Humanoid robots are serving up meals and entertaining customers at a McDonald’s in Shanghai – and they even wear the famous uniform.

The machines, supplied by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics, have been deployed as part of a trial and hint at a future where bots handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants.

In videos posted online, diners can be seen interacting with cyborgs dressed in the iconic red and yellow uniforms behind counters.

One humanoid, wearing a black uniform with the word ‘chef’, greets members of the public as they arrive.

Others make the famous ‘M’ sign synonymous with the brand and showcase some dancing moves.

Meanwhile children can be seen chasing other robots disguised as cute animals as they deliver food and clean floors around the restaurant.

‘Watch the robot squad suit up and enjoy the McDonald’s party!’ Keenon Robotics wrote online. ‘Our humanoid series are leading the squad and hitting the streets.

‘It’s a showcase of how service automation is becoming a seamless part of global dining, and how technology brings more smiles to every mealtime.’

In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer

In the video, one robot can be seen touching its thumb and index finger together to make an ‘okay’ sign at a customer.

A smaller, cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie.

Jon Banner, the executive vice president of McDonald’s, explained the robots were there for a ‘temporary greeting’.

‘Just to be clear – the robots were part of the grand opening of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum restaurant,’ he wrote on social media.

‘The robots were requested by the museum to draw attention. Mission accomplished!’

He added that the robots ‘were not involved in any service or operational functions’.

While the machines were part of a trial – and were only around for about five days – some people believe it won’t be long until they’re rolled out more widely.

‘Shanghai is the test market,’ one person wrote on X. ‘If the unit economics work the rollout does not stay in China.’

The machines, supplied by Chinese firm Keenon Robotics, have been deployed as part of a trial and hint at a future where bots handle routine tasks at fast food restaurants

Another said that this is the ‘real future’, adding: ‘Humanoid robots greeting customers and delivery bots bringing your food – automate the kitchen a bit more and boom, McDonald’s stores basically run themselves with zero staff.’

However, others warned the robots would be ‘destroyed’ if rolled out elsewhere.

According to Keenon Robotics, its ‘Dinerbot T10’ boasts 3D vision for ‘safer obstacle avoidance in complex environments’.

It comes with open–access trays to allow diners to easily pick up their food, and features a six–wheel shock–absorbing chassis to prevent spillage during sudden stops.

Its screen can be programmed to display different animal faces, including a cat, bunny and deer, while a range of voices can be picked from.

Meanwhile their ‘Kleenbot C40’ features a triple–brush system for separating dry and wet spillages. It has been designed to ‘easily handle crowds and irregular obstacles’, and can pick up objects including hair, paper scraps, dust, coffee and juice.

While the Keenon website does not list prices, these models retail for around £11,500 to £16,000 online.

Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online. 

A small cube–shaped ‘cleaning’ bot features a touchscreen and has been designed to look as if it is wearing a tie (left). Meanwhile children can be seen chasing a ‘Dinerbot’ disguised as a cute animal as it delivers food around the restaurant

Their recently-released ‘XMAN-R1’ humanoid was designed specifically to interact with people – but appears to come with a $100,000 price tag online

Last week, the shocking moment a dancing robot went berserk at a restaurant was caught on camera.

Customers at the Haidilao hotpot restaurant in San Jose, California , were enjoying their meals when a humanoid started showing off some moves.

While performing a dance routine, involving waving its arms and shaking its hips, the robot suddenly slams its hands down on a table.

This sends chopsticks and bright yellow sauce flying into the air, while staff race over to try and turn it off.

But the humanoid continues to dance throughout the altercation – which saw three employees wrestle with the robot and try to drag it away by the scruff of its neck.

More than 230 people had to be rescued across Oahu in a dramatic fight against fast-rising floodwaters as a powerful Kona-low storm system battered Hawaii.

All the while a major dam remains under dangerous pressure and the damage could soar past $1 billion.

At least 233 rescues were carried out on Friday alone officials said, as roads disappeared under water and neighborhoods were inundated following days of relentless rain. 

Despite the scale of the disaster, authorities said no fatalities have been reported. 

‘This is the largest flood that we’ve had in Hawaii in 20 years,’ Governor Josh Green said during a joint news conference with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, comparing the crisis to the devastating Manoa floods of the early 2000s.

The chaos comes after earlier fears that the Wahiawa Dam on Oahu was at risk of failure, prompting urgent evacuation orders for communities downstream in Haleiwa and Waialua on the island’s North Shore. 

The reservoir had surged well above normal levels after torrential downpours dumped huge volumes of rain across the region.

Residents were urged to help neighbors only if it was possible to do it safely, but let them know about the alert, and not waste time packing belongings.

A view of a storm-damaged home near floating felled branches in flood waters caused by severe rains in Waialua

The Wahiawa Dam in Oahu (Pictured) is at ‘imminent risk of failure’ due to rising water levels at the Wahiawa reservoir and heavy downpours

The Wahiawa Dam on the island of Oahu is at an ‘imminent risk of failure’ according to the Oahu Department of Emergency Management.

The evacuation order applies to anyone currently in Haleiwa between Puuiki Street and Kamehameha Highway and areas of Waialua between Kukea Circle to Otake Camp. 

According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, the downpours have caused the water level in the Wahiawa reservoir to rise to over 85 feet. That amount is well above the normal spillway level of about 80 feet.

Governor Green cautioned that additional bands of rain expected over the next three days could worsen conditions, as already saturated ground struggles to absorb more water.

