Latest news with #J.R.R.Tolkien
The Star
26-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
Leaf it to tech: Are AI-powered apps giving plants a voice?
The idea of conversing with greenery has long captured the human imagination, from the giant talking trees popularised in J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord Of The Rings to the whimsically poetic The Lorax from Dr Seuss. And with advances in technology, the possibility of that happening in real life might not be so far off. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. While not quite at the level of 'I speak for the trees' à la the fictional Lorax character, such apps can be quite handy in a pinch for novices who can't tell grass from unwanted weeds, with many having been installed millions of times with largely positive ratings on app stores. According to Prof Vinesh Thiruchelvam, chief innovation and enterprise officer at Asia Pacific University (APU), these apps typically use AI-based Computer Vision and Image Processing to identify plant types. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. — VINESH THIRUCHELVAM 'The AI imagery database is trained, and a Convolutional Neural Network is utilised for analysing images. It works by breaking the image into small pieces and looking for patterns. 'These patterns help it recognise things in the image, like edges or shapes of different plants,' he says, adding that apps then use this information to provide real-time basic care advice. Growing a green thumb From Dr Nallammai Singaram's perspective, such apps make it much easier for those just starting with their home garden. A senior lecturer at the School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences at Taylor's University, she finds that 'these apps have made plant care less intimidating'. 'If I were putting a plant in my house for the first time, I wouldn't know what sort of soil to use, how to pot my plant, or how to make a potting mix. 'I might not know these things, but these apps would give you that kind of guide,' Nallammai says, adding that in the case of a rose plant, for example, an app may suggest the ideal soil mix ratio and recommend planting it about six inches below the surface. Prof Alan Dorin from the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University shares similar thoughts, noting these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. 'For interested and engaged people, this knowledge was previously accessible via traditional means – talking to friends and neighbours, the staff at the local plant nursery, or reading gardening books, magazines, watching TV or listening to gardening radio programmes. 'The immediacy of access to information related to a specific plant is what makes these apps a stand-out method for increasing engagement with gardens,' he says. Prof Dorin notes that these apps put a wealth of information at the fingertips of those first getting started, making gardening more accessible and removing the need for extensive prior knowledge. — ALAN DORIN Nallammai says this kind of guidance can boost beginners' confidence, help avoid common mistakes, and turn gardening into a more enjoyable and therapeutic experience. 'If you truly enjoy gardening, you naturally become curious and eager to learn more about your 'green babies', exploring every way to help your plants thrive. 'This curiosity, supported by apps and digital tools, can positively influence gardening habits,' she says. Back to earth However, Nallammai also stresses that while they are a good starting point, it is 'important to remember that apps alone cannot make you an expert; real learning also requires hands-on experience and personal observation'. 'For some, the apps spark long-term interest and lasting gardening habits and bring joy. For others, they are novelty tools that provide convenience at the beginning but don't replace the need to develop real gardening knowledge,' she says. Prof Vinesh agrees, saying that 'apps are a wonderful digital support tool. But at times, it does not consider local conditions like real-time weather, soil, or heat'. 'That's why they can't replace real hands-on gardening experience, especially for serious gardeners or farmers who have to deal with the volatile climate change issues or the growing new patterns of pest attacks.' Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star Apps still do have a place, from Nallammai's experience, having observed her students using these kinds of apps to quickly identify plant species and receive recommendations for improving the growth of the test plants they are working with in class. She says apps like PictureThis , PlantNet , and Seek By iNaturalist are reliable for plant identification, while Planta is helpful for watering schedules, and care reminders. Plantora , on the other hand, not only detects nutrient deficiencies and signs of plant disease but also provides possible solutions to address them. It is worth noting though that most of these apps require a paid subscription to unlock their full functionality. Meanwhile, Prof Dorin says he 'was recently working with a group of primary school children who had started using apps to identify plants in their school yard'. 'Their goal was to learn whether the plants provided good resources for native bees. Their excitement and interest were infectious, heart-warming to see. 