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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

Canadian Author Pursues Romantic Relationship with AI Partner

A Canadian writer has developed a romantic relationship with an artificial intelligence partner, including purchasing gifts for the AI and engaging in intimate interactions. The author reports satisfaction with the unconventional relationship. The human-AI couple has collaborated on writing a novel together about love between humans and artificial intelligence, drawing from their own experience. The case highlights the evolving nature of human-technology relationships as AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into personal aspects of life.

SME
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Science & Tech

Environmental group warns of tree cutting in protected grouse habitat in Slovakia's Tatra National Park

Environmental organization My sme les (We Are Forest) has raised concerns about tree cutting activities in the biotope of the western capercaillie, a protected grouse species, within the Tatra National Park (TANAP). The affected area is located near Račková Valley in Slovakia's premier mountain national park. The western capercaillie is an endangered forest bird species that requires specific old-growth forest conditions for survival, making habitat preservation critical for its conservation in the High Tatras mountain region.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Slovak Astrobiologist to Participate in Underwater Space Mission Simulation in Florida

Astrobiologist Michaela Musilová, a Slovak scientist, will participate in a simulated space mission underwater at Jules' Undersea Lab in Florida this year. The underwater facility serves as an analog environment for space exploration training, allowing researchers to simulate conditions similar to those encountered in space missions. Musilová's participation highlights Slovakia's growing involvement in international space research and the use of underwater environments to prepare for future space exploration missions.

TASR/Teraz
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Science & Tech

Nothing Releases Square-Shaped Headphones Priced at 169 Euros

Technology brand Nothing has launched a new pair of square-shaped headphones priced at 169 euros. The headphones offer exceptional battery life, providing up to 135 hours of playback on a single charge. The distinctive angular design sets the product apart from traditional rounded headphone shapes in the consumer electronics market.

SME
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Science & Tech

NASA Expects Artemis 2 Moon Mission Launch on April 1 After Technical Delays

NASA now expects to launch its Artemis 2 mission with a human crew to the Moon on April 1, following the cancellation of earlier launch windows. The space agency had to cancel planned launch opportunities in February and March due to technical complications that were discovered during preparations. The Artemis 2 mission represents NASA's first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo program ended in the 1970s, and is designed to carry astronauts around the Moon as part of the broader Artemis program aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.

SMETASR/Teraz
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Science & Tech

Scientists reconstruct face of most complete early human ancestor fossil discovered in 1990s

Researchers have successfully reconstructed the facial features of "Little Foot," a nearly complete fossil of an early human ancestor that lived in trees millions of years ago. The fossil, which represents one of the most well-preserved specimens of early human evolution, was originally discovered in the 1990s in South Africa. The reconstruction provides new insights into what our ancient ancestors looked like and how they lived, with evidence suggesting this species spent significant time in arboreal environments. The near-complete nature of the Little Foot fossil makes it particularly valuable for understanding human evolutionary development, as most early human fossils consist of only fragmentary remains.

SME
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Science & Tech

Claude AI Chatbot Gains Ground Against ChatGPT with 60% Revenue Growth

Claude, the AI chatbot developed by Anthropic, recorded nearly 60% revenue growth and tripled its download numbers at the beginning of the year, making it the fastest-growing player in the artificial intelligence market. The company, founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees, has built its strategy around trustworthiness and targeting corporate customers. Analysts suggest Anthropic could reach profitability before its larger rival OpenAI, whose ChatGPT chatbot has dominated the market since its launch. The growth represents a significant challenge to ChatGPT's market share in the rapidly expanding AI chatbot sector, as competition intensifies among tech companies developing conversational artificial intelligence tools.

Dennik N
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Science & Tech

Slovakia Eyes Opportunity in Semiconductor Technology as Europe Seeks Chip Independence

Slovakia could potentially establish itself as a significant player in semiconductor technology by focusing on areas currently neglected by most European Union countries. European security increasingly depends on small silicon chips that the continent can design but relies on risky Asian regions for final production and assembly. The dependency on Asian manufacturing for critical semiconductor components has highlighted vulnerabilities in Europe's technology supply chain, creating potential opportunities for countries like Slovakia to develop domestic capabilities in this strategic sector.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Science Column Explores Jupiter, Black Holes and Physics Mysteries

Slovak media outlet SME published a science education feature addressing reader questions about astronomical and physics phenomena. The column tackled questions about why Earth completes one more rotation relative to stars than to the Sun during a year, whether spacecraft could fly through Jupiter's atmosphere, and the physics behind ice skating. The feature represents ongoing efforts by Slovak media to make complex scientific concepts accessible to general audiences through a question-and-answer format.

SME
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Science & Tech

Slovak Writer Proposes 16 Rules for AI Etiquette in Digital Age

A Slovak publicist and aphorist has published guidelines for proper behavior when interacting with artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to early internet etiquette rules. The author reflects on how the concept of "netiquette" - rules for proper online behavior - was widely discussed when the internet first emerged, with journalists publishing entire series of articles advising what was appropriate and inappropriate online conduct. The new AI etiquette guidelines include advice such as not calling artificial intelligence derogatory names, representing an attempt to establish behavioral norms for the era of artificial intelligence similar to how early internet users developed codes of conduct for digital interactions.

