Rob Brooks
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Articles by Rob Brooks
'Stinkfluencers': Will following the skipping showers trend make you more attractive?
IN BRIEF "Stinkfluencers" promote skipping showers and deodorant to enhance their natural scent and attract mates. Is there any evidence that humans produce or respond to pheromones in this way? Across parts of the internet where young men trade tips on self-improvement, the latest project is scent. Deodorant is out and washing less is in. These "stinkfluencers" promise that the right aroma will work wonders on attracting a mate.
Skipping showers is the latest trend. But is there any science to 'pheromone' maxxing?
There’s plenty of advice about pheromone-maxxing on Tiktok. Credit: Screenshot from Tiktok.com Across parts of the internet where young men trade tips on self-improvement, the latest project is scent. Deodorant is out, and washing less is in. These "stinkfluencers" promise that the right aroma will work wonders on attracting a mate. But while humans can find smells pleasant, malodorous or something in between, there's no evidence we can detect and respond to pheromones or that we produce them.
Skipping showers is the latest trend. But is there any science to ‘pheromone’ maxxing? Original
Across parts of the internet where young men trade tips on self-improvement, the latest project is scent. Deodorant is out and washing less is in. These “stinkfluencers” promise that the right aroma will work wonders on attracting a mate. But while humans can find smells pleasant, or malodorous, or something in between, there’s no evidence we can detect and respond to pheromones, let alone produce one. Many animals communicate with pheromones, often around sex or marking territory.
Young men are 'voicemaxxing' to sound more attractive. But women aren't impressed
Credit: SHVETS production/Pexels Looksmaxxing, fibermaxxing, proteinmaxxing, T-maxxing. There are so many TikTok trends that promise to optimize our lives. Just when you thought there was nothing left to #maxx, there's another trend to add to the list—voicemaxxing. Its proponents claim the deeper a man's voice, the greater his success at attracting a woman. And they're offering exercises and apps to help train young men to sound more "manly" and improve their dating game.
Young men are ‘voicemaxxing’ to sound more attractive. But women aren’t impressed
Looksmaxxing, fibremaxxing, proteinmaxxing, T-maxxing. There are so many TikTok trends that promise to optimise our lives. Just when you thought there was nothing left to #maxx, there’s another trend to add to the list – voicemaxxing. Its proponents claim the deeper a man’s voice, the greater his success at attracting a woman. And they’re offering exercises and apps to help train young men to sound more “manly”, and so up their dating game.
Newly Proposed Police Legislation in MA
Speaker 1 (00:00): It's nice size with Dan Ray. I'm Easy Boston's News Radio. Speaker 2 (00:07): Welcome back everyone, Thank you very much, Dan Watkins. As they say, get the duck boat's ready. I think this season has turned around tonight. I'm the eternal optimist. My name's Dan Ray, host of Nightside. Been doing this now. I went to our well into almost wrapping up our nineteenth year here on WBZ, and pretty soon we will be underway with year twenty. I want to welcome back (00:28): to the program.
The evolution of AI
What happens when natural selection, the most powerful process driving change in the living world, shapes artificial intelligence (AI), perhaps the most potent technology humanity has invented to date? We might be about to find out. According to a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we are entering the era of “evolvable AI” – AI systems that can undergo evolution. In turn, that might give rise to a major transition in evolution. How major is “major”?
Evolvable AI: Are we on the brink of the next major evolutionary transition?
Credit: Alejandro Quintanar from Pexels What happens when natural selection, the most powerful process driving change in the living world, shapes artificial intelligence (AI), perhaps the most potent technology humanity has invented to date? We might be about to find out. According to a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we are entering the era of "evolvable AI"—AI systems that can undergo evolution.
Evolvable AI: are we on the brink of the next major evolutionary transition?
What happens when natural selection, the most powerful process driving change in the living world, shapes artificial intelligence (AI), perhaps the most potent technology humanity has invented to date? We might be about to find out. According to a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we are entering the era of “evolvable AI” – AI systems that can undergo evolution. In turn, that might give rise to a major transition in evolution. How major is “major”?
Evolvable AI: are we on the brink of the next major evolutionary transition?
What happens when natural selection, the most powerful process driving change in the living world, shapes artificial intelligence (AI), perhaps the most potent technology humanity has invented to date? We might be about to find out. According to a new paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, we are entering the era of “evolvable AI” – AI systems that can undergo evolution. In turn, that might give rise to a major transition in evolution. How major is “major”?
Evolvable AI: are we on the brink of the next major evolutionary transition?
