April 15, 20253 min readTech Use Isn’t Driving Dementia in Older AdultsSmartphone and computer use hasn’t put today’s older adults at increased risk of cognitive declineBy Payal Dhar edited by Allison Parshall Halfpoint Images/Getty ImagesScreens are steadily taking over more and more of our life, leading some researchers to worry about the effect of long-term use on older adults’ brain. It has been suggested that this might lead to so-called digital dementia—that depending on digital technology throughout our life might detract from cognitive functioning in our later years.But new research indicates this hypothesis doesn’t appear to be true, at least for the generation of adults who first routinely used smartphones, computers and the Internet—and who are now reaching the age when cognitive impairment often starts to appear. In a paper published on Monday in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers analyzed 57 studies of digital technology use and cognitive function in more than 400,000 older adults across the world. They found that people in the “digital pioneer” generation who engaged more with digital technology did not have higher rates of cognitive impairment. In fact, technology use was associated with lower rates of cognitive decline. Yet the nature of the apparent relationship between these factors remains unclear.One reason some researchers worried about “digital dementia” was previous research that linked television viewing, a passive activity, with negative outcomes such as an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. On the surface, most computer or smartphone screentime might seem similarly passive, says the new paper’s co-author Michael Scullin, a neuroscience researcher at Baylor University. But “for this group of middle-aged and older adults, [phones and computers] have been used for mentally stimulating activities and for social connections,” such as solving puzzles, engaging with the news, chatting with friends, or using reminders and alarms to help with daily activities.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.Scullin and his co-author Jared Benge, a neuropsychologist at the University of Texas at Austin, gathered large studies that tracked cognitive and other health outcomes—and that also included information on participants’ everyday technology use. The authors identified 57 studies and rated them for the quality of their evidence, based on sample size, methods, and more. In analyzing the studies’ results, the researchers found technology use pointed to a reduced risk of cognitive decline. This outcome could not be solely explained by demographic, socioeconomic, health or other lifestyle factors in isolation.A possibility that using digital technology could potentially help stave off cognitive decline aligns with the cognitive reserve theory, or the idea that the brain can work around damage from neurodegenerative diseases by finding alternate ways to complete tasks. This theory, based on a 1988 study in which individuals with no dementia symptoms were found to have Alzheimer’s-like changes in their brain, holds that engaging with complex mental activities may lead to better cognitive well-being in older age.But it’s also possible that the reverse is true: instead of technology use staving off dementia, early experiences of cognitive decline could decrease older adults’ likelihood of engaging with technology in the first place. Or an unknown third variable could be affecting both technology use and cognitive decline. “Correlation is not causation,” Benge stresses.“I was not especially surprised by the results, but I was surprised by how clear and consistent they were,” says neuroscientist Sam Gilbert of University College London, who wasn’t involved with the study. “This study provides a robust challenge to the pervasive fears about ‘digital dementia’ and highlights the potential of technology as a tool for cognitive enrichment,” says Chiara Scarampi, a neuroscientist at the University of Geneva, who also was not involved with the study.“‘Digital dementia’ has always felt like a catchy but overstated concept to me,” she adds. “Cognitive offloading—using tools like reminders or GPS—is not inherently harmful. In fact, it can free up cognitive resources for more complex tasks.”

