alternative

In 2023 someone hacked the GPS signal of 20 planes. The European alternative Galileo already offers an option to avoid it

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A pilot Fly on the Baltic Sea When, suddenly, all his navigation systems told him that he was tens of kilometers of his real position, drawing ghost circles on Russian territory. Weeks before, in the Middle East, More than 20 crews They had reported a “total navigation failure”, forcing aerial drivers to guide them blind. They were not technical problems. They were deliberate attacks on GPS systems, known as spoofing or signal supplantation. In this type of attack, a powerful transmitter on land emits false signals that mimic the satellites, cheating the plane to calculate an erroneous position and route. Already in 2012, a team from the University of Texas showed that it was possible Take control of a civil drone through Spoofing. In 2017 there were the first cases with ships passing through the black sea. Today the Baltic and the Persian Gulf are black points where maritime operators and airlines routinely report similar incidents. Europe’s response is already here. Until now, the aviation sector has avoided a catastrophe thanks to redundant systems and the expertise of the pilots. But The threat is real, it is growing And you need a robust technological solution. Therefore, the Galileo constellation, the European GPS, has just officially activated its Osnma service: An additional security layer that hinders this type of deception without degrading the performance or precision of positioning. How Osnma works. The Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) is a kind of digital authenticity seal available for free For Galileo users. In essence, it is a cryptographic protocol that introduces authentication data into the signaling system itself. Specifically, in the I/NAV message of the E1-B signal; An already reserved space, hence it does not affect service performance. The process to have a compatible receiver is to obtain the cryptographic public key from the GNSS European Services Center. Upon receiving the signal, the receiver uses that key to verify the “digital signature” of the message. If the firm is false or does not exist, the receiver knows that he is being a victim of a hoax and can alert the pilot or the autonomous system. Prevents the Spoofingnot the Jamming. Osnma makes supplanting a Galileo signal exponentially more difficult. However, it does not prevent the Jammingthat is, someone interfere with the signal through a brute force attack That the receptors saturate. It is good news equally: it is no longer enough to issue a false signal; The cryptographic firm in real time, an immense computational feat should also be falsified. OSNMA will not only serve to Increase security in air and sea traffic management. It will also be key to the future of autonomous cars, smart tacographers and road use systems. Even for sectors such as telecommunications, energy and finance, which depend on an ultra -precise time signal to synchronize their operations. Image | ESA, Euspa In Xataka | The GPS has become the Achilles heel of modern aviation. And engineering already has its sustained ready

The Ave to Andalusia seemed a perfect alternative to the car this summer. Has encountered a problem called Toledo

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We are on July 14, summer trips to the south of Spain multiply. High speed had to offer a quick exit to the sea from Madrid, connected to Malaga by trains of up to three different companies. But, in what we have been from the month, the problems have multiplied until thinking that the usual is already suffering some type of delay. Catastrophic misfortunes. In case their own problems were their own, this weekend Spanish high speed has suffered more and more delays. Even for reasons that have nothing to do with the trains themselves. Catalonia and suspensions or delays caused by heavy rains They are a good sample of this. But the worst part, again, takes Andalusia. The Autonomous Community has had a first look in July to forget. After 15 days in which the delays have been a constant, yesterday, Sunday, July 13, A fire next to the tracks Among the Cordoba municipalities of La Marota and Santaella cut the circulation again. In total, only Renfe already registered 10 modifications at his schedules. In the afternoon, at 5:49 p.m. they pointed out that The circulation would gradually restore. Own problems. The fire next to the tracks has only been the drop that has filled the glass of a weekend that had already registered problems on Saturday. An incidence in the Adif facilities again caused delays in trains that were directed on the way Andalusia or Madrid. Again, a good handful of trains recorded delays of more than an hour on the ferrous roads of the Andalusian region. The incidence in the facilities was found in the vicinity of La Sagra (Toledo), where at the beginning of July the biggest Ferroviaro problem was recorded in these first two weeks of the month. 13 hours arrested. Julio began his journey in summer in a very worrying way in southern Spain. Thousands of passengers (it is estimated that more than 16,000 people) were affected by a problem in the lines that extended for more than a day. The problem caused a collapse in the high -speed line that resulted in the suspension of services and The stop (without assistance) of more than 13 hours of a train that ended up meeting the night. Over there, An old woman had to be treated For respiratory failure. Many reproaches … Since that stop happened in high Andalusian speed, the government, Adif and Ouigo have been sent Cross messages for the problems caused. The origin of the fault He was in a disconnection of an ouigo train with the signal recognition system, mandatory to continue operating. His stop forced to stop the trains that circulated below. The cluster of vehicles caused an over -line over the line that resulted in a fault of a Renfe train. The latter did not unwill for a problem in their own systems that force disconnection to avoid breakdowns in case of over -overdraft. Ouigo has not rejected his involvement in the incident but he did defend himself from The words of María Jesús MonteroMinister of Finance and Vice President of the Government, to whom open microphones captured her criticizing the company. The French blamed Adif that Insphorastructure had to endure unforeseen Like these. … And few solutions. After the chaos of the first days of summer, Adif announced that he would carry out an emergency action on the line and that he got to work to identify the weak points of the Andalusian connection. A movement that Ouigo pointed out how insufficient. Those actions They were going to be carried out in La Sagra. Yes, exactly at the same point where the over -the end of the month of July was produced that ended with all the circulation stopped for more than 13 hours. There, ADIF plans to perform an emergency action by changing the location of various elements of the catenary. Two weeks later, trains stand up again in the same place. Photo | Nelso Silva In Xataka | Ouigo has partially retired from Madrid-Barcelona. Then, prices have struck in Andalusia

