Edition 23 – Plant Internet, AI Posts, Eco Goals

Welcome back to my newsletter! This week, we talk about SMS scams, plant internets, and the rise of AI social media.

I am also in the process of redesigning my website. Be on the lookout for exciting changes there and in this newsletter in the coming weeks!

New on my blog

FBI Warns SMS Authentication Is Not Safe

Following the Salt Typhoon breach, the FBI warns that SMS authentication is dangerously outdated. This systemic vulnerability demands urgent action to adopt encrypted, modern alternatives.

iKartikKartik Chaturvedi

Following the Salt Typhoon breach, the FBI warns that SMS authentication is dangerously outdated. This systemic vulnerability demands urgent action to adopt encrypted, modern alternatives.

The Big Stories

Plants ‘Talk’ to One Another in Languages We Might Soon Translate

This morning, my six-year-old came into our bedroom and started reading a story from a book.

ScienceAlertThe Conversation

Plants communicate through a sophisticated underground network of fungi known as the "wood wide web," connecting over 80% of plants worldwide. Using chemical signals, electrical impulses, and fungal networks, plants can share resources and warn each other about threats, much like our internet. Scientists are making breakthrough discoveries in understanding these plant languages, even successfully influencing plant behavior through electrical signals from mobile phones. This vital communication system is at risk from soil disruption, chemical use, and climate change, making it crucial to protect these networks that are essential for plant survival and, ultimately, our own well-being.

Yes, That Viral LinkedIn Post You Read Was Probably AI-Generated

A new analysis estimates that over half of longer English-language posts on LinkedIn are AI-generated, indicating the platform’s embrace of AI tools has been a success.

WIREDKate Knibbs

LinkedIn has transformed into an unexpected AI content hub, with over 54% of English posts longer than 100 words now being AI-generated according to new analysis by Originality AI. This surge began in early 2023 with ChatGPT's release, leading to a 189% spike in AI-written content on the platform. Many users, especially non-native English speakers, embrace AI tools for drafting and polishing posts, though reactions to AI-generated content remain mixed.

Apple tops list of retailers for eliminating bad chemicals

Apple’s environmental credentials have been praised, as it has scored the highest among retailers in the U.S. and Canada for removing hazardous chemicals and plastics.

AppleInsiderMalcolm Owen

In a significant environmental achievement, Apple has secured the top position in Toxic-Free Future's 2024 Retailer Report Card with an impressive 84% score, making it the only company to receive an "A" grade among North American retailers. The tech giant's success stems from its comprehensive approach to eliminating hazardous chemicals and plastics, including initiatives like the Full Material Disclosure program and commitment to plastic-free packaging by 2025. Through partnerships, innovative programs, and strict chemical policies, Apple is setting new standards for environmental responsibility in retail, prompting other companies to follow suit as consumers become increasingly environmentally conscious during shopping seasons.

More interesting news

Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn thinks AI has a lot to teach us

The cofounder of language app Duolingo on gamification and the power of freemium.

The VergeNilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge, host of the Decoder podcast, and co-host of The Vergecast.

FDA Rewrites Rules of ‘Healthy’ Foods For First Time in 30 Years

The United States has redefined what qualifies as “healthy” food for the first time in 30 years, striking items like white bread from the list while welcoming nutrient-rich options such as eggs and salmon, officials said Thursday.

ScienceAlertAFP

Quote of the week

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
~ Steve Jobs