'Likewise, I know some retirees who are using these AI tools on their daily walks in local parks and gardens to identify plants and flowers they encounter. The apps provide a virtual 'guide' that is easy to appreciate,' he says. Barking up the wrong tree However, like other AI tools, these apps aren't always entirely accurate, so it's important to be cautious when receiving suggestions. Prof Vinesh points out that these apps struggle in recognising less common species, citing only a 60% accuracy when it comes to unique lettuce varieties, while at the same time also losing out on local context. From Nallammai's testing, this appears to be true. She highlights that the datasets used to train these AI apps may come from different parts of the world, which means they may not be entirely relevant or accurate for local plant species and conditions. 'I tested a yellow-green philodendron with multiple apps: PictureThis identified it as a lemon lime philodendron, another app called it a giant philodendron, while in PlantIn , they already had an existing lemon lime philodendron with different features. 'Different apps have different capabilities. Some of the rarer species may not be included in their databases, so the app might not be able to detect them. That's one of the limitations,' she says. These differences may seem minor, but Nallammai says they can indicate what specific kind of care a plant needs. The artificial intelligence (AI) boom that kicked off near the end of 2022 gave rise to countless mobile apps purporting to act as gardening assistants capable of identifying the exact species of plants from just a photo and 'speaking' on their behalf. — Image by freepik 'The darker green ones can capture better sun and may need more sunlight, the lighter ones would prefer to be a little bit on the shadier side. 'The amount of water you put might differ. The thickness of the plant, leaf thickness will also change; therefore, if it is exposed to too much sun, it will get burnt, so maybe less sun. 'They're from the same species but different variations, which could be a random mutation, or from people intentionally breeding them,' she says. Nallammai believes the takeaway shouldn't be to entirely avoid using these apps, but rather to not rely solely upon them. She encourages budding gardeners to start reading up and building their knowledge while engaging with the gardening community, especially more experienced gardeners who can offer advice from their experience. Prof Dorin similarly says: 'If there's a shortcoming, it probably lies in people's over-reliance and over-confidence in the technology. 'The ability of an AI tool to make an informed recommendation will always be limited by the amount and quality of data it receives in training, and the data it is given when asked to analyse a specific situation. 'For example, it would be tricky for AI software to give reliable and specific care information regarding a plant it hasn't been exposed to before. 'But the AI may nevertheless mislead a human by confidently offering advice based on poor evidence,' he adds. Speaking for the trees While no one should expect their sunflowers to suddenly start calling them by name or demanding more water and sunlight, the way Nallammai sees it, plants are 'talking' in their own way, though, in a language that humans don't quite understand. This is the gap that projects like the Avanade Intelligent Garden in the United Kingdom aim to bridge, allowing people to learn about the individual needs of each tree through one-on-one interactions powered by smart sensors and AI technology. From smart sensors to AI apps, technology is giving green thumbs deeper insight into what their plants need to thrive. — Image by freepik According to Nallammai, similar sensors have been deployed at Taylor's Urban Farm to monitor soil electrical conductivity and pH levels (acidity and alkalinity), helping ensure that the hydroponic system delivers the right amount of water and nutrients for healthy plant growth. A hydroponic system is a method of growing plants without soil that delivers water, oxygen, and nutrients directly to the plants. She says such systems are available at significantly smaller scales for home gardening use for as low as RM50 for a system with basic monitoring capabilities via an app, and can rise to the RM500 range for more sophisticated options with more sensors and more detailed monitoring. For casual gardeners just starting out, simple apps paired with an online kit can provide basic monitoring and easy-to-follow guidance. An app that sends reminders for watering or fertilising would also be helpful for beginners in caring for their plants without overwhelming them. Meanwhile, those looking for a challenge and wanting to explore might want more comprehensive sensor and irrigation systems to cultivate rarer species or achieve greater yields and productivity. 'The moment the plant is stressed, it's telling you what it needs in its own language,' Nammallai says. 'A very simple example: when you go home today and see that your plant is wilted. You know your plant is crying out for water. 'So if I have an app that can sense the turgidity of the leaves, it can capture that information and tell you the leaves aren't turgid, meaning they're lacking moisture. That's the plant indirectly telling you it needs water,' she says. Nammallai adds that this is already happening today with the wide array of sensors that can detect compounds in the plants, growth regulators, proteins, light, and other elements. If the right sensors are in place, each one can provide a piece of the overall picture. Nallammai explains that by combining sensor data with visual observations and other morphological indicators, it becomes possible to link them together and begin forming a kind of language that translates plant signals into meaningful insights for growers. 'Using these chemicals in the plant, we can decipher what it is 'saying'. 'The plant might just turn around and tell you, 'you know what, I'm ready, I'm heading towards maturity, I'm going to bear fruits, just hang in there',' she says.
