Geologists find that low-relief mountain ranges are the largest carbon sinks

by Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For many hundreds of millions of years, the average temperature at the surface of the Earth has varied by not much more than 20° Celsius, facilitating life on our planet. To maintain such stable temperatures, Earth must have a 'thermostat' that regulates the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide over geological timescales, influencing global temperatures.

The erosion and weathering of rocks are important parts of this 'thermostat.' A team led by LMU geologist Aaron Bufe and Niels Hovius from the German Research Center for Geosciences has now modeled the influence of these processes on carbon in the atmosphere. Their surprising result: CO2 capture through weathering reactions is highest in low-relief mountain ranges with moderate erosion rates and not where erosion rates are fastest.

Weathering occurs when rock is exposed to water and wind. "When silicates weather, carbon is removed from the atmosphere and later precipitated as calcium carbonate. By contrast, weathering of other phases—such as carbonates and sulfides or organic carbon contained in rocks—releases CO2. These reactions are typically much faster than silicate weathering," says Hovius.

"As a consequence, the impact of mountain building on the carbon cycle is complex."

Weathering model shows common mechanisms

To address this complexity, the researchers used a weathering model to analyze fluxes of sulfide, carbonate, and silicate weathering in a number of targeted study regions—such as Taiwan and New Zealand—with large ranges in erosion rates. They published their findings in Science.

"We discovered similar behaviors in all locations, pointing to common mechanisms," says Bufe.

Further modeling showed that the relationship between erosion and CO2-fluxes is not linear, but that CO2 capture from weathering peaks at an erosion rate of approximately 0.1 millimeters per year. When rates are lower or higher, less CO2 is sequestered and CO2 may even be released into the atmosphere.

"High erosion rates like in Taiwan or the Himalayas push weathering into being a CO2 source, because silicate weathering stops increasing with erosion rates at some point, whereas the weathering of carbonates and sulfides increases further," explains Bufe.

In landscapes with moderate erosion rates of around 0.1 millimeters per year, the rapidly weathering carbonates and sulfides are largely depleted, whereas silicate minerals are abundant and weather efficiently.

Where erosion is even slower than 0.1 millimeters per year, only few minerals are left to weather. The biggest CO2 sinks are therefore low-relief mountain ranges such as the Black Forest or the Oregon Coast Range, where erosion rates approach the optimum.

"Over geological timescales, the temperature to which Earth's 'thermostat' is set therefore depends strongly on the global distribution of erosion rates," says Bufe.

To understand the effects of erosion on Earth's climate system in greater detail, Bufe thinks that future studies should additionally consider organic carbon sinks and weathering in floodplains.

More information: Aaron Bufe, CO2 drawdown from weathering maximized at moderate erosion rates, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adk0957. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adk0957

Journal information: Science 

Provided by Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Mountain growth influences greenhouse effect

 

Restoring mining landscapes in the High Arctic

by Trine Hay Setsaas, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research

Credit: Dagmar Hagen

NINA researchers have played a central role in restoring old mining landscapes in Svalbard, Norway. As of 2024, the restoration is complete.

The Svea coal mines permanently closed for operation in 2015. At the same time landscape restoration of the mining settlement and infrastructure, stretching more than 20 km from the sea up to 700 meters above sea level, was initiated to re-establish the natural processes in the area.

Enabling both dynamic ecological and geomorphological processes was the focus of the landscape restoration, when remnants of the old mining activity that once dominated the area, such as roads, housing, industrial facilities, landfills, and quarries, were all removed.

"Tackling a more than hundred-year-old coal mine at 77° North gave us invaluable knowledge in restoring active geological processes and slow biological processes in extreme environments," says Dagmar Hagen, senior researcher at The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.

Fast and slow nature in the High Arctic

Where vegetation cover in Svalbard is sparse and slow-growing, the geological processes, such as glacial, slope, fluvial and coastal, are in contrast highly active. Facilitating geodiversity has in this case meant appropriate consideration of biodiversity, as the abiotic conditions support a mosaic of vegetation cover and habitats as well as landscape character.

In fact, when targeting the reconstruction and design of post-mining landscapes, there is a risk of neglecting the dynamic geomorphological processes, Hagen says. Rather than designing a new landscape, we argue that preparing the future landscape for active geological processes will align with the overall ideas of nature restoration, she continues.