‘This storm could cost over a billion dollars of damage to both the private and public sector,’ the governor said.

Flash flood warnings remained in effect across Oahu into the evening, while emergency crews continued to respond to calls for help from stranded residents.

The impact has stretched beyond Oahu. On Maui, evacuation warnings were issued for Iao Valley in Central Maui and parts of Kihei in South Maui as conditions deteriorated.

Emergency shelters have been opened on multiple islands to accommodate displaced residents, while officials continue to monitor reservoirs, waterways and vulnerable infrastructure.

Mayor Blangiardi praised both first responders and residents for their cooperation during a fast-moving and dangerous situation.

A road is inundated with floodwaters caused by severe rain

Debris from a storm-damaged house sits against a bridge along Kaukonahua Stream

Thousands of residents in Hawaii have been urged to gather their families and leave their homes immediately before the Wahiawa Dam fails

If the dam breaks, officials warned that it could lead to life-threatening floods Haleiwa and Waialua (Seen in Red) on the Island of Oahu’s North Shore.

Green also acknowledged the public’s response, thanking residents for heeding evacuation warnings and acting quickly. ‘This is a major threat to our people and to our state and your responsible behavior has made it easier for us to respond,’ he said.

Hawaii has been inundated with rain from a pair of heavy storm systems known as ‘Kona lows’ which have dumped between eight and 12 inches of rain in certain areas over the last day.

Hawaiian officials earlier updated reports that the Wahiawa Dam had not failed, but still pleaded with residents to leave the area at once.

‘Wahiawa Dam has not failed but is at imminent risk of failure. Potential life-threatening flooding of downstream areas,’ Oahu Emergency Management posted online Friday.

Residents fleeing the area have been advised to carpool if possible as traffic during the evacuation has been extremely heavy.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has also issued a flash flood warning for all of Honolulu County.

Nearly one million people live in the county, which encompasses the entire island of Oahu, and that number quickly grows to more than 1.1million after accounting for tourists visiting Hawaii.

Honolulu officials warned in a statement at 4.37pm ET: ‘Radar indicated heavy rain continuing to move over east Oahu. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour.’

Fooding covers a residential neighborhood in Waialua, Hawaii, on Friday

The seaward side of the Wahiawa Dam where the outflow of the Wahiawa Reservoir becomes Kaukonahua Stream in Wahiawa, Hawaii

Streets are flooded from severe rains on Friday in Haleiwa, Hawaii

From up above the extent of the flooding is clear to see deluging homes, streets and fields

The scale of the flooding only really becomes clear from the air 

Floodwaters fill the ground level of homes in Waialua, Hawaii, Friday

The situation is becoming extremely dire for Hawaiians in the north – where the Wahiawa Dam is located

‘Flash flooding is ongoing, especially in and around Honolulu, with flowing water on roadways and stalled vehicles.’

On X, emergency management officials urged anyone in the affected area to immediately move to higher ground and avoid traveling through flooded areas or roadways.

While residents in Honolulu, on the southern part of the island, have been urged to seek higher ground, the situation is becoming extremely dire for Hawaiians in the north – where the Wahiawa Dam is located.

‘This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Northern Oahu,’ Honolulu County officials declared at 5pm ET. 

Several public roads are expected to be closed Friday, and landslides are feared along areas with steep terrain.

‘Significant property damage expected to homes and other properties in low lying areas,’ officials warned.

All of the rain and flooding ravaging Hawaii has come from a rare double hit from Kona lows.

These are unusual winter weather systems that bring heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms and flooding by pulling in tropical moisture from the south instead of the usual trade winds from the east.

People are evacuated from Haleiwa, Hawaii, on a bulldozer on Friday

Hawaii has been experiencing a heavy storm system called a ‘Kona low’ that has produced eight to 12 inches of rain in some areas

The first powerful Kona storm hit Hawaii from March 10 to March 16, dumping record amounts of rain, including up to 46 inches in some spots, such as Maui and parts of Oahu.

However, AccuWeather meteorologists have warned that this second Kona storm, which began on Thursday, could quickly lead to devastating damage on Oahu because the ground is still saturated from the earlier storm.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Brett Anderson warned: ‘The ground is still saturated in the wake of the recent storm, which will lead to rapid runoff that can easily trigger small stream and urban flooding, as well as increase the risk of mudslides and debris flows.’

As US forces step up their bombardment of Iranian defences, the battered regime appears to have found a counter to one of America’s most feared weapons.

Iran’s military claims to have hit an F–35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet with anti–aircraft artillery.

This would be the very first time that an American F–35 has been struck in combat by enemy fire.

Now, experts reveal that the $100million state–of–the–art fighter jet might not be as invisible as the US would like to think.

US Central Command confirmed that the fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing while ‘flying a combat mission over Iran.’

‘The aircraft landed safely, and the pilot is in stable condition,’ Captain Tim Hawkins said. It is unclear if the pilot, who landed at a US base in the Middle East, was injured.

The F–35’s stealth technology should render it all but undetectable by conventional military radar systems, making the hit enormously unlikely. 

However, researchers say that Iranian air defences aren’t relying on radar alone to keep tabs on America’s invisible fighters – with a ‘passive infrared’ system also being used.

Iran’s military claims to have scored a direct hit on a US F–35 Lightning II stealth fighter, marking the first time an American F–35 has been hit by enemy fire  

The F–35 (pictured) should be all but undetectable by conventional military radar systems, but experts claim it is not entirely ‘invisible’ 

What gives the F–35 its stealth ability?

