That's a *lot* of money.Big SpendersReturning president Donald Trump is preparing to approve a $500 billion investment into private sector-developed AI infrastructure, according to reporting from CBS.The project is reportedly a joint venture between ChatGPT creator OpenAI, the Japanese investment group SoftBank, and the software behemoth Oracle, and will see the building of new datacenters in short, massive, wildly energy-intensive computing facilities in the US. The first of these facilities, according to the report, will be constructed somewhere in Texas.The effort is reportedly called "Stargate," because of course it is. More investors are reportedly expected to join the project, though it's unclear who they might be.The money going into this thing is staggering: company executives are "expected to say they plan to commit $100 billion initially," reads the CBS report, and "pour up to $500 billion into Stargate over the next four years."News of Stargate's forthcoming announcement comes fresh on the heels of the Trump Administration's reversal of the Biden-era executive order on AI which, though largely vague and legally toothless, provided some kind of regulatory roadmap for AI development and investment in the US.Now, with the repeal of that order, the AI industry is once again free to enjoy a deregulatory playground. And Trump, in addition to making good on his campaign promise to axe the Biden-era AI roadmap, appears to be giving AI's private sector the green light to compute, baby, compute.ForeshadowingWe should note that executives for SoftBank and OpenAI declined to comment on the deal. But OpenAI CEO Sam Altman attended this week's inauguration and, like many other high-powered tech executives in recent weeks, donated cash to Trump's inaugural fund. Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, meanwhile, is a longtime Trump ally and donor, and Softbank CEO and billionaire Masayoshi Son was one of many tech leaders to take a trip to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estatepost-election.As the New York Times reported at the time, Trump declared during a December press conference that SoftBank would be making a $100 billion investment intoUSprojects,and that the investment would center on tech and AI. The announcement was otherwise scant on details, but it's hard to imagine Trump's statement wasn't in reference to the reported Stargate venture.More on Trump and AI: A Peek Into Trump's AI Border DystopiaShare This Article

"The Brutalist" director Brady Corbet has confirmed that his critically acclaimed historical drama used AI in post-production to clean up Adrien Brody's and Felicity Jones' Hungarian accents though he insists it didn't impact the authenticity of their performances."Adrien and Felicity's performances are completely their own. They worked for months with dialect coach Tanera Marshall to perfect their accents," the American filmmaker and actor told . "Innovative Respeecher technology was used in Hungarian language dialogue editing only, specifically to refine certain vowels and letters for accuracy. No English language was changed."Corbet also confirmed claims that generative AI was used to help "conjure" architectural drawings shown in the coda of the film, but emphasized that the final images were human-made."All images were hand-drawn by artists," Corbet said, with the ones in question "intentionally designed to look like poor digital renderings" of their era.The ambitious 215 minute-long epic follows a fictional Jewish Hungarian man named Lszl Tth (Brody), who emigrates to the US after being separated from his family and surviving the Holocaust. An acclaimed architect in Europe, Tth lives in poverty and remains unrecognized in the New World until he's re-discovered by an American businessman, played by Guy Pearce, who makes Tth a lucrative job offer.The controversy surrounding the film kicked off last week after an interview with editor Dvid Jancs was . Jancs said that the production turned to software called Respeecher to clean up Brody and Jones' dialog after the ADRstage a process in which certain lines of dialogue are re-recorded in post didn't pan out, a decision that both leads were fully on board with, Jancs said.A native speaker, Jancs fed his own speech into the tool to help refine the Hungarian delivery. He argued that using Respeecher simply sped up something they could have done manually."It's mainly just replacing letters here and there," he told Red Shark. "You can do this in ProTools yourself, but we had so much dialogue in Hungarian that we really needed to speed up the process otherwise we'd still be in post."Jancs also revealed generative AI's use in "conjuring" architectural drawings, but was vague on the extent of the tech's involvement. We find clarification in a from 2022, in which Corbet's production designer Judy Becker says that movie's architecture consultant used Midjourney "to create three Brutalist buildings quite quickly" as mockups to be redrawn by a human illustrator.It's worth noting that "The Brutalist" is considered one of the favorites to clean up this awards season, so the timing of these revelations is a little suspect. Nonetheless, they've now been confirmed albeit a little downplayed by the director himself.We should also note that the film has been lauded for being made on just a $10 million budget. Many framed it as providing a sustainable model for the moribund low to mid-budget mode of filmmaking.That model may become less appealing to artists after learning about AI tools' involvement, however minor. But perhaps the writing has been on the wall. Many films, from indie horror flicks to huge blockbusters like "Alien: Romulus," have admitted to using AI in some shape or form. And though each has received significant backlash, it's hard to say that it's hurt their success.More on AI: Nicolas Cage Warns Young Actors About AIShare This Article

Time zones: EST (UTC -5), CST (UTC -6), MST (UTC -7), PST (UTC -8), AKST (UTC -9), HST (UTC -10)About the roleWe are looking for an ambitious Staff Software Engineer who wants to make an impact at a mission-driven company. You are excited to work with a low-ego, highly collaborative team and take on a high level of responsibility across many projects.FreeWill has set compensation and a non-negotiation policy for fairness reasons (we don't think that an individual's pay should be determined by how comfortable they are negotiating). As a result, we like to be transparent and up front about the compensation. When we make an offer, we provide multiple options so that employees can choose between compensation packages that prioritize salary or stock options. The salary range for this role is $215,000-230,000. This role is also eligible for a signing bonus and will come with stock options and full benefits.ResponsibilitiesDefine and shape the architectural direction of FreeWills engineering efforts, building scalable systems that drive our future product innovations.Play a lead role in establishing our technical roadmap and engineering culture.Ideate and own the delivery of impactful technical initiatives, effectively soliciting team support and connecting deliverables to business value.Mentor engineers across seniority levels, fostering an inclusive culture that empowers engineers to leap forwards in their careersContinually elevate the teams proficiency with modern web tooling, while demonstrating the adaptability to deliver high-value solutions in unfamiliar problem contexts.Technical Skills10+ years building production systems for complex web applicationsExtensive experience leading projects on teams of varying compositions, from single-engineer efforts to fully staffed multi-disciplinary teams.Early startup experience preferredStrong proficiency with modern web architecture including Node.js, Typescript, React, cloud infrastructure (AWS preferred), SQL, API design, continuous integration, and