Pragmata's tale of AI slop, humanity, & lunar conquest makes it the timeliest sci-fi game of the year
Capcom’s new sci-fi action game Pragmata offers a timely and invigorating take on familiar genre tropes, set against the backdrop of a lunar colony. Players assume the role of Hugh Williams, a system auditor stranded on the Moon after a mysterious artificial intelligence named IDUS takes control of a major tech company’s installations. With communications to Earth severed, Hugh’s only companion is a small android girl named Diana, who assists in navigating hostile environments and hacking enemy robots. The game blends fast-paced combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving within a largely linear progression, delivering a concise but engaging narrative focused on survival and warning Earth of the looming threat. While Pragmata draws heavily from classic sci-fi action games of the PS3 and Xbox 360 era and incorporates gameplay elements reminiscent of titles like Dark Souls, it distinguishes itself through its fresh perspective on artificial intelligence. Unlike many recent AI-themed games that depict apocalyptic scenarios or faceless machine enemies, IDUS is portrayed as a contained but escalating experiment gone awry. The AI’s creations include unsettling, distorted replicas of Earth’s animals and humans, emphasizing the eerie and uncanny rather than outright hostility. This nuanced portrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of unchecked AI development, particularly when isolated from oversight, as is the case on the Moon. The game’s narrative simplicity allows it to focus on atmosphere and gameplay without unnecessary complexity, making it accessible yet compelling. Diana’s hacking minigame, though modest in innovation, adds a layer of strategy and reinforces the bond between the player and their android ally. Pragmata’s setting and themes resonate strongly in the current cultural moment, reflecting growing concerns about AI ethics and the consequences of technological overreach. As one of the standout sci-fi releases of 2026, it combines nostalgia with contemporary relevance, offering players both thrilling action and thoughtful commentary on humanity’s relationship with artificial intelligence.
How to see the Lyrid meteor shower 2026: Where to look in the night sky
The Lyrid meteor shower is set to return, offering skywatchers an opportunity to witness up to 15-20 meteors per hour under favorable conditions. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Lyra, which rises in the northeast shortly after sunset and climbs higher as the night progresses, making early morning hours the best time to observe the event. This year’s viewing is expected to be optimal as the moon will set after midnight, leaving dark skies for peak meteor visibility. Observers are advised not to look directly at the radiant point near the Hercules-Lyra border, as the most spectacular meteor streaks often appear farther away from this area. Instead, scanning the surrounding sky and maintaining a broad field of view increases the chances of spotting meteors. Using a stargazing app can help identify key stars such as Vega in Lyra, aiding in navigation of the night sky. To maximize the viewing experience, experts recommend facing away from city lights toward the darkest part of the sky, choosing open locations like fields or hilltops, and allowing eyes to adjust to the darkness for at least 20-30 minutes. Patience and comfort are also important, with suggestions to recline and dress warmly to enjoy extended periods of observation. For those interested in astrophotography, guidance is available on capturing the meteor shower, including advice on suitable cameras and lenses. The Lyrid meteor shower is a notable annual event caused by Earth passing through debris left by the comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher. Its visibility and brightness make it a popular target for amateur astronomers and casual stargazers alike, highlighting the ongoing appeal of natural celestial phenomena in connecting people with the night sky.
