During a press conference on Monday, Zhang and Wang denied fighting against Ukraine voluntarily. GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images 2025-04-15T08:32:52Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Two Chinese prisoners of war spoke to the press on Monday, describing life under Russian forces. Both Chinese men said they were duped into becoming frontline soldiers for Russia. One of them said it was impossible to escape because he was constantly being watched. A Chinese man who said he was tricked into fighting for Russia's military told reporters on Monday that he was guarded so closely he couldn't go to the bathroom alone.Identified by Ukraine as 34-year-old Wang Guangjun, the man said at a Kyiv press conference that he had entered Russia believing he would be a rehabilitation therapist for Moscow's troops, only to discover he was being deployed on the front lines.Ukraine said on Wednesday that Wang and another Chinese man, 27-year-old Zhang Renbao, were captured in Donetsk. Business Insider could not independently verify statements from the prisoners of war.Both men said they were speaking to the press in hopes that China would notice their situation and negotiate for their release. They also denied fighting against Ukraine voluntarily.Wang described himself as being trapped after reporting for work in Moscow in early 2025, after which he was sent for a few days of training and later to Ukraine's front lines."Escape is impossible. Because from the moment you enter the training camp, if you go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, there will be a guard with a loaded gun following you," said Wang."And during training, your commander will keep a close eye on you. You have totally no opportunity to escape. Anyway, Russia is filled with military police, even if you try to run, there is nowhere to go," he added.Zhang — who said he was previously a rescue worker and firefighter in Shanghai — and Wang told Ukrainian and international reporters that they were promised monthly salaries of up to 280,000 rubles, or about $3,400.But they said they were often left in the dark and couldn't communicate well with their Russian-speaking officers. Wang added that he surrendered his mobile phone and was unsure if he was paid at all."I can very honestly tell everyone that I absolutely don't know the specifics," Wang said. "Because everything that involved us was kept secret."Russia's Defense Ministry did not respond to a request for comment sent outside regular business hours by BI.Wang and Zhang describe their capture Zhang is escorted by a Ukrainian armed guard at a press conference in Kyiv. GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images Wang said he was deployed on April 1 in Donetsk with a unit that went by the "7th" — which could be a reference to Russia's 7th Motorized Rifle Brigade. The Chinese man said he could only communicate with his commanders via sounds and hand gestures.He told reporters that on April 4, he and several soldiers were sent to advance on the front lines in northern Donetsk. Wang said that as they neared their destination, a Russian soldier called his name and mimicked the sound of a gun firing, urging him to begin attacking."On the way there, we had gone through many Russian bunkers, so I thought we had arrived at our own friendly position. I thought he was joking," he said. "So I hid to one side."Wang then said that the "sky was filled with countless drones" that killed several of his comrades. The survivors soon surrendered to Ukrainian forces, he added.Meanwhile, Zhang said he arrived in Moscow as a tourist in December and, after seeking work there, was eventually shipped to Donetsk for a month.He said he and a small Russian squad were sent in late March to advance on foot at the front lines, then spent hours hiding and trying to survive repeated drone attacks."I just ran and ran and ran, until I eventually encountered Ukrainian soldiers," Zhang said.Ukraine says it has evidence that over 150 Chinese people are fighting for Russia, but added that there's no sign their presence is sanctioned by Beijing. On Friday, Reuters cited unnamed US officials saying that Washington believes most Chinese citizens fighting for Russia are mercenaries.China, meanwhile, said it has always told its citizens to stay away from the war."We call on the relevant party to be correct and sober about China's role and refrain from making irresponsible remarks," a spokesperson for Beijing's foreign ministry said on Thursday. Recommended video