automated testing.Familiarity with DevOps practices and tooling, including infrastructure-as-code, CI/CD, and monitoring is a strong plus.Hiring Process The hiring process for this role is as follows:Recruiter Phone Screen (30 minutes)Hiring Manager Interview (30 Minutes)Coding Screen (45 minutes)Super Day Interviews: 3 Final Interviews with FreeWill team members (separate interviews- between 45 minutes and 1 hour)Offer (contingent on positive references)Please note that steps in the hiring process can and may change and the Recruiter will be your point of contact in sharing about any updates in terms of the process. If you are selected to move forward in this process, the Recruiter will share more details about the hiring process and interviewers. However, this is a good estimate of what you can expect. For most roles, our hiring processes take an average of 4-6 weeks.BenefitsIn addition to the immense personal and professional satisfaction youll gain from helping to raise $1T for high impact nonprofits in a kind and joyful work environment, full time employees at FreeWill are eligible for the following benefits:Work from homeUnlimited PTOFlexible hoursCompetitive salaryCommuter benefitsCompany stock options401kMedical/Dental/Vision (some single coverage medical plans are 100% employer paid, subsidized rates for spousal, parent-child, and family coverage)Short-term and long-term disability insuranceLife and AD&D insuranceFree One Medical membershipPaid parental leave for all parentsPerksRegular (virtual) team events$250 monthly co-working budget which can be used for local co-working spaces$300 annual budget to outfit your home office or cover utility bills$1,000 referral bonuses for growing our FreeWill community$1,000 annual professional development budgetFreeWill is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We are committed to finding talent that is not determined on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.We are a remote-first company thats able to hire in 47 states and D.C. Unfortunately, we are unable to hire in Colorado, Alabama, or Louisiana at this time. We also cant sponsor working visas, so all applicants will need to have work authorization in the US.Dont check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. FreeWill is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

The Opportunity: We're seeking a proactive full-stack engineer to join a growing investment firm as their first technical hire. You'll work directly with the founder to build automated internal systems that drive business decisions, while having the opportunity to establish technical foundations across multiple domains.Salary: $5,500 - $6,000 per monthLocation: RemoteSchedule: Full-time - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM ESTExperience: At least 3 years experience as a Digital Marketing SpecialistRequirements Your Goal: Build and maintain automated systems that transform our business operations, while establishing scalable technical infrastructure for future growth.1. You're a Self-Directed Builder:Take complete ownership of projects from conception to deploymentLearn and implement new technologies independentlyDrive technical decisions with minimal oversightCreate comprehensive documentation proactively2. You're a Technical Expert:Excel in TypeScript/JavaScript and Python developmentBuild efficient database solutionsImplement cloud-based infrastructureCreate robust automated systems3. You're a Systems Architect:Design scalable data collection pipelinesBuild secure automation workflowsCreate reliable monitoring solutionsOptimize for performance and maintainability4. You're a Collaborative Self-Starter:Thrive in fluid environmentsBalance autonomy with communicationEstablish technical best practicesDrive continuous improvementBenefits Competitive CompensationEarn between $5,500 - $6,000 per month (based on experience) Technical OwnershipShape the technical direction as first engineering hire Learning OpportunitiesWork across diverse technical domains Modern StackUse cutting-edge tools and technologies Direct ImpactExceptional learning and development opportunities

2025 is starting off with a bang for skygazers, with a planet parade coming to the skies tonight, Jan. 21. A planet parade is when several of our solar system's planets are visible in the night sky at the same time. There will be six planets visible this time around, including Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus.The six planets were visible in the days immediately leading up to Jan. 21, and for about four weeks afterward. Mars, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn should be visible to the naked eye. You'll need a high-powered viewing device like a telescope to spot Neptune and Uranus.The best time to view the planets from the Northern Hemisphere will be just after sunset at around 8:30 p.m. local time. You still might be able to catch Venus, Saturn and Neptune on the horizon after that, but all three planets will be under the horizon by 11:30 p.m. to midnight depending on your location. After that, Mars, Jupiter and Uranus will remain visible for a few more hours with Mars finally setting just before sunrise.Unlike prior parades, this one is set to last quite a while since the planets are in advantageous spots in the sky. You should be able to see all six planets nightly until the last week or so of February.After that, the seven-planet parade will begin as Mercury will briefly join the others in the sky for a couple of days, turning this into a planetary parade of all seven planets in our solar system other than Earth. It will be difficult to see them all since Saturn, Mercury and Neptune will be quite close to the sun right at sunset, but they will be there.By the time March gets underway, Mercury, Saturn and Neptune will have drifted too close to the sun to be readily visible with Venus not far behind, leaving Jupiter, Mars and Uranus to populate the night sky until the next parade begins.Will my region see the planet parade? Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Most, if not all, locations in the US, Canada and Mexico should be able to see the planetary parade this time around thanks to its long length and limited planetary movement. We checked observatories in California, Texas, Ohio and New York in the US, along with Calgary in Canada and Mexico City, Mexico. We were able to find all six planets at each location, so it doesn't matter how far north, east, west or south you go, you'll be able to see it.In general, the best time to view the planet parade will be after Jan. 21, and before Feb. 21. The best time will be the week of Jan. 29 during the new moon. (As we explain in this story, a new moon is a shadowed moon, which makes it seem like the moon has disappeared.) The shadowed moon will reduce light pollution in the sky and make Neptune, Uranus and Saturn easier to spot.Read more: Full Moons Explained, From Blue Moons to Supermoons to Lunar PhasesYou won't have to wait long for all six planets to be in the sky. They'll be there as soon as the sun sets. Once it's dark, you'll only have a couple of hours to view them before Venus, Saturn and Neptune dip below the horizon for the evening. This applies regardless of location, so no matter where you are, everything's happening at around the same time.During the last few days of February, Mercury will make its appearance and the parade will increase to seven planets. This will be best viewed right at sunset and will be more difficult to see while the sun is still on the horizon.Will I need any special equipment to view the parade?Technically yes. You'll be able to spot Venus, Mars, Jupiter and potentially Saturn with the naked eye in opportune conditions. However, Neptune and Uranus are simply too far away to spot. Astronomers note that you'll likely need a telescope with at least an 8-inch aperture at 50 times magnification to see