Will we know the price this week? (Nintendo)The Tuesday letters page wants to know about the best games on Netflix, as one reader wonders how Dragon Age: The Veilguard will influence Mass Effect 4.To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe high cost of switchingThere seems a good chance the Nintendo Switch 2 is going to be unveiled this week, so lets ask the most important question. Not about the hardware or the software but the one thing that can make or break a sale: the price.The original Switch launched at 279.99 but I think its obvious this will be more, thanks to inflation and increased power. The OLED Model started at 309.99, so my estimate is that the Switch 2 will be a bit more expensive, but I would imagine Nintendo tries to keep it below 350.Theres an outside chance it could be 400 but considering the Xbox Series S is around 250 now I cant see them making it that much more expensive. But its Nintendo, so its hard to say and if they have a major launch game or maybe even a pack-in then it becomes tricky. 400 plus a free copy of Mario Kart 9 sounds like a pretty good deal to me.Curious to know what the maximum is other readers would pay. Id go up to 350 without a game but anything beyond that Id have to have a longer think about.TacleImproved chancesThat Nintendo Switch reveal date rumour sounds about as believable as weve ever had, from a reliable insider, so Im going to guess theres a good chance itll finally be revealed this Thursday.I think wed all do well to take the advice that we shouldnt expect too much from the reveal, especially in terms of games, but I take that as meaning one of two things. The first is that theres a lot to say about the hardware, that isnt obvious from the leaks, so they need to get that out of the way first. Which would be a relief for those worried it seems too similar to the original.The other is that the leaker is wrong (he did say he might be) and there will be a lot of games shown, which is what the leaks from retailer websites and the like suggest. I think its going to be worth the wait either way. Theres so much anticipation bottled up that anything is going to be a disappointment but at the same time, I think most of our questions will be answered soon.EchobanStart to finishFor the last few years Ive been thinking how, if I was a 00s baby rather then an 80s baby, just think how good it would be in the gaming world. And then Shawn Layden and an Xmas readers feature came out saying that what consoles can do is nearly at the end and its true. Im now glad Im an 80s baby, seeing the Sega Master System come out then the amazing Nintendo 64 being realised and then the mighty PlayStation 1 coming to market.Being an 80s baby was the best time to be born for a gamer. All them games thatve come out and been forgotten, the small jumps in graphics becoming better over every new hardware release, and now a 00s baby has got no leaps to look forward to and it is a shame. They have missed 30+ years of games, including the first GTA. What a perfect time to be born; the 80s, what a great decade to be born in.DavidEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukBroken for allI was wondering if you, or any readers have any information on this. Im an avid Call Of Duty player (for my sins) but mainly play Free for All. For around top months now, Free for All on Black Ops 6 is completely broken. You get a win for finishing in the top three usually, but Ive had wins for coming last and losses so many times for coming first. Its not based on assists or KD ratio either, it basically seems completely random.It is ruining my stats and my enjoyment of the game. I appreciate bugs can happen but such a game breaking bug, on such a big game, existing for this amount of time seems very rare.Also, Ive tried the usual, googling the issue and tweeting them, but it all seems very quiet considering its such a big fault. Is there a way of finding out when this will be fixed?LeeGC: Its the first weve heard of it but perhaps a reader can comment. Have you tried the Activision X support channel?Netflix and chillIm after a little advice from either your good selves or a helpful reader.Ive never really looked at the gaming section on Netflix before but upon looking recently I saw it had a number of games available that are on my to play list. These include things such as Hades, Storyteller, Immortality, the Golden Idol series, etc. none of which I realised were readily available to me.I was just curious as to how these play over the streaming service. Do others regularly use Netflix for gaming and if so are there any issues? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.DuckOfDeath82 (PSN ID)GC: We often mention Netflix on our monthly mobile round-up. The games usually work very well and as youve pointed out theres a lot of really good ones. Wed also add Into The Breach to your list.Dragon effectOne of the games I hope to see something of this year is the new Mass Effect, but like many I worry what kind of impact Dragon Age: The Veilguard will have on it. The new Dragon Age doesnt seem to have been that big a hit and EA are not the sort of company to hand out too many second chances.Apart from BioWare taking another step closer to deaths door I wonder what specific changes the game will force on Mass Effect. Theyve already said that it definitely wont have a cartoony art style, but I wonder if theyll try and rejig it to have more open world elements, if it didnt already, and multiplayer too.That would make it the opposite of The Veilguard (man, thats such a bad name) in terms of gameplay and I can see them trying to make it all grimdark and serious too, since The Veilguard was trying to be funny a lot of the time (the only part of it I didnt like really, not because I wanted it grimdark but because it wasnt funny).Unfortunately, the worst thing to come from this is simply that itll probably have its budget cut. But heres hoping it turns out okay, because BioWare desperately needs a win. I dont think theres going to be a third chance.BoltbunUndead DestinySo Destiny 2 is basically dead now, right? The last expansion was a whiff, the amount of new content has been cut down drastically and Bungie itself seems like its slow-walking towards the guillotine. Not only is Ubisoft unlikely to make it to the end of the year but I doubt Bungie does either.Itll be a death by a thousand cuts, but I expect the annoucement that Bungie no longer exists, even though many staff still work at Sony, to be made either this year or next. I dont know what happens to the Destiny name after that but I dont see Sony, or anyone else, putting up the massive amount of money needed to make Destiny 3.FocusCommitment issuesI notice the one game that hasnt come up in conversation about multiformat Xbox games is the reboot of Fable. I realise this is technically covered by Phil Spencers no red lines comment but it does seem that while even Halo and Gears Of War is being rumoured as coming to PlayStation 5 theres been no rumours of Fable.This suggests to me that there are still some people within Microsoft that are holding onto the idea of having exclusives, at least for a period of time, and by association