Contributed, Author at Future Media News

ChatGPT’s use of a soundalike Scarlett Johansson reflects a troubling history of gender-stereotyping in technology

Scarlett Johansson, shown here in a 2012 photo receiving her star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, did not grant OpenAI permission to use her voice. (Shutterstock) By Alex Borkowski, York University, Canada Actress Scarlett Johansson released a statement this week expressing anger and concern that OpenAI used a voice “eerily similar” to her own as a default voice for ChatGPT. The voice in question, called Sky, has […]

24 May, 2024

World

UK election called for 4 July – what happens next?

Situation vacant? Nikonpete/Shutterstock By Christopher Kirkland, York St John University On a rainy afternoon in London, an increasingly damp Rishi Sunak confirmed what many had been speculating for most of the day in a speech outside 10 Downing Street – that the UK is heading for an election earlier than anticipated. Here’s what to expect in the weeks ahead. When is the UK having an election? Election […]

24 May, 2024

Environment

South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil – study finds food gardens are at risk

By Lesego Khomo, University of South Africa For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg’s estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), toxic arsenic, copper, cobalt, nickel, lead and zinc. Acid mine drainage can pollute land and water sources up to 20 kilometres away from […]

24 May, 2024

Lifestyle

How do I plan for my retirement? Step one – start right away

By Bomikazi Zeka, University of Canberra Planning for retirement is important because it will help you build the nest egg you’ll need to financially sustain your retirement years. Past studies have shown that those who plan for their retirement are more likely to be better off at retirement compared to those don’t. The sooner the planning process gets underway, the better. This gives your money […]

24 May, 2024

Lifestyle

Pets give companionship, cuddles and joy – and also unavoidable stresses

Pets can bring joy and companionship, as well as financial worries, loss and logistical challenges. Dann Tardif/Stone via Getty Images By Emily Hemendinger, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Owning a pet can be a roller coaster. There are the highs, like when your dog greets you with a full-body wiggle when you return home, or when your cat purrs loudly as you cuddle next to one […]

23 May, 2024

Environment

Heat waves can be deadly for older adults: An aging global population and rising temperatures mean millions are at risk

Older adults face health risks from high heat for many reasons, including medications. AP Photo/Manu Fernandez By Deborah Carr, Boston University; Enrica De Cian, Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Giacomo Falchetta, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, and Ian Sue Wing, Boston University A deadly heat wave gripped large regions of Asia for weeks in April and May 2024. As temperatures climbed past 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celsius) […]

23 May, 2024

Africa

Major global media still fails Africa, but bright spots emerge

By Seth Onyango, via bird story agency Despite some progress, a clichéd and often stereotypical coverage of Africa persists among major global media outlets. However, there are notable exceptions like The Guardian, AFP, Al Jazeera, and Reuters, which are breaking the mould with balanced reporting of the continent. Findings from the University of Cape Town's Global Media Index for Africa (GMI) suggest that major news […]

23 May, 2024

Africa

How elite riders are conquering Africa’s harshest terrains as mountain biking booms

By Bonface Orucho, bird story agency Mountain biking is surging in popularity across Africa, with global race organizers capitalizing on the continent's diverse terrains—from mountains to deserts—for bike racing events. Morocco has recently hosted what is arguably “one of the most gruelling ultra-mountain bike races,” the 2024 Škoda Titan Desert Morocco. The annual, 6-stage, 600km race across the desert was held between April 28 and May 3 […]

23 May, 2024

Environment

Are some routes more prone to air turbulence? Will climate change make it worse? Your questions answered

Trinity Moss/Unsplash By Doug Drury, CQUniversity Australia A little bit of turbulence is a common experience for air travellers. Severe incidents are rare – but when they occur they can be deadly. The recent Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore shows the danger. An encounter with extreme turbulence during normal flight left one person dead from a presumed heart attack and several others badly injured. […]

23 May, 2024