Jan 28, 2025The Hacker NewsThreat Hunting / SecOpsTriaging and investigating alerts is central to security operations. As SOC teams strive to keep up with ever-increasing alert volumes and complexity, modernizing SOC automation strategies with AI has emerged as a critical solution. This blog explores how an AI SOC Analyst transforms alert management, addressing key SOC challenges while enabling faster investigations and responses.Security operations teams are under constant pressure to manage the relentless flow of security alerts from an expanding array of tools. Every alert carries the risk of serious consequences if ignored, yet the majority are false positives. This flood of alerts bogs down teams in a cycle of tedious, repetitive tasks, consuming valuable time and resources. The result? Overstretched teams are struggling to balance reactive alert "whack-a-mole" chasing with proactive threat hunting and other strategic security initiatives. Core challengesHigh alert volumes: Security operations teams receive hundreds to thousands of alerts a day, making it nearly impossible for analysts to keep up. For many SOCs, this overload causes delayed response times and forces teams to make tough decisions about which alerts to prioritize. Manual, repetitive tasks: Repetitive, manual tasks burden traditional SOC workflows, requiring analysts to sift through logs, switch between tools, and manually correlate data. These inefficiencies not only delay alert investigations and incident response but also exacerbate analyst burnout and turnover. Hiring and training challenges: A global shortage of cybersecurity talent makes it difficult for SOCs to recruit and retain skilled professionals. High turnover among analysts, driven by burnout and demanding workloads, further compounds the issue. Limited proactive threat hunting: Given the reactive nature of many SOCs, proactive efforts like threat hunting often take a backseat. With so much time consumed by managing alerts and responding to incidents, few teams have the bandwidth to actively hunt for undetected threats. Missed detections: Shortages of time and talent lead many SOCs to ignore "low- and medium-severity" alerts altogether or turn off detections, which exposes the organization to additional risk.Unrealized promises of SOAR: Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions have aimed to automate tasks but often fail because they require extensive playbook development and maintenance. Many organizations struggle to fully implement or maintain these complex tools, leading to patchwork automation and continued manual work.MDR/MSSP challenges: MDR/MSSP vendors don't have the enterprise context necessary to accurately investigate custom detections. Additionally, these vendors often operate as expensive blackboxes, offering investigations and responses that lack transparency, making it challenging to verify their accuracy or quality.Why now is the time to actThe rise of AI-powered attacksTraditional, manual SOC processes already struggling to keep pace with existing threats are far outpaced by automated, AI-powered attacks. Adversaries are using AI to launch sophisticated and targeted attacks putting additional pressure on SOC teams. To defend effectively, organizations need AI solutions that can rapidly sort signals from noise and respond in real time. AI-generated phishing emails are now so realistic that users are more likely to engage with them, leaving analysts to untangle the aftermathdeciphering user actions and gauging exposure risk, often with incomplete context.Advances in LLMs and agentic architecturesThe rise of large language models (LLMs), generative AI, and agentic frameworks has unlocked a new level of reasoning and autonomy for SOC automation tools. Unlike static, rule-based playbooks, these new approaches dynamically plan, reason, and learn from analyst feedback to refine investigations over time, paving the way for an AI-driven SOC.The Case for AI SOC AnalystsStreamlined investigationsAI SOC Analysts investigate every alert within minutes, analyzing data across endpoints, cloud services, identity systems, and other data sources to filter false positives and prioritize true threats. Lower riskFaster investigation and remediation of threats minimizes the potential damage of a breach, cutting down on costs and reputational risk. Proactive hunting further mitigates the likelihood of hidden compromises.ExplainabilityAI SOC Analysts provide detailed explanations for each investigation, ensuring transparency and building trust in automated decisions by showing exactly how conclusions are reached.Seamless integrationAn AI SOC Analyst seamlessly integrates with popular SIEM, EDR, Identity, Email, and Cloud platforms, case management and collaboration tools out of the box. This allows for rapid deployment and minimal disruption to existing processes.Improved SOC metricsBy leveraging AI SOC Analysts, security operations teams can overcome key challenges and achieve measurable improvements in critical SOC metrics.Lower dwell time: Automated investigations allow the SOC to spot threats before they spread.Reduced MTTR/MTTI: AI's rapid triage and analysis slashes the time needed to investigate and respond to alerts.Enhanced alert coverage: Every alert is investigated, ensuring no threat goes ignored.By automating alert triage and investigation, organizations can drastically reduce dwell time, mean time to investigate (MTTI), and mean time to respond (MTTR).Empowered teamsAn AI SOC Analyst is a powerful force-multiplier for the SOC. Removing the burden of manual, repetitive tasks frees analysts to focus on higher-value work like threat hunting and strategic security initiatives. This not only boosts morale but also helps attract and retain top talent. ScalabilityAI SOC Analysts operate 24/7, scaling automatically with alert volume. Whether an organization sees hundreds or thousands of alerts daily, AI can handle the load without additional staff.Future of SecOps: Human and AI collaborationThe future of security operations lies in seamless collaboration between human expertise and AI efficiency. This synergy doesn't replace analysts but enhances their capabilities, enabling teams to operate more strategically. As threats grow in complexity and volume, this partnership ensures SOCs can stay agile, proactive, and effective. Learn more about Prophet SecurityTriaging and investigating alerts has long been a manual, time-consuming process that strains SOC teams and increases risk. Prophet Security changes that. By leveraging cutting-edge AI, large language models, and advanced agent-based architectures, Prophet AI SOC Analyst automatically triages and investigates every alert with unmatched speed and accuracy. Prophet AI eliminates the repetitive, manual tasks that lead to burnout, empowering analysts to focus on critical threats and improving overall security outcomes.Visit Prophet Security to request a demo today and see how Prophet AI can enhance your security operations.Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Jan 28, 2025Ravie LakshmananCybersecurity / Cyber EspionageThe Council of the European Union has sanctioned three individuals for allegedly carrying out "malicious cyber activities" against Estonia.The three Russian nationals Nikolay Alexandrovich Korchagin, Vitaly Shevchenko, and Yuriy Fedorovich Denisov are officers of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU) Unit 29155, it said.Per the council decision, all the individuals are said to be responsible for cyber attacks against computer systems with the aim of collecting data from the data systems of multiple institutions with an aim to gain insights into the cyber security policy of Estonia."The cyber-attacks granted attackers unauthorized access to classified information and sensitive data stored within several government ministries including Economic Affairs and Communications, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs leading to the theft of thousands of confidential documents," per the Council.This included business secrets, health records, and other critical information that compromised the security of the affected institutions.Unit 29155 was previously implicated by the U.S. government and its allies in a string of cyber attacks aimed at government services, financial services, transportation systems, energy, and healthcare sectors of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members, the European Union, Central American, and Asian countries.Since at least early 2022, the adversarial collective is assessed to have targeted and disrupted efforts to provide aid to Ukraine. The threat activity cluster is also tracked by the cybersecurity community under the names Cadet Blizzard, Ember Bear, FROZENVISTA, Nodaria, Ruinous Ursa, UAC-0056, and UNC2589.It's worth noting that both Korchagin and Denisov were charged by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) for their alleged involvement in a conspiracy to commit computer intrusion and wire fraud conspiracy against targets in Ukraine, the U.S. and 25 other NATO countries.With the latest enforcement action, a total of 17 individuals and four entities are subject to asset freezes and travel bans, in addition to prohibiting E.U. persons and entities from transacting with those listed.Last month, the Council also levied sanctions against 16 individuals and three entities, including GRU Unit 29155 and its commander Andrey Vladimirovich Averyanov, that it said were responsible for "Russia's destabilizing actions abroad.""Through coups, assassinations, bombings, and cyber attacks against other countries around the world in connection with the war in Ukraine, it has sought to create chaos and destabilise European Union countries," the Council said. "By carrying out such actions, it seeks to help and benefit Russia."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorJanuary 28, 20255 Min ReadPuka Janluka via Alamy Stock PhotoThanks to the legalization of gambling-related activities in many parts of the world, the betting industry is booming. The field's current market size is over a billion US dollars, according to Statista, including both on-site and online betting operations.As the market flourishes, a growing number of betters are hoping that AI will help them beat the odds.Playing the OddsAI's role in gambling is still relatively new, with operators only just beginning to explore its potential impact on backend systems and player platforms, says Yoel Zuckerberg, chief product officer at Soft2Bet, an online casino and sports book software provider. In an online interview, he notes that most industry players currently encounter AI only in limited forms within games, yet he believes that the technology's role is likely to expand. "In the near future, AI is expected to play an increasingly central role in gaming platforms, enhancing personalization and engagement."AI's strongest attribute lies in its ability to enhance personalization and interactivity, Zuckerberg says. "By tracking player behaviors, preferences, and patterns, AI can deliver tailored, bespoke gameplay," he explains. "Integrating gamification elements, such as rewards and challenges, AI can also foster stronger customer loyalty and engagement."Related:Bettors can turn to AI to uncover patterns that provide valuable insights for making informed decisions, says Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of Online Games.IO in an online interview. However, when it comes to games of pure chance such as slots or roulette, AI has little to offer, since those outcomes are completely random.Many gambling operators are understandably wary of AI, worried that the technology could soon shift the balance of player engagement and strategy, Cristian-Ovidiu says. For gamblers eager to explore AI's gambling potential, he recommends starting, and becoming familiar with, data analytics platforms.AI is rapidly transforming the gambling industry, offering both opportunities and challenges, says Christian Nzouatoum, founder of Nzouat, a firm specializing in small business AI and software architecture. "In areas like sports betting, poker, and blackjack, AI can be a powerful tool for gamblers, allowing them to analyze massive datasets and make informed decisions based on predictive models," he observes via email. "For example, in sports betting, AI can process player statistics, team dynamics, and even external factors like weather conditions, to offer insights that go beyond what a human could easily calculate." In poker, Nzouatoum notes, "AI tools can assess an opponent's behavior and adjust strategies accordingly."Related:On the flip side, AI has only limited applicability in games of pure chance, such as slot machines and roulette, where outcomes are entirely unpredictable, Zuckerberg says. "However, it can still add value by personalizing the player experience, customizing rewards, and creating engagement-enhancing features within virtual slots and similar games."Other ConcernsGambling organizations, including casinos and sportsbooks, are keeping a close eye on AI developments. "They understand the advantages but are also concerned about maintaining fair play and game