Little Birch House / buck&simpleSave this picture!© Tim Pascoe Photographer Architects: buck&simple Area Area of this architecture project Area:  320 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2025 Photographs Photographs:Tim Pascoe Photographer Manufacturers Brands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers:  Fisher & Paykel, Abodo, Autodesk Revit, B-TD, Briggs Veneers, Brightgreen, Brodware, Graham Day Doors, Porters Original Paints, Real Flame, Smeg, TOVO Lighting Lead Architects: Peter Ahern More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. Little Birch represents a case study in the bespoke detail. Realising a young family's dream to achieve the day-to-day calm of resort living adjacent to the daily grind. Resort vibes, domestic ease. Located on the traditional lands of the Kameygal people, city and district views abound as this private home descends and expands into its built oasis.Save this picture!The site presented as a compact urban setting with our challenge to conceal, direct, and connect to spaces beyond. The exterior presents to the established streetscape as an intersection of tectonic forms, mass, and planes; the simple geometry provides a counterpoint to the neighbourhood's incoherent mishmash of typologies.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Descending from the street level, you see glimpses of district views recede before you're enveloped in a garden oasis shared across indoor-outdoor entertaining and lower-ground living spaces. Planar joinery conceals service & private areas of the program, while ribbonlike concrete stairs puncture the double-height void connecting & engaging across the home. The interplay of split-level geometries further belies the compact floor plan and encourages the visual borrowing of space as each level employs key vistas borrowing district views, with custom skylights building connection to the sky and a sense of the infinite.Save this picture!Save this picture!A testament to the consideration of use and celebration of the detail, the home is built for the rigours of family life. Beyond its physicality, Little Birch explores the interplay of light and shadow, structure and stillness, and mass and void. These qualities shape the home's atmosphere, creating a sanctuary of calm within the density of its urban context. The materiality is deliberately restrained, allowing natural textures to guide the experience. Finishes are refined, materials are limited, and form is celebrated through junctions, intersections, and edges that reveal a quiet complexity. Subtle variations in texture catch the light throughout the day, while a restrained palette ensures a rhythmic continuity from one space to the next.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Every surface has been considered for its haptic quality, engaging the senses through warmth and weight, smoothness and grain. The stairs, a sculptural moment within the void, hover above the floor below, the seemingly missing anchor point in contrast to the home's grounded solidity. Throughout, architectural devices create a measured slowness—a deliberate flow of movement, a quiet rhythm of compression and release. Key viewpoints frame borrowed landscapes, drawing the eye beyond the immediate, connecting the inhabitant to sky, horizon, and distant greenery.Save this picture!Save this picture!Beneath its refined elegance lies a structure designed for longevity, performance, and comfort. Cross ventilation and passive thermal strategies allow for effortless temperature regulation while controlled apertures guide the transition of light through the spaces. The landscape is interwoven throughout, a mediator between architecture and environment, softening thresholds and extending the experience of living into the natural realm. The result is a home that feels effortless yet is deeply considered. A place of balance, where design elevates the everyday, where stillness and movement, light and shade, weight and air find their resolution in a seamless whole. Project gallerySee allShow less About this officebuck&simpleOffice••• Published on April 15, 2025Cite: "Little Birch House / buck&simple" 15 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1029012/little-birch-house-buck-and-simple&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save世界上最受欢迎的建筑网站现已推出你的母语版本!想浏览ArchDaily中国吗?是否 You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/125995952 . This is the 170th episode of the new tutorial series on Action RPG game using Gameplay Ability System. Here we are going to work on how to add multiple different categories into the skill tree system. So we will refactor the skill tree we implemented previously with a single tree to contain 3 trees for survival, combat and stealth skills. Animations are sponsored by: https://www.ramsterzanimations.com/ https://www2.unrealengine.com/marketplace/en-US/product/greatsword-anims Full Playlist : Action RPG series with gameplay ability system: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou7XnRx5MfBbZnfMZJqC6ixz ► 👇 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 // 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme ►Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefits Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue5 #ue4 #indiegamedev