The F–35 Lightning II is a fifth–generation stealth fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin and used extensively by the United States and Israel.

What makes this long–range fighter so deadly is its ability to avoid or confound enemy radar systems, letting it strike targets without being hit back.

Radar systems work by sending out bursts of electromagnetic signals and listening carefully for how those waves bounce back – like a bat hunting by echolocation.

To avoid detection, the F–35 is specially shaped so that radar signals deflect off its surface like light on a slanted mirror.

The fighter also has the capacity to keep its weapons inside the body of the plane, safely protected by its radar–baffling panels. 

This breaks up the plane’s radar signature, making it significantly harder for enemy systems to spot.

To further enhance this effect, the entire plane is coated with a radar–absorbing material that soaks up incoming electromagnetic signals rather than bouncing them back.

The F–35’s specially shaped panels and radar–absorbing coating mean that it only has the radar cross section of a small bird, making it extremely hard to detect and hit 

Although the F–35’s physical wingspan is 35 feet (10.7 metres), its radar cross–section is about the size of a small bird.

How invisible is the F–35?

Although stealth technology is often compared to an ‘invisibility cloak’, this greatly exaggerates the F–35’s abilities.

Dr Can Kasapoğlu, senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told the Daily Mail: ‘The F–35 is not invisible; it is low observable. 

‘It is designed to delay detection, degrade tracking, and avoid engagement zones rather than eliminate detection entirely.’

Dr Kasapoğlu adds: ‘Any aircraft can be detected under the right conditions; the key issue is when and with what quality.’

Certain types of radar, such as very–high frequency (VHF) and ultra–high frequency (UHF) systems, can beat most stealth systems.

However, the key is that these detections aren’t ‘weapons grade’ – meaning they aren’t high enough quality to guide a missile to impact.

Even as early as 2023, Iran claimed it had the capacity to detect American F–35s flying over the Gulf. 

However, this doesn’t mean that Iran had the ability to shoot down American stealth fighters, only to roughly know where they are.

A more plausible explanation for the reported hit on an F–35 is that the Iranian military was using a ‘passive infrared’ system.

Instead of actively sending out radar signals to spot jets, infrared systems scan the sky for the telltale heat signature of a fighter’s engine.

Even though the F–35’s engine is specially designed to reduce its infrared signature, it isn’t enough to prevent short–range detection.

This means that the Iranian attack was more likely to have been an opportunistic close–range ambush rather than a deliberate long–range strike.

Dr Kasapoğlu suggests that the Iranian 358 loitering munition is a ‘natural culprit’.

This nine–feet–long (2.7 m) surface–to–air missile flies slowly in a figure of eight over the battlefield, waiting to spot a target with its infrared detector.

Experts say the F–35 might have been hit by an Iranian 358 loitering munition (pictured). These missiles use a passive infrared detection system rather than radar, allowing them to beat the F–35’s stealth technology at short range

If an F–35 had got close enough, it could have been struck with almost no warning as the 358 locked on to its engine signature. 

In Yemen last year, Houthi rebels demonstrated how even relatively crude infrared systems could be used to great effect to counter stealth technology.

US F–35s flying against Houthi air defences were forced to take evasive actions to avoid being hit by surface–to–air missiles, with one pilot reportedly dodging several attacks.

However, Dr Kasapoğlu maintains that this is a one–off, unattributed case that doesn’t require the US to radically change its strategy.

If passive infrared detectors are being used, they are likely part of a ‘layered detection approach’ rather than a standalone capacity.

This means the F–35’s ability to strike targets long before it is detected will still be a valuable asset.

‘No fundamental shift is required for now. It reinforces the need for disciplined mission planning and continuous suppression of enemy air defences in complex environments,’ Dr Kasapoğlu says.

‘The F–35 remains a reliable fifth–generation platform and a cornerstone of US airpower.’

From ‘gaslighting’ to ‘catfishing’, singletons already have a range of toxic dating trends to get their heads around. 

Now, experts have gazed into the future to predict what they will have to contend with next. 

With the promise of spring on the horizon, many will be emerging from winter hibernation to try their hand at finding love.

However, putting yourself out there can feel daunting, especially when trying to keep up with the latest apps and crazes.

To help, relationship experts have revealed the top trends to look out for this year – and the ones to be especially wary of.

Robyn Alesich, co–founder of polyamorous dating app Sister Wives, warned some could trigger anxiety, low self–worth, reduced intimacy and emotional exhaustion.

While some trends are ‘immensely cruel’, others can lead to feelings of ‘intellectual powerlessness’.

Here, she explains the toxic fads that could ruin your love life.

People have taken to TikTok to complain about ‘future-faking’ – when a potential partner promises a future but never follows through 

Yearner energy

This is the feeling of ‘yearning’ – an intense longing and desire – for somebody you’re dating.

‘Yearning can feel deeply romantic in an era of social media and AI, but longing without reciprocation or consent has its risks,’ Ms Alesich said.

‘It’s important to separate desire from reality, otherwise fantasies can be projected onto unwilling partners.’

Future–faking

This occurs when a potential partner promises a shared future – but with no intention of really following through.

‘A key priority in modern dating is emotional security, regardless of the style of affection. So, in any case, future–faking is immensely cruel,’ Ms Alesich explained.