presumably cant bring themselves to admit that Xbox as a hardware format is dying.I imagine that means that Fable will be released only on Xbox this year (If it makes it out on time) and then PlayStation 5 in 2026, just like theyre doing with Indiana Jones And The Great Circle. But thats already been proven a mistake, in my opinion. That game wouldve had a lot more impact if itd come out on all formats at the same time, but instead it made no impact at all.Fable might do better, because in terms of games its comparatively better known, but I doubt by much. If Microsoft are going to be a third party publisher they need to go all in, not hold back their best games. Theyre not going to make any money on Hellblade 2 no matter what formats it comes out, but they should do on Fable and Indiana Jones.Ashton MarleyInbox also-ransAs the Xbox Rewards Program has now changed significantly, ChickenPossible aka Rewards Hunter has put an end to his YouTube videos for guides on how best to collect rewards points. I personally think the Rewards Program will be come to a point where it wont be worth doing anymore.woz 007 (gamertag)I mostly buy physical games. I hope Nintendo keep the Switch 2 game boxes the same size as Switch game boxes. I wonder what colour they will go for to differentiate.EdMore TrendingEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: Are modern video games too long?ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: Will GTA 6 be out in 2025? GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Securing your digital footprint is never a bad idea. This rings true if you choose the worlds #1 VPN, such as NordVPN, which is now 70%+ off. You can enjoy NordVPNs 2-year Basic plan at 70% off and $3.39/mo. But thats far from everything.The provider has a total of 8 discounted plans; both 2-year and 1-year. Todays guide will explore them and give you plenty of ways to save on NordVPN and not break the bank.See at NordVPNSavings Frenzy: NordVPNs 2-Year Offers Are LiveFlagship doesnt always mean decimating your bank account.NordVPNs 2-year deals prove us right, offering ample amazing features for a few dollars a month. At the moment, the companys promotions include:Basic plan $3.39/mo, 70% offPlus $4.39/mo, 70% offComplete $5.39/mo, 70% offPrime $9.39/mo, 69% offThese four plans are way different but each has tremendous value.We suggest the Basic one if you need the VPN and associated features, such as a Double VPN, a kill switch, P2P servers, 256-bit encryption, 10 simultaneous connections, etc.However, the Plus plan is easily the best option if you need just a bit more. For instance, the plan includes Threat Protection Pro, turning the VPN into an ad-blocking machine. The feature also blocks malware and trackers, endorsing a higher level of online safety. Lets not forget NordPass whose password-managing tools never cease to amaze.The Complete plan adds NordLocker to that, while Prime steps up with NordProtect. The latter protects you against cyber extortion and account breaches, thereby, keeping snoopers and data brokers out of harms way.Annual Offers: Up to 67% OffNordVPN wont force you to commit to 2 years if thats an overstretch.In fact, its annual plans can be a better option for many, despite their higher monthly prices. Were discussing the same plans and their features with different prices outlined below:Basic $4.99/mo, 56% offPlus $5.99/mo, 60% offComplete $6.99/mo, 61% offPrime $10.99/mo, 64% offAll of them are replete with features and are exponentially more discounted the higher you go.Opting for NordVPN is actually risk-free and has always been!The VPNs 30-day money-back guarantee leaves no room for losing money if you dont like it. Just contact the VPN in 30 days, ask for a refund, and get it right away.Before you grab some of these discounts, we suggest informing yourself about the VPN in our updated NordVPN review. In short, our experts titled it the #1 VPN according to many tests.Ready to secure your online presence for a year or preferably two?Get started with NordVPN at a measly $3.39/mo. Now is the perfect chance!See at NordVPN

Bun Pastry & Beverages / Architect NonsenseSave this picture! Thanarit jirarapeephanArchitects: Architect NonsenseAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:100 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Thanarit jirarapeephanMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Bun Pastry & Beverages is a small caf located in Thaimuang District, Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The project stems from the owner's aspiration to create a caf that seamlessly integrates into their residential space. The design emphasizes a functional layout that supports daily fresh pastry baking while serving as a family activity hub, welcoming patrons who appreciate quality coffee and pastries in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The project site is a rectangular plot measuring 14 meters in width and 30 meters in depth. The primary structure is organized in a linear layout to optimize spatial efficiency. The site is flanked by two-story shophouses on both sides, creating natural shading for the project area. The architects set the front boundary 5 meters back from the street to establish a forecourt featuring a gravel garden for bicycle parking, catering to cyclists frequently traversing the area. This forecourt also enhances the visual depth of the faade.Save this picture!Save this picture!Upon surveying the site, it was discovered that a natural wind corridor exists at the rear of the property. To leverage this, the design incorporates cross ventilation through the use of ventilation blocks on the caf's faade. These blocks facilitate airflow while serving as a privacy screen, subtly controlling views into the interior garden. The entrance path is centrally positioned, leading to a long corridor that guides visitors into the main caf space. Split-level design adds dynamic spatial interplay, connecting the front and rear gardens. The extended roof overhang provides protection from rain and sunlight, ensuring a comfortable semi-outdoor experience.Save this picture!Save this picture!The caf building is strategically positioned adjacent to the existing shophouse for seamless connectivity. At its core, a semi-outdoor transition space links the front and rear gardens, fostering visual and spatial continuity. The front faade features full-height glazing, inviting natural light into the interior while offering an engaging view of the street. This design choice balances the serene indoor ambiance with dynamic outdoor activity. Primary materials include exposed concrete and wood, chosen for their constructability and alignment with the local context. Reclaimed wood from the owner's collection is repurposed for the counter bar, shelves, and roof structure. The textured dark gray plaster walls, crafted using PVC sheets, add subtle yet striking visual interest to the otherwise minimalist material palette.Save this picture!Bun Pastry & Beverages exemplifies a harmonious blend of minimalist architecture and biophilic design principles. It emphasizes seamless transitions between outdoor and indoor spaces, responding to the local lifestyle while fostering family interactions within a warm and tranquil setting.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Tai Mueng, Phang-Nga Province, ThailandLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeArchitect NonsenseOfficeMaterialsWoodConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 14, 2025Cite: "Bun Pastry & Beverages / Architect Nonsense" 13 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025650/bun-pastry-and-beverages-architect-nonsense&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