Out of all of the linens in the world, the best percale sheets are some of our favorites thanks to their combo of cooling comfort and a crisp handfeel. Percale is cotton (though always double-check the labels) and refers to the weave, which is strong and tight because of the basket pattern—one over, one under—hence why the sheets look matte as opposed to shiny.A close cousin to sateen, percale bed sheets and pillowcases aren’t super glossy, pill less than other options, and can’t be beat when it comes to a high-end look and feel. They are often likened to a well-pressed dress shirt. This high-quality bedding will get softer with each wash (just be sure to follow the care instructions and you won’t have to worry about shrinkage) so your bedding situation will only have more of a lived-in feel with time. The world is your percale oyster, and we’re here to help guide you toward the best sheets for you. Shop our editor-reviewed selects below.Our top picks for the best percale sheets:Best Overall Percale Sheets: Quince Organic Cotton Sheet Set, $100Our Budget Pick: California Design Den 100% Organic Percale Sheet Set, $48 $45For Minimalists: Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set, $205The Splurge Set: Matouk Egyptian Cotton Sheeting, $374For Traditional Bedrooms: Petite Plume Luxe Premium Cotton Bed Sheets, $154Unless otherwise noted, all prices reflect the cost of queen size sheets or sheet sets.Browse by CategoryOur favoritesQuince Classic Organic Percale Sheet SetSenior AD PRO editor Mel Studach has tried many percale styles over the years, but vouches that her Quince sheet set skews softer than most. “Being 100% cotton, the set is also nicely breathable,” she says. “And while the crisp, smooth texture is incredibly comfortable for sleeping, I also appreciate that when I make my bed every morning, the sheets maintain their structure sans unsightly wrinkles.”California Design Den 100% Organic Cotton Sheets“I was incredibly impressed by the quality of these sheets because they really do feel five-star-hotel-level luxurious,” commerce editor Audrey Lee said when she tested this best-selling Amazon set. Like many other sheets on our list, this one is made of organic cotton, is Oeko-Tex certified, and fits mattresses up to 15 inches deep. What makes it stand out? The incredibly wallet-friendly price tag: You get a fitted sheet, top sheet, and two pillowcases in king sizes. If for some reason you find that these are, in fact, too good to be true, you can take advantage of Amazon’s return policy.Saatva Organic Percale Sheet Set“Of all the sheets I’ve tried, these cotton percale sheets feel the most like expensive hotel sheets that I’ve come across, and the price tag certainly reflects that!” hard to beat a review like that, especially from our commerce director Rachel Fletcher, who tests a lot of bedding. These are made from long staple cotton that just gets softer with each wash.Matouk Bergamo Egyptian Cotton SheetingThis is a splurge, we know. But if you are looking for higher thread count options (we’re talking 500-plus) look no further. These sheets fully won US digital director Allie Weiss over with their hotel-level luxury. “I hate scratchy sheets, and breathed a sigh of relief when I slipped into these. They are both lightweight, crisp-looking, and soft to the touch—talk about a win-win.” Each piece is sold separately, so you can build a set as you see fit (with contrasting shams, extra monograms, and even matching duvet covers).Photo: Nashia BakerPetite Plume Luxe Premium Cotton Bed SheetsIf your bedroom style leans traditional, these luxe cotton sheets will bring a classic look to your bedding. Senior commerce editor Nashia Baker dresses her mattress with these and is a fan of their design and breathable feel. “I usually stick with sheets in solid colors, but the timeless toile print caught my eye and evoked an elegant aesthetic I wanted to try for my sleep setup,” she says. “The botanical print is like something out of a painting and has shown no signs of fading.” Between humid days and cold nights, Baker adds that the fabric is smooth to the touch and keeps her comfortable amid the ever-changing New York City weather.More AD-approved percale sheetsLane Linen 100% Organic Long-Staple Cotton SheetsAnother one of our favorite sheet sets on Amazon received high praise from contributor Kristi Kellogg. “If you’re looking for something breathable and cooling, you’ll love this lightweight Lane Linen set. I love the fact that it’s made of organic cotton (and also Oeko-Tex certified),” she says. Coming in at under $60, the sheet set is available in more than 20 colors, including charcoal, dusty rose, silver, navy, white, and lilac.Nest Bedding Crinkle Percale Organic Cotton Sheet Set + PillowcasesNest Bedding has proven to be an AD editor favorite (we love their sateen sheets in particular) and while their snuggle-worthy crinkle percale sheets are the relatively new kids on the block, they check all the right boxes. As sheets made for summer, they’re extra breathable and soft thanks to their 100% organic cotton makeup and 200 thread count weave. They come in five on-trend colors with the sort of relaxed wrinkle that offers your bedroom a romantically lived-in look.The Company Store Classic Cool Cotton Percale Bed Sheet SetThese are some of the best cooling sheets on the list. With a 300 thread count cotton percale weave backed by a Oeko-Tex certification, these crisp sheets are designed to keep you comfy year-round. Lightweight, smooth, and offered in 18 colors, these are a versatile classic.Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheet SetAnother set of crinkle cotton percale sheet set (crinkle yet wrinkle-free!). This set is made of 100% organic cotton in a factory that recycles 90% of its wastewater. The cotton fibers look like the linen sheets we’ve tested and loved but with the crisp and cool feel of percale that’s great for a range of climates.Boll & Branch Percale Hemmed Sheet SetMade of long-staple cotton, the brand says the sheets look “smooth and structured like a crisp, button-down shirt.” We’re inclined to agree if their tester-favorite hemmed sateen sheets are any indication. The set includes a fitted sheet (that fits mattresses up to 17"), top sheet, and two pillowcases. The bedding is also available in California king sizes and the elusive split king as well. Available in eight soft or neutral colors like ivory and two striped options, there’s something for almost every low-key color preference.How we tested the best percale sheetsInstead of relying on customer reviews or lab testing, we brought the best percale sheets into our homes to get a real feel for this crisp, breathable bedding throughout the seasons. While they are some of the best cooling sheets you can shop for, they are some of the softest too. We opted for picks that leaned towards a minimum of a 200 thread count to promote temperature regulation and comfort. It might feel weighty, but it is breathable enough to be one of the top picks for warm weather and hot sleepers. We kept an eye out for Oeko-Tex certifications, certified organic cotton, and deep pockets to ensure the picks are sustainably made and a great fit for a variety of mattress sizes. We also included a range of price point options to fit a variety of budgets and sheets sets that come with extras like a flat sheet and even a matching duvet cover to complete your bedscape.

