May 20, 20254 min readContributors to Scientific American’s June 2025 IssueWriters, artists, photographers and researchers share the stories behind the storiesBy Allison Parshall edited by Jen SchwartzJennifer N. R. Smith. Charles SmithJennifer N. R. SmithThe Social Lives of MitochondriaIn 2020, on a trip to Devon, England, Jennifer N. R. Smith (above) went swimming in the sea. Just as night fell, the water began to glow with light from bioluminescent algae. “It’s electric blue,” she recalls. “If you lift your arm up out of the water, it kind of sparkles all over your skin. It was the most magical experience I’ve ever had.” Smith, who had just finished a program in medical illustration, felt she had to draw this phenomenon immediately.Smith took inspiration from that experience to create her own style of illustration, which combines the traditional textures of collage and paper marbling with a technique called reverse stippling—pinpricks of light over a dark background. The technique evokes wonder in her for the natural world, with the dots representing more than just flecks of algae on her skin. “They could be the night sky or atoms, either the macro or the micro.”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.For this issue’s feature story on the mysteries of mitochondria, by behavioral neuroscientist Martin Picard, Smith visualized the organelles’ zigzagging inner walls by using this illustration method to “turn the mitochondrion into a labyrinth.” Rather than explaining concepts to readers with her drawings, she tries to invite them in by inspiring a sense of awe. “If you can spark wonder within someone about a certain topic,” she says, “they will interact with it in a way that’s much more deep and authentic.”Alec LuhnRefreezing the ArcticIn February climate journalist Alec Luhn took four days and four planes to travel to Cambridge Bay in Canada’s Nunavut territory. It was his second trip to the Arctic Circle for Scientific American—in 2023 he went to Alaska to investigate why rivers in Kobuk Valley National Park were turning orange. This time, while reporting on efforts to refreeze parts of the melting Arctic to stall the worst effects of climate change, he was struck by just how fast the environment was changing.“This is the Northwest Passage—the holy grail of ocean exploration for 400 years,” Luhn says, referring to the famed sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Many colonial explorers died trying to navigate the ice-clogged sea lane, “but now that ice is melting to the degree that cruise ships go through the Northwest Passage every single summer,” and local Indigenous communities, he says, are struggling to maintain a way of life that depends heavily on sea ice for hunting, transportation, and more.As Luhn observed the efforts to refreeze the melting cap, he often thought about how this harsh environment has made a mockery of colonial expeditions’ efforts to bend it to their will. “And here we are now again, trying to bring our technology to bear on the forces of nature” to counteract the melting we continue to cause, he says. “Will we succeed this time?”Rowan JacobsenCan Sunlight Cure Disease?For the past few years science journalist Rowan Jacobsen has been fascinated by the effect of light on our bodies. “We tend to think of light as ephemeral,” he says, yet it is physical—we’re constantly bombarded by photons, little packets of energy. “There’s no way it couldn’t have a health impact, in a way,” he says. Indeed, research across fields of medicine has shown that people exposed to more light tend to have better health outcomes. In our cover story for this issue, Jacobsen explores new phototherapies for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.Jacobsen has written several books, on topics including oysters, truffles and chocolate. Food, he says, is a “clandestine” way to get people interested in the natural world. For his next book, about how light affects health, he recently embarked on a “self-experiment.” Jacobsen rented a 1962 Airstream in southwestern Arizona and spent a month without artificial light at night. After sunset “there’s nothing to do [except] lie out and look at the stars,” he says.Jacobsen had returned to his home in Vermont just before we spoke for this interview, and he reported feeling refreshed. “My energy and my focus were awesome,” he says, attributing the improvement mainly to the early mornings. “Less [artificial] light at night was good, but I think the bright sunlight in the morning was equally important.”Jay BendtScience of HealthJay Bendt fell into her illustration career “sort of backward,” she says. She had planned to take the path of many members of her family and become a doctor. But during her first year of college, she expressed interest in drawing on an administrative form and was unwittingly sorted into an art-focused track. “Being very young, I was like, ‘You know what, that actually doesn’t sound like a bad idea,’ ” she recalls. Bendt had grown up drawing in the age of DeviantArt, an online art platform popular in the 2000s, and had been inspired by the “magical girl” aesthetic of Sailor Moon and other anime. After graduating with a painting degree, she learned to integrate these interests with formal, conceptual skills to become a freelance illustrator.Bendt illustrates Scientific American’s Science of Health column, written by Lydia Denworth. This issue’s column about the impact of exercise on gut bacteria was a particular challenge. “Anything that has bacteria in it is one I need to think on more” to make it original, she says; it’s too easy to fall back on drawing little anthropomorphic cells. For editorial illustrations, Bendt picks a style that matches the story, but her personal work is unfailingly whimsical. “I try to make work that, once you’ve caught a glimpse, you have to look at it.”