What caffeine does to ants could change pest control
A recent study has revealed that caffeine can significantly enhance the foraging efficiency of invasive Argentine ants by improving their learning and memory. When given sugar solutions containing caffeine, these ants took straighter, more direct paths to the food source, reducing their travel time by 38% without increasing their speed. This cognitive boost suggests caffeine could be used to make pest control baits more effective by encouraging ants to locate and recruit nestmates to poisoned food sources more quickly. The research, conducted by a team at the University of Regensburg, focused on Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), a globally invasive species known for causing ecological and economic damage. Current pest control methods using poisoned baits often fail because ants either avoid the bait or abandon it before the poison spreads throughout the colony. By enhancing ants’ ability to remember bait locations and communicate them via pheromone trails, caffeine could accelerate the distribution of toxicants within colonies, potentially improving control outcomes. In controlled laboratory experiments, ants were exposed to sugar solutions with varying caffeine concentrations, ranging from levels found naturally in plants to doses comparable to those in energy drinks, and even a high dose near the lethal threshold for bees. The intermediate caffeine dose yielded the most pronounced improvement in navigation efficiency, while the highest dose was toxic. These findings align with previous research showing caffeine’s role in enhancing learning in other insects, such as bees. This discovery opens new avenues for pest management strategies by leveraging behavioral and cognitive modifications rather than relying solely on chemical toxicity. If caffeine-enhanced baits can be effectively deployed in the field, they may increase bait uptake and poison dissemination, reducing the impact of invasive Argentine ants on ecosystems and agriculture worldwide. Further research will be needed to assess practical applications and environmental safety.
Artificial neurons successfully communicate with living brain cells
Engineers at Northwestern University have developed printed artificial neurons capable of directly communicating with living brain cells, marking a significant breakthrough in neurotechnology. These flexible, low-cost devices generate electrical signals that closely mimic those produced by biological neurons, successfully activating real neurons in mouse brain tissue. This achievement demonstrates a new level of compatibility between electronic devices and living neural systems, potentially paving the way for advanced brain-machine interfaces and neuroprosthetics. The artificial neurons were created using an aerosol jet printer that deposits electronic inks onto a flexible polymer substrate, enabling the devices to produce lifelike electrical impulses. In laboratory experiments, these printed neurons triggered responses in slices of mouse brain, confirming their ability to interact with biological neural networks. This innovation could lead to implants that restore sensory or motor functions, such as hearing, vision, or movement, by seamlessly integrating with the nervous system. Beyond medical applications, the technology offers promising implications for the future of computing. Current artificial intelligence (AI) systems rely heavily on energy-intensive data processing using traditional silicon-based chips. The human brain, by contrast, operates with remarkable energy efficiency through complex, three-dimensional networks of specialized neurons. By emulating these biological principles, the new artificial neurons could inspire next-generation hardware that performs complex tasks with significantly reduced power consumption. The research, led by Mark C. Hersam and Vinod K. Sangwan at Northwestern University, underscores the potential of brain-inspired computing to address the growing energy demands of AI. Hersam, an expert in materials science and brain-inspired technologies, emphasizes that creating more efficient hardware is essential as AI systems continue to expand. The study will be published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, highlighting a promising step toward merging biological and electronic systems for both medical and technological advancements.
Electric vehicle owners could earn thousands by supporting power grid
Electric vehicle (EV) owners could potentially earn thousands of dollars annually by using their cars as mobile energy storage units to support power grids, according to a pilot project in Delaware. The study demonstrated that EVs, which are parked and plugged in up to 95 percent of the time, can store excess renewable energy when supply is high and feed it back to the grid during peak demand. This vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology could reduce the need for expensive, large-scale battery farms while enhancing grid reliability and facilitating greater integration of renewable energy sources. The Delaware project involved four Ford EVs equipped with V2G charging systems, monitored throughout 2025. Researchers found that each vehicle could have earned up to $3,359 annually by selling stored electricity at market rates. Willett Kempton, who led the study and has been researching V2G since 1997, emphasized that EVs could provide grid storage at roughly one-tenth the cost of traditional battery installations. Despite the clear economic and environmental benefits, V2G remains largely confined to pilot programs in the US, Europe, Japan, and China due to technical and regulatory challenges. One major hurdle is the complexity of reversing energy flow safely. Power grids operate on alternating current (AC), while EVs use direct current (DC) internally, requiring sophisticated converters to send energy back to the grid without safety risks. Implementing V2G requires coordination among automakers, utility companies, and regulators to develop compatible infrastructure and safety standards. Currently, the simplest V2G setups involve specialized wall chargers that handle the necessary AC-DC conversions. The growing share of renewable energy in electricity generation—now over 90 percent of new capacity—makes grid balancing increasingly critical. V2G technology offers a promising solution by leveraging the existing EV fleet as a distributed energy resource, potentially lowering costs and accelerating the transition to a cleaner, more resilient power system. However, widespread adoption depends on overcoming technical barriers and aligning incentives across multiple stakeholders.
