What makes Mario Kart 9 different? (YouTube)The first game to be unveiled for the Nintendo Switch 2 is what appears to be Mario Kart 9 but what secrets is the reveal trailer hiding?Although the Nintendo Switch 2 has now been officially announced there was no voiceover or description for anything in the reveal trailer, so we dont even know if the new game it showed is called Mario Kart 9.It is very clearly a new game though, with very different and more detailed character models and background graphics. Nintendo no doubt chose the clip to give away as little as possible, but theres still quite a bit you can infer from the brief few seconds of footage.Many fans are already speculating that online races will allow for 16 or more human competitors (the track shows spaces for 24) but thats impossible to tell from the clip, and its arguable as to whether its even trying to hint at that. But there are some other clues about the game that seem a little more blatant. Things start off normal at first (YouTube)Is Mario Kart 9 on Nintendo Switch 2 open world?What does seem to be an obvious hint, is the implication of a larger racetrack, perhaps even an open world environment. There are ordinary, non-kart vehicles on the road and while a few older games have had courses like that they dont seem like obstacles here, but more part of the scenery.Likewise, theres a very detailed roadside diner that seems significant, while the clip ends up pointing to the horizon, where the road seems to go on forever, rather than looping back onto a traditional track.Its also criss-crossed by other dirt roads, although the race never gets that far, so you cant tell whether theyre useable. But theres certainly nothing in whats shown that looks like a traditional three lap racetrack.Theres no guarantee whats shown is even part of the final game it could just be something made up for a demo or the trailer itself but there is certainly reason to imagine that its trying something different than the usual linear courses.Whats also interesting is that the first thing the characters do is go off-road, because the road ahead is blocked off, and its noticeable that the karts seem to have much more realistic suspension than normal. The karts are clearly ready and able to traverse more difficult terrain than usual, more than youd expect for just the occasional shortcut. but wheres the actual track? (YouTube)What characters are in Mario Kart 9 for Nintendo Switch 2?Fans have previously speculated that a new game might be more of a Nintendo Kart, featuring more characters not in the various Super Mario titles, but theres no sign of that in the trailer, not even characters like Link or Isabelle who were in Mario Kart 8.More TrendingHowever, you can definitely make out Mushroom Kingdom regulars Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Peach, Donkey Kong, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, Daisy, Rosalina, Pauline, Koopa Troopa, Baby Mario, and Baby Luigi.News about Nintendo games rarely ever leaks out ahead of time, so theres nothing unofficial to suggest whether the new game will be open world or not.But given how well Mario Kart 8 Deluxe refined the classic formula of the series it does seems as if it needs a major shake-up in order for a new entry to seem worthwhile. And hopefully thats exactly what were getting.To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a webbrowser thatsupports HTML5videoUp NextEmailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive 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

Science & technology | Dancing with deathA better understanding of Huntingtons disease brings hopePrevious research seems to have misinterpreted what is going onIllustration: Keith Negley Jan 16th 2025|Cambridge, MassachusettsHuntingtons disease is horrible. It is also odd. Illnesses caused by inherited aberrant genes are mostly what geneticists call recessive, meaning someone must receive defective versions of the gene involved from both mother and father. Huntingtons, the symptoms of which start with involuntary jerking, mood swings and memory problems, and end with death, is dominantmeaning only one parent need be a carrier to pass it on.Explore moreThis article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline Dancing with deathFrom the January 18th 2025 editionDiscover stories from this section and more in the list of contentsExplore the editionReuse this content

