/technology14hHow AI slop is causing a crisis in computer scienceThe rise of AI tools has led to an influx of low-quality papers, known as AI slop, in computer science journals and conferences. The 2026 International Conference on Machine Learning received over 24,000 submissions, more than double the previous year, due to increased researcher productivity from AI adoption. However, this surge has made thorough evaluation infeasible and has led to a rise in AI-generated papers with fabrications. To combat this, some conferences have introduced measures such as eligibility checks, submission fees, and requiring authors to review other submissions. The issue poses a threat to the credibility of scientific research in computer science.
/science14hBriefing Chat: Caffeine slows brain ageing, suggests decades of dataThis article from Nature Briefing discusses a study that suggests caffeine consumption may slow brain aging, based on data from 130,000 participants.
/science14hScientists have found a weird 'inside out' planetary system. Here's what it looks like | SpaceAstronomers have discovered a rare 'inside-out' planetary system around the red dwarf LHS 1903, where a small rocky planet orbits beyond two gas giants, challenging traditional theories of planetary formation.
/offbeat14h'The beacons were lit!' Scientists name merging supermassive black holes after 'Lord of the Rings' locations | SpaceScientists have named two systems of colliding supermassive black holes after Lord of the Rings locations, Gondor and Rohan. The discovery was made by the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOGrav) using a new technique that combines gravitational wave observations with quasars. The names Gondor and Rohan were chosen to reflect the beacons lit in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,' symbolizing the discovery of these cosmic phenomena.
/news14hAnnular 'ring of fire' solar eclipse February 2026 - Live updates | SpaceThis article provides live updates on the annular solar eclipse on Feb. 17, 2026, featuring the moon's path across Antarctica and parts of southern Africa and South America. It highlights the unique 'ring of fire' phenomenon, explains the occurrence of eclipse seasons, and notes the gradual changes in eclipse patterns due to the moon's distance from Earth.
/science14hOnly Humans Have Chins — and They Emerged as an Evolutionary AccidentA recent study published in PLOS One suggests that the human chin, a unique feature not found in other animals, emerged as an accidental byproduct of long-term evolution of the jaw in early hominins. Contrary to previous beliefs, the chin did not evolve as an adaptation to enhance survival but rather as a spandrel, a term describing a feature unintentionally produced by other adaptations. The research challenges the notion that every animal feature conferring a positive effect must have been achieved by natural selection.
/science15hWild Parrots May Follow Language-Like Rules — Including SyntaxA study published in the Journal of Avian Biology reveals that Yellow-naped Amazon parrots in Costa Rica use structured vocal exchanges during territorial disputes, following syntactic rules similar to human language.
/offbeat15hShipwreck Reveals Over 2,350 Pieces of Yuan Dynasty Blue-and-White Porcelain | Discover MagazineThis article from Discover Magazine discusses the discovery of the Temasek Wreck, an ancient shipwreck off the coast of Singapore that carried a record cargo of Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain. The wreck, identified as the earliest historic shipwreck in Singapore waters, was excavated between 2016 and 2019, revealing a large cache of ceramics that provides insight into maritime trade between southern China and Southeast Asia during the 14th century.
/movies15hEmma Laird on Going From ‘The Brutalist’ to ‘The Bone Temple’ and Picking Bold, Bonkers Roles: ‘I Don’t Want to Do Shakespeare, I Want to Play a Fish’Rising British star Emma Laird discusses her career trajectory, from her early days in modeling to her breakout role in 'Mayor of Kingstown', and her preference for bold, unconventional roles in projects like 'The Brutalist' and 'The Bone Temple'. She shares her experiences at the Berlinale with her lead role in the series 'Mint', and her aspirations to take on more daring roles, including potentially joining HBO's 'Harry Potter' series as a Merperson.
/movies15h‘The Idiot(s),’ Starring Aimee Lou Wood, Johnny Flynn, Releases First Look ImageThe Match Factory has released the first image from 'The Idiot(s),' directed by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, starring Aimee Lou Wood, Johnny Flynn, Vicky Krieps, and Christian Friedel. The film, based on Andrew D. Kaufman's novel 'The Gambler’s Wife: A True Story of Love, Risk, and the Woman Who Saved Dostoyevsky,' follows the lives of Fyodor Dostoyevsky and his wife Anna, which inspired 'The Idiot.' The film is co-written by Szumowska, Englert, Kasper Bajon, and Bríd Arnstein, with Englert handling cinematography. The North American rights are represented by CAA Media Finance, while The Match Factory handles international sales.