Carrie Patel, who served as game director on this year's acclaimed fantasy action-RPG Avowed, has confirmed her departure from Obsidian Entertainment after nearly 12 years with the studio and announced a new role at Netflix. Read more

Small apartments and homes offer plenty of charm, but they tend to be lacking when it comes to kitchen space. Luckily, there are tons of small kitchen ideas that maximize storage and efficiency. By thinking creatively about how to make the most of your tiny kitchen floor plan and utilizing whatever countertop and wall real estate you have, you can make even the tiniest of kitchens a space you enjoy cooking—and hanging out—in. Ahead, we’ve gathered 51 small kitchen design tips to help you maximize your space, be it a petite galley kitchen or just a single wall in an open-plan apartment. Whether you’re renovating and starting from scratch or just looking to refresh your existing space, read on to get your small kitchen in tip-top shape.1. Add a prep areaAdjustable Kitchen CartKaloh Storage CartsYou may not have space to expand or add a full island, so think about bringing in a slim rolling kitchen cart or bar cart to hold your mise en place or serve as extra counter space. Even a narrow console can work as a spot to set tools and ingredients on while you cook.2. Remove upper cabinetsHandmade Rustic Live Edge Floating Shelves“Open shelves are extremely functional and make it so much easier to access dishes and glasses,” says New York–based interior designer Jenny Wolf, adding that you should think about your kitchen architecturally, as it doesn’t always make sense to have upper cabinets—“especially if the ceilings are 10 feet high.”3. Get custom hardwareDesigner Catrina Stewart used red hardware to highlight the pantry in this London kitchen, as well as a tinted mirror and teal paint to fabricate an eye on the door that looks like it's winking when you open the doorFrench + Tye“I try to use hardware as statement pieces. It’s the jewelry you put on to complete the look,” says architectural designer Karen Williams, who serves as the creative director for St. Charles New York.4. Or opt for invisible hardware“When you lean up against the counter, you don’t want to feel a handle poking into your side. You also want a clean surface where you really see the materiality of [it]. We’ve worked a lot with Dada and have been generally seeing less hardware and more integrated pulls or touch-to-open cabinetry. It makes working much more efficient,” said designer Stephanie Goto.5. Get super organized inside your cabinetsExpandable Lid & Pan OrganizerShelf Risers, Set of 2For any small room (a kitchen or otherwise), getting organized is essential. When space comes at a premium, you can’t afford to waste any of it—even the hidden space inside your cabinets. Stock up on risers, lid organizers for your various pots and pans, spice-sorting systems, and anything else that will streamline and maximize your kitchen storage.6. Streamline dish dutysimplehuman Kitchen Compact Steel Frame Dish RackIf your small kitchen doesn’t have room for a dishwasher, making sure that the kitchen sink is both an efficient and tidy space is key. Consider adding in a compact dish rack, like this one from Simple Human, that drains directly into the sink and will never rust.7. Splurge on fun glasswareWave Glass PitcherSophie Lou Jacobsen Totem GlassesThere might not be room for much decor—so let your dishes do the talking. Unlike hefty serving pieces, colorful drinkware adds visual interest without bulk. Display arty stemware on an open shelf, or let a pitcher pull double duty as a countertop vase.8. Add a kitchen islandWhitmor Supreme Kitchen and Microwave CartFrench Kitchen IslandEven if your kitchen is on the narrow side, you can still bring in a small kitchen island for prep space and conversation. Consider a rolling island, which can be pushed out of the way once dinner is ready. “Don’t think if you have a tiny kitchen that you can’t have an island. You can; you just need to put it on wheels so that when you’re working and you need an island it’s there, and when the guests arrive you can push it over to the side or move it into the dining room or living room and let it be the bar,” says interior designer Ellen Cheever. Alternatively, choose an island with slim legs that you could pull a few stools up to and let it double as bar or breakfast seating.9. Use light colors to visually