Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Spotify Overhauls Your Beloved Playlist with Significant Enhancements

It’s Monday morning, signifying that some Spotify enthusiasts are eager to launch their preferred music streaming application. They must be thrilled to find out what one of their most cherished playlists has prepared for them. That would be Discover Weekly, which refreshes every Monday to present fresh tunes customized to align with your music streaming habits.

However, unlike other Monday mornings, June 30th offers Spotify users an exciting Discover Weekly surprise. Spotify has revamped the cherished playlist.

It’s not merely a new look that Spotify Premium subscribers will explore once they access the updated playlist to see what suggestions emerge. Spotify has also introduced new listening controls to the feature that allows users to adjust the genre while enjoying Discover Weekly.

Spotify implemented the enhancements to Discover Weekly to celebrate 10 years of the feature. The organization noted that Discover Weekly has facilitated over 100 billion track streams during this time.

The feature enables Spotify users to discover more than 56 million new artists. Spotify claims that 77% of Discover Weekly streams are dedicated to up-and-coming artists. The feature transforms first-time listeners into devoted fans of an artist, according to the company.

Evidently, discovery evolves into fandom more than 2 million times each week. This means the same individual listens to the same artist introduced in Discover Weekly on two separate occasions within the same week.

On that note, a reminder: the Discover Weekly playlist rotates weekly. Long-term Spotify users have likely mastered the art of saving their favorite tracks from Discover Weekly to avoid losing them. That’s what you should do with every new song you uncover using the feature before the week concludes. Next Monday, a fresh playlist will take the place of the current one.

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The Top 3 Apple TV+ Shows Launching in July

Apple TV+ is entering July with a blend of sci-fi wonder, the splendor of nature, and sun-drenched comedy. Whether you’re drawn to vast cosmic adventures or simply seeking a delightful binge set in a stunning Mexican resort, the streamer’s offerings are sure to impress.

Foundation, The Wild Ones, and Acapulco are the three standout Apple TV+ series premiering in July, each making a compelling argument for why the iPhone creator’s platform should be on your summer viewing list. Below, an overview of each new show.

Foundation: Season 3 (launches July 11)

The grand tale based on Isaac Asimov’s seminal novels makes its return, with escalated stakes and profound philosophical dilemmas. Foundation has consistently been one of Apple TV+’s most daring series, functioning as both a prestigious drama and a visual spectacle. Season 3 resumes 152 years after the conclusion of the previous season, with the Foundation having evolved significantly beyond its founding principles, while the once-dominant Cleonic Empire hangs by a thread. At the same time, a warlord known as The Mule threatens to dominate the galaxy through sheer force and psychic influence.

Apple’s acclaimed series, produced by Skydance Television and directed by Batman Begins writer David S. Goyer, continues to expand its universe with new characters portrayed by Cherry Jones, Pilou Asbæk, Troy Kotsur, and others. Anticipate more breathtaking planetary vistas in the forthcoming season, along with temporal shifts and clashes between science and belief.

This nature documentary series will transport audiences around the globe as it captures rare and endangered wildlife in stunning footage.

From the rainforests of Malaysia to the Mongolian deserts, the team responsible for The Wild Ones employs over 350 custom-designed cameras to record close encounters with animals such as the Javan rhino, Malayan tiger, Gobi bear, Caucasian leopard, and North Atlantic right whale. In one moment, a bear traverses moonlit dunes; in another, a whale rescue occurs live.

“The series highlights the dangers facing these endangered species and illustrates how each is intricately linked to the broader ecosystem in which it exists, while raising awareness and backing scientific initiatives and long-term conservation efforts aimed at their survival,” Apple shares about the series.

Acapulco: Season 4 (premieres July 23)

At last, one of the most delightful and overlooked Apple TV+ treasures returns for its fourth and final season. The bilingual Acapulco intertwines heart and humor as it follows the coming-of-age adventures of Maximo Gallardo, a young pool boy-turned-hotel tycoon.

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Possible Regression Noted in Specific Plant Species

We understand that the planet and its diverse residents, including both flora and fauna, are continuously undergoing evolution. In fact, some argue that [humans are presently evolving](https://bgr.com/science/theres-a-place-where-humans-are-evolving-right-before-our-eyes/) in various regions across the globe. However, a certain group of plants located in the Galápagos archipelago may be experiencing the reverse process and de-evolving. Researchers contend that, regardless of how controversial it may seem, tomatoes in the Galápagos are actually appearing to regress rather than progress.

## A contentious concept brought to fruition

De-evolution, or reverse evolution, stirs up debate among evolutionists, and rightly so. Evolution is not traditionally expected to possess a rewind function. Some organisms may reacquire ancient traits they previously lost, typically via novel genetic avenues. Yet, these tomato plants seem to be demonstrating an unforeseen phenomenon.

“It’s not something we usually anticipate,” shared Adam Jozwiak, a molecular biochemist at UC Riverside and the primary author of the study, in [a statement](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/06/23/tomatoes-galapagos-are-de-evolving). “But here it is, occurring in real time, on a volcanic island.”