From the food we eat to the air we breathe, microplastics and their even smaller equivalent — nanoplastics — are just about everywhere. And while the body may expel some of the plastics we’ve consumed, there are still plenty that linger in our blood and organs, leading to other health issues. Recent research, as part of the FFG bridge project Nano-VISION, uses a new sensor platform that allows for a laser to be shone at clear, bodily fluids. Through this process, researchers can now determine the size of nanoplastics in bodily fluids along with their chemical makeup. With this new technology, the team hopes to one day determine if intraocular lenses — surgically implanted permanent lenses that replace the natural eye lens after cataract surgery — may contribute to nanoplastics in the body. Laser vs. Microplastics Harald Fitzek from the Institute of Electron Microscopy and Nanoanalysis at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), along with an ophthalmologist from Graz, launched the start-up company BRAVE Analytics and the FFG bridge project Nano-VISION about two years ago. One of their goals was to determine what role nanoplastics played in ophthalmology (treatment of eye disorders).More specifically, they wanted to see if intraocular lenses released nanoplastics into the eye. To test for nanoplastics, the research team used a two-step method. The first step was to draw the bodily fluid through a glass tube that’s part of a sensor platform created by BRAVE analytics. The second step was to shine a weak laser through the fluid or against the fluid’s flow through the glass tubes. When the laser contacts a nanoplastic particle, it begins to pulse, causing the particle to speed up or slow down, depending on its size. From the velocity, the research team could determine the particles' sizes and their concentration in the liquid.  Optofluidic Force InductionAccording to the study, this method is known as optofluidic force induction and was developed by Christian Hill from BRAVE Analytics at the Medical University of Graz. Part of the process involved combining optofluidic force induction with Raman spectroscopy — a technique used to determine the mode of vibrations within molecules. In this case, Raman spectroscopy uses Raman scattering, a process that sees how light interacts with molecular vibration. This happens at a different frequency than the laser. Through this, the research team can draw conclusions on the composition of the nanoplastic particles. “Depending on the material of the focused particles, the frequency values are slightly different in each case and thus reveal the exact chemical composition,” said Fitzek, a Raman spectroscopy expert, in a press release. “This works particularly well with organic materials and plastics.”What the Future Holds More research is still needed to determine if intraocular lenses could release nanoplastics into the body, either through general wear or exposure to laser energy. Either way, these findings will be crucial to ophthalmic surgeons and their future patients.Besides using the laser on bodily fluids to test for plastic compounds, this technology can also help determine the amount of microplastics in drinking water, leading to healthier bodies and water sources. “Our method for detecting micro- and nanoplastics can be applied to clear body fluids such as urine, tear fluid or blood plasma,” said Fitzek in a press release. “However, it is also suitable for the continuous monitoring of liquid flows in industry as well as drinking and waste water.”Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:A graduate of UW-Whitewater, Monica Cull wrote for several organizations, including one that focused on bees and the natural world, before coming to Discover Magazine. Her current work also appears on her travel blog and Common State Magazine. Her love of science came from watching PBS shows as a kid with her mom and spending too much time binging Doctor Who.

Nature, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-01213-wA fossilized jawbone discovered more than 20 years ago belonged to a Denisovan. Plus, the states hit hardest by NIH cuts in charts and an acoustics lab inside an abandoned nuclear plant.

Welcome to the “failed render” support group. This is a safe space where we share the pure rage (and occasional tears) we’ve all experienced in those final moments Model: ready, Lighting: perfect, Render time: wtf. This is a judgement free space. The more dramatic the better. submitted by /u/Virtuall_Pro [link] [comments]

Here are some scenes from my dreams that I've captured in these drawings. I hope they bring you a sense of wonder and beauty.

South Korea is taking serious steps to curb the operations of unregistered crypto businesses in the country. This week, Apple blocked the apps of 14 crypto exchanges from its App Store in South Korea for not being in compliance with the country's licensing regime. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) confirmed the development this week, claiming that KuCoin and MEXC are among the affected exchanges. The development is in alignment with Seoul's efforts to make its crypto ecosystem safe for investors and curb the risks against national financial stability.All 14 blocked exchanges are based overseas and were offering unregistered crypto products and services in South Korea, the announcement said. The national Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) coordinated with Apple to have these unregistered exchanges restricted for download. This implies that the impacted apps can neither be installed anymore nor can they be updated.The financial authorities of South Korea have detailed criteria for judging domestic business activities of foreign crypto firms.“Whether a Korean website is provided, whether there are marketing events to attract Korean customers, whether payment in Korean Won is supported, etc. are taken into consideration when making a decision,” the FSC explained.The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) oversees crypto-related registrations in the country. Unregistered crypto businesses lack government protection and can pose financial risks to the users.Businesses identified flouting regulatory mandates can face up to five years in prison along with a fine of KRW 50 million (roughly Rs. 30 lakh). Despite these potential outcomes, South Korean authorities have time and again caught crypto firms violating mandates. The FSC said, it blocked 16 unregistered abroad-based crypto firms in 2022 and six more in 2023.“In the future, FIU will continue to block domestic access through mobile applications (apps) and Internet sites of overseas unreported virtual asset operators in order to prevent money laundering risks and user damage in consultation with relevant organisations,” the FSC added.Earlier in March, Google's Play Store blocked 17 foreign crypto exchanges, including KuCoin, from being installed on Android devices in the country. As of now, it remains uncertain whether Seoul will set a compliance timeline for the affected exchanges or slap them with fines.Meanwhile, the government of South Korea has asked crypto investors to only engage with registered and licensed entities. The FIU maintains a list of registered crypto platforms on its homepage.“When dealing with unreported businesses you may be exposed to risks such as personal information leaks and hacking, and there is a risk that you may be used as a money laundering channel as you are not subject to anti -money laundering management and supervision,” the FSC noted.As of April 11, a total of 28 virtual asset business operators are officially recognised in South Korea. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Further reading: Cryptocurrency, Apple App Store, Google Play Store, Crypto Exchanges, KuCoin, South Korea Radhika Parashar Radhika Parashar is a senior correspondent for Gadgets 360. She has been reporting on tech and telecom for the last three years now and will be focussing on writing about all things crypto. Besides this, she is a major sitcom nerd and often replies in Chandler Bing and Michael Scott references. For tips or queries you could reach out to her at RadhikaP@ndtv.com. More Related Stories