Uranus and its rings, and 150 times magnification to see Neptune and its rings. If you're so equipped, give that telescope a point at Saturn. At 25 times magnification, you'll be able to see the crown jewel of our solar system in all its glory.Standard space viewing rules also apply here. You'll want to get away from the city, where light pollution can obfuscate your view. Even the suburbs may not be far enough away for many folks. If you're planning a long drive out of the city and its surroundings, you'll want to make sure it's a clear night with as little cloud cover as possible.If you're headed out to see all seven planets at the end of February, you'll have a particularly difficult task ahead of you as a few of the planets will be fairly close to the sun. You may want to invest in UV protection for your eyes and be particularly careful about where you point your telescope.How can I find the planets in the sky?Given that Neptune and Uranus are particularly hard to find paired with the fact that Saturn and Venus will be right next to each other, there may be some difficulty in finding all six planets in the sky. For this, there are a few good tools available. Check out Stellarium's website, along with Time and Date's Night Sky Map. Those should give you a good idea of where each planet is in relation to the others. Star Walk 2 is an excellent app on Android and iOS. Stellarium has its own Android and iOS apps as well.What is a planetary parade?A planetary parade is a colloquial term that applies when four or more planets line up in the night sky at once. It's not an official astronomy term so you'll rarely hear astronomers use it. However, NASA has been known to refer to the phenomenon as a "parade of planets."The official term is planetary alignment, although that term tends to seed a little bit of confusion. Some interpretations of the phrase include the planets lining up on the same side of the sun all right next to each other. The planets can never fully line up exactly like you see in pictures, but they can all be on the same side of the sun and relatively close to lining up. In day-to-day use, though, planetary parades and alignments are the same thing and simply describe when there are several planets visible in the night sky at the same time. These planets may be nowhere near each other in their solar orbits but are visible from the perspective of Earth.

Looking for the most recent Strands answer?Click here for our daily Strands hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Connections puzzles.Todays NYTStrandspuzzle isn't terribly tough if you've been to a movie theater in the last 30 years. The theme even gives away the studio name, and it's a studio whose films are pretty famous. Note that some of the film titles are super short (four letters!) but a few are really long (one is 11 letters long). If you need hints and answers, read on.Also, I go into depth about therules for Strands in this story.If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Mini Crossword answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more:NYT Connections Turns 1: These Are the 5 Toughest Puzzles So FarHint for today's Strands puzzleToday's Strands theme is:Pixar thisIf that doesn't help you, here's a clue: To infinity, and beyond!Clue words to unlock in-game hintsYour goal is to find hidden words that fit the puzzle's theme. If you're stuck, find any words you can. Every time you find three words of four letters or more, Strands will reveal one of the theme words. These are the words I used to get those hints, but any words of four or more letters that you find will work:DONE, ROSE, MAIL, SCAR, EMAIL, TILT, LIME, TOUT, TILL, NOSE, DRONE, LINE, CONE, CONES, WARD, DRAW, DRAWS, TOILAnswers for today's Strands puzzleThese are the answers that tie into the theme. The goal of the puzzle is to find them all, including the spangram, a theme word that reaches from one side of the puzzle to the other. When you've got all of them (I originally thought there were always eight but learned that the number can vary), every letter on the board will be used. Here are the nonspangram answers:CARS, SOUL, BRAVE, ONWARD, ELEMENTAL, RATATOUILLEToday's Strands spangramToday's Strands spangram isANIMATION.To find it, start with the A that's three letters down on the furthest row to the left, and wind across. The completed NYT Strands puzzle for Jan. 22, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNET

January 21, 20254 min readWhy the Paris Climate Agreement Matters in 5 GraphicsOne of President Trumps first executive orders withdraws the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement. These graphics show why the pact is crucial to curbing the worst effects of global warmingBy Andrea Thompson Amanda MontaezHours after he was sworn into office, President Donald Trump signed an executive orderamong a flurry of such decreesto once again pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, the international pact aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to stave off their worst impacts on Earths climate.The move comes just after the planet experienced its first year on record in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the preindustrial period. Under the landmark 2015 Paris climate accord, countries agreed to try to limit warming to under 1.5 degrees C and well below two degrees C (3.6 degrees F).Trump's executive orderentitled Putting America First in International Environmental Agreementscalls for immediately notifying the United Nations of the U.S.s withdrawal and states that the pullout is effective immediately. Under the agreement, countries cannot fully withdraw until one year after notification. Trump removed the U.S. from the agreement during his first term as well, and that departure took effect in November 2020. Former president Joe Biden brought the U.S. back into the agreement in February 2021.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.Because of the discrepancy in timing in Trumps order and the terms of the agreement, it remains unclear exactly how the withdrawal will play out. The order also calls for an end to U.S. contributions to international climate finance, howeverand it is clear from this directive and other orders issued by Trump that the new administration seeks to undo much of Bidens work on climate action and to further encourage already soaring levels of U.S. oil and gas production.Numerous climate scientists and advocates have decried the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and have warned of the dire consequences of failing to act on the climate crisis. This short-sighted move shows a disregard for science and the well-being of people around the world, including Americans, who are already losing their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones as a result of climate change, said Jonathan Foley, executive director of Project Drawdown, a nonprofit organization focused on climate solutions, in a recent news release.Below are five graphics that show why the Paris Agreement and its goals matter.Amanda Montaez; Source: Copernicus Climate Change Service (data)The year 2024 was the first on record in which global temperatures registered 1.5 degrees C above the preindustrial period (generally defined as the second half of the 19th century). This marks how much temperatures have risen as humans have continued to burn fossil fuels, sending heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. And it shows how close the world is to breaching the Paris climate accords goal. That threshold hasnt yet been officially surpassed, though, because the agreement considers the average global temperature over many years. So there is still time to limit warming as much as possible if countries and industries can act quickly and ambitiously enough.Amanda Montaez; Source: Climate Change Indicators: Heat Waves, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (data)We