O artigo critica a 'Carta de princípios para bom trabalho de plataforma' publicada por CEOs de grandes plataformas de emprego digital como Uber e Deliveroo no Fórum Econômico Mundial. Os autores, membros da Fairwork Foundation, argumentam que a carta é uma tentativa de 'fairwashing', onde as empresas tentam definir o que é 'bom trabalho' sem envolver trabalhadores ou reguladores independentes. Eles apontam que a carta não inclui compromissos concretos ou responsabilização, e ignora direitos fundamentais como a liberdade de associação e negociação coletiva. O artigo sugere que a carta é uma resposta às pressões do ativismo dos trabalhadores e da advocacia, mas falha em abordar as questões centrais da gig economy, como salários justos, segurança no trabalho e proteções sociais.

The article discusses Brazil's standing in beach volleyball and its prospects for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympic Games. It highlights Brazil's successful history in the sport, noting that the country has won the most medals in beach volleyball at the Olympics. Given this track record, the article suggests that Brazil is one of the favorites to win medals at the Paris 2024 Games. The piece likely covers the achievements of Brazilian beach volleyball teams in past Olympics, discusses current athletes who may compete in 2024, and reflects on the training and preparation underway for the event.

The article explores the intricacies of Portuguese accent marks, focusing on the cedilla (Ç) and its linguistic history, as well as the reasons behind the use of various diacritical marks in the language. It explains the origin of the cedilla during the Visigothic occupation of the Iberian Peninsula and its role in representing sounds not found in Latin. The article also delves into the evolution of spelling from Latin to Portuguese, discussing why certain consonants and double consonants were dropped or changed. Additionally, it covers the use of acute and circumflex accents to distinguish between semi-open and semi-closed vowel sounds, the historical development of the tilde, and the linguistic function of the crasis in Portuguese. The information is largely based on insights from Paulo Chagas de Souza, a linguistics professor at the University of São Paulo.

Germany is recruiting Brazilian nurses to address its shortage, particularly in smaller cities and elderly care homes. The recruitment process, which includes intensive German language courses, is facilitated by both the German government and private companies. Nurses must reach B2 language proficiency to validate their diplomas and begin working. The German government has signed an agreement with Brazil's Federal Council of Nursing to hire 700 Brazilian nurses annually, with fair working conditions as per the International Labour Organization. Salaries in Germany are significantly higher than in Brazil, and the recruitment is not seen as detrimental to Brazil due to its large number of nursing professionals.

Germany is recruiting Brazilian nurses to address its shortage, particularly in smaller cities and elderly homes. The German government plans to select 700 Brazilian nurses annually, with about 200 already working in Germany and 374 completing language courses. The recruitment process includes intensive German language training to reach B2 level, necessary for healthcare professionals. The Federal Nursing Council (Cofen) in Brazil has signed an agreement with the German government to ensure fair working conditions according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). Salaries in Germany can be up to five times higher than in Brazil, with initial payments of 2,800 euros per month. The recruitment is seen as beneficial for both countries, providing opportunities for Brazilian nurses and addressing Germany's healthcare needs.

On December 24, 1818, Austrian priest Joseph Mohr asked organist Franz Xaver Gruber to compose a melody for a poem he had written two years earlier, resulting in 'Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht', known as 'Silent Night' in English. The song was first performed that night at the Church of St. Nicholas in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria. It has since been translated into over 300 languages and dialects and was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2011. Despite its local origins during a time of hardship in Salzburg, the song became globally renowned, spreading through manuscripts, choirs, and Christian missionaries. The song's translations often adapt to local languages and cultures, sometimes significantly, as seen in the Nazi German version that replaced religious references with praise for Hitler. The song's composers, Mohr and Gruber, are celebrated in Austria with memorials and museums, and the song is considered a tradition beyond its religious roots.