integrity," says video game blogger Dane Nk, in an online interview. For individuals looking to dive into AI-assisted gambling, Nk suggests starting with data analysis tools geared toward betters, of which there are many. "They can offer valuable insights but remember that the human touch -- skills and game knowledge -- should never be overlooked."Since AI's regulatory framework remains largely undefined, with many jurisdictions lacking specific guidelines for its use, businesses -- including gambling operators -- are currently operating in a gray area. "To mitigate the risks, companies should stay informed on regulatory developments and strengthen internal policies to ensure compliance," Zuckerberg advises.Related:Gambling Addiction DetectionRecent studies reveal a complex outlook in which AI is both a potential savior and a cunning manipulator in the world of gambling and addiction, says Christian Perry, CEO of Undetectable AI, a firm offering AI detection and conversion technology.The key is balance and responsible use, Perry states in an email interview. He believes that casinos can, and should, identify problematic gamblers using AI, and take every possible measure to prevent exploiting them in any way. "In person and online casinos should acknowledge the benefits and risks of using AI," he says.Betting on the FutureAI is transforming not only the player experience but also gambling enterprises' operational efficiency and strategic approach. "As we move forward, we anticipate that AI will play an integral role in shaping a more responsible, player-centric gaming environment," Zuckerberg says. "It's essential for [gambling] organizations to prioritize ethical AI practices, stay updated on regulations, and maintain a strong focus on transparency."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

Submitted by WA ContentsMarina Tabassum selected as designer of the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in LondonBangladesh Architecture News - Jan 28, 2025 - 13:10 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum has been announced as designer of the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion in London, United Kingdom.Called A Capsule in Time, the design takes inspiration from the architectural language and history of South Asian Shamiyana tents or awnings.The timber kinetic structure consists of four half-arched volume capsules that can provide shelter for the community. Set to be opened to the public at Serpentine South on 6 June 2025, the 2025 Serpentine Pavilion will be on view until 26 October 2025 in Kensington Gardens.Beginning with Dame Zaha Hadid in 2000, this ambitious and one-of-a-kind project has produced the first structures in the United Kingdom by some of the most prominent and emerging architects in the world.Tabassum is renowned for her work to create a contemporary architectural language that is grounded in and responsive to place, climate, context, culture, and history. Her design will resonate the Serpentine South and will initiate a conversation between the the permanent and ephemeral nature of the commission.The 2025 Pavilion has a central court that aligns with the bell tower of Serpentine South and is extended north-south. Four wooden capsule forms with a translucent facade that diffuses and dapples light as it enters the area make up the Pavilion's sculpture, which is inspired by the tradition of park-going and arched garden canopies that filter soft daylight through green foliage.A kinetic element that allows one of the capsule forms to move and connect, converting the Pavilion into a new space, is at the heart of Tabassum's design.In addition to referencing the history and architectural language of South Asian Shamiyana tents or awnings, Tabassum's design emphasizes the sensory and spiritual potential of architecture through scale and the interaction of light and shadow.These structures, which are supported by bamboo poles and consist of an exterior fabric, are commonly set up for outdoor events and festivities and serve a similarly dynamic purpose. The openness of Tabassum's Pavilion embraces the potential for connecting visitors together through conversations, live events, and public gatherings.Marina Tabassum. Image Asif SalmanTabassum emphasizes that the design is also inspired by the architecture of the Bengal delta and features ephemeral dwellings that can shift locations according to the changing courses of the rivers."We are thrilled to be selected as the architect of this years Serpentine Pavilion. When conceiving our design, we reflected on the transient nature of the commission which appears to us as a capsule of memory and time," said Marina Tabassum."The relationship between time and architecture is intriguing: between permanence and impermanence, of birth, age and ruin; architecture aspires to outlive time.""Architecture is a tool to live behind legacies, fulfilling the inherent human desire for continuity beyond life. In the Bengal delta, architecture is ephemeral as dwellings change locations with the rivers shifting courses. Architecture becomes memories of the lived spaces continued through tales.""The archaic volume of a half capsule, generated by geometry and wrapped in light semi-transparent material will create a play of filtered light that will pierce through the structure as if under a Shamiyana at a Bengali wedding.""The Serpentine Pavilion offers a unique platform under the summer sun to unite as people rich in diversity. The stage is set, the seats are placed. We envision various events and encounters taking place in this versatile space that unifies people through conversations and connections," Tabassum added.Serpentine 2025 Pavilion A Capsule in Time, designed by Marina Tabassum, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). Design render, interior view. Image Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA), courtesy SerpentineA Capsule in Time will honour connections with the Earth and celebrate the spirit of community. Built around a mature tree at the centre of the structure, Tabassums design will bring the park inside the Pavilion," said Bettina Korek, Chief Executive, and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director."Its kinetic dimension will also harken back to the levitating element of Rem Koolhaas & Cecil Balmond with Arups Serpentine Pavilion 2006.""We are grateful to all of our loyal supporters who make this groundbreaking commission possible and look forward to announcing a full programme of live events and public programmes that will bring people together around Tabassums visionary, spiritual