The organizers of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize ceremony, the star-studded evening known informally as the Oscars of Science, should have thought twice before booking the famously unfiltered Seth Rogen to present an award — something they seemed to acknowledge when they cut out parts of his remarks from the official video that streamed on YouTube a week later. The Studio creator and star has a history of going rogue at awards shows (calling out the 2021 Emmys’ COVID safety protocols, for example, or getting bleeped for an off-color Ryan Gosling joke at this year’s Golden Globes), and he did it again from the stage of at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica on April 5, when he co-presented the Special Breakthrough Prize in Physics alongside Edward Norton at the ceremony’s 13th edition. Related Stories After being introduced by host James Corden, Norton began by praising some of the tech titans in the audience — which included Breakthrough Prize co-founders Yuri Milner, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sergey Brin — for underwriting the awards. (Each recipient is given $3 million.) Emboldened by a dirty martini backstage, Rogen jumped in with a none-too-subtle reference to past attendee and current DOGE mastermind Elon Musk. “And it’s amazing that others [who have been] in this room underwrote electing a man who, in the last week, single-handedly destroyed all of American science,” he said, clearly making Norton uncomfortable. The comment underlined the irony of Silicon Valley’s increasingly cozy relationship with the Trump administration, which has cut federal science funding and defied scientific consensus. “It’s amazing how much good science you can destroy with $320 million and RFK Jr, very fast,” Rogen continued. The ad-lib landed with a thud, or “light applause,” as a visibly uncomfortable Norton joked. “I’d say that’s a smattering,” Rogen said. Those watching the event on YouTube a week later, though, wouldn’t have a clue about Rogen’s pointed barbs. The so-called “full video” was subtly edited to make it seem as if Norton’s “light applause” comment was a reference to his entrance with Rogen. The stream also cut out a throw-away joke Rogen made a few minutes later in describing the work of the physics prize winner, Gerardus ‘t Hooft of the University of Utrecht. Using the metaphor of a wheel to describe the concept of symmetry, Rogen said the wheel could roll either left or right — and quipped that the crowd would “roll right,” according to a source in the audience. The edited version skips over the joke and cuts straight to Norton’s response: “But that would break the symmetry.” When asked why Rogen’s potentially embarrassing comments were excised, a spokesperson for the Breakthrough Prize Foundation said, “This year’s ceremony lasted longer than the prior few years, and several edits were made in order to meet the originally planned run time.” Rogen could not be reached for comment. (The Hollywood Reporter is the media sponsor of the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.)

How ye doing, Ken? So, here's what other outlets had to say: CGMagazine: "Rest assured it’s shaping up to be another solid release—thanks in part to the inclusion of 3D-era titles that help keep things feeling fresh." COGConnected: "If the rest of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is as polished and option-filled as the 3 games we got to preview, then it will be a must-own collection for retro fighting game fans. Lots of these games have been trapped in arcade and Sega Dreamcast exclusivity. There are lots of players out there chomping at the bit for modern versions of the Capcom vs SNK games and the Power Stone games. Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein is a really fun bonus to go with those two heavyweight series." Game Informer: "Though not every game was available for me to preview in this build, I adored my opportunity to revisit games like Street Fighter Alpha 3 Upper and Power Stone 2 while finally getting the chance to pour time into games like Project Justice and the Capcom vs. SNK games. Though I don't see myself returning to every game in this collection, these allow me to play games I long thought lost to time. Add to that the online play capabilities and the option to have one-button specials, and Capcom Fighting Collection 2 is shaping up to be a potent package." Game Rant: "Ahead of its release, Capcom Fighting Collection 2 has established itself as yet another essential entry in Capcom's Fighting Collection series, and its revival of several long-dormant games trapped behind exclusivity on outdated hardware highlights it as an important work in the field of game preservation." Push Square: "It’s cool to see Capcom continuing this line of compilations, and it’s nice to see SEGA’s infamous NAOMI arcade board being represented here. The games mostly still hold up from what we’ve played thus far, and some of the artwork is incredible – especially in Project Justice, which personally appeals to our tastes." The Capcom Fighting Collection 2 launches on 16th May 2025. Capcom has also announced a new update is arriving today for Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection. Fight on! Will you be checking out Capcom Fighting Collection 2 when it's released? Let us know in the comments. Related Games See Also Share:0 0 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Round Up: The First Impressions Of Donkey Kong Bananza Are In He's finally back... Round Up: The First Impressions Of Mario Kart World Are In The race begins this June Round Up: The First Impressions Of 'Drag x Drive' For Switch 2 Are In "A showcase for dual-mouse mode"