expand your small kitchenCookware SetThe reBoard“The lighter the kitchen, the larger it can feel,” Wolf says. “Sometimes, if there is a good view out a window, I like to focus on bringing the outdoors in and using nature to dictate the palette.” Keeping an especially light palette on countertops, backsplashes, walls, and millwork also helps a small kitchen feel more open. If you’re not in the market for a full renovation, consider the cooking tools that you always have out: Cutting boards, pots and pans, and linens can all lift a space if you opt for pieces in light shades.10. Double down on whiteCasafina Modern Classic Ceramic DinnerwareMade In Tabletop SetThe lightest palette of all, of course, is all white. “White paint will help spread and reflect light around, which also makes a space seem bigger,” says interior decorator and blogger Emily Henderson. If you have exposed shelving, create a wall of white by displaying white dish sets.11. Maximize floor space with a dining nookVera Pedestal Dining TableRound White Marble and Black Metal Bistro Side TableThe shape of the room can have just as big of an impact as the square footage. “It’s important to pay attention to the structure of your kitchen,” Henderson says. “If you have a small dining nook, then go for a round table that opens up floor space and seats more people than a square one would.”12. Pair utilitarian appliances with refined cabinetryAnza Concrete Espresso Machine“People who frequently cook want to maintain something visually appealing. For one client—a New York City lawyer who has eaten at virtually every major restaurant in downtown Manhattan—it wasn’t about being a show kitchen, but a foodie’s kitchen. It’s very utilitarian—he wanted a heavy-duty Wolf stove—yet we took care in the selection of the finishes. The white cabinets are glass, and the gray cabinets are lacquer—they really play with materiality. This way, it’s not too precious or too utilitarian,” said designer Goto. For those not in the market for a whole new range, consider a striking espresso machine, like this Brutalism-inspired one by Anza, instead.13. Think verticallyMagnetic Knife HolderJust can’t get rid of that timeworn cookbook or prized flea market find? “Installing pot racks, knife mounts, and open shelving above your stove will free up tons of space,” says Henderson.14. Build a storage benchInstagram contentThis content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

The Trump administration is working to limit access to covid booster shots by creating more regulatory hoops for companies developing vaccines for “healthy persons.” The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it’s only prioritizing covid vaccine approvals for adults older than 65 and others over the age of 6 months who have at least one “risk factor” for a severe case of covid-19. “The FDA will approve vaccines for high-risk persons and, at the same time, demand robust, gold-standard data on persons at low risk,” FDA officials write in commentary laying out their plans in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The move comes as notorious antivax crusader Robert F. Kennedy reshapes the US Department of Health and Human Services, recently pushing out the FDA’s top vaccine official and thousands of other federal health workers. Some public health experts are already voicing skepticism over whether the FDA’s new guidance for covid boosters will reap any benefits. “This is overly restrictive and will deny many people who want to be vaccinated a vaccine.”“This is overly restrictive and will deny many people who want to be vaccinated a vaccine,” Anna Durbin, director of the Center for Immunization Research at Johns Hopkins University, said in an email to the New York Times.“The only thing that can come of this will make vaccines less insurable and less available,” Paul Offit, a vaccine scientist, virologist, and professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, told The Associated Press.The FDA says it will require more data from additional clinical trials before approvals can be granted for covid-19 vaccines being developed for people not considered to be at heightened risk from severe sickness. It says 100 to 200 million Americans will still have annual access to covid vaccines after its policy change. That would be less than 60 percent of the US population. Last week, the agency approved the Novavax covid-19 vaccine for only older adults and people at higher risk from the disease.