When English speakers say "rose" and Chinese speakers say "玫瑰," do they mean the same thing? A Peking University team led by Professor Bi Yanchao explored this question using word embeddings from 53 languages, behavioral ratings from speakers of eight languages and exploratory multilingual brain imaging data. Published in Nature Communications, the study shows that word meanings are organized along shared neurocognitive dimensions, while differences across languages are associated with climate.

Japan is experiencing historically high numbers of foreigners. Its population is shrinking, and its workforce is aging, driving foreign labor to historic levels.

Humans are the only species known to use fully symbolic language: a system capable of expressing abstract ideas, imaginary worlds and endless combinations of meaning. But how did we get there?

760 000 morts par an. L'animal le plus meurtrier de la planète ne rugit pas, ne mord pas et tient dans le creux d'une main. Il bourdonne. Face à l'explosion de la dengue et du paludisme, des scientifiques étudient aujourd'hui des pistes radicales pour neutraliser les moustiques les plus...

Prada and Axiom Space unveiled the bodysuit that will go to the moon.

This article is for students grades 5-8.

Mass distribution affects everything from galaxy shapes to aircraft design to planetary rotation. It’s used to map stars in our universe, figure out what planets are made of, and even to determine how luggage is loaded onto an airplane.

Mass distribution can be a tricky thing to understand. So, let’s explore it using an everyday example: a soccer ball.

How Does Mass Distribution Affect Center of Mass?

Have you ever kicked a soccer ball and wondered why it curves, spins, or sometimes wobbles? Mass distribution plays a part.

On the outside, soccer balls look simple – a series of geometric shapes woven together in a pattern. But on the inside, they are carefully engineered. The key to a great soccer ball is something you can’t see: how the mass is distributed inside the ball.

When engineers build a soccer ball, they try to make sure its mass is evenly balanced in all areas. This is because the way a ball spins and flies depends on how its mass is arranged. If one part of the ball is slightly heavier, its center of mass shifts. If the ball’s center of mass isn’t precisely balanced, the ball won’t move smoothly.

______________________________________________________________________

Words to Know

mass: the measurement of the amount of matter in an object

mass distribution: how mass is spread within an object

center of mass: the unique point around which the mass of an object is perfectly balanced

______________________________________________________________________

How Is Mass Distribution Measured?

Scientists and engineers use tools like precision scales, computer models, and repeated testing to determine an object’s mass distribution. These efforts help them design balanced airplanes, rockets, and even soccer balls. Their goal is to achieve dynamic balance, meaning the object can travel smoothly without unexpected movements.

How Does Gravity Affect How We Study Mass Distribution?

On Earth, gravity hides some of the details about how objects move. In microgravity, astronauts can observe motion more clearly. In 2019, Adidas partnered with NASA and sent soccer balls to the International Space Station.

Astronauts conducted tests to help engineers confirm their designs and understand the physics behind ball motion in ways they simply can’t on Earth. The results of the space station experiments have already helped improve the accuracy and consistency of modern soccer balls.

Try It Yourself

You don’t need to go to space to explore the physics of a ball in motion. Try this experiment at home or school:

• Grab different types of sports balls (soccer ball, basketball, tennis ball)
• Spin each one on the ground or between your hands
• Watch for wobbling, flipping, or smooth spinning

Can you tell which balls are well balanced? Or which ones might have uneven mass distribution?

Career Corner

Are you interested in a career that explores the science and engineering of mass distribution? Many different occupations can help you strike the perfect balance. Here are a few examples:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician/Drafter: These specialists convert sketches and engineering designs into technical drawings. They use powerful computer software to create detailed 3D and 2D drawings of objects. A two-year associate degree from a technical or community college is key to this career path.

Computational fluid dynamics engineer: These engineers use computer simulation tools to model and analyze fluid behavior in real-world situations. They might study airflow around sport ball designs or explore ways to improve aircraft wings. They need a strong background in engineering and the ability to analyze complex problems.

Physicist: These scientists study matter and energy. They develop models and theories to explain how things work, conduct experiments, and use math to better understand the universe. A career in physics demands a strong understanding of math and complex problem-solving and usually requires an advanced college degree.

More to Explore:

• The Science of Soccer in Space: Hands-on Activity From Orion’s Quest
• Aerodynamics of Soccer
• NASA Knows for Students Grades 5-8

The post NASA Knows: What Is Mass Distribution? appeared first on NASA Science.

The Netherlands blocked a U.S. company from buying a Dutch firm that handles its national ID system, saying it would create a “threat to the public interest.”

This article is for students grades 5-8.

Mass distribution affects everything from galaxy shapes to aircraft design to planetary rotation. It’s used to map stars in our universe, figure out what planets are made of, and even to determine how luggage is loaded onto an airplane.