and social structure.""This is a milestone year for the Serpentine Pavilion Commission as we celebrate 25 years since the inception of this prestigious programme," Korek and Obrist added.The 25th year of this historic commission will begin with Tabassum's Pavilion, which will build on Dame Zaha Hadid's legacy of pushing the limits of architecture. "There should be no end to experimentation," she said, and Tabassum's Pavilion will be an excellent representation of this philosophy.Serpentine CEO Bettina Korek, art director Hans Ulrich Obrist, director of construction and special projects Julie Burnell, curator Chris Bayley, curator at Large, Architecture and Site-specific Projects Natalia Grabowska, assistant exhibitions curator Alexa Chow, and advisors Sou Fujimoto and David Glover selected this year's Pavilion.Following Tabassum's ten-year collaboration with URBANA in 2005, Marina Tabassum Architects was established and has produced architectural projects that are ecologically, politically, and socially conscious. In addition to structures located in Dhaka, its surrounding areas, and other parts of Bangladesh, MTA also conducts research on environmental degradation in Bangladesh, a nation that is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change.With the goal of improving the living and environmental situations of those they work with, the studio also focuses on the role that architecture plays in addressing the living conditions of marginalized people in the area, as evidenced by their well-known Khudi Bari [Small House] (2020ongoing). These easily disassembled and movable modular buildings were created in 2020 for people residing on the sand beds of the Jamuna, Meghna, and Teesta rivers.In 2024, architect, researcher and educator Marina Tabassum was named as the world's most influential architects in the 2024 TIME100 Next List by TIME Magazine. In 20216, Tabassum was awarded the Aga Khan Award for Architecture with Bait Ur Rouf Mosque, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Top image: Serpentine 2025 Pavilion A Capsule in Time, designed by Marina Tabassum, Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). Design render, exterior view. Image Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA). Courtesy Serpentine.> via Serpentine

BDP-designed building is one of the most prominent in citys financial districtMichael Laird Architects designs for the 200m refurbishmentMichael Laird Architects has unveiled its designs for a 200m refurbishment of Lloyds Banking Groups Scottish headquarters.The Port Hamilton building in the centre of Edinburgh will be transformed into an innovation hub under plans designed for developer Drum Property Group.The 282,000sq ft, eight storey building was designed by BDP. It has been occupied by Lloyds subsidiary Scottish Widows for the past 30 years and, with its curved roof, is one of the most distinctive in the citys financial district.Drum group managing director Graeme Bone said the level of investment, structure and net-zero objectives of the Port Hamilton redevelopment sends out a very strong message for the future of the city centre office market.The existing building was designed by BDPAs part of the deal with Lloyds, Drum will assume control of the property and take responsibility for redeveloping the building as part of a forward funding agreement.Port Hamilton will remain the head office for the pensions and investments business as Drum has also concluded a pre-letting agreement with Lloyds which will see the firm enter a 21-year lease after the transformation works, which are expected to complete in 2027.

A Capsule in Time to explore themes of transience and memoryInterior view of this year's pavilion, A Capsule in Time1/3show captionBangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum has been named as the designer of this years Serpentine pavilion.Tabassums pavilion has been inspired by the transient structures built on the shifting banks of the Ganges delta in Bangladesh.Set to be unveiled to the public on 6 June, it will mark the 25th year of the annual summer event in Kensington Gardens which presents the first UK structures by emerging architectural talents from across the globe, starting with Zaha Hadid in 2000.Titled A Capsule in Time, Tabassums proposal will explore the role of memory in architecture and the boundary between permanence and impermanence.It will take the form of a capsule-shaped shelter split into four volumes, with one section that can slide to form a new space and a mature tree at the structures centre.Inspired by South Asian Shamiyana tents, temporary structures typically erected for outdoor gatherings and celebrations, the four shelters will consist of bamboo poles supporting curved translucent facades which allow dappled light to infuse the interior spaces.Tabassum said she and her practice, Marina Tabassum Architects, had been inspired by the ephemeral nature of the Serpentine event, which she said appears to us as a capsule of memory and time.Marina Tabassum said her design had been inspired by the ephemeral nature of the annual summer eventShe said: The relationship between time and architecture is intriguing: between permanence and impermanence, of birth, age and ruin; architecture aspires to outlive time.Architecture is a tool to live behind legacies, fulfilling the inherent human desire for continuity beyond life. In the Bengal delta, architecture is ephemeral as dwellings change locations with the rivers shifting courses.Architecture becomes memories of the lived spaces continued through tales. The archaic volume of a half capsule, generated by geometry and wrapped in light semi-transparent material will create a play of filtered light that will pierce through the structure as if under a Shamiyana at a Bengali wedding.The Serpentine Pavilion offers a unique platform under the summer sun to unite as people rich in diversity. The stage is set, the seats are placed. We envision various events and encounters taking place in this versatile space that unifies people through conversations and connections.Serpentine South chief executive Bettina Korek and artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist said: A Capsule in Time will honour connections with the Earth and celebrate the spirit of community.The pavilion will host a programme of music, film, theatre, dance and literature events through the summer and until October, with each event responding to the design and themes of the structure.The pavilion has been supported by Goldman Sachs and will be built with the support of technical advisor Aecom.