11 hours ago A step-by-step plan for building the capabilities your leadership team needs—before the gap becomes permanent. In March 2026, Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey told CNBC that AI had significantly influenced his decision to step down from his post. The company needed, in his words, “someone with the energy …
Emma Johnston was a visionary scientist, environmentalist and leader, with an abiding hope for humanity Original
Emma Johnston, the who has died aged 52, was a marine ecologist, a visionary leader in science and research, a passionate champion of the environment, a brilliant and engaging communicator, and a caring mentor. Emma was also our friend. Born in 1973 and raised in Melbourne, Emma’s star rose swiftly. Her success was driven by a deep love of science, problem-solving and teamwork.
Ice baths and marathons: our modern obsession with ‘wellness’ is driven by ancient instincts Original
If you’ve spent even a little time on social media in recent years, you’ve no doubt come across a swathe of “wellness” content. From kilometre-long lines of runners strutting the Bondi promenade at 6am, to a surge in sauna and ice bath studios, to bizarre routines such as mouth taping, longevity diets and facial ice rollers – looking well is so hot right now. And being seen to be well has become the social currency of our times.
Drew Perlmutter- An Old Moto Soul
Introducing Our Newest Contributor to Road Dirt Drew Perlmutter is a fascinating anachronism. A younger Millennial born into the digital age of the internet and social media, Drew is nonetheless an outlier, a young man who doesn’t follow the crowd, doesn’t live or die by post clicks. He’d rather tinker on an old Honda Dream 305, his 1982 Gold Wing, or ride across the country on a motorcycle, tent camping along the way.
Technologie : poux, puces, tiques… du point de vue de l’évolution, pourquoi le smartphone est-il lui aussi un parasite ?
3 hours ago Avec toutes ces offres, le prix du Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra est en train de fondre Vous allez pouvoir vous offrir un des téléphones les plus performants de Samsung, le Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Avec les soldes d'été, il bénéficie de … 7 hours ago Félix, une vie de lutte sans smartphone : « Si un jour je dois aller en prison, j’irai » Habitant en zone blanche, militant au sein de collectifs décroissants et technocritiques, Félix se bat au quotidien contre le numérique.
Du point de vue de l’évolution, votre téléphone intelligent est un parasite
Les poux, les puces et les vers solitaires accompagnent l’humanité depuis le début de son histoire. Toutefois, le parasite le plus important de l’ère moderne n’est pas un invertébré suceur de sang. Il a des lignes épurées, un écran vitré et est conçu pour créer une dépendance. Son hôte ? Tous les êtres humains de la planète disposant d’un signal wifi.
“Los teléfonos inteligentes parasitan nuestro tiempo, nuestra atención y nuestra información personal, todo ello en beneficio de las empresas tecnológicas y sus anunciantes”
Smartphones Los piojos, las pulgas y las tenias han sido compañeras de la humanidad a lo largo de nuestra historia evolutiva. Sin embargo, el mayor parásito de la era moderna no es ningún invertebrado chupasangre. Es elegante, tiene una pantalla de cristal y es adictivo por diseño. ¿Su huésped? Todos los seres humanos de la Tierra con señal wifi.
The high-tech parasites feeding off human hosts
Head lice, fleas and tapeworms have been humanity’s companions throughout our evolutionary history. Yet, the greatest parasite of the modern age is no blood-sucking invertebrate. It is sleek, glass-fronted and addictive by design. Its host? Every human on Earth with a wifi signal. Far from being benign tools, smartphones parasitise our time, our attention and our personal information, all in the interests of technology companies and their advertisers.
The Greatest Parasite Is Right in Front of You - And It's Dangerous
Head lice, fleas and tapeworms have been humanity's companions throughout our evolutionary history. Yet, the greatest parasite of the modern age is no blood-sucking invertebrate. It is sleek, glass-fronted and addictive by design. Its host? Every human on Earth with a wifi signal. Far from being benign tools, smartphones parasitise our time, our attention and our personal information, all in the interests of technology companies and their advertisers.
The Greatest Parasite Is Right in Front of You – And It's Dangerous | Flipboard
8 hours ago Plus, AT&T responds. If you are one of the more than 100 million people who use AT&T, you might want to take stock of your data. Hackers said they accessed and leaked millions of AT&T customers' private information after the ShinyHunters group allegedly stole the data in April 2024, according to a …
Su móvil es un parásito, según la teoría de la evolución Original
Los piojos, las pulgas y las tenias han sido compañeras de la humanidad a lo largo de nuestra historia evolutiva. Sin embargo, el mayor parásito de la era moderna no es ningún invertebrado chupasangre. Es elegante, tiene una pantalla de cristal y es adictivo por diseño. ¿Su huésped? Todos los seres humanos de la Tierra con señal wifi.