Spain wanted to turn the train into the great alternative to travel in summer. Renfe never had so many dissatisfied customers

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13 hours stopped in the middle of the field. That has been the last great controversy in the Spanish railway sector where, among accusations crosses, hundreds of passengers saw how high speed was paralyzed in southern Spain. High speed that should be the great alternative to the car. But there is a fact: there were never so many unsatisfied customers. The last. On June 30, late in the afternoon, High speed collapsed In southern Spain. Just when summer displacements begin, The tension drop in a catenary He left hundreds of travelers thrown along the way. In the worst case, the trip became a nightmare that lasted 13 hours and ended with a hospitalized old woman. Of course, it seems complicated that users of that same train do not climb to the car of the dissatisfied with the delays that, every time, They are more common in Renfe trains. Folding the data. Practically, one in 10 Renfe high speed travelers are dissatisfied with the punctuality of the service. Specifically, 8.5%, according to the study of Household Panel that CNMC performs and in which satisfaction is collected with the services provided in Spain. The data does not take into account the latest incidents of A very moved 2025 since they are the first semester of 2024. The CNMC only collects satisfaction with the railway services the first semesters of each year but the data are very worrying. In 2020, only 4.8% of customers were dissatisfied with punctuality. Neither bird nor avlo. There are more reasons to worry. In 2020, only 0.6% of customers were “nothing satisfied” with the punctuality of the service. Today that data is 4.2%. And of 11.8% who were not “satisfied or dissatisfied” has passed to 19.1%. That is, the balance has leaned towards discontent. Especially if we take into account that 36% of AVE customers in 2020 were “very satisfied” with punctuality. Today that data is 22.5%. But, in addition, discontent is triggered among Avlo customers. In that case (there are only data from 2024) dissatisfaction is 13.1% although 23% of train users consider that they are “very satisfied” with the arrival in trains. That is, the bird data is very slightly improved. And the new operators? It is what should worry the most. The CNMC encompasses Ouigo and Iryo in the same table but points out that dissatisfaction with these companies is 8%. A very similar fact if it were not because the “very dissatisfied” client is found in 2.2%, almost half than the bird. In addition, 13.2% of customers say they are dissatisfied with the prices of Ouigo and Iroy but the figure is triggered at 23.3% in the case of avlo and up to 31.3% in the case of AVE. Only one section. There is only one section where the AVE expires new competitors and is in the state of trains. The dissatisfaction in this case is 8.3%, for 9.8% of Ouigo and Iroy trains. Of course, Avlo shoots up to 12.2% of dissatisfied customers. In the rest of the questions, which refer to the overall state of the stations, the price, the frequency, the time of path and the punctuality, ouigo and Iryo they always exceed what is offered by Renfe, both by AVE and by Avlo, which records but is general results. Alternative? Perhaps the biggest problem for the government is that it wanted to make the train a real alternative to vehicles by road. In 2021 The possibility of prohibiting domestic flights between cities that had a high speed alternative that had less than two and a half hours of journey was already touched. The last offensive To stop domestic flights is trying to prohibit their advertising. But in the practical field, in Spain free train fertilizers have been subsidized (including high speed partially) Since 2022. Following him German example that filled the trains As a measure to alleviate the effects of the Ukraine War, the Spanish Executive has maintained public transport aid that have sustained until this year. Can work … If you meet what is expected. In fact, high speed between Galicia and Madrid has shown that the train can be a Very interesting alternative to domestic flights But it is essential that it works quickly, punctuality and security. However, in ABC They point out that the continuous problems in trains have returned to some passengers to airplanes in Sevilla-Madrid. An example of what the continuous delays in rail services that, on average, In 2023 they almost reached 30 minutes. Photo | OUIGO AND NELSO SILVA In Xataka | The bird to Galicia has achieved what seemed impossible in a Santiago-Madrid: airlines that throw the towel

