The old idea they are captured asteroids may be half right.

A new hypothesis proposes that, should humanity vanish, the dominant species on Earth will not be primates or terrestrial mammals but remarkable ocean dwellers: octopuses. Global climate change or a nuclear war could lead to the extinction of humanity, leaving the planet open for another species to rise. While primates might seem like the obvious successors, scientists at Oxford University suggest otherwise. Tim Coulson, a researcher from the university, believes that octopuses—intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful marine invertebrates—could emerge as Earth’s new dominant species in a post-human era. Coulson highlights that octopuses possess key physical and intellectual qualities that could enable them to build a civilization of their own. Agile and curious, they demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and advanced communication skills. These traits, combined with their capacity to manipulate objects and craft tools, position them as strong contenders for reshaping the planet, albeit underwater. Octopuses’ unique decentralized nervous system and sophisticated neural structures further enhance their adaptability. Coulson notes their remarkable ability to camouflage, solve complex puzzles, and adjust to changing environments—qualities that could help them thrive in a world transformed by catastrophic events. Additionally, their diet versatility and resilience to harsh conditions would provide them with a significant survival advantage. While their aquatic nature and lack of a skeleton make it unlikely that octopuses will evolve into land-dwelling creatures, Coulson speculates they could construct underwater cities akin to human settlements on land. He suggests that rapid environmental changes could drive their evolution at an unprecedented pace, potentially enabling them to develop the tools and social structures necessary for a complex civilization. On the other hand, Coulson points out that primates, despite being closely related to humans, would likely face the same threats that could wipe out humanity, making their survival equally precarious. The post Could These Remarkable Creatures Rule the Earth After Humans? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

In an age of rapid technological progress, with artificial intelligence (AI) integrating deeply into nearly every aspect of daily life, scientists are beginning to explore its profound implications for humanity’s future. A new study by researcher Robert C. Brooks sheds light on how our interactions with AI may be influencing the evolutionary trajectory of our species. Brooks’s research, published in The Quarterly Review of Biology, challenges dramatic, dystopian narratives of humanity being overtaken by machines. Instead, he proposes a subtler but equally profound scenario: the gradual transformation of human nature through the natural mechanisms of evolution. The study draws parallels between AI’s role in human society and ecological dynamics, such as predator-prey relationships or competition between species. These natural interactions have long shaped evolutionary paths, and Brooks argues that AI is beginning to play a similarly influential role in shaping human development. One central idea in the research is that human interaction with AI increasingly mirrors social relationships. AI-powered systems are no longer mere tools; they are becoming significant agents within society. This shift could influence crucial aspects of human behavior, including partner selection, family formation, friendship dynamics, and even judicial processes. Brooks highlights how AI could accelerate certain evolutionary trends. For instance, the observed reduction in average brain size over recent millennia might hasten as humans delegate more cognitive tasks to machines. Additionally, traits such as attention span, personality types, and mental predispositions could undergo selective pressures influenced by our reliance on AI systems. The study also delves into the impact of AI on personal relationships. Machine learning algorithms powering dating apps may alter partner selection principles, potentially reshaping social structures over time. Questions arise: will our standards of beauty evolve to align with algorithmic preferences? Will AI-driven metrics redefine the qualities we value in partners? These questions remain open to exploration. Despite these biological implications, Brooks emphasizes that AI’s influence on cultural evolution is even more immediate and pronounced. Our habits, values, and communication methods are evolving at a far faster pace than our biology. This cultural shift, he argues, is where AI’s impact will be most acutely felt. Predicting the precise course and speed of human evolution is a daunting challenge. Even in controlled laboratory conditions, evolutionary outcomes often defy expectations. The complexity increases exponentially in an unpredictable, technology-driven world. Brooks’s study underscores that AI is not just altering how we work and interact—it is reshaping the very foundations of our existence. Centuries from now, humanity may look, think, and live differently as a result of this intricate relationship with artificial intelligence. The post How Might Artificial Intelligence Influence Human Evolution? appeared first on Anomalien.com.

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Apple updates its iPhone lineup with four new models every year. For the past three years, the company has offered base, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max iterations. Previously, Cupertino tried with a mini version, which wasn't a hit. However, neither has been the Plus models. In its latest research, CIRP reveals the most popular iPhones over the past few years, excluding the "infrequently refreshed entry-level iPhone SE." With that, the firm analyzes the most popular iPhone models every 12 months, ending in September each year. That said, this research covers the sales of the iPhone 13 through the iPhone 15, and it doesn't include relevant data about the new iPhone 16 models, which offer new Camera Controls, improved cameras, better processors, and longer battery life. What's interesting about this research is that the most popular iPhone models have always been the base models, which likely means people bought the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 from 2022 to 2024. While this could also mean people were buying older base models, the share went from 46% in 2022 to 42% in 2024. On the other hand, the Pro Max iteration remained similar in 25-26% of all sales. An interesting trend is that the iPhone Plus impacted sales from the base model, the mini, and a bit of the Pro. For example, in 2022, the iPhone mini had a 7% market share, the iPhone Pro 21%, and the base iPhone 46%. In 2023, the iPhone Plus had an 11% market share, while the Pro's share dropped to 19% and the base model's to 43%. In only a year, the shares of the iPhone mini went from 7% to 1%. While the iPhone Pro Max remained with solid sales, it's interesting that people still prefer the base models. With that in mind, when CIRP reveals sales in 2025, this could likely show that the base model will have a bigger share, as, for many, the iPhone 16 represents a more significant upgrade than the new Pros. It's also interesting to consider future iPhones, as Apple is rumored to ditch the Plus versions for a new Air/Slim iteration. Below, you can learn all the details about the iPhone 17. Don't Miss: iPhone 17: Release date, rumors, features, A19, price, and Slim model The post These are the most popular iPhone models everyone’s buying right now appeared first on BGR. Today's Top Deals Today’s deals: $169 AirPods Pro 2, $898 Hisense 75-inch TV, $68 Furbuster, $649 Google Pixel 9, more Today’s deals: $17.50 Apple AirTags, $50 off Madden NFL 25, $30 Crock-Pot Electric Lunch Box, more Today’s deals: 10% off PlayStation, Xbox, & Roblox gift cards, $4.75 Kasa mini smart plugs, more Exclusive deal: Buture VAC01 cordless vacuum has a massive 67% discount

Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile during an attack on Ukraine on Thursday, Kyiv's air force said, in the first known use in the war of a powerful weapon designed to deliver nuclear strikes thousands of kilometers away.

Comcast's corporate reorganization means that there will soon be two television networks with "NBC" in their name - CNBC and MSNBC - that will no longer have any corporate connection to NBC News.