Severance,Apple's twisty sci-fi thriller, is back. With two episodes down and eight remaining (the season finale will hit the streamer on March 21), expectations are through the roof that the series can still deliver the goods. So far, it has -- even if we're still questioning everything.The first season of the Apple TV Plus drama ended with a wallop of a cliffhanger, which has left the internet abuzz about everything from impromptu musical dance numbers to baby goats. (What's the deal with the baby goats??) This mystery box needs some unwrapping, so -- in the name of Kier Eagan -- CNET ventured to do just that.During the show's official press day in December, I spoke with series star Adam Scott, director and executive producer Ben Stiller, and series creator and showrunner Dan Erickson over Zoom. Their answers hinted at what's to come in the remainder of season 2.Spoiler warning:stop reading if you're not caught up on Severance season 1. Major spoilers are below.Read more: Apple TV Plus Review: Small Library but the Quality Is Top Notch Getty Images/Zooey LiaoWhy did the Macrodata Refinery team decide to get severed? Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, John Turturro and Adam Scott return to Lumon Industries in season 2 of Severance, coming to Apple TV Plus on Jan. 17. Apple TV PlusWe know that Mark (Scott) chose severance because he was grieving the loss of his wife, and Helly (Britt Lower) joined because of her family connection with Lumon, but what about Irving (John Turturro) and Dylan (Zach Cherry)?We've seen very little of Dylan's life, but we know he lives with his three kids, and they seem to have a decent relationship. Irving is obsessed with the elevator to the testing floor and lives a cloistered life with a dog named Radar.When Severance first premiered, audiences were left wondering what it would take to sever their own mindsif such a technology existed. What sort of trauma or toxic living situation would motivate such a choice?Each character surely has their own heartbreaking story behind their decision to be severed, and it's almost certain that we'll get answers to this question in season 2.Is Gemma really alive? Dichen Lachman stars as Ms. Casey in season 1 of Severance on Apple TV Plus. Apple TV PlusOne of the biggest reveals of season 1 came at the end of episode 7, Defiant Jazz, when we learn that Ms. Casey -- Lumon's wellness director -- looks exactly like Outie Mark's wife Gemma (Dichen Lachman), whom everyone on the outside world believes died in a car crash.How the heck did Lumon pull that one off? Was dead Gemma a fake or a lookalike? Is Lumon in the practice of cloning humans?Cast members debunked that last theory in the aforementioned YouTube video, but it's clear that Ms. Casey (whose innie has only been alive for 108 hours) is much different from the other severed workers.One fan theory suggests that Gemma is in a coma from the car accident and her innie version is only able to awaken occasionally. But she shows no physical indications of a serious accident.The the Gemma/Ms. Casey mystery -- and the ideas it has sparked -- seems like one of the biggest writing challenges for the show. This mystery will most certainly be addressed in season 2. According to Scott, it's a plot point that fuels his character's storyline this season and provokes a struggle between Mark's two selves."He feels like he has to help his outie and get Gemma somehow out the door," the actor said. "But is that where his emotional ties and his emotional interests are? The really interesting thing about the Innie and the Outie Mark this season is how aligned their interests are. At what point are they either going to come together or move further apart?"Why is Harmony Cobel so obsessed with Lumon Industries? Patricia Arquette plays Harmony Cobel in season 1 of Severance. Apple TV PlusAs the manager of Lumon's severed floor, Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) takes her job extremely seriously. She is cult-like in her devotion to Lumon's founder, Kier Eagan, and the nine core principles. Her home basement includes a shrine to Kier and personal artifacts from her mother, Charlotte.Harmony is unsevered, like Seth Milchick (Tramell Tillman) and Doug Graner. Still, unlike the two of them, she maintains a separate persona in the outside world -- Mark's neighbor, "Mrs. Selvig," who makes atrocious lavender cookies and constantly screws up Mark's recycling and trash bins.One of the running themes of the show's first season is Harmony's conflict with the Lumon board about "reintegration," the controversial practice of fusing workers' personalities back together after removing the brain chip. The board insists reintegration is impossible, while Harmony has firsthand evidence that Petey Kilmer accomplished it (before it killed him).After keeping Helly's suicide attempt a secret, the board fires Harmony, who responds by trashing her basement and collapsing in dejection at her shrine, which we now see holds a ventilator tube and a medical bracelet that reads, "Charlotte Cobel" with a birth date of March 17, 1944.Harmony and Mrs. Selvig dress in a way that covers their necks, which are never seen. Could Harmony be Charlotte, who has scars from a tracheotomy or other neck surgery? Does she have a personal investment in reintegration?We could go on, but you get the point. The questions surrounding Harmony Cobel abound, and it's almost certain that we'll learn much more of her backstory in season 2.Why is Irving painting that hallway and elevator? John Turturro as Irving in season 1 of Severance. Apple TV PlusWhen we see Outie Irving, we learn he loves to listen to Motorhead and repeatedly paints the elevator down to Lumon's testing floor. Dominated by thick black, these paintings fill Outie Irving's home and explain why Innie Irving's nails are full of dark gunk.But what's Innie Irving's connection to that desolate hallway and elevator? Has he been to the testing floor or lost someone to it? We never see him in that elevator area at Lumon. In fact, the only person we do see using that elevator is Ms. Casey.One fan theory claims Innie Irving has visited the testing floor and been "reset" by Lumon several times, which could explain why he says he's been there three years, but his badge indicates nine.Irving's John Turturro has personally "debunked" that theory in a Severance cast promo video. Perhaps Innie Irving's trauma from the testing floor has leaked into his outside persona. Or is Outie Irving trying to send a message through his unconscious to Innie Irving?How much of a sociopath is Helena Eagan, anyway? Britt Lower portrays both Helly R. and Helena Eagan in the Apple TV Plus show Severance. Apple TV PlusAs her story arc in season 1 made clear, Helly wanted nothing to do with Lumon. In fact, she threatened self-harm to escape. Things didn't go her way. In one of the more brutal scenes of season 1, Outie Helly sends a video message to Innie Helly, saying, "I am a person. You are not. I make the decisions."During the season finale, we discover that Outie Helly is Helena Eagan, the daughter of current Lumon Industries CEO Jame Eagan, and has undergone severance as a PR campaign to ensure the severing practice remains legal. During our Zoom chat with Erickson, it was teased that maybe Outie Helly has drunk too much of the Lumon Kool-Aid."The Innies feel closer to the true, authentic version of the self for each of the characters, in part, because they wake up as a little bit of a blank slate," Erickson said. "In a way, she [Helly] represents a truer version of that person than her outie probably would." Tramell Tillman plays Mr. Milchick in season 2 of Severance. Apple TV PlusInstead of solely focusing on the stuff inside Lumon, which is how season 1 mostly played out, it sounds like Severance season 2 will expand its scope and explore the homes and personal lives of the MDR outies.As for the innies, they'll be grappling with a collective identity crisis."How divided they are is also a question," Stiller said. "How much does this severance barrier really divide their emotions, their feelings and their desires? When you see an innie that's so much more innocent than the outie, the idea for me sometimes is of your childhood self, your inner child."Considering that our MDR heroes operate with a childlike mindset, their journey can feel much more precarious. According to Erickson, it will all get darker and scarier.Now that the innies have seen a piece of the outside world, what sort of repercussions are on the horizon? "There is no victory without pushback and without pain," Erickson teased."We wanted to see what would happen to the characters once they had sort of poked the bear," he added. "What happens when the bear pokes back?"

