Will you be picking up Spider-Man 2 on PC? (Sony)PC owners will no longer need to make PlayStation accounts to access certain games, but Sony hopes some extra bonuses will convince them to sign up anyway.Sony recently announced a change in leadership, within Sony Interactive Entertainment, with joint CEO Hideaki Nishino now solely in charge of the business, but its currently unclear what difference thats going to make.However, change is already happening at Sony, especially in terms of its approach to publishing on PC, as detailed in a new pair of PlayStation Blogs.The first, and certainly most welcome, bit of news is that Sony is ditching the mandatory PlayStation Network accounts for some of its first party games on PC, to coincide with the PC launch of Marvels Spider-Man 2.As a reminder, a handful of Sonys PC ports demand you sign up for a PlayStation Network account before you start playing, even if you dont own a PlayStation console.Aside from being an inconvenience, its an unpopular practice since the PlayStation Network isnt available in some countries, so these mandatory accounts were preventing some PC owners from actually playing the games.Sony once attempted to force accounts onto Helldivers 2 players on PC, but the backlash was so immense it U-turned on the idea almost immediately which no doubt influenced this new policy change.That said, Sony clearly wants people to register for PlayStation accounts anyway, since its offering special incentives for account holders. For instance, when Spider-Man 2 launches later today, at 4pm GMT, anyone with a PlayStation account can unlock a pair of suits early.God Of War: Ragnark and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered will follow suit with cosmetic rewards, as will the PC port of The Last Of Us Part 2 Remastered when it launches on April 3.Free PSN in-game extras for PC titlesMarvels Spider-Man 2 Early unlock suits: the Spider-Man 2099 Black Suit and the Miles Morales 2099 SuitGod Of War: Ragnark Gain access to the Armor of the Black Bear set for Kratos at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms (previously only accessible in a New Game+ run) and a resource bundle (500 Hacksilver and 250 XP)Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered Gain access to Nora Valiant outfitThe Last of Us Part 2 Remastered +50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extra and Jordans Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet as a skin for EllieThat said, there are still a few games with mandatory PlayStation accounts omitted from the list, specifically the Until Dawn remake, Lego Horizon Adventures, and Ghost Of Tsushima Directors Cut.That last one only requires a PlayStation account for its online multiplayer mode, so that will probably be left as is, but it remains to be seen if the other two will have their account requirements revoked as well.There are a handful of PlayStation games on PC that never required a PlayStation account, such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Days Gone, but it doesnt seem theyll offer any bonuses if you do have an account.Elsewhere, Sony has detailed a big change regarding PlayStation Plus, namely that it will start to phase out PlayStation 4 games starting from January 2026.More TrendingAs we shift to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalogue, explains Sony, adding that it may still provide titles that can be playable on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles after this date.The blog post is keen to stress that this wont affect any PlayStation 4 games youve redeemed through PlayStation Plus, but youll obviously still lose access should your subscription end.As disappointing as this may be, it was inevitable. Were roughly five years into the current generation, with the PlayStation 6 possibly only a couple of years away, so Sony is going to want to leave the last generation behind sooner rather than later.Sony probably would have ditched the PlayStation 4 much sooner had the PlayStation 5 not launched in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, resulting in stock shortages that prevented a lot of people from buying the newer console. Would you believe us if we said the Pac-Man remake was the best one out of this batch of free games? (Sony)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Despite all the attention on technologies that reduce the hands-on role of humans at work such as self-driving vehicles, robot workers, artificial intelligence and so on researchers in the field of neuroergonomics are using technology to improve how humans perform in their roles at work. Neuroergonomics is the study of human behavior while carrying out real-world activities, including in the workplace. It involves recording a persons brain activity in different situations or while completing certain tasks to optimize cognitive performance. For example, neuroergonomics could monitor employees as they learn new material to determine when they have mastered it. It could also help monitor fatigue in employees in roles that require optimum vigilance and determine when they need to be relieved. Until now, research in neuroergonomics could only be conducted in highly controlled clinical laboratory environments using invasive procedures. But engineering advances now make this work possible in real-world settings with noninvasive, wearable devices. The market for this neurotechnology defined as any technology that interfaces with the nervous system is predicted to grow to US$21 billion by 2026 and is poised to shape the daily life of workers for many industries in the years ahead. But this advance doesnt come without risk. In my work as a biomedical engineer and occupational medicine physician, I study how to improve the health, well-being and productivity of workers. Neurotechnology often focuses on how workers could use wearable brain monitoring technologies to improve brain function and performance during tasks. But neuroergonomics could also be used to better understand the human experience at work and adapt tasks and procedures to the person, not the other way around.Capturing brain activity The two most commonly used neuroergonomic wearable devices capture brain activity in different ways. Electroencephalography, or EEG, measures changes in electrical activity using electrodes attached to the scalp. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy, or fNIRS, measures changes in metabolic activity. It does this by passing infrared light through the skull to monitor blood flow. Both methods can monitor brain activity in real time as it responds to different situations, such as a high-pressure work assignment or difficult task. For example, a study using fNIRS to monitor the brain activity of people engaged in a 30-minute sustained attention task saw significant differences in reaction time between the beginning and the end of the task. This can be critical in security- and safety-related roles that require sustained attention, such as air traffic controllers and police officers.Electroencephalography, or EEG, is one method of collecting brain activity. Jacob Schrter/picture alliance via Getty Images Neuroergonomics also studies how brain stimulation could be used to improve brain activity. These include neuromodulation technologies like transcranial electrical stimulation, or tES; transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS; or focused ultrasound stimulation, or FUS. For example, studies have shown that applying tES while learning a cognitive training task can lead to immediate improvements in performance that persist even on the following day. Another study found that tES may also help improve performance on tasks that involve motor skills, with potential applications in surgical skills training, military tasks and athletic performance. High-stakes ethical questions The use of neurotechnology in the workplace has global implications and high stakes. Advocates say neurotechnology can encourage economic growth and the betterment of society. Those against neurotechnology caution that it could fuel inequity and undermine democracy, among other possible unknown consequences. Ushering in a new era of individualized brain monitoring and enhancement poses many ethical questions. Answering those questions requires all stakeholders workers, occupational health professionals, lawyers, government officials, scientists, ethicists and others to address them.How to protect the brain activity data of workers remains unclear. undefined undefined/iStock via Getty Images Plus For example, how should an individuals brain activity data be protected? There is reason to suspect that brain activity data wouldnt be covered by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, because it isnt considered medical or health data. Additional privacy regulations may be needed. Additionally, do employers have the right to require workers to comply with the use of neuroergonomic devices? The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 prevents discrimination against workers based on their genetic data. Similar legislation could help protect workers who refuse to allow the collection of their brain information from being fired or denied insurance.Protecting workers The data neurotechnology collects could be used in ways that help or hurt the worker, and the potential for abuse is significant. Employers may be able to use neurotechnology to diagnose brain-related diseases that could lead to medical treatment but also discrimination. They may also monitor how individual workers respond to different situations, gathering insights on their behavior that could adversely affect their employment or insurance status. Just as computers and the internet have transformed life, neurotechnologies in the workplace could bring even more profound changes in the coming decades. These technologies may enable more seamless integration between workers brains and their work environments, both enhancing productivity while also raising many neuroethical issues.Bringing all stakeholders into the conversation can help ensure everyone is protected and create safer work environments aimed at solving tomorrows challenges. Paul Brandt-Rauf, Professor and Dean of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

