Multiple copies of IBMs quantum Flamingo chip can be connected togetherIBMIBM is planning to build the largest quantum computer so far, by linking together smaller machines to create one with a recording-breaking number of quantum bits, or qubits. The firms first steps on this path in 2025 should see it hit a new qubit record, and it eventually plans to more than triple the size of the largest existing quantum computer.It has only been six years since IBM unveiled its first commercial quantum computer. That device had 20 qubits, the basic building blocks of any quantum

Marta ZafraThe suggestion that consciousness has its origins in quantum weirdness has long been viewed as a bit, well, weird. Critics argue that ideas of quantum consciousness, the most famous of which posits that moments of experience arise as quantum superpositions in the brain collapse, do little more than merge one mystery with another. Besides, where is the evidence? And yet there is a vocal minority who insist we should take the idea seriously.Hartmut Neven, who leads Googles Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab, is among them. He originally trained as a physicist and computational neuroscientist before pioneering computer vision a type of AI that replicates the human ability to understand visual data. Later, Neven founded Google Quantum AI, which in 2019 became the first lab to claim its quantum computers solved calculations that are impossible on a classical computer, a milestone known as quantum supremacy. In December 2024, his team announced another step forward with its new quantum processor, Willow, which it claims is more powerful and reliable than previous chips.But Neven is also interested in the relationship between mind and matter. And now, in a use case for quantum computers that no one saw coming, he reckons they could be deployed to put the idea of quantum consciousness to the test. Neven spoke to New Scientist about his belief that we live in a multiverse; why Roger Penroses theory of

Walmart has been offering a Birkin handbag dupe for under $100, sparking TikTok buzz.The Herms Birkin, a luxury status symbol, starts at around $10,000 for the real thing.The "Walmart Birkin" raises questions about the accessibility and legality of similar-looking bags.Attention, Walmart shoppers: You can own a lookalike of one of the most exclusive handbags in the world and for less than $100.The Herms Birkin is coveted by many luxury shoppers, and the handmade bags start at around $10,000. The hefty price tag means it's available only to customers who have up to six figures to spare for a handbag (and who are savvy enough to get themselves in the queue).However, TikTok is ablaze with users sharing a more affordable bag that looks like the Birkin and which is available for purchase online from Walmart.The bags have been dubbed "Walmart Birkins" or "Wirkins," and they're providing shoppers with the look of luxury at a fraction of the cost. People have been calling the bag a dupe, a term used to describe an item that's similar in appearance to a more expensive product.Their popularity has also opened up a larger conversation around access to styles that wealthy people are willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars to own.On Thursday, TikToker Jessi My posted a video of her holding what looked like two Herms Birkin bags. In the caption, My used the tags "#walmartbirkin" and "#walmart." Her video had eight million views as of Monday morning and thousands of comments from users praising how similar to the Birkin the "Walms" bags look.My said she purchased it on the same day she came across a video by a creator named Imani. In the video, Imani shows off a Birkin lookalike inside a Walmart store. Since her purchase, My told Business Insider that she uses her "Walms" bags for travel, work, and trips to the grocery store."When I received it and saw how great the bag was, I figured others needed to hear about it," My said.The Birkin bag is a status symbol for the wealthy, and has extensive waitlists and a tricky buying process. Walmart customers can skip the line and purchase a "Wirkin" for $78 from third-party sellers. However, some have questioned how legal it is to sell bags that look extremely similar to the Birkin. As an analysis by The Fashion Law notes, the appearance of Herms Birkin is protected under trademark laws.However, Herms' argument could hinge on it being able to prove that customers could easily mistake a fake for the real thing.Dasein, the listed seller of one of the Birkin lookalikes, did not immediately respond to a request for comment by BI. Herms and Walmart also didn't immediately respond. Many of the bags are described as "genuine leather" in Dasein's listings.Herms' Birkin and Kelly bags are among the most likely luxury bags to be faked, Hunter Thompson, director of authentication and brand compliance at secondhand luxury retailer The RealReal, previously told BI.The bags are selling out on Walmart's website making the cheaper option more difficult to own. Meanwhile, the retailer has real pre-owned Birkins on its website retailing for over $24,000.Although customers are getting the appearance of luxury, fashion experts say there are clear signs to tell a fake Birkin from a real one.The zipper design and placement, the undertones of its iconic gold stamp, and even the smell are ways an authenticator can tell your purse is authentic, vintage expert Koyaana Redstar previously told BI.Correction: December 30, 2024 An earlier version of the story incorrectly described the Walmart-sold bags as counterfeit.

