By Thomas Maxwell Published February 21, 2025 | Comments (134) | The federal government is getting rid of all the EV chargers installed on government property. Mario Tama/Getty As part of its continued efforts to own the libs, or get rid of anything President Trump does not like or understand, the General Services Administration is gearing up to remove electric chargers from all federal properties nationwide. According to the GSA, the hundreds of chargers and estimated 8,000 plugs available for federal workers to charge their cars are not mission critical. The agency, which manages buildings owned by the federal government as well as vehicles, will also offload any EVs purchased under the Biden administration. The move, while malicious, is not surprising considering the GOPs general disdain for electric vehicles and the green energy movement. President Trump is intent on wiping just about any green policy enacted by the prior administration after spending years railing against EV mandates. He is currently fighting to override Californias heightened emissions standards and requirement that all cars sold in the state be electric by 2035. President Bidens signature Inflation Reduction Act included significant funding to help supercharge the clean energy transition, including money for public chargers across the country and, importantly here, $975 million for the GSA to upgrade federal buildings across the country with emerging and sustainable technologies. But that is all out the window now despite the fact that President Trumps right-hand man, Elon Musk, runs a $1 trillion electric car company. Runs might be a stretch, as Musk seems more focused on his government job these days, power tripping and ignoring his family pleas on his own social media app, X. And he does not seem to care much about selling cars anymore, either. Tesla is now an AI robotics company or will be, maybe.As GSA has worked to align with the current administration, we have received direction that all GSA owned charging stations are not mission critical, reads an email from the GSA viewed by The Verge. The official guidance directs federal workers to begin shutting off chargers, though the GSA needs to cancel network contracts first. Once that is complete, chargers will be taken out of service and turned off at the breaker, seemingly noted in the email to emphasize just how much they want the chargers gone. Musk, being in charge of President Trumps DOGE cost-cutting effort, seems likely behind the effort. That would appear at first counterintuitiveMusk made his name building an electric car company that he once said would help move the world to a green future. Anything that supported that mission, including the success of competing car companies, was welcome, according to him.But we are long departed from those days. Musk today is in favor of getting rid of EV subsidies and tax credits, even as China eats Americas lunch in electrification and spreads its cars around the world. Some have speculated that because Tesla is already profitable on a per-car-basis, his company would fare better than competitors who still can use any support they can get to scale. In a similar vein, perhaps Musk is fine with getting rid of chargers because it would help keep Teslas Supercharger network front-and-center. Early this month, the Trump administration paused $3 billion in funding earmarked for public chargers. If we are being charitable, there is one case to be made for getting rid of chargers on government property, which is that reporting has suggested they are not very good. Reports have circulated around the web claiming many of the chargers located at federal buildings are of the slower Level 2 variant, and utilize CHAdeMO or similar defunct charging plugsand employees still had to pay to charge, they were not free. Getting rid of them might make some sense if they were not being used, or were frequently broken. Another reason to get rid of them would be the fact that Musk and President Trump are trying to fire federal workers in droves, so they will not have as many people around soon anyway. Still, it would be nice to actually see real functional charging equipment on federal property, but it does not seem likely they will be coming back soon.Governments always use economic power to incentivize desired behavior. The new policy going forward appears to be: Roll coal, baby, roll coal.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By AJ Dellinger Published February 21, 2025 By Lucas Ropek Published February 21, 2025 By Matthew Gault Published February 21, 2025 Adam Kovac and George Dvorsky Published February 21, 2025 By Lucas Ropek Published February 20, 2025 By Matt Novak Published February 20, 2025

Fingers CrossedAlready hoping for an Avowed sequel, or some DLC? You might just get your wish"I'd love to see us do more with it."Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 22, 2025 Obsidian's latest RPG Avowed just launched this week, and it sounds like its director is already thinking about what's next for the new RPG.It's been less than a week since Avowed, Obsidian's latest RPG that everyone refers to as its Skyrim even though the two aren't really that similar at all, was released unto the world, and so far it's received pretty favourable, albeit not unanimously praising reviews. Honestly, a game not being universally praised interests me more than 5/5s across the board, and I'll always trust what our own Alex says, who gave it 5/5 stars in his review, even calling it the next great cult classic. But the world moves fast these days, and IP is king, so of course the question is, what comes next? The game's director, Carrie Patel, didn't give an exact answer in a recent interview with Bloomberg, but she did suggest she's thinking about where Avowed could go next.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "Now that we've built this wonderful world, and also built this team strength and muscle memory around the content and gameplay in this world, I'd love to see us do more with it," Patel shared. Neither the interview itself or Patel makes it particularly clear as to whether more could be some kind of DLC, or a flat out sequel. Obsidian obviously isn't opposed to the idea of sequels, given that it currently has one in the works for The Outer Worlds, which is supposedly set to come out sometime this year (we'll see about that though).Patel also shared that development, you probably won't be surprised to hear, was not easy on the game, with the game getting rebooted a few years into development, leaving the team to figure out how to put the pieces back together. "Normally if youre stepping back and reevaluating your creative direction, putting together a new vertical slice and revised production plans, you would do that with a very small team," Patel said. "We did not have a very small team at that point."The full interview is worth a read, if only to have something to do while you're on the bog thinking about what Avowed build you want to run next.

A TragedyMarvel clearly doesn't feel like it can compete with ancient Greek literature, as Spider-Man 4 catches a delay to presumably make way for Christopher Nolan's The OdysseyThough it's only a small delay.Image credit: Marvel/ Disney News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Feb. 22, 2025 Spider-Man 4 has had its release date shifted slightly by Marvel, and it's almost definitely thanks to Christopher Nolan.The next MCU Spidey film is still shrouded in a lot of mystery, especially considering it wasn't particularly clear whether or not it would even happen, but there are two things we know about it: Destin Daniel Cretton is directing it, and it's coming out in July 2026. That second one is still true, but Sony has now apparently shifted the film's release date by an entire week from July 24, 2026, to July 31, 2026. The reason for the change? Well, no specific reason was given, but you can almost guarantee that it's in part due to the fact that Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey was coming out just a week prior on July 17, 2026, so this release date change puts a couple of weeks of distance between them.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's almost definitely a wise decision on Sony's part, Spider-Man 4 is obviously guaranteed to do some big box office numbers given the popularity of the character, but Nolan's Odyssey will likely do incredibly well too seeing how easily he can bring people out to the cinema even for historical dramas like Oppenheimer. Not only that, but Spider-Man himself Tom Holland is also starring in The Odyssey, making it a very busy July for the actor. I mean, it'll be mostly busy in terms of having to make appearances across two likely to be full-on press junkets for what'll be two of the biggest films of the year, but you get what I mean.There is the chance we'll be seeing Holland as Spider-Man a little sooner than July 2026, as there have been rumours floating around that the character will be back for Avengers: Doomsday, which is set to be released a couple of months prior on May 1, 2026. That film is set to shoot later this year, but this will be the real test to see if people care about the Avengers as a whole.

