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The Concept of 'Mind Children' A few months ago, an AI researcher from Europe attended a dinner party in Silicon Valley. During one of the many courses, the host addressed his guests, all of whom worked in AI. The researcher paraphrased his message like this: “Isn’t it amazing that we are the last generation of humans who will need to think about procreating biologically? We were lucky enough to be born at a time where we can simply upload our consciousnesses instead.” The Book That Sparked the Conversation The book in question was Hans Moravec’s Mind Children: The Future of Robot and Human Intelligence, which was first published in 1988, and which at the time, according to economist and futurist Robin Hanson of George Mason University, caused a big splash in a small pond – the community of robotics and machine-learning experts to which Moravec belonged. The Data Analysis Moravec’s book is more philosophical treatise than technological manual, but the central idea is that cultural evolution has long since taken over from biological evolution as the most powerful force shaping humanity. The logical extrapolation of this is that the information that encodes our future selves would soon be packed into hardware and software rather than DNA. The Impact Analysis Angela Aristidou, who studies the real-life deployment of AI at University College London, is not surprised that Moravec’s book is enjoying a revival. She says that what in 1988 might have read like science fiction – and still might to most of us – looks eminently realisable to those in the know. The Prediction Hanson shares his conviction that the revolution is inevitable, as soon as AI attains something experts agree to call human-level intelligence. “We are going to generate an explosion of things like us in the future, who will be different from us in many ways,” Hanson says. “To the extent that they have minds somewhat like ours, they are our mind children.”

Australia faces a rapidly ageing population and chronic shortages of aged‑care staff, driving an emerging industry of AI‑enabled robots, virtual‑reality experiences and other digital tools aimed at improving resident wellbeing.AI and Robotics in Australian Aged Care: Current LandscapeProf Wendy Moyle, who runs the social‑robotics laboratory at Griffith University, argues that technology should support humans rather than replace them. She points to a Chinese virtual hospital as a sign of rapid progress, while warning that many inventions are built without input from health professionals or end‑users.Demographic Trends Driving Demand for Tech SolutionsAustralia’s population is ageing, increasing demand for residential and home‑based care.Workforce shortages in aged‑care facilities exacerbate challenges of neglect and abuse.Technology is not a magic bullet, but pilots show measurable benefits for mood, cognition and social isolation.How Tech Is Shaping Human Connection in Care HomesAt St Vincent’s Care in Toowoomba, residents board the “St Vincent’s Express” – a replica train station and carriage that combines physical sets with screens showing Alpine scenery. Manager Elzette Lategan says the experience “takes boredom, loneliness and isolation away and brings in hope.”The organisation Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia notes that virtual reality can improve mood, memory, problem‑solving and spatial awareness, and may reduce pain and anxiety.Companion robots such as Abi, produced by Andromeda, use AI and machine‑learning to recognise faces, interpret emotions and remember conversations, speaking in 90 languages to cater to diverse residents.Future Outlook: Integrating AI While Preserving HumanityMoyle cautions that Australia must “think outside the square,” ensuring that tech augments the human touch rather than substituting it. Continued collaboration between engineers, clinicians and residents will be essential to scale innovations that genuinely enhance quality of life for older Australians.

