7.5/ 10 SCORE OnePlus 13R Pros Big screen Loud speakers Long-lasting battery Fast wired charging Cons No wireless charging Mixed photography Table of Contents The $600 OnePlus 13R is one of the most useful phones I've tested, even if it's playing second fiddle to the $900 OnePlus 13. Over my three-week testing period, I've consistently got two full days of use from its 6,000mAh battery. The phone's big 6.78-inch screen and loud speakers are a joy to use when paired to my Xbox controller while gaming. Even though it runs on Qualcomm's year-old premium processor used in 2024'sOnePlus 12 and the Galaxy S24, it's still a very capable chip ready for intensive tasks and AI features. All in all, the OnePlus 13R packs a lot for its lower price.There's support for 55W fast wired charging (or even more with a proprietary charger sold separately) that juices your phone up 60% in just half an hour. The phone has an IP65 rating for dust and water, which means it can handle some light rain drizzle or a beverage accidentally being spilled near it but might not survive being dropped in a pool or otherwise submerged. And its screen has a neat feature that still lets you operate the phone even when your hands are wet or it's raining, instead of the software going all haywire from too much conductivity. These are all features that might not be the most advanced technology available in a phone right now, but they are all valuable for quality of life. OnePlus 13R: Closer Look at the $600 Flagship Phone See all photos But the OnePlus 13R's lack of wireless charging caught me by surprise. It's a strange omission considering that even cheaper phones in the $300 range support Qi wireless charging. OnePlus somewhat makes up for that with the 13R's fast wired charging and even includes a fast charging power adapter in the box. Charging with more universal USB-PD chargers -- used for fast charging by many other major phone makers -- works but at slower speeds.If you don't need wireless charging, the OnePlus 13R could be a great option for anyone looking for a media-heavy Android phone -- especially those upgrading from 2020's OnePlus 8 or earlier. The OnePlus 13R playing the Android version of Fall Guys. Mike Sorrentino/CNETOnePlus 13R: Display, CPU, ChargingThe OnePlus 13R's display is the standout reason to consider this phone, especially for casual mobile gaming and watching media. The screen has an 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate which can ramp down to conserve battery life. That refresh rate couple with a 2,780 by 1,264 resolution helps make details in videos or games pop. The screen also stands up to all kinds of weather (literally), including bright sunlight to dim and rainy environments.On the subject of rain, OnePlus brings its Aqua Touch 2.0 display technology to the 13R, that makes the screen easier to use even when covered in rain droplets. This was helpful when I was waiting for the subway on a rainy day, since I didn't experience any "ghost" taps that can sometimes happen when water droplets hit the display on other phones. However, using a phone's screen in the rain -- regardless of the phone itself -- remains awkward because a wet screen leads to a tacky feeling while scrolling. The 13R's ability to account for that while remaining usable is quite convenient.But the display's features don't stop there, as you can use the phone while wearing light gloves, something that came in handy as the temperature in New York dropped to freezing this early in the year. The OnePlus 13R remains easy to use in rainy conditions through the phone's Aqua Touch 2.0 technology. Mike Sorrentino/CNETIn real world use, I put the OnePlus 13R through my typical regiment of gaming tests. This includes playing a few Fortnite matches on its highest "Epic" graphics setting and running the game at 90 frames per second. The phone capably ran the match but heated up to the point where I had to stop playing -- I received a notification saying the phone needed to cool down before I could continue playing. Turning the graphics down to a slower 60fps frame rate helped keep the phone cool enough for uninterrupted gaming sessions.The OnePlus 13R also did well in performance benchmark testing. The phone's GeekBench 6 CPU scores are unsurprisingly similar to last year's OnePlus 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series. It fared especially well in the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme graphics test, with scores that rivaled all of 2024's best phones. That's an impressive feat for a cheaper phone, although it's worth noting that many of last year's top phones, including the Galaxy S24 series, also run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip.Performance testing: OnePlus 13R vs. OnePlus 13, Google Pixel 8A, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Geekbench 6.0 3DMark Wild Life Extreme OnePlus 13R Single: 2,215; Multi: 6,4984,978; 29.42fpsOnePlus 13 Single: 3,091 Multi: 9,3626,762; 40.5 fpsGoogle Pixel 8A Single: 1,675; Multi: 4,0762,435; 14.6 fpsSamsung Galaxy S24 FE Single: 2,065 ; Multi: 6,1093,823; 22.89fps The OnePlus 13R's 6,000mAh battery is well optimized for most tasks. After a full day of use that included gaming, taking photos and texting, that battery still had 50% of its charge remaining. In my YouTube streaming test for example, in which I play a three-hour long video at maximum brightness, the 13R's battery dropped from 100% to 85%, which is largely the same as our tests with the Galaxy S24. However it is more intensive than last year's OnePlus 12, which degraded only 5% in the same test. In his OnePlus 13 review, my colleague Andrew Lanxon found that phone to deplete all the way to 78% in the same test, which may have to do with the more power-intensive Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.Battery testing: OnePlus 13R vs. OnePlus 13, Google Pixel 8A, Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 45 min battery enduranceYouTube streaming drain test starting at 100% OnePlus 13R 100% to 97%1 hr: 97%; 2 hr: 91%; 3hr: 85% (1-120Hz)OnePlus 13 50% to 35% 1 hr: 93%; 2 hr: 84%; 3 hr 78% (1-120Hz)Google Pixel 8A 100% to 95%1 hr: 96%; 2 hr: 89%; 3 hr: 83% (60Hz-120Hz)Samsung Galaxy S24 FE 100% to 92% 1 hr: 96%; 2 hr: 90%; 3 hr: 83% (120Hz) When the phone did run out of battery, the included 55-watt power adapter recharged the OnePlus13R from zero to 60% in 30 minutes, which is noticeably faster than the 18-watt to 25-watt speeds I normally see on other phones at this price. The phone also supports 80-watt fast charging in the US (and 100 watts outside the US) but I wasn't able to test because you need to use OnePlus' SuperVooc charger which is sold separately.It turns out that without a SuperVooc charger, the OnePlus 13R only supports charging speeds up to 18 watts, the same as the $500 Pixel 8A and slower than the $650 Galaxy S24 FE's 25-watt charging. When I tried using a more universal charger that supports USB-PD, the OnePlus 13R's battery gained 32% over 30 minutes. I recommend sticking to the included charger as you'll likely only be charging up the phone a few times a week. Plus, it's nice that OnePlus even includes a power adapter at all considering many phone companies only provide a cable. Mike Sorrentino/CNETI'm still bummed that the OnePlus 13R lacks wireless charging, especially the newer Qi2 standard since there are lower priced phones, like the HMD's Skyline phone, that support 15 wattQi2 magnetic accessories.To its credit, OnePlus gave the 13R the same four years of software and six years of security update commitment as the more expensive OnePlus 13. While I'd like to see OnePlus fully match Samsung and Google's seven-year commitment for both, having at least the security update policy stretch through 2031 will be useful for anyone that likes to use their phone until it's truly broken. The OnePlus 13R's camera system includes a 50-megapixel wide camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNETOnePlus 13R camerasWhile the OnePlus 13R's powerful processor helps the phone feel just as powerful as last year's flagship