See at Willow Watch Test cricket for $10 a month Willow See at Willow See more details See at ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming ExpressVPN See at ExpressVPN See more details See at TNT Sport Watch India vs. England live in the UK TNT Sports See at TNT Sport See more details See at Kayo Sports Watch India vs. England in Australia for AU$25 Kayo Sports See at Kayo Sports See more details See at Hotstar Showing this Test series in India Disney Plus Hotstar See at Hotstar See more details Table of Contents After back-to-back wins, India looks to finish the job and claim the series as the country takes on England in this third T20 encounter in Rajkot.Having been thrashed in the first T20 in Kolkata, England put in a much better showing in Chennai. However, despite a sterling effort with both bat and ball from Brydon Carse, the visitors still crashed to a two-wicket defeat, leaving Jos Buttler's side with the huge task of saving the series.England is set to field an unchanged team for this third matchup, while veteran paceman Mohammed Shami may star for the hosts after being declared fit. India takes on England in the third T20 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Play is set to start each day at 7 p.m. IST, which corresponds to1:30 p.m. GMT in the UK,8:30 a.m. ET, 5:30 a.m. PT and12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning for Australian viewers.Below, we've highlighted the best live TV streaming services to catch the series, no matter where you are in the world. Tilak Varma has racked up 91 runs over the course of the series so far without being dissmissed. Michael Steele/Getty ImagesHow to watch India vs. England 3rd T20 in the US and Canada without cableThis T20 series is available to watch live on cricket streaming serviceWillow TV. Willow TV Willow TV, a dedicated cricket streaming service, is available with a broad range of cable providers, including Spectrum, Dish and Xfinity. The service is also available via OTT providerSling TVvia its Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flexplans. Willow TV is also an add-on for OTT provider Fubo, with plans starting at $87 per month, which covers the base Fubo subscription plus another $7 for the add-on package that includes Willow TV. See at Willow How to watch online from anywhere using a VPNIf you find yourself unable to view this test series locally, you may need a different way to watch the action -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day as it encrypts your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and wanting to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like ourEditors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it easy to do this.Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Australia, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. Be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other greatVPN dealstaking place right now. James Martin/CNET 2024 Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months) See at ExpressVPN Watch India vs. England 3rd T20 in the UKThis T20 series is being shown live in the UK by TNT Sports. TNT Sports You can access TNT Sports via Sky Q as a TV package, as well as the option of streaming online. It costs 31 either way and comes in a package that includes the Discovery Plus library of documentary content. See at TNT Sport Stream the India vs. England 3rd T20 in Australia for freeThis T20 series can be watched Down Under on Fox Sports via Foxtel. If you're not a Fox subscriber, your best option is to sign up for the streaming service Kayo Sports. Kayo Sports A Kayo Sports subscription starts at AU$25 a month and lets you stream on one screen, while its Premium tier costs AU$35 a month for simultaneous viewing on up to three devices.The service gives you access to a wide range of sports, including F1, NRL, NFL, NHL and MLB, and there are no lock-in contracts.Better still, if you're a new customer, you can take advantage of a one-week Kayo Sports free trial. See at Kayo Sports Stream India vs. England 3rd T20 in IndiaCricket fans in India can watch this test series via Star Sports. The cheapest way to watch is via theDisney Plus Hotstar app, but those looking to catch all the action on a device with a larger display will need to sign up for one of its more expensive tier subscriptions. Disney Hotstar/Screenshot by CNET Disney Plus Hotstar starts at 499 rupees for its Mobile plan, going up to 899 rupees for its Super tier and 1,499 rupees for the service's all-access Premium content plan. See at Hotstar Quick tips for streaming India vs. England 3rd T20 using a VPNWith four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming this test series series live may vary.If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone), so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We recommendBrave.

