Technology

Ancient trees show how hot summers have gotten

Published

2 years ago

May 14, 2024

Ancient trees show how hot summers have gotten

A summer marked by deadly heatwaves across Asia, Europe, and North America last year turns out to have been the hottest in the Northern Hemisphere in at least 2,000 years, according to a new study published in the journal Nature.

Officially, 2023 went down in history books as the hottest on record for the planet — but those records only started in 1850. To see how drastically the climate has changed over millennia, the authors of the new paper studied ancient tree rings to gauge fluctuations in temperatures over the years.

The results show us how extreme the weather is becoming. And while temperatures have reached unprecedented peaks, they’re also a warning of what’s to come unless policymakers do more to turn down the heat.

The cross section of a tree can tell us about its life and the world in which it lived

“Personally, I’m not surprised, but I’m worried,” Jan Esper, lead author of the study and a professor of climatology at Johannes Gutenberg University, said in a briefing with reporters. “The longer we wait, the more expensive it will be and the more difficult it will be to mitigate or even stop [global warming].”

For this study, Esper and his colleagues were limited to data they could collect from the Northern Hemisphere outside of tropical regions. Most of the oldest meteorological stations, dating as far back as the mid- to late 1800s, are located in the Northern Hemisphere. And of those, 45 of 58 are in Europe. To look further back in time and across a broader area, they relied on tree rings from the wood archives of archaeologists.

The cross section of a tree can tell us about its life and the world in which it lived. Many trees add a layer of light-colored “earlywood” each spring and a layer of dark “latewood” each summer. Counting up the rings shows the tree’s age. Thicker rings might indicate a warmer year in trees that time their growing seasons with changes in temperature.

This is a treasure trove of data in cooler climates with defined seasons. But unfortunately, again, it’s found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere. There’s a dearth of this data in more arid and tropical regions in the Southern Hemisphere, where there might be fewer trees or trees that don’t share the same growing patterns.

A treasure trove of data in cooler climates with defined seasons

Working with what they had, the researchers found that land temperatures in the summer of 2023 in the Northern Hemisphere were 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than average temperatures between the years 1–1890. On paper, that might look like a small difference. When it comes to life on Earth, that is a significant shift.

It’s a steeper rise in temperature than the goal set out in the landmark Paris agreement, which strives to stop global temperatures from climbing more than 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution.

Two degrees Celsius of global warming would be enough to shift 13 percent of Earth’s ecosystems to a new biome, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Much of the Amazon rainforest is in danger of becoming a savannah, for example. Coral reefs would decline by 99 percent, and nearly 40 percent of the world’s population could experience severe heatwaves at least once every five years.

We saw a deadly taste of that already last year, with record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, North America, and China that would have been “extremely rare or even impossible without human-caused warming,” according to an international collaboration of researchers called World Weather Attribution.

It was a particularly sweltering year in part because of an El Niño climate pattern that dealt a double whammy alongside climate change in 2023. El Niño hasn’t ended yet, so that combo is already expected to make this summer another scorcher. Meeting the goals of the Paris accord would stop climate change in its tracks, however, if countries around the world can transition to clean energy by 2050.

“I am not concerned about myself because I’m too old, but I have two children and there are many other children out there. And for them [global warming is] really dangerous,” Esper said. “So we should do as much as possible as soon as possible.”

Technology

The best deals on MacBooks right now

Published

8 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series processors in a wide range of sizes and price points, all of which run the company’s newest operating system, macOS 26. Purchasing a new MacBook can be complicated if you’re trying to figure out what specs you need, but finding a deal on a relatively speedy model is surprisingly easy, especially since Apple increased the starting RAM on several models in late 2024.

These days, it’s not uncommon to see various MacBooks discounted by up to $800. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. It’s also the only option to find certain configurations of older models as Apple continues to move forward with newer releases. Apple’s refurbished store offers a one-year warranty and generally discounts new units by up to 20 percent.

But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.