Artemis II crew: 'We left as friends - we came back as best friends'
The Artemis II mission marked a historic milestone as its four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—completed a journey farther from Earth than any humans before, orbiting the far side of the Moon over nine days. Returning as a closely bonded team, the crew emphasized the mission’s broader significance beyond technical achievement, highlighting its role in inspiring global unity and hope during challenging times. Speaking at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the astronauts expressed gratitude for worldwide support and underscored the mission as a symbol of international collaboration, embodied by the Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, and the Space Launch System rocket. Victor Glover became the first Black astronaut to reach deep space, Christina Koch the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen the first Canadian to travel this far, marking important milestones in representation. The crew reflected on the emotional impact of their journey, noting how it transcended national and cultural boundaries. Koch shared a poignant moment when her husband’s recognition of their mission’s unifying effect brought her to tears, reinforcing the crew’s hope that their efforts would inspire and connect people globally. Glover emphasized the shared human achievement, stressing that the mission was a collective success for all countries and humanity. The astronauts also spoke about the profound experience of seeing Earth from such a distant vantage point, which deepened their appreciation for the planet’s beauty and fragility. This perspective reinforced their message of unity and stewardship. The Artemis II mission not only advanced human space exploration but also served as a powerful reminder of common humanity and the potential for cooperation in addressing global challenges. The crew’s reflections highlight the mission’s enduring legacy as a beacon of hope and a step toward future lunar exploration and beyond.
Red hair gene favoured by natural selection over last 10,000 years, study finds
A comprehensive genetic study analyzing nearly 16,000 ancient human remains alongside over 6,000 modern individuals has found that the gene associated with red hair has been favored by natural selection in Europe for more than 10,000 years. This research challenges the notion that human evolution has plateaued since the advent of agriculture, revealing that biological evolution has continued actively, particularly in West Eurasian populations. The study identified 479 genetic variants that have increased in frequency, including those linked to red hair, fair skin, susceptibility to coeliac disease, and reduced risks of diabetes, baldness, and rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers suggest that the selection for red hair and fair skin may be connected to enhanced vitamin D synthesis in regions with low sunlight, particularly benefiting early farming communities with limited dietary vitamin D. This aligns with previous findings that fair-skinned individuals can produce vitamin D more efficiently, which would have been advantageous in northern climates. The study also highlights that other genetic traits, such as lactose tolerance, have been subject to positive selection, but the breadth of genes identified in this research is unprecedented. Prior to this study, evidence of directional selection in modern humans was limited, with only about 21 genetic traits previously recognized as having increased in frequency due to evolutionary pressures. The new findings, enabled by advanced computational methods and a large dataset of ancient DNA, demonstrate that the transition from hunter-gatherer to farming lifestyles accelerated natural selection, shaping human biology in real time. This research provides significant insight into how environmental and cultural changes influenced human genetic adaptation over the last 10,000 years. While some genetic trends identified are straightforward to interpret, such as those related to vitamin D synthesis, others remain less clear, underscoring the complexity of human evolution. The study’s results contribute to a deeper understanding of how natural selection continues to influence human populations and highlight the ongoing dynamic nature of our genetic heritage.