Dennik N
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Science & Tech

Slovak Environmentalist Calls for Comprehensive Study of PCB Contamination at Strážske Chemical Plant

Environmental expert Chovanec has called for a comprehensive investigation into the impacts of PCB contamination from the Chemko chemical plant in Strážske, citing lessons that could be learned from war-damaged Vietnam. Chovanec emphasized that addressing the contamination issues at the eastern Slovak facility cannot proceed without a thorough environmental survey. The Chemko Strážske plant has been a long-standing source of environmental concern due to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination, toxic chemicals that persist in the environment and pose serious health risks to local communities.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Environmental Expert Suggests Vietnam War Damage Could Help Understand PCB Impacts from Strážske Chemical Plant

Environmental expert Chovanec has proposed that studying the war-damaged environment of Vietnam could provide insights into understanding the impacts of PCB contamination from the Chemko chemical plant in Strážske, eastern Slovakia. He emphasized that a comprehensive survey would be essential for any meaningful analysis. The Chemko plant in Strážske has been a long-standing source of environmental concern due to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination, toxic industrial chemicals that persist in the environment and pose health risks to local communities.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Surgeon Implanted Chimp Testicles in Thousands of Aging Men in Quest to Reverse Aging

French surgeon Serge Voronoff performed experimental operations on thousands of aging men, implanting chimpanzee testicles in an attempt to restore their youth and sexual vigor. Voronoff believed this radical procedure could slow the aging process, though the scientific basis for his theory was fundamentally flawed. The controversial surgeon became notorious for his bizarre anti-aging experiments during the early 20th century, when medical ethics and oversight were far less stringent than today. His work represents one of the more extreme examples of pseudoscientific attempts to combat aging, reflecting both the desperation of patients seeking youth and the lack of rigorous scientific standards in experimental medicine of that era.

SME
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Science & Tech

Thousands Support Environmental Groups' Opposition to New Tatra Mountains Zoning Plan

Thousands of Slovak citizens have backed environmental organizations' formal objection to a proposed new zoning plan for the Low Tatras National Park. Environmental groups argue the zoning proposal would legalize illegal construction projects and threaten drinking water sources in the protected mountain region. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between conservation efforts and development pressures in Slovakia's national parks. Meanwhile, conservationists have been installing barriers to protect migrating toads, and a complete renovation of Zechenter Garden has been approved with government funding.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Environmental groups warn against weakening protection of Starina reservoir in Poloniny region

Environmental organizations are raising concerns about the Slovak government's plans to significantly reduce nature protection measures in the Poloniny region, particularly around the Starina reservoir. The proposed changes to protected area zoning are being criticized by conservationists as potentially harmful concessions that could legitimize illegal construction. The Poloniny National Park, located in eastern Slovakia near the borders with Poland and Ukraine, is part of the East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve and contains some of Europe's last remaining primeval beech forests. Environmental groups argue that weakening protection standards could set a dangerous precedent for other protected areas across the country and threaten the ecological integrity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Slovakia Plans to Reduce Environmental Protection in Poloniny Region, Conservationists Warn

The Slovak government is preparing to significantly reduce nature protection measures in the Poloniny region, according to environmental groups who warn the changes could threaten the Starina reservoir. Conservationists argue the proposed zoning changes represent a concession to illegal construction in the area. The Poloniny National Park, located in northeastern Slovakia near the Ukrainian border, is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and contains pristine forests and traditional villages. Environmental advocates fear that weakening protection standards could compromise the ecological integrity of the region and set a dangerous precedent for accommodating unauthorized development in protected areas.

Korzár
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Science & Tech

Energy After 60 Can Be Better Than in Middle Age, Study Suggests

Energy levels that once seemed inexhaustible begin to decline suspiciously quickly around age 40, but this is not just a matter of aging but rather a collision of biology with life's most demanding period, according to new research. Fatigue stops being episodic and becomes a constant companion during middle age. However, scientists emphasize that this is not the end but rather a turning point from which energy levels can begin to improve. The research suggests that understanding how the body and sleep patterns change can help people regain vitality in their later years, with energy after 60 potentially surpassing levels experienced during middle age.

Aktuality
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Science & Tech

Slovak Researcher Studies Breathing Techniques for Health Improvement

František Lörinczi, a certified instructor of the Oxygen Advantage breathing method, is conducting doctoral research on breathing techniques at Comenius University's Faculty of Physical Education and Sports in Bratislava. In a podcast interview, Lörinczi discussed various health problems that improved breathing can help address, while emphasizing that breathing is important but not the only factor in overall health. The researcher noted that even his dental hygienist observed improvements in his breathing patterns, highlighting the measurable effects of proper breathing techniques on physical health.

Dennik N
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Science & Tech

Microbes Can Survive Space Travel, New Research Shows

Scientists have discovered that microorganisms are capable of surviving the harsh conditions of space travel, according to new research findings. The study adds to growing evidence that life forms can endure the extreme environment of outer space, including radiation, vacuum conditions, and temperature fluctuations. This research has implications for understanding how life might spread between planets and for ensuring the sterility of space missions to prevent contamination of other celestial bodies.

SME
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