While Europe desperately seeks alternative to Russian gas, a Spanish province has already found it: Burgos

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A few days after summer begins, Europe has an eye on winter. Not because he wants to omit a hot summer, but for a real concern: gas reserves are almost empty. The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced That community leaders will discuss new measures, including the possible definitive closure of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. So, while in the high spheres geopolitical strategies are designed, a solution is consolidated in a small town of Burgos: biomass. And they found the key. In Doña Santos, a Burgos town of just over a hundred inhabitants, is the headquarters of children of Tomás Martín, a family business that has been linked to the use of wood. However, it was not until 2011, which under the Burpellet brand, They started producing pellet to take advantage of the waste of the sawmill. Ten years later, they expanded their activity with a second floor in Huerta del Rey, which today has a capacity of 150,000 tons per year – the equivalent of five million bags – consolidating itself as the largest national producer and one of the main European referents in biomass. Heat in unstable times. While electricity prices and fossil fuels are in a roller coaster, the pellet has found its balance. According to Avebiom (Spanish Biomass Energy Valuation Association), the Pellet It is maintained As one of the most competitive energy options, with an average cost of 7 cents per kWh, below natural gas, heating diesel and well below electricity. In other words, a 15KG bag would come to € 5.04, a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous quarter. The global energy storm. Only this year, Europe must spend 10,000 million euros more than in 2024 to replenish its gas reserves, pressured by a colder winter and strong global competition, According to the Financial Times. And although prices remain above 2024, they have remained surprisingly stable in recent weeks. According to Bloomberg, China who was one Of the great global buyers of LNGhas reduced its imports for the fourth consecutive month, weighed by a weaker economy, tariff tensions with the United States and a rebound from internal sources. However, nothing is guaranteed because in the months of July and August extreme temperatures are expected on the horizon, which could change the board. In addition, countries like Egypt could enter the market strong They have explained In Bloomberg. Geopolitical pressure, an unstable global market and the delay in the transition to technologies such as hydrogen convert energy supply into a topic of higher priority for Brussels. A good path. Despite the thrust of the LNG and the promises of green hydrogen, immediate solutions do not always come from new technologies. Sometimes they are already working, far from the spotlights. In places like Mrs. Santos. While Brussels projects the energy future of the continent, in the forests of Burgos there is already an answer working: stoves, boilers and heated buildings with compacted wood chips. It does not sound as modern as hydrogen, but it is clean, efficient and local. Image | Rawpixel Xataka | After two years of vertiginous increases, the price of pellets has done something unpublished: start going down

Psyllium went viral as a “natural alternative to Ozempic.” Reality is not so simple

