News Minimalist

06 May 2024 17:19

[6.3] Quantum computing breakthroughs draw investment back to sector — The Financial Times

Australia and Queensland commit A$940mn to build a full-scale quantum computer by US start-up PSI Quantum near Brisbane. Recent advances in error correction promise a path to practical quantum computing by 2029. IBM aims to demonstrate a fault-tolerant quantum computer by then. Progress in error correction and hardware scaling indicates a shift from a science to an engineering problem.

News Minimalist

02 May 2024 17:42

[6.0] Financial aid application errors disrupt college enrollment for hundreds of thousands of U.S. students — The Associated Press

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application's recent overhaul has led to significant technical issues, delaying college admissions and financial aid decisions. With a 29% drop in successful submissions from last year, there are concerns of a sharp decrease in college enrollment, particularly among low-income students. Technical errors and a drop in completion rates threaten student futures and the financial stability of smaller colleges. Congress has requested an investigation into the flawed rollout, and emergency state relief measures are being considered.

News Minimalist

30 Apr 2024 16:46

[6.0] A strong U.S. dollar weighs on the world — The New York Times

In 2024, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against every major global currency, with two-thirds of about 150 currencies tracked by Bloomberg weakening due to anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts. High U.S. interest rates, a response to persistent inflation, attract global investments, impacting economies and policymakers worldwide. The dollar index is at early 2000s levels, reflecting this strength.

News Minimalist

29 Apr 2024 17:09

[6.0] Blood test powered by AI could catch osteoarthritis 8 years earlier than X-ray — Livescience.com

Researchers have developed a blood test that can predict knee osteoarthritis up to eight years before it's detectable by X-ray. In a study of 200 symptom-free white women, six bloodborne proteins were identified that accurately foretell the onset of the disease. This early detection could lead to preventative treatments, potentially slowing the disease’s progression.

News Minimalist

26 Apr 2024 16:49

[6.0] FCC reinstates net neutrality rules, ensuring equal internet access — The Associated Press

The FCC reinstated "net neutrality" rules on Thursday, initially established in 2015 but repealed in 2017 under Trump. These regulations prohibit broadband providers like Comcast and AT&T from discriminating against certain sites and require equal internet traffic treatment. The decision passed with a 3-2 party-line vote, despite telecom industry opposition.

News Minimalist

25 Apr 2024 17:27

[6.4] Over a billion users could be at risk from keyboard logging app security flaw — TechRadar

A report by Citizen Lab indicates that nearly a billion mobile users globally were at risk due to unencrypted keyboard app communications on various devices from manufacturers like Tencent, Baidu, Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, Vivo, and Honor. These vulnerabilities potentially allowed third parties to access user keystrokes. Huawei’s keyboard was found to be secure, while Apple and Google keyboards do not transmit keystrokes to cloud servers. As of April 1, most manufacturers have addressed these security issues, except Honor and Tencent.

News Minimalist

23 Apr 2024 17:21

[6.4] Meta opens Quest OS to third-party headset makers, taps Lenovo and Xbox as partners — TechCrunch

Meta has opened its Meta Horizon OS, previously exclusive to Meta Quest headsets, to third-party manufacturers. Tech giants Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft's Xbox are the initial companies to adopt the system. Microsoft plans a special Xbox-themed Meta Quest headset, while Asus focuses on gaming and Lenovo on productivity and entertainment.

News Minimalist

22 Apr 2024 15:57

[6.8] China’s Guangdong province faces severe flooding affecting millions — The Guardian

Guangdong, China faces severe flooding, threatening 127 million residents due to rare high water levels in the Xijiang and Beijiang river basins. Emergency responses are underway, with over 20,000 evacuations, and significant impacts including power outages and disrupted education.

News Minimalist

19 Apr 2024 15:58

[6.6] WHO approves new cholera vaccine to combat shortages — The Hindu

The World Health Organization (WHO) approved Euvichol-S, a new, cost-effective cholera vaccine by EuBiologics, to address the increasing global need amid vaccine shortages. The approval will increase the vaccine stockpile by over 25% with an expected 50 million doses available in 2024. Recent cholera outbreaks have resulted in over 824,000 infections and 5,900 deaths globally, exacerbated by warming temperatures and poor sanitation.

News Minimalist

18 Apr 2024 18:33

[6.0] Maine passes gun safety laws after deadliest shooting — The Guardian US

Maine's state legislature passed comprehensive gun safety laws, introducing background checks for private gun sales, a 72-hour waiting period, and criminal penalties for reckless sales to prohibited buyers. These measures, driven by bipartisan efforts, follow a devastating mass shooting in Lewiston that killed 18 and injured 13.