Built for the Curious2 min read·Just now--AI won’t take your job. But your fear of learning will.AI is not a threat. Your unwillingness to adapt is.Every time I hear someone say “AI will replace us,” I ask them one question:What have you done in the last year to stay irreplaceable?Silence.It’s not because they’re lazy.It’s because most people think they still have time. They don’t.Here’s the truth no one wants to say:AI is not a future disruptor. It’s a present filter.It’s already dividing people into two categories:Those who know how to leverage it.And those who are waiting for someone to teach them how.The first group is building faster, writing better, automating workflows, and unlocking creativity.The second group is still arguing whether ChatGPT is “cheating.”Guess who’s going to win?AI won’t steal your job.But it will quietly upgrade the person next to you who’s open to learning.We’re not in an era of survival.We’re in an era of adaptation speed.The faster you’re willing to play with AI tools, test ideas, and learn how they work — the further you’ll go.No, you don’t need to be a prompt engineering expert.You just need to be curious enough to stop scrolling and start experimenting.What does this mean for you?If you’re a content writer — AI can be your first draft assistant. If you’re in marketing — AI can help you test 10x more campaigns. If you’re an entrepreneur — AI can validate your ideas faster than any focus group.The catch?You have to unlearn what made you comfortable in the last decade.AI doesn’t respect degrees, titles, or years of experience.

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Will Shadow Drop in the Week of April 21 – Rumour Recent leaks have repeatedly claimed that the long-rumoured remake is going to be revealed and released sometime this month. Posted By Shubhankar Parijat | On 15th, Apr. 2025 Recent leaks have claimed that the long-rumoured Virtuos-developed remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is set to launch imminently, with a simultaneous reveal and release planned for sometime in April itself. With the half of the month left, we now have more information on when to expect the game.  Journalist Jeff Grubb spoke about The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion’s rumoured remake on a recent episode of his daily Giant Bomb news podcast, GameBreaking News, where he claimed it’s scheduled to release sometime during the week of April 21- i.e., the final week of the month. An exact release date is still unknown, but the window’s certainly narrowed down, and it looks like it won’t be long before the game releases.  Prior leaks have claimed that the Oblivion remake will be a fully overhauled version of the game, built on Unreal Engine 5 and featuring a reworked stamina system, new UI, reworked archery and blocking mechanics, and more. Read more on that through here. Tagged With: Atomfall Publisher:Rebellion Developments Developer:Rebellion Developments Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PS4, Xbox One, PCView More Monster Hunter Wilds Publisher:Capcom Developer:Capcom Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X, PCView More South of Midnight Publisher:Microsoft Developer:Compulsion Games Platforms:Xbox Series X, PCView More Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out! The Last of Us Season 2 Premiere Had 5.3 Million Day One US Viewers That's up on Season 1's premiere by 10 percent. The episode would go on to see over 32 million total US viewer... Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is Adding New Resolution Options, Offline Versus, and More The update, which is set to go live on April 16, will also add a version select option for X-Men vs. Street Fi... The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remake Will Shadow Drop in the Week of April 21 – Rumour Recent leaks have repeatedly claimed that the long-rumoured remake is going to be revealed and released someti... The Last of Us Season 2 Trailer Teases Upcoming Episodes The second season of HBO's The Last of Us premiered on Sunday, and has six more episodes planned for the comin... Marathon Director Says “Everyone Has Their Definition of What is the Right Price” Joe Ziegler says the team is "committing" to making the game "really awesome," and the starting point is curre... Assassin’s Creed Shadows Has Topped US Sales Charts for 3 Straight Weeks After Launch The open-world action RPG is currently the second best-selling game year-to-date, just behind Capcom's Monster... View More