Latest news with #Latin
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- Science
- RTÉ News
Can you spot a fake smile from the real thing?
Analysis: What makes a smile feel sincere or fake is due to a surprising blend of facial anatomy, neurology and emotional authenticity By Michelle Spear, University of Bristol You've probably heard the claim that it takes more muscles to frown than to smile. It's usually framed as a feel-good reason to turn your frown upside down – less effort, more joy. But anatomically, the numbers don't quite add up. We've all seen it – the smile that doesn't quite reach the eyes. From awkward family photos to strained workplace pleasantries, our brains often detect that something is off long before we consciously realise why. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, psychotherapist Padraig O'Morain on why we need to smile more But what is it about a smile that makes it feel sincere — or fake? The answer lies in a surprising blend of facial anatomy, neurology and emotional authenticity. Not all smiles are created equal Anatomically speaking, there are at least two distinct kinds: the Duchenne smile, which reflects genuine happiness, and the non-Duchenne smile, which tends to be more social or strategic. Named after 19th-century French neurologist Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, the Duchenne smile activates two key muscle groups. The first group is associated with the corners of the mouth – where, for example, the risorius (from the Latin to smile) draws the corners outward and the zygomaticus major muscle lifts them. The second, and most telling, muscle is the orbicularis oculi, which tightens the muscles around the eyes, producing the familiar "crow's feet" and the gentle narrowing we associate with warmth and delight. Fake or polite smiles, on the other hand, usually involve only the mouth muscles. The eyes remain wide or indifferent, and the smile appears more mechanical than meaningful – a kind of emotional camouflage. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Magdalena Rychlowska from the School of Psychology at Queens University Belfast on how villains use smiles Both real and fake smiles depend on cranial nerve VII, also known as the facial nerve, which sends signals from the brain to the muscles of facial expression. However, there's a key neurological difference: Duchenne smiles tend to be generated by the limbic system, the brain's emotional core – particularly the amygdala, an almond-shaped group of neurons that processes emotional salience. Non-Duchenne smiles, by contrast, are often under more conscious cortical control, originating in the motor cortex. This divide means that authentic, emotionally driven smiles are involuntary. You can't easily will your orbicularis oculi to contract convincingly unless you're genuinely feeling the emotion behind the expression. Even professional actors must tap into real memories or method techniques to produce them convincingly. From RTÉ Archives, a 1978 episode of Hall's Pictorial Weekly with regular characters Cha (Michael Twomey) and Miah (Frank Duggan) discussing a notice in a newspaper about smiling for Ireland. Why our brains notice the difference Humans are remarkably good at detecting emotional authenticity. Studies show that even infants as young as ten months can distinguish between real and fake smiles. Evolutionarily, this ability may have helped us assess trustworthiness, recognise true allies and avoid deception. The fusiform gyrus, a part of the brain involved in facial recognition, works closely with the superior temporal sulcus to decode expressions — helping us gauge intention as much as emotion. In modern life, our sensitivity to facial nuance continues to matter. Politicians, customer service workers and public figures frequently rely on the social smile to navigate complex interpersonal expectations. But observers – consciously or not – often pick up on these micro-discrepancies. From TED, Ron Gutman on the hidden power of smiling Fake smiles aren't necessarily malicious. In fact, they serve important social functions: smoothing awkward interactions, signalling politeness, defusing conflict and showing deference. They are a vital part of what sociologists call "emotional labour" – managing one's expressions to meet societal or professional expectations. But this kind of smiling, when sustained for long periods, can be emotionally exhausting. Studies of emotional labour suggest that being required to smile without genuine feeling – especially in service roles – is associated with increased stress, burnout and even cardiovascular strain. As we move further into the age of AI, synthetic faces – from chatbots to virtual assistants – are being programmed to replicate human expressions. Yet the challenge remains: how do you fake authenticity? Engineers can program a smile, but without the micro-contractions around the eyes, many of these expressions still seem disingenuous. Our own anatomy sets the gold standard. So next time you're trying to decode someone's expression, don't just look at the mouth. Watch the eyes. The orbicularis oculi rarely lies.