A new study published in Nature Medicine, suggests that the risk of developing dementia in the U.S. is more than double than described in previous studies, sitting at around 42 percent for adults above age 55.If accurate, that risk will result in a rise in annual cases, which will increase from a half million new cases in 2025 to a million new cases in 2060. According to the study authors, this anticipated increase in cases is a product of the age of the population in the U.S., where around 58 million adults are currently above age 65.Our study results forecast a dramatic rise in the burden from dementia in the United States over the coming decades, with one in two Americans expected to experience cognitive difficulties after age 55, said study author and professor of population health Josef Coresh, the founder of the Optimal Aging Institute at NYU Langone Health, in a press release.Read More: The 4 Main Types of DementiaDementia Risk RisesDementia is a relatively common condition among older adults, tied to declines in thinking, judgement, reasoning, and remembering. Individuals are at an increased risk of dementia as they age, and have a higher probability of developing the disease if they have high blood pressure or diabetes. (Other factors, including an individuals lifestyle, diet, and activity, also impact their risk of dementia, with genetics being one of the biggest determinants of the disease.) To assess the risk of developing dementia in the U.S., the authors of the new study turned to data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Neurocognitive Study (ARIC-NCS). Sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the study has followed around 16,000 U.S. adults as they have aged, tracking their vascular and cognitive health since 1987. Analyzing the data, the authors found that around 3,300 of the approximately 16,000 study participants developed dementia between 1987 and 2020. This revealed a dementia risk of about 42 percent for U.S. adults above age 55, and about 50 percent for U.S. adults above age 75. The 42-percent risk is more than double than identified in the past. According to the study authors, the unreliability in the reporting and documentation of dementia, particularly in its initial stages, as well as the racial disparity in dementia diagnosis, are to blame for the previous under-representations of the U.S. dementia risk.Read More: How to Talk to Someone With DementiaBreaking Down Dementia Demographics While the increased dementia risk applies to the U.S. population as a whole, the new study suggests that some adults have a higher probability of developing dementia than others. For instance, the study says that the 42 percent risk accounts for a 35 percent risk in men above age 55 and a 48 percent risk in women above age 55, who are at an increased risk of dementia due to their tendency to live longer.The 42 percent risk also accounts for differences in risk between individuals of different races in the U.S. While annual case rates are anticipated to double for white adults in future decades, theyre anticipated to triple for Black adults, indicating the need to address the dramatic racial disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment.The pending population boom in dementia cases poses significant challenges for health policymakers, in particular, who must refocus their efforts on strategies to minimize the severity of dementia cases, as well as plans to provide more health care services for those with dementia, said Coresh in the press release. Previous studies have shown that public policies can combat dementia, including programs to improve childhood health education and to curb high blood pressure and diabetes. Health policymakers should thus heighten their efforts to encourage equitable, healthy aging for all adults in the U.S., the study authors say, diminishing the burdens of cognitive decline.Article Sources:Our 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:Nature Medicine. Lifetime Risk and Projected Burden of DementiaNational Institute on Aging. What Is Dementia? Symptoms, Types, and DiagnosisSam Walters is a journalist covering archaeology, paleontology, ecology, and evolution for Discover, along with an assortment of other topics. Before joining the Discover team as an assistant editor in 2022, Sam studied journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

Lala locks eyes with Kristi Odoms camera. The jaguars steely stare reveals nothing of her distressing story. Lala survived illegal wildlife trafficking in the Bolivian Amazon and now lives in a sanctuary with other rescued big cats. As a filmmaker and photographer, Odom travels to remote places to document our planets biodiversity and the threats to endangered creatures like Lala.The photograph of Lala (seen below) is part of a collection from Vital Impacts, a non-profit focused on conservation efforts through storytelling work with visual journalists. For its current initiative, Vital Impacts is selling 100 breathtaking prints from notable photographers to support indigenous communities through COICA (Convening Group of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon).This is Lala, a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking from the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. Lalas story is a heartbreaking reminder of the immense pressures facing the Amazons wildlife. Struggling from the destruction of their natural habitats and the relentless demand of the illegal wildlife trade, animals like Lala are increasingly at risk. The Amazon, a vast and biodiverse ecosystem, is home to countless species, but their survival is threatened by human exploitation and environmental degradation. Lala has been rescued and now lives in a sanctuary that is helping her and other jaguars thrive. Lalas story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect these vulnerable creatures and their fragile homes. Photographer and Filmmaker, Kristi Odom, has worked in some of the earths most remote locations to help document stories that will help protect our planets biodiversity. She is an internationally awarded photographer, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Nikon Ambassador and a motivational speaker. She believes strongly in the power of photography to help create positive change and ultimately help protect the planets wildlife. Follow Kristi on Instagram @kristiodom. Credit: Kristi Odom/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Kristi OdomIt is my hope that this work will help raise awareness of the urgent challenges facing our planet, Vital Impacts founder Ami Vitale said. In the last