phones, for whatever reason, the cameras do not produce finished photos that live up to that elite tier. The 13R's triple camera system includes a 50-megapixel wide camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide. These are accompanied by a 16-megapixel selfie camera on the front.On paper this should put the phone into a similar field as the $650 Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and the $499 Google Pixel 8A, but in my testing I found many photos to have a lot of overprocessing, especially in lower-light situations.Starting with the good though, most of my outdoor photography taken by the OnePlus 13R comes out decently, including the capturing of colorful watery reflections in this photo of the pier in St. Petersburg Florida. Taken on the OnePlus 13R. Mike Sorrentino/CNETAnd I tested all three cameras when capturing this bacon, egg and cheese croissant I got at a Queens, New York bakery. You can see the texture of the bacon and the glistening of oil in both the wide and telephoto pictures, while the ultrawide brings in the wider table setting. The colors are bright but almost too warm, details look muddled and inconsistently processed between each lens -- check the difference in the plate and bacon colors in the three shots below. Taken on the OnePlus 13R's wide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Taken on the OnePlus 13R's ultrawide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Taken on the OnePlus 13R's telephoto camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNETBut photography takes a turn when I bring the phone to a Manhattan nightclub, where overprocessing becomes quite obvious including image noise on the dance floor. Taken on the OnePlus 13R's wide camera. Mike Sorrentino/CNETI found the front-facing camera's selfies also suffered from processing issues, which include oversharpening the details in my face in both bright and dark settings. At times I felt like it was making me look like a character from "Toy Story," due to that computation. Self-taken photo in a medium lighting setting. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Self-taken photo on the OnePlus 13R in a darker setting. Mike Sorrentino/CNETPhotography is the main area where the OnePlus 13R includes AI features, but I wasn't very impressed by them. The AI Detail Boost seemed to add definition to my hair by highlighting individual strands of it, which only makes the photo look more fake. OnePlus also offers unblurring and reflection eraser effects that I largely found to be more subtle. OnePlus also has an AI Eraser feature, which is similar to Google's Magic Eraser, for removing unwanted people or objects from photos. Outside of photography, OnePlus provides an AI-generated notes assistant along with access to Google's Circle to Search and Gemini assistant. The AI Enhance feature on the OnePlus 13R. Mike Sorrentino/CNETThe OnePlus 13R's video quality is decent, maxing out at 4K resolution at 60 frames per second. A beach clip that I took in St. Petersburg has some image noise but depicts the scene well otherwise. I wouldn't consider this to be a professional level camera like some flagship phones are purporting to be capable of, but fun vacation videos will come out fine. The OnePlus 13R and its included 55W SuperVooc wired charger. Mike Sorrentino/CNETOnePlus 13R: Bottom lineThe OnePlus 13R could be a great pick for someone who wants a phone for gaming, watching movies and scrolling social media. The large screen, loud speakers and powerful processor are capable of handling all kinds of entertainment without requiring you to spend $300 more on the more flagship OnePlus 13. Combine that with its fast 55-watt wired charging and long battery life and you'll find that this phone can be a long-lasting daily driver.But the lack of wireless charging will be quite noticeable in the years to come. The Qi2 standard is technically in its infancy, but its compatibility with Apple's MagSafe charging accessories means that there is already a wealth of fun docks, pads and stations that won't work with the OnePlus 13R.Yet if wireless charging is not important to you but you want a long battery and a great media experience, then the OnePlus 13R's tradeoffs are probably worth it.OnePlus 13, OnePlus 13R, Samsung Galaxy S24 and Samsung Galaxy S24 FE specs OnePlus 13OnePlus 13RSamsung Galaxy S24Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Display size, resolution 6.82-inch AMOLED; 3,168x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.78-inch AMOLED; 2,780x1,264 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels, 120Hz adaptive refresh ratePixel density 510ppi450ppi416 ppi385 ppiDimensions (inches) 6.41x3.01x0.33 in. (arctic dawn/black eclipse); 6.41x3.01x0.35 in. (midnight ocean)6.36x2.98x0.32 in.5.79 x 2.78 x 0.3 in.6.4 x 3 x 0.3 inchesDimensions (millimeters) 162.9x76.5x8.5mm (arctic dawn/black eclipse); 162.9x76.5x8.9mm (midnight ocean)161.72x75.77x8.02mm147 x 71 x 7.6 mm162 x 77.3 x 8 mmWeight (ounces, grams) 213g (7.51 oz.) -- arctic dawn/black eclipse; 210g (7.4 oz.) -- midnight ocean206g (7.26 oz.)168g (5.93 oz.)213g (7.51 oz.)Mobile software Android 15Android 15Android 14Android 14Camera 50 megapixel (wide), 50 megapixel (3x telephoto), 50 megapixel (ultrawide)50 megapixel (wide), 8 megapixel (ultrawide), 50 megapixel (telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 8-megapixel (3x telephoto)Front-facing camera 32 megapixel16 megapixel12-megapixel 10-megapixelVideo capture 8K at 30fps; 4K at 60fps 4K at 60fps8K8KProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Samsung Exynos 2400eRAM/Storage 12GB + 256GB; 16GB + 512GB12GB + 256GB8GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB8GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GBExpandable storage NoNoNoneNoneBattery/Charger 6,000 mAh6,000 mAh4,000 mAh4,700mAhFingerprint sensor Under displayUnder displayUnder displayUnder displayConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial features 80W SuperVooc wired charging, 50W AirVooc wireless charging, alert slider, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IP68 and IP69 certified, Ceramic Guard, Aqua Touch 2.0, 4 years software updates, 6 years security updates, LTPO 4.1 display55W SuperVOOC wired charging with included power adapter, alert slider, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IP65 certified, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Aqua Touch 2.0, 4 years software updates, 6 years security updates, LTPO 4.1 display2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6E7 years of OS and security updates; 5G; IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 6EPrice off-contract (USD) $900 (12GB + 256GB); $1,000 (16GB + 512GB)$600 (12GB + 256GB)$800 (128GB)$650 (128GB), $719 (256GB) How we test phonesEvery phone tested by CNET's reviews teamwas actually used in the real world. We test a phone's features, play games and take photos. We examine the display to see if it's bright, sharp and vibrant. We analyze the design and build to see how it is to hold and whether it has an IP-rating for water resistance. We push the processor's performance to the extremes using standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations navigating the interface, recording high-resolution videos and playing graphically intense games at high refresh rates.All the cameras are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight to dark indoor scenes. We try out special features like night mode and portrait mode and compare our findings against similarly priced competing phones. We also check out the battery life by using it daily as well as running a series of battery drain tests.We take into account additional features like support for 5G, satellite connectivity, fingerprint and face sensors, stylus support, fast charging speeds and foldable displays, among others that can be useful. We balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value. While these tests may not always be reflected in CNET's initial review, we conduct follow-up and long-term testing in most circumstances.

