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Wi-Fi devices acknowledge each other, even when not connected to the same network - and hackers can exploit this. Plus: Some regions of your brain communicate faster as you age.

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Hacking Wi-Fi

Devices that use Wi-Fi can be tricked into draining their own batteries, thanks to a quirk in the way that wireless networks operate. Although the ability seems innocuous, it could be exploited to take out security cameras or form part of a coordinated attack with other vulnerabilities. Ali Abedi at Stanford University in California and his colleagues have discovered a phenomenon they call “polite Wi-Fi”, in which devices acknowledge and reply to messages from any other wireless device, no matter whether they have the password or permission to be on the same network. The responses contain no sensitive information themselves, but Abedi’s team has found ways their transmission can be abused. Read more

Brain communication

The speed at which our neurons communicate with each other changes as we age. A better understanding of how neuron transmission speeds vary throughout a person’s life may improve our knowledge of certain neurodevelopmental conditions, such as schizophrenia. In a study of 75 people with epilepsy, neuron speeds during transmission from the brain’s frontal to parietal regions rise from the age of 4 to 34, before steadily declining. The same is true for transmission from the frontal to temporal regions. Yet the modelling also indicates that transmission from the temporal to parietal brain regions gets steadily faster with age. Read more

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FABRIZIO LENCI

Ever wondered what makes you truly happy? As director of the world’s longest running study of happiness, Harvard psychiatrist Robert Waldinger believes he now has the answer. Having tracked hundreds of people and multiple generations over 80 years, his study reveals the key to happiness is all about our connections with others. Invest in the right kind of relationships and you’ll not only boost your happiness, but you could keep your brain sharper and live longer. Read more

12 January 2023 8-9pm GMT, 3-4pm EST and on demand

The Arctic is a harsh yet beautiful region that has fascinated scientists and explorers for centuries. It’s home to an array of unique wildlife above and below the waves, as well as over three million people.

In this event, biologist and New Scientist podcast host Rowan Hooper will explore the uniquely adapted wildlife of the region, and discuss how humans could refreeze the ice in the Arctic circle, as described in his latest book How to Spend a Trillion Dollars. We’ll also hear from geologist and glaciologist Dr Ulyana Horodyskyj Pena, who will explore the melting of Arctic ice and tell us all about the life of a scientist in such an extreme environment.

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Anole lizards in cities in Puerto Rico have genetic mutations to help them adapt to urban living.

Have a great Tuesday!

Alexandra Thompson

Assistant news editor, New Scientist
Email me at [email protected]

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