NZ Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Afternoon quiz: Who was the only Lord of the Rings actor to meet J.R.R. Tolkien?
NZ Herald 21 May, 2025 03:00 AM Quick Read Who was the only Lord of the Rings actor to meet J.R.R. Tolkien? Photo / Getty Images Can you score 10 out of 10? Test your general knowledge with the Herald's afternoon quiz. Share your score with friends, family and colleagues, and find out who has the sharpest mind. Be sure to check back on for tomorrow's morning quiz. To challenge yourself with more quizzes, CLICK HERE.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Mystical forest just an hour from Cardiff inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter
Mystical forest just an hour from Cardiff inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter The ancient woodland is home to secret caves, rock formations, winding pathways and bridges that will make you feel as though you've entered another world. Magical UK forest that inspired Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter (Image: (Image: Getty) ) Cardiff is a city full of history and culture to explore and take in, but if you're feeling like you want to get out of the city, there's also plenty of options for adventures nearby. From mountain biking in Merthyr Tydfil, surfing at nearby Porthcawl or joining alpacas for a trek in the Brecon Beacons, Cardiff is surrounded by adventure. However, if you want to combine ancient history and nature, there's one sight that trumps the rest, and it's only an hour away from Cardiff. Revered for its otherworldly terrain that inspired the likes of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, despite only being an hour from Wales' capital, it feels worlds away from it. In a video uploaded to TikTok, the travel creator Claire Robinson shared that the ancient woodlands of Puzzlewood are complete with "secret caves, rock formations, winding pathways and bridges" — areas believed to have influenced both J. R. R. Tolkien and J. K. Rowling in their writing. Puzzlewood boasts a remarkable past, with evidence of historic iron ore mining activities and a hoard of 3,000 Roman coins uncovered amid the rocks in 1848, tracing the 14-acre wood back to the Roman period. The whimsical site is believed to have inspired Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and has served as a filming location for numerous films and TV shows, including Star Wars and Doctor Who. While Puzzlewood is said to have influenced the Harry Potter series, its actual location, the Forest of Dean, was also featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Article continues below Visitors to Puzzlewood can take in the scenic beauty through walks around the area. The labyrinth of paths winds past striking rock formations and leads to hidden caves. However, Claire suggests visiting early to "catch its natural beauty before the rest of the world visits." The ancient site has inspired a number of fantasy novels (Image: ) The site closes in December and reopens in April, remaining open daily until the end of October. However, opening hours may vary depending on your visit date. From April, it opens at 10am and closes at 5pm until the end of June. Extended hours are in effect during July and August, with gates closing at 6pm. It's also a budget-friendly outing, with adult tickets priced at £9.90 and children's tickets at £8.50. Entry is free for children aged two and under, but pushchairs are not permitted, as the uneven terrain and moss-covered stones can be difficult to climb through. Article continues below It's also recommended to check the weather before travelling, as the site closes in cases of severe weather. If you fancy making a trip out of it, you can also stay at Puzzlewood, which has holiday cottages available to book near the ancient woodlands. However, they don't allow dogs. For dog-friendly options, Claire recommends staying in the nearby Woofield, although they won't be allowed into Puzzlewood unless they're assistance dogs.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'The Lord of the Rings' Sequel Gets Official Release Date