Colin Matthews: A Life of Influence on UK Classical Music It's hard to think of a single figure who has been so influential on contemporary UK classical music for so long as Colin Matthews, who turned 80 earlier this year. This release from the Nash Ensemble, conducted by Jessica Cottis, showcases his works for voice and chamber group. The Kaleidoscopic Sound World of Seascapes What's striking throughout these four song cycles is the kaleidoscopic sound world he creates with such forensic precision, whether he has seven players to work with or 17. The songs teem with detail; some would almost work without the singer. And yet the vocal line remains the focus. Exploring the Album's Tracks The Island (2007), setting three poems by Rilke, was written for Claire Booth's cool-water soprano; she's also the soloist in Seascapes (2020) and A Land of Rain (2017), and sounds as vibrant as ever, even if occasionally the words get lost in the supple musical lines she is sculpting. In 2018's As Time Returns, it's the baritone Marcus Farnsworth who sings Ivan Blatný's poetry, with honeyed tone and disarming clarity. A Land of Rain: A Study in Interpretation The largest-scale work is A Land of Rain: 10 songs setting words by the poet Nicholas Moore, taken from the 31 different translations he made of a single Baudelaire poem (entries to a newspaper competition, submitted under 31 variously silly pseudonyms). Matthews's music, moving chameleon-like through different styles, brings them alive as a study in how words can be reinterpreted from a myriad of angles. The last song sets the French original – and as the musical strands finally coalesce, in almost Mahlerian style, it's as if all the other songs were a daydream. Listening to Seascapes Listen on Apple Music (above) or Spotify

The Lead: A Provocative Debut Rozie Kelly's frank and feisty debut novel, Kingfisher, has been shortlisted for this year's Women's Prize for Fiction and begins with a case of lust at first sight. The unnamed narrator, a 35-year-old writer, becomes infatuated with a famous poet 17 years his senior, setting the stage for a complex exploration of desire, power dynamics, and unconventional relationships. The Novel's Premise: An Unconventional Attraction The novel introduces us to a "beautiful" 35-year-old writer in a complicated but loving relationship with the equally beautiful but somewhat boring Michael. The object of his sudden attraction is a renowned poet running a popular course at the same university. Despite barely knowing her, he experiences an intense desire "to be inside her," expressing surprise at his own reaction: "A woman! What was the world coming to?" The narrator's infatuation is initially fueled by the poet's success, wealth, and fame, though he also admits to wanting to subjugate her, "to push her down, to render her imperious intelligence stupid with the weight of my body." Thematic Exploration: Love, Lust, and Power Kelly shrewdly explores the different forms love and lust can take, complicated by shifting power dynamics. The relationship begins when the poet and narrator meet to discuss his (nonexistent) poetry collection, leading to an unexpected night together. As their relationship develops, particularly after the poet receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, they settle into the rhythms of a loving relationship. The narrative also explores the narrator's complicated relationship with his racist and homophobic mother, Hetty, confined to a care home, and his deteriorating relationship with Michael, who eventually leaves him for a younger partner. Narrative Structure: Stylistic Uncertainties Despite a confident start and intriguing premise, Kingfisher suffers from narrative inconsistencies. Interesting characters are established then forgotten, and narrative threads are never fully developed. The novel struggles with tonal shifts, moving from "bracing language and violent desires" to "bedside solicitude and quiet domesticity." A late-stage shift into gothic fantasy further destabilizes the narrative, with the ending dangerously approaching "it was all a dream" territory. Throughout, the narrator questions the nature of their relationship: "Who's using who here, do we think?" The answer, as presented in the novel, is that both characters are using each other, as "writers on the make; everyone is potential copy." Critical Assessment: Verve Without Fire Kingfisher possesses considerable verve and energy, demonstrating Kelly's willingness to take risks and embrace absurdity. The novel "crackles and sparks," but ultimately "never quite catches fire." While the book successfully challenges conventional narratives about love and desire, particularly through its exploration of non-traditional relationships and power dynamics, it fails to maintain its initial momentum. The narrative uncertainty and inconsistent tone prevent what could have been a groundbreaking exploration of contemporary relationships from achieving its full potential.