are already feeling the sting of climate change from the heat that has built up in Earths atmosphere, and that is most clearly seen in extreme heat events. In the U.S. alone, residents have gone from experiencing two heat waves each summer in the 1960s to more than six todayand those heat waves now average four days instead of three. The heat wave season has also lengthened from 20 days in the 1960s to more than 70 days now.Extreme heat is the deadliest weather phenomenon in the U.S., and the public health threat will only grow as global temperatures rise. So every additional bit of warming the world can avoid has a tangible effect.Other disasterssuch as hurricanes, floods and wildfiresare also being exacerbated by climate change. In combination with changes in where people live and build infrastructure, the costs of disasters are steadily rising and contributing to an insurance crisis.When the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began tracking disaster cost data in the 1980s, a disaster that caused at least $1 billion in damage occurred about every three months in the U.S. Now such a disaster happens about every three weeks. And the dollar values of these events costs are almost certainly underestimatesunderscoring how political rhetoric often points out the price of transitioning to cleaner energy while overlooking the ballooning costs of not acting.Amanda Montaez; Source: Intergenerational Inequities in Exposure to Climate Extremes, by Wim Thiery et al., in Science, Vol. 374; September 26, 2021 (data)Those costs, and the pain of the disasters that drive them, will be borne by todays younger generationswho will experience many more heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires and other deadly, destructive disasters over their lifetime than their parents or grandparents did. But how much that risk rises very much depends on how much warming societies allow. Meeting the Paris Agreement targets would demonstrably lessen the risks.Amanda Montaez; Sources: Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis: Working Group I Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC, 2021 (carbon budget); Supplemental Data of the Global Carbon Budget 2022. Global Carbon Project, 2022 (emissions data); World Bank (country populations and per capita emissions data); Data analysis by Amanda Montaez and Piers ForsterU.S. involvement in international climate negotiationsthe Paris accord in particularhas long been seen as crucial, both because it pressures other countries to be more ambitious and because the U.S. has overspent its portion of the worlds carbon budget. Along with other countries nations that led the Industrial Revolution, the U.S. has gained substantial wealth but it has been responsible for more than its fair share of the amount of carbon that humans can release into the atmosphere and still meet the Paris Agreement goals. It remains to be seen how the U.S.s exit from the Paris accord will affect the actions and goals of other countries.

January 21, 202512 min readHow Neandertal DNA May Affect the Way We ThinkDNA inherited from Neandertals may influence modern human cognitionBy Emily L. Casanova & F. Alex Feltus edited by Kate Wong Sam FalconerWhen Neandertals were first discovered nearly 170 years ago, the conceptual gap between their lineage and thatof modern humans seemed vast. Initially scientists prejudicially believed that the Neandertals were primitive brutes hardly more intelligent than apes and that their lack of advanced thinking had doomed them to extinction. Since that time, researchers have amassed evidence that they shared many of the cognitive abilities once considered unique to our species, Homo sapiens. They made complex tools, produced staples such as flour, treated their ailments with plant-based medicines, used symbols to communicate and engaged in ritual treatment of their dead.The divide between their lineage and ours narrowed even further in 2010, when researchers published the first Neandertal genome sequence. Comparison of that ancient DNA with modern human DNA showed that the two species had interbred and that people today still carry the genetic fingerprint of that intermixing. Since then, numerous studies have explored the ways in which Neandertal DNA affects our modern physiology, revolutionizing our understanding not only of our extinct cousins but of ourselves as a hybrid species.This area of research, clinical paleogenomics, is still in its infancy, and there are many complexities to unravel as we explore this new frontier. We therefore must take the findings from these studies with a grain of salt. Nevertheless, the research conducted to date raises the fascinating possibility that Neandertal DNA has wide-reaching effects on our speciesnot only on general health but on brain development, including our propensity for conditions such as autism. In other words, DNA from our extinct relatives may, to some extent, shape the cognition of people today.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.It seems that every few weeks a new study expands our understanding of how Neandertal DNA affects modern human health and physiology. Researchers have found that some Neandertal DNA makes carriers more vulnerable to various immune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Crohns disease, and some gene variants affect an immune molecule known as interleukin-18, which plays a role in predisposition to autoimmune disorders. Some Neandertal DNA variants are implicated in increased risk for severe COVID, whereas others appear to be protective factors. Still other Neandertal-derived variants may be instrumental in determining whether we develop allergies. And there is some evidence to suggest that our ancient cousins DNA may even be implicated in asthmaa subject of ongoing research.Scientists have also documented a number of effects of Neandertal DNA beyond the immune system. Neandertal DNA may affect the color of our skin and hair, how readily our blood clots, our propensity for heart disease, and how our cells respond to various environmental stressors such as radiation. It can also help determine how prone we are to certain skin cancers, thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, obesity and diabetes.The notion that Neandertal DNA might significantly influence our brains and behavior, however, is actually a bit counterintuitive. Previous research has shown that this ancient DNA tends to be underrepresented in the brain-related genes of modern humans, primarily because these types of genes are very sensitive to change, and anything new gets weeded out fairly quickly. These regions of the genome are known as Neandertal DNA deserts. Yet studies published over the past decade have shown that some Neandertal DNA has in fact persisted in and around some brain-related genes in modern humans.The effects of Neandertal DNA are apparent throughout the brain and associated structures in people today.The effects of this DNA are apparent throughout the brain and associated structures. Philipp Gunz of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and his colleagues found that people with higher percentages of Neandertal DNA are more likely to have skull shapes that are modestly elongated and reminiscent of the Neandertal skull, particularly around the parietal and occipital regions toward the back of the cranium. This skull elongation is sometimes associated with Neandertal variants that are located near the genes UBR4 and PHLPP1, which are involved in neuron production and the formation of myelin, the fatty sheath that insulates the axons of larger neurons, allowing them to communicate more reliably over longer distances. The skull elongation is also associated with Neandertal variants located near GPR26. This gene is still poorly understood, but it appears to have antitumor effects and is therefore probably also involved in