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Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 21:36 · 34 articles added
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Science & Tech

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Science & Tech

Gaming Companies Use 'Dark Patterns' to Increase Addiction Risk, Says Slovak Psychologist

Gaming companies exploit detailed player data to manipulate behavior and increase addiction risk through "dark patterns" embedded in video games, according to Slovak psychologist Marcel Martončik. Gaming companies collect extensive information about players, including when they play, how they interact with games, where and how often they click, and their purchasing behavior, Martončik explained in an interview. This detailed knowledge allows companies to use psychological manipulation techniques against players. The psychologist also addressed the popularity of games like Minecraft and discussed whether violent "shooter" games provide an acceptable outlet for aggression, as well as the potential cognitive benefits of gaming on memory.

Dennik N
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Science & Tech

Our Sun Escaped from Galactic Center, New Research Shows

Recent scientific research indicates that our Sun originated from the center of the Milky Way galaxy before migrating to its current position in the galaxy's outer regions. The findings represent new developments in understanding stellar formation and galactic evolution, suggesting that stars like our Sun can travel significant distances from their birthplaces over billions of years of cosmic history.

SME
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Science & Tech

Wildlife Census Records 60 European Bison in Slovakia's Poloniny National Park

Wildlife researchers have documented 60 European bison during field monitoring in the Poloniny region of northeastern Slovakia. The monitoring team recorded eight separate bison sightings, with herd sizes ranging from single animals to groups of 16 individuals. The census was conducted along six designated survey routes in the area. The Poloniny National Park, located on Slovakia's border with Poland and Ukraine, serves as habitat for these endangered European bison, which are among Europe's largest land mammals and have been the subject of conservation efforts across the Carpathian region.

TASR/Teraz
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Science & Tech

European Bison Population Reaches 60 Individuals in Slovakia's Last Wild Habitat

Conservationists have completed a population survey of European bison in the Poloniny region of eastern Slovakia, documenting 60 individuals living in the wild. The Poloniny area, located along Slovakia's border with Poland and Ukraine, represents the last remaining natural habitat for European bison within Slovak territory. The population count provides crucial data for ongoing conservation efforts to protect this endangered species, which was once extinct in the wild across Europe before successful reintroduction programs began restoring populations in select forest areas. European bison, Europe's largest land mammal, require extensive wilderness areas to thrive and have been gradually returning to parts of their historical range through careful wildlife management programs.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

European Bison Population Survey Finds 60 Animals Living in Slovakia's Poloniny National Park

Conservationists have completed a population survey of European bison in Slovakia's Poloniny National Park, finding 60 individuals living in the wild. The Poloniny region, located in eastern Slovakia along the borders with Poland and Ukraine, represents the last remaining habitat for European bison in the country. The survey represents part of ongoing conservation efforts to monitor this critically endangered species, which was once extinct in the wild and has been gradually reintroduced to European forests through breeding programs. The European bison, Europe's heaviest land animal, nearly disappeared entirely in the early 20th century but has made a slow recovery through dedicated conservation work across several countries.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Sleep Study Highlights Benefits of Restful Sleep for Active Individuals

A study has found that restful sleep particularly benefits active individuals who rely on quick reactions and high energy levels. The research focused on personality types characterized by intense activity and good reflexes, suggesting that quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining their performance and well-being.

TASR/Teraz
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Science & Tech

Bratislava students dominate national Chemistry Olympiad held in Košice

The 62nd national round of the Student Chemistry Olympiad took place in Košice, Slovakia's second-largest city in the eastern part of the country. Bratislava students claimed the majority of victories in the competition, which brings together the country's top young chemistry talents from across Slovakia. The Chemistry Olympiad is an annual academic competition that tests secondary school students' knowledge and problem-solving skills in chemistry, serving as both a recognition of academic excellence and a pathway for identifying promising young scientists.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Tesla to Launch AI Chip Manufacturing Project Next Week

Tesla will launch its Terafab project next week to manufacture artificial intelligence chips. The electric vehicle manufacturer is developing its fifth generation of chips designed for autonomous driving systems, marking a significant expansion of the company's semiconductor capabilities as it advances its self-driving technology.

SME
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Science & Tech

Meta Plans Large-Scale Layoffs Affecting 20% or More of Workforce

American technology company Meta is planning extensive job cuts that could affect 20 percent or more of its workforce, according to reports. The social media giant, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, joins a growing list of major tech companies implementing significant workforce reductions amid challenging economic conditions and shifting business priorities in the technology sector.

SME
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Science & Tech

Ground Squirrels Thriving on Muránska Plateau as They Emerge from Winter Hibernation

Ground squirrels are flourishing on the Muránska Plateau in central Slovakia as they begin emerging from their winter hibernation period. The European ground squirrel, a protected species in Slovakia, maintains populations at approximately 80 locations across the country. The Muránska Plateau, a protected landscape area known for its unique karst formations and biodiversity, provides suitable habitat conditions for these small mammals that play an important role in maintaining grassland ecosystems.

