Devika Rao

New York

Staff Writer at The Week Magazine (US)

Staff writer at @TheWeek focusing on technology, environment and science

Articles

A zombie volcano is coming back to life, but there is no need to worry just yet

3 days ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The volcano Uturuncu, located in the Central Andes mountains, has seemingly risen from the dead. While the volcano has not erupted in more than 250,000 years, it has recently shown signs of activity similar to that of active volcanoes. Uturuncu is not likely to erupt for a while but analyzing its activity can help source metals for manufacturing, as well as prepare for the rise of other volcanoes. Uturuncu has been called a zombie .
The Y chromosome degrades over time and men's health is paying for it

1 week ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The Y chromosome can disappear over time in human males, which may introduce a number of health problems. While the exact trigger for such degeneration is unknown, environmental factors can play a significant role. New research on the topic hints that the human Y chromosome is evolutionarily unstable and could even become extinct in the future. Most people have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including a pair of sex chromosomes that can be either an X chromosome or a Y chromosome.
Scientists have discovered bacteria that can conduct electricity

1 week ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

A recently discovered species of bacteria is lighting up the scientific space. The organism is capable of conducting electricity effectively, almost like a cable wire. The bacteria could be used in the field of bioelectrics and also has the potential to help clean up pollution. A new species of has the ability to act as electric wiring, according to a study published in the journal .
A bacterial toxin could be contributing to the colorectal cancer rise in young people

2 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

Colorectal cancer has increased significantly over the past 20 years among adults under 50. Now scientists may have identified a potential factor in the rise: a toxin called colibactin. Exposure to the toxin happens in childhood and could be manipulating DNA to increase cancer risk. Colibactin was linked to colorectal cases in younger people, according to a study published in the journal .
Cultural copying: Western fast fashion is co-opting South Asian culture

2 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The fashion brand Reformation has been called out online for culturally appropriating South Asian attire. And this is not the first time mainstream Western trends have seemed to emulate South Asian design without giving credit for the inspiration. These companies are turning traditional attire into a tool to perpetuate fast fashion.
Cultural copying: Western fast fashion is co-opting South Asian culture

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Devika Rao

When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. 'You cannot just aesthetically borrow things without understanding the culture and the context'. | Credit: Wokephoto17 / Getty ImagesThe fashion brand Reformation has been called out online for culturally appropriating South Asian attire. And this is not the first time mainstream Western trends have seemed to emulate South Asian design without giving credit for the inspiration.
And the Oscar goes to … no one in particular: Movies made with AI can now win awards

2 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has introduced new rules for next year's Oscars, and one of them allows for the use of AI in films. The new guidelines do not exclude movies made with AI from winning top awards and do not limit the extent to which artificial intelligence can be used. The use of generative AI in the making of a film will "neither help nor harm the chances of achieving a nomination," said in a press release.
And the Oscar goes to … no one in particular: Movies made with AI can now win awards

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Devika Rao

Search queryAnd the Oscar goes to … no one in particular: Movies made with AI can now win awardsFri, April 25, 2025 at 6:00 AM UTCYahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key TakeawaysWhen you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Oscars will now allow films using AI to be nominated for top prizes.
How to see the Lyrid meteor shower

3 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

The Lyrid meteor shower occurs in the middle of April and is one of the most exciting celestial spectacles of the year. Here's how to best view the falling stars. What are the Lyrids? The Lyrids are the second of the year. "The meteors hit the atmosphere and slow down, and that transmits heat. That's the flash you see," astronomer Dean Regas said to .
Strep A infections have risen in the US

3 weeks ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

Cases of group A streptococcus (GAS) have been on the rise in the past decade. The bacteria can cause a range of diseases that span from mild to deadly. In addition, they are diversifying and growing harder to treat, with some strains becoming increasingly antibiotic-resistant. Strepping up to the plateInvasive strep A infections increased in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022, according to a study published in the . This jump comes after 17 years of stability in the number of cases.