Mass distribution can be a tricky thing to understand. So, let’s explore it using an everyday example: a soccer ball.

How Does Mass Distribution Affect Center of Mass?

Have you ever kicked a soccer ball and wondered why it curves, spins, or sometimes wobbles? Mass distribution plays a part.

On the outside, soccer balls look simple – a series of geometric shapes woven together in a pattern. But on the inside, they are carefully engineered. The key to a great soccer ball is something you can’t see: how the mass is distributed inside the ball.

When engineers build a soccer ball, they try to make sure its mass is evenly balanced in all areas. This is because the way a ball spins and flies depends on how its mass is arranged. If one part of the ball is slightly heavier, its center of mass shifts. If the ball’s center of mass isn’t precisely balanced, the ball won’t move smoothly.

______________________________________________________________________

Words to Know

mass: the measurement of the amount of matter in an object

mass distribution: how mass is spread within an object

center of mass: the unique point around which the mass of an object is perfectly balanced

______________________________________________________________________

How Is Mass Distribution Measured?

Scientists and engineers use tools like precision scales, computer models, and repeated testing to determine an object’s mass distribution. These efforts help them design balanced airplanes, rockets, and even soccer balls. Their goal is to achieve dynamic balance, meaning the object can travel smoothly without unexpected movements.

How Does Gravity Affect How We Study Mass Distribution?

On Earth, gravity hides some of the details about how objects move. In microgravity, astronauts can observe motion more clearly. In 2019, Adidas partnered with NASA and sent soccer balls to the International Space Station.

Astronauts conducted tests to help engineers confirm their designs and understand the physics behind ball motion in ways they simply can’t on Earth. The results of the space station experiments have already helped improve the accuracy and consistency of modern soccer balls.

Try It Yourself

You don’t need to go to space to explore the physics of a ball in motion. Try this experiment at home or school:

• Grab different types of sports balls (soccer ball, basketball, tennis ball)
• Spin each one on the ground or between your hands
• Watch for wobbling, flipping, or smooth spinning

Can you tell which balls are well balanced? Or which ones might have uneven mass distribution?

Career Corner

Are you interested in a career that explores the science and engineering of mass distribution? Many different occupations can help you strike the perfect balance. Here are a few examples:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Technician/Drafter: These specialists convert sketches and engineering designs into technical drawings. They use powerful computer software to create detailed 3D and 2D drawings of objects. A two-year associate degree from a technical or community college is key to this career path.

Computational fluid dynamics engineer: These engineers use computer simulation tools to model and analyze fluid behavior in real-world situations. They might study airflow around sport ball designs or explore ways to improve aircraft wings. They need a strong background in engineering and the ability to analyze complex problems.

Physicist: These scientists study matter and energy. They develop models and theories to explain how things work, conduct experiments, and use math to better understand the universe. A career in physics demands a strong understanding of math and complex problem-solving and usually requires an advanced college degree.

More to Explore:

• The Science of Soccer in Space: Hands-on Activity From Orion’s Quest
• Aerodynamics of Soccer
• NASA Knows for Students Grades 5-8

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Young people with the most connections to other suspected offenders of any age are almost five times more likely to carry knives than the average youth suspect, according to a new analysis of more than 200,000 U.K. police records. This top 5% of "super-connected" children aged 10–18 are almost three times more likely to commit violent crime, seven times more likely to commit robberies and nine times more likely to be involved in organized crime than the wider youth suspect population.

Across the stories today, a common thread emerges: the growing tension between our rapidly expanding digital world and the natural systems struggling to sustain it. From AI data centers planned for drought-stricken regions to coal plants getting emergency extensions, we’re witnessing the collision between technological acceleration and environmental limits.

The numbers tell a stark story. Two-thirds of new AI data centers are slated for areas already grappling with water scarcity, while these facilities demand massive amounts of both electricity and cooling water. Meanwhile, Florida’s coal plant—scheduled for retirement as part of a clean energy transition—gets an emergency lifeline to keep the lights on. It’s a reminder that progress and pressure often arrive together, forcing difficult choices between immediate needs and long-term sustainability.

The day’s coverage points to growing momentum around accountability, particularly in how we fund and regulate resource-intensive industries. Australian lawmakers are pushing for fair taxation of AI infrastructure, determined not to repeat what they see as mistakes with gas exports. North Carolina legislators face their own paradox, crafting bills that simultaneously curb data center expansion while boosting fossil fuel development. These policy tensions reflect a broader reckoning: how do we harness technological progress without overwhelming the ecosystems that support us?

Yet signs of genuine environmental recovery punctuate today’s more challenging headlines. Water voles have returned to an English nature reserve after four decades, while marine protected areas now cover 10% of the world’s oceans—a significant milestone toward the 30% goal by 2030. In Sumatra’s hills, coffee farmers like Sri Atmiatun are proving that conservation and community prosperity can grow together, restoring forests while securing livelihoods through innovative social forestry programs.