Semiconductor giant Nvidia is facing unexpected new U.S. export controls on its H20 chips. In a filing Tuesday, Nvidia said it was informed by the U.S. government that it will need a license to export its H20 AI chips to China. This license will be required indefinitely, according to the filing — the U.S. government cited “risk that the [H20] may be used in […] a supercomputer in China.” Nvidia anticipates $5.5 billion in related charges in its Q1 2026 fiscal year, which ends April 27. The company’s stock was down around 6% in extended trading. The H20 is the most advanced AI chip Nvidia can export to China under the U.S.’ current and previous export rules. Last week, NPR reported that CEO Jensen Huang might have talked his way out of new H20 restrictions during a dinner at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, in part by committing that Nvidia would invest in AI data centers in the U.S. Perhaps not-so-coincidentally, Nvidia announced on Monday that it would spend hundreds of millions of dollars over the next four years manufacturing some AI chips in the U.S. Pundits were quick to point out that the company’s commitment was light on the details. Multiple government officials had been calling for stronger export controls on the H20 because the chip was allegedly used to train models from China-based AI startup DeepSeek, including the R1 “reasoning” model that threw the U.S. AI market for a loop in January. Nvidia declined to comment.

Landscape Forms, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of high-design site furniture, structure, lighting and accessories, is proud to announce its long-term sustainability roadmap—a comprehensive, values-driven commitment to reducing environmental impact and driving meaningful progress in sustainable design and manufacturing. Recognizing that sustainability is a journey, the company has outlined a strategic path spanning the next 25 years, with key initiatives set to be implemented in the next three years to generate early, measurable progress. (Courtesy Landscape Forms) “For over 50 years, Landscape Forms has done right by the environment while making solutions that serve a purpose in connecting people to nature and each other,” said Landscape Forms sustainability leader, Amy Syverson‑Shaffer. “A deep appreciation for the environment has always been part of our heritage, and now we’re taking it to the next level for all our stakeholders, with this roadmap that will put us on the vanguard of authentic sustainability in our industry.” Landscape Forms’s sustainability roadmap is built on two key pillars: Responsible Making and Advancing Stewardship. These pillars establish the foundation for a series of strategic initiatives aimed at eliminating carbon emissions, conserving resources, utilizing sustainable materials, fostering biodiversity, and serving communities. (Courtesy Landscape Forms) Landscape Forms is charting a new path, beginning with key initiatives over the next three years. The company will focus on improving energy efficiency and implementing clean energy strategies aligned with Michigan’s target to achieve economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2040. It will increase waste diversion to over 95 percent at all facilities and minimize landfill contributions. The company is also prioritizing the use of sustainable and renewable wood species, recycled metals, and non-toxic finishes to ensure the utmost health and safety for people and the environment. Strengthening the connection between people and nature, Landscape Forms is committed to protecting and promoting healthy, biodiverse ecosystems around its facilities, with significant habitat conservation and nature-based solutions set to accompany its sustainability focused campus expansion project that begins in early Q2 of this year. Recent landmark achievements lend momentum to these ambitious plans. The company has surpassed 90 percent diversion of waste from landfill, and recently implemented a strategy to recycle powdercoat, a waste stream that is traditionally hard to keep out of the landfill. Thermally modified ash is now the company’s most used wood, following on years of efforts promoting this innovative domestic solution. The company has invested in empirical studies and innovative tools, such as lifecycle analyses, to provide landscape architects with critical resources and elevate sustainability standards across its industry. (Courtesy Landscape Forms) While this roadmap sets a long-term vision for sustainability, Landscape Forms acknowledges that this is a continuous journey—one that requires collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to adapt. The company is partnering with third-party, internationally recognized experts in organizational sustainability to ensure accountability, track progress and identify new opportunities for improvement. “We recognize that true sustainability is and will always be an ongoing process, and we’re committed to continuous learning, adaptation, and transparency,” continued Syverson‑Shaffer. “We’re excited to take this journey alongside our customers, partners, and industry peers, knowing that by working together, we can crystalize all of our great intentions, multiply the positive effects of what we already do, and create lasting, positive change for people and planet.” To learn more about Landscape Forms’s sustainability initiatives and progress by following this link.

