Dr. Utkarsh Gupta demonstrates the enfacement illusion, with an image filter applied to the photo on the right. Credit: Anglia Ruskin University
This week, researchers discovered so-called “switches” in the Earth’s magnetic field, similar to observations of switchbacks in the Sun’s magnetic field. Scientists have provided more evidence that ancient Rapa Nui engineers “traveled” Easter Island’s iconic statues along carefully designed routes. And satellite images revealed a record ocean wave 20 meters high. We also reported on a unique method for obtaining childhood memories, the smallest piece of dark matter ever observed, and the pernicious effects of empty praise from chatbots:
Toddler reminder
A study by neuroscientists at Anglia Ruskin University reveals that adults have greater access to memories from their childhood while embodying a digital, child-like version of their own face. The “enfacement illusion” involves the use of a live video feed and a commercial facial filter that digitally alters the user’s appearance to appear childlike. The digitally altered image reflects the users’ movements, creating the impression that the face belongs to the participant. Additionally, a control group saw their own face unchanged under the same conditions.
After the illusion, study volunteers completed an autobiographical memory interview in which they recalled events from the past year and their childhood. Participants who saw the digitally altered version of their faces were able to provide more detailed episodic autobiographical memories than the control group.
The study is the first to demonstrate that access to distant memories can be influenced by bodily self-perception, and the researchers want to explore whether the illusion can affect the recall of memories in the so-called “infantile amnesia” stage from birth to the age of three.
Clod observed
Is dark matter smooth? Or is it in pieces, like a big old pot of jambalaya? Current understanding of dark matter is based primarily on inferences: its effects on the formation of stars and galaxies and on the movements of celestial objects. Another showcase of the effects of dark matter is gravitational lensing, in which light from a distant object, such as a galaxy, is bent and distorted by the gravity of a closer object.
An international team recently conducted a study using a global network of telescopes to identify gravitational lenses and discovered the lowest mass dark object ever observed using gravitational lenses. It is 1 million times larger than the sun and is 10 billion light years away.
John McKean, lead author of a companion paper, said: “From the first high-resolution image, we immediately observed a narrowing of the gravitational arc, which is the telltale sign that we were on to something. Only another small cluster of mass between us and the distant radio galaxy could cause this. » They believe their discovery is consistent with the cold dark matter theory that underpins current thinking about galaxy formation.
Digital adulation
As someone who enjoys receiving praise from colleagues, acquaintances, and distant strangers, you’d think I’d enjoy using AI business chatbots, digital courtiers known for the unhealthy amounts of empty compliments they generate from the massive body of information they’re trained on. I don’t know why it doesn’t work on me.
A new study on AI flattery suggests that sycophantic AI models can influence user behavior. The researchers analyzed AI responses on different types of queries, including requests for advice and real-world conflict scenarios, comparing human responses to establish a baseline for normal, non-flattering agreement. Next, they conducted two studies with 1,600 participants randomly assigned to sycophantic and non-sycophantic AI models. Participants trusted the AI more when it agreed with them.
The researchers say AI validation of a user’s self-image and behavior is potentially dangerous and recommend that developers change the rules governing AI to penalize flattery, reward objectivity and ensure better transparency in AI responses.
Written for you by our author Chris Packham, edited by Gaby Clark, and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan, this article is the result of painstaking human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting interests you, consider making a donation (especially monthly). You will get a without advertising account as a thank you.
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