Update: Officially announced and now available on the App Store.The stage is set for Apple Invites to arrive at any point now. The new feature first revealed by 9to5Mac has now been named on Apples iCloud website. 9to5Mac has also learned much more about how the new app and service will work. Read on for detailsThis image appears on icloud.com when signed out, confirming the Apple Invites name and iCloud+ subscription requirement:According to our sources, Apple Invites will allow up to three users to be event organizers. Well see integration from Apple Photos with shared albums, and we expect Apple Music integration for shared playlists as well.Apple will pitch the feature as being useful for creating online party invitations like for baby showers, birthdays, and graduation parties. Attendees will not need an Apple Account or Apple device to respond to an Apple Invite either.Apple Invites is expected to have a dedicated app that users can download from the App Store.Update: Apple Invites is now available on the App Store. Apple has also released a press release for the new app. See how it looks in the gallery below:Top iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The Life AquaticMysterious Ultra-Wealthy Figure Building Deepwater Settlement for Human HabitationbyNoor Al-Sibai"The goal is to live in the ocean, forever."Feb 4, 8:48 AM ESTDeep / Williams Street / Getty / Futurism"The goal is to live in the ocean, forever."Bottom of EverythingAt an old limestone quarry in Chepstow, England, a single mysterious benefactor is shelling out hundreds of millions of dollars to build a training facility to help humans dwell in the depths.As the Guardian reports, the project known as "Deep" plans to have a training school, accommodation units, and transport submersibles that will take scientists and, eventually, rich people to and from the underwater settlement as they learn how to live underwater longer than any humans have before.The project plans, audaciously, to establish a "permanent human presence" under an undisclosed sea by the year 2027 and despite that rapidly approaching deadline, Deep has reportedly already made significant headway.According to Deep chief operating officer Mike Shackleford, the project's lodging units, known as "Sentinels," will initially house multiple people for up to 28 days at a time. Down the line, the company hopes to extend those stays even longer."The goal is to live in the ocean, forever," Shackleford told the Guardian. "To have permanent human settlements in all oceans across the world."Deep PocketsThough Deep's COO and other people working on the project were more than happy to talk to the British newspaper about their personal and collective goals, spokespeople for the endeavor refused to name the person or entity paying for it all.They also refused to say exactly how much the patron, who is footing the entire bill for the undertaking, has invested except to note that it's more than the nearly $125 million that has already gone into Deep's training campus at the old limestone quarry.The investor, whoever they are, is bent on increasing "understanding of the ocean and its critical role for humanity" or reigniting what Shackleford described as a race between space and ocean exploration, in which "space won out."As for the dark mark left on the submersible industry from 2023's Titan tragedy, Deep diving and training lead Phil Short said the company is working with that is, paying handsomely the Norway-based Det Norske Veritas risk assessment agency to make sure everything is up to snuff."DNV are approving every potential design, manufacture and testing capability of our systems from day one," Short said. "So, when we finally get this built and were about to drop it in the water, it will be fully certified in class."More on what lies beneath: Scan Detects Evidence of "Lost World" Under Pacific OceanShare This Article

Feb 04, 2025Ravie LakshmananVulnerability / Threat IntelligenceCybersecurity researchers have called attention to a software supply chain attack targeting the Go ecosystem that involves a malicious package capable of granting the adversary remote access to infected systems.The package, named github.com/boltdb-go/bolt, is a typosquat of the legitimate BoltDB database module (github.com/boltdb/bolt), per Socket. The malicious version (1.3.1) was published to GitHub in November 2021, following which it was cached indefinitely by the Go Module Mirror service."Once installed, the backdoored package grants the threat actor remote access to the infected system, allowing them to execute arbitrary commands," security researcher Kirill Boychenko said in an analysis.Socket said the development marks one of the earliest instances of a malicious actor abusing the Go Module Mirror's indefinite caching of modules to trick users into downloading the package. Subsequently, the attacker is said to have modified the Git tags in the source repository in order to redirect them to the benign version.This deceptive approach ensured that a manual audit of the GitHub repository did not reveal any malicious content, while the caching mechanism meant that unsuspecting developers installing the package using the go CLI continued to download the backdoored variant."Once a module version is cached, it remains accessible through the Go Module Proxy, even if the original source is later modified," Boychenko said. "While this design benefits legitimate use cases, the threat actor exploited it to persistently distribute malicious code despite subsequent changes to the repository.""With immutable modules offering both security benefits and potential abuse vectors, developers and security teams should monitor for attacks that leverage cached module versions to evade detection."The development comes as Cycode detailed three malicious npm packages serve-static-corell, openssl-node, and next-refresh-token that harbored obfuscated code to collect system metadata and run arbitrary commands issued by a remote server ("8.152.163[.]60") on the infected host. Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Along with the first trailer forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel has also released a batch of official high-res images from the movie.Each of the four members of the team Pedro Pascals Mr. Fantastic, Vanessa Kirbys Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinns Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrachs The Thing received one photo. Plus theres a group shot of all four in their costumes. (Unusually, Pascals doesnt exactly match the other three members of the team for some reason.)The Fantastic Four: First Steps New ImagesHere are the first official images of Marvels The Fantastic Four: First Steps, coming to theaters on July 25, 2025.READ MORE: Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to BestFirst Steps is the first Fantastic Four film set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe,and the first by Marvel Studios. Previous efforts (at least the previous efforts that actually made their way to theaters) were produced and released by 20th Century Fox, prior toDisneys acquisition of the studio.Fox made two totally distinct versions of the team, one in the mid-2000s and one in 2015.The first, directed by Tim Story, was a fairly faithful rendition of the old Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comics, with the setting updated to modern day. The second, directed by Josh Trank, was a much darker and more grounded take on the material, with certain elements pulled from theUltimate Fantastic Four comic book, which was published from 2004 to 2009.Here is the official synopsis for MarvelsThe Fantastic Four: First Steps:Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvels First FamilyReed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it werent bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently scheduled to open in theaters on July 25. The trailer for the film is below.Get our free mobile appThe Most Anticipated Movies of 202520 movies we cant wait to see in 25.Categories: Movie News, Superheroes

Time zones: EST (UTC -5)Job Title: Part-time Social Media & Advertising ManagerStart Date: ASAPCompensation: $2000 USD per monthWe're seeking a passionate and proactive digital marketer to join our Marketing team. In this role, you'll manage social media channels and design, execute, and optimize paid ad campaigns across multiple platforms.Key ResponsibilitiesPaid Ads Management:Plan, execute, and optimize paid ad campaigns for conversions across social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok).Develop and manage Google Ads campaigns, including search, display, demand gen, and YouTube ads.Conduct keyword research, A/B testing, and audience targeting to improve campaign performance.Track and report on ad performance metrics to measure ROI and identify opportunities for improvement.Social media management:Manage day-to-day social media activities, including scheduling, monitoring, and engaging with audiences.Collaborate with designers and content creators to produce engaging, on-brand social media assets.Analyze performance data to refine strategies and enhance future campaigns.RequirementsMinimum 2+ years of professional experience managing paid advertising campaigns and social media platforms.Proven track record of running successful campaigns on Google Ads and major social media platforms.Proficiency in social media analytics tools (e.g., Brand24, Sprout, or equivalents).Strong understanding of SEO, PPC, and UTM tracking best practices.Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.Familiarity with tools such as Airtable, Bitly, and other marketing platforms.A creative mindset with a strong eye for visual and written content trends.Fluent English speaker/ C1-level proficiency.Commitment and location:This part-time role requires around 25 hours per week. We are looking for a professional who can work independently, think strategically, and collaborate effectively. Candidates must be located within the GMT-5 time zones to ensure smooth communication and workflow.About Voice123Our mission is to craft the future of the audio content industry and lead where others follow. 21 years ago, Voice123 pioneered online voice casting by creating the first platform that could help voice actors start, consolidate, and build a successful, lifelong career. Our platform is built and designed to make sure that creatives are in charge of their own career, and we believe we need to set the benchmark for transparency in the audio industry.We would love to hear from you if you are a proactive and results-driven individual passionate about social media and paid ads.