In High Arctic regions with sparse vegetation and slow biotic processes, and where geological and geomorphological forces dominate, facilitating these dynamic processes will especially be relevant.

Multidisciplinary: From bulldozer operators to project owner

A multidisciplinary approach in planning such large-scale restoration in the High Arctic was crucial to understand relations between ecological and geomorphological processes, and to propose the best possible solutions. Placing geomorphology, botany, and landscape knowledge at the core, cultural heritage, and pollution management were also closely connected.

Further, the extensive restoration effort at Svea required a consensus on restoration principles among all participants from project leaders to all personnel working on the ground. To foster a common understanding, all personnel participated in "green training," gaining insights into the landscape, geodiversity, biodiversity, and restoration principles.

Ultimately, the people operating excavators, bulldozers, and dump trucks carry out the restoration work and shape the new landscape, and a significant portion of the positive results should be attributed to their efforts, Hagen states.

"We believe that the success of a restoration project of this size depends on a multidisciplinary approach, including all aspects of the management of the mine's interior, pollution, cultural heritage, and natural diversity," Dagmar Hagen concludes.

Details of the project are published in the journal Geoheritage.

More information: Lars Erikstad et al, Working with Natural Processes: Restoring a Mining Landscape in the High Arctic, Svalbard, Norway, Geoheritage (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s12371-023-00855-4

Provided by Norwegian Institute for Nature ResearchArctic archipelago turns the page on its mining past

Biologist Olsen helps launch global wild rice alliance
By Talia Ogliore 

 March 7, 2024

Biologist Kenneth Olsen, in Arts & Sciences, joined researchers from 24 countries in an effort to strengthen cooperation and solve a key problem of improving rice yields. (Photo: Joe Angeles/Washington University)

Kenneth Olsen, a George William and Irene Koechig Freiberg Professor of Biology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, joined researchers from 24 countries in establishing the Global Alliance for the Conservation of Wild Rice. The alliance also includes representatives from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yazhou Bay National Laboratory and the International Rice Research Institute.

The group aims to promote innovative research on wild rice germplasm resources through strengthening international cooperation, respecting biodiversity and promoting resource sharing. On March 4, the researchers shared details about their mission and plans in the journal Molecular Plant.

Wild rice is a valuable germplasm resource, with genes that support disease resistance, insect resistance and stress resistance traits, Olsen and his colleagues noted.

These germplasm resources play a vital role in increasing rice yields, improving quality and enhancing adaptability. In the context of global climate change, frequent occurrence of agricultural pests and diseases and poor international scientific research and cooperation on wild rice, the global protection and utilization of wild rice germplasm resources is particularly important and urgent, the scientists said.

Olsen’s research focuses on the genetic basis of evolution in plants. One of his major research thrusts is the genomic basis of weedy rice competitiveness; in February 2024, Olsen and partners in China, Malaysia and Thailand published a study in Nature Communications about how porous borders at the wild-crop interface promote weed adaptation in Southeast Asia.

 

African American patients on Medicaid less likely to undergo surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, finds study

by Wolters Kluwer Health

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

African American patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are less likely than others to receive surgical treatment, reports the March issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"Our study shows significant race- and gender-related differences in treatment choices among Medicaid beneficiaries with CTS," comments ASPS Member Surgeon Rachel C. Hooper, MD, of University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. "The findings point to the need for strategies to address the underuse of surgical treatment for this common and potentially disabling condition."

New data on racial disparities in CTS treatment decisions

Patients with CTS have compression of the median nerve in the wrist, causing hand numbness, pain, and decreased function. Treatment options include activity modifications, splints, steroid injections, or surgery (carpal tunnel release). Hand surgery is an important area of specialization within plastic and reconstructive surgery.

As for many other conditions, race is a potentially important factor affecting treatment choices for CTS. The new study evaluated possible racial disparities in the use of CTS surgery among patients on Medicaid.

Using a Medicaid database, the researchers identified approximately 362,000 African American and white patients diagnosed with CTS between 2009 and 2020. Rates of surgical treatment were analyzed by race and gender, with adjustment for other characteristics. African American patients with CTS were more likely to be women and were relatively older than white patients.