regulating the production of neurons and other nervous systems cells called glia.In another study, Michael D. Gregory of the National Institutes of Health and his colleagues observed differences in the structure of the brain in regions related to visual processing and socialization. Specifically, people with more Neandertal DNA tend to have increased connectivity in visual-processing tracts but reduced connectivity in nearby tracts that are implicated in social cognition. This intriguing finding suggests there could be trade-offs between visual processing and social skills in the Homo lineage.Of particular importance, Neandertal DNA also seems to influence the structure and function of the cerebellum. Although most neuroscientists have tended to think of this brain region as functionally dedicated to motor memory and coordination, it is also involved in attention, emotional regulation, sensory processing and social cognition. The cerebellum seems to be vital for systems involved in mentalizing, which underlies many aspects of our ability to infer the mental states of other people. In 2018 Takanori Kochiyama of Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto and his colleagues published a study in which they reconstructed the crania of Neandertals and those of early modern humans and compared them. Their research showed that the cerebellum was significantly smaller in our extinct cousins than in members of our own lineage. These data suggest that there could be significant variability in the structure and function of the cerebellum (and therefore in social cognition) in modern humans as a result of the DNA we have inherited from Neandertals.When it comes to the inheritance of genetic variations, the overall size of a population has a dramatic effect on whether a particular DNA mutation is passed on, especially if its somewhat deleterious or harmful. In a large population, a modestly deleterious mutation is likely to get weeded out relatively quickly just by sheer probability. But in a small, isolated population, such a mutation is far more likely to spread as if it were neutral, and it may even become permanently retained in the population. Small groups tend to accumulate more mutations over time than larger populations do, which may reduce the number of children that individuals in those populations can raise, putting the groups at risk of dying out. Its for this reason that most modern human cultures consider it taboo to marry a close relation such as a first cousin. Cultures that still allow this practice often have unusually high rates of so-called recessive diseases, which arise when an individual inherits the same genetic susceptibility factor from both parents.Research into the Neandertal genome has indicated that our extinct relatives underwent a significant and somewhat protracted reduction in their population size, an event known as a genetic bottleneck. Between 50,000 and 40,000 years ago, their population dwindled to perhaps as few as 5,000 individuals. Because of that genetic bottleneck, the Neandertal genome contains an overabundance of potentially harmful mutations, which most likely led to reduced reproductive fitness and high rates of recessive disease in their population. There is evidence of this bottleneck event and its consequences in Neandertal fossils from the site of El Sidrn in Spain, where 13 closely related individuals exhibit evidence of 17 different skeletal birth defects.Neandertals had a braincase that was long and low in shape (left), in contrast to the globular braincase of Homo sapiens (right). People today with higher percentages of Neandertal DNA are more likely to have an elongate skull reminiscent of Neandertals.Philipp Gunz/MPI EVA LeipzigOur species probably inherited some of these unfavorable genetic variants when our ancestors interbred with Neandertals tens of millennia ago. Is it possible that some of the harmful Neandertal-derived variants that have stuck around in our genomes now influence not only the sizes and shapes of some of our brain structures but also our propensity for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions?The accumulation of evidence to date suggests that this may well be happening. For instance, some Neandertal variants have been linked with the presence of major depression. Perhaps not coincidentally, these variants have also been implicated in determining chronotypethat is, whether someone is a morning or night person. Some scientists posit that the effects of Neandertal DNA on our chronotype, which is determined by our circadian rhythms, might predispose us toward depression because many mood disorders have a significant seasonal component (to wit: seasonal affective disorder, a type of mood disorder in which symptoms come and go with the changing of the seasons).Neandertal DNA has also been associated with substance use such as drinking and smoking. Other genetic variants seem to increase pain sensitivity and prompt people to consume more pain medications. And a subset of Neandertal DNA variants may increase some peoples likelihood of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although these variants are slowly disappearing from the modern human genome.One particularly intriguing connection that the two of us have been investigating is the possible link between Neandertal ancestry and autism. We first became interested in this link when we learned of the parallels between some of the brain connectivity patterns in visual- and social-processing pathways in nonautistic people who have more Neandertal DNA and people on the autism spectrum. People with autism often have enhanced visuospatial abilitiesfor instance, they tend to excel at picking out a target shape from a sea of distracting shapes in cognitive tests. At the same time, challenges with social cognition are typically central to the autistic experience and call to mind the reduced connectivity in those same neural pathways in nonautistic people with more Neandertal DNA. We also knew that just as Neandertals had smaller cerebellums than early modern humans did, which may have influenced their social cognitive abilities, people with autism consistently exhibit reduced volume in subregions of the cerebellum.This wealth of data from genetics, neuroimaging and brain reconstruction prompted the two of us to question whether Neandertal DNA could be influencing autism susceptibility in modern human populations. Our laboratories set out to address this important question together, accessing genetic data on both autistic and nonautistic people from several large, well-established databases. We were also interested in looking at Neandertal DNA according to ethnic background because there is a lot of variability across modern populations. For instance, people of African ancestry tend to have less Neandertal DNA than Asian and European people. Thus, it was important to match our groups of autistic and nonautistic people according to ethnicity.When studying Neandertal DNA in the modern human genome, scientists typically investigate single points in the DNA that vary across populations. These points of variation are known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, pronounced snips). We were very interested in studying common and rare Neandertal SNPs separately because the rarer a DNA variant is, the more likely it is to be harmful and the less likely it is to be passed down to offspring. What we found was that autistic people tend to have more rare Neandertal SNPs than ethnically matched nonautistic people have. Its important to note that autistic people dont necessarily have more Neandertal DNA in generaltheyre not more Neandertal than the next person. Its just that the Neandertal DNA they carry includes more of the rare variants than nonautistic people tend to have.Neandertal DNA variants appear to be influencing development of autism in measurable ways across ethnicities.We