In context: Teaching robots new skills has traditionally been slow and painstaking, requiring hours of step-by-step demonstrations for even the simplest tasks. If a robot encountered something unexpected, like dropping a tool or facing an unanticipated obstacle, its progress would often grind to a halt. This inflexibility has long limited the practical use of robots in environments where unpredictability is the norm. Researchers at Cornell University are now charting a new course with RHyME, an artificial intelligence framework that dramatically streamlines robot learning. An acronym for Retrieval for Hybrid Imitation under Mismatched Execution, RHyME enables robots to pick up new skills by watching a single demonstration video. This is a sharp departure from the exhaustive data collection and flawless repetition previously required for skill acquisition. The key advance with RHyME is its ability to overcome the challenge of translating human demonstrations into robotic actions. While humans naturally adapt their movements to changing circumstances, robots have historically needed rigid, perfectly matched instructions to succeed. Even slight differences between how a person and a robot perform a task could derail the learning process. RHyME tackles this problem by allowing robots to tap into a memory bank of previously observed actions. When shown a new demonstration, such as placing a mug in a sink, the robot searches its stored experiences for similar actions, like picking up a cup or putting down an object. The robot can figure out how to perform the new task by piecing together these familiar fragments, even if it has never seen that exact scenario. This approach makes robot learning more flexible and vastly more efficient. RHyME requires only about 30 minutes of robot-specific training data, compared to the thousands of hours demanded by earlier methods. In laboratory tests, robots using RHyME completed tasks over 50 percent more successfully than those trained with traditional techniques. The research team, led by doctoral student Kushal Kedia and assistant professor Sanjiban Choudhury, will present their findings at the upcoming IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Atlanta. Their collaborators include Prithwish Dan, Angela Chao, and Maximus Pace. The project has received support from Google, OpenAI, the US Office of Naval Research, and the National Science Foundation. // Related Stories

Table of Contents Table of Contents Meet the new Google Fi Wireless plans 5G in more than double the destinations You can finally get data eSIMs Why I’m even more committed to Google Fi This past week marked a momentous moment for Google. Yes, it was YouTube’s 20th birthday, but it was also the tenth birthday of Google’s wireless carrier in the US. For a decade, Google Fi Wireless – previously known as Project Fi and Google Fi – has been delighting customers with a collection of incredible benefits included in your plan. Recommended Videos It has been my favorite SIM card for travel, and for the past few years, it has also been my primary carrier. Now, Google has just made it even better; here’s why it remains the best eSIM for travel. Related Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends If you’ve ever traveled to countries with a curated internet experience, such as China or India, you’ll know the benefits of a VPN. The best VPNs offer an unfiltered and unrestricted internet experience, and if you’re a Google Fi Wireless user, you get Google’s VPN included in every plan for free. As part of its 10-year birthday celebrations, Google Fi has unveiled a new, more affordable plan that enables even more people to join the Google Fi community. The new “Unlimited Essentials” plan starts at $35 for one line, which is $15 less than the previous cheapest plan. This plan comes with 30GB of high-speed data before you’re throttled, although you can always opt for additional high-speed data at an extra cost. Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends The previous cheapest plan has been renamed from Simply Unlimited to Unlimited Standard and now comes with 50GB of high-speed data, an increase from the previously included 35 GB. It also bumps the included hotspot data from 5GB to 25GB per line, as well as unlimited calls, texts, and inclusive data roaming throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. The top plan is the one I use personally. It’s now called Unlimited Premium and includes double the high-speed data at 100GB, as well as 50GB of separate hotspot data for tethering. It still costs $65 per month, and it comes with six months of YouTube Premium, 100GB of Google One cloud storage, and a range of benefits tailored specifically for travelers. Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends I’ve traveled with Google Fi for several years, and it effectively addresses the biggest challenges associated with traveling with your home carrier. The Unlimited Premium plan includes data in over 200 international destinations, which remains unchanged. However, what is new is that you can now access the fastest 5G speeds when roaming in 92 countries. Many networks offer inclusive roaming, but as I’ve found in the past, you can often only access slower LTE speeds. 5G roaming changes this, making Google Fi even faster when you’re abroad. I’ve previously discovered that it’s much faster than T-Mobile when traveling, and this change will likely increase Google Fi’s lead. You may be wondering if you need 5G Roaming, and as someone who travels a lot, I can safely say that it’s extremely welcome. Some countries have poor LTE networks but stronger 5G networks, especially if their network infrastructure rollouts coincided with the launch of 5G networks. Most importantly, the faster speeds make it much easier to use your phone as if you’re home, whether that’s to access maps, look up information, watch YouTube videos in 4K, or scroll your favorite social media platform. These changes reinforce that Google Fi is the best carrier for me, and Google has also addressed one of my key concerns with Google Fi. Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends One of the biggest benefits of Google Fi has been the ability to obtain a data-only SIM card that draws from the same data pool as your main SIM card. Instead of needing to buy a secondary SIM, which will increase the cost of your plan, the data-only SIM card is perfect if you have a secondary phone, want data for your tablet, or want to ensure that your family members have data on their phones while they’re traveling. There is only one problem: you need a physical SIM card slot. Apple dropped the SIM card slot from the iPhone two years ago, and then followed with the iPad, meaning you weren’t able to use a data-only SIM with either of these products.  That is, until now: Google Fi has just unveiled data-only eSIMs. You can now install up to four data-only eSIMs (or order a physical SIM if you prefer) for each line on Unlimited Premium or the Flexible plan, which costs $20 per month, plus $10 per GB of data used, with a cap of $80 per month per line. Nirave Gondhia / Digital Trends For the past few months, I had been considering leaving Google Fi because it lacked a data-only eSIM. Google Fi is the only carrier to offer a data-only SIM card at no extra charge, but the lack of an eSIM option meant it wouldn’t work with my iPhone or iPad.  It also meant that it would occupy the physical SIM card slot on the plethora of Android phones I use, and it ultimately left me wanting more. Google’s new changes have not only solved these key problems, but also ensured that I’m even more committed to Google Fi. It’s been the best eSIM for travel for years, and the new changes make it even better! Editors’ Recommendations

Turbine turbulence Thermal imaging shows xAI lied about supercomputer pollution, group says xAI faces calls to deny permits to power gas turbines at supercomputer facility. Ashley Belanger – Apr 25, 2025 3:15 pm | 30 Thermal imaging of xAI's Memphis facility prompted allegations that more than 30 of xAI’s methane gas turbines are operating without environmental permitting. Credit: ©Steve Jones, Flight by Southwings for SELC Thermal imaging of xAI's Memphis facility prompted allegations that more than 30 of xAI’s methane gas turbines are operating without environmental permitting. Credit: ©Steve Jones, Flight by Southwings for SELC Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only   Learn more Elon Musk raced to build Colossus, the world's largest supercomputer, in Memphis, Tennessee. He bragged that construction only took 122 days and expected that his biggest AI rivals would struggle to catch up. To leap ahead, his firm xAI "removed whatever was unnecessary" to complete the build, questioning "everything" that might delay operations and taking the timeline "into our own hands," xAI's website said. Now, xAI is facing calls to shut down gas turbines that power the supercomputer, as Memphis residents in historically Black communities—which have long suffered from industrial pollution causing poor air quality and decreasing life expectancy—allege that xAI has been secretly running more turbines than the local government knows, without permits. Alleging that the unregulated turbines "likely make xAI the largest emitter of smog-forming" pollution, they've joined the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) in urging the