‘It mimics security without offering it, often keeping someone emotionally invested long past the point where the relationship has stopped moving forward. Repeated exposure to false promises can undermine trust and emotional safety, contributing to anxiety, lowered self–worth, and difficulty forming secure attachments in future relationships.’

Being given a backhanded compliment or subtle insult to make you feel insecure is called negging

Negging

Negging is a backhanded compliment or subtle insult to make you feel insecure in the hope that you’ll suddenly be more desperate for approval.

It can lead to low self–esteem and emotional dependency.

‘Backhanded compliments and subtle criticism can erode self–esteem over time, fostering emotional dependency on a toxic partner, a common pattern seen in psychologically unhealthy relationships,’ Ms Alesich said.

Eco–dumping

This refers to breaking up over ethical lifestyle issues, such as plastic usage or fast fashion.

‘Gen Z cares very deeply about what they believe in,’ Ms Alesich said. ‘And for many young daters, the environment is just that.

‘However, conflict rooted in moral superiority rather than communication can lead to feelings of anxiety and emotional exhaustion. This might foster a sense of intellectual powerlessness for one partner, reducing confidence and heightening anxiety.’

Date–stacking

Date–stacking refers to scheduling multiple dates in a single day or weekend to optimise time and efficiency.

But Ms Alesich warned: ‘Date–stacking can feel practical, especially when signed up to multiple dating apps and want to maximise your chance of connection. However, this trend encourages people to compare dates side by side, potentially reducing them to a personality trait or a physical feature.

‘Dating as an efficiency exercise leads to severe dating fatigue, overwhelm, and likely dissatisfaction.’

Choremance

When you and your partner do errands together instead of traditional romantic activities, this is called ‘choremance’.

‘A choremance appeals to a very busy and burnt out generation of daters,’ Ms Alesich explained.

‘The risk here is decreased intimacy and spiked cortisol as partners don’t feel able to truly relax in each other’s company.’

Apple has surprised fans with a new iPhone, called the iPhone 17e. 

The tech giant usually hosts elaborate launch events at its Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

However, it skipped the fanfare this year, simply announcing the device via a post on its newsroom. 

At £599 (and sold for $599 in the US), the iPhone 17e is the same price as its predecessor, the 16e, but comes with twice the amount of storage. 

There’s also a stunning new ‘soft pink’ colour option, which is bound to be a hit with the Instagram generation. 

‘iPhone 17e combines powerful performance and features our users love at an exceptional value, making it a compelling option for customers looking to upgrade to the iPhone 17 family,’ said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice-president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. 

‘We know our customers want a product that will last, and iPhone 17e delivers just that. 

‘With A19 for incredible performance, double the entry storage, a smarter camera system, and enhanced durability, iPhone 17e is designed to stay fast, secure, and valuable for years to come.’ 

At £599 ($599 in the US), the iPhone 17e is the same price as last year’s iPhone 16e – but comes with twice the amount of storage 

The iPhone 17e features Apple’s latest–generation A19 chip, which delivers ‘exceptional performance’, according to Apple. 

In terms of camera, the device has a 48MP Fusion camera, although Apple’s describes this as ‘two cameras in one’. 

‘The 48MP Fusion camera enables an optical–quality 2x Telephoto, giving users two cameras in one so they can get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot,’ the tech giant explained. 

‘Users can shoot sharp photos at up to 48MP resolution, or capture in the 24MP default for incredible image quality at a file size perfect for storing and sharing.’

One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e. 

This not only enables fast wireless charging up to 15W but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including chargers, wallets and camera accessories. 

The iPhone 17e is available in three colours – black, white and a new soft pink – and in two storage options. 

While last year’s device cost £599 (or $599 in the US) for 128GB, you’ll be able to get twice the storage for the same price this year – ideal if you’re always running out of space on your iPhone.

One of the most exciting new features is support for MagSafe charging, which many fans were disappointed was missing on the iPhone 16e. This not only allows for fast wireless charging up to 15W, but also opens the door to a range of new accessories, including chargers, wallets, and camera accessories

The new iPhone isn’t the only device Apple has announced today. The company also treated fans to a new iPad Air, powered by M4

Pre–orders don’t begin until Wednesday, with availability from Wednesday, March 11. 

However, the announcement has already generated huge excitement across social media. 

‘Slam dunk on that feature set and price point,’ one delighted fan wrote on X. 

Another added: ‘Excellent value with the addition of MagSafe.’

And one said: ‘Wait, 256GB base storage for $599? If that’s real, Apple is finally listening. 

‘The A19 chip in a budget model is actually insane value.’  

The new iPhone isn’t the only device Apple has announced today. 

The company also treated fans to a new iPad Air, powered by M4. 

The new device is priced at £599 ($599 in the US) for the 11–inch model and £799 ($799 in the US) for the 13–inch model, and is also available for pre–order on March 4, with availability beginning March 11.

‘iPad Air gives users more ways than ever to be creative and productive, offering powerful performance and incredible versatility to help them turn their ideas into reality,’ said Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice-president of worldwide product marketing.

‘With its blazing performance thanks to M4, incredible AI capabilities, and game-changing iPadOS 26 features, there’s never been a better time to choose or upgrade to iPad Air.’ 

THE TRILLION DOLLAR RISE OF APPLE

1976: Founders Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne created the company on April 1 1976 as they set about selling computer kits to hobbyists, each of which was built by Wozniak.

The first product was the Apple I. 

1977: Apple released the Apple II in June, which was the first PC made for the mass market. 