The article, written by Gabriel Bonis, discusses the experiences of journalists Sol Macaluso, Mariana Díaz, and Yan Boechat while covering the war in Ukraine. Macaluso, an Argentine journalist, had to leave Kiev due to intense bombing and was impressed by the solidarity of Ukrainian civilians. Díaz, a Chilean journalist, noted the resilience of Ukrainians despite their suffering. Boechat, a Brazilian journalist, compared the international attention the Ukrainian conflict received to other conflicts he covered, like the Ethiopian war. The article highlights the challenges journalists face in conflict zones, such as obtaining accurate information, dealing with logistics, and ensuring personal safety. It also touches on the role of journalists in providing unbiased reporting and the importance of their presence on the ground to convey the realities of war to the global audience.

Researchers at the Free University of Berlin and other German and Swiss universities, as part of the InsectInfect project, are studying how insects' immune systems kill bacteria, which could lead to new antibiotic treatments. Insects have antimicrobial proteins that can decimate bacteria within minutes. The study focuses on various insects, including fruit flies and honeybees, and their ability to produce antimicrobial peptides. These peptides are ancient defense mechanisms found across many species and may be less prone to resistance compared to modern antibiotics. The research also looks at the wax moth, which can prevent septic shock from gut bacteria during its pupal stage, to understand if bacteria can become resistant to the antimicrobial substances insects produce.

Right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis in Germany are preparing for a societal collapse termed 'Day X', stockpiling resources and weapons. This conspiracy theory has gained traction since the 2015 refugee crisis, with groups like Nordkreuz compiling lists of opponents and amassing arms. Authorities have conducted raids, uncovering large caches of weapons and munitions. The infiltration of these ideologies into the police and the Bundeswehr, particularly the elite KSK unit, has caused significant concern. High-profile cases, such as that of Marko Groß and Philipp S., highlight the severity of the issue. The German Ministry of Defense has acknowledged the problem and is implementing reforms to address the crisis of confidence in the military.

Right-wing extremists and neo-Nazis in Germany are preparing for 'Day X,' a theorized collapse of society and government. These groups, including Nordkreuz with over 30 members, are stockpiling resources and compiling lists of opponents, raising concerns among authorities. Recent operations have seized large caches of weapons and ammunition from such preppers. The infiltration of these ideologies into the police and the Bundeswehr, particularly the elite KSK unit, has led to numerous investigations and disciplinary actions. The Ministry of Defense has acknowledged the issue and is working to improve oversight and counterintelligence efforts.

German neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists anticipate a societal collapse termed 'Day X', preparing with stockpiles of food, alcohol, medicine, weapons, and ammunition. This conspiracy theory gained traction among German far-right preppers after the 2015 refugee crisis. Authorities have seized large weapon caches from these groups, which include civilians, police, and Bundeswehr members. The Nordkreuz group, with over 30 members including SEK police unit operatives, compiled a list of 25,000 potential targets and acquired body bags. Investigations and trials have been ongoing, with one central figure, Marko Groß, sentenced to 21 months. The Bundeswehr faces challenges with right-wing extremism, with numerous soldiers investigated and disciplinary actions taken. The KSK elite force has been partially disbanded due to these issues, and the Ministry of Defense has admitted to systemic problems and is implementing reforms.

German neo-Nazis and right-wing extremists are preparing for 'Day X,' a theorized collapse of society and government in Germany. They stockpile food, alcohol, medicine, weapons, and ammunition, with some anticipating conflict with immigrants and Muslims. Authorities are concerned as large weapon caches have been seized and groups like Nordkreuz have been investigated for compiling lists of opponents, including politicians and public figures. The Bundeswehr faces challenges with right-wing extremism among its ranks, with several scandals and investigations revealing extremist affiliations. The Ministry of Defence has acknowledged the issue and is implementing reforms, while the Counter Extremism Project and other experts express concern over the potential for violent actions from these groups.