Shelby County Health Department to deny all of xAI's air permit applications due to "the stunning lack of information and transparency." One resident, KeShaun Pearson, president of the local nonprofit Memphis Community Against Pollution, accused xAI of "perpetuating environmental racism" on the news show Democracy Now. He's contended that xAI considers Memphis residents "not even valuable enough to have a conversation with," Time reported. Perhaps even more disturbing to Memphis residents than the alleged lack of transparency was the mysterious appearance of fliers distributed by an anonymous group called “Facts Over Fiction," The Guardian reported. Papering Black neighborhoods, the fliers apparently downplayed xAI's pollution, claiming that "xAI has low emissions." The SELC told Ars that the fliers came just as the legal group obtained thermal imaging that appears to catch xAI in a potential lie. After earlier images revealed that xAI has at least 35 turbines on site—despite its pending application only seeking permits for 15—Memphis mayor Paul Young claimed that xAI had said it was only using 15. Investigating, the SELC teamed up with SouthWings to capture aerial thermal imaging. And that showed "33 turbines giving off significant amounts of heat, meaning they were currently running at the time of the photo," SELC said. "The new images clearly show that more than 30 of xAI’s methane gas turbines are operating, debunking recent claims that the company was merely storing—and not running—more than half of the turbines outside of its data center," the SELC alleged. SELC Senior Attorney Amanda Garcia has suggested that these images back up residents' fears that xAI may be relying on non-disclosure agreements with the local government to run its facilities however it wants. Her group noted that Tennessee officials and residents should be aware that "Musk’s SpaceX and Boring Company have been fined thousands of dollars for violating environmental regulations in Texas." “It is appalling that xAI would operate more than 30 methane gas turbines without any permits or any public oversight," Garcia said. "Without appropriate controls, gas turbines can release harmful pollution that is tied to asthma, respiratory illnesses, and certain types of cancers. xAI’s failure to disclose that it’s running dozens of these polluting turbines at its South Memphis data center has left Memphians in the dark about what is being pumped into the air they breathe every day." Although xAI reportedly ignored calls to engage Memphis residents living near the data center charging Colossus, the SELC said, the health department did not. On Friday evening, the department's Pollution Control Branch scheduled a public hearing where residents can finally weigh in on the draft permit that xAI submitted earlier this year. They can also submit comments online. xAI did not respond to Ars' request to comment. xAI plans unbridled growth amid backlash To secure permits that would allow xAI to operate 15 turbines—fueling 22 startups and shutdowns each annually—xAI is required to install the best available emissions control technology, the draft permit notes. Any failures to keep emissions low—even if "caused by poor maintenance, careless operation, or any other preventable upset condition or preventable equipment breakdown"—puts xAI at risk of enforcement actions from the health department and the EPA. xAI's submission claimed that each of the 15 turbines "is equipped with Solar’s Dry Low Emission (DLE)/SoLoNOx control technology" and other systems to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds. For those reasons, xAI expects to be granted permits, the submission suggests. However, even before xAI's construction began, Shelby County was already in violation of the eight-hour ozone standard that protects public health, which means that xAI may need to implement additional controls. The health department's hearing will be the first time the public will have a chance to push for better accountability. Seemingly hoping to quell the backlash, the strange fliers seem like an attempt to push back by sowing discord. “Those 15 xAI turbines?” the fliers distributed to thousands of Memphis residents said. “They’re specially designed to protect the air we all breathe.” Nothing directly links xAI to the fliers. But xAI will have to play defense, as it has no plans to slow down its data center expansion, with its leading supercomputer facing immense competition to dominate the AI industry. Musk swore the rapid construction and subsequent work to double the size were "just the beginning," while the xAI website boasts that "no one has come close to building at this magnitude and speed." The company has already invested $7 billion into the data center, and those costs will only grow. To keep pace, xAI has already earmarked recent funding to "further accelerate our advanced infrastructure," a December blog noted. Further, researchers expect that "within six years, building the leading AI data center may cost $200 billion," TechCrunch reported Friday, so those costs will likely keep growing, while likely deepening Musk's entrenchment in Memphis and any feared pollution from that into the foreseeable future. Additionally, products dependent on the data center will keep Musk's facility humming in Memphis. The primary use of xAI's supercomputer today is to fuel Grok, the chatbot running on posts from Musk's social network X. In February, xAI unveiled a preview of its most advanced version of Grok yet, and other "groundbreaking" products are in the pipeline, X's blog said. xAI accused of lying to win AI race While xAI pushes forward, Justin Pearson, a Tennessee state representative and brother to KeShaun, is hoping to rally support to shut xAI's alleged pollution down and potentially mess with Musk's breakneck-speed AI ambitions. On Instagram, he accused xAI of "lying to us about xAI’s methane gas pollution" when "we know methane gas leads to more asthma attacks" and "more respiratory illness." He's also called on local officials to unmask the anonymous group behind the fliers "to combat the lies and misinformation." As xAI must now confront pollution accusations in Memphis, the company continues positioning its supercomputer as a world-changing technology, winning approvals for its Memphis facility by promising to be a boon to the local economy. Soon it will move past chatbots, as xAI intends to focus on autonomous vehicles, robotics, and scientific simulation, a business publication called Data Center Frontier reported. Currently, xAI "is exploring using AI in science to find new materials, save energy, and even help to find new drugs," that report noted. But although xAI's Colossus website asks, "What’s one seemingly impossible question you’d answer for humanity," climate change solutions do not seem to register as highly among xAI's burning questions. As Colossus chugs along at what TechCrunch reported is an estimated 300 megawatts of power (as much as 250,000 households)—and sustainable alternatives lack resources to sustain AI data center needs—the Pearson brothers remain aghast that powering the future of AI seems inextricably linked to burning more fossil fuels. "It's frustrating because it could be better," KeShaun told Time. "The dissonance of having essentially the future of technology powered by fossil fuels is, you know, it just leaves me speechless." Ashley Belanger Senior Policy Reporter Ashley Belanger Senior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 30 Comments

Tesla is encouraging customers in Canada to purchase its vehicles at "pre-tariff prices."The company is displaying a small banner atop its website for Canadian shoppers that reads, "Explore pre-tariff priced inventory while supplies last."Clicking the banner lets customers view Tesla's inventory that's not yet been affected by tariffs, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, Model Y, and the Cybertruck.Tesla's promotion comes in response to President Donald Trump's 25% tariff on imported passenger vehicles and key parts and Canada's similar retaliatory tariffs. Both sets of tariffs went into effect in April and car prices are beginning to rise on both sides of the border. Some Teslas are now over 20% more expensive, according to a site that tracks Tesla prices in Canada.A coalition of automakers, dealers, and suppliers sent a letter to the White House last week, warning that the tariffs would hurt the industry and raise consumer prices. Automakers like Tesla are navigating tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto "Tariffs on auto parts will scramble the global automotive supply chain and set off a domino effect that will lead to higher auto prices for consumers, lower sales at dealerships, and will make servicing and repairing vehicles both more expensive and less predictable," the letter said.Representatives for Tesla did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.Tariffs aren't Tesla's only problem. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has also been the face of the White House DOGE Office, leading the charge to cut the federal workforce and slash government agencies. Those moves have led to a backlash against Musk, targeting his company, Tesla. The company has weathered protests at Tesla dealerships and stumbling shares.Musk's announcement last week that he would be stepping back from his government work sent the company's stock surging 20%.