Kanto blight.With a Pokmon Presents on the way soon, our foolish hearts have begun hoping for something a bit special. While Nintendo fans twiddle their thumbs awaiting the full reveal of Switch 2, an entire year without a Pokmon game releasing on Switch has helped us regain our appetite for console-based catchin'.It was a much-needed break, too. For perhaps the first time, it seemed that fan reaction to Scarlet and Violet's technical issues may have given The Pokmon Company pause, forcing them to reevaluate the release schedule and give the developers time to recover and cook up something that didn't feel like it was technically cobbled together from 20-year-old DS code, hopes, dreams, and sticky tape.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Beijing Library by Snhetta | Yumeng ZhuSnhetta, a firm renowned for reimagining civic spaces, approached the design of the Beijing Library with a similar ambition. Located in Tongzhou District, the emerging sub-center of Beijing, this vast reading space is positioned as an architectural landmark and a cultural catalyst for the region. The project arrives thirty-five years after Snhettas seminal Bibliotheca Alexandrina, offering a chance to evaluate how the firm has evolved its approach to library design. Beijing Library Technical InformationArchitects1-9: SnhettaLocation: Lv Xin Road Courtyard No.1, Building No.3, Tongzhou District, Beijing, ChinaClient: Beijing Planning and Natural Resource BureauGroos Area: 75,000 m2 | 807,000Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2018 2023Photographs: Yumeng ZhuIt is the love people have for books that has made libraries survive the digital age and hold new potential to give back more to the city and its public. It is up to us to reinterpret the relationship between body, mind, and the surroundings to rekindle the joy of reading away from the screen. Libraries are here to stay. Kjetil Trdal Thorsen, Co-Founder and Partner at SnhettaBeijing Library PhotographsFacade at Night | Yumeng ZhuFacade | Yumeng ZhuFacade Details | Yumeng ZhuFacade Details | Yumeng ZhuExterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuInterior | Yumeng ZhuSpatial Composition and Architectural LanguageOnce presumed to be an endangered typology in the digital era, the public library is experiencing a profound reinvention. While the internet has made information more accessible than ever, physical libraries must now offer more than just booksthey must create spaces that foster intellectual engagement, community interaction, and immersive experiences that digital platforms cannot replicate.The Beijing Library is a study in fluid spatial organization. The design eschews traditional compartmentalization in favor of a terraced, sculpted landscape, creating a space where movement and knowledge intertwine seamlessly.Organizing Principles:At the heart of the building is the Valley, a meandering circulation spine that echoes the path of the nearby Tonghui River. This element is more than a functional corridor; it orchestrates movement and dictates the spatial experience. Flanking the Valley are terraced Hills, which serve as flexible platforms for seating, reading, and informal gatherings. This strategy transforms the library into a topographic experience, where levels shift gently to create a sense of discovery and engagement.Unlike conventional reading rooms defined by rigid partitions, the Beijing Library blurs distinctions between furniture and structure. Seating is carved into the landscape, bookshelves merge with circulation paths, and informal gathering spaces emerge organically. This results in an undulating interior terrain that allows visitors to choose between openness and seclusion, an important feature in a contemporary knowledge-sharing environment.Materiality and Sensory Qualities:Snhettas use of materials is critical in shaping the librarys atmosphere. The dominant use of glass ensures maximum transparency, reinforcing the librarys connection with its natural surroundings while inviting diffuse daylight deep into the interior. The structural columns, inspired by ginkgo trees, introduce an element of biomimicry, referencing the native flora of China. These tree-like supports create a canopy effect, filtering light and lending a sense of shelter without compartmentalization.Beijing Library Context and Cultural DialoguePositioned as a cornerstone of Tongzhous cultural transformation, the Beijing Library is more than an isolated architectural object; it is part of a broader urban strategy. Given Snhettas legacy in library design, a comparison between Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Beijing Library is essential. While Bibliotheca Alexandrina emphasized monumental symbolism, the Beijing Library appears more fluid and integrated with its environment. Tongzhous status as Beijings sub-center implies that cultural institutions will serve residents and attract visitors from the citys core. The Beijing Library, situated amidst emerging transit networks, is strategically placed to contribute to this vision. Snhetta subtly integrates references to Chinas literary and natural heritage. The ginkgo tree, a species that has existed for 290 million years, becomes an architectural motif, symbolizing endurance and intellectual growth. Similarly, the topographic interior draws inspiration from classical Chinese landscapes, which intertwine nature and culture.Sustainability and the Future of Library DesignSustainability is central to the project, and the Beijing Library has achieved Chinas highest green building standard (GBEL Three Star). The project integrates a highly rationalized structural grid and modular components, minimizing construction waste. Its ginkgo-inspired columns house concealed systems for climate control and lighting, demonstrating an efficiency-driven approach to detailing.Additionally, the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) enhances accessibility to vast book collections while reducing the spatial footprint of traditional stacks.A New Era for Library DesignThe Beijing Library by Snhetta is a remarkable example of modern architectureblending spatial innovation, material expressiveness, and environmental responsibility. It reaffirms libraries role as essential public spaces, fostering knowledge-sharing and community interaction. Integrating architecture with landscape and culture sets a compelling precedent for future civic architecture, ensuring that libraries continue to evolve in an increasingly digital world.Beijing Library PlansFloor Plans | SnhettaSections | SnhettaBeijing Library Image GalleryAbout SnhettaSnhetta is a globally renowned architecture and design firm founded in 1989 in Norway. It is recognized for its transdisciplinary approach that integrates architecture, landscape, and interior design. With projects spanning cultural, civic, and commercial sectors, Snhetta has shaped iconic structures such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Oslo Opera House, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion. The firm emphasizes environmental sustainability, contextual sensitivity, and innovative design solutions, continuously pushing the boundaries of contemporary architecture.Credits and Additional NotesExecutive Architect: ECADI (East China Architectural Design & Research Institute)Structural, Geotechnical, and Civil Engineer: ECADICost Consultant: ECADIBuilding Sustainability Engineer: ECADIFaade & BMU Engineer: Eckersley OCallaghan, MeinhardtLighting Designer: ECADIMain Contractor: China Railway Construction Engineering GroupBuilding Height: 22.3 metersCertification: Green Building Evaluation Label (GBEL) China Three Star

Recommended Fox News Published February 22, 2025 8:30am EST Harrison Ford. (Getty Images; Disney) Welcome to Fox News' Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:Harrison Ford shuts down AI fears, dismisses technology's power to 'steal my soul'ChatGPT will now combat bias with new measures put forth by OpenAIApple's entire AI roadmap has been 'underwhelming,' expert saysBRAVE NEW WORLD: Harrison Ford isnt impressed by or afraid of artificial intelligence. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, the "Captain America: Brave New World" star was asked if he was planning on securing control of his likeness from studios, and he brushed off the concern. Harrison Ford in 2020. (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)MAJOR OVERHAUL: OpenAI has announced a set of new measures to combat biaswithin its suite of products, including ChatGPT. In this photo illustration, the OpenAI logo is seen displayed on a mobile phone screen with ChatGPT logo in the background. (Idrees Abbas/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)HIRING UP: Chipotle Mexican Grill is seeking to hire more workers ahead of "burrito season" and it is embracing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help streamline the process.UNDERWHELMING APPLE: Apple's foray into AI with Apple Intelligence has been "underwhelming" so far, but the company has the user base to continue to expand features, Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman told FOX Business Network's Stuart Varney. Apple Intelligence. (Apple)FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIASIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere.