Surgery was the "first and only option" for CTS in 13.6% of African American patients, compared to 21.4% of white patients. African American patients were also less likely to undergo surgery within six months after diagnosis. In patients with severe CTS, delays to surgery are associated with an increased risk of persistent symptoms and reduced hand function.

Need for 'actionable strategies' to address disparities in CTS treatment

For both racial groups, the use of CTS surgery increased during the study period; however, the racial gap in surgical treatment increased over time. In 2020, rates of CTS surgery were 19.1% for African American patients compared to 28.5% for white patients.

Gender also affected rates of CTS surgery. Overall, 13.7% of African American women underwent surgery, compared to 21.7% of white women. A similar trend was noted for men: 12.8% for African American men versus 20.0% for white men. African American patients and women were also more likely to undergo steroid injections, rather than surgery.

Though the use of an administrative dataset facilitates identification of differences in treatment decisions among Medicaid patients based on race and gender, the underlying reasons for these differences are not readily discernable. Citing previous studies, the researchers note, "[T]he perceived rate of surgical complications, success of the surgery and overall trust in their surgeon may impact the decision to undergo surgery among economically disadvantaged African Americans."

The findings come at a time of ongoing efforts to address racial and other disparities within the US health care system. Dr. Hooper and colleagues conclude that "...by identifying these disparities in the utilization of carpal tunnel release and hand surgery more broadly, we can move towards actionable strategies for narrowing the gaps." Dr. Hooper and her research team are currently conducting qualitative studies to further elucidate how the lived experiences of Black patients influence treatment decisions.

More information: Rachel C. Hooper et al, An Analysis of Treatment Choices among White and African American Medicaid Patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (2023). DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010640

Provided by Wolters Kluwer Health 

Tumor biology may underlie racial differences in certain breast cancer outcomes

Is this the future of fashion?

Developed by the Self-Assembly Lab, the 4D Knit Dress uses several technologies to create a custom design and a custom fit, while addressing sustainability concerns.

Watch Video

Maria Iacobo | Olivia Mintz | School of Architecture and Planning  

MIT

Publication Date: March 7, 2024



Active textiles

Students in the Self-Assembly Lab have been working with dynamic textiles for several years. The yarns they create can change shape, change property, change insulation, or become breathable. Previous applications to tailor garments include making sweaters and face masks. Tibbits says the 4D Knit Dress is a culmination of everything the students have learned from working with active textiles.

McKinlay helped produce the active yarns, created the concept design, developed the knitting technique, and programmed the lab’s industrial knitting machine. Once the garment design is programmed into the machine, it can quickly produce multiple dresses. Where the active yarns are placed in the design allows for the dress to take on a variety of styles such as pintucks, pleats, an empire waist, or a cinched waist.

“The styling is important,” McKinlay says. “Most people focus on the size, but I think styling is what sets clothes apart. We’re all evolving as people, and I think our style evolves as well. After fit, people focus on personal expression.”

Danny Griffin MArch ’22, a current graduate student in architectural design, doesn’t have a background in garment making or the fashion industry. Tibbits asked Griffin to join the team due to his experience with robotics projects in construction. Griffin translated the heat activation process into a programmable robotic procedure that would precisely control its application.

“When we apply heat, the fibers shorten, causing the textile to bunch up in a specific zone, effectively tightening the shape as if we’re tailoring the garment,” says Griffin. “There was a lot of trial and error to figure out how to orient the robot and the heat gun. The heat needs to be applied in precise locations to activate the fibers on each garment. Another challenge was setting the temperature and the timing for the heat to be applied.”

It took a while to determine how the robot could reach all areas of the dress.

“We couldn’t use a commercial heat gun — which is like a handheld hair dryer — because they’re too large,” says Griffin. “We needed a more compact design. Once we figured it out, it was a lot of fun to write the script for the robot to follow.”

A dress can begin with one design — pintucks across the chest, for example — and be worn for months before having heat re-applied to alter its look. Subsequent applications of heat can tailor the dress further.

Beyond fit and fashion

Efficiently producing garments is a “big challenge” in the fashion industry, according to Gihan Amarasiriwardena ’11, the co-founder and president of Ministry of Supply.