A US air defense system in Israel was just used in combat for the first time since it was deployed.It's unclear if the THAAD battery successfully intercepted the incoming threat.The battery was reportedly used against a Houthi ballistic missile late last week.A top US air defense battery deployed to Israel was recently used in combat in what appears to be the first known instance that the system fired an interceptor since it arrived in the country two months ago.The THAAD (or Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) battery was used in theater over the past couple of days, a US defense official confirmed to Business Insider on Monday. They did not elaborate on the circumstances of the incident, the kind of missile attack THAAD was designed to counter.Footage shared on social media Friday purported to show the launch of a THAAD interceptor in Israel against an incoming ballistic missile fired by the Houthis in Yemen. A US soldier can reportedly be heard in the background of the video saying, "Eighteen years [I've] been waiting for this."It's unclear whether the THAAD shot was successful. The Israeli military said early Friday local time that a missile launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory. It did not specify which air defense system was actually used to take down the threat. A THAAD launcher positioned at an undisclosed location in the Middle East. US Army The US deployed a THAAD battery and around 100 soldiers to Israel in October following a massive Iranian missile attack on the country at the start of the month. The Pentagon said then that the system would supplement Israel's advanced and multi-tiered air defenses.THAAD, which is made by US defense contractor Lockheed Martin, is designed to defeat short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the final phase of their flight. The system can engage targets at ranges of 93 to 124 miles inside and outside the atmosphere and eliminates an incoming threat by hitting it rather than exploding nearby.The US Army began developing THAAD in 1992, and it now has seven batteries, several of which are outside the continental US. A typical battery consists of nearly 100 soldiers, six truck-mounted launchers, an advanced radar, and a fire control and communications element. A THAAD launcher fired a missile during a test in July 2017. US Missile Defense Agency THAAD's first operational intercept in combat came in January 2022 when a battery used by the United Arab Emirates took down a Houthi ballistic missile. Though it has rarely seen combat, THAAD is still considered to be one of the top air defenses in the world; Israel's equivalent to the THAAD, the Arrow 3, has also proved its worth in combat.Last year, the US sent a THAAD battery to the Middle East to protect American troops after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, massacre in Israel. The October deployment strengthens Israel's vaunted air-defense shield against missiles, consisting of David's Sling and the Arrow systems. The widely touted Iron Dome, by contrast, is designed to counter rockets and artillery shells.Israel is retiring the US-made Patriot battery. The Israelis soured on the Patriot after their early version failed to defeat Scud missiles fired by Iraq in 1991. Later upgrades would transform Patriot into a critical defensive asset for Ukraine in its war against Russia.The recent employment of the THAAD battery comes amid a notable uptick in Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel over the past few weeks. Israeli forces have bombed the rebels in Yemen in retaliation.