IOL News
an hour ago
- Business
- IOL News
Green Shoots: Innovation and the imperative of action
In case you missed it on the socials, the organisation I work for is one of five recipients of the Nelson Mandela - Graça Machel Innovation Awards for 2024/25. The Awards recognise individuals and organisations around the world who are developing creative and impactful solutions to achieve a more just world. It is run by CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists working to strengthen citizen action throughout the world. It's been great to be part of a convening this week that has been exploring what innovation looks like in our work, and how we can use the power of the awards to deepen the impact of these interventions wherever we are in the world. The idea of innovation is often used in technology and in business settings. We love new gadgets that are supposed to make our lives easier, or entrepreneurs who conjure up new solutions to business problems. The Oxford definition describes innovation as the process through which new products, concepts, services, or techniques are developed. It's a word that originates from Latin references to renewal or to change. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, it was associated with science and the manufacturing of machines and industrial products. There's even an equation for it that I quite like: Innovation = Creativity +Implementation. In the conversations at the meeting this week, there's been lots of talk of technological and other innovations in responding to social problems. There are various apps that support communities at risk, or that collate and aggregate information that people might need to access services. There is even the exploration of using artificial intelligence in ways that are for the benefit of society. I have found great stimulation in learning about new approaches to engagement with local communities and the issues they face. People involved in the meeting are from all over the world, and it's been fascinating to hear about the challenges that are faced in Indonesia and Philippines, Pakistan and India, Colombia and Brazil. There are struggles for identity in Uganda, and struggles for health in Kenya. South Africa has plenty in common with these countries, and it's been an excellent opportunity to learn about other innovations that could influence and enhance our own practice. My organisation is currently in the process of making small grants to over fifty community organisations doing social justice work in Southern Africa. Many of the actions that will be supported are similar across these organisations. Most have asked for support to run workshops to raise awareness on a variety of issues that communities are battling with. Climate change, domestic violence, human rights, and a host of other themes will be covered, but the type of action will be quite similar in different locations. Most of these interventions will not fit the definition of innovation mentioned above. But they do respond to a problem. They are an expression of agency – the preparedness of people to get up and do something. These people may not be creating something brand new, but they are creating new opportunities for affected people to become active in changing their conditions. And I've learnt a great lesson in processing these applications, that we cannot let the search for the elusive silver bullet that will solve all problems stop us from getting active. That is the innovation for me – the continued commitment to action and the refusal to simply accept injustice.
Yomiuri Shimbun
an hour ago
- Science
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Pterosaur Fossil Found in Japan Identified as New Species
Courtesy of Mifune Dinosaur Museum / Jiji Press A fossilized cervical vertebra of Nipponopterus mifunensis KUMAMOTO (Jiji Press) — A fossilized cervical vertebra discovered back in 1996 in southwestern Japan has been found to have been a new genus and species of pterosaur, a prehistoric flying reptile. A research team made up of members from Mifune Dinosaur Museum, which has the fossil on display, and others named the new species of the extinct flying vertebrates 'Nipponopterus mifunensis,' or 'Japan's wings from Mifune' in Latin. This is the first time that a pterosaur has been named based on a fossil found in Japan. The fossil was discovered from a geologic formation dating back 100.5 million to 66 million years during the Late Cretaceous period in the town of Mifune in Kumamoto Prefecture by the town's education board. Past research had confirmed that the fossil was of a specimen of the Azhdarchidae family, a group of long-necked pterosaurs. Due to the scarcity of available fossils that could be used as reference at the time, the exact genus and species were left unidentified. In the latest research, the team concluded that the fossil was of a new pterosaur genus and species due to several distinct features, through analysis of computed tomography scans and comparisons with about 200 species of pterosaurs. The team's finding was published in international journal Cretaceous Research in March this year. 'This is an important research result showing that pterosaurs were flying in the skies near Japan,' Naoki Ikegami, 57, a curator at the museum, said. 'The finding has opened the door to pterosaur research in Japan,' he added.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Champaign Superintendent out and tempers flare at the latest school board meeting