The Inflation Conundrum For such an uncannily successful politician, Donald Trump exhibits a perplexing political myopia. His most recent own-goal was endorsing Ken Paxton, a state attorney general, against four-term senator John Cornyn in the Republican primary for Senate in Texas. Trump's Inflationary Gambits What truly screams “I want us to lose the midterms” is what Trump is doing about inflation, which is becoming his most vulnerable issue. According to a New York Times/Siena poll of registered voters earlier in May, Trump’s approval on handling the cost of living is underwater by 42 percentage points. The Data Analysis Inflation rose at the fastest pace in three years in April, driven by the Iran war and other factors. The nationwide average price of regular gasoline is hovering around $4.50 a gallon, about $1.30 higher than a year ago. Consumer prices increased 3.8% in the year to April, their highest annual rate in two years. The Impact Analysis People’s attitudes about inflation are difficult to parse. They think less about the alphabet of indices policymakers focus on, such as CPI and PCE, and more about how much the price of eggs and gas have risen since they last remembered. The Prediction This may not be statistically robust, but since George HW Bush lost to Bill Clinton in 1992, there has been only one presidential election in a year with inflation as high as it is today. The incumbent, George W Bush, lost to Barack Obama.

The Sexist Remark That Sparked ControversyParaguayan player Adolfo Daniel Vallejo will be fined after he suggested women lack the courage to umpire rowdy crowds following his marathon five-hour defeat by French teenager Moise Kouame at the French Open. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) swiftly condemned the comments as "unacceptable" and announced the fine.The Match and the Controversial CommentsVallejo blamed Brazilian referee Ana Carvalho for failing to control the home crowd during his second-round loss to France's Moise Kouame, who triumphed 6-3 7-5 3-6 2-6 7-6 (10-8) at a packed Court Suzanne Lenglen."I think this sort of matches should be umpired by a man," Vallejo told Clay magazine. "It's very difficult for a woman to do it because the crowd is very annoying. You need to have a lot of courage to go against the crowd."Vallejo added that Kouame "took up a lot of time on many occasions, lying on the floor or stalling" and claimed the crowd shouting for a full minute without any play was abnormal.The Tournament's ResponseThe FFT issued a strong statement condemning Vallejo's remarks: "The competence of an umpire is not determined by their gender, but by their professionalism and ability to officiate at the highest level. The outcome of a sporting event, whether positive or negative, can never justify or excuse such remarks."The tournament organizers announced they would impose "a significant sanction on Adolfo Vallejo in the form of a fine." The Roland Garros tournament also stated it "strongly condemns all sexist remarks, regardless of who makes them, and offers its support to the match umpire and, more broadly, to all the tournament's umpiring officials."Player's Attempted Damage ControlFollowing the backlash, Vallejo attempted damage control on social media, claiming his comments were taken out of context."I never spoke about women in general, I was referring specifically to the referee, who failed to manage the crowd at any point during the match," he posted on X. "That said, I didn't say I lost because of her either. I congratulated the opponent and it's only natural for the crowd to support the home player."Broader Implications for TennisThe incident highlights ongoing challenges in addressing sexism in sports, particularly in tennis where female officials have historically faced discrimination. The FFT's swift response sends a message that such remarks will not be tolerated at one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments.The 17-year-old Kouame, who was supported by passionate home supporters during the match that lasted nearly five hours, became the youngest French Open match winner since 1991 with this victory.