fifty years, we have lost 73 percent of the worlds wildlifea stark reminder of the magnitude of the biodiversity crisis we are confronting. The future of our planet is in our hands. We cannot afford to feel paralyzed by the scale of the challenge nor can we afford to wait for someone else to act this is up to us.The campaign runs through January 31. More information can be found at Vital Impacts. (Click to expand images to full size.)P-22 birthed a wildlife movement in L.A. that is only going to grow and grow Theres no cat like him. -Steve Winter P-22 was an elusive yet infamous wild cougar who made Los Angeless Griffith Park his home for 10 years, nearly his whole life. He passed away on Dec. 17, 2022, as a result of complications from old age and injuries from a car strike. He was 12-years-old, elderly for a mountain lion. He was beloved by millions and his legacy lives on. He has literally changed the landscape for wildlife in Los Angeles and beyond. The photo sparked a movement to protect southern Californias last cougars and other wildlife in two large protected areas bisected by the 101 Freeway north of L.A. It will be the Worlds Largest Wildlife Overpass when completed in 2024. Proceeds from the sale of Hollywood Cougar will benefit Big Cat Voices, a nonprofit bringing the most vital issues facing big cats into the spotlight. Steve Winter, founder of Founder of Big Cat Voices, has been a photographer for National Geographic for over two decades, He specializes in wildlife, and particularly, big cats. He is a Nat Geo Explorer and hes been named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year. Follow Steve on Instagram @stevewinterphoto. Credit: Steve Winter/Courtesy of Vital Impacts DAVID WHITE Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.While on a remote climbing expedition in Greenland, I was approached by a curious polar bear while scouting fjords in a small zodiac boat. I hope this image transports people to wild arctic regions and creates an emotional connection with this fragile ecosystem. Andy Mann is cofounder of SeaLegacy, an Emmy-nominated Director, 12 time Telly-Award Winner, National Geographic Photographer & marine conservationist whose imagery is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet. Having worked on all 7 continents, Andys imagery is remarkably memorable, reminding us how the emotion of an image can touch our spirit. Follow Andy Mann on Instagram @andy_mann. Credit: Andy Mann/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Andy MannThis is Rajan. He is a 66-year-old Asian elephant brought to the Andaman Islands for logging in the 1950s. He and a small group of 10 elephants were forced to learn how to swim in the ocean to help bring the logged trees to nearby barges and then eventually swim onto the next island. When logging became banned in 2002, Rajan was out of a job. He spent the rest of his days living out an idyllic elephant retirement on one of the islands he helped log. I photographed him and his Majout (caretaker) named Nazroo who had been together for 30yrs and documented Rajan spending time sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and foraging in the forest.Rajan was the last of the group to survive until his death in 2016. He was truly the last of his kind. This image is from the artist series The Last of His Kind. An award-winning photographer,Jody MacDonaldis no stranger to adventure and exploration in the last untamed corners of the planet. Follow Jody MacDonald on Instagram @jodymacdonaldphoto Credit: Jody MacDonald/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Jody MacDonaldKing penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) interact on beach on South Georgia Islands St. Andrews Bay; Southern Ocean; Antarctic Convergance; South Georgia Island. Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott, a wife and husband team, are internationally published photographers of nature. They practice long commitments to places they love and spend most of the year following animals, ever-changing landscapes, and moving with the light and the seasons while exploring the rhythm and wild essence of remote places. Credit: Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. John Eastcott and Yva MomatiukLlamas roam freely at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a reminder of the intimate connection of people, culture and animals in the high Andes of Peru. Llamas were domesticated to carry heavy loads across steep mountain trails. They made life possible here at this 15th-century icon, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. Jim Richardson has built his photographic career around visual storytelling by creating groundbreaking work in documentary, resource issues, environmental photography and the critical concerns of feeding the planet. Before concentrating his working life at National Geographic for the last 35+ years he was noted for his innovative documentary narratives of rural life and adolescence life. For National Geographic he pioneered fresh visual narratives of water issues in the 1990s before beginning his work on food, agricultural development, and the problems surrounding feeding our growing (and hungry) world. He is also known for his decades of photography in Scotland, focusing on the interplay of people and landscapes, history, culture and traditions. Among his awards he is proudest that his fellow National Geographic photographers named him their Photographers Photographer in 2014 and that the people of Cuba, Kansas (Pop. 186) named him their Honored Citizen. In 2017 Kansas State University bestowed an honorary doctorate for his work in cultural and environmental communications. Follow Jim on Instagram @JimRichardsonNG. Credit: Jim Richardson/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Jim RichardsonA young sperm whale calf in the waters of the Eastern Caribbean. This calf was named Hope by Brian Skerry while working with the researchers that study these whales. Sperm whale families are matrilineal and are led by the older, wiser females. This particular whale family had struggled to produce a female calf in recent years, with only males being born that then died. This calf was a female and offered hope to this family. Brian Skerry is a photojournalist and filmmaker specializing in marine wildlife and underwater environments. Since 1998 he has been a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine, having created and photographed more than 30 feature stories, including seven cover stories. In 2014 he was named as a National Geographic Photography Fellow and then named a National Geographic Society Storytelling Fellow in 2017. In 2017 he was also awarded the title of Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Follow Brian on Instagram @BrianSkerry. Credit: Brian Skerry/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Brian SkerryAn Arctic Tern in front of the Monaco glacier in Liefdefjorden, at the northwest tip of Svalbard in the high Arctic. The beautiful and tiny 113-gram Arctic Tern is a super impressive bird! Each year, it makes the longest migration of any animal in the world, traveling between breeding sites in the northern