Media
In Japan, generative AI takes fake election news to new levels
Some AI-generated content is easy to spot as fake and is marked as such, but others are convincing enough that anyone scrolling through social media could easily be misled. Two leaders of a fledgling Japanese political party unveil a red logo reminiscent of Chinese Communist Party imagery. Grannies vent in public about what they see as political nonsense. Whatever the outcome of Sunday's Lower House election, the race will be remembered not least for having witnessed the full-blown debut of AI slop in Japanese politics. As more voters in Japan turn to social media for political updates and policy debates, the internet is increasingly looking like a dumping site for fake and dubious news and content. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
Synthetic skin reveals hidden 'Mona Lisa' when exposed to heat
Technology Engineering Synthetic skin reveals hidden'Mona Lisa' when exposed to heat The octopus-inspired material could lead to better camouflage technology for the military and beyond. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent six days a week. Octopuses and their cephalopod cousins have long fascinated biologists with their seemingly supernatural shapeshifting. The cephalopods rapidly change color and texture, blending into their surroundings and evading predators. This natural camouflage is a remarkable bit of biology that engineers have tried to replicate, albeit with limited success.