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Last refreshed: 05/06/2026 21:42 · 44 articles added
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Science & Tech

Anthropic Offers EU Access to Restricted AI Model Mythos

American artificial intelligence company Anthropic has offered the European Union access to its highly restricted AI model called Mythos. The model, which has previously been available only to a select few organizations including Amazon, Apple, and Google, is designed to detect software vulnerabilities. The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), the EU's cybersecurity watchdog, is set to gain access to the tool. The move represents a significant opening by Anthropic of its closely guarded AI technology to European authorities, potentially enhancing the EU's cybersecurity capabilities through advanced automated vulnerability detection.

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EU Commissioner Says COP Climate Summits Insufficient as Scientists Call for More Ambitious Solutions

A European Union commissioner has declared that the annual COP climate summits are inadequate to address the global climate crisis. The assessment comes as scientists are recommending more ambitious solutions to tackle climate change. The COP summits, which bring together world leaders annually to negotiate international climate agreements, have been criticized for producing limited concrete action despite decades of negotiations. The commissioner's remarks reflect growing frustration within EU leadership over the pace of global climate action, as the bloc has positioned itself as a leader in environmental policy and carbon reduction targets.

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Slovak Scientists Discover 110-Million-Year-Old Amber from Dinosaur Era

Slovak researchers have identified a new type of amber called "slovacite" that dates back more than 110 million years to the dinosaur era, making it part of the world's largest analysis of global amber specimens. Peter Vršanský, a paleontologist from the Institute of Earth Sciences and Institute of Zoology at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, explained that very few locations worldwide have yielded amber from the period before dinosaur extinction. The discovery represents a significant contribution to understanding prehistoric ecosystems, as amber from this ancient period is extremely rare. The research findings were published last week in Gondwana Research, an international scientific journal. Slovakia's inclusion in this major global amber study highlights the country's geological significance and contributes valuable data to the international scientific community's understanding of prehistoric life during the Cretaceous period.

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Nvidia Announces New Computer Chips Optimized for Artificial Intelligence

Nvidia announced new computer chips designed specifically for artificial intelligence applications. Jensen Huang, the company's CEO, promised a reinvention of the personal computer powered by the new high-performance chip technology. The announcement represents Nvidia's continued focus on AI-optimized hardware as artificial intelligence applications become increasingly central to computing.

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Butterfly Half-Hour Initiative Invites Volunteers for Butterfly Monitoring

A citizen science initiative called Butterfly Half-Hour is recruiting volunteers to participate in butterfly monitoring activities across Slovakia. The program is structured in two phases, allowing participants to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts by observing and recording butterfly populations in their local areas. The initiative represents part of broader environmental monitoring efforts aimed at tracking biodiversity and ecological health in the country.

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Smart Energy Technology Becomes Necessity for Slovak Households, Industry Expert Says

Smart energy technology has evolved from being a luxury for enthusiasts to becoming a necessity for ordinary Slovak families, according to Igor Kolla from ANTIK Telecom, a telecommunications and technology services company. Kolla explained how technological advances are transforming Slovak households, making energy management systems more accessible and essential for everyday consumers. The shift reflects broader trends in Slovakia toward digitalization and energy efficiency as households seek to manage rising energy costs and improve sustainability.

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Artificial Intelligence Increasingly Being Integrated into Packaging Development

Artificial intelligence is becoming more prevalent in packaging development processes, according to industry reports. Digital technologies are enabling faster testing of packaging designs before production begins, reducing development costs and time to market. Augmented and virtual reality technologies are also playing an increasingly significant role in the packaging industry, allowing companies to visualize and test packaging concepts in digital environments before committing to physical prototypes.

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Why Starlings Don't Need to Visit Veterinarians

Starlings have developed natural mechanisms to protect their young from mites, fleas, and infections without requiring veterinary care. The birds employ various biological strategies to maintain the health of their offspring in their nests, demonstrating remarkable self-sufficiency in preventing and managing parasitic infestations and diseases that commonly affect young birds during their vulnerable developmental stages.

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Chinese Nuclear Reactor Project Faces Complex Technical Challenges

China is working on developing a breakthrough nuclear reactor technology, though the reality of achieving this ambitious goal is proving far more complicated than initially anticipated. The project represents part of broader global efforts to advance nuclear energy capabilities as humanity's living standards remain fundamentally dependent on reliable energy sources. The technical complexities involved in creating revolutionary reactor designs highlight the significant engineering and scientific challenges that must be overcome to achieve meaningful advances in nuclear power generation.

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America Aims for Moon, Europe Pursues New Physics Breakthroughs

The United States is focusing its space exploration efforts on lunar missions while European researchers are directing their scientific endeavors toward discovering new physics principles. The contrasting approaches highlight different priorities in international scientific research, with America emphasizing space exploration and Europe concentrating on fundamental physics research that could revolutionize understanding of the natural world.