Arctic and survival/moult areas in the Antarctic pack ice zone. That practically means flying from the North Pole to the South Pole and back each year! Miniature transmitters have revealed that they follow zigzagging routes and rack up to 71,000 kilometres annually! Arnfinn Johansen is a wildlife photographer based in Norway. He is a member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers Association and the founder of Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp / oltepesi com, a specialised camp for wildlife photographers in the Maasai Mara Kenya. Arnfinns work has been recognised in numerous international competitions and is widely displayed in exhibitions and publications. Follow Arnfinn on Instagram @arnfinn_johansen. Credit: Arnfinn Johansen/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Arnfinn JohansenOff the coast of Guraidhoo, Maldives, two reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) display their typical feeding behaviour: They circle backwards through the water to filter zooplankton. Fascinated by this unique dance, I observed these two individuals for a while until they swam closer to each other. I took the chance, held my breath and dove down to capture the moment, that reminded me of Yin and Yang. Melanie Miller is a wildlife photographer. Working for the German foreign service, she lived in Spain, Lebanon, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Her photos of the endangered Antillean manatee were exhibited in the Dominican Museum for Natural History. Follow Melanie on Instagram @melaniemuellerphoto. Credit: Melanie Miller/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Melanie MllerDolphins at play. Christian Vizlwas born in Mexico City and has been a photographer for over three decades. He has won dozens of international photography awards including Wildlife Photographer of the Year, International Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards and World Photographic Cup. He has served as judge in several international underwater photography contests and his images have been published in numerous outlets including National Geographic and Ocean Geographic. Follow Christian on instagram@christianvizl. Credit: Christian Vizl/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Christian VizlA swirl of majestic King Fish, known as Kahu in Aotearoa, where I made this photo, each measuring over two feet in length, forms beneath my fins as I ascend slowly from a dive in the Port Knights Islands. Cristina Mitty Mittermeier, a visionary photographer, marine biologist, and avid conservationist, stands as a formidable force in the realm of environmental advocacy. In 2014 she, alongside her partner Paul Nicklen, co-founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a healthy and abundant ocean through powerful storytelling and impactful visual media. Through her lens, she conveys the delicate balance of natural ecosystems and the urgency to preserve these habitats that sustain a myriad of life. Her art, driven by a desire to make a difference, serves as a compelling call to action, illustrating the transformative power of photography in raising awareness and inspiring change. Follow Mitty on Instagram @mitty. Credit: Cristina Mitty Mittermeier/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Cristina MittermeierThis is Bob Junior, the handsome king of his territory in Serengeti. He shad his kingdom in a beautiful Kopje, an isolated rocky hill with some trees in the Namer plains. This incredible lion was killed in March 2023 by younger lions who took his pride. Marina Canois a Spanish wildlife photographer, with more than 25 years of photographic experience and international prestige, of which 20 have been dedicated to nature photography, where she has got extraordinary recognition in this field. In love with the African continent and committed to its conservation, she collaborates with different associations that protect and preserve threatened species. Follow Marina on Instagram @marinacano. Credit: Marina Cano/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. MARINA CANOAn emperor penguin family, during a snowy day. In this case the pose, the positioning and the overall mood of the snow falling created this scene of love, protection and serenity. Emperor penguins create a very unique and strong family bond amongst all members which becomes obvious when they interact with one another. Especially during bad weather, parents will stand in front of their chick facing the elements and protecting the youngster from being exposed to direct wind and snowdrift. When both parents are present at the same time, sometimes they will even stand in a half-circle formation around their chick and really shield it from the weather. Its a wonderful and uplifting thing to watch. Stefan Christmann, born in 1983 in Koblenz, is a nature photographer and filmmaker from Germany. He was particularly interested in the emperor penguin colony in the neighboring Atka Bay, Antarctica. Hes been captivated by this charismatic bird ever since. With the poetry of his pictures and his emotional stories about the continent at the end of the world, Christmann wants to reveal the special beauty and vulnerability of the polar regions. His active educational work is intended to benefit not only the emperor penguins, but also their endangered Antarctic habitat. Credit: Stefan Christmann/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Stefan ChristmannJaguar in the jungle Karine Aigners life reads like a set of novellas. Raised in Saudi Arabia, Karine motorcycled through Vietnam, circumnavigated the globe by ship, taught English in Taiwan, and then there was the time the hyena pups chewed her shoes (while on her feet). On her first trip to Africa, she fell in love with a continent. From one chapter to the next, her adventures uncover her fervor to tell the stories of life through the lens of a camera; her passion became stories of animals: their relationships to humans, their relationships to their own world, and their existence in the space between the two. Follow Karine on Instagram @kaigner. Credit: Karine Aigner/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Karine AignerEvery day, western toad tadpoles swim up from the safer depths of the lake in British Columbia, Canada, dodging predators and trying to reach the shallows where they can feed. The tadpoles start becoming toads between 4 and 12 weeks after hatching. An estimated 99% will not survive to adulthood. Those that do make it to adulthood face threats from roads, pesticides and herbicides, and the chytrid fungus. Shane Gross is a Canadian underwater and conservation photojournalist known for his work in marine life photography and promoting ocean and freshwater conservation. His images highlight the beauty of underwater ecosystems while raising awareness about the threats they face. Follow Shane on Instagram @shanegrossphoto. Credit: Shane Gross/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. SHANE GROSS

Nature, Published online: 14 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00110-6Experimental models record-breaking performance on science and maths tests wows researchers.