“We simply don’t know whether a healthy 52-year-old woman with a normal BMI who has had Covid-19 three times and has received six previous doses of a Covid-19 vaccine will benefit from the seventh dose,” the NEJM commentary says. But previous CDC studies have shown that getting a booster can help prevent mild to moderate cases of covid up to six months after getting the shot regardless of whether a person is at higher risk or not, Offit tells The Associated Press. And even if someone does get sick, being vaccinated can make the illness shorter and less severe and reduce the risk of developing long covid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The rate of covid-19-associated hospitalizations was 71.2 per 100,000 people during the 2024–25 season, according to the CDC — although hospitals haven’t been required to report covid-related hospital admissions to HHS since May of last year. Vaccines are an important safeguard for people with a weakened immune system. The FDA’s new directive raises questions about whether people considered healthy will be able to get vaccinated if they want to protect someone close to them who’s at greater risk.In the NEJM article, the FDA notes that covid booster uptake has been low in the US, with less than a quarter of people getting the shot each year. “There may even be a ripple effect: public trust in vaccination in general has declined,” it says.RelatedDeath is the policyKennedy, meanwhile, has a long history of spreading disinformation about vaccines, advocacy for which he has been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars and profited from during the covid pandemic. “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” Peter Marks, former director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) that regulates vaccines, wrote in a resignation letter in March.See More:

Image: Nintendo Nintendo has released a new batch of Switch Online icons and the theme is focused on the 'Nintendo Classics' libraries available on Switch and coming soon to the Switch 2. Now, while it might not seem like a big deal, there's one icon that has got some fans very excited. As you can see in the graphic below, in Wave 3 (featuring the Super Nintendo and recently announced GameCube library), there's a mouse...a Super Nintendo mouse. There's been mounting evidence about support for games including this feature being added to the service, and now Nintendo is just casually showing off the accessory as part of this library. Admittedly, it's not the first time Nintendo has highlighted other devices and accessories from its extensive history as icons, but many fans are still hopeful. "Mario Paint...actually gonna be a thing on this service," said one response on social media. Another Nintendo fan simply typed "Mario Paint confirmed" in all caps alongside an image of the game's box art, while many others were generally in disbelief Nintendo had acknowledged this particular accessory. Image: Nintendo Of course, adding to this is the fact the Switch 2's Joy-Con 2 controllers now also have mouse capabilities - allowing you to play games with mouse-like controls. You can even swap on the fly in games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond from normal Joy-Con controls to Joy-Con mouse movement. Mario Paint was originally released on the Super Nintendo in 1992 and although it appears to be the fan favourite mouse title, various other games on the same system also included support for this unique SNES accessory. Get yer paintbrushes ready Do you think we'll see Mario Paint (and mouse support for SNES games) make a return at some point in the future? Let us know in the comments. Related Games See Also Share:0 0 Liam is a news writer and reviewer across Hookshot Media. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of many iconic video game characters. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment... Related Articles Nintendo Switch 2 Final Tech Specs Have Been Confirmed GameChat has a "significant impact on system resources" Nintendo Apologises For "Error" With Mention Of Switch 2 VRR TV Support "The incorrect information was initially published" 12 Switch Games Are Getting Free Switch 2 Upgrades, Here's What You Can Expect Nintendo's free updates arrive next month Here's Your First Look At Pokémon Scarlet And Violet On Switch 2 What? ScaVi is evolving!