News Minimalist

17 Apr 2024 17:43

[6.1] Missing link between poor diet and increased cancer risk discovered — The Independent

A research team from the National University of Singapore discovered how poor diets and uncontrolled diabetes increase cancer risk due to the effect of methylglyoxal, a byproduct of glucose breakdown. This breakthrough suggests that methylglyoxal temporarily inactivates cancer-preventing genes. The findings challenge traditional theories about cancer development and suggest significant implications for future research and public health policies.

News Minimalist

15 Apr 2024 18:09

[6.0] Car exhaust linked to Alzheimer's — CleanTechnica

Scientists from Australia and Singapore linked car exhaust to Alzheimer's disease, highlighting the potential dangers of magnetite from vehicle emissions. This magnetite penetrates brain cells, possibly leading to Alzheimer's, thus reinforcing the case for electric vehicles and reduced fossil fuel use. More than 90% of Alzheimer's cases may be influenced by environmental factors like air pollution.

News Minimalist

12 Apr 2024 17:22

[6.0] First US case of H5N1 avian flu in humans — WIRED

A Texas dairy farm worker contracted H5N1 avian influenza, marking the first known case from cattle and the second U.S. human case in two years. Global experts warn H5N1 is adapting to mammals, raising fears it could mutate to spread more easily among humans. Since 2003, there have been 882 human cases in 23 countries, with a 52% fatality rate. Urgent monitoring is advised as the virus affects more species and regions, including Antarctica.

News Minimalist

12 Apr 2024 17:22

[6.4] iPhone users in 92 countries received a spyware attack alert — Mashable

On Wednesday at noon Pacific time, iPhone users in 92 countries received a notification from Apple, warning of potential "mercenary spyware attacks." This alert suggested specific targeting likely due to the recipients' identities or professions. Not all affected countries were named, but India was confirmed to have received such alerts, with past incidents involving Pegasus spyware.

News Minimalist

11 Apr 2024 17:34

[6.2] NASA launching solar sail system for space travel — NASA

NASA is set to launch the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System aboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket in April from New Zealand. The technology aims to revolutionize space travel by using solar sails for propulsion, eliminating heavy systems. The sail, with composite booms, will measure 860 square feet in orbit. This innovation could lead to larger sails for missions to the Moon and Mars.

News Minimalist

06 May 2024 17:19

[6.5] New Android security flaw lets hackers seize control of apps — Tom's Guide

Microsoft warns of Android malware "Dirty Stream," exploiting a critical security flaw affecting popular apps with billions of installs. Hackers can manipulate the ContentProvider system to execute unauthorized code, steal data, and hijack apps. Vulnerable apps like Xiaomi File Manager (1B+ installs) and WPS Office (500M+ installs) have been patched.

News Minimalist

02 May 2024 17:42

[6.8] US will reclassify marijuana as less dangerous drug — The Associated Press

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration plans to reclassify marijuana to a less dangerous category, shifting it from Schedule I to Schedule III, which includes drugs like ketamine. This change, still needing White House approval, allows recognition of cannabis's medical uses and its lower potential for abuse. This initiative aligns with President Biden's 2022 directive and broader decriminalization trends, with 38 states having legalized medical marijuana and 24 permitting its recreational use.

News Minimalist

30 Apr 2024 16:46

[6.1] Dam collapse in Kenya kills 45, floods claim 100 lives — The Associated Press

A dam collapse in western Kenya killed at least 45 people and hospitalized 109, leaving 49 missing. Heavy ongoing rains have exacerbated flooding in the region, affecting over 200,000 people nationwide. In response, Kenya's Interior Minister ordered urgent inspections of all dams to prevent further incidents.

News Minimalist

29 Apr 2024 17:09

[6.0] China plans moon missions, NASA concerned about intentions — The Australian Financial Review

China plans to explore the moon’s south pole and build an outpost with Russia by 2026 with the Chang'e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions, aiming for astronaut landings by 2030. The missions will include international payloads, though NASA is prohibited from any collaboration with China. Meanwhile, NASA’s Artemis program targets a 2026 manned lunar landing. Concerns rise over potential resource claims by China, despite its commitment to international cooperation.

News Minimalist

26 Apr 2024 16:49

[6.1] InnerPlant technology helps crops signal distress to reduce waste — CNBC

InnerPlant, a California-based startup, is pioneering plant communication technology to mitigate agricultural waste and excessive use of chemicals. By genetically engineering plants to emit fluorescent distress signals detectable via satellites, drones, or tractors, farmers can precisely address plant needs, reducing unnecessary pesticide application by 30%.