also investigated SNPs that specifically influence gene activity in the brain. We were able to identify 25 of these Neandertal-derived expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), as they are known, that were overrepresented in our autism groups. For example, about 80 percent of white Hispanic autistic males with epilepsy carried a particular Neandertal SNP in the USP47 gene, compared with 15 percent of those in the nonautistic control group. Although the function of USP47 is poorly understood, this gene has tentative links with epilepsy, which often co-occurs with autism.In addition, we found a mutation in the COX10 gene that occurred more frequently in Black people with autism than in Black people without autism. Animals genetically engineered so that their COX10 is inactive tend to have a functional imbalance between the activity of excitatory neurons and inhibitory ones in the brain that is very characteristic of conditions like autism.We dont yet have a clear idea of what all these Neandertal SNPs are doing in people with autism. They appear to be influencing development of the condition in measurable ways across all ethnicities studied. And our research suggests that many of the rare Neandertal-derived SNPs, which are associated with autism, help to orchestrate neural connectivity, which in turn may affect how neurons communicate with one another. But precisely how these variants are affecting brain development remains to be determined. In all likelihood, there is no single answer.Genetics is an extremely complicated field of study. Although the human genome was sequenced more than 20 years ago, our understanding of molecular networks and how they influence organ development and function is still relatively rudimentary. As we dig deeper into how Neandertal DNA is influencing our genes, it is important to accept the complexity of the problem. There are more than 78,000 modern human genes that have mixed with nearly the same number of Neandertal genes. Humans can wrap their minds around a three-dimensional problem, but a 78,000D problem is rather more difficult! Fortunately, modern computers executing artificial-intelligence code can handle the analytical burden that our brains cannot.Our initial study tagged Neandertal DNA in partial genome sequences that constitute just 1 percent or so of the entire human genome. In the next phase of our research we will scan recently available complete genome sequences from modern human families with a propensity for autism. By expanding our search area for ancient DNA from genes to regions between genes, we will be able to investigate millions of additional eQTLs, which regulate the intensity of gene expression much as a dimmer switch controls the amount of light coming from a bulb. Once we map these eQTLs to Neandertal-derived DNA variations in a modern human genome, we will be able to infer whether some Neandertal DNA is measurably altering gene expression.A complete genome search will allow us to identify eQTLs from the Neandertal lineage that are involved in the function and development of not only the brain as a whole but also specific brain tissues and regions, such as the cerebellum. We may find that H. sapiens inherited entirely new neurodevelopmental traits from Neandertals that did not exist in our lineage until the two groups interbred. A more likely scenario, however, is that the introduction of Neandertal DNA into H. sapiens modified, but did not override or replace, genetic control mechanisms for extraordinarily complex brain conditions such as autism, ADHD and depression.If we can identify the exact neurodevelopmental pathways controlled by mixed Neandertal/H. sapiens gene regulatory networks, we may be able to figure out how ancient DNA reconfigured gene expression in the brain at the point of hybridization. This type of knowledge would have a variety of potential therapeutic applications within the burgeoning field of personalized medicine.We arent interested only in Neandertal DNA. It may be that hybridization in general, not just DNA inherited from Neandertals specifically, contributes to autism susceptibilitythe result of a type of genetic mismatch, if you will. If thats the case, we might also expect to see DNA from other cousins, the Denisovans, who also interbred with early H. sapiens, playing roles in autism and other neurological conditions in ethnic groups of people today who carry Denisovan DNA (primarily people of Asian and Native American ancestry). We will be looking for signs of Denisovan influence in the next phase of our research.Like the ADHD-related Neandertal variants that are gradually getting winnowed out of the modern human genome, the rare Neandertal variants that autistic people have may be getting weeded out of the gene pool, too. Some rare Neandertal DNA is probably fading away simply as a result of what population geneticists call the law of large numbers, which predicts that uncommon and rare DNA, regardless of its effects on the organism, will tend to slowly disappear from a large breeding population over time. But other Neandertal DNA may be rare because it is modestly harmful, affecting an individuals ability to have children and pass down their DNA.We know from research that, on average, people with autism are significantly less likely than the general population to have children, although there are certainly some who do have kids. But we dont know whether their reproductive rates are lower because people on the autism spectrum face challenges with romantic relationships or because they are more likely to have certain health-related disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome that affect fertility. The answer is probably multifactorial. But regardless of the reasons, fewer offspring means fewer genetic variants associated with autism get passed down over time. So, if these variants arent getting passed down as often, why are they still sticking around in the human genome, albeit in low numbers?When it comes to autism, the medical community has traditionally focused on the deficits and challenges that people with the condition may experience. This approach is rooted in the medical model of disability, which in the case of neurodevelopmental differences holds that they should be treated medically with a focus on fixing or managing the condition and a goal of normalizing the persons behavior. But the autism spectrum is also associated with traits that may have been adaptive during more recent human brain evolutionenhanced visuospatial processing, high intelligence, exceptional memory and creativity, among others. Multiple genetics studies have found that many of the common genetic variants associated with autism are also associated with high intelligence, enhanced cognitive ability and educational attainment.In addition, family members of people on the spectrum are more likely to have careers in fields related to science and technology and, according to our recent study, are also likely to carry some of these same rare Neandertal variants. Therefore, although autistic people have lower reproductive rates on average, their nonautistic (though potentially still neurodivergent) family members may also be helping to keep this DNA in the gene pool. In other words, even as some evolutionary factors are working to push these autism-related Neandertal-derived genetic variants out of the human genome, other factors are working to retain them.Although we dont yet know whether the Neandertal DNA associated with autism is also linked to intelligence, savantism or general creativity, we are slowly connecting the dots. If such a relation exists, it suggests that intermixing with Neandertals has affected multiple aspects of brain evolution in our species. In this way, Neandertal DNA is not only a part of the story of autism and other neurodevelopmental and psychological conditions; its central to the story of all of us.