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign School district had their third special meeting to decide the future of the superintendent went sideways after yelling, tense moments, and a near fight all happened within two hours. Tonight's agenda only had two items on it — and both pertained to the future of Superintendent Sheila Boozer. It also was the third special meeting this month for the new board — and it quickly became one of the rowdiest yet. The board decided to approve the separation agreement with current Superintendent Sheila Boozer. They also moved to task Dan Casillas as acting superintendent until an interim is named. Both of these decisions were expected to pass — and did by a 5-2 margin. What wasn't expected was the loud back-and-forth at the end between the audience and members of the board. Thursday was the third special meeting for the new Champaign school board — and perhaps the most consequential. Once again, it started with fiery public comment, with many in the crowd showing support at the podium for Sheila Boozer keeping her job as superintendent. 'The time that is necessary is being unjustly cut short. Your legacy will endure. You've shown us what it means to lead with integrity,' said incoming Booker T. Washington principal Cecil Thomas. 'Disrespected our superintendent, but you got what you wanted,' said one speaker during public comment. Shows of support also came from Champaign County NAACP President Minnie Pearson. 'What would it have been like if you had been as supportive of Dr. Boozer as you criticized her?' said Pearson. After about an hour of public comment, the board got to new business — approving an amended employment agreement with Boozer, which will see her depart from the district. 'This agreement has been negotiated between district lawyers and the personal lawyer of Dr. Sheila Boozer over the last couple of weeks,' said Board President Tony Bruno. Justin Michael Hendrix and Grace Kang were the sole two members voting against. 'I was not in favor of this as well, because this requires some additional money and I don't feel like that is being very fiscally responsible,' said Kang. 'The name Sheila comes from Irish origins and Latin roots meaning heavenly. Yet we have been unable to experience this heavenly presence due to power moves I can only consider wicked,' said Hendrix. The board also voted Dan Casillas as acting superintendent — pending the appointment of a more full-time interim. Once again, Hendrix and Kang voted against. 'I give it back to you all, because this is disgusting,' said Hendrix. Then, the meeting went off the rails. A loud and disruptive back-and-forth happened between the board and the audience over the approved decisions, culminating with a man charging at Board President Tony Bruno after former Board President Gianina Baker spoke out from the crowd. Board President Tony Bruno confirmed Boozer will remain on paid administrative leave until her contract expires in June 2026. He also says their agreement will eventually be made public — and says Boozer will need to sign it for the agreement to go into operation. Boozer herself was not at the meeting tonight. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
What's On
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 of the best restaurants in Dubai this weekend: May 30 to June 1
No plans? You do now… Outside is cancelled 'til further notice, but Dubai is in its glow-up era anyway. The temps are rising, but so is the lineup – which makes these 5 of the best restaurants in Dubai worth leaving the house for. Save this list. Above Eleven When the rooftop isn't enough, there's the rhythm. Ritmo Arriba is Above Eleven's new weekend vibe – a moody late-night line-up of Peruvian-Japanese favourites, pisco cocktails, and a live three-piece Latin band to turn up the tempo. On the menu? Think ceviches, bao, tartares and grilled anticuchos served in style, with cocktails that lean classic or fruit-forward (hello mango & mandarin). Offer: Ritmo 211 oriced at Dhs211 for three dishes and three drinks, Ritmo Libre priced at Dhs311 for three dishes and two hours of free-flow drinks Timings: Fridays & Saturdays, 8pm to midnight Location: Above Eleven, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Contact: (0)4666 1407 . @aboveelevendubai Elaia, Pier 7 The newest name at Pier 7, Elaia brings a laid-back take on Mediterranean dining with a menu made for sharing. Expect dishes like crispy zucchini, melitzanosalata, grilled octopus, and salt-baked red snapper, plus wood-fired pizzas and a solid wine list. Inside, the space is low-lit, warm, and spacious – with Marina views if you're sitting outside. Offering: Mediterranean sharing plates, seafood, wood-fired pizzas, fresh breads and dips, curated wines. Timings: Daily, 12pm to 1am Location: Elaia, Pier 7, Dubai Marina Contact: (0)52 503 6910. @elaiadubai Antika Antika has relaunched its signature brunch – this time at its new home inside 25hours Hotel, and with an updated vibe. Expect a spread of hot and cold mezze, raw seafood and meats, grilled mains, and classic desserts like Kunafah – plus live music, belly dancers, and a DJ that keeps the afternoon going. Offering: A Levantine brunch with mezze, grilled meats, seafood, desserts, and live entertainment Packages: brunch is priced at Dhs320 (Non-Alcoholic), Dhs450 (Arak & Spirits), Dhs495 (Premium with Prosecco, Beer & Spirits). Timings: Saturdays, 2pm to 6pm Location: Antika, 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central Contact: (0)507359177. @antikadubai China Tang The iconic London-born Cantonese restaurant makes its Middle East debut at The Lana Promenade. Opulent, Art Deco glamour meets 1930s Shanghai. Think mirrored ceilings, stained glass, intricate wallpaper, and a moody, elegant cocktail bar. Offering: A refined take on Cantonese cuisine by Chef Li Zhenjun. Signature dishes include Xiao Long Bao, Sir David's Hot & Sour Soup, Whole Lobster with E-Fu Noodles, and the famous Beijing Duck – roasted in a custom oven and carved tableside. New Dubai exclusives include Foie Gras Cherries, Da Hong Pao Lamb Cutlets, and Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu. Timings: Opening daily 12pm to 11pm Location: The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Contact: (0)4 295 7464. @chinatang_dubai Tatel The Entre Amigos Brunch at Tatel is stylish, buzzy, and full-on Spanish. Starters include crispy Andalusian-style squid, garlic shrimp, chicken croquetas, ceviche with mango and sweet potato, and a cold cuts + cheese board. Mains include creamy seafood rice or beef tenderloin with chimichurri. Desserts go big: Basque-style cheesecake and a rich chocolate cake with sea salt. Offer: Valencia package (non-alcoholic) priced at Dhs355, Madrid package (with Cava) priced at Dhs455, Dubai package (with Champagne) priced at Dhs725. Timings: Every Saturday, 2 pm to 6pm Location: TATEL, Downtown Dubai, Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection Contact: Tel: (0)4 215 2121 @ Images: Supplied/Instagram