“A lot of times you'll be guessing what a season's style is,” he says. “Sometimes the style doesn't do well, or some sizes don’t sell out. They may get discounted very heavily or eventually they end up going to a landfill.”

“Fast fashion” is a term that describes clothes that are inexpensive, trendy, and easily disposed of by the consumer. They are designed and produced quickly to keep pace with current trends. The 4D Knit Dress, says Tibbits, is the opposite of fast fashion. Unlike the traditional “cut-and-sew” process in the fashion industry, the 4D Knit Dress is made entirely in one piece, which virtually eliminates waste.

“From a global standpoint, you don’t have tons of excess inventory because the dress is customized to your size,” says Tibbits.

4D Knit Dress: Transforming Style    Video: Self-Assembly Lab

McKinlay says she hopes use of this new technology will reduce the amount of waste in inventory that retailers usually have at the end of each season.

“The dress could be tailored in order to adapt to these changes in styles and tastes,” she says. “It may also be able to absorb some of the size variations that retailers need to stock. Instead of extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, retailers may be able to have one dress for the smaller sizes and one for the larger sizes. Of course, these are the same sustainability points that would benefit the consumer.”

The Self-Assembly Lab has collaborated with Ministry of Supply on projects with active textiles for several years. Late last year, the team debuted the 4D Knit Dress at the company’s flagship store in Boston, complete with a robotic arm working its way around a dress as customers watched. For Amarasiriwardena, it was an opportunity to gauge interest and receive feedback from customers interested in trying the dress on.

“If the demand is there, this is something we can create quickly” unlike the usual design and manufacturing process, which can take years, says Amarasiriwardena.

Griffin and McKinlay were on hand for the demonstration and pleased with the results. For Griffin, with the “technical barriers” overcome, he sees many different avenues for the project.

“This experience leaves me wanting to try more,” he says.

McKinlay too would love to work on more styles.

“I hope this research project helps people rethink or reevaluate their relationship with clothes,” says McKinlay. “Right now when people purchase a piece of clothing it has only one ‘look.’ But, how exciting would it be to purchase one garment and reinvent it to change and evolve as you change or as the seasons or styles change? I'm hoping that's the takeaway that people will have.”

WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN —

After Astra loses 99 percent of its value, founders take rocket firm private

First you burn the cash, then comes the crash.

ERIC BERGER

- 3/7/2024

Enlarge / Liftoff of Astra's Rocket 3.0 from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Astra60

Astra's long, strange trip in the space business is taking another turn. The company announced Thursday that it is going private at an extremely low valuation.

Four years ago, the rocket company, based in Alameda, California, emerged from stealth with grand plans to develop a no-frills rocket that could launch frequently. "The theme that really makes this company stand out, which will capture the imagination of our customers, our investors, and our employees, is the idea that every day we will produce and launch a rocket," Astra co-founder Chris Kemp said during a tour of the factory in February 2020

Almost exactly a year later, on February 2, 2021, Astra went public via a special purpose acquisition company (or SPAC). "The transaction reflects an implied pro-forma enterprise value for Astra of approximately $2.1 billion," the company stated at the time. For a time, the company's stock even traded above this valuation.

But then, rockets started failing. Only two of the seven launches of the company's "Rocket 3" vehicle were successful. In August 2022, the company announced a pivot to the larger Rocket 4 vehicle. It planned to begin conducting test launches in 2023, but that did not happen. Accordingly, the company's stock price plummeted.

Last November Kemp and the company's co-founder, Adam London, proposed to buy Astra shares at $1.50, approximately double their price. The company's board of directors did not accept the deal. Then, in late February, Kemp and London sharply cut their offer to take the company private, warning of "imminent bankruptcy" if the company doesn’t accept their new proposal. They offered $0.50 a share, well below the trading value of approximately $0.80 a share.Advertisement

On Thursday, Astra said that this deal was being consummated.

"Astra Space, Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which the acquiring entity has agreed, subject to customary closing conditions, to acquire all shares of Astra common stock not already owned by it for $0.50 per share in cash," the company stated. The acquiring entity consists of Kemp, London, and other long-term investors.