January 10, 20254 min readCan You Get Bird Flu from Eggs? Your Egg Safety Questions AnsweredEggs can carry nasty viruses and bacteria. Heres how to store and eat them safelyBy Tanya Lewis edited by Jeanna Bryner Vronique Duplain/Alamy Stock PhotoEggs can be eaten in many different forms: scrambled, poached, fried, boiled or in omelets, souffls, custards or meringues. But one way that food safety experts say they shouldnt be consumed is raw.Thats because eggs can harbor dangerous bacteria or viruses that can make us sick. The most familiar culprit is Salmonella, a bacterium that can result in a severe bout of food poisoning, causing diarrhea, stomach cramps and vomiting. The overall incidence of Salmonella in eggs is low: about one in 20,000. Nevertheless, one of safest things to do is just cook food, says Michael Persia, John W. Hancock Professor of Animal Sciences at Virginia Tech.How to Store and Cook Eggs SafelyOn 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.To minimize Salmonella risk, commercial eggs in the U.S. are washed to remove bacteria and then kept refrigerated until they are sold. Consumers in the U.S. must refrigerate store-bought eggs because their outer antimicrobial coating, called the cuticle or bloom, gets removed in the washing process, Persia says. In Europe eggs can be stored at room temperature because they arent washed, leaving their bloom intact. Farmers market eggs in the U.S. may be washed or unwashed; even if theyre unwashed, its still a good idea to keep them in the fridge because they last longer.Then there is pasteurization, a heating process that kills bacteria. Most whole-shell eggs you buy at the store are not pasteurized, so cooking them until they reach a temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71.1 degrees Celsius) is essential. A good rule of thumb is to cook eggs until the yolks are firm. In the U.S. all commercial egg productssuch as liquid egg yolks and egg whitesare required to be pasteurized, however. Nursing homes, day cares and other places that serve people who may have weakened immune systems often use egg products for this reason.Foods containing eggs should not be left out for more than two hoursor more than one hour if the ambient temperature is above 90 degrees F (32.2 degrees C). That said, plenty of baking recipes call for using room-temperature eggs, but you can just take them out of the fridge half an hour to an hour before baking.Can You Get Bird Flu from Chicken Eggs?In recent years, another nasty bug has been afflicting poultry and, in turn, egg production. A type of highly pathogenic avian influenza known as H5N1 has been circulating in wild birds and poultry, causing hundreds of outbreaks in U.S. birds since January 2022 and triggering egg shortages. But humans are unlikely to contract the virus from eating commercial chicken eggs, says Persia, who does biosecurity audits of poultry farms. The risk is very, very, very low to nonexistent, he adds. Thats because commercial farms have strict biosecurity measures to keep the domestic birds separate from wild ones, and H5N1 is so deadly to poultry that farmers must quickly cull an entire flock before the virus can contaminate any eggs, he says. One of the biosecurity points that we actually look at from an audit standpoint is If the bird is housed inside, is there any access that outdoor birds have to that? Persia says. [Farmers] actually will put up different types of guards on the air inlet to make sure that birds dont have access to that flock.Thats easier to do with indoor birds than outdoor ones. Backyard poultry pose a potential risk because they may have contact with wild birds or contaminants, Persia notes. He recommends feeding backyard birds inside, even if they have outdoor access, to avoid attracting wild birds. Another tip: use dedicated shoes when walking inside a chicken coop so you dont tramp in pathogens from outside.Dairy cows pose a different risk. When infected with H5N1, they dont get as sick as chickens do, so these cows arent necessarily removed from the milking herd. Raw milk from infected cows contains high levels of H5N1, and cats have died from drinking it. But pasteurization kills the virus, so pasteurized milk is safe to consume.More than 65 people in the U.S. have been infected with H5N1 since the beginning of 2024; most of them have been dairy and poultry workers. Infections in dairy workers have generally been mild, causing conjunctivitis and mild respiratory symptoms. But at least two people have become seriously ill from a strain of H5N1 related to the D1.1 genotype that is currently circulating in poultry and wild birds. Those two cases included one person in Louisiana who died from their infection. The Louisiana patient had had contact with both wild birds and backyard poultry.The longer H5N1 is allowed to circulate in cows and poultry, the higher the likelihood it could adapt to spread among humans. But at least for now, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your eggs will be safeso long as you cook them.

January 10, 20255 min readHunters Disagree on the Threat of Chronic Wasting Disease in DeerThe prion disease that causes deer, elk and other cervids to waste away could someday jump to humans, but many hunters are not convinced they should worryBy Sophie Hartley Tony Demin/Getty ImagesAaron Skarlupka, a hunter in northeast Wisconsin, was recently thrilled when he got his first harvest of the season: an eight-point white-tailed buck. Skarlupkas son, who was along for the chilly morning hunt in the woods, convinced his dad to have the prominent head mounted so he could put it on his bedroom wall.Taking care to avoid any glands that might contain traces of chronic wasting disease (CWD)a 100 percent fatal illness in deer, elk and moose that has been in detected in 35 U.S. states and five Canadian provincesSkarlupka put on a pair of nitrile gloves and carefully beheaded the carcass. A few nearby hunters gave him grief about the gloves: I definitely got some pushback and ridicule, he says, and some looks like, What are you doing?The science behind how or if CWD could spread to humans is murky. So far there hasnt been a documented case in a human, but scientists say that people who eat infected game meat such as venison could still be at risk. Some hunters like Skarlupka arent keen on taking chances, especially when they depend on deer meat to feed their family. Other hunters dont care.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.Ongoing research continues to reveal new aspects of the disease, helping scientists understand more about cross-species infection and the potential of vaccines. Yet skepticism and disinformation about the legitimacy of CWDs threat abound in Wisconsin and elsewhere. Potential management policies mostly sit on shelves. All Wisconsin can do for now is monitor the disease as it spreads across the state, county by county. Wisconsins Department of Natural Resources (DNR) relies on tissue submissions from hunters, but only about 10 percent of the states hunters submit their deer for testing. And even when they do, a DNR survey found that about a quarter of infected meat is taken home and eaten anyway.CWD is not created by a typical virus or bacterium. Its caused by a priona misfolded protein that causes other proteins to fold abnormally, killing cells in what can become an expanding network of cell destruction that leads to a slow and undignified death. Prion diseases such as CWD, mad cow disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease are typically spread by ingestion, inhalation or by mouth. When a deer licks the saliva, feces or blood from of an already infected animal, a prion might slip into the body and begin its slow, fatal campaign.As misfolded prions encounter healthy cells with functioning prions inside, they convert the prions into misfolded, infectious agents, and that just keeps happening, says Jason Bartz, a microbiologist at Creighton University. The wave of prions slowly accumulates, spreading through the spleen and the lymph nodes and through the peripheral nervous system into the central nervous system. Misfolded proteins inside some cells dont cause problems, Bartz says. But in other cells, especially some neurons in the brain, a misfolded prion is a death sentence. As CWD prions accumulate throughout the hosts brain and spinal cord, the widening destruction of tissue and cell function eventuallyand alwaysleads to death.Deer can survive with CWD for years without showing noticeable symptoms. In the later stages of the disease, deer become starved, weak and less fearful of humans. Often they die from predators, cars or guns before fully wasting away to the disease. Some researchers