Are you a talented Senior Developer looking for a remote job that lets you show your skills and get decent compensation? Look no further than Lemon.io the marketplace that connects you with hand-picked startups in the US and Europe.What we offer:The rate depends on your seniority level, skills and experience. We've already paid out over $11M to our engineers.No more hunting for clients or negotiating rates let us handle the business side of things so you can focus on what you do best.We'll manually find the best project for you according to your skills and preferences.Choose a schedule that works best for you. Its possible to communicate async or minimally overlap within team working hours.We respect your seniority so you can expect no micromanagement or screen trackers.Communicate directly with the clients. Most of them have technical backgrounds. Sounds good, yeah?We will support you from the time you submit the application throughout all cooperation stages.Most of our projects involve working in a fast-paced startup environment. We hope you like it as much as we do.Through our community, we will connect you with the best developers from more than 50 countries.Requirements:4+ years of software development experience.3+ years of commercial experience with React.js.3+ years of commercial experience with Python AND/OR 4+ years of experience with Node.js.Hands-on experience with Next.js, PostgreSQL, Node.js would be a plus, 3+ years of experience with AWS and TypeScript is a mustStrong technical skills: as a Senior Developer, you are expected to be able to create projects from scratch and have a deep understanding of application architecture.Clear and effective communication in English advanced ability to discuss business tasks, justify decisions, and communicate issues. Good self-presentation is also essential for upcoming client calls.Strong self-organizational skills ability to work full-time remotely with no supervision.Reliability we want to trust you and expect that you wont let us and the client down.Adaptability and Flexibility the ability to onboard the project promptly after accepting it and start delivering results quickly.Sounds good for you? Apply now and join the Lemon.io community!NOT YOUR TECH STACK?We have different projects for Senior Full-Stack Developers, so if you have 4+ years of commercial experience in software development and you are fluent with React & Node.js, Angular & .NET, we would be happy to communicate and provide you with a project that matches your experience. Just apply, and we will share more details with you.If your experience matches our requirements, be ready for the next steps:VideoAsk watch a short video about our startup, up to 10 minutesComplete your profile on our website30-minute screening callTechnical interviewFeedbackMagic Box (we are looking for the best project for you).P.S. We work with developers from 50+ countries in different regions: Europe, LATAM, Canada, Asia (Philippines, Indonesia), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea), and the UK. However, we have some exceptions.At the moment, we dont have a legal basis to accept applicants from the following countriesEuropean: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Kosovo, Belarus, Russia, and Serbia.Latin America: Cuba and NicaraguaMost Asian countries and Africa.We expand and shorten the list of exemptions regularly.We do not provide visa assistance, and our cooperation model does not include the benefits typically offered with direct hire.Do you represent a company with engineers who match the description and want to collaborate with us through staff augmentation? Then register here.

Submitted by WA ContentsHEMAA built a slender skyscraper that stands elegantly on a narrow plot in Mexico City Mexico Architecture News - Feb 04, 2025 - 14:55 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Mexican architecture firm HEMAA has built a slender skyscraper that stands elegantly on a narrow plot in Mexico City, Mexico.Named Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780, the 13-storey skyscraper is situated on a narrow strip of land which was destined to become a neglected area of the city.Situated between a narrow street and the remnants of the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad, HEMAA faced the challenge of envisioning "a graceful" tower that would adapt to the difficult terrain. This tower would emerge like a resilient plants that flourish in the face of hardship, exceeding all expectations.Inheriting its external appearance from the industrial past of the urban fabric, the tower becomes an elegant representation of modern architecture using steel, concrete and glass.The structure is a result of meticulous analysis and reworking of classical architectural features. The design explores attractive proportions in great detail, using golden ratios whenever feasible.Moreover, it demonstrates a knowledge of steel, concrete, and glass construction in the context of contemporary architecture while paying close attention to the site's unique characteristics.Each of the base, shaft, and capital that make up its volumetric composition reveals its own character through a variety of modulations and windows of different sizes.The design removes any obstacles from the floors by cleverly using the structural facade. A constructive technique like this produces modules that carefully arrange the facades and maximize the use of interior space.These facades, which are enclosed within the urban setting, primarily use glazing to let in a lot of natural light and to blend the building in with its surroundings.Image Rory GardinerIn terms of architecture, the bottom floor welcomes guests with two symmetrical entrances on the north and south faces, which allow pedestrian traffic to flow freely and visually connect the street to the newly finished linear park along the railroad.Its domain includes two parking cabins, aided by a robotic pallet system, and two service cores that include utilities, restrooms, stairwells, and