Where Astra goes from here is anyone's guess. Rocket 4 is likely months or years from the launch pad. It faces stiff competition not just from established small launch players such as Rocket Lab and Firefly but also from new entrants as well, including ABL Space and Stoke Space. Additionally, all of these small launch companies have been undercut in price by SpaceX's Transporter missions, which launch dozens of satellites at a time on the Falcon 9 booster.

Additionally, Astra's spacecraft engine business—acquired previously from Apollo Fusion—may or may not be profitable now, but there are questions about its long-term viability as well.

"I don't fault management for seizing the opportunity to raise hundreds of millions of dollars by SPAC'ing, but a pre-revenue launch company without a proven rocket was probably never a good match for the public markets," said Case Taylor, investor and author of the Case Closed newsletter.

Taylor added that he hopes that Astra spacecraft engines find a way to thrive in the new Astra, as the space industry values their performance. "I hope to see that diamond survive and thrive," he said.

What’s New in Digital Equity: How to Build a Public Broadband Network

Plus, Pennsylvania announces millions of dollars in new broadband funding, the FCC aims to expand Internet choice for residents of apartment buildings, and more.

March 07, 2024 •
Julia Edinger


Shutterstock
This week in “What’s New in Digital Equity” — our weekly look at government digital equity and broadband news — we have a number of interesting items, which you can jump to with the links below:

A Guide to Building a Public Broadband Network

$20M Approved to Support Digital Equity in Pennsylvania

FCC Announces Plan to Expand Broadband Choice in Apartments

Report: Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

Digital Equity Champions Recognized at Net Inclusion 2024


A GUIDE TO BUILDING A PUBLIC BROADBAND NETWORK

The Benton Institute for Broadband and Society published a new handbook from the American Association of Public Broadband yesterday, Own Your Internet: How to Build a Public Broadband Network.

This guide aims to help support communities in building their own broadband networks, adding to the nearly 650 community-owned broadband networks and co-ops nationwide. The guide offers information on the steps required to be successful in doing so and other resources that could support these efforts.

The guide, authored by Bill Coleman of Community Technology Advisors, builds on similar guidebooks that were previously published by the Benton Institute, such as Accelerate: A Community Broadband Planning Program.

Building a community broadband network involves careful and comprehensive planning. Through this new resource, community leaders will have access to information about the logistical, technical, financial and political challenges related to this work.

The guidebook comes complete with relevant information about law firms, financial advisers, public relations firms, construction firms, equipment vendors, grant application and management platforms, firms that build and operate networks, and more.

“Every community has a stake in this broadband moment — and they must have the tools they need to decide how they will meet their connectivity needs,” said Benton Institute Executive Director Adrianne B. Furniss in the announcement

The announcement underlines the value of this resource in bringing “local control and choice” to localities.

$20M APPROVED TO SUPPORT DIGITAL EQUITY IN PENNSYLVANIA

In other state news, the Biden-Harris administration announced that $20 million for digital connectivity projects in Pennsylvania through the Capital Projects Fund has been approved. This builds on the $200 million in funding that was awarded in the state last year.

The funding will support the work of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) to purchase and distribute Internet-enabled devices to schools, libraries, municipalities, and nonprofit and workforce training organizations.

As PBDA Executive Director Brandon Carson said in an announcement, communities without reliable broadband access rely on anchor institutions like these, and these institutions have a need for updated resources. This funding aims to help these institutions better support the communities they serve.

FCC ANNOUNCES PLAN TO EXPAND BROADBAND CHOICE IN APARTMENTS

At the federal level, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is continuing to push for digital equity. This week, the FCC announced a plan to both lower costs and expand options for broadband services for people living in apartments and other multi-tenant buildings. The proposal aims to end bulk billing arrangements. As FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said in the announcement, “it is not right” for an apartment complex to choose the broadband service for a household and limit consumer choice.

The notice of proposed rulemaking would allow tenants to opt out of such arrangements. The FCC would also seek comment on other ways that consumer choice is limited for households in multi-unit buildings.

REPORT: CONNECTING MINORITY COMMUNITIES PILOT PROGRAM

A new report from Next Century Cities explores the impact of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.

The first round of historic Black colleges and universities has received grant funding through the program, which is administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The report examines how much funding different institutions have received and what their plans are for using that funding.