/entertainment15hTom Morello on Co-Directing ‘The Ballad of Judas Priest’: ‘What a Time to Be Alive Where You Can Both Make a Documentary About Your Favorite Band and Fight Fascism’Tom Morello discussed the political nature of his documentary 'The Ballad of Judas Priest' at the Berlin Film Festival, highlighting the band's inclusive and diverse audience as a model for unity. The film explores Judas Priest's journey and vocalist Rob Halford's struggle as a closeted gay man in heavy metal. Morello, known for his political activism, also spoke about his efforts to fight fascism and injustice.
/gaming15hScott Pilgrim EX playable demo available now on SteamA playable demo for the adventure brawler Scott Pilgrim EX is now available on Steam. Players can explore a new storyline co-written by Bryan Lee O’Malley and Tribute Games, featuring all-new music from Scott Pilgrim alumni, Anamanaguchi. The demo includes the first two quests, playable solo or with friends, featuring characters like Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Lucas Lee, and Roxy Richter. Scott Pilgrim EX, set for release on March 3rd, 2026, is not a direct sequel but starts with the Sex Bob-omb band members kidnapped as Toronto is terrorized by demons, vegans, and robots.
/gaming15hBloober Team's big reveal is Layers of Fear 3 | Eurogamer.netBloober Team has confirmed the release of Layers of Fear 3, marking the tenth anniversary of the horror game franchise. Despite the title, this is actually the fourth installment in the series. The announcement included a live-action teaser but provided no further details, such as a release date. The company has been busy with other projects, including the Silent Hill 2 Remake and Cronos: The New Dawn.
/arts-district15hAgnes Gund’s Remarkable Art Collection Going Up for Auction at Christie’s - Galerie MagazineChristie's will auction a selection of works from Agnes Gund's collection in May, including Mark Rothko's No. 15 (Two Greens and Red Stripe) estimated at $80 million, Cy Twombly's Untitled (1961) at $40-60 million, and Joseph Cornell's Untitled (Medici Princess) at $3-5 million.
/movies1dPaul Thomas Anderson Ends ‘One Battle After Another’ Press Run by Honoring His ‘Proper F**king Movie Stars’Paul Thomas Anderson honored his 'One Battle After Another' stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro with the Hammond Cinema Vanguard Award at the 2026 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, marking the end of their press run. The event featured insights from the actors about their experiences on set, with DiCaprio crediting Adam Somner for helping complete 'The Revenant' and Penn and del Toro sharing their reluctance to watch their performances. DiCaprio also mentioned his upcoming film with Martin Scorsese, 'What Happens at Night'.
/entertainment1dJohn Wick is getting a proper game on PS5 and it looks awesomeJohn Wick is getting a proper game on PS5 and it looks awesome. The action game is a collaboration between Saber, Lionsgate, and franchise director Chad Stahelski that will have an original script and take place in the actual John Wick universe.
/gaming1dMarathon's 'Sever Slam' open beta weekend is coming later this monthMarathon's 'Server Slam' open beta weekend is open to everyone and offers a preview of what to expect from Bungie's extraction shooter. The beta runs from Feb. 26 through March 2 on PlayStation 5 and other platforms. Feedback from previous tests has been positive, and the game is set to launch on March 5 for PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X.
/gaming1dSony State of Play Feb. 2026: All the news, trailers, and revealsSony's latest State of Play livestream showcased numerous game announcements and updates for PlayStation 5, including remakes of the original God of War trilogy, a 2D prequel, and new titles like Silent Hill: Townfall and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Other notable reveals included a John Wick game, a sequel to Kena: Bridge of Spirits, and remastered versions of Legacy of Kain: Defiance and Legacy of Kain: Ascendance. The stream also featured trailers for upcoming games such as Pragmata, Resident Evil Requiem, and Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
/anime1dLove Through a Prism is a slow-burn romance anime about art and lossNetflix’s ‘Love Through a Prism’ is a slow-burn romance anime set just before World War I, focusing on art, restraint, and heartbreak. The series follows Lili Ichijoin, a Japanese art student in London, and her complex relationship with Kit Church, a brilliant but withdrawn artist. The anime’s stunning animation and restrained storytelling create a beautifully poignant atmosphere, exploring themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of beauty.
/star-wars1dLego's new Star Wars sets go hard on Mandalorian and GroguThis article from Polygon highlights Lego's new Star Wars sets focusing on The Mandalorian and Grogu, offering insights into upcoming movie events. Seven sets are revealed, including the Razor Crest, Mando's ship, and various vehicles and characters. The sets range in price from $33.99 to $149.99, with the Razor Crest being the most notable at $149.99.