It’s time to give Roborock a hand, because they’re giving us an arm. The Roborock Saros Z70 is the world’s first mass-produced robotic vacuum with a foldable mechanical arm that can intelligently identify and remove obstacles from its path, and even put them away for you. It’s the most groundbreaking advance in home cleaning technology in recent memory, and it’s sure to usher in an entirely new era in home robotic appliances and assistants. The Roborock Saros Z70 is now officially available for purchase with a special launch offer: get it for $1,999 instead of $2,599—a 23% discount. Act fast, as only 10 units are released each day, and stock is refreshed every midnight. See Saros Z70 at Roborock.com The world got a sneak preview of the Saros Z70 at CES 2025 in January, and the first demonstration of the mind-boggling AI-powered capabilities of the OmniGrip foldable robotic arm made this one of the most anticipated new product releases in years. The Saros Z70 is able to accurately see, measure, and recognize its surroundings, and it uses AI to detect new obstacles or if the furniture’s been rearranged, and instantly rewrite its internal maps in real time. And that’s just scratching the surface of the unprecedented feats this ultra-intelligent robotic vacuum/mop combo can perform. © Roborock Industrial robotic arms have been around for decades, and AI has been a presence in our homes in ways that seem to grow every day. And we’re all very well acquainted with robotic vacuums and mops and other enormously helpful smart home devices. But combining all of those into one enormously intelligent and multi-functional smart cleaning device has been, until now, just a very cool concept. And while the competition is still busy at the drawing board, Roborock is now the first company to take that concept into mass production and make it available to consumers in the form of the Saros Z70. It’s an enormous leap forward in robotic intelligence and capabilities, offering a smart device that’s more autonomous than any of its predecessors, and with the groundbreaking OmniGrip arm, able to perform specific chores and tasks for you. That’s what makes the release of the Saros Z70 such a seismic event. Next-Level Intelligence The OmniGrip arm would be an amazing innovation in any circumstance, but Roborock has combined it with AI so advanced that it will redefine the definition of what a household robot can do. The OmniGrip arm of the Saros Z70 does far more than simply grab objects — it can see and think thanks to its precision sensors, dual cameras, and LED light, all of which feed information into the Saros Z70’s AI processor. The OmniGrip arm can identify what’s in its path, whether or not it’s too heavy to pick up, and what to do with it. See Saros Z70 at Roborock.com For example, the Saros Z70 can identify a stray sock in its path, determine that it’s light enough to be picked up (anything roughly 0.6 pounds or less), and know to bring it toward the closet. A crumpled piece of paper or tissue can be brought to the trash can. Other objects without obvious homes can simply be moved out of the way, and the Saros Z70 knows to double back to that spot for a second round of cleaning. © Roborock The intelligence level of the Saros Z70 is so great that it can identify and remember up to 108 household objects, 50 of which you can customize with labels in the Roborock app, and what to do with them. Even if it can’t pick up or move an object, it is able to identify it, and theoretically help you locate something that’s gone missing under a bed or other hidden area. That’s a massive leap forward for cleaning, and it’s even entertaining to teach the Saros Z70 how to interact with random objects and watching it work its magic. Gets Down to Business We could talk all day about the first-of-its-kind OmniGrip arm and otherwordly intelligence of the Saros Z70, but skipping its ability to actually clean your home would be doing it a huge disservice. The Saros Z70 is a top-notch robot vacuum and mop that would earn its way onto the best-of lists for robotic cleaners even without the OmniGrip arm and advanced AI. The upgraded dock can recharge the Saros Z70 in just 2.5 hours, heat and refill the mop water and then air-dry the mop pads, dispense detergent into the mop water, and even intelligently detect dirt to decide if it needs to re-wash and re-mop. © Roborock The robot itself is barely 3 inches tall — the thinnest Roborock ever — and that exceptionally low profile enables it to get into areas most competing robot vacuums would simply get stuck in. It has advanced anti-tangle features for hair, and a powerful 22,000Pa of suction to give both hard and carpeted surfaces a truly deep cleaning. The Saros Z70’s FlexiArm Riser Side Brush extends to get into corners and along baseboards, and it’s able to lift itself over small thresholds like doorways or transitions between hard and carpeted surfaces. It can also lift its mop pads nearly a full inch off the floor to keep them off carpets, or remove the mop pads autonomously for vacuum-only tasks, and then replace them for mopping duties. All of