The Escalating Cost of Russia's War in UkraineEvidence of Russia's poor performance in its war in Ukraine, both militarily and economically, has been mounting over the past week. The US Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has confirmed earlier assessments that Russia has lost territory it previously occupied in Ukraine, while Ukraine has managed to reclaim approximately 400 square kilometers in and around Dnipropetrovsk – more territory than at any time since late 2022.Russia's Military Setbacks and Economic StrainRussia has still made a net territorial gain in 2026, but its advance is slowing down dramatically. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, Russia advanced by a net 104 sq km between January 1 and May 26, 2026, compared to its seizure of 1,619 sq km during the same period last year.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian casualties had increased to 145,000 this year, of which 86,000 were killed and 59,000 troops seriously wounded. Ukraine's Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, highlighted that this meant 179 Russian losses per square kilometre of advance, compared to 67 last year – a rate higher than what Russia is currently able to replace through recruitment.Russia's war is also becoming increasingly difficult to finance. Having exceeded its entire 2026 budget deficit allowance by April, and depleted its foreign exchange reserves, Russia has been drawing down gold reserves at an unprecedented pace. According to its Central Bank, Russia has sold 27.9 tonnes of its gold reserves this year, worth more than $4bn, leaving reserves at their lowest since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022.Shifting Battlefield Dynamics and StrategiesThe DIA attributed Ukraine's territorial gains to Russia losing access to Starlink satellite services used for targeting and counter-battery fire. Ukraine attributes its success to its strategy of interdicting Russian logistics through mid-range drone and artillery strikes, which Fedorov described as a programme called "Logistical Lockdown" designed "to scale up middle-strike and systematically destroy Russian capabilities at the operational depth."This Ukrainian tactic has prevented reinforcements of men and equipment from reaching the frontlines, diminishing Russia's superiority in depth of resources and mass. The effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated when Kherson occupation governor Vladimir Saldo restricted movement along the M-14 highway connecting Mariupol, Berdyansk and Melitopol, due to the number of vehicles being struck there.On the defensive front, Ukraine received a significant boost when Sweden announced it would donate 16 Gripen warplanes to Ukraine, which would also purchase an additional 20 through the EU's Ukraine Support Loan in a deal worth $2.9bn. Zelenskyy noted that "Gripen fighters with appropriate weapons, in particular Meteor missiles, which destroy targets at a distance of more than 200 kilometres, will help us push back Russian aircraft" against the approximately 3,000 Russian glide bombs dropped weekly.Simultaneously, Ukraine continued its long-range strikes on the Russian oil economy, which funds the war. On May 23-24, Ukraine struck oil depots and terminals at Novorossiysk and Tamanneftegaz on the Black Sea, as well as military and industrial sites including the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Perm and the Taganrog Airbase in Rostov.Russia's Response and Escalation TacticsIn response to Ukrainian advances, Russia pursued its own aerial tactic of striking Kyiv through massive combined attacks of drones and missiles. On May 24, Russia launched 600 long-range drones and 90 missiles against Kyiv and surrounding areas, including 36 ballistic missiles. Ukraine managed to shoot down 91 percent of the drones and 81 percent of the cruise missiles, though those that hit damaged government buildings, museums, and a market, injuring at least 87 people and killing two.Russia framed these attacks as retaliation for what it described as a terror attack on a college in occupied Luhansk, which it claimed killed six students and injured 39. Ukraine's General Staff countered that it was a strike on a centre for Advanced Unmanned Technologies run by Rubikon, Russia's unmanned systems force.Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov informed his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, that Russia would begin striking "military sites" in Kyiv in retaliation, warning foreign citizens, including diplomats, to leave. Moscow specifically mentioned using its newest Oreshnik intermediate range missile in the attacks, which it has also forward-positioned in Belarus.Future Outlook of the ConflictThe current trajectory suggests that Ukraine's strategy of targeted strikes on Russian logistics and supply lines, combined with enhanced air defense capabilities from international partners, will continue to challenge Russia's military advances. However, Russia's demonstrated willingness to escalate attacks on urban centers and its deployment of advanced weaponry indicate that the conflict may enter a more intense phase.As Russia depletes its financial resources and struggles to replace casualties, its ability to sustain current operations may diminish. Conversely, Ukraine's increasing success in securing international military support and refining its asymmetric tactics could shift the balance further in its favor, though the long-term outcome remains uncertain as both sides adapt their strategies.