The report also offers recommendations for the work to continue beyond this funding: 1) use new data to expand research, 2) create templates for program implementation, 3) make report findings available for future applicants, 4) foster digital skills in the workforce, and 5) connect communities.

DIGITAL EQUITY CHAMPIONS RECOGNIZED AT NET INCLUSION 2024

One of the announcements that came out of Net Inclusion 2024, which was held in Philadelphia last month, was the 2024 Digital Equity Champions. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance created this award in 2016 and has recognized 15 champions since.

The 2024 Digital Equity Champion recognized as an emerging leader is Karimullah Kamwar, who serves as the digital empowerment manager at the Syracuse Northeast Community Center. Norma E. Fernandez, CEO at EveryoneOn, was also recognized as a Digital Equity Champion. Finally, Adrienne Pruszynski, co-founder and program director at Renaissance 21 was recognized as a Digital Equity Champion.

The nomination period for these awards opened late last year and is expected to open again this year in November.


Julia Edinger is a staff writer for Government Technology. She has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Toledo and has since worked in publishing and media. She's currently located in Southern California.

TikTok overuse: Unveiling the intersection of personality, depression, and social media

by Eric W. Dolan
March 7, 2024

(Photo credit: Adobe Stock)

A new study published in BMC Psychology sheds light on the psychological dynamics of TikTok overuse, revealing how personality traits and depressive tendencies intertwine, potentially leading to what has been termed TikTok Use Disorder (TTUD). The study found that individuals with higher levels of negative emotions and lower self-discipline are more likely to develop an unhealthy dependence on TikTok, with this relationship significantly influenced by depressive symptoms.

TikTok, a social media platform operated by ByteDance, has rapidly ascended to global prominence, distinguished by its short video sharing format. Unlike traditional social media platforms that may prioritize text-based posts or photos, TikTok’s emphasis on brief, engaging videos offers a unique user experience, which quickly propelled it to the forefront of digital culture.

But there are burgeoning concerns over the potential adverse effects of social media overuse, with TikTok’s influence being somewhat underexplored in existing research. While the advantages of social media, such as enhancing social capital, are well-documented, the escalation of use to the point of dependency — bearing resemblance to behavioral addiction — poses significant questions. Given TikTok’s unique design and massive appeal, the researchers sought to better understand the platform’s specific impact on mental health.

“Overuse of social media is currently not recognized as an official diagnosis,” wrote the researchers, Christian Montag and Sebastian Markett. “This field remains a subject of ongoing and controversial discussion [13, 14]. On the other hand, it’s worth noting that Gaming Disorder and Gambling Disorder are both included in the current International Classification of Diseases-11 (ICD-11) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, these established disorders could potentially serve as a model for examining disordered social media use and may offer valuable insights into this emerging area of study.”

For their study, the researchers initially screened a large pool of 7,111 individuals, narrow the sample down to 383 participants who affirmed their use of both social media and TikTok, were at least 18 years old, and thus met the criteria for inclusion. This selection process ensured that the study focused on an adult population actively engaged with TikTok.

Participants were administered a series of questionnaires, crucial among them being the TikTok Use Disorder-Questionnaire (TTUD-Q), which the researchers adapted from the Gaming Disorder Test to assess symptoms related to Gaming Disorder as outlined by the World Health Organization. This approach involved rephrasing items to focus on TikTok use, capturing elements such as loss of control, prioritization of TikTok over other daily activities, continuation despite negative consequences, and functional impairments over a twelve-month period. The study also employed the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) to gauge depressive tendencies and the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10) to assess personality traits.

The examination of the TTUD-Q scores revealed that the majority of participants’ scores were concentrated in the lower range, suggesting that while TTUD tendencies exist within the sample, extreme cases were not prevalent.

The researchers found a significant association between specific personality traits — namely high neuroticism and low conscientiousness — and heightened tendencies towards TTUD. This suggests that individuals who are more prone to experiencing negative emotions and exhibit less discipline and organization in their lives are more likely to develop unhealthy patterns of TikTok usage.