I've wanted to hike a Colorado 14er for almost two decades.This year, my daughter and I crossed that off my bucket list.I faced a hard parenting decision during our hike and I'm still not sure I handled it correctly.When our family moved to Colorado 18 years ago, I made it my goal to hike a 14er one day.Colorado has more than 50 mountains that soar 14,000 feet or more above sea level. Your options for hiking them range from strenuous day hikes on well-marked trails to technical routes where some people use ropes and climbing gear.Between trying to find a hiking buddy and managing my little kids, my dream hike went on the back burner for many years.But that changed when my 13-year-old and I hiked Mt. Bierstadt this past summer. I found a fellow mom who had hiked several 14ers and felt confident hiking this one with us. We had hiking and outdoor experiences, and we spent the summer doing practice hikes to prepare for our goal.Bierstadt is widely known as a beginner 14er, and the trail is uncomplicated. I wouldn't call any 14er easy, but this one is on the shorter end, with less elevation gain to get to the top.Although it was difficult, this climb was one of the mostimportant experiences of 2024 for me.We started out strong, but the constant uphill was a struggleDespite our 3:30 a.m. wake-up time, my daughter and I started out strong. We began while it was still dark, hiking by the light of our headlamps as the sun came up. The first few hours were interesting, with stream crossings and amazing views. Our snack stop around 7:30 a.m. came with a sweeping vista of the Rocky Mountains.And then we hit the hard middle slog. It was a long stretch of slow, steady uphill, and it felt like it would never end. My daughter got discouraged really, really discouraged.Eventually, my poor girl gave up. She sat down and cried. She was physically exhausted, and I think the altitude sickness got to her as well. She refused to go any further.We had some water and a snack, and I tried to get her going again. Nope. I tried encouraging her. I told her how proud I was of her for doing this. Passing hikers told her she could do it. She refused to budge.I wasn't prepared to face a parenting challengeAt this point, I wasn't sure what to do. When do you push your kids forward to accomplish a goal, and when do you let them fail and try again? Both are important. Sometimes, you have to work harder than you ever thought you would. You have to dig deep and fight to the finish. You need grit. And you need to haul yourself up that mountain whether it's a real one or a metaphorical one.But sometimes, you need to fail. History is full of people who failed over and over again until they did something astonishing. As a parent, it's my job to provide a safe place where my kids can land after a failure. They need someone to tell them that it's OK and to talk with them about what they learned. They need someone to inspire them to try again.This was the hardest part of the hike. I was ready with plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit. We had prepared well for our hike. But the responsibility of deciding whether to keep going or turn around weighed heavy. I didn't want anyone to get hurt, but I also wanted us to succeed. I'm still not sure how to decide that.In this case, after making sure she was physically OK and well-hydrated, my daughter and I kept going. Our friends were ahead of us on the trail. I suggested we keep going as slowly as we wanted until we either made it to the summit or met them heading back down. One plodding step at a time, we kept going up the mountain.Eventually, we made it to the top.The climb marked an important milestone for the yearI was so proud of her. I wasn't just proud she summited. I was proud because she hit a point where she wanted to go back, and she pushed through. She fought, wanting to quit, and kept going.Would I be just as proud if she'd hit her limit, listened to her body, and turned around? I'd like to think so. I hope my ego wasn't so set on getting to the top that I'd ignore her. But deep down I'm scared to admit that I don't know.Sometimes, I'd like this parenting job to come with some definite answers. I feel like I'm winging it. I have no idea if I'm doing it right. But I am confident that I did the right thing in supporting her in her time of need, and that's all I need to do as a parent.I'm glad my daughter learned something about her own strength. She tried something new and uncomfortable. Whether she succeeded on this hike or not, I hope it made her more open to stretching her limits and trying unfamiliar things.I can't wait to see what she does in 2025.

