Phys.org, Author at Spotlight Magazine

New model maps social polarization as overlapping group opinions, not fixed sides

Researchers at TU Wien are developing a model that interprets opinions not as diametrically opposed poles, but as overlapping areas at the group level.This post was originally published on this site

Scientists uncover new quantum state that could power future technologies

Scientists have discovered a new quantum state of matter that connects two significant areas of physics, potentially leading to advancements in computing, sensing and materials science.This post was originally published on this site

One cure for sour feelings about politics: Getting people to love their hometowns

Eileen Higgins won a historic victory in December. She became the first woman ever elected mayor of Miami, as well as its first Democratic mayor since 1997.This post was originally published on this site

Living together with differences: Mathematical model shows how to reduce social friction without forcing consensus

Opinion polarization is often considered as the primary driver of social friction, leading to exhaustive efforts to force a consensus. However, new research suggests a more pragmatic goal: reducing the friction of disagreement without necessarily […]

Google files to appeal decision in search monopoly case

Google filed a notice on Friday to appeal a federal judge’s ruling that it held an illegal monopoly on online search, court records show.This post was originally published on this site

YouTube relaxes monetization policy on videos with controversial content

YouTube is updating its guidelines for videos containing content that advertisers define as controversial, allowing more creators to earn full ad revenue when they tackle sensitive issues in a nongraphic way.This post was originally published […]

Using causal AI to amplify sustainability in the textile industry

With the textile industry facing mounting scrutiny over the environmental impacts of fast fashion, two researchers from Constructor University have published a framework to help responsible brands engage audiences more effectively about sustainability on social […]

Nationwide racial bias shapes media reporting on gun violence, study suggests

Mass shootings in white-majority neighborhoods received roughly twice the news coverage of mass shootings in neighborhoods where a majority of residents were people of color, while coverage of police-involved shootings was disproportionately high in majority-minority […]

Do Woolworths shoppers want Google AI adding items to buy? We’ll soon find out

Woolworths has announced a partnership with Google to incorporate agentic artificial intelligence into its “Olive” chatbot, starting in Australia later this year.This post was originally published on this site

I was a designer for RuneScape—its comeback reveals how old games can be rejuvenated

RuneScape experienced a surge of popularity over the 2025 holiday season. While fan nostalgia for a game that is now 25 years old plays a role, the revival more clearly reflects recent changes to RuneScape’s […]