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Like any revolution, Ozempic came with promises and A hidden price. Then the side effects, the cost and the need for a medical prescription arrived. While its shadow is lengthened, an alternative option is born that does not need punctures through an millenary seed. The shell of a seed. What began as a traditional remedy in southern Asia today is a trend in Tiktok. More than 13,000 videos under the hashtag #psylliumhusk show how this fiber is incorporated recipes, Challenges and Tips for losing weightcalm appetite or improve digestion. But behind the viral phenomenon there is something much simpler: the Psyllium is the peel that surrounds the seeds of the ovata plantgo, a discreet but effective plant. Also known as Psilio, I know has used For years as soft laxative thanks to its ability to form mass and facilitate intestinal transit. The product can be consumed in dust, capsules or in its raw form, reminiscent of wood chips. Upon contact with water, this soluble fiber forms a thick gel. And it is precisely this viscosity that explains a good part of its benefits. Science behind. The secret of the Psyllium is how it reacts to water, since it absorbs and forms a thick gel. This process helps reduce appetite, improve intestinal transit and control cholesterol and blood sugar. In fact, an investigation He has confirmed ityou just have to consume between 10 and 15 grams daily to even reduce LDL cholesterol, the considered bad. Not everything is so simple. Although the enthusiasm in networks is understandable, experts ask for caution. First, for a security issue, since the Psyllium needs at least one liter of water for every 20 grams of fiber has pointed to The Guardian Lena Beal, spokesman for the Nutrition and Dietary Academy. The reason is none other than if it is not consumed without sufficient liquid, it can become a danger of suffocation or cause intestinal obstructions. It is not for everyone. It is not for everyone. Because it is natural, it does not mean that it is harmless. From Cleveland Clinic They do not recommend it in people with difficulties in swallowing, serious intestinal diseases (stenosis or crohn disease) or in cases of chronic digestive disorders. It is also advisable to take precautions if you are taking medication, since the fiber It can interfere. Natural Ozempic? Comparisons are always hateful, as the saying goes. The Psychlium shell does not alter the hormonal system as the GLP-1 agonists do. And although it can support weight loss, it does not do so in a powerful way or in all cases. More support. Because consuming more fiber is one of the most consistent recommendations of Modern nutritional science. In the end it is about incorporating improvements in the long -term diet, support that comes with a broader look on what it means to take care of yourself. Image | PGDP123 and Chemist4u Xataka | Ozempic and blindness, we have been on the track of an extremely rare adverse effect for months. Now the AEMPS has taken a step forward