A laptop's cooling system is a feature that often gets overlooked, but it's one that users should pay more attention to. Modern processors and GPUs demand a lot of energy, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Ask anyone with a gaming laptop, and they'll tell you how uncomfortably hot their device can get. You can mitigate this with a laptop cooling pad, such as the Llano Gaming Cooler. These devices support the top laptopsby actively cooling them down through high-speed fans and a clever design maximizing airflow.What is the best laptop cooling pad right now?We tested some of the top laptop cooling pads on the market. Razer launched its first cooling pad last year. It's a great pick for gamers who want an accessory with powerful fans and a cool design. Havit's HV-F2056 is a solid budget option. But our pick for the best overall is the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler. Its powerful cooling can reduce the temperature of even the hottest computers and has eye-catching RGB lights. As much as we like it, it may not be the best choice for everyone. I have made a list of other notable cooling pad models with different use cases so you can choose the right one.Also:The best laptops for graphic designers Sort by All The best laptop cooling pads of 2025 Show less View now at Amazon As we used the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler more and more, we eventually concluded that it really is the best cooling pad on the market today. The device is very effective at what it does. It has a unique design where the cooling fan sits inside a recessed pit surrounded by foam cushioning.Placing a laptop over space creates a powerful vacuum effect. Moreover, the fan spins at 2,800 RPM max, which is capable of cooling down even the warmest gaming laptops. As part of testing, Llano's pad was placed underneath an old gaming laptop that quickly overheats. It successfully lowered the surface temperature of what is normally a very hot computer (so hot you can barely touch it) in just a few minutes.Also:An RGB monitor stand sounds outrageous, but it's transformed my desk for the betterLlano's Laptop Cooler has RGB lighting as a ring light that goes around the main body. The on-device touchscreen allows you to change the pattern of the lights. This device also offers the option to run the machine using a traditional power adapter instead of a USB cable. All you have to do is plug it directly into a wall socket. It saves you a USB port that you normally lose on other laptop coolers.Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler specs: Dimensions:16.9 x 12.9 x 2.7 inches |Weight:4.69 pounds |Max laptop size:19 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Powerful cooling Vivid RGB lights Alternate power methods Cons Expensive As we used the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler more and more, we eventually concluded that it really is the best cooling pad on the market today. The device is very effective at what it does. It has a unique design where the cooling fan sits inside a recessed pit surrounded by foam cushioning.Placing a laptop over space creates a powerful vacuum effect. Moreover, the fan spins at 2,800 RPM max, which is capable of cooling down even the warmest gaming laptops. As part of testing, Llano's pad was placed underneath an old gaming laptop that quickly overheats. It successfully lowered the surface temperature of what is normally a very hot computer (so hot you can barely touch it) in just a few minutes.Also:An RGB monitor stand sounds outrageous, but it's transformed my desk for the betterLlano's Laptop Cooler has RGB lighting as a ring light that goes around the main body. The on-device touchscreen allows you to change the pattern of the lights. This device also offers the option to run the machine using a traditional power adapter instead of a USB cable. All you have to do is plug it directly into a wall socket. It saves you a USB port that you normally lose on other laptop coolers.Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler specs: Dimensions:16.9 x 12.9 x 2.7 inches |Weight:4.69 pounds |Max laptop size:19 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The IETS GT500 V2 has the most powerful fan, with blades rotating at 5,000 RPM. Nothing on the guide comes close to this speed. It's almost like a mini wind tunnel instead of a cooling pad.I can't give all the credit to just the fan, as the design makes a big impact. Much like the previous entry, this has a similar recessed pit design The foam creates a vacuum seal with the bottom of your laptop that traps the circulating air. But there's a twist -- literally. Instead of blowing air up towards the bottom of the laptop, it spins the air in a spiral pattern, sort of like a washing machine. This causes what IETS describes as "360-degree undifferentiated cooling," which means air cools every part of a laptop equally.Also:The best mechanical keyboardsThe major drawback of the IETS GT500 is, ironically, the high fan speed, because it makes the device really loud. IETS is aware of this issue, and its product listing states that noise can reach 65 dB. The company even says, "If you are sensitive to noise, please buy carefully."Other notable features of the GT500 V2 include vibrant RGB lighting for that extra pizazz and a three-port USB-A hub. This lets you plug in additional accessories.IETS GT500 V2specs: Dimensions:16.93 x 2.76 x 13.03 inches |Weight:2.54 pounds |Max laptop size:17.3 inches |Fan RPM:5,000 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros High RPM Unique design Ergonomic Cons Expensive Loud The IETS GT500 V2 has the most powerful fan, with blades rotating at 5,000 RPM. Nothing on the guide comes close to this speed. It's almost like a mini wind tunnel instead of a cooling pad.I can't give all the credit to just the fan, as the design makes a big impact. Much like the previous entry, this has a similar recessed pit design The foam creates a vacuum seal with the bottom of your laptop that traps the circulating air. But there's a twist -- literally. Instead of blowing air up towards the bottom of the laptop, it spins the air in a spiral pattern, sort of like a washing machine. This causes what IETS describes as "360-degree undifferentiated cooling," which means air cools every part of a laptop equally.Also:The best mechanical keyboardsThe major drawback of the IETS GT500 is, ironically, the high fan speed, because it makes the device really loud. IETS is aware of this issue, and its product listing states that noise can reach 65 dB. The company even says, "If you are sensitive to noise, please buy carefully."Other notable features of the GT500 V2 include vibrant RGB lighting for that extra pizazz and a three-port USB-A hub. This lets you plug in additional accessories.IETS GT500 V2specs: Dimensions:16.93 x 2.76 x 13.03 inches |Weight:2.54 pounds |Max laptop size:17.3 inches |Fan RPM:5,000 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon It is surprisingly tricky to find a budget laptop cooling pad worth recommending. The cheap models are not very good, but TECKNET's gadget bucks this trend by being an effective cooling pad. The upper half of the device houses a pair of fans spinning at 1,800 RPM max. That's a good enough speed to chill out lightweight laptops.I want to emphasize using only using TECKNET's accessory with thin laptops because this model struggles a bit with thicker machines. It takes a while to cool down hefty gaming laptops, for example. I recommend pairing the TECKNET pad with a work laptop -- something like a MacBook