Depressive tendencies played a crucial mediating role in this relationship, indicating that the pathway from these personality traits to TTUD is significantly influenced by the presence of depressive symptoms. This finding aligns with the hypothesis that individuals with higher levels of neuroticism may use TikTok excessively as a coping mechanism to alleviate their depressive symptoms, inadvertently reinforcing a cycle of dependency on the platform.

Gender and age emerged as important variables in understanding TTUD tendencies. The study found that, on average, females exhibited higher scores on TTUD, neuroticism, and depressive tendencies, while older participants showed lower TTUD tendencies. This suggests that demographic factors can influence how individuals interact with and are affected by platforms like TikTok.

Specifically, the negative association between age and TTUD tendencies might reflect differences in how various age groups use and engage with social media, with younger users possibly being more susceptible to developing disorderly usage patterns.

But the study, like all research, includes limitations. Its cross-sectional design restricts the ability to establish causal relationships between the investigated variables and its reliance on a convenience sample may affect the generalizability of the findings. Moreover, the unique demographic profile of the participants, skewing older than the average TikTok user, might color the outcomes, necessitating further research with younger cohorts.


“The current study suggests that the framework proposed by the WHO for diagnosing Gaming Disorder may be suitable for diagnosing [TikTok Use Disorder],” the researchers concluded. “However, we exercise caution in not overinterpreting our data at this point. As we conclude this work, we encourage other researchers to further investigate and scrutinize the WHO framework for Gaming Disorder in the context of social media overuse. This exploration should extend to the examination of specific platforms, considering their distinct designs and potential to instigate addictive behaviors.”

The study, “Depressive inclinations mediate the association between personality (neuroticism/conscientiousness) and TikTok Use Disorder tendencies,” was published February 17, 2024.

80% of Australians think AI risk is a global priority. The government needs to step up

THE CONVERSATION
Published: March 8, 2024

A new nationally representative survey has revealed Australians are deeply concerned about the risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI). They want the government to take stronger action to ensure its safe development and use.

We conducted the survey in early 2024 and found 80% of Australians believe preventing catastrophic risks from advanced AI systems should be a global priority on par with pandemics and nuclear war.

As AI systems become more capable, decisions about how we develop, deploy and use AI are now critical. The promise of powerful technology may tempt companies – and countries – to race ahead without heeding the risks.

Our findings also reveal a gap between the AI risks that media and government tend to focus on, and the risks Australians think are most important.


Read more: Demand for computer chips fuelled by AI could reshape global politics and security

Public concern about AI risks is growing

The development and use of increasingly powerful AI is still on the rise. Recent releases such as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude 3 have seemingly near-human level capabilities in professional, medical and legal domains.

But the hype has been tempered by rising levels of public and expert concern. Last year, more than 500 people and organisations made submissions to the Australian government’s Safe and Responsible AI discussion paper.

They described AI-related risks such as biased decision making, erosion of trust in democratic institutions through misinformation, and increasing inequality from AI-caused unemployment.

Some are even worried about a particularly powerful AI causing a global catastrophe or human extinction. While this idea is heavily contested, across a series of three large surveys, most AI researchers judged there to be at least a 5% chance of superhuman AI being “extremely bad (e.g., human extinction)”.

The potential benefits of AI are considerable. AI is already leading to breakthroughs in biology and medicine, and it’s used to control fusion reactors, which could one day provide zero-carbon energy. Generative AI improves productivity, particularly for learners and students.

However, the speed of progress is raising alarm bells. People worry we aren’t prepared to handle powerful AI systems that could be misused or behave in unintended and harmful ways.

In response to such concerns, the world’s governments are attempting regulation. The European Union has approved a draft AI law, the United Kingdom has established an AI safety institute, while US President Joe Biden recently signed an executive order to promote safer development and governance of advanced AI.

Read more: Who will write the rules for AI? How nations are racing to regulate artificial intelligence

Australians want action to prevent dangerous outcomes from AI

To understand how Australians feel about AI risks and ways to address them, we surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,141 Australians in January and February 2024.

We found Australians ranked the prevention of “dangerous and catastrophic outcomes from AI” as the number one priority for government action.

Australians are most concerned about AI systems that are unsafe, untrustworthy and misaligned with human values.

Other top worries include AI being used in cyber attacks and autonomous weapons, AI-related unemployment and AI failures causing damage to critical infrastructure.