The Vision for AI Coding Agents Cognition CEO Scott Wu made headlines again this week when his two-year-old AI coding agent startup raised $1 billion at a $26 billion valuation. Cognition is the maker of Devin, one of the first and, arguably, most successful AI coding agents. Devin, the CEO says, “naturally owns tasks end to end.” The Future of Software Development In fact, in the blog post announcing that raise, Cognition laid out a vision where “we are shifting to a world of self-driving software development.” So, could Devin replace, say, a mid-level L4 programmer? Yes, and no, Wu told TechCrunch. “We’ve never thought about it as replacing humans. I know it’s like a scenario, folks have said these things. It has never been our view.” Preserving the Joy of Programming Wu emphasizes that the goal is not to make human programmers obsolete. “We are all programmers ourselves,” he explained. “I started coding when I was nine.” He views agents as another layer of abstraction between envisioning a software product and producing it, similar to how visual development environments abstracted software creation away from machine instructions. The Role of Devin in Cognition Cognition says that Devin’s role in its own company is to ship nearly all the software. The company says that 89% of code committed by its engineers was committed by Devin, and the rest by local agents. Wu explains that his agent’s role is largely to do the kinds of long-tail maintenance tasks that many programmers don’t like to do anyway: bringing old software up to date; moving applications off one platform and onto another. The Future of AI Agents Wu predicts that agents will enter other fields where they will learn tasks, from customer service to medicine, but hopes the goal will be to augment human workers in those areas, too. “Code and software has been the first to move, but we’ll see this happen in all these other industries,” he predicts. “One thing that’s been clear to us since the beginning is, it should always be up to the human what to do … you really see this in software engineering, but I think it’s true in all these other professions too.”

UK Study Reveals Air Pollution's Impact on Children's Lung DevelopmentResearch shows that air pollution is slowing the lung growth of children in the UK. Scientists tracked the lung function of more than 5,000 people who were born in and around Bristol in the 1990s. Their health was assessed from birth onwards and their lungs were tested as they grew up, at eight and 15 years old and then as adults, aged 24, when their lung function should have reached its maximum.Longitudinal Study Tracks Lung Function From Birth to AdulthoodProf Ann Hansell, of the University of Leicester, who led the study, said: "Much of the evidence on health effects of air pollution relates to adults or pregnancy, but we think it's highly plausible it has impacts on growth and development of children. Those whose lungs didn't grow to maximum potential in childhood may be more vulnerable to the respiratory diseases of later life because they have a lower reserve."Dr Katie Eminson, also of the University of Leicester and a first author of the study, explained: "Lung function was measured using spirometry by trained technicians. Participants were asked to take a deep breath in, then blow out as hard and as fast as possible into a mouthpiece. A machine measured both the amount of air they can breathe out and the speed of that breath, providing an indication of how well their lungs are working."Pollution Exposure Linked to Reduced Lung CapacityThe researchers calculated the children's air pollution exposure in each trimester of pregnancy and then for each year of early childhood. This included particle pollution as well as nitrogen dioxide, a gas that comes mainly from diesel cars and fossil gas boilers.Hansell noted: "We spent literally years creating the particulate air pollution exposure estimates in pregnancy and early life, including sourcing road traffic data from Bristol city council that are not available in the national database."The researchers allowed for other factors that can affect children's health, including premature birth, breastfeeding, parental smoking and home conditions including damp.They found that breathing more air pollution during pregnancy, infancy and early childhood can slow lung development all the way up to early adulthood. The greatest impact was during adolescence, which is the time when lung growth accelerates.Health Implications Extend Beyond Respiratory SystemThose with reduced lung function face multiple health risks. "They are also more vulnerable to poorer health generally," Hansell explained. "For instance, low lung function in adults is associated with the same level of risk of heart disease as having high cholesterol. Research has also shown that people whose lung health has been affected by air pollution may be at greater risk of heart disease."An earlier study found that air pollution was reducing the growth of children's lungs in east London. There, the average nine-year-old's lungs were between 90 and 100 millilitres smaller than they should be—approximately the volume of two hen's eggs.Studies on children in Sweden showed that lung growth increased when air quality improved. Reductions in air pollution might have also allowed the Bristol children's lung growth to return closer to normal rates.Call for Action on Air Quality ProtectionEminson concluded: "While the effects in individual children are small and unlikely to have immediate clinical consequences, they shouldn't be dismissed. Because lung function tends to track from childhood into adulthood, small differences early in life may have implications for long-term health. This reinforces the importance of reducing exposures and protecting children's environments."