or a Lenovo ThinkPad.Another great feature is its lightweight, ergonomic design. It weighs a mere 1.75 pounds and fits perfectly on your lap. The TECKNET cooling pad takes power from the host laptop via a USB-A cable. It only steals a little bit of power, so don't worry about the device quickly draining your computer.I should also mention that there is a control wheel on the side. Turning it allows you to control the fan's speeds from a base 1,300 RPM up to the 1,800 RPM. It's a great tool to have whenever you want the cooling pad to be quiet.TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 1.8 inches |Weight:1.75 pounds |Max laptop size:15.6 inches |Fan RPM:1,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Inexpensive Adjustable fan speeds Lightweight Cons Limited ports It is surprisingly tricky to find a budget laptop cooling pad worth recommending. The cheap models are not very good, but TECKNET's gadget bucks this trend by being an effective cooling pad. The upper half of the device houses a pair of fans spinning at 1,800 RPM max. That's a good enough speed to chill out lightweight laptops.I want to emphasize using only using TECKNET's accessory with thin laptops because this model struggles a bit with thicker machines. It takes a while to cool down hefty gaming laptops, for example. I recommend pairing the TECKNET pad with a work laptop -- something like a MacBook or a Lenovo ThinkPad.Another great feature is its lightweight, ergonomic design. It weighs a mere 1.75 pounds and fits perfectly on your lap. The TECKNET cooling pad takes power from the host laptop via a USB-A cable. It only steals a little bit of power, so don't worry about the device quickly draining your computer.I should also mention that there is a control wheel on the side. Turning it allows you to control the fan's speeds from a base 1,300 RPM up to the 1,800 RPM. It's a great tool to have whenever you want the cooling pad to be quiet.TECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 14 x 11 x 1.8 inches |Weight:1.75 pounds |Max laptop size:15.6 inches |Fan RPM:1,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Comfort is an underrated aspect of laptop cooling pads. Good ergonomics ensures your hands won't feel strain after typing away for hours. Among the many options out there, the IETS GT300 Double Blower stands out as one of the ergonomically best. This is thanks to the device's adjustable rear brackets, which can be set to one of seven comfortable angles.There's more to the Double Blower than its thoughtful design. It has two high-speed fans inside a recessed pit similar to the Llano Cooler. IETS states its product is more compatible with laptops with thermal vents on the bottom and the sides. I recommend following the company's suggestion, however, in my experience, it is still quite excellent at cooling down laptops lacking bottom vents.Also:I'm an audiophile, and these $150 wireless earbuds for gaming had me fooledI tested the GT300 on an old Alienware laptop with only rear and side vents. Despite lacking the necessary vents, the pad stopped the machine from overheating. It's worth mentioning that despite spinning at 4,500 RPM, the fans are fairly quiet.Having a laptop over the pit helps with the noise factor, but rest assured that you won't bother people around you. Other notable features include dust filters and four unique LED light themes.IETS GT300 Double Blower specs: Dimensions: 15.75 x 13.7 x 1.97 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:17 inches |Fan RPM:4500 |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Fast cooling Ergonomic Gentle lighting Cons Few ports Comfort is an underrated aspect of laptop cooling pads. Good ergonomics ensures your hands won't feel strain after typing away for hours. Among the many options out there, the IETS GT300 Double Blower stands out as one of the ergonomically best. This is thanks to the device's adjustable rear brackets, which can be set to one of seven comfortable angles.There's more to the Double Blower than its thoughtful design. It has two high-speed fans inside a recessed pit similar to the Llano Cooler. IETS states its product is more compatible with laptops with thermal vents on the bottom and the sides. I recommend following the company's suggestion, however, in my experience, it is still quite excellent at cooling down laptops lacking bottom vents.Also:I'm an audiophile, and these $150 wireless earbuds for gaming had me fooledI tested the GT300 on an old Alienware laptop with only rear and side vents. Despite lacking the necessary vents, the pad stopped the machine from overheating. It's worth mentioning that despite spinning at 4,500 RPM, the fans are fairly quiet.Having a laptop over the pit helps with the noise factor, but rest assured that you won't bother people around you. Other notable features include dust filters and four unique LED light themes.IETS GT300 Double Blower specs: Dimensions: 15.75 x 13.7 x 1.97 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:17 inches |Fan RPM:4500 |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less I'm a little surprised it took Razer so long to develop a laptop cooling pad, given how many different gaming accessories they sell, but it was worth the wait. This device has many of the same hallmarks as other entries, namely the recessed pit design and a powerful cooling fan. The blades spin at 3,000 RPM max, making it one of the most powerful models on this list.Razer didn't just copy other companies because it added its own flare to the cooling pad concept. The foam pad surrounding the center fan can actually be removed and replaced with a different base tailored for different laptop sizes. They're affixed to the body via magnets, so installation is easy.Review: Razer Laptop Cooling PadAdditionally, users can customize the device via Razer's Synapse 4 app. You can create special fan modes or remap the side RGB and fan control buttons to perform other tasks like media playback. Speaking of RGB, the lighting is placed at the bottom. It's vibrant enough to make the pad appear otherworldly while not being distracting.Customer reviews on Amazon offer interesting insight into the product. They appreciate the device's cooling prowess despite demanding multiple power sources to function.Razer Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 15.6 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches |Weight:3.52 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:3,000 RPM |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Customizable Sleek design Detachable foam Cons Expensive I'm a little surprised it took Razer so long to develop a laptop cooling pad, given how many different gaming accessories they sell, but it was worth the wait. This device has many of the same hallmarks as other entries, namely the recessed pit design and a powerful cooling fan. The blades spin at 3,000 RPM max, making it one of the most powerful models on this list.Razer didn't just copy other companies because it added its own flare to the cooling pad concept. The foam pad surrounding the center fan can actually be removed and replaced with a different base tailored for different laptop sizes. They're affixed to the body via magnets, so installation is easy.Review: Razer Laptop Cooling PadAdditionally, users can customize the device via Razer's Synapse 4 app. You can create special fan modes or remap the side RGB and fan control buttons to perform other tasks like media playback. Speaking of RGB, the lighting is placed at the bottom. It's vibrant enough to make the pad appear otherworldly while