elevators. Image Rory GardinerThe ground floor is further enhanced with a commercial space intended for a local coffee shop with welcoming terraces. The program streamlines on the normal floors, keeping only the most important service cores.On the thirteenth story, however, the inner space recedes to make room for a spacious terrace that offers expansive views that stretch from Chapultepec Park to the city skyline.Image Rory GardinerStorage rooms, cleaning and maintenance areas, and other areas essential to the building's smooth functioning are located below street level. Interestingly, 126 parking spots spread over 13 storeys are accommodated by a robotic parking system.The limited site limitations and local standard requirements that made it difficult to use a conventional parking system gave rise to this creative approach.Image Rory Gardiner"The substantial materiality of steel serves as an evocative reminder of the area's industrial past. Once peripheral, this district has undergone a remarkable rejuvenation, emerging as one of Mexico City's most vibrant locales, boasting unparalleled cultural, economic, and infrastructural growth in recent years," said HEMAA."Echoing this historical resonance, the building's name boldly situates the tower alongside the railway tracks.""Guided by the principles of rationality, order, and meticulous proportion, this project aspires to contribute to the urban fabric, becoming an integral part of its narrative," the firm added.Image Rory GardinerApart from its historical significance, the choice of steel as the primary building material is crucial for tackling the particular difficulties presented by Mexico City's seismic regulations.The city's building standards mandate that structures have strong systems that can withstand earthquake forces because the area is seismically active.Image Rory GardinerThe project collaborated with elite structural designers known for their proficiency in seismic-resistant design in order to meet the seismic difficulties and guarantee the highest degree of structural integrity.The structure has a distinctive and unique form while blending in with its surroundings. Its shape gently changes depending on the time of observation and the viewpoint of the observer, providing a multitude of distinct interpretations.Image Rory GardinerIts "unequivocal identity" provides the perfect setting for the tower to take on a lively life once it is occupied. Architecture and technology blend together to create a flexible system that guarantees effective resource management and energy use.In addition, Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 is certified by LEED, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability. Advanced HVAC systems, high-efficiency lighting, and insulation systems are examples of energy efficiency techniques that guarantee optimal energy use and lower carbon emissions.Water consumption can be considerably decreased by implementing water conservation techniques, such as rainwater collection and energy-efficient plumbing fixtures.The health and well-being of occupants are promoted by adequate natural lighting and efficient air replacement, which are key components of indoor environmental quality.With expansive windows, a rooftop garden, and outdoor gathering spaces that improve the user experience overall, the building's architecture promotes a connection to nature.Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780 actively contributes to the restoration of the neighboring urban ecosystem in addition to adapting to it. It engages in an active conversation with its community, embracing its obligation to public space.As a result, a section of the property has been set aside for public space expansion rather than new development.This will promote connectivity and ease traffic flow by linking a densely populated and once congested street to the Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca Railroad linear park.Additionally, the ground floor's planned commercial area adds to the lively ambiance. Like the nearby parks and museums, this structure accepts the duty of creating a resilient urban fabric in which the past and present coexist peacefully to create a picture that represents the city's future.Location planBasement floor planGround floor planFloor planFloor planEast faadeNorth facadeAxonometric drawingAxonometric detail drawingProject factsProject name: Ferrocarril de Cuernavaca 780Architects: HEMAALocation:Mexico City, MexicoBuilding area:9,464.43mDesign and Construction Team:Santiago Hernndez Matos, Alejandra Tornel Cahue, Jos Miguel Fainsod Castro, Jos Pedro Lpez Gonzlez, Alonso Snchez Toscano, Adriana Aguirre Becerra, Andrea Motilla Chvez, Daniela Parra Orozco, Jos Miguel Santivaez Gmez, Juan Octavio Ferreira, Mnica Garca Cruz, Patricio Salgado Rodrguez.Estructural Engineering:PESAElectric Engineering:DECPlumbing Engineering:Garza MaldonadoHVAC Engineering:CYVSASpecial Engineering:TecnoBuildingsLandscape Design:DLC ArchitectsLEED Certification Comissioning:Alejandro Trillo + Gabriel MoralesArchitectural Model:Taller Cuatro CuartosModel Photographs:Rodrigo ChapaOthers: Omar Sad / Augusto lvarezThe top image in the article Rory Gardiner.All images Csar BjarAll drawings HEMAA.> via HEMAA

