Author Archives: Brittany A. Roston

The Internet is packed full of billions of photos, many of which are lost into the depths of abandoned accounts and old hosting services. A huge number of this media is readily discoverable and easily downloaded, however, and due to the rise of social media platforms, it is easier than ever to link them with the people featured in the photos. Unknown to the public, some companies are quietly downloading this content en masse and using it to create secret facial recognition models of the subjects...but there's a solution, and it is called Fawkes.

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Technology and aesthetics often go together, but it's rare to see everyday consumer tech made the centerpiece of artwork or utilitarian creations. It does happen on occasion, though, the latest example of which is a project from an ingenious DIYer in Vietnam who built his own outdoor property barrier and gate pillars using hundreds of older iPhones. Each iPhone functions as a colorful brick with shiny Apple logos glittering in the sunlight.

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It seems that a series of somewhat unfortunate events has resulted in Netflix acquiring three movies based on the Fear Street book series from R.L. Stine. The movies were acquired from Disney, a new report claims, which ended up in possession of them as a result of its Fox acquisition. The movies were reportedly originally planned to be released in theaters by Fox, but several things have changed that.

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The massive Arecibo Observatory, one of the largest single-dish radio telescopes in the world, has suffered considerable damage due to a cable incident, officials report. This isn't the first time the radio telescope has been damaged -- it has been repaired multiple times in the past -- but this latest incident is fairly substantial, leaving a 100-ft wound that took the telescope offline.

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As expected, the Fortnite Champion Series Finals will be held this weekend, determining which players walk away as the ultimate champions. This is the final evolution in the tournament, one that kicked off with the initial Qualifier rounds back on August 1 and 2. This time around, the Finals will start on Friday and last three days. Interested in watching? Here's everything you need to know.

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Monosodium glutamate, a food additive most commonly known as MSG, has been a controversial ingredient for decades, with some claiming an allergy to it that results in headaches or other issues -- something that may be, in fact, simply a sensitivity to the additive when consumed in high doses. Regardless, the ingredient is still commonly used in many food products and that may be a good thing, according to a new study.

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Google has introduced its new Android Earthquake Alerts System, a crowdsourced method that uses smartphones to detect earthquakes before they happen. The new feature builds upon the earthquake alerts Android users in California receive, alerting them to a budding earthquake based on data from seismometers installed throughout the quake-prone state. Google is starting with detection and will move on to alerts.

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A large body of research links prenatal depression -- that is, a mother who is depressed while pregnant -- and increased risks of developmental and behavioral issues in the offspring. Though the link has been established, the reasons for it have remained a mystery. A new study from the Society for Neuroscience has changed that, finding distinct brain changes in children born to depressed mothers.

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DARPA has revealed its plans for the final of three AlphaDogfight Trials, a competition that will -- this time around -- take place entirely online. Anyone will be able to register and stream the competition, giving them a chance to see the latest and greatest artificial intelligence algorithms compete against each other in fighter jets, as well as against a human fighter pilot who will use a simulator.

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Despite expectations otherwise, it seems that Fortnite's current Chapter 2 Season 3 (C2S3) may actually end on time, making it the first game season this year to hit its deadline. What makes this seem likely? A number of game data-miners, including some with long histories of accurate predictions, claim the next Fortnite update will be the last in the season, and it will pave the way for a major finale event referred to as 'HighTower.' Here's what we know so far.

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The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the discovery of a chemical found in grapefruit peels that can effectively repel bloodthirsty insects like ticks and mosquitos. The agency has big plans for this compound, which it has registered with the Environmental Protection Agency for use in insect repellants and insecticides. What's so special about this chemical? It works differently from existing insecticides, effectively killing pests that bite and, as a result, reducing the presence of bloodborne diseases like Lyme disease.

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Google has announced its latest update for Google Maps on iOS, bringing two important features: support for CarPlay's latest and greatest feature, as well as the return of an Apple Watch app for the navigation platform. The two additions are a welcomed change for users who are firmly within the Apple ecosystem, but who prefer to use Google's mapping app instead of Apple's.

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