News Minimalist

23 Apr 2024 17:21

[6.2] EU approves new antibiotic to tackle rise of superbugs — Financial Times

The EU approved a new antibiotic, Emblaveo, for serious infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections, addressing the rise in drug-resistant "superbugs." Developed by Pfizer with AbbVie and public financial support, it targets critical Gram-negative bacteria. It's the second EU-approved antibiotic this year, following Exblifep. Emblaveo will be used judiciously to minimize resistance development.

News Minimalist

22 Apr 2024 15:57

[6.2] House approves $95 billion foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan — The New York Times

On Saturday, the U.S. House approved a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, with a bipartisan majority. The package earmarks $60 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian efforts in conflict zones like Gaza, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. A related measure potentially leading to a national TikTok ban was also passed.

News Minimalist

19 Apr 2024 15:58

[6.1] Intel unveils largest-ever AI 'neuromorphic computer' that mimics the human brain — Livescience.com

Intel introduced "Hala Point," the largest neuromorphic computer, mimicking human brain function. With 1.15 billion neurons and 128 billion synapses across 1,152 Loihi 2 processors, it boasts 20 petaops, outperforming conventional CPUs and GPUs by delivering AI tasks 50x faster and 100x more energy-efficiently. Set for deployment at Sandia National Laboratories, it marks significant potential advancements in AI research.

News Minimalist

18 Apr 2024 18:33

[6.0] India plans to introduce HPV testing in cancer control — Hindustan Times

The Indian government plans to include HPV testing in its National Cancer Control Programme to screen for cervical cancer. HPV, linked to various cancers, causes 1,23,907 new cervical cancer cases and 77,348 deaths annually in India. Additionally, the introduction of the domestically produced HPV vaccine, Cervavac, priced at ₹2,200, aims to reduce cervical cancer incidences, especially among girls aged 9-14, as announced by the Union finance minister.

News Minimalist

18 Apr 2024 18:33

[6.1] WHO teams up with 500 experts to define transmission of diseases spread 'through the air' — Irish Examiner

The WHO, with input from 500 experts, released a technical document defining diseases that spread through the air. This clarity aims to improve prevention of airborne diseases like measles and future pandemic threats, emphasizing risk and severity over just particle size. This agreement is expected to refine safety measures, such as enhancing ventilation. This move follows past disagreements on the airborne nature of diseases, highlighted during the early response to COVID-19.

News Minimalist

17 Apr 2024 17:43

[6.2] AI-powered 'digital twin' of Earth could make weather predictions at super speeds — Livescience.com

Nvidia has developed Earth-2, a "digital twin" of our planet, designed to predict weather events like typhoons more quickly and accurately using machine learning and supercomputing technologies. This advanced system can run detailed simulations at a 1.2-mile scale and provide real-time predictions, which could significantly mitigate the impacts of disasters and aid in understanding future climate change scenarios. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration is testing this technology for its potential to enhance weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

News Minimalist

15 Apr 2024 18:09

[6.3] Israel considers strikes on Iran after aerial assault — CNBC

Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israeli military targets, prompting Israel to consider retaliation, possibly covertly, to avoid direct conflict. The attack was a response to an Israeli strike on an Iranian embassy in Syria, killing seven, including commanders. Israel plans a calculated response, possibly forming a regional coalition, despite U.S. reluctance for offensive involvement.

News Minimalist

12 Apr 2024 17:22

[6.0] US mandates background checks for online and gun show sales — The Guardian US

The US Justice Department announced mandatory background checks for online and gun show firearm sales to prevent weapons from reaching criminals. The rule, effective in 30 days, aims to close loopholes and require more dealers to be licensed. An estimated 22% of guns in the US were acquired without checks. Gun control advocates praised the move, emphasizing the importance of expanding background checks to enhance public safety.

News Minimalist

11 Apr 2024 17:34

[6.1] AI race heats up as OpenAI, Google and Mistral release new models — The Guardian

OpenAI, Google, and French startup Mistral launched new AI models almost simultaneously, amidst anticipation for the next GPT release. Meta announced its Llama 3 model, while Google unveiled Gemini Pro 1.5 and OpenAI released GPT-4 Turbo, both multimodal systems. Mistral released Mixtral 8x22B, taking an open-source approach. This rapid development coincides with discussions on the limits of current AI technologies and the need for more "objective-driven" AI, capable of reasoning and planning.

News Minimalist

11 Apr 2024 17:34

[6.4] Instagram begins blurring nudity in messages to protect teens and fight sexual extortion — The Hill

Instagram is introducing a new feature to blur nudity in direct messages as part of efforts to protect young users and counter sexual extortion. The feature, which will be tested soon, will be on by default for users under 18 and optional for adults. This comes in response to criticism of social media platforms for not safeguarding minors.