If you happen to be on the lookout for your favorite coastal grandma button-down linen top in the quilt form, Brooklinens Linen Quilt in White Diamond is for you. As someone who is very sensitive to certain fabric textures, I found this 100% linen quilt to be softer to the touch than most linen products Ive come across. One of my biggest pet peeves is falling asleep feeling warm, especially in the summer months, and I was hesitant to use this product, thinking it might be on the heavier side. To my surprise, the quilt was very lightweight, super cooling, and breathable. And the high-quality elements dont end there. The stitching showed no signs of pulling on the threads, which is always a green flag. Since the crisp white color of this simple yet stylish quilt is very neutral, I can definitely imagine it being versatile when fitting into a specific decor aesthetic. From a French country farmhouse to a prewar city apartment, this quilt is bound to look good in any space.Best Cotton Quilt: Schoolhouse Channeled Cotton QuiltSchoolhouse Channeled Cotton QuiltSpecsSizes: Twin, Full/Queen, KingColors: Alder, channeled blue, channeled ochre, channeled greyTester: Mel Studach, AD PRO senior editorTheres something about a channeled quilt that brings to mind swinging open the linen closet door come fall and picking through the stacks of collected blankets for one more layer. Despite the styles longevity, it still feels incredibly classic to this day. Theres just one difference with Schoolhouses iteration: Its far too prettywith its wide channeling and subtly ruched textureto ever want to hide it away in the closet. Luckily, its light enough to cover the bed year-round and reversible, should you want to flip the pigment-rich side for a quieter heather-gray option as seasons change. Made of 100% cotton, the layer is nicely breathable (great news for those who sleep at a warm body temperature but still desire a quilted topper) and machine washable. Both sides are also wonderfully softso much so that it could double as a cozy layer on the sofa for movie nights.Best Splurge-Worthy Quilt: European Flax Linen Box Stitch QuiltWest Elm European Flax Linen Box Stitch QuiltSpecsSizes: Twin, Full/Queen, KingColors: White, natural flax, frost gray, slate melange, graphite, dark olive, cedar, celadon, silver mist melange, ocean, midnight, lilac melange, adobe rose, shell pink, terra-cotta melange, amber, dijonTester: Megan Wahn, former associate commerce editorAfter a lifetime of duvets and comforters, West Elms European Flax Linen Box Stitch Quilt converted me into a quilt purist. Needless to say, I havent looked back since. I bought this when I moved to New York about a year ago and, like your favorite pair of jeans, its only gotten more comfortable in that well-loved kind of way. Its the optimal softness and weight for all seasonswarm enough when paired with a throw blanket during the winter, but also light enough to keep me pleasantly cool in the summerthat Ive never had to dedicate any space or time to the arduous bedding-change process whenever the weather turns. Though its shown very little wear over the last year, it does seem to have a few small pulls in the fabric (although, in my opinion, it kind of adds to the overall lived-in feel and look of the quilt). The quilt comes in a few earth-toned color options, and you can also purchase a bedding set that comes with matching shams. To me, this quilt isnt just some big glorified blanketits the safe haven I look forward to hugging around me at the end of every night, 365 days of the year.Best Budget Quilt: Jungalow Kahelo Quilt SetJungalow Kahelo Quilt SetSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, KingColors: CoralTester: Lizzie Soufleris, visuals editorLizzie SouflerisAfter seeing her incredible cover story come together, it came as no surprise that interior designer Justina Blakeney knocked it out of the park with this quilt from her brand, Jungalow. Its light, breathable and, of course, looks adorable in my plant-filled bedroom. The faded dusty-salmon hue is the optimal neutral-without-being-boring solid color and paired up perfectly with one of my favorite sage green linen sheet sets. Inspired by tiles from all over the world, the gauzy fabric is laced with intricate stitching. Upon closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the details, especially for such an affordable price. As a die-hard duvet user (and clumsy bedside coffee drinker), I must admit that I was a little concerned about cleaning a quilt. But my trepidation turned out to be unnecessary because this one is machine washable, and you can even throw it in the dryer.Best Fashionable Quilt: Dusen Dusen Check BeddingDusen Dusen Check BeddingSpecsSizes: Twin, Queen, KingColors: Blue, beige checkTester: Audrey Lee, commerce editorAudrey LeeI would gladly have Ellen Van Dusen design my entire worldso it should come as no surprise that Dusen Dusens green check coverlet takes a top spot among my favorite bedding Ive tried (and trust me, Ive tried a lot!). Since this coverlet set makes a statement on its own, Ive been outfitting it with some simple and elegant linen sheets (though the brand has plenty of patterned sets that would also match beautifully). The coverlet has a lightweight design and an airy quality thats been perfect for spring-to-summer weather, but its also super cozy on chillier nights when paired with a nice fuzzy throw (like this one from Kassatex). As for the textile pattern, Ive never been more eager for bedtime. The cream-and-sea-foam palette provides just the right pop of color, while the checkerboard itself feels like a chic update on a classic motif (not to mention the delightful matching shams really tie the whole look together). The cotton material was already supremely soft straight out of the bag, but since tossing it into the laundry for a wash (just make sure you follow the care instructions!), its even softer and gauzier than before, making me excited to sleep with this bedding for years to come.Best Eco-Friendly Option: Buffy Linen QuiltBuffy Linen QuiltSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, King/California KingColors: White, oatTester: Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorIts been smooth sailing with this quilt since day one. I washed it straight out of the box and felt it soften immediately. I had intended to layer it over my duvet but have ended up favoring the quilt on its own. Its softness and breathability from the hemp fibers are really pleasant, and I still feel sufficiently bundled up. This quilt has a neat box-quilted pattern that feels visually interesting and almost veers into checkerboard territory. Its available in white or oat (I chose the latter, which feels sophisticated and not too flashy if your bedroom leans more minimal, as mine does). Its also a pretty thin layer, which I appreciate, and doesnt feel overly heavy or suffocating. If youre looking for a visually striking quilt, there are definitely bolder options on this list, but this is perfect for a serene setup. Looks and functionality aside, I love that hemp linen specifically has outstanding sustainability cred. I think its a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their bedding without sacrificing the planet.Other Quilts and Coverlets We Recommend:Brooklinen Organic Cotton Quilt SetSpecsSizes: Full/Queen, King/Cali KingColors: Vanilla or blue marinaTester: Melissa Studach, senior AD Pro editor