Steve Jobs unveils Apple Computer Corporation’s new Macintosh in California on February 6, 1984

1981: Jobs became chairman.  

1984: The Macintosh was introduced during an ad break for the Super Bowl and later officially unveiled during a launch event. It was discontinued a year later and Jobs left the firm.

1987: Apple released the Macintosh II, the first colour Mac.

1997: Apple announces it will acquire NeXT software in a $400 million deal that involves Jobs returning to Apple as interim CEO. He officially took the role in 2000.  

Steve Jobs, then-chief executive officer of Apple, with the iPhone

2001: Apple introduced iTunes, OS X and the first-generation iPod.

The first iPod MP3 music player was released on October 23, 2001, at an event in Cupertino and was able to hold up to 1,000 songs.

2007: Apple unveils the iPhone. 

2010: The first iPad was unveiled.

2011: Jobs resigned in 2011 due to illness, handing the CEO title to Tim Cook. Jobs died in October from pancreatic cancer.

2014: Apple unveiled the Apple Watch. It also unveiled its first larger iPhones – the 6 and 6 Plus. 

2015: After purchasing Beats from Dr Dre, Apple launched Apple Music to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. 

2016: Apple returned to its roots and announced the 4-inch iPhone SE. Meanwhile, the firm is embroiled in a legal battle with the FBI, involving the agency demanding access to the locked phone used by Syed Farook, who died in a shootout after carrying out a deadly December attack in San Bernardino, California, with his wife. The court order was dropped on March 28 after the FBI said a third party was able to unlock the device.  

2017: Apple introduces the iPhone X, which removes the home button to make way for a futuristic edge-to-edge screen design and a new FaceID system that uses advanced sensors and lasers to unlock phones with just the owner’s face.    

Apple CEO Steve Jobs speaks at an Apple event at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, California

2018: In a first for the company, Apple introduces new features in its latest operating system, iOS 12, that encourage users to manage and spend less time on their devices. The move was spawned by a strongly worded letter from shareholders that urged the firm to address the growing problem of smartphone addiction among kids and teenagers. 

2019: In January, Apple reports its first decline in revenues and profits in a decade. CEO Tim Cook partly blamed steep declines in revenue from China.

2020: In March, Apple closes all its brick-and-mortar retail stores outside of China in response to coronavirus. 

2021: In an online virtual event in April CEO Tim Cook declares Apple’s goal of becoming carbon neutral for Earth Day. Later in the year the iPhone 13 was announced. 

2022: In September, the iPhone 14 was announced. One of the new features included a new sensor to detect if a user had been in a car crash as well as an improved camera system. 

2023: Apple brings back its ‘Home Pod’ after the first generation was discontinued. The ‘Home Pod’ can be seen as an alternative to Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, as it is powered by voice commands. 

2024: Apple makes its first steps into artificial intelligence with the release of Apple Intelligence. The features are not all released at once, with many delayed until the following year. 

The average person has nine deep dark secrets, a new study has revealed. 

Researchers from the University of Melbourne asked 240 people about the things they keep hidden from others.

The results revealed that the most common secrets are about lies, followed by being secretly unhappy about appearance.

Others are about finances, while many of us keep secrets about romantic desires. 

What’s more, more than half (57 per cent) of participants had a secret sexual behaviour.

Other secrets that participants reported included physically or emotionally hurting someone, using illegal drugs, stealing something, disliking a friend, not enjoying their job or planning to propose.

‘You might think about secrets when you’re showering, when you’re doing your dishes or when you’re heading to work,’ author Dr Val Bianchi told New Scientist. 

‘Having these thoughts pop into your mind when you don’t necessarily want them to is often unpleasant, and people seem to get caught in vicious cycles of thinking spontaneously about their secrets as they go about their life, and feeling worse about them.’

Most people in the study were especially concerned about what others might think of their secret, the researchers found

The study found that people generally reported their most important secret to be negative, regularly sparking worries or concerns.

When these secrets popped into their head without warning, people reported feeling negative emotions both in the moment and also two hours later.

‘Most of the sample reported mind–wandering to what other people might think about the secret at least once during the study,’ the team wrote.

‘These frequencies suggest that people focus more on general concerns about the secret and the social impact of their secret rather than on ways to regulate who does (not) know the secret.’

However, when people thought about secrets deliberately, it was usually to daydream or fantasise about them.

The scientists also came up with ways that people could manage the wellbeing cost of keeping a secret.

When the mind wanders spontaneously to secrets, people could focus on redirecting attention, they explained.

Meanwhile thinking deliberately about secrets could be approached through purposeful reflection and constructive processing, they added.

The study found that people generally reported their most important secret to be negative, regularly sparking worries or concerns. Pictured: the 1999 thriller, Eyes Wide Shut

The study, which has not yet been peer reviewed, is due to be published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Attitudes and Social Cognition.

‘Everyone has secrets at some point in time, and the most common and consequential experience people have with secrecy is mind–wandering to their secrets,’ the researchers wrote.

‘The current work is the first to systematically examine this major experience people have with secrets, capturing a fine–grained picture of how people think about their secrets, which content people think about, and to what emotional effect.’

It’s likely humans evolved to keep secrets because concealing information can protect ourselves and others from hurt., Dr Bianchi said.

‘For example, if you find out a colleague is being investigated at work, you might choose to stay silent about it, rather than gossiping with others, to safeguard their reputation within the organisation.’

In some circumstances, however, confessing secrets can provide some relief – especially when telling people who aren’t directly affected by the information.