NFC reaches its watches with an alternative that remembers Revolution

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Huawei continues to reinforce its catalog of smart watches, And this year he does it with a more solid proposal than ever. He Watch Fit 4 It is an affordable option below 200 euros Designed for those looking for a light partner to run. The Watch Fit 4 Pro stands out for its good finish and its battery of up to a week of normal use, while The Watch 5 bets on health With the new X-Tap multisensory sensor, which promises to go further in advanced monitoring. But beyond its design and their sensors, there was a lack that affected the entire brand of wearables of the brand: the absence of mobile payments. An already standard function in many competition models and highly valued by users. That has begun to change. Huawei has announced that NFC payments are already available in the Watch Fit 4 series in Spain, through an integration with the app Quicko Wallet. NFC on the wrist: a highly anticipated function From this June 3, the users of Huawei Watch Fit 4 and Fit 4 Pro They can already pay with the clock in physical stores, without the need to carry the mobile. Simply configure the service, bring the clock to the dataphone and confirm the operation with a safety pin. According to the company itself, the system allows “processing payments without contact quickly and safely”, and does even the commercial restrictions imposed from the United States. Instead, the aforementioned Quicko Wallet, a European Fintech who had already worked with Huawei in other markets, is supported. The user gets a virtual card with European Iban, recharges balance from their usual account and makes payments directly from the clock. It is a system similar to services such as Revolution or N26, with the advantage that it integrates with the smartwatch. Of course, for the moment it is only available for paired watches with Android devices or Harmonyos. Huawei says that payments will arrive at Watch 5 and iOS devices in a “near future”, Although a specific date has not been offered. How to activate payments with Quicko Wallet step by step The process to start paying with the clock is not complex, but includes several important steps. Next, we explain it in detail, as shared in the company’s official materials: Create an account in Quicko Wallet from the mobile Enter your device’s application store. Look for “Quicko Wallet” (developer: Quicko sp. Z oo) and download it. Open the app and create an account with your email, mobile number and a password. Choose a 4 -digit pin to protect access. Confirm your email through the activation link. Log in and choose your currency: EUR (euros). Enter your personal data and accept the terms and conditions. Indicates the origin of the funds and your occupation. Declare if you are a fiscal resident in the USA. (If you are not, select your country). Upload a front and rear photo of your ID. Get a selfie holding the ID, clearly and visible. Once this process is completed, the verification may take a few hours. After approval, you will have access to two accounts and two virtual cards within the app. Load money to Quicko Wallet There are two methods available: By bank transfer: In the app you will see the Iban of your Quicko account. Estte e case, you must make a transfer from your bank as you would normally. By bank card: In the “Presentation Card” or “Payment Card” section, slide to the side to add your card. Enter the data manually or scan the card with the camera. Select the account in euros and click “Recharge”. Enter the quantity and confirm with “Recharge”. Attention: This method can have a commission, which is detailed in the terms and conditions of the service. Install Quicko Wallet on the clock Open the Huawei health on your phone. Go to “devices”> “appgallery”. Look for “Quicko Wallet” and clicks on “Install.” Configure NFC and quick accesses on the clock On the clock: Go to settings> more connections> NFC> application of default payments. Select “Quicko Wallet”. Create a safety pin from settings> Pin> Configure Pin (6 digits). Then activate direct access: Settings> Below button> Press twice and select Quicko Wallet. Match Quicko Wallet with the clock Press the lower button on the clock twice. On the mobile, enter your virtual card and select “Enable NFC”. Click on “match” and then “continue.” A welcome function, although still with improvement margin This launch represents an important first step for Huawei in mobile payments. The company states that it will continue to expand compatibilities and work with more financial services. Although he still cannot compete with equality with giants such as Google or Apple, he has managed to dodge limitations with a functional and safe proposal. According to Huawei, each transaction “uses Advanced encryption technology and unique authentication codes, “which adds a safety layer against fraud and cloning. In addition, since it is a prepaid card, the user controls how much money he has on the clock, which can be an advantage in terms of security. Images | Huawei In Xataka | Tiktok was not born from a master plan: it arose from a question that nobody else was asked in Silicon Valle

If the question is whether to freeze a yogurt is a healthy alternative to ice cream, science is clear about the answer

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The kit to survive summer goes through having something cool: from icy drinks, watermelon in the fridge and, of course, ice cream. But in times of social networks and healthy lifestyle, the classic tubs or cucuruchos have been replaced by options that seem, more “healthy.” Yes, I’m talking about frozen yogurt or, in a more viral version, he Yogurt Bark. What is it? This recipe has gained popularity for being visually attractive and simple to prepare. The idea is simple, Greek yogurt is mixed with fruit or nuts and then extends on a tray, taking it to the freezer. The next day is split into pieces and enjoyed as if it were a sweet tablet, but like many viral trends, you have to go beyond the wrapping. A “healthy” option? Although natural yogurt, especially Greek, provides important nutrients such as proteins, calcium and in some probiotic cases, freezing it can alter some of its functions. According to Mayo Clinicmany probiotic strains do not survive the freezing and defrosting process, especially if proper temperature management and product formulation are not performed. In addition, it is essential to consider the composition of the yogurt used. Many yogurts available in the market are not “natural” in the strict sense: they can contain high levels of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, flavoring and thickening. And if we add sugary topings, the result can be a more caloric preparation than a moderate ration of traditional ice cream. So? Here comes the key summer question: if neither the traditional ice cream nor the frozen yogurt are ideal … so what? The answer is in balance. Eating ice cream every day is not necessarily bad, provided that the rest of your diet is healthy and have no conditions that advise you. The problem is not the ice cream alone, but how it integrates into your habits: do you take it for dessert after a balanced meal? Or do you use it to replace fruits, water or nutritious foods? In that sense, both ice cream and Yoghurt Bark They can have a place, provided they do not replace essential foods or take by system as “healthy without further ado.” THE FIT phenomenon. Taking care of food does not go on to change an ice cream ball for a frozen yogurt sheet and think that it is already. This quick replacement logic – bad, well frozen yogurt – is part of a superficial approach that has been installed thanks to Aesthetics Fit In social networks. However, all this does not go on trends or Hacks. It will understand what one eats, of exercise, rest … health is not measured in calories or Likesbut in balance. Image | Pexels Xataka | There are people eating human placenta. Science strongly asks you that, please, don’t do it