Apples iPhone 17 is months awayall the way on the other side of the year, at this point. Theres a rumor taking off that in addition to the iPhone SE, which reports have said will be launched as part of a shake-up in the iPhone line, an iPhone 17 Air may be offered as an alternative. The reports come from a trusted industry insider, Ming-Chi Kuo, who, in a Medium post, tells us to expect the 2H25 ultra-thin iPhone. The random number you see is the purported code name of whatever model it represents. The iPhones thinnest part could measure about 5.5mm, nearly two millimeters thinner than the current iPhone 16. Theres some speculation that it could replace the iPhone Plus model in the lineup. Chatter about the supposed iPhone Air was also seen on Digital Chat Station on the Chinese social network Weibo. The leak suggests that Samsungs Galaxy S25 will be the first out this year to be so thin, so we should expect that every other phone debuting this year will follow suit. At the helm of Bloombergs Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman mentioned the iPhone Air is on the docket for this year, which could serve as a testing ground for future technologies. If the iPhone is going to fold any time soon, it needs to be thinner. Im perplexed that anyone thought we needed a thinner iPhone. I get it from a gadget-head perspective since were always curious about engineering feats and how they make powerful smartphones sothin. However, the thought that Apple would market an iPhone model asAir doesnt sit right with me. I think its because Im so used to the MacBook Air and what it represents. And because its a tablet, essentially one-half of a laptop, the iPad Air fits in with that motif.Im sure someone will tell me, Flo, you complained just a month ago that smartphone design has plateaued. Isnt this the kind of thing you wanted? Well, I didnt think we would start a fad of Ozempic for smartphones. Its bad enough the way its ravaging Hollywood. Besides, when I hear that a phone is thinner, I think it has less battery than something larger, and slower performance since there cant possibly be enough room for heat dissipation. With all the recent natural disasters and end-of-day feelings, this doesnt seem like the time to trot out skinny phones with a shorter battery life and diminished capacity.Not that Apple woulddo that. A thinner iPhone chassis with the same power as the other regular iPhones is a significant bragging right, which is why all this is believable. However, it might not be very profitable for Apple. The analyst who told us about the thinner iPhone 17 also mentions that the skinny little mini will likely not increase hardware sales for Apple this fall. Thatll be partly due to downgraded components paired with a high price and a user experience similar to current models. The iPhone 17 Air may really just be an experiment for Apples foldables, after all.

Limestone House / Archer + BraunSave this picture! Will Scott PhotographyHouses, ExtensionEdinburgh, United KingdomArchitects: Archer + BraunAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:384 mPhotographsPhotographs:Will Scott PhotographyManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Coast, Strathearn, Umber & Ochre More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Project summaryArcher + Braun, a London-based architectural practice, recently transformed a ground-floor flat in Edinburgh into a stunning, modern 5-bedroom family residence. Located within a conservation area, the property featured both historical importance and site constraints. Initially unaware of impending historical designation, the homeowners enlisted Archer + Braun to achieve their vision of modern, airy living, balancing contemporary style with the historic fabric of the structure. The architects' sensitivity to local conservation regulations, coupled with their experience on other listed projects in Edinburgh, played a pivotal role in achieving planning approval and meeting the family's design brief.Save this picture!Project backgroundThe homeowners, a Scottish-English couple with two university-age children, were drawn to Scotland by family ties and their children's educational plans. The couple relied on Archer + Braun's expertise in navigating planning regulations and creating thoughtful, aesthetic architecture. With the property's sudden transition to grade-listed status after purchase, the design team had to work within strict preservation constraints, preserving original features and crafting an extension that would complement rather than overshadow the historical structure.Save this picture!Design challenges and approachThe existing property posed several design challenges, particularly due to its fragmented layout. The homeowners envisioned a spacious, modern extension with open-plan living areas that seamlessly connected to the garden. However, the current configuration made a straightforward extension difficult. There was no direct way to link the main house with a rear addition, and the property's historic designation restricted alterations to its original structure.Save this picture!Moreover, the sloping site at the rear required Archer + Braun to address the difference in ground levels creatively. They introduced a series of steps and terraces, partially cantilevering the new structure to create a sensation of hovering above the landscape below.Save this picture!Archer + Braun's solution demonstrated their sensitivity to both the property's historical character and the clients' modern vision. Drawing on mid-century Californian aesthetics, they designed an extension with floor-to-ceiling glass that invites the surrounding landscape into the space. The glass-walled addition wraps around the rear of the property, offering sweeping garden views and fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.Save this picture!Design solutions and Grade-listing considerationsTo honour the property's historical character, Archer + Braun designed a narrow courtyard to separate the main house from the extension. This "green corridor" not only minimised the extension's physical impact on the original structure but also provided a gentle visual transition between old and new. With its dual-aspect design, one can view both the house's original walls, through the kitchen courtyard windows, as well as the garden. By making the extension visually distinct and physically detached, Archer + Braun preserved the historical integrity of the main structure, carefully aligning with heritage listing regulations.Save this picture!Aesthetic and materialityArcher + Braun's design incorporated natural materials and a mid-century aesthetic, which complemented the surrounding landscape. A departure from the prevalent buff sandstone used in many Edinburgh extensions, the architects chose Portland stone, which featured fossil markings that contributed to a weathered, textured look. The extension's warm, silver-toned cladding and subtle metal roofing harmonised with the minimalist yet natural aesthetic of the interiors, creating continuity across the old and new spaces without overshadowing the original structure's character.Save this picture!Internal reconfiguration and new spacesThe project included the internal reconfiguration of the main house. The architects transformed the old kitchen and former servant's quarters into a cosy snug, and upgraded the existing garage into a two-storey structure with a guest bedroom above. A study and library space bridged the gap between the old and new areas, while the corridor connecting the main entrance with the extension provided a unique architectural transition, punctuated by a gradual descent into the new open-plan kitchen and dining area.Save this picture!Archer + Braun also reconfigured the master suite, integrating an en-suite bathroom and adding additional bathrooms throughout the property. By focusing on secondary areas, they made design improvements without altering the grand, historical rooms. This thoughtful reconfiguration not only fulfilled the practical needs of the homeowners but also celebrated the original architecture.Save this picture!Collaboration and remote project managementTo ensure the design was executed with precision, Archer + Braun made all essential decisions at the outset, leaving minimal need for on-site adjustments. The interior designera close friend of the homeownersalso played a crucial role, selecting finishes, wallpapers, and paint schemes that aligned with the architecture's pared-back aesthetic.Save this picture!The exterior of the extension, with its distinctive form and stepped terraces, drew inspiration from mid-century architecture, while the interiors took a more contemporary, minimalist approach. This allowed the new spaces to complement rather than compete with the home's original historic features and character.Save this picture!SummaryThe Edinburgh project stands as a testament to Archer + Braun's expertise in adaptive reuse, sensitive design, and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects across continents. Through creative problem-solving and respect for Scotland's architectural heritage, they turned a challenging grade-listed property into a cohesive, elegant family home that offers modern comfort within a historic setting.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeArcher + BraunOfficeMaterialsGlassStoneMaterials and TagsPublished on January 16, 2025Cite: "Limestone House / Archer + Braun" 16 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025534/limestone-house-archer-plus-braun&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