OpinionJanuary 28, 20254 min readExpressive Faces Make People More LikableFacial expressions do far more than just broadcast emotionsBy Eithne Kavanagh, Jamie Whitehouse & Bridget Waller edited by Daisy Yuhas Master1305/Getty ImagesA skilled card playereyes hidden by dark shades and features kept as still as possiblelooks at their hand. Any small giveaway that theyre bluffing or holding great cards could lose them a painfully large sum of money. Sometimes it helps to have a poker face.Yet in day-to-day lifewhen socializing with family, friends and new acquaintances, for exampleyou might be better served letting your features fly free. Our research shows that moving your face in some way, whether youre smiling, raising an eyebrow or wrinkling your nose, may help people warm to you more.In a recent study, we found that people who were more facially expressive were more liked by a new social partner, which could explain why humans have evolved to have such expressive faces. Indeed, our species is likely more facially expressive than any other. People produce, on average, 101 facial movements per minuteOn supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.To understand why facial expressivity is so beneficial, we first need to emphasize just how crucial social bonding is to human survival. Throughout most of our evolutionary history, our species has relied on tight-knit communities to keep ourselves fed, sheltered and protected from predators and dangerous outsiders. Managing social relationships was literally a matter of life or death. Otherwise you might have faced the tiger in the bushes alone. Any skill or behavior that improved someones ability to create and keep lifesaving bonds was likely to persist in our gene pool and cultural repertoires over the generations. And our research suggests that facial expressivity may fall in this category.In our study, 52 people were filmed in an online social interaction with a researcher who posed as another participant. These dialogues played out over a video platform, so people could see one anothers face. Unbeknownst to the real participants, the researcher orchestrated various challenging social scenarios, such as telling an awful joke or demanding 80 percent of a reward in a negotiation. These situations mimicked everyday experiences, such as social conflict, embarrassment or an attempt to make a good impression.Throughout, we observed how peoples face moved. We also obtained recordings of more than 1,300 participants in free-flowing conversations with other (real) participants online. Automated software then coded the small facial muscle movements they made during these interactions.Interestingly, more agreeable, extraverted or neurotic people, as measured by a questionnaire, were more facially expressive. People with these personality traits may devote more time and energy to social interactionswhether because they enjoy socializing or have greater-than-average concerns about how they come across to others. And that added effort could be worthwhile, we found. After these interactions, the participants and their social partners rated how much they liked each otheras did 176 other participants who viewed video clips of these people. The pattern was clear: people who were more facially expressive were more liked by others.But why would facial expressivity improve someones ability to build social bonds? Imagine meeting someone new and trying to figure out if theyre a good fit as a friend, colleague or romantic partner. You might wonder if you can trust them, if they will help you or harm youand whether you can even understand one another. Someone who is easier to read may seem to be a more appealing prospect than someone who is more guarded.Our findings support this interpretation. After their social interaction, participants reported their thoughts and feelings at various points throughout the exchange. Later we compared what people were thinking with what otherswho saw video of those participantsread in their face. It turns out that more facially expressiveparticipants were indeed broadcasting what was on their mind through their face. And people viewing these videos thought the expressive participants appeared easier to read, which strongly related to their likability.Simply put, being facially expressive may give others a sense that they understand you, which they like. This in turn supports the suggestion that the key function of facial expressivity is to make us more predictable. Our work also underscores that facial expressions do far more than just communicate emotions. We might raise our eyebrows to show were listening intently, share a knowing smile with a friend or use a stern look to stop someone in their tracks. Sending these kinds of messages doesnt involve any particular emotional state. We also found that likability tracked with expressivity and not a particular emotion. You might guess, for instance, that people with cheerful expressions are best liked. But although happy expressions were highly likable, expressive people were better liked even when they werent particularly smiley.Furthermore, we found that participants level of expressivity didnt change across situations or with different social partners, even as the specific emotions involved shifted. This suggests that facial expressivity is a consistent trait of an individual rather than something that changes depending on the context.That last finding may leave you wondering why some people remain comparatively inexpressive across situations. In future research we want to investigate that question. For some, the costs of revealing oneself may outweigh the benefits, and there could be alternative routes to being an attractive social partner.And clearly, regardless of how expressive we tend to be overall, we can also make choices about sharing more of ourselves in certain situations. The option to be more open and expressive may be scaryleaving people vulnerablebut our work shows that it comes with rewards. So for now, we think its best to leave your poker face at the card table.Are you a scientist who specializes in neuroscience, cognitive science or psychology? And have you read a recent peer-reviewed paper that you would like to write about for Mind Matters? Please send suggestions to Scientific Americans Mind Matters editor Daisy Yuhas at dyuhas@sciam.com.This is an opinion and analysis article, and the views expressed by the author or authors are not necessarily those of Scientific American.

January 28, 20257 min readModerate Drinking CarriesHealthRisksHere's How to Imbibe More SafelyConsuming alcohol, even in moderate amounts, is associated with health harms, but participating in Dry January and using other strategies can help limit themBy Simar Bajaj edited by Tanya Lewis Malte Mueller/Getty ImagesEarlier this month the U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory that stated that moderate alcohol consumption was associated with seven different types of cancer and called for new warning labels on alcohol products. But recently a review from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found that moderate drinking was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and death, while a competing federal report essentially found the opposite.This dizzying flurry of research comes at a time when many Americans are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. In the name of Dry January, about a third of drinkers had said they would cut back or abstain from alcohol this month, according to a consumer trends report from the New Consumer and venture capital firm Coefficient Capital. The growing popularity of alcohol-free drinks similarly reflects how some people are forgoing alcohol year-round: global sales of nonalcoholic beverages rose from about $10 billion to $20 billion between 2019 and 2023.Scientific American spoke with experts about what the research on alcohols health effects saysand how people can limit their risk while still enjoying the occasional vice.