fear that CWD could permanently debilitate deer herds across the U.S.Thus far, humans have been spared. Theres no evidence of any transmission of chronic wasting disease to humans, says Ermias Belay, a medical epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But no evidence now doesnt mean no evidence ever. Because prion diseases can have long incubation periods, from years to decades, during which the misfolding can widen without any noticeable symptoms, its very important to monitor the potential transmission of the disease in humans for a very long time, Belay adds. Continued vigilance in monitoring is critical.CWD was first identified in northern Colorado in the 1960s, and Wisconsin found its first case in 2002. Almost immediately, the state sent in sharpshooters and hunters who killed thousands of deer throughout the states southern grasslands, where CWD was most prevalent. The DNR cracked down on transporting carcasses, and on some regions, it imposed the Earn-a-Buck program, which required hunters to harvest a doe before they could earn the right to a buck. Killing female deer weakens a herds ability to grow, and officials thought that thinning out deer herds was the key to eradicating the disease and preserving wild herd health.Some hunters think Earn-a-Buck was one of the DNRs greatest tools to combat the disease. Others saw it as a major infringement on their hunting traditions, says Kim Zuhlke, president of the Coulee Country Branch of the National Deer Association, who has been hunting in southwestern Wisconsin for more than 60 years.A similar method of aggressive deer management worked in New York State, the only state to have successfully eradicated the disease in the wild. But hunters in Wisconsin refused to fully buy into the crisis that CWD seemed to be threatening. Hunting, after all, is almost sacred here. To many hunters, thinning herds without a justifiable causeas they saw itcreated a hassle, Zuhlke says. Harvesting more deer, submitting samples and abiding by restrictions felt to them like a huge inconvenience, he says, and it was hard to create a sense of urgency.Over time, a lot of hunters perceived the cure to be worse than the disease, says Ben Beardmore, a social scientist at the Wisconsin DNR, who has studied hunter attitudes toward CWD management. And every year that goes by that somebody doesnt get infected with CWD after eating infected meat, the perception of risk goes down.Eventually the state closed down programs like Earn-a-Buck and switched its stance on CWD from controlling the spread of disease to monitoring it. Different regions, different zip codes and even different family members still maintain opposing views on CWDs threat to the health of humans and Wisconsins wild deer. Its hard to rally a community against a disease that kills slowly, almost invisibly, without much fanfare.I can see from a hunters perspective: You go in, you see a herd, and they look beautiful. Nobody looks sick. And so youre thinking, Well, theres nothing wrong with this herd, says Candace Mathiason, a pathobiologist specializing in CWD at Colorado State University, who is conducting CWD vaccine research in deer. The disease might not be present in a given herd, but if theres CWD there, theyre passing it amongst one another, says Mathiason, who has stopped hunting, in part because of the threat of CWD.Mathiasons work has shown that CWD prions can spread between cervids such as deer, elk, moose andreindeerthrough saliva, feces and blood. The prions can pass from pregnant deer to unborn offspring and have even been shown to bind to soil, suggesting that deer can become infected through their environment.Still, some research suggests that CWD could evolve to infect new species or jump to people through other animals. If the disease were to make a leap from deer to swine, for example, it might then jump from swine to humans. I think thats an important consideration, especially as CWD is moving into areas in the southern United States where there are large, feral swine populations, Bartz says.Although the risk of transmission is low for now, some people see the stakes as high. Personally, Ive tested every deer that Ive shot, says Lauren Bradshaw, a social scientist at the DNR, who has studied how Wisconsin hunters think about the disease. The Wisconsin DNR recommends that hunters test their meat before consuming it. Even if the risk was 0.005 percent, Bradshaw says, I dont want to be patient zero.

OpinionJanuary 10, 20255 min readWhy Were So Preoccupied by the PastPeople talk more about past events than future onesand memories hold clues for navigating the presentBy Jeremy R. Manning edited by Daisy Yuhas Jorm Sangsorn/Getty ImagesThe arrival of a new year often brings up a mix of emotions. For some of us, a change in the calendar serves as a chance to reflect on the good and bad things that happened over the previous 12 months. For others, its a chance to start fresh with an eye toward the future. As a scientist, I have long been fascinated by the incredible ability people have to go beyond the present moment. Our physical selves seem forever chained to each moment as it occurs, but our mind revisits past experiences and imagines future experiences at will.Much of what scientists know about how people remember past events and guess about future ones comes from studies that focus on a given persons own experiences. The fundamental idea is simple: what you do, or what you plan to do, somehow gets written into the complex networks of your memory systems. Researchers can study what your brain does when you form new memories, retrieve those recollections, guess about the future, make plans, and so on.In recent research, one of my graduate students at Dartmouth College, Xinming Xu, came up with a brilliant twist on these phenomena. He wondered how we mentally visit the past and future of other peoples lives. Suppose youre meeting a total stranger for the first time. Guessing about that persons past and future is central to how you interact with them. Those conjectures help us to decide whether we like or dislike someone, whether we see them as a potential romantic partner or a threat and so on. But what clues might we draw on? Our teams investigation into that question led to some surprising insights about how we consider time and how that affects our interactions.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.Our team began by thinking through some basic properties of what a snapshot in time can tell people about the preceding and proceeding moments. In the branch of physics called classical mechanics, what is happening now tells us equally about the past and future: if someone knows the current position and velocity of a ball flying through the air, they can guess where it was a moment ago and where it will be in the future. Might these same principles apply to subjective experiences such as social interactions and mental processes? If so, we should be equally good at making inferences about a strangers past as we are at doing so about their future.Our team put this idea to the test by asking 36 participants to watch snippets selected from a TV show and then make guesses about what occurred before or after each scene. We found that our participants were nearly always better at guessing about events that came before the snippet than events that came after. But how could this be?When we dug further, we found a simple explanationtied to a remarkable pattern. Peoples guesses about TV characters pasts and futures seem to be guided, in large part, by the content of characters conversations. Because the characters in that TV show talked about the past 1.7 times more than the future, participants tended to learn more about events from earlier on in the story.That finding could simply reflect the TV program people had watched, so we repeated our study using a different show. We were surprised to find that these new characters also tended to talk about the past more often than the future. But perhaps that was just a coincidence? We then ran a large-scale analysis of tens of millions of real and fictional conversations, selected from books, movies, TV shows, and spoken and written real-world interactions. Incredibly, we found that both fictional and real people, on average, showed that same tendency. From what we can tell, this asymmetry appears to be a fundamental aspect of how humans communicate.Why dwell more on the past than the future in conversation? People certainly know more about their past than the unknown future, so perhaps we humans tend to stick with what we know. One consequence is that biases in what people know and think show up in communication with others, and as a result, the information