1 . Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing promise in earthquake prediction, challenging the long-held belief that it is impossible. Researchers at the University of Texas, Austin, have developed an AI algorithm (算法) that correctly predicted 70% of earthquakes a week in advance during a trial in China and provided accurate strength calculations for the predicted earthquakes.

The research team believes their method succeeded because they stuck with a relatively simple machine learning approach. The AI was provided with a set of statistical features based on the team’s knowledge of earthquake physics, and then instructed to train itself using a five-year database of earthquake recordings. Once trained, the AI provided its prediction by listening for signs of incoming earthquakes within the background rumblings (隆隆声) in the Earth.

This work is clearly a milestone in research for AI-driven earthquake prediction. “You don’t see earthquakes coming,” explains Alexandros Savvaidis, a senior research scientist who leads the Texas Seismological Network Program (TexNet). “It’s a matter of milliseconds, and the only thing you can control is how prepared you are. Even with the 70% accuracy, that’s a huge result and could help minimize economic and human losses and has the potential to remarkably improve earthquake preparation worldwide.”

While it is unknown whether the same approach will work at other locations, the researchers are confident that their AI algorithm could produce more accurate predictions if used in areas with reliable earthquake tracking networks. The next step is to test artificial intelligence in Texas, since UT’s Bureau TexNet has 300 earthquake stations and over six years worth of continuous records, making it an ideal location for these purposes.

Eventually, the authors hope to combine the system with physics-based models. This strategy could prove especially important where data is poor or lacking. “That may be a long way off, but many advances such as this one, taken together, are what moves science forward,” concludes Scott Tinker, the bureau’s director.

2 . Since childhood, London-based artist Josh Gluckstein has been fascinated by the incredible diversity of our planet’s wildlife and inspired to make sculptures of animals from found materials. He often uses abandoned or recycled materials like clothing from junk shops or wood from old furniture. An important aspect of his practice is concern for the environment. “I have traveled through Asia, Latin America and East Africa, and have been fortunate enough to have some incredible wildlife encounters,” he says. “However, on my travels, even in the most remote locations, I was shocked by the huge amounts of plastic waste.”

Mach of the garbage that washes up on shorelines around the world is due to an unregulated (未受监管的) system in which richer countries export waste to developing countries because it is often cheaper than developing better infrastructures (基础设施) to handle it. Many of the thousands of shipping containers exported each year are often dumped illegally.

“I remember going to the Galapagos Islands and visiting a beach famous for a large population of sea lions. It was indeed incredible to see them in the wild, but on every inch of sand not covered by sea lions, there were plastic bottles and cans. It was a heartbreaking sight. I knew I wanted to create artworks that didn’t create waste or harm our planet,” Gluckstein says.

Gluckstein hopes his works will raise people’s awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. His new series called “Gold” focuses on illegally hunted animals by applying gold leaves to their bodies. He plans to donate some of the sales of his sculptures to the world Wide Fund for Nature.

5 . Those in the food industry understand the difficulty that comes from working with people. No matter how much you try, some customers are never _______. If you make one mistake, some people are likely to lose _______. This situation took place at a McDonald’s in suburban Atlanta.

A customer approached the drive-through window _______. He threw a drink back at the pregnant fast food worker who handed it to him. Most would find that unthinkable. Yet, he felt _______ because the drink was not what he wanted.

Bryanna was the _______ in this incident. It was so _______ to her that she couldn’t even figure out what was happening. She was _______ and covered in ice and soda.

The customer next in line who witnessed what happened was Feroza Eyed. She _______ the incident via Facebook after things took place. “I’ve never seen anyone _______ that way, especially to do that to a pregnant worker, which was just ________.”

When Feroza approached the drive-through, she ________ the fast food worker a cash tip to comfort her. She had yet another ________— set up an online registry for Bryanna’s baby. Feroza ________ maybe she could raise $300 or $400 for Bryanna to buy something nice. But by 24 hours later people had donated $1,700. Feroza was just obviously going crazy with ________.

Through this, Feroza and Bryanna have become friends. It’s just ________ to see such love and happiness.

6 . Kelly Roundtree was playing darts (飞镖) with his daughter on the balcony of his lakeside home on Aug. 1 when he heard calls for help coming from the other side of Stansbury Lake.

At first, Roundtree said he thought it might be children playing, but after another _______ —this time one of panic, he knew something was _______ .

He then _______ something black in the water and a woman on the phone across the lake. She was talking to emergency responders. Without _______ , Roundtree ran out the door and _______ his car. He _______ the few blocks around the lake. His daughter then stood on the shore and _______ him to the woman in the water.