You can find a special kind of currency known as Old Coins in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. Part of an overall tally, these items allow you to obtain nifty rewards as you progress through the campaign. Here's our guide on how to get Old Coins in Dynasty Warriors: Origins.Dynasty Warriors: Origins - How to get Old Coins and what are the rewardsThere are a total of 500 Old Coins in Dynasty Warriors: Origins, and trying to acquire all of them is certainly a tall task. They're usually found via the following means:World map explorationOfficer bonds and requestsLettersKeeping the peace in a regionUltimate Warrior challengesNote: Completing the campaign lets you replay chapters to join a different faction. Doing so can net you additional Old Coins that you might've missed out on in your initial playthrough. You can learn more in our Chapter 3: Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Jian decision guide. Old Coins on the world mapEarly in the campaign, you'll mostly gather Old Coins as you roam around the world map. You'll notice a golden glow as you approach certain spots, denoting that there's an Old Coin that you can pick up. For best results, make sure to use the Eyes of the Sacred Bird action. This will cause golden glows in surrounding areas to appear, allowing you to see Old Coins that are slightly farther away. Old Coins from officersYou can acquire more Old Coins in Dynasty Warriors: Origins by being pals with the officers that you meet:Bond cutscenes - A handshake icon above an officer's model on the world map means that a cutscene will play. You'll receive +1 Old Coin afterward.Officer requests - Those with scroll icons lead to requests, which are fairly short battles with straightforward objectives. These usually net you around +3 Old Coins. Old Coins from lettersFrom time to time, you might find letters that also provide you with a few Old Coins. As such, it's always a good idea to check the inn periodically. Old Coins from increasing peacefulness in regionsEvery region in Dynasty Warriors: Origins has been damaged by unending conflict. However, if you complete various types of battles--i.e. repeatable skirmishes, missions, officer requests, and campaign battles--peacefulness will slowly increase. Once peace in a region has reached a certain threshold, interact with the waymark (i.e. waypoint/fast travel point) to receive rewards. These include items, mounts, battle arts, and additional Old Coins. Old Coins from Ultimate Warrior challengesThe Ultimate Warrior difficulty can only be unlocked once you've completed the campaign. If selected, this lets you tackle challenges in various battles. Make no mistake because these are daunting tasks, such as instances when you need to defeat specific powered-up officers within a short timeframe.From the mountainous regions of the north to the great rivers of the south, you're bound to face numerous foes as you travel across China in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. If you need more help, you can visit our guides hub. Rewards from Old CoinsAs mentioned earlier, the Dynasty Warriors: Origins Old Coins are part of an overall tally. To see the rewards, simply visit Shui Jing Retreat in the northern part of the map. Then, talk to Sima Hui or Pang Tong and pick the Old Coins option in the panel. If you've already amassed a certain number, you'll receive specific rewards automatically.5x Old Coins: +1,000 Gold.10x Old Coins: Ravenous Spirit Amulet (accessory).20x Old Coins: +10 Pyroxene.40x Old Coins: +10,000 Gold.70x Old Coins: +20 Pyroxene.100x Old Coins: Amulet of Fortune (accessory).140x Old Coins: +30,000 Gold.180x Old Coins: Amulet of Merit (accessory).230x Old Coins: +50 Pyroxene.280x Old Coins: Amulet of Means (accessory).350x Old Coins: +100 Pyroxene.400x Old Coins: Musou Bond (portable item).450x Old Coins: Panacea (portable item).500x Old Coins: War God's Sash (accessory).That does it for our guide on Old Coins in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. For more tips, you can check out our beginner's guide and unlockable weapons guide.From the mountainous regions of the north to the great rivers of the south, you're bound to face numerous foes as you travel across China in Dynasty Warriors: Origins. If you need more help, you can visit our guides hub.

While Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered leans more toward its moment-to-moment action gameplay, it offers a fair amount of weapon and outfit customization as well. You can often create one outfit suited for sneaking around machines, while another might be better for melee or ranged combat.

A 3D endless space runner game - a metaphor for breaking down global cultural barriersA. Intentions The idea for The Race for Sanctuary emerged one fall afternoon as I grappled with my first heartbreak - showering my college crush with attention only to be stonewalled 3 months later. Encouraged by my mentors to convert my emotions into something creative, Race for Sanctuary became my way of processing, reflecting, and rebuil

Dear Trailblazers: On behalf of the Honkai: Star Rail development team, I want to wish you a wonderful New Year! May your journey through the infinite cosmos continue to bring excitement as we embark together on this romantic space adventure. Today, Im thrilled to share more about Version 3.0 Paean of Era Nova, launching January 15. This update introduces the long-awaited world of Amphoreus and begins an epic new chapter in our main story. The Trailblaze Mission in Amphoreus will be released in two parts across eight versions, from 3.0 to 3.7, making it the largest story arc in Honkai: Star Rail to date. Get ready to embark on the Heros Journey with new playable characters Aglaea and The Herta, plus the Trailblazer: Remembrance unlocking a new Path!Amphoreus, the Eternal LandLeaving Penacony the Planet of Festivities behind, the Astral Express embarks toward Amphoreus under Black Swans guidance, seeking both to replenish Trailblaze Fuel and uncover the mysteries of this celestial body a realm so enigmatic that even the Aeon of Trailblaze, Akivili, could not reach, its existence hidden from most of the cosmos. From the outside, Amphoreus appears as a chaotic vortex, its existence impossible to detect or understand. Similarly, its inhabitants remain completely unaware of the outside universe. Unlike other worlds, they do not know of the concept of Aeons, instead worshiping deities known as Titans. According to legend, twelve Titans created Amphoreus: Three who wove fate, three who shaped the heavens and earth, three who molded life, and three who brought calamity.Yet this realms history is steeped in tragedy. In ancient times, the arrival of three Titans Strife, Death, and Trickery sparked a civil war among the gods. Soon after, a mysterious force known as the black tide swept across the world. None know its origins, but all life touched by it loses sanity, with even the mighty Titans proving vulnerable. Over millennia, between the black tide gradually consuming Amphoreus and the gods waging endless war, the world fell into eternal night. Now, in humanitys final sanctuary the Holy City of Okhema only the protection of Kephale, the Worldbearing Titan, stands as the last barrier against the black tide. And now, the Astral Express, arriving as an unexpected force from beyond this world, is destined to change the course of Amphoreuss fate, but how? Well, thats for you to find out, dear Trailblazers!The Beginning of the Heros JourneyAs mentioned earlier, the Trailblaze Mission on Amphoreus will span across eight versions, forming an epic and grand narrative. In the upcoming Version 3.0, you will officially set foot on this eternal land and embark on your own Heros Journey. Upon entering Amphoreus, the Trailblazer and Dan Heng first descend into a region known as the Abyss of Fate. Legend says three Titans Time, Passage, and Law once wove here the threads of time, space, and rules that would govern Amphoreus, determining the fate of all creation. Now this land lies in eternal night, with only emptiness echoing through its grand architectural remains.As the story unfolds, the Trailblazers group will return to the Abyss of Fate, pierce through the mists, delve deep into the temple, and finally gain audience with Oronyx, the Titan of Time. Through this encounter, the Trailblazer embarks on the Path of Remembrance, gaining the ability to draw strength from the past. Meanwhile, players will meet a new companion who, due to their mysterious origins and tendency to only make Mem sounds, is temporarily named Mem. Beyond their adorable appearance, Mem plays a crucial role in combat. The Trailblazer can summon Mem during battles, where it gradually charges Energy. Once fully charged, it provides Mems Support that allows a designated character to immediately takes action and deal additional True DMG, turning the tide of battle. Together with Mem, the Trailblazer will surely overcome the various challenges that await in Amphoreus.Following the winding path beyond the Abyss, players will reach Okhema, the Holy City built into the mountainside. Bathed in the eternal dawn light of the Worldbearing Titans protection, this city will serve as a crucial base for the trailblazing expedition through Amphoreus. Among its most distinctive landmarks stands the Marmoreal Palace, a grand baths. More than just a place for bathing and relaxation, it functions as the citys heart, a public gathering space fostering daily social connections among residents. And Okhema has much more to offer beyond its architectural marvels. Here, youll encounter a variety of fascinating creatures. Among them is the dromas, a loyal helper of the Amphoreans, known for their strength in carrying both people and goods. The Dromas is a creation of Georios, the Earth Titan, one of the Three Titans of Foundation. A specialized Dromas Workshop can be found within Okhema, dedicated to crafting and training these remarkable creatures. Scattered throughout the city, youll also find a host of chimeras, each with its unique traits. Their colors, personalities, and temperaments vary greatlysome are quick to anger, others delight in mischief, and still, others offer their help to humans in whatever way they can.In these times of eternal night and chaos, Okhema, sheltered under the Worldbearing Titans protection, remains humanitys final sanctuary and beacon of hope. Local legend tells a romantic