Android users, your days of comparing the iPhone to Android devices spec-by-spec are numbered. Once Apple adopts a higher refresh rate for its first-tier iPhone, its over for anyone still playing Bragging Rights Bingo. We are a day away from the start of a new year, typically when the next iPhone rumors start popping off. The one percolating currently has roots as far back as September and claims the iPhone 17 will have a screen with a higher refresh rate compared to iPhones past. Apple has used ProMotion, or 120Hz, displays since the iPhone 13 Pro. Since then, only the Pro models have offered a variation of ProMotion, with the iPhone 15 Pro being the first to adopt the always-on display. According to a leak on the Chinese social network Weibo, starting in 2025, all iPhone models will claim ProMotion screens, no longer limiting them to the higher-priced variant. The leak comes from a previously cited leaker,Digital Chat Station, which also started the rumor that the iPhone 17 Pro would get a backside redesign. Well see about that. This rumor is taking off because we heard it from display analystRoss Young. The literal supply chain offers the best glimpse at whats to come.Apple is starting to pack more Pro-level features into its first-tier iPhone. This year,it surprised us by including the Camera Control button on all iPhone 16 models. Apple typically launches new features, like theDynamic Island, for Pro users first. The company even made Apple Intelligence available to those who choose the $800 two-camera iPhone 16 over the three-camera $1,000 iPhone 16 Pro. This is why the rumor makes sense. The iPhone 17s adoption of a higher refresh rate would follow suit in this practice. If Apple adopts ProMotion across the board, that could be a boon for whatever is going on with the Pixel lineup, for instance. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro have the same screen sizes, but their displays have apparent differences. The Pixel 9 Pro has a Super Actua display with a higher resolution and pixels-per-inch (PPI)a numbers game we used to play more of about ten years ago when all screens were smallerand a faster refresh rate. By comparison, the Pixel 9 is not as bright and does not have an always-on display.Itll be interesting to see how Apple does it. Will it follow the Pixel lineup and dial down the screen resolution and brightness to keep the battery going on the regular iPhone 17? Or will it adopt always-on display capabilities for both tiers to make iOS features like Standby available to all? Well find out the answers soon enough.

By AJ Dellinger Published December 30, 2024 | Comments (0) | Mechanics check the conditions of high-speed trains at a maintenance base FANG DONGXU / Feature China/Future Publishing via Getty Images Theyre speeding toward a faster future in China, thanks to a new model of high-speed bullet train. Over the weekend, state-owned rail operator China State Railway Group unveiled a prototype for its CR450 train, which it claims will be the fastest commercial high-speed railcar in the world. As reported by the South China Morning Post, the CR450 will be able to reach peak speeds as high as 280mph (450km/h) and will have a top commercial operating speed of 250mph (400km/h). For comparisons sake, the states rail operators current CR400 trains operate at about 220mph (350km/h). The CR450 will be able to complete the 700-mile journey from Beijing to Shanghai in about 2.5 hours, according to state-owned news organization Yicai Global. This photo shows the driving cab of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]While the CR450 is still in the prototype stage, producing a train capable of those top speeds is a technological and engineering achievement. According to a press release from the Chinese government, the CR450 will weigh 10% less than its predecessors and will lower operational resistancethe force needed to move the trainby 22%. The trains bogie enclosurethe framework that covers the wheelscan reduce air resistance at faster speeds, and a low-drag, sharp-nosed front and aerodynamic windshields help the CR450 maintain its peak acceleration. As impressive as the CR450 promises to be, there is a difference between being capable of certain speeds and actually achieving them. Frances TGV train hit 357.2 mph back in 2007, which remains a record for conventional wheeled passenger trains. But in practice, the TGV averages speeds of around 175mph. China already operates the fastest commercial trains in the world, with several routes that routinely hit 217mph. But to push those top speeds even higher, it requires ensuring that tracks are properly aligned to support it.This photo shows an interior view of the economy class carriage of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]According to infrastructure consulting firm AECOM, the faster a train goes, the more curve radius is needed to ensure the vehicle can safely take a turn without needing to either significantly slow down or risk serious danger. That radius gets exponentially bigger the faster you go. Per AECOM, a train going 224mph requires a curve radius of about 6.2 miles to maintain speed. Bump that up to 250mph, and youll need 7 miles to follow the bank without tanking at top speeds. The Chinese government says the CR450 will be in operation as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Californians are still waiting for its high-speed rail projectnow nearly two decades since its first approvalto produce its first operational passenger service. Hopefully, the trains will be faster than construction. This photo shows an interior view of a business class carriage of the CR450BF bullet train in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 29, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Passant Rabie Published December 26, 2024 By Margherita Bassi Published December 20, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 19, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 4, 2024 By Todd Feathers Published November 25, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 12, 2024