This is why particular professionals, such as therapists, can help people deal with the burden of secrets.

The research has been funded by the Australian Office of National Intelligence, whose operatives may need strategies to help bear the responsibility of secret–keeping.

A previous study, published in 2023, found that keeping secrets could actually be good for you.

Lead author Michael Slepian, from Columbia University, said: ‘Decades of research on secrecy suggest it is bad for our well–being, but this work has only examined keeping secrets that have negative implications for our lives.

‘Is secrecy inherently bad for our well–being or do the negative effects of secrecy tend to stem from keeping negative secrets?

‘While negative secrets are far more common than positive secrets, some of life’s most joyful occasions begin as secrets, including secret marriage proposals, pregnancies, surprise gifts and exciting news.’

The study revealed that participants who reflected on their positive secrets reported feeling more energised than the participants who thought about their good news that was not secret.

Those who reported that they intended to share their news with others also said they felt more energised.

Tucked away in Oxford University’s historic library are the oldest surviving New Testament fragments, papyrus texts nearly 2,000 years old that are among Christianity’s most treasured writings. 

For Dr Jeremiah Johnston, who has studied the Magdalen Papyrus P64 extensively, being one of the few people allowed to hold the pieces of historic scripture was ‘the single most awe-inspiring experience this side of heaven.’

The fragments themselves are tiny, fragile scraps, browned with age, yet they preserve moments from the Gospel of Matthew, including four sayings of Jesus, key portions of the Last Supper and Judas arranging his betrayal.

During a visit to the library of Magdalene College, Johnston was granted the rare opportunity to hold the three fragments encased in a simple frame, an experience he described to the Daily Mail as life-changing.

‘It was literally taken out of what looks like a shoebox, not even on display, and I had as much time as I wanted with one of the most priceless Christian artifacts on earth,’ he said, recalling the almost ethereal nature of the encounter. 

‘I’m holding that fragment, and to know that it’s 2,000 years old, and to know that it’s true, and that the scales of truth tip in the favor of Christianity, was transformational for me.’

The fragments preserve 24 lines of text from Matthew chapter 26, specifically covering verses 23 and 31, and date back at least to the first century AD, offering an extraordinary window into the earliest written record of Jesus’ words.

Alongside other early New Testament scraps, the P64 also represents the oldest known examples of a codex, a book with individual pages rather than a traditional scroll, underscoring the profound shift in how early Christians recorded and preserved their sacred texts.

Dr Johnston was granted the rare opportunity to hold the three fragments encased in a simple frame, an experience he described to the Daily Mail as life-changing.

Dr Jeremiah Johnston was able to hold the three fragments, which were housed in a frame, while visiting the old library of Magdalene College in Oxford

The fragments land squarely in today’s debates over how faithfully the Gospels were transmitted, offering physical evidence that early Christians had been preserving these texts for far longer than critics often claim.

And its frayed edges and faded ink reveal that the story of Jesus was being written down earlier than skeptics sometimes admit.

‘It’s a reminder to me that Jesus died for my sins so that I could be forgiven. And so I’m holding that fragment,’ said Johnston, who is set to release his new book ‘The Jesus Discoveries.’

‘It takes my breath away,’ he added, describing the huge significance the specific excerpts hold as part of what Christians call the words of institution, in this case being the lead-up to the Last Supper and Jesus’ crucifixion.

These fragments were given to Magdalen by Charles Bousfield Huleatt in 1901.

These tiny scraps, fragile and browned with age, preserve moments from Matthew 26, including four sayings of Jesus and key portions of the Last Supper and Judas arranging his betrayal

Huleatt, a Magdalen alumnus-turned-missionary, was working in Luxor, Egypt, when he obtained the papers. How he acquired them remains unknown, as does their ultimate origin.

Johnston explained that the P64 fragments were dated entirely through paleography, meaning scholars compared the handwriting style of the scribe to thousands of other dated secular documents found in Egypt that have survived from the same era.

He explained that because everything was handwritten before the invention of the printing press, these handwriting comparisons, along with the fact that the fragment is written on papyrus, rather than later parchment, and is formatted as a codex with writing on both sides, allow experts to date it to the late second century AD.

This would mean that they may have been penned ‘a full century’ after Jesus’ crucifixion, which many scholars believe occurred in 33 AD.

Matthew 26 marks the point where Jesus moves from teaching and ministry into the final hours leading to the crucifixion, making it one of the most consequential chapters in the Gospels

However, some experts, such as German archaeologist Carsten Peter Thiede, argue that the same evidence points to an even earlier first-century origin date for the texts, around 70 AD.

Matthew 26 marks the point where Jesus moves from teaching and ministry into the final hours leading to the crucifixion, making it one of the most consequential chapters in the Gospels. 

On the back of Fragment 1, which is from Matthew 26:7-8, the words read: ‘Poured it on his head as he was at the table. When they saw this, the disciples said indignantly.’

The next piece features Matthew 26:10: ‘Jesus noticed this and said, “Why are you upsetting the woman? What she has done for me.”‘

This passage is part of the story of the woman who anoints Jesus with expensive perfume at Bethany, shortly before the Passover.

And the final excerpt, from Matthew 26:15, reads: ‘Then one of the Twelve, the man called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What are you prepared to give me?”‘

The front side of the first fragment, with text from Matthew 26:31, reads: ‘Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away from me tonight, for the scripture says.”‘

The fragments are held in the old library of Magdalene College in Oxford

That quote is simply Jesus predicting that all his disciples would soon abandon him, as they later did.