Each year, hundreds of thousands of tennis fans flock to Flushing Meadows Corona Park to watch some of the greatest names in the sport battle it out for coveted Grand Slam titles at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC). An $800 million renovation is planned for the stadiums by longtime architectural partners ROSSETTI. The project includes significant renovations to Arthur Ashe Stadium, along with a new Player Performance Center. With a capacity of nearly 24,000, Arthur Ashe Stadium remains the largest tennis stadium in the world. Back in 1994, Detroit-based firm ROSSETTI, led by architect of record Gino Rossetti, partnered with the USTA to realize Ashe. ROSSETTI then returned to add a retractable roof to the structure, which was completed in 2016. The roof addition was part of a larger, $550 million transformation by the firm—now led by Gino’s son, president and CEO Matt Rossetti—that included the reconstruction of Louis Armstrong Stadium, creation of the Grandstand, and enhanced fan access to the practice courts. ROSSETTI is returning to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for another set of renovations. (Courtesy USTA) “Matt and his team have come out every single year to experience the Open with us. They experience it in the eyes of the fan, the eyes of the players, and in the eye of all our partners,” shared Danny Zausner, chief operating officer at USTA Billie Jean King NTC. “When we talk to [ROSSETTI] about what’s next, they understand everyone’s perspective of what we need, not just what we’re looking for, but what they know each one of those entities are looking for.” Raising the Bar As opposed to team sports, tennis players perform on their own. At 78 feet apart, athletes are fueled by the energy of the crowd. The renovations to Ashe will increase the availability of courtside seating from 3,000 to 5,000, allowing more fans to get closer to the action. Though the distribution is being altered, by the end of the adjustments the capacity at Ashe will remain at approximately 24,000. Daniel Libeskind designed a sculptural addition to front a new bar at Arthur Ashe. (Courtesy USTA) There will also be a suite upgrade. Currently, tiers of luxury suites sit on the Club and Mezzanine One levels, allowing members to enjoy courtside views with special access to dining and restrooms. Previous offerings from the Club level will move to a newly created Mezzanine Two, opening up the lower tier for increased hospitality offerings, including restaurants and retail space. The interiors of the suites will also get a facelift, with new walls, floors, and concourses planned for  the space. Previously, if visitors wanted to shop the latest trends or grab a bite to eat, they had to exit the stadium to do so. The reimagined design brings the festival-like atmosphere under the dome,  adding expansive food and retail opportunities within the stadium itself. The promenade will reduce in capacity by about 2,800. From revamped concourses fans can take in views of the entire campus and Flushing Meadows Corona Park beyond. (Courtesy USTA) A new overlook bar will be framed by a curved, sculptural addition by Daniel Libeskind to the south entrance facade. Peak Performance The new multilevel Player Performance Center provides athletes and their coaches, trainers, and other guests to have their own zone. The Center will be a one-stop for recovery, strength training, and nutrition with a cafe, lounge, dining room, and outdoor rooftop terrace. The new construction pulls player facilities from their previous position under Ashe to the west side of the grounds. The new Player Performance Center will be designed for acclimating to both indoor and outdoor play. (Courtesy USTA) While air conditioning typically provides increased comfort, athletes were often confronted with a stark contrast between climate-controlled, indoor temperatures and the blaring late summer heat on court. The new Performance Center addresses this with an outdoor warm-up space on the third level, furnished with turf, a court surface, and a sprinting track. What Now? The upgrades are currently in progress, with ROSSETTI and Daniel Libeskind reinforcing the framing bar columns at the entrance to prepare the structure for the increased load. Further renovations will be completed in stages to maintain the quality of fan and player experiences throughout the Open. New indoor and outdoor fitness spaces will be built for players. (Courtesy USTA) “We’ve been fortunate enough to have very unique folks [at the USTA] who are so passionate about their work that they know it better than almost anybody we’ve worked with,” Matt Rossetti shared at a press event on May 19. “It’s been a great learning experience for us, gaining all of the knowledge that they have about every little piece of minutia and, at the same time, the grand vision.” All construction is expected to be completed in 2027, just in time for the Arthur Ashe Stadium’s 30th birthday.