Behind the numbers are real communities adapting in real time. Alaska’s fishing industry faces uncertainty as critical ocean monitoring systems face budget cuts, while Arizona’s San Carlos Lake sits closed indefinitely after drought and dam releases killed all fish life. These aren’t abstract environmental statistics—they’re disruptions to ways of life, forcing entire communities to reimagine their relationships with changing landscapes.

The financial flows reveal where power and priorities truly lie. The world’s largest banks poured a record $906 billion into fossil fuels despite climate commitments, an 8% increase that environmental researchers call “unfathomable.” Meanwhile, China launched the world’s first wind-powered underwater data center, signaling that sustainable technology infrastructure is possible when political will aligns with innovation.

Perhaps most troubling is what we’re losing while focused on these larger battles. Wildfire smoke has erased four years of air quality progress across the United States, while sea levels are now rising at twice the rate recorded just a decade ago. Scientists are racing to record forest sounds before wild spaces fall silent—a poignant reminder that some losses can’t be reversed.

The day’s stories also illuminate the gap between good intentions and effective action. Louisiana legislators unanimously approved expanding their wood pellet industry despite the bill’s sponsor admitting he knows little about the sector. FIFA appears unprepared for wildfire smoke threats at upcoming World Cup venues. These moments reveal how quickly environmental challenges can outpace institutional readiness.

As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on whether emerging solutions—from underwater data centers to marine protection expansions—can scale fast enough to match the magnitude of the challenges. The central question remains: can we innovate our way toward sustainability, or will the pace of environmental change force more fundamental reckonings with how we live and build in a resource-constrained world?

The post Florida Coal Plant Keeps Running Past 2025 Closure, Decade of Wildfires Erases US Air Quality Gains — Today’s Environmental Briefing for Tue, Jun 9 2026 first appeared on EnviroLink Network.

Alaska’s fishing industry and coastal communities are bracing for an uncertain future as the federal government prepares to shut down a vital ocean monitoring network. The National Science Foundation announced plans in May to decommission the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a $368 million system of deep-sea instruments that has been tracking critical ocean conditions.

The timing couldn’t be worse for America’s top fish-producing state. Alaska is warming twice as fast as the global average, creating unprecedented challenges for marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The sophisticated sensor network provides real-time data on ocean temperature, currents, and chemical composition – information that fishing fleets, coastal planners, and emergency responders rely on to make life-and-death decisions.

Scientists are calling the decommission plan shortsighted, particularly as climate change accelerates in Arctic waters. The monitoring system helps track how warming temperatures affect fish migration patterns, ocean chemistry, and storm intensity – all critical factors for Alaska’s multi-billion-dollar fishing economy. Coastal communities, already vulnerable to increasingly severe storms and erosion, depend on the data to prepare for extreme weather events.

Without this ocean monitoring capability, Alaska faces a dangerous information gap just when climate impacts are intensifying. The loss threatens not only the state’s economic backbone but also the safety of fishing crews and coastal residents who rely on accurate ocean forecasting to navigate increasingly unpredictable Arctic waters.

The post Alaska’s Fishing Communities Face Uncertain Future as Critical Ocean Monitoring System Gets Cut first appeared on EnviroLink Network.

After two years of over-promising and under-delivering, Apple unveiled an overhauled Siri AI voice assistant with new capabilities, a dedicated app and a foundation built on Google’s Gemini AI.

In January 2026, Apple struck a landmark deal with Google, licencing a custom-built Gemini model purpose-built for Siri and Apple Intelligence and larger than Apple’s previous cloud-based AI models.

At the event, Apple revealed that for the first time the assistant has its own dedicated app with a chatbot-style interface, as the iPhone-maker looks to close the AI gap against Samsung and Google devices.

Siri AI can see what is on a user’s screen, search the web in real time, remember past conversations and surface information such as a friend’s address buried in an old message thread.

“We believe truly helpful AI must be centred around you and your needs,” Apple SVP of software Craig Federighi stated, while laying out a philosophy built around privacy, personal context and deep integration with apps users rely on daily.

Siri AI is now a more conversational assistant capable of understanding context, handling multi-step tasks and interacting more naturally across apps and services. It is also compatible with Visual Intelligence in addition to working across existing apps.

A Search or Ask interface opens when users swipe down from the top centre of the screen, allowing users to search the web using Apple’s AI-powered search and launch apps, send messages, create calendar events, search notes, and perform other tasks.

Apple also plans to introduce an AI agent integration with the App Store, allowing users to delegate tasks such as booking reservations, managing everyday tasks, editing documents, or controlling smart home devices.