The main reason the researchers assert these plants are de-evolving is due to their apparent reversion to a more primitive genetic configuration, complete with an archaic type of chemical defense. One of the significant changes observed is in alkaloids, a form of bitter molecule typically functioning as an inherent pesticide. These substances aid in deterring predators such as insects, fungi, and even grazing creatures.

## Chemicals hold the answer

Contemporary tomatoes and other plants all utilize alkaloids. However, it is not the existence of alkaloids that piqued the interest of scientists regarding these plants. Rather, it is the observation that the tomatoes seem to be producing incorrect alkaloids. Instead of generating the alkaloids the researchers anticipated in a tomato, the de-evolving plants are producing alkaloids with the same molecular signature as eggplant relatives from eons past.

What’s even more remarkable is that this isn’t the entirety of the tomatoes found in the Galápagos. Instead, the specimens located on the eastern islands appear to retain the same molecular structure as modern tomatoes discovered elsewhere. Conversely, those on the western islands yield alkaloids that are more characteristic of an ancient plant, implying they have de-evolved in some manner.

This revelation prompted the researchers to delve deeper, as they sought signs regarding how this de-evolution occurred. They found that merely four amino acids altering in a single enzyme were sufficient to result in the changes seen in these plants. They further validated this finding by synthesizing the identical genes that code for the new enzymes in the laboratory and inserting them into tobacco plants, which then swiftly began producing the ancient alkaloids. Their results are documented in *

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Five Essential visionOS 26 Features Amplifying the Worth of Apple Vision Pro

visionOS 26 is the forthcoming software upgrade for Apple Vision Pro. This marks the second significant software enhancement for Apple’s spatial computing device since its debut early last year. This update seems to truly unleash some of the potential of the prohibitively costly headset.

Here are five visionOS 26 capabilities that will enhance Apple Vision Pro and might even justify the retail cost for those who can afford one.

5 new features in Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 26

Personas are functional now: After a year and a half, Apple is prepared to present Apple Vision Pro Personas as a fully realized feature. In visionOS 26, this feature has shed its “beta” label. Apple mentions that the “entirely new Personas now exhibit impressive expressiveness and clarity, providing a complete side profile view, along with remarkably precise hair, eyelashes, and complexion.”

Spatial Widgets: Apple is ensuring the Vision Pro harnesses the potential of Spatial Widgets. This feature in visionOS 26 allows the placement of widgets in the real world. Users can customize them with various frame thickness, colors, and depths. The most intriguing aspect of Spatial Widgets is that they remain fixed in their position between sessions.

Integration of third-party accessories: visionOS 26 finally enables Vision Pro owners to utilize third-party accessories. For gaming, users will be able to connect the PlayStation’s VR2 Sense controller. However, the lingering question is: Why isn’t the Apple Pencil Pro compatible with Vision Pro?

Shared spatial experiences: If two individuals with Vision Pro devices are in the same location, they can engage in shared spatial experiences, such as viewing a movie in 3D, playing a spatial game, or collaborating on work. This represents Apple’s approach to creating a more interconnected social experience on a device that previously felt somewhat solitary.

Spatial scenes: Lastly, one of the standout features of visionOS 26 is Spatial Scenes. Utilizing a generative AI algorithm, each photo can acquire a lifelike depth perception and be viewed from various angles. Users of Vision Pro will discover spatial scenes within the Photos app, the Spatial Gallery app, and Safari. Zillow is also adopting this technology.

visionOS 26 enhances Apple Vision Pro’s capabilities

We are still anticipating a second-generation Vision Pro or a more affordable variant, but Apple’s visionOS software is finally maturing. That said, if the company manages to make this device more budget-friendly or lighter, the software should finally serve as a compelling selling point.

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Moths Employ Celestial Navigation Comparable to Human Methods

We’ve long recognized that certain animals rely on the Sun for navigation across the globe. Nevertheless, recent studies might have revealed the first insect identified to use the stars and night sky for navigation. The stars have served as a navigational aid for humans for ages. Consider, for example, the North Star. Yet, prior to the discovery of the bogong moth, we had not found insects using the stars in the same manner.

Research published this year indicates that these moths indeed depend on the stars in the same way humans do. Annually, these moths make a journey exceeding 600 miles, guided by the stars. This trek is crucial for the moths as they depend on the cool climate of the Australian Alps to shield them from the oppressive summer heat.

A notable aspect of bogong moths is that they have never previously traveled to the mountains before embarking on their annual migration. This is not a route they follow each year throughout their lives, as many of these insects only survive for a few days or weeks. Therefore, there must be an innate way for them to reach their destination. The only conclusion researchers arrived at was stellar navigation.

As I mentioned earlier, this method of navigation has been a staple in human exploration for centuries. It has been one of the main techniques used by sailors to find their way on the open seas, where the absence of land to reference the horizon made it critical to ascertain direction by looking upwards.

