The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is overseeing a contest to name Earth's quasi-moon, 2004 GU9, with a requirement that the name be rooted in mythology. Despite humorous suggestions like "Moony McMoonface," the IAU emphasizes cultural significance and mythological connections. The final name options include mythological figures from various cultures, highlighting the complexity and cultural considerations involved in naming celestial objects.
Researchers have named a newly discovered species of giant prehistoric turtle, Peltocephalus Maturin, after a universe-creating character in Stephen King's novel It. The monstrous armoured reptile lived during the Pleistocene period and was estimated to have had a colossal shell length of around 180 cm, making it almost half a meter bigger than the largest freshwater turtle living today. This isn’t the first time scientists have drawn inspiration from fictional characters when naming a new discovery, as seen with other species named after characters like Indiana Jones and J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Silmarillion.
A BYU alumnus, now a chairman at the University of California, Riverside, discovered a new species of nematode and named it after his former professor at Brigham Young University, Byron Adams, who has a deep passion for the microscopic worms. The newly named Steinernema adamsi is beneficial to humans as it infects and kills insect pests. Adams, who has mentored over a hundred students in nematode research, expressed pride in his former student's work and emphasized the importance of including students in research.
Paleontologists in Brazil have discovered a new dinosaur fossil and named it "Farlowichnus rapidus" after James Farlow, an emeritus professor of geology and adjunct professor of biology at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Farlow, who collaborated with one of the paleontologists on a book in the 1980s, expressed his appreciation for the recognition, stating that it is common for colleagues to name fossils after individuals they want to honor.
Google's "Bard," an early experiment in generative AI, may not be getting a name change as previously expected. Despite being referred to as an "early experiment," Bard was announced alongside the Pixel 8 and seems to have a distinct use case from the Google Search Generative Experience. The author suggests alternative names such as "Google Chat" or rebranding Bard as "Assistant" to better convey its utility. The author also speculates that the "with Bard" qualifier may eventually disappear, and expresses surprise that the new Assistant remains exclusive to Pixel devices.
Naming infants has become a big business, with services like baby name consultants offering bespoke name lists and full-service baby naming concierge for branding purposes. While some countries have strict rules on naming children, others take a more liberal approach. The article highlights the case of the 17th Duke of Huéscar, who faced objections when registering his daughter's long string of names in Spain. In the future, the current trend of unique and unconventional names may give way to a resurgence of more traditional and conventional names.
Researchers have discovered evidence that wild savannah elephants in Kenya use specific vocal sounds to label and communicate with each other, potentially giving them individual 'names'. While not yet peer-reviewed, if verified, this would make elephants the only known non-human animals to communicate with random names. The study found that certain rumbles were specific to individual receivers and were not based on imitation. When played back to wild elephants, individuals responded more quickly to their own 'name' and vocalized faster. These vocal labels appeared to be relatively consistent across the herd, similar to how humans use names. The findings suggest that artificial intelligence programs can help us better understand animal communication and potentially call elephants by their names in the future.
Apple's upcoming high-end 6.7-inch iPhone 15 model may be called the "iPhone 15 Ultra" instead of the "Pro Max," according to a new rumor. While the idea of the name change had faded, recent reports suggest that the "iPhone 15 Ultra" name is back on the table. The larger display, longer battery life, and periscope telephoto camera with 6x optical zoom could justify the "Ultra" moniker. Apple's naming choices are subject to change, but the possibility of a name change for the high-end model this year remains uncertain.
A new species of snake, Tachymenoides harrisonfordi, has been discovered in the Andes mountains in Peru and named after actor Harrison Ford, known for his role as Indiana Jones. The pale yellowish-brown snake with scattered black splotches was found by researchers and is reminiscent of Indiana Jones' adventures in Peru. Ford has previously had an ant and a spider named after him. The naming of this snake highlights the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect unknown species. Ford expressed his appreciation for the honor and emphasized the need to mend our relationship with nature.
Actress Riley Keough revealed the name of her and husband Ben Smith-Petersen's baby girl, Tupelo Storm Smith-Petersen, in a cover story for Vanity Fair. The name honors her late family members, including her grandfather Elvis Presley and her late brother Benjamin Storm Keough. Riley shared that Tupelo was born via surrogate in August 2022 and expressed her gratitude for the selfless act of surrogacy. She also expressed her desire to be the best mom for her daughter and mentioned that Tupelo resembles her husband.
Kate Middleton reportedly enlisted her English cocker spaniel, Lupo, to pick the name of her firstborn child, Prince George, by writing different names on pieces of paper and scattering them on the floor, trusting Lupo to put his paw next to the winner. Lupo passed away in 2020 at age 8, and the family now has a black cocker spaniel named Orla. Middleton has also revealed that she makes her three children do chores, including doggy-caretaking.