Our Picks Best foam roller for beginners Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy Foam Roller View details $14 at Amazon View details Most affordable foam roller Amazon Basics High-Density Round Foam Roller for Exercise, Massage, Muscle Recovery View details $14 at Amazon View details Best foam roller for full body Lululemon Double Roller View details $64 at Lululemon View details Best foam roller for upper body and neck Roll Recovery R4 View details $60 at Roll Recovery View details Best foam roller for travel Grace MOBOT 27 OZ Foam Roller View details $55 at Mobot View details Best foam roller for legs TriggerPoint GRID Patented Multi-Density Foam Massage Roller (Back, Body, Legs) for Exercise View details $36 at Amazon View details Best vibrating foam roller Hyperice Vyper Go (Update: Out of stock) View details See at Hyperice View details Table of Contents Whether you have a physical job or sit at a desk all day, it is not uncommon for your muscles to feel sore and tight after long days. One easy way to relax and relieve pain is by using a good foam roller. Foam rolling is a type of self-myofascial therapy that's become a go-to for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. It offers an affordable way to warm up, recover and release tension. Doing it before a workout as part of a warm-up can increase flexibility. I find that foam rolling helps me loosen up a tight back before a workout, massage my quads and calves after a run then unwind after a day of traveling.The data isn't clear on how foam rolling works, but research suggests it's most effective when used at specific times. With so many options available on the market, ranging from basic cylinders to vibrating models with textured surfaces, choosing the right roller can feel overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to help. We've put dozens of models to the test, evaluating design, efficiency and experience, to help you find the perfect match for your recovery needs. Take a look at our top picks below.Best Foam Rollers $14 at Amazon One thing that can be intimidating about foam rollers is their different ridges and groove patterns. Beginners will likely feel comfortable with the Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy foam roller because it's on the semi-firm side and looks less complicated than some of its competitors. It's smooth and made of lightweight recyclable foam. At 18 inches long, it won't take up much space.This is a good option for anyone new to foam rolling or anyone who wants a less-firm foam roller. It also comes with a guide that teaches you different foam rolling techniques if you have no idea where to begin. The downside is that it doesn't feel durable. Athletes who want a deeper and firmer massage may find it lacking because of its design and may prefer one of the heavy-duty foam rollers on the list instead. If you're just starting out and want an affordable option, the Gaiam Restore Muscle Therapy foam roller is a good introduction to self-myofascial massage.Pros:AffordableSemi-firm and lightweightMade of recyclable materialsCons:May be too soft for some usersRoller looks less durable compared to others on the list $14 at Amazon If you're looking for a full-size foam roller that's inexpensive, you'll want to consider Amazon's High-Density Round Foam Roller. This foam roller comes in three different sizes: 18 inches, 24 inches and 36 inches. I chose 24 inches because it was an in-between size and is long enough to cover more area. It's on the firm side, but not so firm that it would be uncomfortable for the average user. It's smooth and looks like the traditional type of roller you'd find at the gym in the stretching section. It's versatile enough to use on your back, legs, quads and glutes. Some may like this roller for everyday use, but others may prefer something firmer after a hard workout.I was able to keep it in a corner without it interfering with space, but you can go with the smaller size if you find this one too long. It's also very affordable. The 24-inch version is only $14, while the 18-inch is $13 and the 36-inch is $19. No matter which one you select,you're getting a good deal.Pros:The most affordable foam roller on the listVersatile for foam rolling different areasComes in various sizesCons:It's a basic foam roller without any unique featuresAthletes may prefer something more heavy-duty

February 4, 20256 min readHow Bad Are COVID, Flu and RSV This Winter?COVID levels may have peaked but flu is still high; RSV is on the way outBy Tanya Lewis edited by Dean Visser Amanda Montaez; Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (data)If it seems like almost everyone you know is getting sick with influenza or some other virus right now, its not your imagination. The Northern Hemispheres respiratory illness season, which typically runs from October to May, is in full swing. Flu hospitalizations appear to have declined from an initial peak in January, but they remain high, and cases may be rebounding. Levels of the virus that causes COVID detected in wastewater are also high but declining. And respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is still putting people in the hospital, albeit at lower levels than flu or COVID. Yet despite all the sniffles, its shaping up to be a fairly typical year for respiratory viruses.FluSo far, this years flu season looks pretty similar to that of previous yearswith the exception of 20202021, when flu all but disappeared because of COVID-related masking and social distancing measures. This seasons weekly hospitalization rate reached a peak around January 4 and then appeared to decline, though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated there may be possible delays in reporting. The latest positive test rate data (some of which were released several days late under the new presidential administration) show a slight rebound in infections, so we may not be out of the woods. There have been some reports that this years flu vaccine might be less effective than in previous years, which could explain the apparent high levels of sickness that are currently around. But this season doesnt seem to be particularly more severe than others.