Published May 20, 2025 3:23pm EDT close 'CyberGuy': Wireless, waterproof bionic arm with 360-degree wrist rotation, lightning-fast control Kurt Knutsson discusses how the Hero PRO, a wireless, waterproof bionic arm with fast control and full 360-degree wrist rotation, transforms prosthetics. Most of us do not think twice about picking up a cup of coffee, sending a quick text or carrying groceries in from the car. For people who use prosthetic hands, though, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. That is why the arrival of the Hero PRO by Open Bionics is such big news.This new bionic hand is waterproof, wireless and faster and stronger than anything that came before it. It is designed to help people who rely on prosthetics move through life with more ease and confidence.Even if you do not need a device like this yourself, the technology behind Hero PRO is changing what is possible for thousands of people, and it is worth knowing how far things have come. Let’s dive into what makes the Hero PRO so remarkable and why it captures so much attention. Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Built for everyday lifeHero PRO is crafted from robust Nylon PA12 using advanced 3D printing, making it both tough and incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is the lightest bionic hand system available today. The design is sleek and customizable with more than 50 cover options in different colors and patterns, allowing users to swap looks to match their style and personality. Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Waterproof and wireless freedomThe Hero PRO is the only bionic hand that is both fully wireless and waterproof. Rated IPX7, which means it can be submerged in water up to about 3 feet deep for 30 minutes without damage, it can handle splashes and even submersion, so users do not have to worry about getting it wet during daily activities. Wireless MyoPods, placed on the skin, pick up muscle signals to control the hand, eliminating the need for invasive implants or bulky wires. A woman using Hero PRO under running water (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Speed, strength and precisionThis bionic hand is twice as fast as leading competitors, with fingers that open and close rapidly to keep up with busy lives. It can carry up to 57 pounds, doubling the load capacity of previous models, making tasks like carrying groceries or lifting heavy objects much easier. The patented thumb design uses a single motor for powerful and precise grips, while the index finger features a touchscreen-compatible tip for seamless device use on the go. A woman carrying a basket using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Unmatched flexibility and grip modesHero PRO offers more wrist flexion and rotation than any other bionic hand, with up to 45 degrees of manual flexion in both directions and a full 360-degree rotation. Users can quickly switch between work and sports modes, thanks to a USMC-standard wrist connector and more than 50 compatible activity attachments. With seven grip modes, including a precision key grip, users can handle everything from typing and cooking to pushing a stroller or tying shoelaces. These grips can be customized and updated wirelessly through the Sidekick App. A woman picking up produce using Hero PRO (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Battery life and chargingA single four-hour charge powers the Hero PRO for a full day. The battery is cleverly miniaturized and integrated directly into the hand, helping to keep the weight down. USB-C charging makes powering up quick and easy, whether at home or on the go. Hero PRO being charged (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How user feedback and a young influencer helped shape the bionic hand technologyThe development of Hero PRO was shaped by feedback from around 1,000 users, including influencer Tilly Lockey, who lost both hands to meningitis as a child. Tilly played a key role in testing and refining the technology, and her experience highlights just how transformative the Hero PRO can be. She describes being able to multitask effortlessly, like pulling a suitcase and drinking hot chocolate at the same time, and even detaching the hand to control it remotely using muscle signals. Influencer Tilly Lockey wearing Hero Pro (Open Bionics) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How much does the Hero Pro cost?Pricing for advanced bionic hands like the Hero PRO is not always straightforward. Open Bionics, the company behind this technology, does not list a fixed price on its website. Instead, they encourage interested users to contact them directly for a personalized quote, since each device is custom-made to fit the individual's needs.For context, most high-end bionic arms on the market can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the features and customization required. Open Bionics aims to make their devices more affordable than traditional options, with some of their earlier models reportedly costing about five times less than conventional robotic prosthetics. However, the exact price for the latest models, including the Hero PRO, will depend on factors like insurance coverage, customization and specific user requirements.If you are interested in learning more about pricing or the process, it is best to reach out directly to Open Bionics for a detailed quote tailored to your needs.Kurt's key takeawaysTechnology like the Hero PRO is not just about gadgets and gears. It is about helping people do more of the things they love with less hassle. For those who rely on prosthetic hands, every improvement can mean a world of difference, whether that is carrying a heavy bag, using a smartphone or simply feeling more confident in daily life. Even if you do not need a prosthetic yourself, it is inspiring to see how far this technology has come and how it continues to open new possibilities for so many people.What everyday challenges do you think advanced bionic technology could help overcome, and what would you most want to see in the next generation of prosthetic devices? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

The OnePlus Nord N30 is a solid smartphone for budget shoppers. During the Memorial Day sales event, it has been discounted to $230.

