory systemMove citiesInteraction responses based on traitsBuild mode improvements and new furnitureCreate a Zoi improvementsMod updatesNew outfitsIndoor temperature Image credit: KraftonInzoi will be available in early access via Steam from 28th March. You can check out Inzoi's PC hardware requirements and a look at how different settings compare here.

Xbox launches Wii Nunchuk-style Adaptive Joystick25 controller designed to aid accessibility.Image credit: Microsoft News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on March 19, 2025 Microsoft has launched the Xbox Adaptive Joystick, a companion controller that looks very similar to the Wii's Nunchuk accessory. Fans of Nintendo's retro console will spot the same shape as the Wii Nunchuk, with two trigger buttons on the back of the device and an analogue stick on top. Four face buttons are also included.The Xbox Adaptive Joystick was announced last year as a further aid to accessibility, and plugs directly into any Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S console, Windows 11 PC, or the Xbox Adaptive Controller device. Introducing the Xbox Adaptive Joystick.Watch on YouTubeFor now, the controller is being sold via the Microsoft Store for 25, or $30. "With more than 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, we know each player has unique needs and preferences for how they choose to play," Microsoft's chief accessibility officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie said in a Microsoft blog post. "The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a singular, wired controller primarily designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility. Its versatility helps players seamlessly incorporate it into their existing gaming setups. Built with the Gaming and Disability community who inform the development of Xbox products from the beginning. The joystick joins our family of adaptive accessories including the mouse, pen, adaptive kit and Xbox Adaptive Controller."Buttons can be remapped via the standard Xbox Accessories app. A range of 3D-printable thumbstick topper designs are also available via the Xbox Design lab, to allow users to customise their controller further to their needs.Eurogamer previously took a deeper look at how gamers with disabilities helped shape the Microsoft Adaptive Controller.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereEpic Games is constantly looking for ways to improve Fortnite and add new features to it. The video game has drastically changed over the past seven and a half years, which is a testament to Epics hard work. Considering that the game is still popular, with millions of daily active users, the developer wont stop adding new content to it anytime soon.It appears that one of the upcoming features will drastically improve cosmetic items in Fortnite. On top of this, millions of players should get new cosmetics for free!The upcoming feature will drastically improve cosmetic items in FortniteOn Tuesday night, Epic Games began processing another V-Bucks refund. Players who purchased the Rap Boy Reloaded skin and Air Jordan 3 SE Unite Kicks were given a one-time refund of 1,000 V-Bucks, which was a pleasant surprise. This move makes a lot of sense considering that the outfit already has the Kicks equipped.While the refund was nice, what comes in the future is even better. The refund indicates that Epic will soon allow players to use the Kicks equipped with skins on other outfits. For example, if you own a Maya skin from Chapter 2, you will be able to use her boots on other skins in your locker. In other words, Kicks will be similar to back blings, as they will be interchangeable among skins.The upcoming feature will drastically improve cosmetics in Fortnite. Image by VideoGamerIts worth noting that Epic has only teased this feature and has yet to fully confirm it. With the next Fortnite update set for March 25, the developer may either introduce the feature or share more details about it. Epic has stated that over 95% of skins will support Kicks by Spring 2025, and this new feature would further enhance them. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerRelated TopicsFortnite Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share