not being distracting.Customer reviews on Amazon offer interesting insight into the product. They appreciate the device's cooling prowess despite demanding multiple power sources to function.Razer Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions: 15.6 x 11.5 x 4.5 inches |Weight:3.52 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:3,000 RPM |USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Gamers who want a laptop cooling pad that makes a big statement should check out the AICHESON K1. It's a large device that supports 18-inch laptops and sports vivid RGB lights around its body. The device has the same vacuum pit design that I continuously praise.The fans of AICHESON K1 spin at a maximum speed of 2,800 RPM. Because the fans spin at that velocity, they can be pretty noisy. Our tests show it can get as loud as 80 dB. Fortunately, you can lower the speeds to 600 RPM by pushing the scroll wheel below the fan for a much quieter experience. This does, however, come with the tradeoff of less powerful cooling.On the other side of the scroll wheel is a button that changes the RGB lighting array. You can pick between a series of rotating colors or a static glow like red, blue, or green.The AICHESON K1 also offers two ways to power the cooling pad. You can siphon energy from a laptop to the K1 via a USB cable or supply power through the packaged-in power adapter. The latter ensures you don't lose out on a USB port.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions:16.85 x 2.95 x 12.5 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Pros Vibrant RGB lights Ergonomic design Powerful fans Cons Can't charge phone Bulky Gamers who want a laptop cooling pad that makes a big statement should check out the AICHESON K1. It's a large device that supports 18-inch laptops and sports vivid RGB lights around its body. The device has the same vacuum pit design that I continuously praise.The fans of AICHESON K1 spin at a maximum speed of 2,800 RPM. Because the fans spin at that velocity, they can be pretty noisy. Our tests show it can get as loud as 80 dB. Fortunately, you can lower the speeds to 600 RPM by pushing the scroll wheel below the fan for a much quieter experience. This does, however, come with the tradeoff of less powerful cooling.On the other side of the scroll wheel is a button that changes the RGB lighting array. You can pick between a series of rotating colors or a static glow like red, blue, or green.The AICHESON K1 also offers two ways to power the cooling pad. You can siphon energy from a laptop to the K1 via a USB cable or supply power through the packaged-in power adapter. The latter ensures you don't lose out on a USB port.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad specs: Dimensions:16.85 x 2.95 x 12.5 inches |Weight:3.5 pounds |Max laptop size:18 inches |Fan RPM:2,800 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes |LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less For this entry, we're breaking our rules and recommending a laptop cooler that isn't a pad. It can't hold a laptop, nor does it support USB passthrough. But what it does offer is powerful cooling and portability. KLIM's Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler is a unique device that is meant to be placed against a laptop's air vents.It is quite small too, weighing just under five ounces. KLIM's gadget is perfect for travel. You can stick it into your bag whenever you and your laptop go on the road.This device utilizes a vacuum fan to extract hot air from inside the computer and blow it outside. It doesn't require any direct installation. All you have to do is press the Vacuum Laptop Cooler up against a computer's heat vent.The company provides several soft plastic frames that go over the front so the device can cool computers without risk of leakage. And it's quite effective at it, too. The fan spins at 3,500 RPM max, capable of chilling very warm laptops down to comfortable temperatures. User reviews on the official product page state that one Cooler can drop internal temperatures by around five degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the fans generate a lot of noise.KILM Laptop Cooler with Vacuum Fan specs: Dimensions:6.1 x 1.42 x 3.23 inches |Weight:4.94 ounces|Max laptop size:N/A |Fan RPM:3,500 RPM|USB passthrough:No |LED lighting:No Pros Compact Powerful fans Temperature detections Cons Can't hold laptop No USB passthrough For this entry, we're breaking our rules and recommending a laptop cooler that isn't a pad. It can't hold a laptop, nor does it support USB passthrough. But what it does offer is powerful cooling and portability. KLIM's Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler is a unique device that is meant to be placed against a laptop's air vents.It is quite small too, weighing just under five ounces. KLIM's gadget is perfect for travel. You can stick it into your bag whenever you and your laptop go on the road.This device utilizes a vacuum fan to extract hot air from inside the computer and blow it outside. It doesn't require any direct installation. All you have to do is press the Vacuum Laptop Cooler up against a computer's heat vent.The company provides several soft plastic frames that go over the front so the device can cool computers without risk of leakage. And it's quite effective at it, too. The fan spins at 3,500 RPM max, capable of chilling very warm laptops down to comfortable temperatures. User reviews on the official product page state that one Cooler can drop internal temperatures by around five degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that the fans generate a lot of noise.KILM Laptop Cooler with Vacuum Fan specs: Dimensions:6.1 x 1.42 x 3.23 inches |Weight:4.94 ounces|Max laptop size:N/A |Fan RPM:3,500 RPM|USB passthrough:No |LED lighting:No Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon A recurring problem with cooling pads, as you may have noticed, is they can be noisy. For this reason, I don't recommend bringing one to the office -- except for the Havit HV-F2056.It has a quiet fan with a maximum speed of 1,100 RPM, so you can freely use this cooling pad without disturbing other people around you. Havit's model sports RGB lights inside its mesh frame, but they're not super bright. If anything, they're pretty dim so you don't run the risk of distracting others around you.The company designed this cooling pad to be ultra-lightweight. It weighs a little over 1.5 pounds so that you can stuff it inside a bag and hardly know it's there.Additionally, Havit's HV-F2056 is ergonomically sound. Users can adjust the back legs, letting you adjust the cooling pad into a more comfortable position when typing. It's important to mention that because the fan only spins at 1,100 RPM, the device isn't the best at cooling. I wouldn't recommend it for hefty gaming laptops. It's best suited when supporting lightweight machines.What's neat about the HV-F2056 is its slim design allows it to support other non-laptop devices. For example, it can cool down video game consoles and even Wi-Fi routers.Havit HV-F2056 specs: Dimensions:14.96 x 1.18 x 11.02 inches |Weight:1.54 pounds|Max laptop size:17-inches|Fan RPM:1,100 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes|LED lighting:Yes Pros Inexpensive Quiet Lightweight Cons Weak airflow A recurring problem with cooling pads, as you may have noticed, is they can be noisy. For this reason, I don't recommend bringing one to the office -- except for the Havit HV-F2056.It has a quiet fan with a maximum speed of 1,100 RPM, so you can freely use this cooling pad