people take away from the conversations they observe and participate in is inherently biased in favor of the past.Ultimately, people are far better at inferring past events than predicting future ones. Our findings also fit into a much larger body of research that explores how and why people mentally visit the past and future. For example, a central tenet of mindfulness training is to attempt to focus on the present moment, which can help people feel grounded and appreciate where they are, who they are with and what they have. But the mind sometimes seems to pull people away, unmooring them in time. That can be a distractioncausing someone to pay less attention to, say, an ongoing conversationor part of a harmful pattern, such as rumination, which is linked to depression.But these acts of mentally pulling away from the present can serve a practical purpose. When something people are experiencing in the present shares some aspect of their past, it can cause them to spontaneously relive those earlier moments. For example, the smell wafting through the door of a bakery as you pass by on the street might evoke a childhood memory of your grandmothers cooking. You might then seek out those baked goods in the hopes of recapturing some of those warm, cozy feelings. These reminders of times past influence behaviors, helping people to navigate complex situations or environments using cues that were useful in the past. The reason we have memories in the first place is because they help us to predicthowever imperfectlywhat is likely to happen in the future.Even if our conversations tend to favor the past, I fall into the camp of seeing the new year as an opportunity for a fresh, exciting start. If something in the past year didnt go quite as planned, our memories give us an opportunity to learn and grow from our mistakes and to avoid making the same errors in the future. And for the things that did go well over the past year, we can draw on our memories to make us happier in the present.Are you a scientist who specializes in neuroscience, cognitive science or psychology? And have you read a recent peer-reviewed paper that you would like to write about for Mind Matters? Please send suggestions to Scientific Americans Mind Matters editor Daisy Yuhas at dyuhas@sciam.com. This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

"Hardcore" action RPG The First Berserker: Khazan wants you to try it for free - here's howDemo pad.Image credit: Neople / Nexon News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 10, 2025 There's good news for those wanting to try The First Berserker: Khazan before they buy - a free demo is on the way.From 16th January, a slice of Khazan will be playable on PC via Steam, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. With no expiry date, it'll be available for anyone looking to give it a go even after the game launches on 27th March 2025.The First Berserker: Khazan - Release Date Trailer | PS5 GamesWatch on YouTubeThat said, developer Neople have yet to confirm if this demo will differ from that previously available, nor has it clarified if progress will carry over to the main game. (We'll let you know just as soon as the developer itself updates us). To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The First Berserker: Khazan demo will be available from 3pm UK time (7am PT, 10am ET). Described as "a hardcore action role-playing game", you'll play as the titular Khazan who "overcame death and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies".Another "hardcore" game will be playable soon, of course - you will shortly be able to register to take part in the network test for Elden Ring's upcoming co-op spin-off, Nightreign.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide The First Descendant Season 2 has already introduced Keelan as a new character, but, unlike Season 1, another new playable hero is on the way. It was love at first sight for many fans, but now Nexon has explained why she should be so anticipated beyond just her stunning looks. The release date for Ines Raya in The First Descendant is close, and here you will find an overview of her skills as well as accompanying new skins, event, and rewards. Nexon has provided a roadmap for TFD for the first half of 2025. The developer has previously stated that photo mode is expected to arrive in Season 3, and Nexon has now shared when jiggle physics will be added to the game. While there is a lot to anticipate for Season 3 and beyond, right now the second half of Season 2 is right around the corner. It includes the release date for Ines Raya, but there will also be an assortment of new The First Descendant skins, along with an event, to celebrate Lunar New Year. The First Descendant Ines Raya release date The release date for Ines Raya in The First Descendant is January 16th. This was confirmed by Nexon during their Season 2 Second Update Dev Preview livestream. Upon her release, players will be able to farm her via Void Vessel hard more. In addition, when she comes out, players who still do not have Keelan will be able to farm him via Void Vessel medium mode. One of the best, and most popular, aspects of TFD is undoubtedly the super appealing portrayal of its characters, and Ines Raya is certainly no exception. Her default appearance comes with blonde hair tied at the back into a bun, and she wears full black leather that shows off her curves. The First Descendant Ines Raya skills Nexon previously revealed that Ines Raya has electric-based abilities in The First Descendant, but now they have revealed more details about her skillset. Below is everything revealed about the skills for Ines Raya: Attribute: Electricity Passive Plasma Vibration: Skill critical rate increase with higher MPCritical hits on enemies in conductor state generate Dark currents, cascading damage to nearby enemiesChain Lighting (Singular): Draw lightning bolts while moving around, drives enemies into conductor space, and deals additional DMG to enemies already in conductor spaceConductor (Tech): Deal damage to nearby enemies, deals additional damage to enemies already in conductor space. Discharge (Singular): Skill gathers and releases electricity to discharge very forcefully, its a charging type skill, meaning you can maximize damage with longer charging, enemies already in conductor space receive additional damageSnail Hunter (Tech Ultimate): Throws a plasma acceleration coil that deals AoE damage over time, buffs Ines Raya damage and movement speed In the absence of an official outline of her skills, the above come courtesy of Nexons English interpreter, Eun-Gyeong Seong, translating TFDs design director, Sung-Woo Jung. New skins On X, Nexon has shown a new skin that will accompany the release of Ines Raya on January 16th. The skin comes with longer blonde hair tied in a ponytail, and the outfit reveals way more skin. Image credit: @FirstDescendant on XIn addition to this outfit, Nexon showed two others during the livestream for Ines Raya. They give her long, flowing blonde hair, and they keep her head-to-toe body armor, but this time in the more stylish red and white. Image credit: NexonOn January 16th, there will also be the release of skins celebrating Lunar New Year. Image credit: NexonLunar New Year event rewardsAlongside skins, Nexon will celebrate Lunar New Year with an event for players to enjoy and complete. The rewards for this event are daily tokens.Below are details for Lunar New Year event so far: January 16th February 13th: Earn event tokens via daily missionsCommon: Exchange crystalization Catalyst, Advanced Shape Stablizer, Boosts, etc. Week 1 -2: Exchange weapon box, energy activators, etc. Week 3 4:Exchange social motions, back attachment, sprays etc. For more The First Descendant, we have a guide to thebest skills and loadout for Viessa, along with thebest skills, gear, and mods for the hugely popular Bunny. We also have a guide forFreynaalong with fundamentaltips for beginners.The First DescendantPlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Action, Adventure, RPG5VideoGamerRelated TopicsThe First Descendant Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereLarian Studios Baldurs Gate 3 is one of the most ambitious and celebrated RPGs of all time, and it deserves every ounce of popularity. With the game managing to still decimate player counts in 2025, BG3 is a game that could live forever.However, following the release of Patch 8 this month, Larian is done with major updates to BG3 as the studio plans to bid Faerun adieu. While more Baldurs Gate 3 content could release, especially considering past games owned by Wizards of the Coast saw additional DLC by new devs, Larian is mostly done.Baldurs Gate 3 devs put