Officials say the paralyzed (瘫痪的) woman had rolled into the lake while _______ into her motorized wheelchair. By the time Roundtree arrived only a minute or so later, her head was underwater with her face _______ above the water line. Roundtree unfastened the seat belt and held her ________ above water for what seemed like 10 to 15 minutes before officials arrived.

“911 had already been ________ and help was already on the way, but had Roundtree not gotten there before, we may be talking about a different ________ right now,” NTFD Public Information Officer John Smith said. Local firefighters, nursing staff and police officers arrived and were able to help get her out of the lake ________ .

While officials are ________ him as “nothing short of heroic” for his rescue, Roundtree thinks anyone in his ________ would have done the same thing.

7 . Fremont, Calif. , is the happiest city in the United States, according to a new WalletHub survey. There is no one way to define happiness or what causes it, but WalletHub researchers determined that people in the Bay Area city are content, in part, because of income.

According to the survey, about 80 percent of Fremont residents (居民) have an annual household income of over $75, 000—the most out of the 182 largest cities in the country. A landmark 2010 study found that increased income is linked to happiness up to a point—$ 75, 000 a year.

“A person living in poverty is, on average, less happy than a person who: makes enough money to pay the bills, have adequate health care, save a little, and take the occasional vacation,” said Matthew Joseph, an associate professor at Duquesne University. “And those in the top 1 percent are, on average, likely a good bit happier than the first person in poverty but only slightly happier (if at all) compared to the second person.”

However, another 2021 study contradicts (相矛盾) that study's findings, showing that people continue to report being happier even if their income climbs past this number.

Fremont residents also report high rates of life satisfaction and low rates of depression, the survey found. Most people in the city also, on average, have lived for a long time.

Another factor contributing to Fremont's happiness level is the city's. low separation and divorce rate—8. 9 percent, which is the lowest in the country.

Fremont residents also seem to be taking care of themselves psychologically (心理上) , according to the survey, since it has the lowest share of adults reporting 14 or more mentally unhealthy days in the past month.

8 . People who eat just two servings of red meat per week may have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (糖尿病) compared to people who eat fewer servings, and the risk increases with greater consumption, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.

While previous studies have found a link between red meat consumption and type 2 diabetes risk, this study, which analyzed a large number of type 2 diabetes cases among participants being followed for an extended period of years, adds a greater level of certainty about the association.

Type 2 diabetes rates are increasing rapidly in the U.S. and worldwide. The disease is not only a serious burden, but also a major risk factor for kidney disease, cancer, and dementia.

For this study, the researchers analyzed health data from 216,695 participants from the Nurses' Health Study, and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Diet was assessed with food frequency questionnaires every two to four years, for up to 36 years. During this time, more than 22,000 participants developed type 2 diabetes.

The researchers found that consumption of red meat, including processed and unprocessed red meat, was strongly associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

Participants who ate the most red meat had a 62% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who ate the least. Every additional daily serving of processed red meat was associated with a 46% greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes and every additional daily serving of unprocessed red meat was associated with a 24% greater risk.

The researchers also assessed the potential effects of substituting one daily serving of red meat for another protein source. They found that substituting with a serving of nuts was associated with a 30% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, and substituting with a serving of dairy products was associated with a 22% lower risk.

In addition to health benefits, substituting red meat for healthy plant protein sources would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions: and climate change, and provide other environmental benefits, according to the researchers.

10 . The Best Hidden Beaches in the UK

Nanjizal Beach, Cornwall

Due to its remote location, stunning Nanjizal Beach is usually very quiet. You can reach it by walking along a pretty coastal path from Porthgwarra. The beach has caves to explore and an old watermill to see. It takes about 30 minutes to walk there from Porthgwarra, but it's worth it. The water is shallow and turquoise (蓝绿色的), perfect for a swim. You can bring your dog too because dogs are welcome here all year round.

Rhu Point, Scotland

Rhu Point in Scotland has beautiful white sand and blue water. It’s an isolated beach that you can get to by walking. If the weather is good, you can see great views of the Cuillin on Skye. There are rock pools to look in, and you can find shells on the shore. Keep an eye out for birds and marine animals like sea otters. It’s a lovely place to go for a holiday.

Steephill Cove, Isle of Wight

Steephill Cove on the Isle of Wight is a cute little fishing cove. You can get there by taking a ferry. It has colorful beach huts and sandy beaches. You can watch fishermen and explore rock pools. There are also nice walks nearby with beautiful views. If you walk to Ventnor, you’ll find shops and restaurants. It’s a nice place for a family holiday.

Bamburgh Beach, Northumbria

Bamburgh Beach in Northumbria is famous for its big castle. The beach is long and sandy, perfect for walks and playing in the sand. It’s also good for surfing if you like that. You can see rare birds and seals there. There are also rock pools and sand dunes to explore. It's a nice place to visit if you like nature and history.