A power in nuclear energy is emerging as the best alternative to Russia and China for the West: South Korea

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Russia and China are indisputably two powers in nuclear energy. So are USA, France and other western alignment countries. Although these states have a bulky nuclear plant park which really places them at the forefront is Your ability to develop new technologiesand in this area the most promising reactors are The fourth generation. Russia and China already have at least A reactor of this type in operationand the US, France, India, Canada or Japan are some of the countries that plan to have them in the future. However, there is a power in nuclear energy that often goes unnoticed. We all know that South Korea has a lot of weight in semiconductor industries, consumer electron Nuclear energy as a strategic pillar Not only within its mix of electricity generation, but also as an engine of innovation and export. South Korea is the most consistent alternative to China and Russia Currently South Korea has 26 Nuclear reactors in operation with an approximate total capacity of 25.7 GWE. This infrastructure contributes to its Mix with 30% of electricity, although the commitment of this Asian country for nuclear energy does not end here. And it is that between 2026 and 2033 the construction of four more reactors will conclude that will have a power of 1,340 MWE each of them, so the total installed power in this country within less than a decade will exceed 30 GWE. Its APR-1400 reactors incorporate passive security systems that allow them to compete from you with the machines exported by Russia, China or the USA In any case, as I have anticipated a few lines above, which has placed South Korea to the avant -garde and has positioned this country as One of the largest exporters in the nuclear sector It is your ability to develop your own technologies. Their APR-1400 reactors incorporate passive security systems that allow them to compete from you with the machines exported by Russia, China or the US. In fact, South Korea has already exported this reactor to the United Arab Emirates and is negotiating with the Czech Republic and Poland to sell their technology. On the other hand, this Asian country has also opted for fourth generation nuclear fission. Your smart reactor (System-Integrad Modular Advanced Reactor), what is An SMR type design (Compact modular reactor) is in the process of certification to be used in desalination and electricity generation facilities. It also prepares fourth generation reactors refrigerated by sodium, such as the machine outlined in the Kalimer project, although it is not yet clear when the first South Korean commercial reactor endorsed by this technology will come into operation. South Korea has a very ambitious plan: wants to capture at least Ten international contracts until 2030. His first project abroad has been Barakah’s nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates, and It has been a success. As I mentioned a few lines above, Czech Republic and Poland are presumably will bet on South Korean reactors, but South Korea nuclear energy companies are also trying to take contracts in Egypt, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Turkey and even in the United Kingdom. If only some of them get to fruition this Asian country will become a full competitor in the international market of China, Russia, France or the US. Image | Wikierati More information | Bloomberg In Xataka | Spanish nuclear have been criticized for their role in the blackout. This was what they did before, during and after collapse

We thought we had found a safe and sustainable alternative to oil derived. We have to keep looking