Picture this: Youre sitting in front of a warm fireplace, enjoying the crackling sounds of the flames. Make that dream a reality with the best electric fireplaces on Amazon. Sure, you can pull out a space heater to make your space more toasty, but an electric fireplace provides an opportunity to get warm and make an aesthetic choice at the same time.Unlike tending to real flames or gas fireplaces, these require virtually zero maintenance and often just need an outlet to work. Plus, many boast 3D flames that often resemble the ones youll see in a wood-burning fireplace and have adjustable flame colors for a personal touch. Even when the weather isnt chilly outside, you can turn the heat setting off most electric fireplaces and just keep the flames going for a cozy aesthetic. To create our list, we pulled picks with positive, thorough reviews from Amazon shoppers. So, grab your throw blanket and curl up on the couch in front of one of these Amazon electric fireplaces this season.Our Top Picks for the Best Electric Fireplaces on Amazon:Best Overall: Duraflame Freestanding Electric Fireplace, $300 $230Best Mantel: Ameriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel Fireplace, $300 $225Best Design: TerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel Fireplace $700Best TV Stand: OKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV Stand, $600 $540Best Portable: Shinic Portable Electric Fireplace Heater, $70 $60Best Hybrid Space Heater: Comfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space Heater, $50Best Wall Mounted: Northwest Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace $200Best Overall: Duraflame Freestanding Electric FireplaceDuraflame Freestanding Electric FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 13.07"D x 24"W x 23.4"HWeight: 29 poundsWattage: 1500 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5200 BTUsRoom Size: 1,000 square feetSafety featuresAutomatic timed shut-offIf youre looking for an electric fireplace on Amazon with all the best bells and whistles, consider this Duraflame pick. Mirroring a wood stove, it features lifelike 3D fire-burning logs that will add flare to a farmhouse-style space or make any home cozier. It also has glass panels and a glass door (that actually opens!) to bring an even more authentic feel to your home. While this infrared fireplace doesnt skimp on heat, you can adjust its controls to turn it off and relish in the flames and glow no matter the weather.Best Mantel: Ameriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel FireplaceAmeriwood Home Mateo Electric Mantel FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 9.72"D x 29.69"W x 45.24"HWeight: 54 poundsWattage: N/AType: MountedHeat Output: 5100 BTUsRoom Size: 400 square feetSafety featuresWall anchorWelcome the mantel of your dreamsno renovation requiredwith the help of this electric fireplace. We give it extra style points for its clean lines (great for minimalists) and spacious design to show off all your treasured trinkets. Thanks to its low noise levels, you can keep the fire going without interrupting movie nights or dinner parties.Best Design: TerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel FireplaceTerraFlame Lloyd Modern Gel Fuel FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 26"D x 26"W x 44"HWeight: 31 poundsHeat Output: 5000 BTUsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5000 BTUsRoom Size: 200 square feetSafety featuresSmoke-free burningOkay, so this isnt actually an electric fireplace, but wed be remiss if we didnt share this fun pick to set the mood at your next alfresco dinner party. For starters, its mid-century modern aesthetic proves that even bulky appliances can deliver on style. And with its clean burning gel fuel instead of a wood-burning design, you wont have to worry about smoke billowing or excess upkeep.Best TV Stand: OKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV StandOKD Luxury Fluted Fireplace TV StandSpecsDimensions: 15.2"D x 70"W x 32"HWeight: 156 poundsWattage: 150 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5000 BTUsRoom Size: 500 square feetSafety featuresAuto-heat turn off safety featureWe like the idea of a fireplace TV stand for a few key reasons: You can adjust the temperature in your space with ease, and the stand can double as a console table or entertainment center for your living roomit also provides an additional surface for displaying your wares. This one hits the mark on all fronts, plus, it boasts a chic, fluted design for more contemporary spaces. Bingeing your favorite shows will get a major upgrade since its designed to hold TVs up to 80 inches and features cable management in the back of the piece to keep cords out of sight.Best Portable: Shinic Portable Electric Fireplace HeaterShinic Portable Electric Fireplace HeaterSpecsDimensions: 5.9"D x 11.8"W x 14.6"HWeight: 10 poundsWattage: 1500 WattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: 5,118 BTUsRoom Size: 200 square feetSafety featuresTip-over protectionAuto-shut off when overheatingThe shell stay is cool to the touchFor those searching for an electric fireplace that can move from room to room, this portable pick is just what you need. The small but mighty option is strong enough to heat up 200 square feet and weighs just 10 pounds so you can easily carry it to any area that could use a little extra heat. Thanks to the 3D fire and log set, it also provides a flame effect for those looking to keep the vibes right.Best Hybrid Space Heater: Comfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space HeaterComfort Zone Electric Mini Fireplace Space HeaterSpecsDimensions: 6.1"D x 9.45"W x 13.46"HWeight: 4 poundsHeat Output: 1500 wattsType: FreestandingHeat Output: N/ARoom Size: 64 square feetSafety featuresTip-over protectionAuto-shut off when overheatingShell stays cool to the touchWith this electric heater, youll get the best of a space heater and fireplace all in one. The hybrid model has a thermostat up top to adjust heating to a low or high setting. Overheat protection aside thats featured in the most reliable space heaters, this one has other safety features that most will appreciate like tip-over protection and a shell that stays cool to the touch.Best Wall Mounted: Northwest Wall Mounted Electric FireplaceNorthwest Wall Mounted Electric FireplaceSpecsDimensions: 3.86"D x 50"W x 18.11"HWeight: 47 poundsWattage: 1500 wattsType: MountedHeat Output: N/ARoom Size: 400 square feetSafety featuresAuto-heat kill to prevent overheatingCool-to-touch glassWant to free up floorspace and add a touch of elegance to your interiors? You can mount this recessed electric fireplace in any modern space to check both of these boxes. While it doesnt come with a fireplace log or crackling sound, you can adjust the fire using its 10 ambiance-enhancing LED flame color options and three background settings. Simply use its manual controls or remote control to customize it to your liking. We love the design of this for any elevated home style, but if youre looking for something really modern, try the R.W.FLAME Electric Fireplace out for size.