Effect of ‘gamechanger’ Alzheimer’s drugs ‘trivial’, review concludes
A comprehensive Cochrane Review of 17 clinical trials involving over 20,000 participants has found that anti-amyloid drugs, which target amyloid plaques in the brain, have only trivial effects on cognitive decline and dementia severity in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. The analysis, which assessed seven different drugs over an average duration of 18 months, concluded that improvements in functional ability were minimal and unlikely to be noticeable by patients or caregivers. Additionally, the drugs were associated with increased risks of brain swelling and bleeding compared to placebo. These findings challenge the earlier optimism surrounding anti-amyloid therapies, which had been hailed as potential gamechangers following clinical trials that showed small but statistically significant benefits. Despite regulatory approvals for drugs such as lecanemab and donanemab, many health systems, including the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), have been reluctant to fund these treatments due to concerns over cost-effectiveness and limited clinical benefit. NICE is currently reconsidering its position following an appeal. Critics of the review have argued that pooling data from both failed and newer drugs may dilute the apparent effectiveness of the more promising treatments. However, the review’s authors maintain that since all the drugs share a common mechanism of removing amyloid, combining the data provides a realistic overview of their overall impact. The necessity for frequent intravenous infusions and regular MRI monitoring further adds to the burden on patients. The review underscores the urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches beyond amyloid removal, as the current generation of drugs offers only marginal benefits. Experts emphasize that future research should focus on novel targets and strategies to effectively slow or halt Alzheimer’s disease progression, given the limited success of anti-amyloid treatments to date.
Why cheap power could matter more than clean power in the push for net zero
Rising electricity costs are undermining efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources in the UK, as highlighted by the experience of Gavin Tait, a Glasgow retiree who invested in renewable technologies such as solar panels, a home battery, and a heat pump. Despite initial savings and environmental benefits, soaring electricity prices—now around 27p per kilowatt-hour compared to less than 6p for gas—have made running heat pumps economically unviable for many. As a result, Tait and others have reverted to gas boilers, which are cheaper to operate despite higher emissions. A recent survey found that two-thirds of heat pump owners reported increased heating costs, raising concerns about the affordability of clean energy solutions. Critics argue that the UK government’s focus on decarbonizing electricity generation, which accounts for roughly 10% of national emissions, overlooks the larger emissions contributions from heating and transport, which together make up over 40%. They contend that this emphasis has driven up electricity prices, creating financial barriers for consumers attempting to switch to electric heating and vehicles. The situation has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, which have pushed global oil and gas prices higher, intensifying fears of sustained energy cost increases. The government maintains that prioritizing renewable energy will ultimately enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and lower bills in the long term. However, the current cost disparity between electricity and gas raises questions about the effectiveness of this strategy in the near term, especially for households reliant on electric heating. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing environmental goals with economic realities, highlighting the need for policies that make clean energy both affordable and accessible to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions.
Werner Herzog searches for ghost elephants in stunning new documentary
Filmmaker Werner Herzog’s documentary *Ghost Elephants* follows conservationist Steve Boyes and his team as they search for a herd of unusually large elephants in Angola’s remote Bi plateau. The film blends scientific investigation with philosophical reflection, exploring Boyes’s decade-long quest to verify reports of these “ghost elephants,” which may be related to the legendary Fnykvi specimen housed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. The Bi plateau, a vast and sparsely populated wooded region, presents a challenging environment where Boyes and local San master trackers gather evidence to support the existence of these elusive giants. Boyes’s hypothesis, based on anecdotal sightings and expert tracking skills, could offer new insights into elephant genetics, gigantism, and migration patterns in one of Africa’s least studied areas. The documentary captures the practical aspects of field research, from preparing equipment to navigating local communities and conducting observations in difficult terrain. While the film does not provide definitive scientific conclusions, it effectively portrays the iterative nature of scientific inquiry, emphasizing hypothesis testing, observation, and cautious interpretation. Herzog’s narration adds a philosophical dimension, framing Boyes’s pursuit as a blend of scientific rigor and imaginative obsession. Drawing parallels to Captain Ahab’s relentless hunt for the White Whale, Herzog presents the expedition as a generative obsession that drives discovery rather than destruction. The cinematography combines sweeping aerial views of the vast landscape with intimate close-ups of the trackers’ hands, highlighting both the grandeur of the environment and the intricate knowledge required to navigate it. *Ghost Elephants* ultimately serves as a meditation on the intersection of myth and science, illustrating how the pursuit of elusive knowledge can inspire both wonder and rigorous inquiry. Herzog’s signature style invites viewers to consider the broader implications of chasing dreams that may remain just out of reach, while showcasing the dedication of those working to expand our understanding of the natural world.