On the shores of serene lakes, where water reflects the harmony between architecture and nature, homes emerge as true retreats. Designed to offer comfort and a deep connection with the surroundings, these residences stand out worldwide for their diverse materials and scales, adapting to different landscapes and lifestyles. From remote wooden cabins to sophisticated concrete and glass mansions in urban areas, each project takes advantage of natural resources and the unique characteristics of its setting.

Palais Rameau / Atelier 9.81Save this picture! Nicolas da Silva LucasArchitects: Atelier 9.81AreaArea of this architecture projectArea:4090 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Nicolas da Silva LucasManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: CLAREO LIGHTING, Edwood, Fermacell, Gerflor, Knauf, Steico More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. An emblematic building in Lille, the Palais Rameau was built in 1878 thanks to the legacy of Charles Rameau, President of the Lille Horticultural Society. The project was entrusted to Lille architects Auguste Mourcou and Henri Contamine. Its architecture, based on the principle of a horticultural greenhouse, combines regional and oriental influences. Save this picture!The city of Lille is handing over the Palais Rameau, by means of a 25-year emphyteutic lease, to JUNIA (Engineering school), which is giving it a new lease of life while respecting the soul of the place. With its listed historic building and impressive volumes, it has allowed us to imagine a place dedicated to higher education and is becoming the "Village Square" of JUNIA's campus.Save this picture!The Palais Rameau rehabilitation project is characterized by a holistic and sustainable approach. The project not only preserves and enhances the historic monument, but also creates an exemplary space for living, research and innovation, meeting contemporary needs while respecting the requirements of sustainability and flexibility.Save this picture!Taking into account the heritage issues of the site, the question of the reversibility of the project was a key point. An innovative and demonstrative architecture is proposed, through a modular and scalable project, designed to consider the future. An interior design solution, detached from the envelope of the historic monument, was designed, thus allowing the building to be restored to its original state. A system of primary structure (a skeleton of posts and beams) and secondary (partitions composed of removable modules) visible, make it possible to integrate the scalable dimension of the program.Save this picture!Different types of wood are used, thus creating a visual and material contrast: the post-beam structure is made of local glued laminated poplar, the partitioning is also in wood frame, all the floors are made of CLT panels in spruce wood.Save this picture!The prefabrication and assembly of wooden modules reduces waste and the carbon footprint while ensuring the mutability and flexibility of spaces. This approach not only respects the history and soul of the place, but also meets tomorrow's requirements in terms of sustainability, efficiency and flexibility of spaces.Save this picture!The project's Cradle-to-Cradle approach aims to produce elements in a reasoned manner, without generating waste, while using materials that are healthy for humans and the environment: wood fiber, Fermacell, wood wool, spruce CLT, poplar glued laminated timber.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:39 boulevard Vauban 59000 Lille, Nord, FranceLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeAtelier 9.81OfficeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on January 30, 2025Cite: "Palais Rameau / Atelier 9.81" 30 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1026276/palais-rameau-atelier-1&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Most of us will never escape the environmental factors at play.Credit: Westend61 via Getty Images ShareAging is one of the few things every living thing has in common. Humans, in particular, are living longer today than they did in the past. Much of this is due to societal advances such as vaccines, antibiotics, public health infrastructure, sanitation, hygiene, earlier diagnoses, and increased public awareness about health and longevity.Most people wont live to be 100 years old despite these leaps in public health, according to Briana Mezuk, the co-director of the University of Michigans Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health.Five years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the average life expectancies in the U.S. have decreased. For Indigenous Americans and Alaska Natives, life expectancy decreased by 6.6 years to 65.2, according to a 2023 analysis of provisional data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Life expectancy decreased by about four years for Black and Hispanic Americans to 70.8 and 77.7 years, respectively. Asian and white Americans saw a drop of roughly 2 years to 83.5 and 76.4 years.Everything has to have a limit. Theres no creature on planet Earth that we know of that doesnt die at some point, said Mezuk. But theres obviously substantial