The article discusses the visibility and monitoring of right-wing extremist groups in Germany, in light of the electoral success of the Alternative for Germany (AfD). Experts Hans-Jakob Schindler, Julian Junk, and Fabian Virchow weigh in on the challenges of monitoring such groups, which lack a hierarchical structure and often operate independently. They highlight the limitations of surveillance due to legal barriers, the federal nature of Germany's security system, and the use of encrypted communication by extremists. The article also touches on the potential harm posed by unorganized, smaller groups, noting that while they may not seek mass-casualty attacks like Al-Qaeda or ISIS, there is a continuous level of violence against targeted groups such as foreigners, migrants, and journalists. The experts suggest that there is a need for local knowledge and a plurality of monitoring and prevention strategies to effectively address the threat of right-wing extremism.

A report highlights a significant global increase in right-wing extremist violence, with Germany recording the highest number of cases in Europe. The assassination of Walter Lübcke, a pro-refugee politician, by right-wing extremists is a notable case. The trend of right-wing extremist violence is rising, contrary to the global decline in overall extremist attacks. Factors contributing to this rise include social media and digital platforms facilitating the spread of extremist ideas. The German security service classifies thousands as violence-prone right-wing extremists, with a shift in the profile of these individuals from marginalized youth to well-spoken, educated individuals. The article also notes the difficulty in monitoring and preventing such violence, as well as the transnational nature of right-wing extremism.

The article discusses the efforts made by Bosnia and Herzegovina to identify over 25,000 missing victims of the civil war following the Dayton Peace Agreement in 1995. The International Commission for Missing Persons (ICMP), established in 1996, played a crucial role by using DNA testing and creating a network of forensic centers and DNA laboratories. The ICMP, along with other organizations like the ICRC, Physicians for Human Rights, and the United Nations, pressured the government and involved local actors in the identification process. The Missing Persons Institute (MPI) and the Missing Persons Records Center were also instrumental in streamlining the identification process and combining various databases. The article also touches on a forensic study by Jose Pablo Baraybar and Marek Gasior on the causes of death of victims found in a gypsum mine near Prijedor. The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing challenges with around 8,000 persons still missing and the importance of these efforts in aiding national reconciliation.

The Stasi, East Germany's secret police, operated a Law Academy in Potsdam to ideologically train its officers in Marxism-Leninism and operational surveillance techniques. Despite granting over 400 doctorates and numerous Diplom-Jurist degrees, the institution's academic standards were low, with a focus on maintaining the Socialist Unity Party's power. After the Stasi's dissolution in 1990, its degrees were recognized, but Diplom-Jurist holders were barred from practicing law. Controversy remains over the use of these academic titles, with some advocating for a label change to 'Doctor of Stasi' to reflect the ideological nature of the education. The public careers of former Stasi officers were mixed, with some continuing in the private sector using their titles.

The Stasi, East Germany's secret police, operated a Law Academy in Potsdam to ideologically train its officers in Marxism-Leninism and operational techniques. Despite granting over 400 doctorates and numerous Diplom-Jurist degrees, the institution's academic standards were low, with a focus on maintaining the Socialist Unity Party's power. After the Stasi's dissolution in 1990, its degrees were recognized, but Diplom-Jurist holders were barred from practicing law. Historians Jens Gieseke and Arnd Bauerkämper highlighted the institution's ideological nature and the challenges in integrating former officers into unified Germany's public life. A recent debate arose over whether former students should be allowed to use their doctoral titles, with some advocating for a change to 'Doctor of Stasi' to reflect the education's ideological nature.

Less than two weeks before Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender on May 8, 1945, a group of opposing military personnel, Freiheitsaktion Bayern (FAB), attempted to overthrow Adolf Hitler's regime. On April 27, they captured two radio stations near Munich and called for a popular uprising. The movement, involving about 1,430 people, failed, resulting in at least 57 executions and persecution of survivors. Historians Veronika Diem and Sven Keller provide insights into the FAB's composition, objectives, and the tragic outcome of their actions. The FAB's plan included a 10-point program aimed at eradicating National Socialism and establishing a transitional government. Despite the bravery of the participants, the uprising was poorly prepared and lacked widespread support, leading to its collapse and the brutal Nazi crackdown on the rebels.