Hot yoga is a relatively intense exercise regime favored by millions, including celebrities and athletes who have helped it garner a level of popularity. It usually involves a series of yoga poses conducted in temperatures of up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) and humidity of around 40 percent, intended to recreate the tropical clime of Kolkata, India. Previously known as Bikram yoga, it is now referred to as hot yoga due to a series of serious allegations against its founder. Despite this, its popularity continues and working out in the heat is said to be beneficial for both physical and mental health. While science is still catching up to some of the health claims made by hot yoga proponents, researchers have undertaken numerous studies investigating the health benefits of hot yoga. Improving Physical HealthHot yoga is known to improve flexibility in areas such as the lower back and shoulders. It can also help burn calories at a rate of around 460 calories for men and 330 for women, according to one study. Other research, however, suggests that calorie burn is the same as practicing yoga at room temperature. Similar to regular yoga, it can build bone density and may help improve sleep. There are also suggestions that it could help improve overall heart health and reduce risk of illnesses such as diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels. Mental Health BenefitsResearchers have found that the practice may also help improve mental health by reducing stress levels and possibly help tackle depression. An 8-week long study found that a little over one hot yoga class per week is associated with significantly greater reduction in depression symptoms amongst participants, for example. Maren Nyer, a clinical psychologist and director of yoga studies at Massachusetts General Hospital, led that particular study. Compared to non-heated yoga, the research is lagging quite far behind, she says, with only one other randomized control trial investigating the impact on depression. In Nyers view, hot yoga could be used as an add-on to traditional treatments, as a standalone treatment for more mild-to-moderate forms of depression, or for those waiting for mental health treatment. However, for more severe depression, she says that first line, evidence-based treatments should be utilized. Other research suggests that hot yoga can also positively influence stress, overall well-being and possibly anxiety, though this is also based on a limited number of studies.Read More: Does Yoga Really Detoxify the Body?The Importance of HeatMany of the mental health benefits may be tied to heat, much like visiting a sauna, she says. A previous study on whole body heating showed it can be an effective route to tackle depression. I think hot yoga is an interesting intervention, because it packs a powerful punch, Nyer says. You're combining the benefits of yoga, the heat, and mindfulness. Then you're combining the synergistic effect of moving and doing these postures while your body's hot. There are many potential benefits from hot yoga though some of these may be the same as regular yoga at room temperature. Further research is required, according to some, to delve deeper into the benefits and limitations. Some say that hot yoga could prompt the body to sweat out toxins. Its true that it can lead to the loss of as much as 1.5 to 2 liters of water due to sweat in a standard 90-minute session, but this sweat doesnt include toxins lurking in the body. This amount of water loss does, however, mean that staying hydrated before, during, and after any session is highly advised. Likewise, the suggestion that exercising in hot temperatures reduces the risk of injury is considered false and may, in some cases, make this more likely. Hot yoga also comes with a health warning as it may not be suitable for everyone. People with heart conditions, low blood pressure, or low blood sugar, and pregnant women are commonly advised to seek advice prior to starting hot yoga. This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.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:National Library of Medicine. Bikram yoga training and physical fitness in healthy young adultsColorado State University. Researcher: Hot yoga yields fitness benefitsNational Library of Medicine. Improvements in glucose tolerance with Bikram Yoga in older obese adults: a pilot studyNational Library of Medicine. The Efficacy of Yoga as a Form of Treatment for DepressionNational Library of Medicine. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Community-Delivered Heated Hatha Yoga for Moderate-to-Severe DepressionNational Library of Medicine. Hot Yoga Leads to Greater Well-being: A Six-week Experience-sampling RCT in Healthy AdultsNational Library of Medicine. Whole-Body Hyperthermia for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical TrialSean Mowbray is a freelance writer based in Scotland. He covers the environment, archaeology, and general science topics. His work has also appeared in outlets such as Mongabay, New Scientist, Hakai Magazine, Ancient History Magazine, and others.