In the Australian outback, where bogong moths are found, the Milky Way serves as a significant landmark. Thus, it stands to reason that these insects might depend on such a prominent feature in the heavens for navigation. However, a hypothesis can only extend so far. To validate it, researchers needed to capture some of these insects and conduct experiments.

To determine if they genuinely depend on the stars rather than the Earth’s magnetic field, the researchers took every measure to eliminate the influence of the Earth’s magnetic field. This allowed them to confirm that bogong moths indeed utilize the stars in the night sky to navigate. The researchers are optimistic that gaining insights into how these insects find their way could contribute to future conservation efforts.

Currently, understanding that certain animals and insects depend on the stars can encourage us to explore the animal kingdom for others that might do the same. It can also enhance our comprehension of how worsening light pollution may impact these species.

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12 ChatGPT Prompts to Uncover What the AI Understands About You

Earlier this summer, OpenAI began providing ChatGPT Free users with the ability to access memory from earlier interactions. With this enhancement, ChatGPT was capable of referencing and absorbing insights from prior discussions with users.

Although the memory features offered in the paid subscriptions are more sophisticated, ChatGPT’s ability to track all your previous conversations can be particularly beneficial for continuing work on a former project or gaining deeper self-understanding.

As individuals are increasingly utilizing ChatGPT for daily tasks, such as searching for information online, responding to inquiries, and even seeking advice on personal issues, the AI possesses significantly more knowledge about us than we may be aware of. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to engage with ChatGPT to discover what it knows about you.

Some of the prompts provided by OpenAI for ChatGPT include suggestions like:

– Based on our conversations, what do you see as my most significant gaps or areas needing improvement?
– What’s the most embarrassing thing you know about me?
– Can you share some unexpected things you remember about me?

Yet, you can delve much deeper than these prompts. This is particularly true if you are a paid subscriber or engage in frequent conversations with ChatGPT.

Gain insights about yourself with these ChatGPT prompts

If you’re seeking self-awareness and personal growth, consider these ChatGPT prompts:

– What do you believe I tend to overthink or stress about?
– In what ways should I concentrate on self-improvement this year, and why?
– What aspects of myself do you think I underestimate?

If you’re looking for ideas for party games or simply want to lighten the mood, try these playful and personal ChatGPT prompts:

– If someone were to read all my conversations with you, what would their impression of me be?
– If I were completely candid, what should my dating app bio be?
– What type of person do I likely irritate the most based on what you’ve learned about me?

ChatGPT might also possess some surprising or specific insights about you. Try these prompts:

– What is something I excel at but don’t always acknowledge?
– What is something I might overlook that actually reveals a lot about me?
– How would writers of a television show depict my character in the script notes?

Certainly, you can ask ChatGPT to roast you, create a comprehensive profile of you based on its knowledge, and much more. You can even collaborate with the AI to brainstorm additional intriguing questions you might want to pose regarding yourself.

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Researchers Uncover Three New Earth Minerals That Were Not Previously Catalogued

We are continually enhancing our understanding of our planet. From uncovering the origins of life on Earth to exploring what exists beneath the Earth’s crust, there is still a vast amount we have yet to comprehend about our little floating rock. Nonetheless, researchers have uncovered another component of this intricate puzzle recently by cataloging three new minerals that have never before been identified by scientists.

The minerals being referenced are labeled as raydemarkite, virgilluethite, and stunorthropite. They represent just a portion of the 5,998 minerals presently recognized on our planet. Although it may not appear to be a significant achievement, it truly is. While we regularly identify new species of animals within the animal kingdom, new mineral families are considerably more challenging to discover.

Thus, the identification and cataloging of three new minerals at Cookes Peak in New Mexico is a monumental event for geologists. Each mineral exhibits a unique appearance, with raydemarkite characterized by a colorless needle-like form that typically measures around a millimeter in length. It also has the flexibility to bend without fracturing.

Conversely, virgilluethite appears more yellow and green, forming small plates that exceed the size of surrounding crystals. Lastly, stunorthropite presents a milky, blade-like form, which can occasionally replace the yellow mineral sidwillite. The names of these minerals honor New Mexicans who have dedicated their lives to the study of the region’s geology.

Even though it may not seem particularly significant to the average person, the discovery of new minerals represents a tremendous advancement for geologists. Each year, the International Mineralogical Association’s Commission on New Minerals, Nomenclature and Classification processes approximately 100 proposals. However, even if accepted, a new mineral might only be found in a single location.

The discovery of new minerals, even those that exist solely in one area, aids geologists in understanding the processes behind the formation of these crystalline substances. Furthermore, those minerals discovered in multiple locations pave the way for further research into their potential applications in sensors, batteries, and beyond. It’s also important to mention that some minerals found in nature, such as raydemarkite and virgilluethite, were synthesized in laboratories over a century ago.

However, this marks the first time they have been catalogued in their natural habitat, having formed organically. This not only enriches the data available for study but also reveals that these minerals behave differently in their natural environments compared to laboratory conditions, raising even more questions for researchers to explore. The findings are documented in two papers published in The Canadian Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology.

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