It's been 22 long years since the release of the Oscar-winning The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King and 11 years since the release of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. Yet in the decades since the release of these respective films, dedicated fantasy fans remain hopeful about one day seeing another entry in The Lord of the Rings series. Fortunately, that long-awaited dream is soon to be a reality. According to Variety, Warner Bros. has set a release date of December 2027 for The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. The film had previously been delayed from its 2026 release date, but this recent announcement from the studio is sure to leave lifelong LOTR fans jumping for joy. Unlike The Lord of the Rings trilogy or The Hobbit films, The Hunt for Gollum likely won't be based on a full-scale novel or story from series author J.R.R. Tolkien. Rather, it's more likely to be based more heavily on Tolkien's Appendices throughout The Lord of the Rings books, many of which provide additional information about some of the series' many characters, settings and canonical history. As the title suggests, the film will act as a prequel to the original LOTR trilogy, specifically following the former Hobbit turned malevolent creature, Gollum (also known by his original name, Sméagol). In the films, Gollum appears as a tragic antagonist pining after the One Ring of Power, crossing paths with Frodo and Sam on their quest to Mount Doom. Andy Serkis, the celebrated actor who provided motion capture for the character, will once again portray Gollum for the upcoming film. Interestingly, Serkis -- who's also known for his roles in King Kong, Batman, and the rebooted Planet of the Apes series -- will also act as the movie's director, taking over production duties from original LOTR and Hobbit filmmaker, Peter Jackson.
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Science
- Newsweek
Scientists Discover Trees Communicate Like Tolkien's Ents During Eclipse: 'Wisdom of Age'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Trees can communicate with one another during an eclipse, and older trees appear to be able to provide younger trees with important information, a new study found. An international study revealed that trees, particularly older ones, display a coordinated, anticipatory response to solar eclipses—signaling to each other with bioelectrical pulses in a manner likened to J.R.R. Tolkien's sentient Ents from his classic The Lord of the Rings series. 'A new layer of complexity' Researchers monitored multiple spruce trees in the Dolomites region of Italy during the October 2022 solar eclipse using ruggedized, low-power CyberTree devices. The sensors captured real-time data, gathering the full suite of a tree's bioelectrical signals. What they observed was startling: trees not only reacted to the eclipse, but began adjusting their internal electrical activity hours before the celestial event. Stock image: A forest of trees. Stock image: A forest of trees. Photo by Mr_Twister / Getty Images "This study illustrates the anticipatory and synchronized responses we observed are key to understanding how forests communicate and adapt, revealing a new layer of complexity in plant behavior," study author Monica Gagliano from Southern Cross University, Australia said in a press release. "Basically, we are watching the famous 'wood wide web' in action!" Older Trees Remember Older trees showed the strongest early responses. The ancient trees exhibited shifts in entropy and complexity—markers of active internal processes—well before the Moon's shadow crossed their canopy. The phenomenon was described by scientists as a kind of "forest-wide synchrony," where trees operated not as isolated organisms, but as a coordinated community. The anticipatory behavior wasn't triggered by changes in light or temperature—variables that remained largely unchanged until the eclipse. Instead, the researchers suggest trees may use gravitational cues linked to the Sun-Moon-Earth alignment to "sense" the eclipse in advance. "Our study bridges the gap between quantum physics and ecology, proposing that forests can be viewed through the lens of quantum field interactions," study author Alessandro Chiolerio told Newsweek in an email. "We highlight the subtle and profound ways in which living systems are interconnected, not just biologically, but also physically and energetically." 'Huge step forward' The study's theoretical framework, grounded in quantum field theory, supports the idea of entanglement among trees—suggesting that bioelectrical signals are phase-synchronized across individuals without requiring physical exchanges through air or soil. During the eclipse, these synchronized electrical rhythms intensified and later settled into a new, more ordered pattern. The researchers said that the findings show how important it is to make sure that older forests continue to thrive. Chiolerio told Newsweek that he is leading a research proposal that will be submitted to the European Innovation Council. "Details cannot be made public, but it will be a huge step forward, if funded," he said.