Your smartphone is a parasite, according to evolution
Head lice, fleas and tapeworms have been humanity’s companions throughout our evolutionary history. Yet, the greatest parasite of the modern age is no blood-sucking invertebrate. It is sleek, glass-fronted and addictive by design. Its host? Every human on Earth with a wifi signal. Far from being benign tools, smartphones parasitise our time, our attention and our personal information, all in the interests of technology companies and their advertisers.
Your smartphone is a parasite, according to evolution
21 hours ago Expensive planes, tanks, and ships can be destroyed on the cheap. Relying on its own resources, Ukraine has just carried out what might be the most complex, elaborately planned, and cost-effective military operation of its current war with Russia. Yesterday, the Ukrainians used drones to attack, …
How AI could influence the evolution of humanity - podcast Original
Some of the leading brains behind generative AI have warned about the risk of artificial superintelligence wiping out humanity, if left unchecked. But what if the influence of AI on humans is much more mundane, influencing our evolution over thousands of years through natural selection? In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast we talk to evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks about what AI could do to the evolution of humanity, from smaller brains to fewer friends.
Could artificial intelligence swallow science whole?
Science is by far the most useful and systematic way of sorting good ideas from bad ones. Humans who want to understand their world and use that understanding to improve their lives need ways to sort good ideas from ideas that merely sound good. Since the Enlightenment, that’s how most progress has … progressed. Thanks for reading Rob Brooks - Natural History of the Future! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
Non-trivial AI evolution
GLP Policy & Performance Review, Fall 2024 The GLP is committed to full transparency. Download the report. Global Gene Editing Regulation Tracker Our interactive GLP global map explains the status of each country’s regulations for human and agricultural gene editing and gene drives. GLP 2021 Annual Report The GLP is committed to full transparency. Download our 2021 Annual Report.
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist on how AI might change humanity's future
What will humans be like generations from now in a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI)? Plenty of thinkers have applied themselves to questions like this, considering how AI will alter lives – often for better, sometimes for worse. They have conjured dramatic scenarios, like AI-driven extinction of humans (and many other species), or our assimilation into human-AI cyborgs. The predictions are generally grim, pitting the fate of all humans against a unitary (or unified) AI opponent.
Could artificial intelligence alter what it means to be human?
6 hours ago Brian Walshe, charged with killing his wife, in court Monday: Watch live at 2 p.m. Brian Walshe, the Massachusetts man accused of killing his wife, Ana, and dismembering her body in 2023, is scheduled to appear in court for a … 6 hours ago Ted Bundy lawyer reveals what 'totally fascinates' him about Bryan Kohberger case A former defense attorney for Ted Bundy has described a "fascinating" parallel between the infamous serial killer's last act and the charges against University of...
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? How AI will change humanity's future
What will humans be like generations from now in a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI)? Plenty of thinkers have applied themselves to questions like this, considering how AI will alter lives—often for better, sometimes for worse. They have conjured dramatic scenarios, like AI-driven extinction of humans (and many other species), or our assimilation into human-AI cyborgs. The predictions are generally grim, pitting the fate of all humans against a unitary (or unified) AI opponent.
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity's future
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Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity's future
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Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity's future
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Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity's future
What will humans be like generations from now in a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI)? Plenty of thinkers have applied themselves to questions like this, considering how AI will alter lives—often for better, sometimes for worse. They have conjured dramatic scenarios, like AI-driven extinction of humans (and many other species), or our assimilation into human-AI cyborgs. The predictions are generally grim, pitting the fate of all humans against a unitary (or unified) AI opponent.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Would-Be Authoritarian
Last Wednesday, 20 November, Israel’s leading daily, Haaretz, ran a full-length advertisement on its front page—a highly unusual occurrence.
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity’s future
What will humans be like generations from now in a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI)? Plenty of thinkers have applied themselves to questions like this, considering how AI will alter lives – often for better, sometimes for worse. They have conjured dramatic scenarios, like AI-driven extinction of humans (and many other species), or our assimilation into human-AI cyborgs. The predictions are generally grim, pitting the fate of all humans against a unitary (or unified) AI opponent.