without disturbing other people around you. Havit's model sports RGB lights inside its mesh frame, but they're not super bright. If anything, they're pretty dim so you don't run the risk of distracting others around you.The company designed this cooling pad to be ultra-lightweight. It weighs a little over 1.5 pounds so that you can stuff it inside a bag and hardly know it's there.Additionally, Havit's HV-F2056 is ergonomically sound. Users can adjust the back legs, letting you adjust the cooling pad into a more comfortable position when typing. It's important to mention that because the fan only spins at 1,100 RPM, the device isn't the best at cooling. I wouldn't recommend it for hefty gaming laptops. It's best suited when supporting lightweight machines.What's neat about the HV-F2056 is its slim design allows it to support other non-laptop devices. For example, it can cool down video game consoles and even Wi-Fi routers.Havit HV-F2056 specs: Dimensions:14.96 x 1.18 x 11.02 inches |Weight:1.54 pounds|Max laptop size:17-inches|Fan RPM:1,100 RPM|USB passthrough:Yes|LED lighting:Yes Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best laptop cooling pad? The best laptop cooling pad on the market today is the Llano Gaming Laptop Cooler. Its powerful fan spins at 2,800 RPM and features a unique design that helps lower computer temperatures quickly. The device also has a striking ring light that outputs vibrant RGB colors.However, it's not the only good laptop cooler. See the table below for our other recommendations.Best laptop cooling padsPriceFan speedMax laptop sizeLlano Gaming Laptop Cooler$932,800 RPM19 inchesIETS GT500 V2$715,000 RPM17.3 inchesTECKNET Laptop Cooling Pad$271,800 RPM15.6 inchesIETS GT300 Double Blower$614,500 RPM17 inchesRazer Laptop Cooling Pad$1503,000 RPM18 inchesAICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling Pad$592,800 RPM18 inchesKLIM Cool Vacuum Laptop Cooler$133,500 RPMNot applicableHavit HV-F2056$281,100 RPM17 inches Show more Which is the right laptop cooling pad for you? It's important to consider how you plan on using your laptop cooling pad. If you want something to keep your laptop cool while you work or watch a movie, then a basic cooling pad with one or two fans will suffice. But if you have many peripherals you want to connect or own a powerful gaming laptop, you should buy a more heavy-duty cooling pad with faster fans or ports.The table below can help you choose the best cooling pad for you.Choose this best laptop cooling pad...If you want...Llano Gaming Laptop CoolerThe best gaming laptop cooler. Llano's device is capable of cooling even the warmest laptops and has a striking RGB ring light.IETS GT500 V2A laptop cooling pad with a unique design and maximal cooling. The IETS GT500 has a powerful fan in the center of a foam pit that circulates air and ensures your device stays cool.TECKNET Laptop Cooling PadA budget-friendly option. It isn't the most powerful option on this list, but TECKNET's model still performs well with fans that spin at 1,800 RPM.IETS GT300 Double BlowerThe best ergonomic cooler. It can adjusted to one of seven levels for maximum comfort.Razer Laptop Cooling PadThe best gaming cooling pad. Razer's device offers many customization options, including the ability to change the actions of its buttons.AICHESON K1 Gaming RGB Laptop Cooling PadThe best RGB laptop cooling pad. AICHESON's pad sports dazzling light throughout its body and cools computers fast with its 2,800 RPM fan.KLIM Cool Vacuum Laptop CoolerA portable laptop cooler. Don't let its small size fool you. KLIM's device can cool down the warmest of laptops with its unique 3,500 vacuum fan.Havit HV-F2056A great laptop cooling pad for the office. It features a quiet fan underneath the mesh grill, and its lightweight design makes it easy to carry Show more Factors to consider when choosing a laptop cooling pad: When picking out a laptop cooling pad, there are four key factors that you should consider:Laptop size:You must ensure the cooling pad is big enough to accommodate your laptop. Conversely, if a pad is too big, it may not be able to cool down your laptop effectively. The fans on a large pad won't be able to adequately cool the warm areas on small laptops. We recommend purchasing cooling pads that fit your computer well.Comfort:Good ergonomics is important for comfort, especially if you spend a lot of time behind a computer. Hours of typing can be killer on the wrists, so we recommend choosing a laptop cooling pad that allows you to adjust its height and angle for a comfortable working experience.Fan output: Fans can get loud, so it's important to think about how noisy the cooling pad may be when looking to buy one. The manufacturer of the IETS GT500 acknowledges that their product generates so much noise that it actively recommends that buyers steer clear if they're sensitive to noise. If this is an important factor, look for fans with a lower RPM, as they're typically quieter. Be aware that slower fans means less effective cooling.Price:The price tags for laptop cooling pads can vary, although they're generally not very expensive. As you can see from this list, finding a solid pick for less than $100 is easy. Naturally, expect better performance from more expensive models. Show more How did we choose these laptop cooling pads? Our search for the best laptop cooling pads began by judging the review units using the above core considerations. We looked at ergonomics, fan design, cooling performance, price, and extra features. We included the IETS GT500 despite its loud fans because of how well it cools a laptop.Once the selections were made, we tested several laptop cooling pads ourselves. We placed an old Alienware Area 51 laptop that frequently runs hot on the pads to see how well they could bring down temperatures. All the pads successfully cool the laptop down, but some more were better than others.We also looked at several sources online, such as Reddit, Amazon reviews, and other consumer sites, to see what everyday people thought were the best laptop cooling pads. Reading users' personal experiences helped us narrow the potential field and make our final picks.There really isn't a specific brand that we would recommend over the rest. Many manufacturers develop their own well-performing devices. It's just that some are better than others. Show more FAQs on laptop cooling pads Should I get a laptop stand or a cooling pad? If you don't know, a laptop stand is simply a raised platform that supports laptops. They are significantly cheaper than a cooling pad. A quick Google search shows that you can buy one for $12 on Amazon. These accessories are best paired with lightweight laptops -- devices that can quickly cool down just by being elevated. A good example would be the MacBook Air.I do not recommend purchasing one of these simply stands if you have a laptop that quickly overheats or is heavy, like a gaming laptop. Stands would be ineffective against more heavy-duty computers. Powerful laptops need powerful cooling. Show more Is it safe to put an ice pack on a laptop? No. Do not, under any circumstances, place an ice pack on and below a laptop. Temperature fluctuations may be hard on your computer, but liquids can outright kill it. Likewise, do not stick your PC into a refrigerator. Stick to using the airflow from a cooling pad to keep heat away.At the time of this writing, we're inching closer to Spring, which means the weather is warming up. If it's a warm day, I strongly recommend moving the laptop's location. Keep it any from direct sunlight and other heat sources. Show more What is the most efficient way to cool a laptop? There are plenty of alternate methods out there that you can try out. First off, make sure your laptop's fans and heat vent are not covered in dust. Clogged vents prevent proper airflow. To fix the issue, we recommend getting a can of compressed air and blowing out the dust. One of the fans may be malfunctioning. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the component.Don't place your laptop on any carpeted or padded surfaces. Cloth and fabrics insulate heat well, preventing laptops from being ventilated properly.Software tweaks are also possible. Downloading the latest patch on your laptop will fix bugs plaguing your machine, eliminating any and all inefficiencies. Bugs can sometimes add to a computer's workload, which causes internal temperatures to rise. Similarly, optimizing a device's performance setting is another good way to deal with overheating.You can also lower the brightness of your display or screen resolution and change the power plan via the Control Panel. However, doing so will come at the cost of performance, so be mindful of that. Show more What temperature is too hot for a PC? The normal operating temperature for a computer is between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius or 104 and 109 degrees Fahrenheit. When gaming, temperatures can rise up to 70 to 80 degrees Celsius or 158 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.That seems rather warm, but it's totally fine. It's even okay if internal temperatures spike to over 80 degrees Celsius. Problems, however, appear when your computer stays consistently in those upper levels. If your laptop is always around 80 degrees Celsius, you need to quickly cool your device down. Components start to cook as the computer turns into an oven. Show more How to check my laptop's temperature? Keeping a close eye on your laptop's internal temperature can help you figure out what's causing heat spikes. Clicking the Performance tab on Task Manager provides some insight. It displays the graphic card's current temperature, but if you want more details, I strongly recommend installing Core Temp.Core Temp is a handy app that actively monitors processor temperature and other important information, such as the TDP (thermal design power), in realtime. I frequently use it while testing laptops, and the software is free to download. Core Tempo breaks a processor's temperature down to its individual cores. Show more Other laptop cooling pads we've tested Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Marvel RivalsNetEaseNetEase is in an extremely strange position at the moment, with a massive success on their hands in the form of Marvel Rivals, but its reportedly about to slash through a number of studios leading to layoffs. But in terms of its big hit, Marvel Rivals, that reportedly almost didnt happen at all.The founder and CEO of NetEase, William Ding, almost cancelled Marvel Rivals entirely, according to a new report from Bloomberg. NetEase has been trying to shrink and cut bloat in order to compete with rivals like MiHoYo and Tencent, and that almost cost them Marvel Rivals. Why?That would be Disney, and its demand for huge licensing costs to make games using its IP. As a result of this, Ding tried to have his team make original character designs rather than using Marvel characters, which would have made it even more similar to the game it was trying to clone, Overwatch. The attempt to cancel the game cost millions in and of itself, but eventually, Marvel Rivals persevered, and the rest is history. Well, not history, given how new the game still is, but it has had a tremendous launch in an era when most new hero shooters launch and are instantly incinerated.Marvel RivalsMarvel RivalsThere are of course a number of Marvel games that have been made over the years and some, especially mobile titles, persist. But we can think of another high profile Marvel live game, one that failed badly and almost certainly did not justify the use of the pricey license, Marvels Avengers. But that game was a looter shooter using IP that did not lend itself to that, while Marvel Rivals makes much more sense given that its a multiplayer PvP game. I also believe this is likely why the very good Guardians of the Galaxy single player game was also deemed an underperformer, due to that license cost versus sales.It has to be the case that at least so far, that license is worthwhile for Marvel Rivals, and NetEase always reiterates it has a great relationship with Marvel working on the game to bring in new characters and often align them with upcoming MCU projects (see: Fantastic Four).Marvel Rivals launched to 644,269 players on Steam alone, and is still peaking at 437,915, showing relatively small losses, and routinely maintaining a top spot on Steam, Xbox and PS5 lists. The game has attracted largely positive buzz from a shooter fanbase that rarely accepts new offerings, and its almost impossible to believe this would have been the case if this was a NetEase original instead of using the Marvel license.But of course this is just one piece of NetEases portfolio and these looming cuts imply a studio that is still struggling with its identity and priorities. Expect more not-great news soon.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and

Veryovkina Cave reveals more mysteries the deeper you go. Heres everything that makes this cave a ... [+] world of its own.gettySome of Earths most extreme frontiers lie beneath our feet, in places so inhospitable they might as well belong to another planet.Take Veryovkina Cavethe worlds deepest known cave hidden in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus. Stretching 2,212 meters (7,257 feet) into the abyss, it is a vertical gateway to a world untouched by sunlight.It took decades of exploration and nearly 30 expeditions for cavers to reach its full depth, and the journey has come at great costincluding the eerie discovery of a deceased solo explorer at a staggering 1,100 meters down in 2021. But thats barely the halfway mark in this monstrous chasm.Descending into Veryovkina is a battle against the planets most extreme subterranean forces. And yet, against all odds, life persists in this nightmarish world, in forms so strange they feel utterly alien.Measuring Veryovkinas True Depth Cost DecadesAnd LivesThe story of Veryovkina Cave is one of relentless exploration. Originally discovered in 1968 by Russian speleologists, it remained relatively unexplored for decades. It wasnt until the Perovo-speleo team (PST) resumed expeditions in the 2000s that its true depth began to unfold.The cave is a maze of vertical shafts, deadly freefall pits and claustrophobic squeezes. Each new section had to be painstakingly mapped, requiring cavers to rappel hundreds of meters into the darkness, then navigate perilous ascents back to the surfaceoften while hauling gear that weighed more than their own body mass.Many who ventured inside barely made it out. In 2018, a Russian cave diver was found at the bottom, likely trapped by sudden flooding. Sergei Kozeev, another caver whose body was discovered at 1,100 meters in 2021, had ventured down alone, ill-equipped for the brutal cold and the sheer physical endurance required to escape. He perished from hypothermia, his body lying undisturbed in the darkness for over nine months before it was found.Veryovkina Transforms Into A Death Trap During FloodsIf being miles underground isnt dangerous enough, the cave has a way of turning from a hostile environment into an outright death trap: sudden flooding.In September 