full attention to new projectIn a post on Twitter, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke commented on an amazing video telling the tale of Larian. Dubbed From Bankruptcy to Baldurs Gate 3, the spectacular video goes through the history of the game developer and touches on some of its lowest points.While commenting on the video, Vincke teased that Larian is far from done. The studios next project wont be ready for many years, but the CEO still wants fans to stay tuned.Got me all nostalgic it really has been a[n] incredible journey so far, Vincke said. But the story aint over yet. Stay tuned. Going to try to skip the dark night of the soul moment though if you dont mind.In a separate statement to VideoGamer by Larian, it was confirmed that the team is now fully committed to the studios next project. While some minor support for BG3 is still in place for bug fixes and managing the games modding portal, the bulk of the studio is now acitvely developing its next game.Swen and the team[s] full attention is focused on crafting their next title, VideoGamer was told as Larian moves to a media blackout for the foreseeable future.Preliminary work has already been done on Larians next RPG as graphics engineers quickly moved to fix the biggest technical issues with Baldurs Gate 3. While the studio hasnt revealed what their next game will bealthough many are hoping its a return to Divinityone thing is certain: it isnt Baldurs Gate 4.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide The state of Warzone continues to frustrate players dropping into the action despite the flaws of the battle royale. While several content creators are moving away from Urzikstan for other games, there are still many sticking it out and patiently waiting for Raven Software to address the glaring flaws once and for all.In addition to cheaters running rampant in casual and competitive playlists, game-breaking exploits are also offering an unfair advantage as players aim to become the last one standing. The latest issue frustrating fans involves players utilising the map to gain the upper hand over the opposition and remain hidden from any prying eyes.Warzone under-map exploit causes chaosDuring a recent broadcast, FaZe Clan member Kris Swagg Lamberson made it to the final stages of a match. While accessing a Buy Station, he was eliminated by an opponent who had used an exploit to merge underneath the battlefield.Swagg quickly reports the player for abusing the exploit where theyre able to see any players and shoot them despite being underground. Players heading underground isnt a new exploit. Previous iterations of Warzone have also featured similar exploits but the developers have acted quickly to address the problem before it becomes a widespread issue.Swagg continues to load into Warzone despite the flaws of the battle royale. The streamer even has a counter tracking the number of cheaters hes encountered while attempting to climb to the top of the leaderboards.Another day, another Warzone issueUnder-map glitches join an extensive list of problems affecting Warzone. With the Season 2 update implementing stricter anti-cheat measures alongside fresh content to prevent a stale meta, the glory days of the battle royale seem like a long way off.Raven Software has shown it can rescue Warzone from the gulag with extensive quality-of-life updates in the past. It remains to be seen if the developer can do it again and make Warzone one of the most popular battle royales in the world.For more Call of Duty, check out the best mouse and keyboard settings along with all of the known error codes and how to fix them.Call of Duty: WarzonePlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneGenre(s):ShooterRelated TopicsCall of Duty: Warzone Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

As we slide into a post-postmodern world, in which many house styles have been altered and hodgepodged to such a degree they become unrecognizable, there are a slew of identifiable types of houses popping up in new builds across the country. Although home designs used to signify something about their regionthink Craftsman homes in the Pacific Northwest, Colonial in the Northeast, or the sprawling California ranch housetodays home styles are less locationally driven and more about the individual lifestyles being framed within them. Modern and contemporary houses still have a stronghold on new construction, but many traditional types of homes are holding fast. Below, weve compiled an overview of the most popular home styles in the US today.1. Contemporary StyleFrom coast to coast, over the last decade, contemporary styles have become ubiquitous in architectural and interior design. Whether its industrial styles highlighting contemporary building materials, like steel and concrete, or more restrained expressions with clean lines and unadorned surfaces, contemporary home styles are united by their commitment to innovation in breaking with the past. Simple forms and geometries abound, with a distinct lack of more organic elements like curved shapes, soft textures, and overly decorative ornamentation. Sustainability is often an important feature in contemporary styles of houses, incorporating green elements like solar PV arrays, rainwater harvesting, and geothermal heating. One trend emerging in our work and resonating with an increasing number of clients is design that directly responds to the climate crisis, says Jonathan Feldman, of AD PRO Directorylisted firm Feldman Architecture. Its where issues of ecology, resources, and human and ecological well-being are embedded in design, rather than an afterthought.2. Midcentury ModernNeutra VDL Studio and Residences, the former home of architect Richard Neutra, displays many of the signature elements of midcentury-modern design, including rectilinear, horizontal volumes devoid of ornament.Ann Johansson/Getty ImagesCreated by architects in the middle of the 20th century, midcentury modern is a style born out of postWorld War II optimism and new technological developments of the age. With the advancements in steel, concrete, and glass, architects developed new styles of houses that expressed these novel building materials. For us, the elements that contribute to this style include clean lines, a reinterpretation of traditional craft, restraint, and an emphasis on connection to place, says Shawn Watts, of Leroy Street Studio. Clients are looking for architecture that feels authentic, meaningful, and timeless, and for homes that are contextual, appropriate, and relevant. No matter the individual expression, or whether they use industrial or natural materials, midcentury-modern styles of houses focus on doing away with unnecessary ornament and getting to the heart of a design vision. Were finding our clients want modern homes that still reflect the culture and DNA of the neighborhood, and that can coexist with surrounding historic and eclectic homes, agrees David Montalba, of AD PRO Directorylisted firm Montalba Architects.3. Classical RevivalA house in New London, Connecticut, bears certain signatures of Classical Revival architecture, like its fluted columns and pediment.Travelview / Getty ImagesIf theres one house style that lends an air of confidence and a deep sense of legacy, its Classical Revival. Derived from buildings of Roman and Greek antiquity, Classical Revival houses include Greek Revival and Roman Revival styles and draw on common elements such as columns, pediments, and a strong sense of rigor and balance. Think of classic civic examples like the Parthenon in Athens or the Pantheon in Rome: Buildings like these have influenced architects for centuries and still inform house styles across the country today, albeit in many different forms. There is a vast constellation of different styles and substyles, says Benjamin McGriff, of McGriff Architects, a member of the AD PRO Directory. But across all these variations, there is always a shared emphasis on the key principles of order, balance, composition, and symmetry. Through the 18th and into the 19th centuries, the Classical Revival house style represented a turn to simplicity after the lavish ornamentation of previous periods like French Rococo, and that clean austerity still has appeal today. Despite the inherent flexibility of residential Classical architecture to work with many different interior design styles, most clients see it as a somewhat serious and calming aesthetic, McGriff says.4. NeoclassicalThe White House is perhaps the most famous neoclassical home in America.Photo: Caroline Purser/Getty ImagesUnlike the Classical Revival style, which incorporates direct references to Greek and Roman forms, the neoclassical style pulls from design principles