The second includes details from Matthew 26:32: ‘I shall go ahead of you to Galilee.” At this, Peter said to him.’

The final piece features Matthew 26:22-3 and reads: ‘They were greatly distressed and started asking him in turn, ‘Not me, Lord, surely?’ He answered, ‘Someone who has dipped his hand into the dish with me.”

Speaking about the translations, Johnston told the Daily Mail: ‘We have four sayings of Jesus within those fragments. Jesus’s name is mentioned twice, Peter and Judas Iscariot’s names are mentioned, and these are the earliest copies in the world where their names are found.’

During his doctoral residency at Oxford, Johnston gained unprecedented access to rare biblical manuscripts through the Bodleian Library, receiving an elite ‘A’ reader card granting full access to special collections.

He believes the cumulative evidence demonstrates that early Christians were committed to accurately preserving the Gospel and that the Magdalen Papyrus attests to that effort.

Experts have identified a complete list of dog breeds at risk of serious breathing problems, as they warn ‘cute’ flat faces result in a lifetime of suffering.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge said the popularised ‘squished’ faces of dogs can come at a price.

Their shortened skull shape, called brachycephaly, can cause horrific wheezing and difficulty breathing.

While previous research has focused on the three most popular ‘flat faced’ dog breeds in the UK – the Bulldog, French Bulldog and the Pug – they have now found a further 12 breeds at risk of serious issues.

This includes the Pekingese and Japanese Chin breeds, which were found to be at highest risk of a serious breathing problem called Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).

Meanwhile the King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, Griffon Bruxellois, Boston Terrier and the Dogue de Bordeaux are all at moderate risk of the condition.

The Staffordshire Bull terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Boxer and Affenpinscher were all found to be at mild risk.

‘BOAS exists on a spectrum,’ co–lead author Dr Fran Tomlinson, from the University of Cambridge, said. ‘Some dogs are only mildly affected, but for those at the more severe end, it can significantly reduce quality of life and become a serious welfare issue.’

Flat–faced dogs, like Pugs, suffer from debilitating health conditions. A dog’s nose should be at least one–third the length of its skull in order for it to breathe normally, experts have said

For their study, the team collected data from 898 dogs encompassing 14 different breeds.

They measured the animals’ skulls and noses, bodies and necks, and checked them for symptoms of BOAS following a three–minute exercise test.

In the study they focused on the loudness and difficulty of the animals’ breathing, but other symptoms can also include loud snoring, snorting, poor heat tolerance, exercise intolerance and even vomiting.

Of the 14 breeds, two were found to not be clinically affected by the condition – the Pomeranian and the Maltese.

However, the team discovered the remaining 12 all experienced problems on some level, meaning they join the likes of Pugs and Bulldogs in a comprehensive list of the breeds at risk of BOAS.

The study, published in the journal PLOS One, also found that the condition varies considerably within each breed.

Those with a very flat face, collapsed nostrils or a ‘plump physique’ were at especially high risk, they discovered.

The researchers hope that this study will lead to more ‘flat–faced’ dogs being tested and encourage greater engagement on BOAS and other health issues faced by these breeds.

89 per cent of Pekingese involved in the study were found to be at risk of BOAS, the researchers found. Pictured: Pekingese at Crufts in 2024

A Japanese Chin, one of breeds found to be at highest risk of BOAS, with rates comparable with Pugs, French Bulldogs and Bulldogs (file image)

The dogs were graded for BOAS on a scale of zero to three, with zero indicating few symptoms, and three meaning the pup had difficulty exercising and getting enough air

Dr Jane Ladlow, who co–led the study, said: ‘Being aware of risk factors can be useful for both breeders and prospective owners in selecting dogs which are less likely to be affected by BOAS.

‘Knowledge of these risk factors can also help to inform judges in deciding which features are detrimental to health so that factors associated with BOAS are not rewarded in the show ring, particularly as winning dogs can become popular sires.’

The team said that a breathing assessment remains the most accurate way to determine BOAS risk and therefore which dogs should be selected for breeding or whose welfare would benefit from veterinary intervention.

‘While surgery, weight management and other interventions can help affected dogs to some degree, BOAS is hereditary, and there is still much to learn about how we can reduce the risk in future generations,’ Dr Tomlinson added.

In severe cases, BOAS can result in collapse or even death, they warned.

Last week, it emerged that dog shelters are being forced to euthanise flat–faced breeds amid a ‘heartbreaking’ rise in abandonments.

The shelters warned they are being overwhelmed by the sheer number of dogs with ‘extreme conformations’, with one reporting a 500 per cent increase since 2017.

Sarah Roser, head of operations at Hope Rescue in South Wales, told the Daily Mail: ‘We’re looking at a dog where nothing is functioning as it should be, and sadly, those are the animals that sometimes we have to make a euthanasia decision for. No matter what we do medically, we’re never going to get them to a point where they’re free of pain.’

Animal welfare experts also recently revealed the 10 extreme body traits in dogs that they’re urging prospective owners to avoid.

Experts say demand for these pets has been fuelled by social media trends and celebrity pooches like Megan Thee Stallion’s French bulldog and Kendall Jenner’s Doberman.

Extreme conformations that dog owners should avoid include the Merle colouration, skin folds, a very short muzzle, eyelids that roll inwards or outwards and bulging eyes.