2018, a group of Perovo-speleo cavers, including National Geographic photographer Robbie Shone, barely escaped alive.As they rested at their deepest camp, floodwaters roared through the cave without warning. What started as a distant rumble grew into an earthquake-like tremora freight train of white water barreling toward them. Within minutes, their campsite was engulfed in a violent flood.With only seconds to react, Shone recalls the moment he realized they were one mistake away from certain death. I just thought, Oh my goodness. We have to leave right now. We cannot wait. If we just hang around, were all going to die.The team scrambled to escape, climbing rope ascents through waterfalls that pummeled them like battering rams. The flood raged for nearly 20 hours, cutting off escape routes and trapping them in a claustrophobic nightmare. When the waters finally receded, they found pieces of their gear lodged in the cave ceiling, marking just how high the flood had risen.Had they hesitated even slightly, none of them would have survived.Exploring This Cave Is Like Stepping Into A New PlanetEven without the risk of drowning, Veryovkina Cave feels alien in every possible way.The moment you descend beyond the reach of surface light, you enter a realm of total darkness so absolute that your eyes will never adjust. There is no twilight here, no dim glowonly an unbroken void. The brain, desperate for visual input, starts hallucinating lights and shapes that dont exist.The caves deepest known freefall pita monstrous 475-foot (145-meter) vertical dropis a true abyss. Rappelling down feels like stepping into an open void, with nothing but a thin rope keeping you from a freefall into oblivion.And then theres the pressure and cold. Temperatures hover just above freezing (4C / 39F), with air pressure 10% higher than at the surface. The humidity is so relentless that everything remains perpetually damp, making hypothermia a constant threat.To be inside Veryovkina is to feel as though you have left Earth entirely. Yet, here, in these conditions, life still persists.Every Creature Develops Unique Adaptations To Survive In The DeepSurvival here is reserved for the most extraordinary creaturesones that have evolved to endure total darkness, extreme cold and near starvation.Among the most bizarre inhabitants of caves as deep as Veryovkina is Plutomurus ortobalaganensis, a species of eyeless springtail insect found at a mind-boggling depth of 1,980 meters inside the nearby Krubera cavethe deepest land-dwelling animal ever recorded. It has no eyes, long antennae and survives by feeding on microscopic fungi.Other residents of Veryovkina include:Xiphocaridinella demidovi. A cave shrimp found in the caves terminal lake, surviving without sunlight or plants, living solely on organic material washed in by water.Duvalius abyssimus. A beetle that has lost its pigmentation and eyesight, relying entirely on touch and smell to navigate.Heterocaucaseuma deprofundum. A millipede that holds the record for the deepest-known terrestrial millipede species.These creatures exist in an ecosystem that is almost entirely cut off from the surface. Some scientists believe studying them could offer clues about how life might exist on Mars or the icy moons of Jupiter.Veryovkina Cave is more than just a geological marvelit is one of the last truly unexplored frontiers on Earth. It is a place where darkness reigns, time distorts and where life has adapted in ways that seem impossible.For those who dare venture into its depths, it is a brutal test of human endurance, an alien landscape hidden beneath our feet and a reminder that there are still places on this planet that remain almost entirely unknown.Places like the Veryovkina Cave spotlight the dark side of our natural world and the curious ways in which life adapts. How do you feel about natures ability to adapt against the odds? Find out now with a 2-minute quiz to see where you stand on the Connectedness To Nature Scale.

A hot potato: Not for the first time, legal action is being brought against a school that punished a student for allegedly using AI. The individual in this case was expelled from the University of Minnesota last year over the accusations, which he says are untrue and a conspiracy concocted by his professors. Haishan Yang was working toward his second PhD from the University of Minnesota when he was expelled last year. It's alleged that he used artificial intelligence tools to write his essays.33-year-old Yang took a preliminary exam remotely while travelling to Morocco during the summer of 2024.The exam, which doctoral students must pass to start their dissertation, involved writing three essays over the course of eight hours. He was allowed to use notes, reports, and books, but AI tools were not allowed.All four faculty graders of Yang's exam expressed concerns that it was not written by the student. They highlighted answers that seemed irrelevant or were not covered in class, and the use of acronyms not commonly used in the field but regularly appear in answers generated by ChatGPT.Two instructors gave the essay questions to ChatGPT to compare its output with Yang's answers. They found that the AI's formatting, structure, language, and content were extremely similar."I was struck by the similarities between the two that seemed extremely unlikely to be coincidental," wrote Professor Peter Huckfeldt in a letter to the hearing committee. // Related StoriesYang says this is likely because OpenAI's tool was using the same reference material he was. He also claims the professors edited the ChatGPT responses to make them appear more like his answers.The panel also criticized Yang for not including many citations and having "inconsistencies" in his testimony.Yang claims that methods used to detect AI use are unreliable and biased, particularly against people whose first language is not English. The student grew up speaking Southern Min, a Chinese dialect, writes MPR News.Yang's academic advisor, Bryan Dowd, called him "the best-read student" he had ever encountered. "In over four decadesI never have seen this level of animosity directed at a student. I have no explanation for that animosity," Dowd said.Yang says the animosity stems from his time as a research assistant, when his financial support was cut off by the university for what it claimed was poor performance and disparaging behavior. He also claims that the graduate director told him he should simply quit. Yang appealed the decision and won. The school apologized and agreed to restart his funding if he didn't sue.The professors say Yang had used AI to complete his work before. A year before the exam, he submitted a homework assignment that included the text, "re write it (sic), make it more casual, like a foreign student write but no ai." He claims to have used AI only to check his English, not to generate answers. He was given a warning but no punishment for the incident.The university denied Yang's appeal. He has since filed state and federal lawsuits against his professor and the University of Minnesota. He is seeking $575,000 in damages in the federal lawsuit and $760,000 in the defamation case. Yang also wants his expulsion reversed and a public apology. The federal lawsuit includes a request for $200,000 from the university "to deter future procedural violations and uphold fairness in disciplinary proceedings."Yang said he used ChatGPT to write the lawsuit filings.Back in October, the parents of a student who was punished for using a chatbot to complete an assignment sued the school, claiming it hurt his college chances.