of the classical period in more comprehensive ways. I define the Neoclassical style as having gable roofs, round columns, general symmetry, some form of entry or porch, and frequently a main core and wings in the massing, explains Cathy Purple Cherry of the AD PRO Directorylisted firm Purple Cherry Architects, which has offices in New York and across the East Coast. Often, the neoclassical style expresses itself in subtle ways, with faades that are symmetrical and balanced, or an emphasis on classical proportions and scales in interior spaces. Typically, the neoclassical style embraces punched window openings on a solid wall, as opposed to the modern proclivity towards broad expanses of glass and window walls. Neoclassical style is not about capturing views, explains Purple Cherry. We translate the neoclassical style to meet our clients needs by increasing the window sizes on the back and sides of homes to capture views and bring in more natural light. Ultimately, the neoclassical style continues to stand the test of time due to its architectural ubiquity across time and place. Neoclassical is always going to be an appealing architectural style, declares Purple Cherry. Whether someone visited a significant property, or were raised in a classical home, the classic and stately aesthetic will always be appealing.5. TudorA Tudor-style house with a gabled roofline and brick-and-stucco construction.Peter Spiro / GettyMost PopularArchitecture + DesignThese 24 Beautiful Places of Worship Are Built Into NatureBy Katherine McLaughlinBathroom13 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Embrace Rustic CharmBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignThe 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the WorldBy Maya Chawla Named for the Tudor period in England and Wales, spanning the late 15th to the early 17th centuries, Tudor house styles today take loose inspiration from late Medieval manor homes. Originally combining Renaissance and Gothic design elements, todays Tudor houses often feature white stucco exteriors framed by half-timbering or a dark brick or stone construction. Its a storybook style of home that is often punctuated by a gabled roofline and long, rectangular windows. Though the Tudor trend was popular in the US in the 1920s and 30s, it fell out of style in the 1950s, but its still possible to see Tudor home styles across the country today.6. GeorgianGeorgian houses are known for their symmetrical design and flat faade.Pauws99 / GettyParticularly on the East Coast, the Georgian style is one of the most consistently popular house styles today. It saw its heyday in the American colonies from the 18th century through the Revolutionary War and was heavily influenced by Renaissance design. These types of houses are characterized by their rigid symmetrythink windows and front doors evenly lined up and spaced, with rows of windows breaking up a flat faade. Typically expressed in red brick structures with hip roofs, these types of homes rarely feature excess decoration and have restrained exteriors. With the Georgian style, proportion and balance reign supreme.7. Gothic RevivalThis Gothic Revival house by Bohl Architects showcases the genres gabled roofs and lacy ornamentation.John Ellis PhotographyMost PopularArchitecture + DesignThese 24 Beautiful Places of Worship Are Built Into NatureBy Katherine McLaughlinBathroom13 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Embrace Rustic CharmBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignThe 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the WorldBy Maya Chawla Many styles of houses aim to capture a single theme or ethos, but Gothic Revival house styles are defined by eclecticism. Drawing from many different time periods, architectural ideas, and forms, Gothic Revival houses merge architectural ideas and forms from a range of times and places. Many may associate the term Gothic with medieval Gothic cathedrals, but the Gothic Revival style is actually a European invention originating in Gothic towns of the English countryside, primarily in the 19th century. Typically, these types of houses have steep roofs, pointed arches at window and door openings, roof gables with lacy ornamented woodwork, front porches, and oriel bay windows. Because the Gothic Revival style was defined from the outset by its eclecticism, today it is popular for the range of creative expression it can embody. Many architectural styles can be predictable, and very rigid in their expression. Gothic Revival embraces complexity and contradiction, says Chip Bohl, of Bohl Architects, a member of the AD PRO Directory. Angela Healy, also of Bohl Architects, agrees. Gothic Revival is romantic, enchanting, and dramatic architecture with an old soul. Who wouldnt love that?8. VictorianThe Painted Ladies of San Francisco are some of the most famous Victorian style homes in a city known for them.Dea / Gianni Oliva / GettyAnother blast from the past, Victorian refers to a European house style that emerged during the Victorian era in the late 19th century. Often associated with the age of industrial expansion in Britain, the Victorian style can be seen as a reaction to the symmetrical and straightforward designs of Neoclassical and Georgian styles. The style encompasses a mixture of many revival styles, including Gothic Revival, Romanesque Revival, and Second Empire. Victorian homes are characterized by elaborate detailing, expressive ornament, and a sense of grandeur. Today Victorian-style houses are some of the most diverse, since they typically feature decorative detailing and grand structures.9. Mediterranean StyleCasa Casuarina, the former residence of Gianni Versace in Miami Beach, exemplifies the Mediterranean style.Joe Raedle / Getty ImagesMost PopularArchitecture + DesignThese 24 Beautiful Places of Worship Are Built Into NatureBy Katherine McLaughlinBathroom13 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Embrace Rustic CharmBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignThe 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the WorldBy Maya Chawla In many cities, new builds often take inspiration from historical styles but incorporate innovative details inspired by the local context. In South Florida, where the New Yorkbased AD PRO Directorylisted firm Fairfax & Sammons Architects often designs homes, a prominent house style is Mediterranean. Mediterranean-style architecture is a classic, timeless tradition that combines elements of proportion and design, Anne Fairfax says. Its colorful and textured exterior stucco, intricate wrought-iron railings, and distinctive curves and lines give it an elegant yet timeless look. Mediterranean-style homes also focus on bright natural light, with oversized windows and front doors and open spaces that allow fresh breezes to flow. Additionally, the emphasis on outdoor living, with these types of homes utilizing courtyards, loggias, and terraces, makes the Mediterranean style perfect for the climate of South Florida.Historically accurate architecture based on location is essential to preserving culture and a sense of identity, Fairfax says. The best preservation tool is to build with integrity and respect for the past, and not be afraid to ask that beauty be a requisite.10. Shingle StylePart of a distinctly American vernacular, Shingle-style houses originated in New England. This example can be found in Chatham on Cape Cod.Loop Images / Getty ImagesBecause of the countrys colonial roots, many traditional house styles developed on the East Coast but have since migrated to other parts of the nation. One such house style is the Shingle style, which originated in New England as an alternative to the more expensive clapboard-siding homes that signaled a higher design aesthetic but were out of reach to the average homeowner. Using shingles, or small wood pieces installed in an overlapping rhythm, was a less costly and easier-to-maintain option than clapboard and other cladding options of the time. Today, the Shingle style can be found in many different materials and aesthetic expressions depending on the region and design influences, with the most common material being cedar. Shingles can be used on differing styles, explains Aaron Mollick, of Studio AM Architecture | Interiors, a member of the AD PRO Directory. They signal a casual sophistication that many of our clients express when creating their legacy homes. Michael Troyer, also of Studio AM, agrees. Shingle style grants artistic versatility and interpretation of ones own personal taste. Shingles have a rigor and repetition, which appeals to both traditionalists and those drawn to a more modern sensibility.11. ItalianateBuilt in 1876, the Villa Finale