Suni Williams wasnt planning to participate in a spacewalk when she arrived aboard the International Space Station last yearbut she also wasnt planning her eight-day trip to turn into a ten-month tenure, either.At the time of writing, Williams and ISS crewmate, Nick Hague, are conducting NASAs first spacewalk in over a year. The pair are scheduled to spend roughly 6.5 hours in the vacuum of space, where they will work on a number of long overdue external repairs and equipment assessments.The duo will remove and replace a rate gyro assembly that helps provide orientation control for the station, install patches to cover damaged areas of light filters for an X-ray telescope called NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer), and replace a reflector device used for navigational data on one of the international docking adapters, NASA explained in its spacewalk preview on Wednesday. The pair also will check access areas and connector tools that will be used for future maintenance work on the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer.Its been an unexpected stay for Williams and her original mission partner, Butch Wilmore. The pair launched aboard Boeings (much-delayed) Starliner spacecraft on June 5th, 2024, from NASAs Kennedy Space Force Station near Cape Canaveral, Florida. Shortly after docking with the ISS, however, mission engineers detected multiple issues with Starliners thrusters, putting the astronauts return timeline into question. The team ultimately decided to play it safe and remote pilot Boeings first commercial spaceship back to Earth, leaving Williams and Wilmore not stranded in the technical sense of the termbut very much lacking an immediate ride home.Williams and Hague are conducting multiple repairs outside the ISS. Credit: NASA After some ISS crew schedule reshuffling, NASA announced the pair would swap out for two of the astronauts previously scheduled for the agencys SpaceX Crew-9 turnover mission. That, too, has since been delayed, however. Williams and Wilmore are currently slated to finally make it back to Earth in late March or early April. In the meantime, the astronauts have kept busy aboard the ISS by assisting in a number of onboard experimentsas well as watering plants and fixing urine pumps.NASA initially expected to conduct its space walk last summer with astronauts Tracy C. Dyson and Matt Dominick, but scrubbed the mission after one of them reported a spacesuit discomfort issue. A further examination determined the suits cooling loop had sprung a leak, which subsequently allowed water to drip into the airlock chamber. The issue has since been fixed, allowing todays spacewalk to proceed as originally intended. This marks the eighth spacewalk for Williams, who previously served aboard the ISS in 2006-2007.And those jealous on behalf of Williams Starliner partner, dont worryButch Wilmore is on the docket to exit the ISS during another spacewalk with Williams next week.The post Starliner astronaut conducts spacewalk while stuck aboard ISS appeared first on Popular Science.

NewsPlanetary ScienceA crumbling exoplanet spills its gutsAstronomers have determined the internal composition of a distant planet for the first time Disintegrating exoplanets, like the one illustrated here, spill their guts into space in a long cometlike tail.JPL-Caltech/NASABy Lisa Grossman6 seconds agoNATIONAL HARBOR, MD. For the first time, astronomers have taken a direct look at an exoplanets insides.An exoplanet about 800 light-years away is spilling its guts into space, and new observations with the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, have let astronomers read the entrails, astronomers report this week at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society.If this is true, its super cool, says astronomer Mercedez Lpez-Morales of the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, who was not involved in the new work. For the first time you can study directly what the interior of an exoplanet is made of. Thats exciting.

Nature, Published online: 16 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00148-6Researchers, governments and others can all play a part in ensuring climate policies remain in the interest of all.

NASA astronaut Don Pettit has snapped a striking shot of the super-bright comet racing past our planet for the first time in 160,000 years, as it lit up the night skies across the globe.

Hi everyone! I hope you like these <3 About 50% of the assets used were purchased, while the other half, including the bottle, was created from scratch. You can find these visuals on official retailer websites submitted by /u/vzooooo [link] [comments]