Prospective owners should also avoid dogs which have an underbite or overbite, an excessively short tail, bowed or curved legs, an inflexible spine or very short legs.

Dr Dan O’Neil, an animal health expert from The Royal Veterinary College who helped develop the IHA, says: ‘Extreme conformation means that we have crossed a boundary, and that the conformation is preventing the animal from living its life as a dog.

‘This is so basic, but dogs that are incapable of doing this are suffering.’

Shocking images and reports of dogs being killed in Morocco have drawn global scrutiny of a campaign linked to the country’s 2030 World Cup preparations. 

The North African nation was confirmed in 2023 as a co-host alongside Spain and Portugal, a decision that animal rights groups claim has coincided with a widespread cull of strays across Moroccan cities. 

Activists have said the alleged effort aims to make cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner and safer, as well as more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions associated with strays.

An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets.

Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass graves.

A report published last month described Marrakech, expected to host World Cup matches, as a ‘kill center,’ where canines were transported in white vans and processed in warehouse facilities fitted with meat hooks and washable flooring.

Witnesses in other host cities alleged that dogs were starved for days before being burned alive at rubbish depots.

The International Animal Welfare and Protection Coalition (IAWPC) said Morocco has a pattern of large-scale animal killings ahead of major international events, arguing that organizations like FIFA are not issuing orders but are effectively enabling the practice.

Morocco has been accused of killing stray dogs in its streets in a ‘clean up’ effort ahead of the 2030 World Cup

Officials said the effort is aimed at making cities and tourist hotspots appear cleaner, safer, and more appealing to international visitors, fans, and media, in an attempt to avoid negative perceptions of stray animals during major global events

The coalition submitted a 91-page dossier to FIFA, including photographs documenting poisonings, forced starvation, and the shooting of dogs. Despite the evidence, questions remain about how seriously the allegations are being addressed.

‘After the [World Cup confirmation], the extermination of the dogs has increased dramatically,’ IAWPC said in a statement.

‘As a result, the fear is that Morocco will now go ahead with their plan for the mass slaughter of three million dogs.’

A FIFA spokesperson told Daily Mail that during its bid for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, Morocco emphasized its commitment to animal welfare, noting government efforts to expand clinics and support programs for stray dogs.

‘With the bidding process now completed, FIFA is following up with its local counterparts with the aim of ensuring commitments are upheld,’ the FIFA spokesperson continued.

FIFA also said it is working with the animal welfare group IAWPC, which convened a global panel of senior legal and animal welfare experts to review Morocco’s draft regulations; their recommendations have now been submitted to Moroccan authorities.

Morocco’s Embassy in London has denied the claims, insisting there is no cull of stray dogs and citing what it described as the country’s commitment to humane and sustainable animal management.

A spokesman said last year that Morocco launched a Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Release program in 2019 and is investing in clinics, veterinary services, and municipal hygiene systems, adding: ‘It is entirely untrue that Morocco is planning to cull stray dogs ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.’ 

Images from the North African nation show men collecting dogs and putting them inside cages

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings

However, documents obtained by The Athletic reportedly show local authorities ordered 1,000 rounds of ammunition in September 2025 to deal with stray dogs.

In its evaluation report for Morocco’s World Cup bid, FIFA cited the country’s commitment to animal welfare. 

PETA spokesman Catie Cryar told the Daily Mail: ‘Morocco hasn’t attempted to hide the fact that dogs are being poisoned, shot, and burned alive to ‘clean up’ for the 2030 World Cup, as this report details, so no investigation has been necessary. 

‘PETA entities worldwide have been protesting FIFA events, and tens of thousands of PETA members and supporters have sent urgent appeals calling on FIFA to withdraw Morocco’s right to co-host the tournament unless it stops the dog slaughter.

‘FIFA needs to stop dogs from being gunned down in its name, and it can start by funding a spay/neuter program to help solve the homeless-animal crisis on Morocco’s streets.’

Hollywood actor Mark Ruffalo has thrown his support behind the IAWPC campaign to stop the killings in an X post that reads: ‘Killing millions of dogs to prepare for a global sporting event is not progress, it’s a moral failure. 

‘The World Cup should unite the world, not be built on suffering that happens behind closed doors. Humane solutions exist, and choosing compassion over violence is a responsibility we all share.’

An estimated three million stray dogs live on Morocco’s streets

Animal welfare organizations have released images and testimony alleging Moroccan authorities are using harsh methods, including clamping dogs by the neck, loading them into trucks and poisoning or shooting them before disposing of their bodies in mass grave

The International Animal Coalition has launched a campaign to expose what it calls ‘Morocco’s ugly secret,’ detailing horrifying methods used to kill stray dogs.

They claim dogs are being poisoned with strychnine, injected directly into their bodies or fed through bait.

Gunmen reportedly patrol the streets around the clock, shooting the animals and often leaving them wounded to die in agony.

Other dogs are said to be trapped with clamping devices, thrown into trucks, and transported to facilities where they are inhumanely killed.

The coalition alleges that since FIFA’s announcement in 2023, the killings have dramatically increased, despite Moroccan authorities claiming in August 2024 that the initiative had been halted.

The psychological well-being and moral development of children witnessing the reported dog slaughter in Morocco have also become a growing focus for the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). 

In September 2023, the committee issued General Comment 26, in support of Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, stating: ‘Children must be protected from all forms of physical and psychological violence and from exposure to violence, such as domestic violence or violence inflicted on animals.’