The article discusses the situation in the Idomeni refugee camp at the Greek border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, focusing on the distribution of food and the concept of fairness. The camp, which has turned into a makeshift settlement resembling a favela, is home to nearly 14,000 refugees but has resources to provide only about 3,000 portions of food daily. The author questions the fairness of the per capita distribution system when it does not ensure that everyone's basic needs are met. The article also critiques the European Union and the Greek government for not providing adequate support to the refugees and relies on NGOs and volunteers to fill the gap. The concept of fairness is explored through various philosophical perspectives, highlighting the complexity of applying it in real-life situations like humanitarian crises.

The article discusses the significant influence of Arabic on the Spanish language, a result of the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula starting in 711. It explains that Spanish, a Romance language, has around 4,000 words of Arabic origin, as noted by historian Rafael Lapesa. The occupation led to a multicultural society in Al-Andalus, where Arabic became the official language. The local dialects, Mozarabic, were influenced by Arabic but largely disappeared after the Christian reconquest in 1492. The article also highlights the impact of the Moors on Spanish agriculture, introducing crops like sugar cane and rice, and on architecture, with examples like the Alhambra. Arabisms in Spanish are evident in words related to food, military, and science, and the article underscores the broader cultural legacy of the Moors in Spain.

The article discusses the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial's exhibition 'Stasi in Berlin: Monitoring and repression in East and West,' which showcases the extensive surveillance network of the Stasi, the East German secret police. The exhibition is based on research into Stasi files and reveals the scale of operations in both East and West Berlin, including the use of thousands of addresses for monitoring and repression. The article recounts the story of Heinz Brandt, who was captured by the Stasi, and provides insights into the methods of social control, espionage, and planning for potential military invasions in West Berlin. The research for the exhibition took two and a half years and involved analyzing over 10,000 pages of official Stasi files. The article also touches on the Stasi's infiltration in West Berlin's political and administrative spheres, its economic espionage, and the trauma that persists in East Germany.

Berlin's club culture, known for its electronic music scene, faces a significant threat from the coronavirus pandemic, with nightclubs closed since March 13. The industry, which generates 9,000 jobs and significant revenue from events and tourism, is at risk. Clubs like SO36, ://about blank, and Mensch Meier are relying on donations and virtual parties to survive. The Club Commission launched United We Stream, live-streaming DJ performances to raise funds. Despite government aid, the future of these cultural landmarks remains uncertain, with some unable to pay rent. The solidarity within the club scene extends to political values, with a portion of funds raised going to an NGO for migrant rescues in the Mediterranean.

Berlin's nightlife, a cultural identity of the city, faces a significant threat from the coronavirus pandemic with clubs closed since March 13, 2020. The industry, which generates significant employment and revenue, has turned to virtual parties to survive. The Club Commission initiated United We Stream, live-streaming DJ performances to raise funds. Despite efforts, including crowdfunding and government aid, the future remains uncertain for many clubs. Some clubs have shown resilience, like SO36, while others, like Mensch Meier, struggle with rent. The community's solidarity is evident, with clubs supporting each other and even donating a portion of proceeds to a maritime rescue NGO.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's preference for ending social isolation despite the COVID-19 pandemic is contrasted with lessons from Europe, where events in Milan, Berlin, and Heinsberg led to rapid virus spread. The Champions League match in Milan, a Berlin nightclub party, and Carnival celebrations in Heinsberg are cited as examples of how the virus can propagate in crowded settings. Health experts emphasize the importance of social distancing to slow the spread, especially in densely populated areas. The World Health Organization continues to recommend physical distancing, and evidence from the University of Oxford supports the effectiveness of quarantine and public gathering bans. Bolsonaro's stance has been criticized by health experts who advocate for broader isolation measures.