TASR/Teraz
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Science & Tech

Study Links Mental Health Disorders After Cancer Diagnosis to Higher Risk of Death

Cancer patients who develop mental health disorders shortly after their diagnosis face a significantly higher risk of premature death, according to new research published in the prestigious medical journal Cancer by the American Cancer Society. The study highlights that oncological diseases attack not only the body but also place enormous strain on the human psyche. The findings underscore the dual burden cancer patients face, suggesting that psychological symptoms following a cancer diagnosis may have serious implications for survival rates and overall patient outcomes.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Slovak Academy of Sciences researchers seek spruce populations that can survive climate change

Scientists from the Slovak Academy of Sciences are searching for spruce tree populations that can withstand the effects of climate change. The research aims to identify genetic varieties of spruce that demonstrate greater resilience to changing environmental conditions such as increased temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events. The findings could help Slovak forestry adapt to climate change by selecting and cultivating tree varieties better suited to future climatic conditions, potentially preserving forest ecosystems and the timber industry's sustainability.

SME
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Science & Tech

Slovakia's First Simulated Space Mission to Launch in Rožňava

Slovakia is preparing to launch its first simulated space mission in the eastern city of Rožňava, targeting students from high schools and universities. The initiative represents a significant step in Slovakia's space education programs, providing students with hands-on experience in space mission operations and aerospace technology. Rožňava, located in the Košice region, will host this educational project designed to inspire the next generation of Slovak scientists and engineers in space-related fields.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Slovakia Records Increase in New Species of Grasshoppers and Crickets

Slovakia is experiencing an increase in new species of grasshoppers and crickets, according to recent research findings. The discovery highlights the country's growing biodiversity and changing ecosystem patterns. Slovak research in this field has gained recognition in international scientific discussions, with researchers contributing valuable data to global understanding of insect species distribution and environmental changes.

SME
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Science & Tech

Anthropic Warns Against AI Surveillance State as Technology Advances

Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company, has issued warnings about the potential creation of an AI-powered surveillance state, commonly referred to as a "panopticon." The company argues that such concerns are not exaggerated given the rapid advancement of AI surveillance capabilities. Anthropic suggests that as surveillance technologies become more sophisticated and widely available, legal frameworks will inevitably adapt to accommodate these new monitoring possibilities, potentially expanding government and corporate surveillance powers.

SME
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Science & Tech

Luxury Electric Vehicle Shows Increased Battery Capacity After 70,000 Kilometers

A premium automaker offered a used Mercedes EQS SUV with 70,000 kilometers for testing, revealing unexpected results during battery diagnostics. After three years of use, the electric vehicle's battery showed greater capacity than when it was originally manufactured. The diagnostic testing was conducted to evaluate the condition of both the vehicle and its battery system after extensive use, but the increased battery capacity came as a surprise to testers who expected normal degradation over time.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Slovak Environmental Program Explores River Restoration and Fish Migration

A Slovak environmental program has examined the country's efforts to restore damaged waterways and return water systems to their natural state. The initiative focuses on understanding what constitutes a truly healthy river ecosystem and the importance of allowing fish to migrate freely through water systems. The program addresses Slovakia's environmental rehabilitation efforts, examining whether past environmental damage to the country's water systems can be effectively reversed through restoration projects.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Commentary: Scientists Now Know How to Prevent One Possible End of the World

A technology commentary piece discusses recent scientific developments that could help prevent certain catastrophic scenarios threatening humanity's future. The article provides an overview of technological advances and their potential applications in addressing existential risks. However, the commentary does not specify which particular end-of-world scenario or what specific scientific breakthrough is being referenced, presenting it as part of a broader review of technology news.

SME
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Science & Tech

Tech Commentary: Scientists Identify Method to Prevent One Potential End-of-World Scenario

Slovak technology commentary publication SME has released a new edition of its regular technology news roundup, featuring analysis of recent scientific developments. The latest commentary explores research findings that scientists have identified methods to prevent one potential catastrophic scenario that could threaten human civilization. The publication provides analysis and context on various technological developments and scientific breakthroughs as part of its ongoing coverage of technology trends and innovations.

SME
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Science & Tech

Slovak Neuroscientist Explains How to Train Memory and Brain Throughout Life

A Slovak neuroscientist has outlined methods for training memory and brain function, emphasizing the brain's surprising ability to change throughout life. According to researcher Stuchlík, scientists now understand that the brain can adapt and form new connections practically throughout a person's entire lifetime, contradicting earlier beliefs that brain development was largely fixed after childhood. Research shows that new challenges—ranging from learning languages to dancing or playing music—can literally force the brain to create new neural pathways. This neuroplasticity offers significant possibilities for cognitive enhancement and memory training at any age.

Dennik N
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