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Many years ago, long before “Do you want a bag?” and The new European plugsI got a small summer job distributing potato starch bags by Media Granada. The world had begun to account for the huge problem of plastic bags and prepared to The day later. In that sense, the potato starch was an extraordinary thing. First, because it was ridiculous, extravagant and left everyone out of play (a bag of what?); But above all because starch -based bioplastic seemed like a much more sustainable and renewable material. The issue is that we begin to discover that they have problems. What is a starch -based bioplastic …? Because, although potato bags will always be in our hearts, the true revolution of this family of products occurred when They reached the world of the container for food, disposable utensils, films to cover or even single -use medical products. … And why are they a problem? A newly published study in it Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry He has just shown how “animals that consume particles of this alternative material develop health problems such as liver damage and imbalances in intestinal microbioma.” That is, by Use the exact words of the authors of this study“Biodegradable plastics based on starch may not be as safe or beneficial for health as originally supposed.” Eat plastic. The researchers They compared three groups of five mice: a group (control) consumed normal feed; The other two groups that consumed foods with particles derived from the ‘biodegradation’ of starch -based microplastics. There are two because each one had a dose (low and high) calculated and climbing from the planned daily consumption for a normal human being. They monitored them, studied them and there the problems began. What did they find? In the mice that consumed high doses of bioplastics They presented Damaged organs (including liver and ovaries), problems when handling glucose and even deregulated genetic pathways. “Prolonged exposure to low dose of starch -based microplastics can cause a broad spectrum of health impacts, in particular the alteration of circadian rhythms and the alteration of glucose metabolism and lipids,” explained in the American Society of Chemistry Yongfeng Dengmain author of the study. Should we worry? Well yes and no. Obviously, the results of the investigation are peliagudos, but not alarming in excess. Actually, if confirmed, the results are very similar to those of conventional plastics. In addition, the study is small and the investigation is in a very initial phase. To put it in a summary way: we still do not know how much there are in these results. There is much to work, investigate and regulate. And, deep down, the most interesting thing about this work is not its provisional results. It is the need not to give anything for granted and take care of the movements that we are doing in the development of new materials. It is, in short, a reminder that everything remains to be done. Image | Raymond Petrik In Xataka | We have a new type of plastic, with the durability of traditional plastics and what is more important: recyclable

A company has created an alternative to facial recognition. Does not scan faces and its use already begins to generate controversy

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When cities like San Francisco They decided to prohibit use From the facial recognition by the police, many celebrated it as a victory for privacy. However, a new tool begins to make its way as an alternative. It does not scan faces, but allows people with remarkable precision to follow. Identify without analyzing the face. The tool is called Track and has been developed by Veritonea company specialized in artificial intelligence solutions applied to video analysis. Unlike classic systems, Track tracks individuals based on attributes such as physical complexion, hair color and style, clothing, accessories or the type of footwear. The algorithm also distinguishes the skin tone, although, according to the company, it does not allow to search explicitly by that criterion. With all this information, the system generates chronologies that allow following a person along different scenarios and video sources. It is not a development concept or a future promise. According to data provided by VERITONE itself, more than 400 customers are already using this technology in the United States, including state and local police forces, universities and private companies. Among them are federal prosecutors of the Department of Justice, who began using the tool in August 2024. Track is available through cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, and is part of the company’s digital forensic analysis solution ecosystem. An evolving system. Currently, Track works exclusively with recorded videos, such as those captured by body cameras, drones, public recordings on YouTube or content provided by Citizens. Veritone claims to be less than a year after enabling the analysis in live broadcasts, which would open the door to a real -time surveillance system capable of following people even when their faces are not visible. Covering your face no longer guarantees anonymity. Until now, avoid facial recognition systems It was possible with hairstylelarge glasses, disruptive makeup or garments designed to confuse algorithms. But Track works differently. It does not depend on the face, but on general visual patterns. You can follow a figure through multiple videos analyzing complexion, clothes or way of moving. Of course, he needs a starting point: someone should mark the person before starting tracking. Even so, its logic doubts many of the classic strategies to avoid being identified. And privacy? Although this technology does not use biometric data in the strict sense, such as faces or footprints, it is based on physical and aesthetic attributes that can be repeated frequently. As Mit Technology Review collectsACLU, an American civil rights defense organization, warns that tools such as track could significantly expand surveillance capabilities. On the other hand, some digital rights specialists underline that continuous tracking through different video sources could be functionally equivalent to facial recognition. An alternative that can avoid the current legal framework. As Track is not based on traditional biometric characteristics, many of the laws that regulate facial recognition in different parts of the world would not be applied directly. This does not mean that the surveillance is less, but that it operates from another technical angle, less regulated for now. The tool is thus positioned in a gray terrain. It offers advanced monitoring without formally invading the biometric space, but its practical effects are dangerously approaching those who have already generated concern with automated facial identification. Images | Xataka with XAI | Alex Knight In Xataka | The intentions of the United Kingdom with Apple are a nightmare for privacy. That of the British and that of the whole world In Xataka | Alibaba wants to be the new Deepseek: he claims to have a training method for his AI 88% cheaper

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