In the final stages of World War II, the Luftwaffe launched the Sonderkommando Elbe task force, a desperate measure to crash German aircraft into US bombers to disrupt Allied air superiority. Unlike Japanese kamikazes, German pilots had the option to parachute before impact, though survival chances were low. The operation, encouraged by pilot and Colonel Hajo Herrmann, was composed of volunteers, mostly under 20, influenced by Nazi propaganda. The first and last mission occurred on April 7, 1945, near Magdeburg, Saxony, resulting in disproportionate losses for the Luftwaffe. While the effectiveness of the attack is debatable, it also served as a propaganda tool to demonstrate a defense of German civilians.

As Nazi Germany faced defeat in April 1945, the Luftwaffe deployed the Sonderkommando Elbe task force, aiming to crash German aircraft into US bombers to disrupt Allied air superiority. Unlike Japanese kamikazes, German pilots could eject before impact, though survival was unlikely. The operation, encouraged by Colonel Hajo Herrmann, was born out of desperation as Germany's air defenses collapsed due to Allied bombings and resource shortages. Over 2,000 volunteered, reflecting the power of Nazi propaganda. The first and last mission on April 7, 1945, was disproportionate, with over 100 German fighters and 50 jets facing 1,300 Allied bombers and 800 fighters. The Luftwaffe lost 77 pilots and 133 aircraft, while the US lost 17 bombers and five fighters. The operation's military effectiveness was questionable, but it served as propaganda to demonstrate defense of German civilians.

In February 1945, as the defeat of Nazi Germany loomed, US soldiers discovered over 100 tons of gold, precious metals, and invaluable artworks hidden by the Nazis in a mine in the village of Merkers, Thuringia. The treasure, which included looted items from central banks of European countries and valuables from concentration camp prisoners, was intended to support the war effort. Researchers Annemone Christians and Greg Bradsher provided insights into the origins and significance of the hoard. The treasure was eventually secured by the US troops and later used for reparations and compensating Holocaust survivors, with the process concluding in 1996.

The Green Party in Germany, along with the German Association of Farmers, is mobilizing to block the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, citing environmental concerns and unfair competition for European farmers. Green Party members doubt Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and fear increased deforestation in the Amazon. The deal, described as historic by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, aims to eliminate tariffs and create a market of 780 million people. However, it faces opposition in Europe, with countries like France unwilling to ratify it. The German Association of Farmers criticizes the deal for potentially creating double production standards and harming European agriculture.

The Green Party and German farmers are mobilizing to block the EU-Mercosul free trade agreement, citing environmental concerns and unfair competition. German Green Party members and the German Association of Farmers argue that the agreement lacks legal mechanisms to enforce environmental commitments, such as those under the Paris Climate Agreement, and could lead to increased deforestation in the Amazon. The agreement, described as historic by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, aims to eliminate tariffs and create a market of 780 million people. However, it faces opposition from various European countries and sectors, with critics fearing it contradicts Europe's ambitious environmental policies and could harm European agriculture due to lower production standards in Mercosul countries.

The Social Democratic Party in Denmark, led by Mette Frederiksen, won the parliamentary elections by partially adopting right-wing immigration policies, which diverge from traditional European left-wing values. Despite this shift, the party aims to maintain the current strict immigration system rather than introducing new restrictive measures. The party's strategy to combine right-leaning immigration policies with left-wing social spending and climate focus resulted in a victory, securing 25.9% of the votes. The Social Democrats are now negotiating to form a minority government, seeking support from both left and right parties on different issues.