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Slovakia's Bear Monitoring Program Faces Criticism Over Unrealistic Sample Collection Targets

Slovakia's ambitious bear monitoring program has drawn criticism from wildlife officials over what appears to be unrealistic collection targets for bear samples. Former intervention team leader Filip Kuffa had promised to collect 7,000 samples, while Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba set even higher goals for the genetic monitoring initiative. However, state conservation officials have now acknowledged that these targets may not be achievable. The program aims to collect bear droppings and fur samples to better track Slovakia's brown bear population through DNA analysis. Hunters have responded by claiming that sample collection will significantly increase in the coming months, though the feasibility of meeting the original ambitious targets remains in question. The monitoring program is part of Slovakia's efforts to manage its brown bear population, which has grown significantly in recent decades and occasionally leads to conflicts with humans in rural areas.

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Vatican Offers Most Accurate Criticism of AI, Says Tech Commentary

A Slovak technology commentary suggests that the most perceptive criticism of artificial intelligence is emerging from the Vatican. The observation was made as part of a broader review of technology news developments. The commentary highlights how religious institutions are engaging with technological advancement and offering critical perspectives on AI development and its implications for society.

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Data Centers Present New Challenge for Slovakia's Critical Infrastructure, Experts Warn

Slovakia must prepare proactively for the challenges posed by data centers to the country's critical infrastructure rather than waiting for problems to emerge, according to experts. The warning comes as data centers, which house computer servers and networking equipment essential for digital services, are increasingly being recognized as vital components of modern national infrastructure. These facilities require substantial electrical power and cooling systems, potentially straining existing energy grids and creating new vulnerabilities that could affect everything from banking systems to government services. The call for early preparation reflects growing concerns across Europe about the security and resilience of digital infrastructure as societies become more dependent on cloud computing and online services.

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Algerian Researcher Warns Against Taking Water for Granted as She Studies Sahara's Resources

Zoubida Nemer, a geophysicist researching water resources and sustainable water management in the Sahara Desert, cautioned against taking water availability for granted during her visit to Slovakia. She emphasized that people lose their sense of responsibility toward water when they simply turn on a tap without understanding the water's origin or the distance it traveled to reach their homes. Nemer, who had to walk five kilometers as a child to access water, used the example of the Sahara Desert to illustrate how dramatically water availability can change over time, noting that the desert was once green. Her research focuses on sustainable water management practices in one of the world's most water-scarce regions, providing insights relevant to water conservation efforts globally.

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Universities and Highway Authorities Test Innovative Noise Barrier Made from Recycled Plastic

Slovak universities and highway authorities have conducted tests on an innovative noise barrier constructed from recycled plastic materials on the country's highway system. The experimental sound dampening technology is designed with an estimated lifespan ranging from 25 to 50 years, potentially offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional highway noise reduction methods. The testing represents a collaborative effort between academic institutions and transportation infrastructure operators to explore environmentally friendly solutions for managing traffic noise along Slovakia's major roadways.

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Slovakia to witness rare 'Blue Moon' phenomenon at end of May

Slovakia will experience a rare astronomical event on May 31 when a 'Blue Moon' appears in the sky. The phenomenon occurs when two full moons happen within the same calendar month, making the second full moon the so-called Blue Moon. Despite its name, the moon will not actually appear blue in color but represents an uncommon celestial occurrence that happens roughly every two to three years.

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Blue Origin Rocket Explodes During Test on Launch Pad

A Blue Origin rocket exploded during testing on its launch pad, marking a significant setback for the private space company founded by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos. The explosion occurred during what appears to have been a routine test procedure at the company's launch facility. Following the incident, Bezos acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating it was "a tough day" but expressed confidence that the company would repair the damage and return to flight operations. The explosion represents a major challenge for Blue Origin as it works to establish itself as a competitor in the commercial space industry alongside companies like SpaceX.

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Mosquitoes Can Learn to Prefer Humans Wearing Repellent, Scientists Find

Mosquitoes can learn to prefer targeting humans who use repellent, according to new scientific research. The study examined DEET, a chemical compound developed in the United States in the 1940s that has helped save countless lives by protecting against insect-borne diseases. Researchers say the findings highlight the need to develop new, more effective and environmentally friendly repellents as mosquitoes adapt their behavior to overcome current protective measures.

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Vaccine against deadly Bundibugyo Ebola strain could be ready by end of year

A vaccine targeting the dangerous Bundibugyo strain of Ebola could be available for deployment by the end of 2024, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement represents a breakthrough in combating this particular Ebola variant, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists. The development comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo faces an ongoing outbreak that has already claimed 246 lives. The Bundibugyo strain is one of several Ebola virus variants, and unlike the more common Zaire strain for which vaccines exist, this variant has lacked targeted medical countermeasures until now.