Great new for PC games as AMD has finally announced its Radeon RX 9060 XT graphics card and at the same time also revealed three Threadripper 9000 models

Editor's take: AMD has unveiled the Radeon RX 9060 XT, which comes in a bad version and a good version. The bad version is, of course, the 8GB model, and the good version – or potentially good, depending on how it performs – is the 16GB model. AMD has copied Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti homework here, giving both models the same name, which is sure to make it more difficult for consumers to find the good version. The Radeon RX 9060 XT will become available on June 5, priced at $300 for the 8GB model and $350 for the 16GB graphics card. AMD's main focus during its presentation was on the 16GB variant, which they're claiming will be the dominant, more widespread card in western markets, and with this pricing, it will be the cheapest current-generation 16GB graphics card. Essentially, the RX 9060 XT is half of the RX 9070 XT. It uses a brand-new Navi 44 die, which has half the core and memory configuration of Navi 48 at nearly half the die size – it's ended up at 199 sq mm. Instead of receiving 4096 shader units in 64 SMs, Navi 44 provides 2048 shader units in 32 SMs. The memory bus has also been slashed from 256-bit to 128-bit, though 20 Gbps GDDR6 is still being utilized here. This results in 320 GB/s of memory bandwidth – again, half that of the flagship RDNA4 model. AMD has not provided game clock information for this GPU yet, but the boost clock is listed at 3.13 GHz, which is a little higher than the 9070 XT's 2.97 GHz. We're also getting a PCIe 5.0 x16 interface – not x8, which is good news for those with older PCIe 4.0 or 3.0 motherboards – along with DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR13.5 and HDMI 2.1. The 9060 XT has one less display output than the Navi 48 models, with one HDMI and two DisplayPorts. Total board power is listed as a range of 150 to 182 watts. This is due to the 16GB model having more memory chips and higher overall board power. However, we've been told the GPU itself is identical regardless of which memory configuration you get – same GPU power, same core configuration, and clock speeds. So again, essentially this card is roughly half that of the RX 9070 XT, especially for the 8GB model, which also halves the memory capacity. With half the hardware, it makes sense to expect the RX 9060 XT to deliver around half the performance of the RX 9070 XT. AMD is claiming the 9060 XT 16GB will be around 6% faster than the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB on average across a 40-game sample tested at 1440p using ultra settings. Now, you might notice they are comparing their 16GB model against Nvidia's 8GB model – that's because they are the closest in price. I asked AMD about whether that would also be true comparing 16GB vs 16GB, and they said we should expect both the 9060 XT and 5060 Ti to offer similar performance. Based on our testing of other models, this would make the 9060 XT about 35 to 40% slower than a 9070 XT – so a little better than half the performance from half the die size – and similar performance to a Radeon RX 7700 XT from the previous generation. // Related Stories When running some calculations based on AMD's claims – which, of course, you should take with a grain of salt – the 9060 XT should offer over 20% better value than the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB: similar performance, but with the MSRP cut from $430 to $350. When running some calculations based on AMD's claims – which, of course, you should take with a grain of salt – the 9060 XT should offer over 20% better value than the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB: similar performance, but with the MSRP cut from $430 to $350. Of course, this is assuming both the AMD and Nvidia cards will be available at those prices, something that isn't typically the case these days, especially in the United States. It should also mean around 15% better value than the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, but with the added benefit of a more suitable 16GB memory capacity. The 8GB card at $300 should offer around 20% better value than the RTX 5060 Ti 8GB as well, though this card will be much less appealing due to its limited VRAM at a high $300 price point. Really, this card either shouldn't exist or should be priced below $200, which is probably unrealistic given the performance of the GPU itself. As we've said many times now, we strongly feel $300 graphics cards should have more than 8GB of memory in the year 2025. The saving grace here is that Nvidia is still selling an 8GB GPU for $380, which is even worse, while AMD's most expensive 8GB card will be $300. With the RX 9060 XT positioned as it is, it has the potential to kill the entire RTX 5060 series. Along with claims of superior value compared to the 5060 Ti, it should be better value than the RTX 5060. For an extra $50, comparing MSRPs, the 16GB 9060 XT should offer double the VRAM and a higher performance tier. We know the RTX 5060 performs