variation in life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, which is in some ways more important than the first question. How long can we live and be able to have the type of psychological, functional, and social life that makes life worth living? What is that life expectancy?Research maintains that the natural limit for human lifespan is about 122 years, based on the fact that the longest-living person died at 122 in 1997, and no one has been known to live longer.Truthfully, no one knows. But it will likely be shorter than the biological maximum that a human could live.And theres a difference between life expectancy and the rate of aging, explained William Mair, the director of the Harvard Chan School Aging Initiative. Many factors influence life expectancy in the United States. As people age, their susceptibility to chronic diseases like heart disease, various cancers, and diabetes increases. For younger folks, accidents, violence, and drug overdoses contribute heavily to early mortality. The life expectancy of all demographics is affected by income, education, access to healthcare, and other socioeconomic and systemic factors. When it comes to race, for example, systemic inequality routinely leads to adverse health outcomes. Even though advances in medicine and technology continue to extend lifespans, these factors, plus broader public health crises, such as the opioid epidemic and COVID-19, have underscored our ability to live longer.The rate at which the body ages, however, refers to the biological speed at which our bodies deteriorate over time due to cellular damage, genetic factors, and environmental influences.People get exposed to things that accumulate in the body, and the accumulation of those things makes it so, at some point, the bodys just not resilient enough to function, said Mezuk. Even if you imagine the person where they just live in a room and theyre locked there, and they never get any environmental exposures, theyll die just through biological processes. But for the rest of us who likely wont spend our lives in a literal bubble, well be exposed to things that alter how well our bodies agelike radiation from the sun or air pollutionsimply because were out and about living life.Some people try to lessen the impact of environmental factors on their lives through life extension fads and biohacking. This includes injecting themselves with NAD+ (an enzyme that promises anti-aging benefits), extreme dietary restrictions, plasma injections, hundreds of supplementsthe list goes on. The most extreme example is venture capitalist Bryan Johnson, who has become infamous for pursuing youth and immortality. The Netflix documentary, Dont Die, explains his journey in depth and, perhaps most interestingly, highlights a compulsive need to govern how long he can live.His means may be extreme, but the motive is understandable. That said, control is an illusion when it comes to this type of thing. While Johnson has millions of dollars at his disposal to experiment with a multitude of therapiesBloomberg estimates that he spends $2 million annually on doctors and treatmentsmost people dont. And a lot of what ages people are the circumstances they were born into and, due to socioeconomic and systemic factors, like poverty and racism, are increasingly difficult to escape. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Someones location, for example, can define their outcomes and risk for chronic conditions. In the U.S., two people living just several miles apart could have dramatically different health outcomes and their bodies can age at dramatically different rates due to stress, access to healthcare, or nutrition. On the other hand, speaking of her time living in Italy, Mezuk noted that people who live in the Mediterranean exist within a society structured on longevity due to broader access to higher-quality foods, shops closing so people could cook their kids a healthy lunch at home, smaller portion sizes, and a better work-life culture. It is just built fundamentally differently on a different value system than we have in the United States, she added.When you think about life expectancy, what has really happened in the last 100 years, certainly in developed countries like the U.S. and increasingly across the world, is weve added a phenomenal amount of time to human life expectancy, said Mair. But those additional years have absolutely really nothing to do with making our bodies intrinsically age slower.Instead, the problem of aging has been shifted down the road. Alzheimers disease has increased, as have other age-related chronic conditions, due to people living longer. Now, many of us are living to our seventies; were experiencing this built-in obsolescence of humans that manifests itself in age-related chronic conditions, said Mair.Even still, the best balms against aging poorly are the things our mothers and grandmothers told us to do: exercise regularly, avoid smoking, avoid drinking too much alcohol, and stay away from highly processed foods to focus on a balanced diet of healthy whole foods.This story is part of Popular SciencesAsk Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something youve always wanted to know?Ask us.