Strong public support for a new AI regulatory body

Australians expect the government to take decisive action on their behalf. An overwhelming majority (86%) want a new government body dedicated to AI regulation and governance, akin to the Therapeutic Goods Administration for medicines.

Nine in ten Australians also believe the country should play a leading role in international efforts to regulate AI development.

Perhaps most strikingly, two-thirds of Australians would support hitting pause on AI development for six months to allow regulators to catch up.

Read more: I used to work at Google and now I'm an AI researcher. Here's why slowing down AI development is wise

Government plans should meet public expectations

In January 2024, the Australian government published an interim plan for addressing AI risks. It includes strengthening existing laws on privacy, online safety and disinformation. It also acknowledges our currently regulatory frameworks aren’t sufficient.

The interim plan outlines the development of voluntary AI safety standards, voluntary labels on AI materials, and the establishment of an advisory body.

Our survey shows Australians support a more safety-focused, regulation-first approach. This contrasts with the targeted and voluntary approach outlined in the interim plan.

It is challenging to encourage innovation while preventing accidents or misuse. But Australians would prefer the government prioritise preventing dangerous and catastrophic outcomes over “bringing the benefits of AI to everyone”.

Some ways to do this include:

establishing an AI safety lab with the technical capacity to audit and/or monitor the most advanced AI systems


establishing a dedicated AI regulator


defining robust standards and guidelines for responsible AI development


requiring independent auditing of high-risk AI systems


ensuring corporate liability and redress for AI harms


increasing public investment in AI safety research


actively engaging the public in shaping the future of AI governance.

Figuring out how to effectively govern AI is one of humanity’s great challenges. Australians are keenly aware of the risks of failure, and want our government to address this challenge without delay.

Authors

Michael Noetel

Senior Lecturer in Psychology, The University of Queensland

Alexander Saeri

Research Project Manager, The University of Queensland

Jess Graham

Research officer, The University of Queensland
Disclosure statement

Michael Noetel has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund, Sport Australia, Open Philanthropy, and the National Health and Medical Research Council. He is a director of Effective Altruism Australia.

Alexander Saeri has received funding from the Effective Altruism Infrastructure Fund and the FTX Future Fund. He is affiliated with Good Ancestors Policy.

Jess Graham does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

EWG applauds bill to repeal unjust ‘electric utility tax’ on overburdened California ratepayers

SACRAMENTO – Today California Assembly member Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) introduced a bill to repeal legislative language that requires state utility regulators to enact an “electric tax” on ratepayers who are already facing sky-high bills. Irwin was joined by several other members of the Assembly and two members of the Senate at a press conference today announcing the legislation.

Irwin’s proposed legislation would roll back the utility tax and call for hearings to investigate why electricity costs are soaring under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s handpicked California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC. The commission routinely approves plans developed by Pacific Gas & Electric and the state’s other two largest utilities to soak more money from ratepayers.

The tax provision was slipped into the state’s annual budget in June 2022, so the CPUC was required to implement the tax. The controversial language was buried in omnibus legislation known as a budget trailer bill so that lawmakers were not likely to see it. It was ultimately approved by both the Senate and Assembly.

The existing law mandates that the CPUC initiate a fixed monthly charge, or tax, on utility customers and that it be based on an income-graduated scale. The CPUC is considering a charge of up to $70 a month – orders of magnitude more than any other state’s. This means that even if a household conserves by using solar or hanging out the clothes to dry in the sun, they cannot avoid a large fixed charge in the hundreds of dollars per year.

“A growing number of members of the state legislature, led by Assemblymember Irwin, are standing up to the profit-fueled utilities and the captured CPUC,” said EWG President and California resident Ken Cook. “Californians deserve more leadership like hers, instead of the usual groveling before PG&E and the rest of the power company cabal.”

The utility-backed tax provision from June 2022 is cynically designed to pad the profits of PG&E and the other two investor-owned utilities in the state. It has drawn a widespread outcry from the public, as well as from clean energy and consumer advocacy groups.

“The CPUC is clearly beholden to the utilities. But it must be held accountable. The legislature should reverse its own flawed decision to prevent the commission from shackling captive ratepayers statewide to punishing utility rates,” he said.

###

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.