around the level of a 4060 Ti 8GB, but the 9060 XT should be more like a 5060 Ti, which is 20% faster. Also available will be a card with the same VRAM and price as the 5060, but a tier higher in performance. The other interesting comparison to make is to the Radeon 7700 XT. While this GPU launched at $450, it quickly dropped to around $400 and was available at that price at the end of 2024. Essentially, the RX 9060 XT is the successor to this model, offering similar raster performance, better ray tracing performance, access to FSR 4 upscaling, and an improvement from 12GB to 16GB of VRAM for a $100 lower MSRP and potentially $50 lower real pricing. That doesn't sound amazing from a value standpoint, but the 9060 XT is looking like a clearly superior product. On the other hand, it's also an upgrade from the 7600 XT, which was priced at $330. For $20 more, AMD is claiming to offer the same VRAM, better features, and potentially upwards of 30% more performance. Essentially, the RX 9060 XT is the successor to the 7700 XT, offering similar raster performance, better ray tracing performance, access to FSR 4 upscaling, and an improvement from 12GB to 16GB of VRAM for a $100 lower MSRP and potentially $50 lower real pricing. While we're really liking the look of the 9060 XT and its $350 price point for a 16GB GPU, the 8GB card simply shouldn't have the same name – or at least a name that is very similar to the 16GB model. This is a huge issue we had with the RTX 5060 Ti, where the existence of a good model and a bad model with the same name made it easy for consumers to fall into a trap of purchasing the terrible 8GB model. Often the 8GB card would come up first at retailers when searching for the 5060 Ti, and because it was the cheapest version, it would be the most enticing for gamers who weren't overly familiar with the differences between 8GB and 16GB. Those gamers would buy the 8GB card and be left with a model that's instantly obsolete. The exact same issues will be present with the RX 9060 XT 16GB and 8GB models, and this could have been easily prevented if AMD simply called the 8GB model something else, like the "RX 9060" without the XT at the end. Now, maybe they are also planning to release an RX 9060 at some point, but there's plenty of numbers to use, and these two cards should be more distinct so gamers don't fall into a trap. This is, of course, in addition to the fact that $300 for an 8GB card is too much to pay, but I won't go over all of that again. On a more positive note, AMD made it very clear that they will not be trying to bury or manipulate RX 9060 XT reviews. With the launch date set at June 5th, reviewers will have access to 9060 XT drivers – for both the 8GB and 16GB models – early next week, giving a week and a half of pre-release access. Samples should also be ready very shortly, and there will be no restrictions on 8GB and 16GB sampling; both will be available to test before launch on request. The focus will be on the 16GB graphics card they insist, but we recently saw a whole bunch of shenanigans from Nvidia relating to the 8GB RTX 5060 Ti and RTX 5060, including preventing 8GB 5060 Ti samples from reaching media pre-launch and not running a review program at all for the 5060. AMD is doing none of that with this launch. FSR Redstone The other main graphics-related announcement from AMD at Computex 2025 is FSR Redstone, the next evolution of FSR that is coming in the second half of 2025. This is a set of additional features coming to the FSR family, all of which are AI-based: there's neural radiance caching, ray regeneration – a.k.a. AMD's version of Nvidia's ray reconstruction – and an updated version of frame generation that uses AI to enhance image quality. We got some still image examples of how these features will improve ray-traced gaming. We're expecting them to offer similar advantages to other technologies on the market today, but for Radeon GPU owners. Provided these technologies work well, they should allow AMD to close the features gap with Nvidia, who rely on tech like ray reconstruction and AI-based frame generation for path-traced gaming. Because the technology isn't expected until the second half of 2025, it's not clear how FSR Redstone will be integrated. With FSR 4 upscaling, right now it's a driver-based toggle that converts FSR 3.1 implementations into AI-based FSR 4. This might also be possible with AI-based FSR frame generation based on what AMD was saying, but other features like neural radiance caching and ray regeneration might require game integration and additional APIs. So we'll see how that goes later in the year. AMD also announced that FSR 4 game support will be expanding to 60 titles on June 5, alongside the launch of the RX 9060 XT, which is relatively good adoption given we saw around 30 titles supported at the launch of the 9070 XT. The biggest weakness AMD has with FSR 4 isn't the quality of the technology itself – which is very good – but game support compared to Nvidia's DLSS 4 and DLSS 3. If AMD can continue this pace of FSR 4 title support, that will be great news for Radeon buyers.