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.Amanda Montaez; Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (data)This years flu season started a bit late, saysJennifer Nuzzo, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health. But were still in the thick of it, she says. I dont know how its going to play out, Nuzzo adds.To prevent becoming seriously ill with flu, health officials still recommend getting the flu vaccine if you havent already, especially if you are age 65 or older or have underlying health conditions. Masking, avoiding crowds and being in well-ventilated spaces are always helpful at reducing the chance of getting infected. And if you should test positive for flu, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu are available by prescription.The fact that this years season started slightly later than last years is a relief, Nuzzo says, in light of the ongoing H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in cows and poultry that have caused 67 human infections and one death in the U.S. Nuzzo is worried about people getting infected with both H5N1 and seasonal flua situation that could increase the risk of bird flu adapting to humans and becoming a pandemic. Im a bit relieved because I was fretting about the co-occurrence of H5N1 and seasonal influenza, she says. Im worried about humans getting infected with both viruses.COVIDThere has been a much smaller spike in COVID hospitalizations this winter, compared with previous ones. Thats likely thanks to widespread immunity from vaccination or infection, or both. The U.S. also had a substantial late summer COVID spike in 2024, so some of the immunity from infections during that time may have prevented a large winter surge.Amanda Montaez; Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (data)The virus that causes COVID, SARS-CoV-2, hasnt mutated much recently, says Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist who writes the popular newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist and consults for the CDC. In addition, more people older than age 65 were vaccinated this season than last season, she says. And wastewater levels of the virus appear to have peaked.COVID hasnt really settled into a seasonal pattern like flu and RSV. It seems to peak at least twice a year, including during the summer, which suggests that transmission may be driven at least as much by human behavior as by weather or other environmental factors. Some of it is our behavior. Some is just opportunitysort of like Boggle, Nuzzo says. Each season you shake up the cubes and see what happens.The COVID vaccine is still the best way to protect against severe illness, and most experts recommend that at least older adults and those who are immunocompromised stay up to date on the shot. For those who get COVID and are at high risk of severe disease, experts recommend the antiviral medication Paxlovidas long as you can start taking it within the first five days after symptoms appear. Studies suggest it offers less benefit for people who arent at high risk, however, and it can interact with many other common medications, so seek medical advice if youre unsure.COVID still kills more people overall each year than the flu, although flu hospitalizations this winter are double those for COVID, suggesting that flu has had a more concentrated winter peak. Its not clear whether SARS-CoV-2 will eventually evolve to be less severe than flu virus. We cant say definitively no, Nuzzo says. Generally speaking, as a population, we are less susceptible to severe COVID-19 disease. But never say never. Ive been humbled by this virus several times.RSVLike flu, RSV is having a fairly typical year. Hospitalizations appear to have already hit a high mark for the season and are on the way down. This year is not too bad. Many people think were at the peakof RSV infections, says Peter Chin-Hong, a professor and associate dean for regional campuses at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.Amanda Montaez; Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (data)During the COVID pandemic, RSV showed a slightly odd pattern: like flu, it basically disappeared in the 20202021 season, likely because of masking and social distancing. But in 20222023 it came roaring back and had a large, early peak during the fall. Last year saw a significant surge as well, but it was closer to the timing of a typical season.Chin-Hong thinks this years somewhat milder RSV season may be the result of the virus settling back into a normal pattern. Also, in 2023 RSV vaccines for older adults and pregnant people were finally approved, and that may have protected more individuals. Theres still a lot of room to [vaccinate] the older population, Chin-Hong says. In addition, theres now a prophylactic antibody drug available to protect young children and newborns from RSV, and uptake of that has been pretty good, he adds.Other VirusesFlu, COVID and RSV arent the only nasty bugs that are circulating, of course. This season has seen one of the worst outbreaks of norovirusa nasty gastrointestinal pathogen that causes symptoms similar to food poisoningin the past decade. Between August 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, there were more than 1,000 norovirus outbreaks reported in the U.S. By contrast, last season there were only about 550 during the same time period.The likely reason for this surge is that the virus has mutated to a form that fewer people have immunity to. Outbreaks usually happen when the virus has evolved and population immunity is low, Jetelina says.This season nearly 70 percent of norovirus outbreaks have been caused by an atypical variant of norovirus, she says.Then theres human metapneumovirus (HMPV). In early January a flurry of news reports said HMPV cases were surging in some countries in Asiabut this isnt a new virus, and experts say it doesnt pose a major threat. Positive HMPV tests in the U.S. showed a slight uptick in January, but that appears to have subsided.And of course, at any given time theres a veritable stew of common cold viruses going around. These include rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and seasonal coronaviruses. Such viruses dont usually send people to the hospital, but they can make you feel crummy. Most cases can be treated at home with hydration and rest.As always, its a good idea to stay home if youre not feeling well (and can afford to). Limiting contact with others or wearing a mask can help limit the spread. And washing your hands with soap and water is important, especially for norovirus, because hand sanitizer doesnt kill the virus.