in San Antonio, Texas, embodies the Italianate tradition.Most PopularArchitecture + DesignThese 24 Beautiful Places of Worship Are Built Into NatureBy Katherine McLaughlinBathroom13 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Embrace Rustic CharmBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignThe 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the WorldBy Maya Chawla The mid-19th-century Italianate style remains enduring for house styles today. It was popularized in the US as people looked backwards to a romanticized version of the past to re-create something similar in the present. Inspired by medieval Italian villas and farm houses, the Italianate house style typically features deep overhanging eaves with highly decorative brackets, or the element that carries the weight of the eave. Ornamental elements such as decorative window crowns or pediments are common for Italianate houses. They will often have tall, narrow windows, usually with rounded tops. Inspired by Italian villas, these types of homes typically feature ground-level front porches supported by narrowly spaced columns.12. Spanish ColonialThis Spanish colonial revival bungalow in San Jose, California, was built in 1932.NNehring / GettyOn the West Coast, one of the most commonly recognizable house stylesparticularly in Californiais the Spanish colonial style. Inspired by the architecture of the Spanish missions, these types of houses are defined by gracious courtyards, solid white stucco walls, arcaded walkways, and rustic red tile roofs. As a native Californian, I have always loved the Spanish style, says Erik Evens, of AD PRO Directorylisted firm KAA Design. The planning of Spanish colonial buildings places special focus on inviting outdoor spaces such as courtyards and loggias, which are protected from the rain and sun and are usable year-round. Often imbuing a sense of warmth, texture, and rich details, Spanish colonial types of homes are still common in Southern California and beyond, but often with a modern twist. This style allows our clients to build in a way that connects to a rich architectural tradition, says Evens. As an architect, Im keenly interested in creating a contemporary interpretation of the Spanish colonial style that addresses a modern lifestyle.13. Ranch StyleThe low, sprawling ranch style can be found across the US.Mardis Coers / GettyMost PopularArchitecture + DesignThese 24 Beautiful Places of Worship Are Built Into NatureBy Katherine McLaughlinBathroom13 Farmhouse Bathroom Ideas That Will Inspire You to Embrace Rustic CharmBy Morgan GoldbergArchitecture + DesignThe 11 Most Beautiful Art Deco Buildings Around the WorldBy Maya Chawla In the American West, the legacy of ranch-style houses looms large. This type of home originated in the Southwest and California, but can now be found in the Midwest and across the US. This style of home is known for being single-story and rambling, with open floor plans and expansive living spaces, and large porches or patios. Ranch-style homes typically have low-pitched roofs, long windows on the facade, flat roofs, and an attached garage. While the form and scale of ranch-style homes can vary depending on the locationthey tend to be more sprawling in California and more compact and asymmetrical in other placesthe emphasis on an indoor-outdoor connection is a defining factor. Were particularly drawn to the broad overhanging roofs of California ranch homes, which evoke a sense of cozy domesticity, and the generous use of porches, which foster a connection to nature, says John Ike, of Ike Baker Velten, a member of the AD PRO Directory.14. BrutalistMany contemporary homes reference Brutalisms monolithic forms and exposed concrete, as seen in this residence by KAA.If any house style has experienced the scorn of a bad rap, its Brutalism. Known for its profusion of flat expanses of exposed concrete and monolithic forms, the Brutalist style was first defined by British historian and critic Reyner Banham in his 1955 essay The New Brutalism and has been criticized for its sometimes harsh and institutional expression. But according to Banham, the style is less about a brutal design expression and more about stripping down architecture to its most frank expression. Besides the unabashed embrace of exposed concrete, the Brutalist style is often defined by a clearly visible structure and honest expression of materials, which can be refreshing in the age of more is more. Recently, the term Brutalism has grown in use to describe modern, minimalist architecture that is austere but confident in its simplicity, says Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design. KAAs Duan Tran appreciates Brutalism for its directness and its commitment to authentic, honest material expression. Ive long admired Brutalisms boldness in form and artistic integrity, he explains. Raw concrete, modular geometry, heavy monolithic forms, and the use of natural lighting are key elements of Brutalism and what continue to drive a strong following for me and so many others.Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do you know what your house style is?Every house style has certain identifiable features, as evidenced by the above list. For example, craftsman homes almost always have low-pitched, triangular roofs while Victorians often have dramatic, steeped ones. By learning the common characteristics of popular styles, you can better match those traits to your own home. You may also be able to learn more about your houses design by digging into its property history.What is the most popular house style in America?The answer is complicated and depends on who you ask. Many architects have their favorites, and popular styles among the design set, including midcentury modern, Brutalism, and Contemporary, are discussed above. However, more traditional styles such as neoclassical, Tudor, and Shingle style have a devoted following, especially in certain parts of the country where those styles have been simmering for decades. Ultimately, the old adage of beauty is in the eye of the beholder rings true, as there truly is a house style for everyone.

The billionaires primary residence is a compact $50,000 tiny home in Boca Chica, Texas, where his SpaceX headquarters are located. A recent report by fan blog Teslarati and the New York Post reveals that the home is actually a foldable, 20-foot-by-20-foot prefabricated home made by Boxabl, a housing startup company. The Boxabl Casita home Musk reportedly lives in is set up like a studio apartment, with one large room partitioned into a living room and bedroom area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a tub shower, according to Chron.com. Though this has yet to be officially confirmed, the company hinted in a promotional video that one of the Casitas was installed for a top-secret customer.Musks biographer Walter Isaacson, shared a post on social media giving a rare inside look at the home. The house appears minimal, uncluttered, and simple, especially in comparison to Musks former properties. The caption read in 2020, Musk decided to sell his five grand houses and to have as his primary residence be this spartan two-bedroom house in Boca Chica, TX, where we would meet and he would sit at this wood table and make phone calls. With plans to spend more time in space than Earth, it comes as no surprise that Musk downsized and shed most personal possessions.Elon Musk and Grimes at the Met Gala in 2018Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Variety/Penske Media via Getty ImagesFAQsWhere is Elon Musk from?Musk is from Pretoria, South Africa. He moved to the United States in 1992 and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a dual degree in economics and physics.Is Elon Musk a US citizen?Musk became a US citizen in 2002.What kind of car does Elon Musk drive?In 2019, Musk took to X and said, I mostly drive Model S Performance with dev version of FSD computer. Our new Raven powertain & adaptive damping suspension is great! Next is Model 3P & then X if driving with my kids. Acceleration is fun on tap!Where does Elon Musk live?Boca Chica, Texas.Why Does Elon Musk live in such a small house?When one of his followers asked why he chose to tell his seven large-scale homes, he had a word word answerfreedom.Does Elon Musk have children?Elon Musk has 12 children. His first child with his ex-wife, Justine Wilson, died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 2002. Musk and Wilson went on to welcome five more children, including one set of twins and one set of triplets. Musk shares three more kids with the musician Grimes, and three more with tech executive Shivon Zilis, including one set of twins and one baby born earlier this year.