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.How Alcohol Impacts the BodyAlcohol is a leading cause of preventable death. It is associated with more than 200 health conditions across every organ system and about 100,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Most of these harms are linked to heavy consumptionwhich national guidelines define as four or more drinks daily (or eight weekly) for women and five or more daily (or 15 weekly) for menaccording to Eric Rimm, an epidemiologist at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.For example, people who have at least six drinks a day account for about half of alcohol-related cancer cases globally despite representing a small fraction of the overall population1 to 2 percent of women and 10 to 20 percent of men in the U.S., for example. For this group, drinking less or quitting is essential for survival.On the other hand, drinking in moderation (about one drink per day for women and two for men, respectively) poses a small risk for the average person, Rimm says. One study in the Lancet looked at 23 different alcohol-related health problems globally and found that, compared with people who didnt drink, men and women who had one drink per day had a 0.5 percent higher risk of developing a health problem over the next yearand a 7 percent higher risk if they consumed two drinks per day. To put this in terms of absolute risk, in a group of 100,000 people, 914 individuals who didnt drink were expected to develop one of these health problems compared with 918 who had one drink per day and 977 who had two drinks.For breast cancer specifically, the Surgeon Generals advisory cited a study that found that, for women, having a drink a day was associated with a 13 percent lifetime risk of developing this cancer compared with an 11 percent risk among those who had less than one drink per week. Rimm says the association is at least 20 times weaker than the one between smoking and lung cancer. Similarly, eating 50 grams of baconor about four slicesper day is associated with a similar risk of colorectal cancer as having two to three drinks per day.But the key difference between drinking alcohol and eating processed meat or smoking is awareness; less than half of Americans recognize alcohols connection with cancer, according to Jiyoung Ahn, a cancer molecular epidemiologist at NYU Langone Health. She says that alcohol itself is not terribly toxic, but the liver breaks it down into acetaldehyde, which damages DNA and plays a key role in cancer development.Another way alcohol may contribute to cancer is by magnifying the effect of other risk factors, such as smoking (by potentially speeding up the conversion of tobacco tar into carcinogens) and by increasing estrogen levels, which fuels the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer, Ahn says.All these pathways in the body are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, says Pranoti Mandrekar, a liver biologist at University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. The metabolism of alcohol generates free radicalsessentially, unstable oxygen moleculesthat damage proteins and DNA. Mandrekars research explores how these free radicals alter certain chaperone proteins and push the gas pedal on tumor growth.As long as youre aware of these risks and the guidelines that suggest limiting your intake to just one or two drinks per day, its probably okay to have that beer at the ballpark or a glass of wine with dinner, according to Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health.What people shouldnt be doing is justifying their drinking because its supposed to be healthy, says Luis Seija, an internist and pediatrician at the University of Pennsylvania. That misconception is rooted in a 1992 paper that found that moderate wine consumption protected French people against heart diseaseeven though their diet included plenty of meat, oil and butter. This conclusion was corroborated by more than 100 observational studies and even biological evidence, given that alcohol consumed in moderation increased the level of good cholesterol, thinned the blood and improved insulin sensitivity, Rimm says.But newer research has questioned some of the heart benefits of moderate drinking and has noted key limitations in many analyses. For example, nondrinkers may have had greater mortality simply because they were more likely to be poor or to have recently quit drinking for health reasons. Moderate drinkers, on the other hand, tend to exercise regularly, sleep more and have healthier habits in general, which could help explain their lower death rate.Rimm thinks the biological evidence still shows that moderate alcohol consumption offers a small benefit for heart disease and other conditions such as type 2 diabetes. But these benefits are probably averaged outor maybe even outweighedby traffic injuries, breast cancer and other risks of moderate drinking.People shouldnt wake up in the morning and say, Lets see, what disease am I trying to prevent today? Should I drink or not? Rimm says.Safer Ways to DrinkThere are various reasons to drink, from enhancing a meal to celebrating special occasions. Many people find it easier to interact and have fun and maybe feel a little less reserved while drinking, says Raymond Anton, an addiction psychiatrist at the Medical University of South Carolina.Here are a few key strategies for how to limit the risk while enjoying the occasional vice. First, people should be mindful of healthier drinking patterns, such as consuming alcohol with food and avoiding binge drinking. Food reduces the release of alcohol into the intestine and liver, so its metabolized slower, and you dont get as high an alcohol concentration, Anton says. Similarly, having four or five drinks at a Friday night party or Saturday brunch is significantly more dangerous than spreading them outand is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, breast cancer and overall mortalityeven among people who report binge drinking only once in a while.Second, people should recognize their personal risk. While it is technically true that no level of alcohol is risk-free, neither are many daily activities, from driving to eating bacon. Still, there are some groups for whom going sober might be the best policy, such as those with a family history of addiction, liver disease or cancer, Anton says. Abstinence is also important for people who are pregnant, take medications that interact with alcohol or have certain genetic conditions.Lifestyle factors are also key to the risk-benefit calculus: alcohol has a smaller impact on people who have a good diet, exercise regularly and dont smoke, according to the federal alcohol report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. In fact, one study has found that although alcohol intake is directly linked to cancer risk in low-level exercisers, the risk essentially goes away among those who drink moderately but engage in at least 7.5 hours of activity per week.Anton emphasizes that exercise doesnt necessarily have a direct effect on how alcohol is metabolized, so it shouldnt be an excuse to start drinking. When people are thinking about drinking, and if they choose to do so, it should be part of a healthy lifestyle, Rimm says.Third, people can try out Dry Januarywhether that involves cutting back or quitting entirely. The all-or-nothing approach is never a good idea, Seija says, because while some people can go cold turkey, its unrealistic to demand that everyone who drinks should quit forever. Thats where this idea of sober-ish comes to play. This can involve having alcohol-free days, ordering fewer drinks or turning to nonalcoholic beverages as a way to preserve the social benefits of drinking.Preliminary research supports Dry Januarys benefits, from helping reduce peoples blood pressure, weight and insulin resistance to prompting them to reconsider their long-term relationship with alcohol. One study found that, six months after participating in Dry January, 40 percent of participants reported drinking less often and having fewer drinks, whereas 10 percent reported the opposite. The key, according to Seija, is not to do Dry January just to go binge drinking on February 1 but to perhaps find a new drinking pattern that feels comfortable and sustainable.The key takeaway: enjoy alcohol responsibly by recognizing its risks while finding a balance that fits into a healthy lifestyle. Im not trying to take away your autonomy; Im trying to at least give you the agency to make those informed decisions for yourself, Seija says.