tale: Kephale shall one day open their eyes, leading humanity to triumph over the black tide and forge a new world. From beneath this holy city, a group of human heroes known as the Chrysos Heirs embarks on a quest for flame, shouldering the mission to reclaim the twelve Titan Coreflames and restore Amphoreus to glory. In future stories, the Trailblazer will join their journey, fighting alongside the Chrysos Heirs in this legendary expedition.In Version 3.0, Trailblazers will also explore the unique city-state of Castrum Kremnos. It was named after the Blade of Fury that dangles high above the city, and it is also where the Strife Titan resides, thus making it the place where the seventh Coreflame slumbers. In the second half of the Trailblaze Mission, players will borrow the power of the Oronyx to return to the past and experience Castrum Kremnos during its golden age. There, they will discover one of the mechanisms the Trickery Titan Zagreus left behind: The Hand of Zagreus. This mechanism can be used to lift heavy obtains, pick up items, smash open pathways, and obliterate enemies easily in special circumstances. It serves as a major aid to exploration. In Version 3.0s climactic Trailblaze Mission, Trailblazers and the Chrysos Heirs will face numerous challenges before engaging in a final battle with Nikador, the Strife Titan, to reclaim the Coreflame of Strife. Known as the Lance of Fury, Nikador and its followers hold a fanatical devotion to war and combat. To defeat them, Trailblazers need to collect Glory stacks to shatter Nikadors Titanic Corpus.The final area of Version 3.0 unfolds in the Vortex of Genesis, the grand sanctuary and birthplace of Amphoreus. This sacred site, home to the primordial essence of the Twelve Titans, is said to be where the Miracle of Genesis will one day manifest. Here, the Chrysos Heirs will return the reclaimed Coreflames after overthrowing each Titan. Above, constellations light up the night sky, representing the journeys of those who came before. The Flame-Chase Journey, a thousand-year odyssey of trials and perseverance, has now reached its turning point. The road ahead will be forged by the Trailblazers, standing alongside the Chrysos Heirs to continue the legend!Companions of the Flame-Chase JourneyVersion 3.0 will invite two new and powerful 5-star characters to join the players teams. The first is the esteemed#83 member of the Genius Society, an Emanator of Erudition: Madam Herta. Since Herta first debuted, she made a deep impression via her unique Herta puppets and idiosyncratic behaviors on the space station. It is said that her true self resides in a place on the Cosmos edge, and she rarely reveals herself to others. It is only today that she has finally shown herself. The Herta is an Ice-Type Erudition character that is skilled at AoE DMG. In battle, she can apply Interpretation on enemies, and ally characters attacks can also further apply Interpretation. With the increase of Interpretation stacks, The Hertas abilities can increase powerful hits of DMG based on their high Interpretation stacks on specific targets and multiple enemies besides. Additionally, The Hertas Ultimate can also Transfer the highest Interpretation stacks to Elite or stronger enemies, before dealing Ice DMG to all enemy targets.The second character making her debut is Aglaea from Amphoreus. She bears the divine authority of Romance, and is one of the earliest Chrysos Heirs to embark on the Flame-Chase Journey. As Okhemas dressmaster, Aglaea isnt just a legendary hero of Amphoreus, but she is also a major figure in recruiting new Chrysos Heirs to embark on the world-saving journey after the Flame-Chase Journey was interrupted prior. As the first limited 5-star Remembrance character, Aglaea can summon her memosprite Garmentmaker in battle to fight alongside her. They demonstrate a duet dance aesthetic in combat. Additionally, through their cooperation, Aglaea and her Garmentmaker can synchronize attacks on enemies. This new joint attacking mechanism not only increases the Garmentmakers SPD, and also adds a new layer of rhythm and variability to combat, allowing an exquisite dance for two to unfold at a charming cadence.In addition, in the first half of Version 3.0, there will also be a special Warp event. Limited 5-star characters Lingsha, Feixiao, and Jade will be making reruns. In the second half, the 5-star characters Boothill, Robin, and Silver Wolf will also be making a limited return. These characters will serve stronger reinforcements, walking side by side with Trailblazers to embark on a journey across Amphoreus. Aside from this, March 7th will gain a Preservation outfit. It can be claimed after unlocking the Characters function and logging in during the Version 3.0 period. Meanwhile, the Honkai: Star Rail Trailblazer Edition PS5 Physical Disc Bundle will soon be available for purchase, both online and in physical stores!System OptimizationsLastly, weve listened closely to player feedback and, in this major Version 3.0 update, have implemented several system optimizations to improve the gameplay experience! Among the new additions is the Flying Amphora. Smashing a Flying Amphora will grant you a boost in movement speed as you traverse the open world. Meanwhile, to ensure new players can easily enjoy the main storyline of Amphoreus, weve also made adjustments so that after completing the Silent Galaxy Trailblaze Mission, you can head directly to Amphoreus without difficulty. Version 3.0 also brings updates to the new Leveling Guide system that allows Trailblazers to evaluate their characters strength, with recommendations on Character Level, Light Cone, Traces, Relics and more. Weve also introduced the Wishful Resin and Variable Dice, allowing targeted modification and redistribution of a Relics Main and Sub Stats, offering more flexibility in developing companions. But thats just the beginning many more exciting improvements await your discovery!These are just some exciting updates in Version 3.0 theres plenty more to explore and enjoy! We wish you all a year filled with adventure, growth, and great moments in Honkai: Star Rail.