Unreal Engine 5 is one of the most resource-intensive game engines out there: just reaching 60 frames per second while utilising Lumen global illumination and Nanite micro-geometry is a serious challenge for developers. With that in mind, it perhaps comes as no surprise to see that Team Ninja opted for 'master ninja difficulty' in remaking Ninja Gaiden 2. Not only are UE5's cutting-edge features deployed in Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, the developers are choosing to target 120fps on a console. Did the studio achieve its target or is it just a step too far for current generation hardware?This is just one facet of Team Ninja's latest project. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black marks the return of the second modern entry in the Ninja Gaiden franchise. As the final Team Ninja game helmed by Tomonobu Itagaki, the original Xbox 360 version kicked players in the teeth and left them begging for more. It's a beloved yet tough-as-nails action game that just happened to be riddled with technical and balance issues. Even so, with its insane enemy counts, extreme dismemberment system and intense speed, it rewards those who stick with it. However, things got weird with Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. Released initially for PlayStation 3, Sigma 2 would serve as the basis for each new release going forward. It's a more polished game with more content but at the same time, it has its own issues: enemy numbers are reduced, damage and HP values are tweaked and the glorious showers of blood removed.Which brings us to Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, shadow dropped after the Xbox Developer Direct. Let's just say that it's a curious release. Fundamentally, this is a release like Bluepoint's work on games such as Demon's Souls and Shadow of the Colossus: a visual remake that combines the original engine running original gameplay, working within Unreal Engine 5. But even that's a somewhat simplistic view of the situation.This isn't just a prettier version of Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2. Instead, it feels as if the development team went in and pulled elements from all versions of Ninja Gaiden 2 to create a completely new version of the game. One change is the return of the limb severing system and the litres of blood that went missing in Sigma.Check out John Linneman's video review for Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, examined on PC and all consoles.Watch on YouTubeThe original iteration of this system tied into the combat - enemies in the Xbox 360 game appear in larger numbers but can be killed faster or at least their limbs chopped off creating a different type of threat. In Sigma, enemies all take more damage but there are fewer of them at any given point. It's difficult to say for sure but it seems like the new release walks somewhere in between the two: overall, there are fewer enemies than Ninja Gaiden 2 on Xbox 360, but somewhat more than the body count in Sigma on PS3.The new game also includes the easier bow and arrow system and various changes to level designs. The extra stages included in Sigma 2 are here but not all of the bosses, such as the statue boss in the first stage. The key is that the development team clearly put in the work here to rebalance the game as they saw fit which is commendable.Visual comparisons with the Xbox 360 original are intriguing. By and large, I think the new version of the game looks significantly better - but there are areas where the original Xbox 360 vision stands strong. The intro cutscene's skybox subjectively looks better to me than the new game's equivalent - even though Team Ninja has turned a 2D texture into actual 3D work. Other changes include completing changing the mood of the second level by changing the time of day, for example. That said, the rest of the rendering quality is largely boosted. Character models look significantly better, I think, aside from, perhaps, the artefacts visible in the hair. Overall geometry is massively improved, as you would expect with Nanite in the picture.What makes this so interesting is that much like Namco's Tekken 8, the gameplay itself is handled by a different underlying engine - in this case Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2 - but all rendering is handled by Unreal Engine 5. What this means in practice is that the game plays authentically but benefits from beautiful new lighting thanks to Lumen while Nanite ensures no visible LOD pop-up during gameplay.