Author: Andrew Rogers

Sam Altman has advertised a $555,000-a-year role to tackle the risks of advanced artificial intelligence.The position, head of preparedness at OpenAI, comes with a stark warning. Altman said the job would be stressful and demand immediate action.The successful candidate will be responsible for anticipating and mitigating severe AI-related harms. These include threats to mental health, cybersecurity, and biological security.The role also involves preparing for increasingly autonomous AI systems. The vacancy reflects growing concern inside the industry about powerful models.Leaders at Microsoft AI and Google DeepMind have publicly warned of serious risks. Regulation remains limited, leaving companies largely to police themselves.OpenAI…

China is experiencing a surge in international tourists ahead of the New Year holidays. Southeastern cities, including Xiamen, are welcoming more visitors thanks to visa-free transit programs and improved travel services. The increase in arrivals reflects a growing interest in China’s cultural and scenic attractions. Tourists are exploring historic sites, coastal landscapes, and urban experiences in cities that are easier to access thanks to streamlined travel procedures. Visa-free transit policies have simplified travel for many international visitors. Tourists can enter certain cities without applying for traditional visas, making short-term trips more convenient and appealing. This policy has boosted tourism in…

Louis Gerstner, the former chief executive credited with rescuing IBM, has died aged 83.He led IBM from 1993 to 2002 during a period of deep crisis and rapid industry change. Gerstner became the first outsider to run the company as it struggled against rivals like Microsoft.He rejected plans to break IBM apart, arguing customers wanted integrated solutions, not fragmented products. That decision proved central to IBM’s survival and recovery.Gerstner focused on restoring profitability and improving customer service rather than grand visions. Under his leadership, IBM shifted away from failing PC strategies and refocused on enterprise services.He also ended development of…

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.Martin Ødegaard opened the scoring with a precise finish after Arsenal dominated the first half. The hosts doubled their lead early in the second period when Georginio Rutter turned a Declan Rice corner into his own net.Despite controlling the game, Arsenal failed to extend their advantage. Brighton rallied and pulled one back through Diego Gómez after a rebound.Momentum briefly swung, but David Raya produced a stunning save to deny Yankuba Minteh. Arsenal’s resilience held firm despite injuries and late pressure.Manager Mikel Arteta…

Kate McLean-MacKenzie is creating an atlas to document how places smell.The University of Kent researcher says smell is a neglected sense in how we record the world. While images and sounds are easily shared, smells are rarely captured or communicated.This gap led her to begin mapping “smellscapes” more than 15 years ago. Her work involves guided “smell walks” through cities.Participants record scents, their strength, duration, and emotional associations. McLean-MacKenzie then turns the data into visual maps and cultural narratives.The results reflect subjective human experiences rather than objective measurements. More than 40 locations have been mapped, including Paris, Kyiv, Kolkata and…

Christmas may feel like a break from thinking, but it offers plenty of chances to explore science at home.Researchers say curiosity works just as well without lab coats or specialist equipment. Matthew Cobb suggests testing taste by eating a sweet while holding your nose.Most people taste only sweetness until smell is restored, revealing flavour’s true source. Cracker jokes offer another experiment, says Sophie Scott.People laugh far more in company than alone, showing laughter is mainly social. A roast turkey can become a lesson in biomechanics.Steve Brusatte recommends examining bones to understand movement and flight.Sue Black suggests boiling the carcass to…

Declan Rice was released by Chelsea at 14 and faced doubts again at West Ham United.Coaches questioned his coordination and long-term potential, but Rice embraced honest criticism. That “clean feedback” shaped his mindset and drove steady improvement.Rice earned a scholarship, broke into the first team, and developed leadership qualities. His progress accelerated under Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta.A role change expanded his attacking influence and goal threat. Set-piece responsibility further elevated his importance for club and country.Teammates now describe him as calm, dominant, and technically complete. Rice’s performances against Europe’s elite confirmed his world-class status.Major trophies remain the missing piece…

China is seeing a strong return of international visitors as foreign tourists explore cultural sites, boutique B&Bs, and local hospitality. Travel experts say the trend shows renewed interest in the country’s tourism sector, benefiting businesses and local economies. Cultural attractions remain a major draw. Historic landmarks, ancient temples, and world-renowned museums attract travelers seeking rich experiences. Visitors often combine sightseeing with immersive activities, such as traditional crafts, cooking classes, and local festivals. Boutique accommodations and small inns are gaining popularity. Travelers enjoy personalized service, unique designs, and authentic experiences that reflect local culture. These options complement traditional hotels and provide…

Researchers say parts of the Moon will become designated crash zones for defunct lunar satellites.Lunar satellite numbers are expected to rise sharply as space agencies plan bases and long-term missions. Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks an atmosphere to burn up old spacecraft safely.As a result, operators may need to deliberately crash satellites onto the surface. Scientists warn uncontrolled impacts could damage historic sites and sensitive instruments.Designated graveyard zones would limit debris and protect areas of scientific value. International agencies are now working on rules to manage lunar satellite disposal safely.

Plans to play a Serie A match between AC Milan and Como in Perth have been cancelled.The decision followed what Serie A described as unacceptable conditions imposed by the Asian Football Confederation. The fixture, scheduled for 8 February, would have been the first European domestic league game played abroad.Serie A president Ezio Simonelli cited financial risks and last-minute demands as reasons for pulling the plug. Italian authorities had approved the move because the San Siro is unavailable due to the Winter Olympics ceremony.UEFA had also reluctantly cleared the proposal. Serie A hoped the match would help promote the league internationally.The…