Görlitzer Park in Berlin, known for open-air drug dealing, has been in the news for its new approach to managing the issue. Park administrator Cengiz Demirci marked

During the Nazi regime, toys such as the game 'Juden raus!' were used to propagate fascist ideology among German children, including mass crimes against Jews. Historian André Postert studied these toys, revealing that they were not only widespread but also voluntarily produced by German companies. The Wiener Library in London holds rare copies of such games, illustrating the deep-rooted antisemitism in German society. Nazi symbols and figures like Hitler were commonly featured in children's toys, which were advertised as educational. The industry was closely regulated by the regime to ensure propaganda aligned with Nazi standards. Despite some skepticism from the regime about trivializing the 'Jewish question' through games, toys played a significant role in the Third Reich's propaganda machine.

The German political party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has launched 'Neutrale Schulen' (Neutral Schools) websites in various states, allowing students to report teachers who criticize the party or express political opinions in class. This initiative has sparked heated debate and is compared to the 'Escola Sem Partido' project in Brazil, which seeks to prevent teachers from promoting their own ideological beliefs. Critics argue that the AfD's move is reminiscent of totalitarian practices, while supporters claim it aims to protect against discrimination of the party and its supporters in schools. The controversy touches on the historical obligation of German schools to educate against Nazi ideology and the principles of the Beutelsbacher Consensus, which guides political-historical teaching in Germany to prevent indoctrination and ensure controversial topics are presented honestly.

Despite the rise of conservatism in Brazil's recent elections, social movements and marginalized groups achieved important victories. The number of women in the Senate remained the same as in 2014, but the Chamber of Deputies saw an increase from 51 to 77 female representatives. Malu Gatto, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Zurich, highlighted judicial decisions as key to promoting female candidacies, despite resistance from political parties. The election of Erica Malunguinho, the first black transgender woman as a state deputy in São Paulo, and Fabiano Contarato, an openly homosexual senator, symbolize resistance to conservatism. Concerns were raised about the potential disproportionate impact of Jair Bolsonaro's government on marginalized groups, and the need to monitor for setbacks. The presence of the military in the government and the potential erosion of democratic institutions were also discussed.

German authorities are employing various strategies to prevent sites associated with Adolf Hitler, such as his former residence Berghof in Obersalzberg, from becoming neo-Nazi shrines. The Bavarian government has obscured the exact location of the Berghof ruins by planting fast-growing trees. The Dokumentation Obersalzberg, managed by the Institute for Contemporary History Munich-Berlin, educates visitors about the site's history through exhibitions and lectures. Historians like Sven Keller and André Postert emphasize the importance of contextualizing the idyllic imagery created by Nazi propaganda with the heinous decisions made at these sites. The birthplace of Hitler in Braunau, Austria, has been expropriated to prevent it from becoming a neo-Nazi site, and the Führerbunker in Berlin is not publicly accessible. The Dokumentation Obersalzberg is expanding due to high visitor numbers, aiming to educate and prevent the rise of neo-Nazi ideology.

German historians unanimously agree that the Nazi dictatorship was rooted in extreme right-wing ideologies, characterized by racism, anti-Semitism, and nationalism, and was opposed to communism and trade unions. The National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) was not leftist despite its name, as it was deeply entrenched in right-wing extremist tendencies that existed after World War I. The Nazi movement opposed American capitalism and Marxism, associating them with a Jewish quest for world power. The NSDAP had left-wing factions, but they were purged before the Nazis came to power in 1933. Hitler's socialism was based on race, aiming to build an exclusive German national community and excluding Jews, immigrants, and others deemed 'valueless.' The economic system under Nazi rule was 'Aryanized,' confiscating Jewish properties, but it did not abolish capitalism. Large companies and businessmen largely supported the regime, while resistance came from the working-class parties, communists, social democrats, and the left.

The German government has approved a bill allowing intersex individuals to opt for a third gender category, 'diverse', on birth certificates. This follows a Federal Constitutional Court decision deeming the lack of a third gender option discriminatory. The bill requires medical certification for gender marker changes, which has drawn criticism from rights groups for pathologizing intersex individuals and potentially violating privacy. Activists argue the bill does not fully meet the court's demands and continues to discriminate against intersex and non-binary individuals. The Interior Ministry defends the bill as non-discriminatory and necessary within the court's deadline.

WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in Brazil, is used by 48% of its 120 million users as a news source, posing a risk for election manipulation due to the spread of rumors and misinformation. The app's closed circles and encryption make it susceptible to misuse, as seen in India where WhatsApp became central to election campaigns, with parties creating thousands of groups to mobilize supporters and spread false information. Efforts to limit misinformation include restricting message forwarding and marking forwarded messages. Solutions proposed include user education and fact-checking tools, exemplified by Taiwan's Cofacts bot. Despite Facebook's ownership of WhatsApp and its research funding, a similar bot is unlikely to be implemented on WhatsApp due to functionality limitations.

A recent wildfire in the Attica region of Greece, particularly in the areas of Gerania and Rafina, has resulted in a catastrophic situation described as 'post-war' by Lina Tsitsou of the Hellenic Red Cross. The fires, exacerbated by dry conditions and strong summer winds, have caused at least 82 deaths, with dozens injured or missing, including young twin sisters. The Greek government has declared a state of emergency and sought assistance from the EU. Measures to support the victims have been announced, including financial aid and an emergency fund. The Red Cross is providing medical care and support for those affected, many of whom are suffering from trauma and respiratory issues due to the fires.

The article discusses the challenges posed by fake news and bots in influencing public opinion, particularly in the context of elections. It highlights the prevalence of these issues since the 2016 U.S. presidential election and their impact on the Brazilian presidential race. The text mentions research by InternetLab revealing the presence of bots among Brazilian presidential candidates' Twitter followers and explores the exploitation of social polarization for electoral purposes. Experts like Samantha Bradshaw and Nick Monaco provide insights into the nature of bots and fake news, and the article examines efforts by Facebook and Twitter to combat misinformation. The article also touches on the role of fact-checking agencies and the backlash they face in Brazil, as well as the potential benefits of transparent advertising on social media platforms.

Advanced equipment and cinema studio budgets are no longer prerequisites for convincingly manipulating videos. Intelligent automated algorithms and free software and apps can now alter facial expressions or replace faces in original recordings using just a common computer or cellphone. The Chinese company Baidu has created an algorithm that clones voices with few seconds of a sample. The technology has sparked debate over its use for unscrupulous purposes, such as election manipulation. Reddit banned communities using deep fakes for malicious purposes. Researchers like Christian Riess from Friedrich-Alexander Erlangen-Nürnberg University in Germany are developing technology like Face2Face and Face Forensics to identify manipulated videos. As the technology improves, the line between reality and fiction blurs, and we may soon rely on software to authenticate videos. The article also discusses the potential use of video manipulation in state-sponsored propaganda and the societal need to adapt to technological changes through legislation and awareness.

Neuroscientist Shimpei Ishiyama at the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin spends time tickling rats to study positive emotions in the brain, an area he believes is overlooked in neuroscience. His research aims to understand the mechanisms of happiness and laughter, which are absent in conditions like depression. Ishiyama's work has identified the part of the rat's brain responsible for tickle sensation and has shown that rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations, indicating a positive emotional response to tickling. The study also differentiates between types of tickling and suggests that tickling may be a form of social play that helps animals protect sensitive body areas.

The article discusses North Korea's recent nuclear advancements, including a hydrogen bomb test and a satellite launch, which are perceived as steps towards developing ballistic missile capabilities. Despite North Korea's claims, there is skepticism about its ability to miniaturize warheads for missile deployment. The US has expressed readiness to intercept potential attacks and plans to deploy a missile defense system in South Korea. The article compares North Korea's military and nuclear capabilities with those of the US and other nuclear powers, concluding that North Korea is at a significant disadvantage. It also considers the potential role of China, North Korea's ally, in the event of a conflict. The article suggests that North Korea's nuclear program serves more as a deterrent and a bargaining chip than a genuine threat of war.