On the camera side, a Visual Intelligence section within the Camera app introduces a dedicated Siri mode which sits alongside Photo, Video, Portrait, and Panorama, with the feature using Google Image Search to accurately identify objects the user captures.

Siri AI is embedded directly into Dynamic Island, accessible by swiping down from it, pressing the side button, or saying “Hey Siri”. When a user activates Siri with a wake word or the side button, a Siri animation appears in the Dynamic Island.

The feature will launch in English first, with other languages to follow, and it requires iOS 27. The iOS 27 developer beta dropped June 8, immediately after the keynote.

A public beta is expected in July for those who want to test it early, with the full stable release arriving in September alongside the iPhone 18 lineup

Federighi said Siri AI will not be available initially in the European Union on iOS and iPadOS.

“In China, Siri AI and the other new Apple Intelligence features will not be available while we work through regulatory requirements,” he added

Analyst take
Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, noted many of the Apple Intelligence capabilities will be familiar to people who have been using an Android smartphone for some time and in some instances are already available to Apple users who have installed third-party AI apps such as ChatGPT.

“Although it is late to the party, the company has a strong record of taking existing technology and implementing it in a more intuitive way, allowing users to easily discover capabilities in daily use,” he said. “I think the most obvious example of this is the integration of Siri into the Dynamic Island at the top of an iPhone.”

Child safety
New parental controls will, by default, allow children to access only the apps which parents have approved to flip the model from opt-in restriction to opt-out permission. A “ask to browse” feature requires children to seek permission before visiting every new website and not just flagged ones.

On the content side, Apple is expanding its existing nudity-detection tools by adding automatic blurring of gore in messaging apps, with parents alerted when such images are encountered, which builds on earlier features that already blurred nudity by default.

Wood noted Apple’s child-safety push is a welcome and timely move as concerns about smartphones and online harm grow among parents and regulators.

He explained the parental controls, tools and developer APIs are positive steps, but they do not go far enough on their own.

“I believe that stronger cross-industry safeguards need to be built into operating systems at a deeper platform level that deliver protection not only in native apps but for every interaction a child has with a device,“ he said. “Apple is well-positioned to be a driving force in this area.”

Cook’s swan song
Outgoing CEO Tim Cook (pictured) opened and closed the conference’s presentation, in what many expect will be his last appearance before his planned transition to executive chairman on 1 September, when SVP of hardware engineering John Ternus will take over as CEO.

“Tim Cook’s last WWDC keynote as Apple CEO may be the most important one and it was a clear reflection of his leadership: disciplined, ecosystem-first, privacy-led, and focused on making technology useful at scale,” stated Francisco Jeronimo, VP of client devices at IDC.

Cook closed the keynote by stating creating the best products in the world to deliver experiences that enrich people’s lives has always been Apple’s North Star.

“It’s been the honour of a lifetime to help advance that mission with teams whose creativity, care, and conviction continue to make a lasting difference in people’s lives,” he said.

The post Apple lands Siri AI at WWDC as Cook takes a bow appeared first on Mobile World Live.

Une simple prise de sang pour prédire la dépression post-partum avant même qu'elle n'apparaisse. C'est la promesse d'un test développé aux États-Unis, capable de détecter ce trouble dans plus de 80 % des cas. Une avancée qui pourrait transformer la prise en charge des jeunes mères. 

The number of conflicts between states continued to increase sharply in 2025 and has now reached the highest level since World War II. At the same time, the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) at Uppsala University registered a record total number of armed conflicts.

The June 2026 National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) report reveals a large increase in job-seeking among people with disabilities, signaling that more individuals are entering the labor force as economic pressure intensifies. This finding aligns with last month's nTIDE forecast that rising prices would push more people with disabilities to seek employment, while progress in employment access continues.

Protected bike lanes increase Citi Bike ridership in New York City, but painted bike lanes and sharrows do not show a statistically significant causal effect on ridership after accounting for confounding factors, according to a new study from researchers at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering published this week in npj Sustainable Mobility and Transport.

Over the last decade, podcasts have become big business, with more than a fifth of UK adults listening to podcasts each week. The format particularly resonates with men, who are more likely than women to identify as podcast fans. Men are also overrepresented as podcast hosts.

From the air, you see it only through the constant jolt, tilt, and shudder of the low-flying Cessna aircraft. The landscape of the Llanos de Moxos, northern Bolivia, appears as a disconnected patchwork of open grassland savannahs, forest islands, and lakes.

Sports in the United States look very different than they did when the nation was founded 250 years ago, according to Mark Dyreson, professor of kinesiology and history at Penn State. But one thing has remained constant—sport has played a vital role in shaping and reflecting the country's culture and values, he said.

Few would have predicted Morocco's success at the 2022 Fifa World Cup. Heading into the tournament, they were ranked 22nd in the world and had never progressed beyond the round of 16.