Apple TV+ is dropping a little gift into your lap this weekend: its free to stream January 4-5. The promotions social media announcement came with a tease of several popular series, but its no accident the first clip is from Severance. The Emmy-winning show finally returns January 17, and a weekend is absolutely enough time to binge the nine-episode first season. But Severance season one isnt the only sci-fi show you should try and check out during the free period; as io9 has noted before, Apple TV+ is an excellent destination for genre fare. The list of original series has continued to grow, but these are the five must-see titles, starting with the one weve already been hyping up: Severance Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, and Christopher Walken head up an outstanding ensemble in this dystopian office drama set in and around a mysterious company where workers volunteer to have their brains surgically divided between their work and home lives. The disconnect between innies and outies becomes exponentially distressing once the innies begin to ask questionsand rebel. Smart, poignant, and equal parts eerie and wryly hilarious, Severance is a top-to-bottom standout. Season one streamed in 2022; season two returns January 17.Foundation Isaac Asimovs Foundation stories inspire this far-future tale that explores the wonders of scienceand also its terrors, including the idea that a robot is secretly manipulating the future of humanity. Jared Harris plays multiple versions of genius Hari Seldon, and Lee Pace plays multiple versions of the galaxys perpetually cloned Emperor. Thrilling, visually dynamic, and full of stirring plot moments that range from explosive to intimate, Foundation is a sci-fi epic worth diving into, especially if you enter knowing that season two is when it really gets going. You can watch the first two seasons on Apple TV+; a third is on the way. For All Mankind The space race between the U.S. and Russia gets an alt-history twist in this fascinating drama co-created by Ronald D. Moore (Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Outlander) that shifts ahead in time a decade with each new season, starting with the Soviet moon landing in 1969. There are now four seasons available to watch, with a fifth on the way as well as a spin-off.Silo Maybe even more than Severance, watching Silo during the free trial might make you want to immediately sign up for an Apple TV+ subscription. Thats because while season one of the Hugh Howey-adapted seriesstarring Rebecca Ferguson, its about a dystopian future where people survive in underground siloswrapped up in 2023, season two is currently working its way through its 10 episodes. If you get hooked on Silo, the season two finale isnt until January 17. Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Kurt and Wyatt Russell and some guy called Godzilla share the screen in this series expanding Legendarys cinematic Monsterverse. Its set in the wake of the 2014 Godzilla movie, with flashbacks to the late 1950s, which is how the Russells are able to play the same character at different ages. A second season is on the way, with (as season one teased) King Kong joining the fun.Honorable mention: the Joel Edgerton-starring multiverse drama Dark Matter (season two is coming); M. Night Shyamalans bonkers psychological thriller Servant (concluded in 2023 after four seasons); and Sugar, the Colin Farrell-starring neo-noir with a shocking sci-fi twist (season two is coming). There are also tons of buzzy, non-genre original shows on Apple TV+, including Ted Lasso, Presumed Innocent, Shrinking, and The Afterpartyand movies too, including Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon. Should you decide to stick around after your free trial, a monthly subscription to Apple TV+ is $9.99 and it includes a free week. Find out more here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

AGE 360 Building / ARCHITECTS OFFICE + TriptyqueSave this picture!Curitiba, BrazilArchitects: ARCHITECTS OFFICE, TriptyqueAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:17000 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Joana FranaMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture! Joana FranaText description provided by the architects. AGE 360, the new residential building designed by Greg Bousquet for the developer AG7, transforms the landscape of the Ecoville neighborhood in Curitiba by proposing a landmark of vertical architecture that combines technical innovation, sustainability, and quality of life. Standing at 124 meters tall, the building was conceived to be an urban icon, reflecting the relationship between structural pragmatism and architectural poetics that define AO's designs.Save this picture!Save this picture!The proposal was to create a residential