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. All console versions of the game feature software Lumen and Nanite including Xbox Series S. When playing on PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X, players also have the choice between 60fps and 120fps using dynamic resolution scaling and Epic's TSR upscaler. PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X all target a 4K upsampled output in the 60fps mode though the internal resolution is obviously lower. The 120fps mode instead targets 1080p, which is also true of Series S which only has one mode - 1080p60.The results are interesting, but this is a game that, in some ways, demonstrates the limitations of modern upsampling and temporal anti-aliasing. With a high input resolution, the results are excellent - especially on PS5 Pro which is noticeably sharper than any other version in action. The problems show up with the lower resolution modes and especially with Xbox Series S which has fewer frames to work with. Image quality on Series S is so bad that I would almost consider it worse than the Xbox 360 original. Basically, there's just not enough native pixel data to work with and thus, when combined with the fast motion, the results can border on the hideous. The 120fps mode has similar issues but due to the higher number of frames to upsample from, the results are less egregious.Otherwise, the visuals are nearly identical - the 60fps modes on PS5, PS5 Pro and Series X all look basically the same. The 120fps mode and the Series S version has a reduction in terms of draw distance of non-Nanite geometry and things like shadows which draw in close to the camera. Can the game handle 120fps? Well, in terms of image quality, just barely - the sacrifices required here are significant and image quality is rather poor on a large 4K display.1 of 13 Caption Attribution Here's how the new UE5-powered Ninja Gaiden 2 Black looks compared to the venerated Xbox 360 original.In terms of performance, the PS5 Pro version runs fastest with PS5 slightly behind on average and Xbox Series X at the bottom. Unfortunately, no version is able to fully hold 120fps and the frame-rate is highly variable. The problem here is that the game does not play nicely with frame-rates that fail to lock to 30, 60 or 120fps. Anything in between presents with judder regardless of whether you have VRR enabled or not. It's just an issue with how this game seems to work. So, I can't recommend the 120fps mode at all on consoles: the hit to image quality and the unstable performance just isn't that desirable.When running at 60fps, however, I think the results are excellent. PS5, PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X all do a wonderful job locking to 60fps during normal gameplay while offering good image quality. It also runs significantly better than any of the original releases of the game. The PS5 Pro version especially feels good thanks to a slight boost in image quality, though it's not enhanced beyond this, which could be seen as a disappointment. Xbox Series S? You get 60fps but it doesn't look pretty.The PC version is interesting and by virtue of the sheer horsepower potentially available, it can be the best-looking version of the bunch. The options menu is robust and you have many more upsampling options and the ability to play at native res. The Xbox Store version initially was missing DLSS and XeSS - which isn't acceptable - but thankfully the studio added those features post-launch. 120fps performance is wobbly, exhibits judder on all systems and isn't recommended. The 60fps mode sees all systems - even Series S - deliver 60fps gameplay, but the second image here shows frame drops in cutscenes that highlight relative performance when the performance target cannot be met. | Image credit: Digital FoundryOne of the curious new features on PC is an additional 'ray tracing' option in the menu. Lumen as seen on console is a software-based form of ray tracing and that is the default setting on PC but the RT option invokes hardware-accelerated Lumen - but the results are a little strange with many objects missing from the BHV structure used to calculate RT effects. With this in mind, I'd stick to software Lumen - but I do hope that Team Ninja addresses the hardware alternative. Another nitpick with the PC version is the poor implementation of frame-generation. Both DLSS and FSR variants are available but neither works properly owing to visible judder that eliminates the whole point of the feature. This might be related to the game's need to perfectly lock to 30, 60 or 120fps and the latency mitigation features mean the target frame-rate falls just below 120fps on my 120Hz panel. I'm not entirely sure but was unable to use either of them smoothly.The reason this is important is because the game seems to be quite CPU heavy - I'm using a now mid-range 12900K and 120 fps is simply off the table with this CPU, requiring me to cap the game at 60fps to achieve smooth, consistent play. There's also mild stutters on first run and various other minor hiccups. I can't say that it's a bad PC version, necessarily, but it's certainly not where I would like it to be.Right now, my overall feeling on Ninja Gaiden 2 Black is positive - but with a hint of disappointment. The visual upgrades are largely welcome and I prefer this to any version of Sigma 2 but there's still room for improvement both with game balance and technical performance. Still, I'm thrilled that Ninja Gaiden 2 has made a return and if you've not played it before, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Furthermore, for those wanting physical copies of your games, the PS5 version will be receiving an Asian disc release sometime soon, so keep that in mind.