What happens next when science can confidently announce the discovery of an alien life form? Whether it's a fully functioning civilization or a lowly Martian microbe, the implications are vast. Dr. Brianne Suldovsky of Portland State University has studied this mostly ignored question and come up with some interesting conclusions--and, like the best science, more questions. How this can best be communicated in an age of mistrust in large institutions and science is a vexing one, and the conversation looked at it from a variety of angles. And--it was fun. Join us!

Headlines:

• Artemis 2 Heat Shield Passes Inspection Despite Social Media Panic
• SpaceX Nears Version 3 Starship Launch After Delays
• New Naked-Eye Comet and Lyrid Meteor Shower Viewing Tips

Main Topic: Communicating the Discovery of Extraterrestrial Life

• Lack of Research on Public Communication of Alien Life Discoveries
• Religious Backgrounds and How They Shape Views on Science and Space
• Public Trust, Misinformation, and Institutional Perception Challenges
• Risks, Uncertainties, and Ethics in Announcing Life Discoveries
• What Happens if Private Companies Discover Alien Life First
• Measuring Public Beliefs: the Extraterrestrial Belief Scale and Conspiracies
• Religious, Psychological, and Societal Impacts of Alien Life Announcements
• Direct Public Involvement in Decisions About Contacting Alien Life
• Navigating AI, Social Media, and Pattern Recognition in Spreading Space News

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Brianne Suldovsky

Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

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Jennifer Pattison Tuohy of The Verge joins Mikah Sargent this week on Tech News Weekly! How AI is helping elders stay independent & provide companionship. How Apple and Google's app stores are pushing users toward deepfake nude apps, per an organization's report. And inside the crazy backstory behind an AI plush companion.

• Jennifer talks about Samsung's newest updates to its SmartThings Family Care service and how technology and AI are increasingly being used to help take care of elderly people & provide companionship.
• Mikah talks about a report from the Tech Transparency Project that found both Apple & Google's app stores that host & direct users to apps that generate non-consensual nude images of women.
• And Victoria Song of The Verge joins the show to share her review of a $399 AI companion and her very unique experience with the device overall.

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Jennifer Pattison Tuohy

Guest: Victoria Song

Download or subscribe to Tech News Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/tech-news-weekly.

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Sponsors:

• zscaler.com/security
• Simply CX

Whether you're lending your phone to a kid or relying on maps off the grid, what you don't know about your device's security could come back to bite you. This episode shows why a few simple settings make all the difference when it counts.

• Setting up Medical ID and emergency contacts for safety
• Using Face ID and Guided Access to lock and protect apps
• Offline maps: how and why to download before you travel
• Find My and Life360 for tracking people and devices, with privacy tips
• Apple Messages' Check In and third-party safety apps like bSafe
• WiFi Assist and WiFi Calling: improving the reliability of calls and data
• News: Apple removes outdated Pages, Keynote, and Numbers from App Store
• Feedback: Free access to the Calm app via insurance and company perks
• Picks of the Week: Pokemon Go auto-catch gadget and Picsew screenshot tool

Hosts: Mikah Sargent and Rosemary Orchard

Contact iOS Today at iOSToday@twit.tv.

Download or subscribe to iOS Today at https://twit.tv/shows/ios-today

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Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

Sponsor:

• shopify.com/ios