The best MacBook Air deals

In March, Apple released an updated MacBook Air, which comes in both a 13- and 15-inch configuration with an M4 processor. Interestingly, the latest Air starts at a lower price than the prior model, yet it offers slightly faster performance and twice as much base RAM at 16GB. It can also connect to two external monitors with the lid open, comes in a fresh sky blue color, and features the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam from the latest MacBook Pro. Needless to say, there’s a lot to like.

Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs are currently receiving some sizable discounts, too. You can pick up the 13-inch base model with a 10-core CPU, an eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for around $799 ($200 off), which is just $50 shy of its lowest price to date. If you prefer the larger 15-inch model, the entry-level configuration with a 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is on sale for about $999 ($200 off) at Amazon and Best Buy, which remains its second-best price to date.

The M4 MacBook Air sitting on a table in front of a plant.

The best MacBook Pro deals

M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro

In November 2024, Apple released the M4-series MacBook Pro. Notably, the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is the first to launch with 16GB of RAM — double the previous generation’s starting memory — and 512GB of storage for the same $1,599 starting price as the last-gen model. It also picks up a third Thunderbolt 4 port, which is positioned on the right side and supports dual external monitors while the lid is open. Also new in this model is an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam that supports Center Stage and a new Desk View feature, plus the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $150. It’s also available in space black.

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also received additional RAM, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View, as well as the optional nano-texture display option.

Many variations of the M4 MacBook Pro with different screen and processor configurations are on sale right now. For example, the 14-inch M4 Pro with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is available for $1,299 ($300 off) at B&H Photo. You can also pick up the 14-inch Pro with 24GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) at Amazon and Best Buy for $1,749 ($250 off), which is a solid discount even if it’s not the biggest price drop we’ve seen in recent months.

The base 16-inch MacBook Pro, meanwhile, is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for around $2,249 ($250 off), which is $120 more than the all-time low we saw during Black Friday.

Apple’s latest revision of the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro adds the M5 processor. The generational leap will be felt most by those who have an older MacBook Pro, not those upgrading from the M4, unless you use specific AI apps that tap into the chip’s new Neural Accelerators. As for other design changes and upgrades to the inside and outside of this MacBook Pro, there really aren’t any major ones to note; in fact, it’s so similar to the M4 model that our reviewer Antonio Di Benedetto had to write “M5” on a sticky note just to be able to tell them apart. That being said, it’s still an amazing laptop, one that’s just now starting to get minor discounts.

The 14.2-inch base model with the M5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage is down to $1,449 ($150 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H Photo, which is $100 shy of its best price to date.

The newest Mac Minis in town are the M4-based models, which arrived in late 2024. Apple reduced the horizontal footprint of its desktop and paired it with its M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and brings it in line with other base model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.

Deals on the newest Mac Mini are a bit easier to come by now than they were at launch, which is good since the outgoing M2 model is becoming more difficult to find. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. Vertically, the M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.

In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three Thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port. You can also get the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset starting at $1,399, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 storage and the option to upgrade to 10-gigabit ethernet for another $100.

In the past, we’ve seen the base Mac Mini drop to as low as $469, but right now it’s only on sale at Amazon and B&H Photo with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $499 ($100 off). If you need more storage, you can step up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for $689 ($110 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. Meanwhile, the base M4 Pro model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is on sale for $1,269 ($130 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo.

Update, January 16th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.

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Sheena Vasani
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Technology

ChatGPT Health promises privacy for health conversations

Published

9 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Press Room

ChatGPT Health promises privacy for health conversations

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

OpenAI is rolling out ChatGPT Health, a new space for private health and wellness conversations. Importantly, the company says it will not use your health information or Health chats to train its core artificial intelligence (AI) models. As more people turn to ChatGPT to understand lab results and prepare for doctor visits, that promise matters. For many users, privacy remains the deciding factor.

Meanwhile, Health appears as a separate space inside ChatGPT for early-access users. You will see it in the sidebar on desktop and in the menu on mobile. If you ask a health-related question in a regular chat, ChatGPT may suggest moving the conversation into Health for added protection. For now, access remains limited. However, OpenAI says it plans to roll out ChatGPT Health gradually to users on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans.