The Asus RT-BE86U packs a robust suite of security features, allowing you to embrace next-gen high-speed internet. But is it worth upgrading?

Looking for help with today's New York Times Wordle? Here are hints, clues and commentary to help you solve today's Wordle and sharpen your guessing game.

TL;DR: UV printers are typically used by businesses to print designs onto a wide range of surfaces, but eufyMake aims to bring similar capabilities to individual users. Early-bird pricing for the company's new Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer is now available, with a Kickstarter campaign launching at the end of this month. The UV Printer E1 from Anker's eufyMake brand allows non-business customers to print detailed color designs onto cups, tiles, paper, canvas, and numerous other materials. It supports 3D textures and AI-based image editing tools. UV printers can print onto surfaces such as wood, metal, acrylic, leather, glass, rock, and ceramics by using UV light to rapidly dry ink. Compared to other methods, it can be faster, more environmentally friendly, and often doesn't require mounting or finishing. Direct to Film (DTF) UV printers apply the process to a peel-off film that users can transfer onto various hard, smooth, flat, or curved surfaces, eliminating the need for heat pressing. However, traditional UV printers are often large, expensive machines designed for industrial use. Anker's 1440 DPI DTF printer scales the concept down by about 90 percent to a form factor more suited to personal use, small businesses, contract designers, or other small-scale purposes. Its auto leveler facilitates rotary printing onto mugs or other cylindrical objects, and its lasers can accurately measure height and contours for 3D texturing. The company claims the device is useful for creating decals, small-volume product labels, signage, and electronics or sports gear decorations. Prints can resist sunlight, weather, and washing for months. // Related Stories Starting in June, the UV Printer E1 will be compatible with eufyMake Studio, the brand's image editing software. Users can create and customize 2D and 3D textures by hand or with AI tools that generate images, change art styles, and remove photo backgrounds. A built-in jet cleaning system uses cleaning fluid to reduce maintenance. Early-bird pricing starts at $1,499 with a $50 deposit, available until April 28. During the Kickstarter campaign – from April 29 to June 8 – standard bundles begin at $1,899, with a limited early-bird discount of $200. Shipments to the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore will begin in July. The standard package includes 100ml CMYK, white, and gray ink cartridges, a 380ml cleaning cartridge, a rotary attachment, and a DTF laminating machine.

Nanoleaf makes a wide variety of smart lights, and its catalog is filled with highly customizable tiles, bulbs, and light strips to help bring a pop of color to your home. That catalog grew larger during CES 2025, and today it’s expanding once again with the arrival of the Pegboard Desk Dock — a 3-in-1 device offering solutions for storage, lighting, and charging. Nanoleaf is known for its long list of premium smart lights, so it should come as no surprise that the Pegboard Desk Dock is overflowing with RGB lights. It’s built with a dual-faced lighting system, with one side offering an obstruction-free source of light and the other equipped with a lattice design that allows you to store accessories like controllers and headphones on a series of hangers. The Pegboard offers full support for the Nanoleaf mobile app, so you can display over 16 million colors. You can also create various scenes or pick from a prebuilt list for quick access to popular options. Recommended Videos Beyond lighting and a unique pegboard design for storage, the device is equipped with a USB-A and two USB-C ports, plus another USB-C power delivery port. That means you should have no problem keeping all your gadgets charged and ready for their next play session. Nanoleaf Other supported features include Screen Mirror to create lightshows that mimic your on-screen action, Orchestrator to sync with music, and support for Nanoleaf Premium. Note that some features require a subscription and a connection to the Nanoleaf Desktop app. Related Despite all the cool features — and a striking design — the Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock is reasonably priced at $60. If you’re seeking a unique way to organize your desktop, there’s not much else like it on the market. For more lighting options, check out our roundup of the best smart bulbs. Editors’ Recommendations