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity’s future
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity’s future What will humans be like generations from now in a world transformed by artificial intelligence (AI)? Plenty of thinkers have applied themselves to …
My Friend the Chatbot
Of all the ways people expect Artificial Intelligence to change their lives, making new friends is not high on anybody’s list. I wrote an entire book called Artificial Intimacy about AI-powered technologies that capable of socialising with human beings, and yet even I did not anticipate talking with a green-haired, violet-eyed chatbot in the hope of shaking myself out of a slump. Men of my age often don’t have enough friends.
Smaller brains? Fewer friends? An evolutionary biologist asks how AI will change humanity’s future
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Advanced voice mode: Latest AI innovation makes it more human-like but with cultural ramifications
Rob Brooks | Asia Times | September 25, 2024 If you’re a paid subscriber to ChatGPT, you may have noticed the artificial intelligence (AI) large language model has recently started to sound more human when you are having audio interactions with it.
The latest version of ChatGPT has a feature you'll fall in love with-and that's a worry
If you’re a paid subscriber to ChatGPT, you may have noticed the artificial intelligence (AI) large language model has recently started to sound more human when you are having audio interactions with it.
Falling in love, literally, with ChatGPT
If you’re a paid subscriber to ChatGPT, you may have noticed the artificial intelligence (AI) large language model has recently started to sound more human when you are having audio interactions with it.
The latest version of ChatGPT has a feature you'll fall in love with-and that's a worry Original
If you're a paid subscriber to ChatGPT, you may have noticed the artificial intelligence (AI) large language model has recently started to sound more human when you are having audio interactions with it.
The latest version of ChatGPT has a feature you’ll fall in love with. And that’s a worry
If you’re a paid subscriber to ChatGPT, you may have noticed the artificial intelligence (AI) large language model has recently started to sound more human when you are having audio interactions with it. That’s because the company behind the language model-cum-chatbot, OpenAI, is currently running a limited pilot of a new feature known as “advanced voice mode”. OpenAI says this new mode “features more natural, real-time conversations that pick up on and respond with emotion and non-verbal cues”.
The latest version of ChatGPT has a feature you’ll fall in love with. And that’s a worry
7 hours ago In This Story Boeing’s BA first foray into manned space flight has been an unmitigated cock up. Starliner launched to the International Space Station with two astronauts onboard in June and landed back on Earth two months later without them after issues were uncovered with the craft. Now, more …
The Journey of a Thousand Miles
Two lifelong friends turn 60, and take a road trip together On a long undulating stretch of 25E in middle Tennessee, Lyle and I are headed north making for Kentucky by nightfall. Finding ourselves behind a semi for several miles with no clear place to pass, I settle in on the 2024 Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+, trailing Lyle in lead.
Quillette Cetera Episode 18: The Kiss Overreaction and Why We Don’t Have White Guilt
In the first half of the podcast, Claire and I discuss how overblown the Women's World Cup kiss scandal is, and how much we enjoyed Heather Mac Donald's piece about it in Quillette. A Kiss Is Just a Kiss The uproar over a fleeting outburst of uninhibited joy is ludicrous. Heather's essay invites us to reflect on the contradictory beliefs that women are strong and empowered, yet simultaneously so easily victimised by minor transgressions.
Quillette Cetera Episode 17: Too Gay for the Christian Church, Too Problematic for the Woke Church
In this week's episode of Quillette Cetera I sit down with my friend Melody Rachel, a multifaceted artist from New Zealand who currently resides in Sydney. We discuss her upcoming one-woman show Demo, which she will be performing at the Sydney Fringe Festival. The show explores her complex feelings of alienation as she navigates through various communities—being a lesbian, a Christian, and an "anti-woke" artist who challenges the current heterodoxy of the Arts world.
Quillette Cetera Episode 16: Oppressed or Oppressor?
In the latest episode of Quillette Cetera, I interview the outspoken feminist philosopher and Quillette contributor, Holly Lawford-Smith. Holly and I don't agree on much, but we enjoy having a respectful and productive debate on questions such as how to define patriarchy, whether heterosexual sex is inherently male-centered, and whether evolutionary psychology can provide us with helpful insights into sex and gender.
Episode 15: Has the Australian Press Council Been Captured?
In this episode, Claire and I discuss a complaint lodged with the Australian Press Council concerning one of Claire's articles in The Australian. In her piece, Claire compares Australia's method of treating children with gender dysphoria to Finland's more nuanced approach, which neither affirms nor denies gender identities. The article evidently ruffled some activist feathers, and not for the first time.
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