/star-wars1dThe best and worst Star Wars couples, rankedThis article ranks the best and worst romantic couples in the Star Wars franchise, exploring the complexities and nuances of each relationship.
/entertainment1dLorne Michaels Documentary From ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor’ Director Morgan Neville Sets April Release DateThis documentary, 'Lorne,' directed by Morgan Neville, offers an in-depth look at Lorne Michaels, the creator of 'Saturday Night Live,' and his extensive career in television and film. Set for release on April 17, the film features archival footage and interviews with notable cast members and writers from 'SNL' as well as other productions Michaels has been involved with.
/movies1d‘A Prayer for the Dying’ Review: Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly Anchor an Impressively Severe End-of-Days WesternDara van Dusen's 'A Prayer for the Dying' is a taut, bleak western set in 1870 Wisconsin, focusing on Johnny Flynn and John C. Reilly as settlers battling a diphtheria epidemic and wildfires. The film, adapted from Stewart O'Nan's novel, presents a stark, Cormac McCarthy-esque narrative with contemporary relevance, exploring themes of denial and fatalism in the face of crisis.
/movies1d‘Cold Storage’ Review: Joe Keery Faces Mutant Fungus but the Gore Falls ShortThis review of 'Cold Storage' highlights Joe Keery and Georgina Campbell's performances as they face mutant fungus in an underground storage facility. Despite the film's attempt to blend comedy and horror, it struggles to commit to either tone, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. The film's reliance on CGI effects fails to convey the tactile ick needed for a successful horror comedy.
/technology1dDisney Hits ByteDance With Cease-and-Desist, Claiming Seedance AI Tool Is ‘Hijacking’ Trademarked CharactersDisney has sent ByteDance a cease-and-desist letter over its new Seedance 2.0 generative AI video tool, claiming the Chinese owner of TikTok infringed on its creative property to train the new model. Disney accuses ByteDance of manipulating its copyrighted Disney characters as if they were in the public domain. The letter claims Seedance 2.0 includes a 'pirated library' full of Disney assets from its biggest franchises, such as Star Wars and Marvel superhero films. The generative AI model, released this week by ByteDance, has triggered a wave of industry backlash, with SAG-AFTRA and the Motion Picture Association also issuing statements against the tool.
/entertainment1dFox’s ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Casts Stephen Amell to Lead SeriesFox Entertainment and Fremantle are rebooting the iconic lifeguard drama 'Baywatch' with Stephen Amell as Hobie Buchannon, premiering in the 2026-27 season. The original show, which debuted in 1989, was a global hit and launched the careers of stars like David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, and Jason Momoa.
/lgbtq1dSame-Sex Japanese Dating Reality Show ‘The Boyfriend’ Leads Netflix Japan’s Unscripted Global PushThis article discusses the success of LGBTQ+ dating series 'The Boyfriend' on Netflix Japan, which has led to an expansion of the streamer’s Japanese unscripted slate. The strategy behind the success involves avoiding conventional reality television formulas and focusing on authentic, emotionally engaging content. This approach has resonated with international audiences, demonstrating the effectiveness of preserving local intensity while creating accessible entry points through subtitles and editing.
/movies1dJamie Adams on Directing Quentin Tarantino, Simon Pegg and Charlotte Gainsbourg in ‘Only What We Carry’ — and Shooting the Movie in Six Days (EXCLUSIVE)This Variety article features an exclusive interview with Welsh indie director Jamie Adams, who discusses his upcoming film 'Only What We Carry,' which stars Quentin Tarantino, Simon Pegg, and Charlotte Gainsbourg. Adams shares insights into the film's inception, the improvisational filming process, and the collaborative atmosphere on set.
/lgbtq1d‘Silence of the Lambs’ Team Reckons With Transphobia Criticism: “There’s Regret”As 'The Silence of the Lambs' celebrates its 35th anniversary, the cast and crew reflect on the film's legacy, particularly the criticism from the transgender community regarding the character Buffalo Bill. Actor Ted Levine expresses regret over the film's portrayal, acknowledging its harmful impact. The team admits to not fully understanding the implications of their work on LGBTQ+ viewers at the time.
/movies1dChanning Tatum, Gemma Chan Sundance Drama ‘Josephine’ Sells to Sumerian Pictures in Seven-Figure DealJosephine, a psychological thriller starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, has been acquired by Sumerian Pictures for a seven-figure deal. The film, which premiered at Sundance and is set to debut at Berlin, tells the story of an 8-year-old who witnesses a rape and the subsequent trauma experienced by her and her parents.