building that would be visible from various points in the city while maintaining a connection to its surroundings. The low-density lot with privileged views of Barigui Park posed structural and volumetric challenges. After 48 volumetric studies, the team arrived at the final configuration, respecting local regulations and maximizing urban and natural perspectives, revealing a dynamic volume with chamfers that have become the identity of the project.Save this picture!Integration between the mineral and the organic - To ensure flexibility in the interiors and free the apartments from columns, AGE 360 adopts a concrete exoskeleton. This structural solution not only optimizes the internal layout but also redefines the residents' relationship with the space, offering versatile layouts and unobstructed views. This decision also brought a strong aesthetic element, emphasizing the verticality of the tower and engaging with the concept of lightness.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The common areas of the building are positioned in the center of the tower, rather than on the ground floor. Spaces like the pool, spa, and elevated gardens create a community environment with panoramic views of the city, reinforcing the concept of "wellness" and promoting well-being. Natural wood, combined with concrete and greenery, adorns these areas, creating a cozy and quiet atmosphere.Save this picture!Save this picture!Vegetation is a pillar of the project, reinforcing biophilia and the commitment to sustainability. Planters embedded in the terraces create a continuous garden, while carefully selected species are resistant to high winds and require low maintenance. The contrast between exposed concrete and vegetation generates a visual and functional balance that connects residents to nature in a genuine way.Save this picture!Save this picture!Architectural legacy - AGE 360 has already won globally relevant awards, such as the iF Design Award 2021, the Rethinking the Future seal, and the Fitwel certification, which recognizes projects focused on the health and well-being of users. These recognitions highlight the positive impact of the project on the real estate market and the urban context of Curitiba.Save this picture!More than a visual landmark, AGE 360 is an example of how architecture can integrate functionality, sustainability, and cultural impact. "Every decision was guided by functionality but resulted in something poetically integrated into the urban and natural context," emphasizes Greg Bousquet, founder of Architects Office. The building is a synthesis of how the present can engage with the future, delivering solutions that enrich the city and the daily lives of its residents.Save this picture!AGE 360 reaffirms that architecture can be more than just a construction it can be a catalyst for new ways of living and connecting with the environment.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Curitiba, BrazilLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeARCHITECTS OFFICEOfficeMaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on December 30, 2024Cite: "AGE 360 Building / ARCHITECTS OFFICE + Triptyque" [Edifcio AGE 360 / ARCHITECTS OFFICE + Triptyque] 30 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1024855/age-360-building-architects-office&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?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

Lining grocery store shelves are supplements like omega fish oil, goats rue and others that sound more like the ingredients of a witchs cauldron. Social media influencers also push high-tech sounding pills like CoQ10 or plant sterols to their followers. And you can find the classic supplements online or in person vitamin D, vitamin C or a daily multivitamin.In the United States, the supplement market was estimated to be worth $42.6 billion in 2022, and it was projected to increase up to $70.8 billion by 2031, according to Statista.But do any of these so-called health products provide real health benefits? According to long-term studies, the science is unclear on the benefits or negative impacts of many supplements. In fact, there is only evidence that a few of them have any benefits at all and are hardly a substitute for eating healthily, exercising, and abstaining from excessive drinking, smoking, or other harmful activities. Marketing and Research of SupplementsDietary supplements are any substances that you take in addition to your regular meals and snacks. They can be chemicals, extracts from plants or animal parts, minerals, acids, herbs, or vitamins.Supplements are typically marketed to provide consumers all kinds of different benefits, whether its daily immune system boosts, an increase in milk production for pregnant mothers, or specific conditions.Part of the issue for the dietary supplement industry is that companies have freedom of what to sell, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not determine whether dietary supplements are effective before they are marketed, according to the National Institutes of Healths (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements.Actual peer-reviewed studies on the purported effects of supplements are slow to follow the marketing. This is due to a lack of funding and time, and there is difficulty in isolating any one activity as the cause of a positive health outcome especially when consumers mix supplements to address their health issues.Are There Health Benefits? As a result, the list of vitamins and supplements that actually have scientific evidence of any real benefit is surprising small, given the number of these products available. NIHs Office of Dietary Supplements lists just a few positive effects from a handful of supplements.Calcium and vitamin D can improve your bone health, for example while folic acid can decrease the risk of birth defects. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils can help people with heart disease and a combination of vitamins C, E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin may slow down the vision loss of people with age-related macular degeneration.NIHs National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that many vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and various types of vitamin B. Essential minerals include calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, sulfur, cobalt, copper, fluoride, manganese, and selenium. But its important to note that we get many of these vitamins and minerals through eating healthy food. Whether taking these as supplements actually helps our bodies still needs more research. Nonetheless, in some cases, taking supplements doesnt hurt. NCCIH notes that taking your daily dose of multivitamin is unlikely to pose any risks for healthy people, though most studies have shown little or no effects from multivitamins on the risk of health problems. The Value of SupplementsSome research has revealed that even some of the most widely marketed supplements have little or no value. A Canadian study published in Current Nutrition Reports in 2013, for example, reported that echinacea had little or no evidence to shorten the symptoms of colds or the flu, despite marketing.Even primrose oil appeared to have no value in treating eczema, though it may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain, and more research is needed. Gingko doesnt have much evidence of improving memory for Alzheimers patients, older adults or those suffering from dementia, and there is little evidence that ginseng does anything.[Ginseng] is among the most popular of herbs, and it is used for a variety of reasons, the most common of which are increased sense of well-being, stamina, and improved mental and physical performance, the authors wrote in the study. Overall, there is very little solid evidence that ginseng lives up to the many lofty claims of its efficacy.Can Supplements Cause Harm?There are a number of potential ways that supplements can cause harm, directly and indirectly. Taking more minerals, vitamins or other supplements than your liver can handle can cause problems and it doesnt matter whether the ingredients are chemical or natural.Many dietary supplements (and some prescription drugs) come from natural sources, but natural does not always mean safe, according to the NCCIH. For example, the kava plant is a member of the pepper family but taking kava supplements can cause liver disease.There are also some specific examples of negative effects from supplements. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that vitamin K can reduce the ability of some blood thinners to prevent clotting, while St. Johns wort can reduce the effectiveness of medicines like birth control pills, antidepressants, and heart and anti-HIV medicines. Supplements that are antioxidants can reduce the effectiveness of some types of chemotherapy for cancer treatments.Even daily multivitamins may have negative effects to certain consumers. According to the NCCIH, smokers or former smokers may want to avoid multivitamins with high levels of vitamin A, which some studies have linked to increased risk of lung cancer.In fact, too much vitamin A can create headaches, liver damage, reduce bone strength, and even cause birth defects. Meanwhile, too much iron can induce nausea and may also cause liver and other organ damage.More Research Is NeededIndirectly, reliance on supplements may have a negative effect on the motivation of consumers to engage in other healthy activities like exercising, healthy eating in general, or limiting intake of alcohol, tobacco, or other harmful substances.One consumer study found evidence that drug marketing undermines intentions to engage in health-protective behaviors.The authors found that essentially, some may believe that supplements can compensate for not going to the gym or drinking too much on the weekends. They also found that, paradoxically, some people who take a lot of supplements may also associate this supplement-taking behavior with their own poor health.This perception reduces self-efficacy and perceived ability to engage in complementary health-protective behaviors, the authors wrote in the study.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:National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplements: What You Need to KnowNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Vitamins and MineralsSpringer Nature. The Marketing of Dietary Supplements: A Canadian PerspectiveNational Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Using Dietary Supplements WiselyJournal of Consumer Research. How Does Drug and Supplement Marketing Affect a Healthy Lifestyle?Joshua Rapp Learn is an award-winning D.C.-based science writer. An expat Albertan, he contributes to a number of science publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, The Guardian, New Scientist, Hakai, and others.