these cleaning features, including the self-heating mop water, are backed by AI so the Saros Z70 can learn your cleaning preferences and modify them on the go. The Roborock app allows you to program and personalize all the settings so you can fully entrust the Saros Z70 to give your entire home a thorough cleaning without supervision. In the ever-escalating arms race among robotic home cleaning appliances, the debut of the Saros Z70 is truly the Sputnik moment — first of its kind, bringing abilities and technology out of the development stage and directly into the mass market, and into your home. The Roborock Saros Z70 is now officially available for purchase with a special launch offer: get it for $1,999 instead of $2,599—a 23% discount. Act fast, as only 10 units are released each day, and stock is refreshed every midnight. See Saros Z70 at Roborock.com

Apartment M.3 / True Thing Design StudioSave this picture!© Suiyu Studio Architects: True Thing Design Studio Area Area of this architecture project Area:  55 m² Year Completion year of this architecture project Year:  2024 Photographs Photographs:Suiyu Studio Lead Architect: Adrian Tsai More SpecsLess Specs Save this picture! Text description provided by the architects. This renovated residence, located near Kaohsiung's harbor and Shoushan, serves as a mid-to-short-term living space for the owner. The design focuses on minimizing renovations and preserving the original architectural framework, ensuring flexibility and openness for future use.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Rather than excessive coverings or embellishments, the space embraces raw materials, allowing its natural textures and traces of time to become part of the aesthetic. This approach reduces resource waste while maintaining the possibility for future expansion or deconstruction.Save this picture!Save this picture!Spatially, the layout maximizes views of the mountains, inviting natural light to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The bedroom adapts flexibly to daily needs, shifting between open and private states, allowing residents to experience the evolving nature of the space over time.Save this picture! Project gallerySee allShow less About this office Published on April 26, 2025Cite: "Apartment M.3 / True Thing Design Studio" 26 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1029416/apartment-true-thing-design-studio&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

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According to data from the Allergy and Asthma Network, 1 in 5 Americans have been diagnosed with environmental allergies, and over 50 percent of allergy sufferers say allergies impact their daily quality of life. Environmental allergies can include pollen, dust, mold, pet dander, and poor air quality. Your home should be a sanctuary, but allergens can make it a house of horrors. We rounded up a team of experts who provide practical tips and advice to help you allergy-proof your home and turn it into a comfortable and healthy place that you and your family can enjoy. Consider your flooring According to Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd., flooring is one of the largest surfaces in your home and can significantly influence your indoor air quality (IAQ)—especially if you have allergies. He explains that different types of flooring materials can either contribute to the buildup of allergies and pollutants or help maintain a cleaner environment. “Flooring can trap dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold, which can become airborne when disturbed, and if not regularly and thoroughly cleaned, these allergens can accumulate and negatively affect IAQ.”  McKeon notes that hard-surface flooring, like wood, tile, or vinyl, may not trap allergens as easily, but says it’s still important to select materials that are easy to clean and maintain. “Also, sticky allergen particles can be more difficult to remove from some types of flooring during cleaning,” McKeon warns. Here’s something else to consider: MeKeon says many flooring products and any associated adhesives or chemical treatments can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. “Exposure to these compounds can cause respiratory irritation and trigger allergic asthma.”  And if your flooring absorbs moisture, it can encourage mold and mildew. “Mold spores are a major concern for individuals with allergies and asthma, as they can easily become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms,” McKeon says. However, he admits that the lack of strict regulations around health claims on household products has led to a flood of marketing terms, such as “eco-friendly,” “green,” and “low VOC,” making it difficult to know which products actually support better indoor air quality (IAQ). “I recommend choosing flooring that has been independently tested and verified,” McKeon says. Encourage shoe-free zones Studies show that it’s a good idea to take your shoes off when you come inside, and Lisa Sternfeld, interior designer, environmental health and wellness expert, and founder of WLLW, tells me there’s a good reason why.  “Shoes carry a wide range of contaminants, including pollen, dirt, and dust,” Sternfeld says. ”By removing shoes at the door, you’ll keep allergens out and prevent them from spreading to other areas.”  Tribesigns Shoe Cabinet Tribesigns Put this Tribesigns Shoe Cabinet near the entryway. It holds two dozen pairs of shoes and also has storage space for keys and other items on top.  Consider the impact of paint Paint can affect the appearance of your home, but it can also impact your IAQ. “The release of VOCs can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate allergy symptoms,” McKeon warns. “It is advised that people with sensitivities to certain chemicals and those impacted by asthma and allergies limit exposure to VOCs as much as possible.”  However, considering their potentially harmful effects, McKeon says everyone should limit exposure to these chemicals. Even paint products that claim to be ‘low-VOC’ or ‘non-toxic’ may not necessarily meet the requirements to ensure safety. “Third-party certification is crucial because many paint manufacturers don’t fully disclose their ingredients, often to protect intellectual property,” McKeon explains.  However, the lack of transparency makes it difficult to make smart decisions. “A trusted certification label helps bridge that gap, guiding consumers toward wiser choices for better IAQ,” McKeon says. Step up your laundry game Washing your bedding, clothing, and soft toys can play a crucial role in reducing allergens, especially dust mite allergens and pet dander. We at PopSci firmly believe in saving money and energy, and washing laundry in cold water is one way to save both. However, if you need to allergy-proof your home, you may need to turn up the heat.  “The most effective allergen removal occurs when washing is done at high temperatures [at least 131°F/55°C], as this temperature kills dust mites and removes their allergens from fabrics,” McKeon says.   LG washing machines LG However, McKeon warns that not all washing machines can maintain a consistently high temperature throughout the wash cycle effectively. If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, he recommends one that has undergone third-party testing to ensure that it can reach and maintain those high temps.   Also, McKeon recommends fragrance-free laundry detergents. “Many fragrance chemicals are sensitizers and increase the VOC emissions off-gassed by the detergent,” he explains. “An effective laundry detergent should have the ability to remove allergens from fabrics, any chemicals present should be non-sensitizing and non-allergenic, and VOCs should be at such low levels as to not be a concern.”   Tide Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent Tide Melanie Carver is the chief mission officer at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). She recommends changing and washing any clothes that are worn during outdoor activities. “And dry your clothes in a clothes dryer or on an indoor rack, not on an outdoor line,” she advises. Change your shower routine You may be the type of person who likes to shower in the morning. However, if allergies are a concern, Carver recommends showering daily before you go to bed. “This will remove pollen from your body and hair and keep it off your bedding,” she explains. Use air purifiers We’re big fans of air purifiers because we know how important they are in maintaining a healthy living space. From the best air purifiers for asthma to the best air purifiers for smoke, we continually research and evaluate models. “Surprisingly, the air inside our homes can often be more harmful to our health than the air outside, as it contains a variety of pollutants and irritants that may cause allergies,” McKeon says.  “Everyday activities like cooking, VOCs emitted from paint and cleaning products, and even burning fuel (and candles) release particles and chemicals into the air.” And when you add common allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mite allergen, he says it’s clear that IAQ can have a serious impact on your health. Levoit Core 600 Air Purifier Levoit The Levoit Core 600 Air Purifier is one of the best air purifiers we’ve tested. Keep in mind that an air purifier with a higher clean air delivery rate (CADR) can clean the air faster than one with a lower CADR. In addition, Sternfeld recommends air purifiers with HEPA filters, such as the Levoit. They are effective at trapping airborne pollen, dust, and mold spores. “Place air purifiers in the bedroom or living area, or near high-traffic areas for maximum impact,” she says. Vacuum and clean with HEPA filters Sternfeld recommends regularly vacuuming with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter. “HEPA filters trap microscopic particles, including pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, she says, adding that the American Lung Association also recommends using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters. Clean high-traffic areas more frequently and vacuum more often, especially if you have pets, to reduce dander buildup. Shark Status Upright Vacuum Shark The Shark Status Upright Vacuum has a HEPA filter and can clean hard floors, carpet, upholstery, ceiling fans, and more.  