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more That Duolingo bird is relentless. It was funny at first, but then it started feeling like I was back in school making excuses for my late homework. But its not the birds fault! I just learn more from listening and speaking than from memorization. Thats actually why Ive been looking at Babbel. Babbels lessons are pretty short (10-15 minutes), and you can choose from listening, speaking, writing, or vocabulary exercises. Plus, the price for a lifetime subscription just dropped. Instead of paying $599, now its $129.99.What does Babbel have that Duolingo doesnt?Babbel just dropped its own dedicated AI that can talk to you in the language youre learning. So, instead of just memorizing terms, now you can actually have a conversation. You can practice your pronunciation and listen to the AIs response. Its like talking to a native speaker without the performance anxiety.What language do you want to learn first? Babbel has over 10,000 hours of material to study and 14 different languages to practice. Heres a samplingFrenchSpanishGermanItalianPortugueseSwedishLessons are all geared toward practical topics like asking directions, dining, shopping, making friends, conducting business, and just having normal conversations. That also means you can quickly learn a few useful phrases before you travel, or you can take the long road and work toward fluency. With a lifetime subscription, theres certainly time.You can access Babbel on as many devices as you want. It works on desktop and mobile, and your progress syncs across all your devices.This sale isnt going to last much longer.Use code LEARN40 by February 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a lifetime subscription to Babbel for $129.99.StackSocial prices subject to change.Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $129.99See Deal

Nature, Published online: 29 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00273-2Grafting patches of lab-grown muscle to the surface of the heart could offer a lifeline for people waiting for a transplant.

Nature, Published online: 29 January 2025; doi:10.1038/s41586-024-08505-7This study reports that incorporating non-polar nanodomains into antiferroelectrics greatly enhanced the energy density and efficiency.

A new study suggests the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation has not weakened since the 1960s but there's no doubt the circulation will slow in the future, experts say.

"This process is like a cosmic CT scan, where we can look through different slices of cosmic history and track how matter clumped together at different epochs."