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AI DISCLOSURE IN HEALTHCARE: WHAT PATIENTS MUST KNOW

Health chats stay isolated from regular conversations and are excluded from AI training by default. (OpenAI)

What makes ChatGPT Health different from regular chats

ChatGPT Health is built as a separate environment, not just another chat thread. Here is what stands out:

A dedicated private space

Health conversations live in their own area. Files, chats and memories stay contained there. They do not mix with your regular ChatGPT conversations.

Clear medical boundaries

ChatGPT Health is not meant to diagnose conditions or replace a doctor. You will see reminders that responses are informational only and not medical advice.

Connecting your health data

If you choose, you can connect medical records and wellness apps to Health. This helps ground responses in your own data. Supported connections include:

Medical records, such as lab results and visit summaries
Apple Health for sleep, activity, and movement data
MyFitnessPal for nutrition and macros
Function for lab insights and nutrition guidance
Weight Watchers for GLP-1 meal ideas
Fitness and lifestyle apps like Peloton, AllTrails and Instacart

You control access. You can disconnect any app at any time and revoke permissions immediately.

Extra privacy protections

OpenAI says Health uses additional encryption and isolation designed specifically for sensitive health data. Health chats are excluded from training foundation models by default.

CAN AI CHATBOTS TRIGGER PSYCHOSIS IN VULNERABLE PEOPLE?

ChatGPT Health creates a separate space designed specifically for health and wellness conversations. (OpenAI)

Things you should not share on ChatGPT

Even with stronger privacy promises, caution still matters. Avoid sharing:

Full Social Security numbers
Insurance member IDs or policy numbers
Login credentials or passwords
Scans of government-issued IDs
Financial account numbers
Highly sensitive details you would not tell a clinician

Health is designed to inform and prepare you, not to replace professional care or secure systems built for identity protection.

ChatGPT Health was built with doctors

OpenAI built ChatGPT Health with direct input from more than 260 physicians across many medical specialties worldwide. Over two years, those clinicians reviewed hundreds of thousands of example responses and flagged wording that could confuse readers or delay care.

As a result, their feedback guides how ChatGPT Health explains lab results, frames risk, and prompts follow-ups with a licensed clinician. More importantly, the system focuses on safety, clarity, and timely escalation when needed. Ultimately, the goal is to help you have better conversations with your doctor, not replace one.

OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT’S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

Users can connect medical records and wellness apps to better understand trends before talking with a doctor. (OpenAI)

What this means for you

For many people, health information is scattered across portals, PDFs, apps and emails. ChatGPT Health aims to pull that context together in one place.

That can help you:

The key takeaway is control. You decide what to connect, what to delete and when to walk away.

How to get access to ChatGPT Health

If you do not see Health yet, you can join the waitlist inside ChatGPT. Once you have access:

Select Health from the sidebar
Upload files or connect apps from Settings
Start asking questions grounded in your own data

You can also customize instructions inside Health to control tone, topics, and focus.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

ChatGPT Health reflects how people already use AI to understand their health. What matters most is the privacy line OpenAI is drawing. Health conversations stay separate and are not used to train core models. That promise builds trust, but smart sharing still matters. AI can help you prepare, understand and organize. Your doctor still makes the call.

Would you trust an AI assistant with your health data if it promised stronger privacy than standard chat tools, or does that still feel like a step too far? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Google brings its AI videomaker to Workspace users

Published

20 hours ago

January 16, 2026

Press Room

Google brings its AI videomaker to Workspace users

Google is expanding access to its AI videomaking tool. Launched last May, Flow was initially only available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers, but now, those with Business, Enterprise, and Education Workspace plans can access it, too.

Flow uses Google’s AI video generation model Veo 3.1 to generate eight-second clips based on a text prompt or images. You can stitch together the clips to create longer scenes, as well as access a bunch of other tools that allow you to change the lighting, adjust the “camera” angle, and insert or remove objects in scenes. Earlier this week, Google added vertical video support inside Flow.

Google brought audio support to more features within Flow late last year, allowing you to generate audio whether you prompt the app based on reference images, ask it to create transitions between scenes, or have the tool extend a clip. The company also integrated its AI-powered image generator Nano Banana Pro into Flow, which you can use to create characters or starting points for your clips.