Damp-clean surfaces regularly If you tend to dust and clean with dry materials, here’s another change you may need to make.  “Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth to capture pollen, rather than allowing it to become airborne,” Sternfeld advises. “Research shows that dusting with a damp cloth is more effective at trapping allergens compared to dry dusting, and this is particularly important for surfaces like furniture, counters, and window sills.”  Make bedding a priority Bed linens are a prime place for dust mites and pollen to accumulate, according to Sternfeld. She recommends laundering sheets weekly in hot water to help wash away irritants.  “Encase pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers, and wash sheets weekly on hot water as it helps wash away irritants more effectively than cold or lukewarm water,” Sternfeld advises.  Investing in bedding and mattress protection can also provide allergy relief. “Dust mites, which thrive in the warm, humid environment of bedding, produce waste that is a key allergen,” McKeon warns.  To reduce exposure to these allergens, he recommends using scientifically validated dust mite-proof encasings for mattresses, pillows, and duvets. “These encasings prevent dust mites from passing through, and thus minimize allergen exposure.” In addition, McKeon recommends quality, breathable bedding products that are tightly woven with no weak points at the seams or zippers. “Furthermore, the fabric must be able to withstand frequent washing, as regularly washing bedding in hot water (130°F/55°C) further reduces allergen levels.” SIJO AiryWeight Tencel Sheet Set Stay cool and dry when sleeping on the SIJO AiryWeight Tencel Sheet Set, which is also hypoallergenic. Wash soft furnishings frequently In addition to washing sheets, blankets, and pillows regularly, Sternfeld says you should also wash cushion covers and other soft surfaces regularly, as they can trap allergens and harbor dust mites. “A weekly wash in hot water can help eliminate allergens,” she says.  In fact, McKeon recommends choosing either non-fabric furniture or covering fabric furniture with slipcovers that can be removed and washed weekly. Maintain your HVAC filters  While your HVAC keeps your home at a comfortable temperature, HVAC filters keep you comfortable in another way. “HVAC filters play a crucial role in improving indoor air quality by trapping airborne particles like dust, pet dander, and pollen, McKeon explains. “These particles can circulate throughout the home if not effectively captured by the HVAC system’s filter, exacerbating allergy symptoms.”  He recommends a higher Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, as this indicates the filter is more effective at capturing airborne particulate matter. It’s also important to change your air filters regularly, which can be anywhere from 1 to 3 months, since dirty filters will recirculate dust and other allergens.  Filtrete Allergen Defense Filters Filtrete Filtrete Allergen Defense Filters capture a variety of allergens for cleaner air. (And don’t forget your furnace filters, either.) Control humidity If you keep your home’s humidity levels under 50 percent, Sternfeld says this can help prevent mold and mildew from thriving. “Place dehumidifiers in areas like basements and bathrooms to help control moisture,” she advises. Mold thrives in damp environments, and keeping humidity in check can significantly reduce mold-related allergy triggers.  Carver notes that those warm and moist bathrooms are also prime growing spaces for mold. “Run your bathroom’s exhaust fan or open windows during showers and for 15 to 20 minutes after to allow moisture to escape,” she says.  And here’s another tip from Carver: Don’t let damp towels pile up. Allow them to dry completely when you step out of the shower or bathtub.  On the other hand, don’t let humidity levels get too low. McKeon warns that low humidity can lead to respiratory irritation and trigger allergic asthma or dry skin, which could make your symptoms worse. Frigidaire 50-Pint Humidifier Frigidaire Keep humidity levels within a safe range with the Frigidaire 50-Pint Humidifier, which features three speed settings. Avoid attracting insects If you leave water and food sources out at night, Carver warns that you may be attracting cockroaches.  “A cockroach allergy is a common trigger of year-round allergy and asthma—if you are allergic to them, they can trigger asthma attacks,” she warns. Rubbermaid Brilliance 14-Piece Food Storage Container Set Rubbermaid Keep insects at bay with the Rubbermaid Brilliance 14-Piece Food Storage Container Set, which is airtight and stackable.

Nature, Published online: 23 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-025-08975-3Author Correction: Global influence of soil texture on ecosystem water limitation

Wandering salamanders control their veritable grip by pumping blood into and draining it from translucent toes, as they glide and land on towering redwoods.