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State fairs in US get creative with fake cows This year in Michigan, where both dairy workers and cattle have been affected by the bird flu outbreak, an unexpected pair of prized cows are preparing to take the stage at the state fair. However, these aren't your typical bovines. Milkshake and Buttercup, two life-sized fiberglass cows complete with rubber teats and water-filled udders, will be used in a popular milking demonstration. This creative solution comes as real dairy cows are unable to participate due to health concerns. The Minnesota State Fair has taken a similar approach. For their hands-on milking event, they are using a fake dairy cow named Olympia. "Normally, we'd have a real cow out there," explained Jill Nathe, the deputy general manager of agriculture and competition at the fair. "But we just can't do that right now." The spread of avian influenza has caused significant disruptions for state and county fair organizers, forcing them to r...

Billions globally consume insufficient levels of vital micronutrients More than half of the global population consumes inadequate levels of essential micronutrients, such as calcium, iron, and vitamins C and E, according to a new study. The research, conducted by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB), and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), suggests that micronutrient deficiencies may be more severe and varied between genders than previously thought. Published in “The Lancet Global Health”, the study is the first to provide global estimates of inadequate consumption of 15 micronutrients critical to human health. These deficiencies are among the most common forms of malnutrition, leading to severe health consequences such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, blindness, and heightened susceptibility to infectious diseases. “Our study is a big step forward,” said co-lead author Chris Free, research professor at UCSB. “Not only because it is the firs...

New study reveals blood tests could predict women's heart risks for up to 30 years Women’s heart disease risks and their need to start taking preventive medications should be evaluated when they are in their 30s rather than well after menopause as is now the practice, said researchers who published a study on Saturday. Presenting the findings at the European Society of Cardiology annual meeting in London, they said the study showed for the first time that simple blood tests make it possible to estimate a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease over the next three decades. "This is good for patients first and foremost, but it is also important information for (manufacturers of) cholesterol lowering drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, and lipoprotein(a)lowering drugs - the implications for therapy are broad," said study leader Dr. Paul Ridker of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Current guidelines “suggest to physicians that women should generally not be considered for p...

Japan start-up plans world’s first steady-state fusion reactor for 2034 launch Japanese startup Helical Fusion intends to introduce the world's first steadystate nuclear fusion reactor in 2034 and to begin commercial operations in the 2040s, its CEO told Reuters. In spite of international efforts to harness blend, the response that powers the sun, to produce emissions-free power, 70 years of research have yet to produce a commercially viable reactor. We intend to have the world's very first steady-state combination reactor up and creating electrical power within the next 10 years, Helical Blend CEO Takaya Taguchi said in an interview. If successful, Japan, an energy importer, could produce its own energy and even export it, greatly enhancing Japan's energy security, said Taguchi, who worked for banks before co-founding Helical Blend with 2 researchers from Japan's National Institute for Combination Science in 2021. Fusion can be reproduced in the world by utilizing la...

Monkeys use names for each other in communication, study says Monkeys use names in communication, landmark study reveals Marmosets are capable of recognising and addressing each other by name, according to groundbreaking research conducted by scientists at the Hebrew University. The study, published in the journal *Science* on Thursday, demonstrates that these monkeys use specific vocalisations, known as “phee-calls,” to communicate in a way that suggests a high level of cognitive behaviour—something previously documented only in humans, dolphins, and elephants. “This is the first time we’ve observed this behaviour in non-human primates,” said David Omer, the study’s lead author and an assistant professor at the university’s Safra Centre for Brain Sciences.  The research highlights a sophisticated level of communication among marmosets, shedding new light on the cognitive abilities of primates beyond humans.

Elon Musk's X unveils new video conferencing feature Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) is set to launch a new video conferencing feature, positioning itself as a competitor to services like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. According to TechCrunch, an X employee named Chris Park revealed that the company has already conducted its first internal conference using the new tool, and the feedback from the team has been overwhelmingly positive. This new feature is expected to be integrated into the X app, offering a Zoom-like experience within the platform. A screenshot provided by the company shows that X has developed a working version of the video conferencing platform. The feature will be included as a separate function on the right-hand side of the interface, labeled as "Conferences." Once activated, it will allow participants full video streaming capabilities, similar to existing video conferencing tools. Currently, the video calling optio...

Deepfake of Virat Kohli's comments on Shubman Gill goes viral A deepfake video of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, generated with artificial intelligence, has gone viral on social media, once again aising concerns about the misuse of AI technology. The video, which surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) on August 27, depicts Kohli criticising his fellow cricketer Shubman Gill and questioning his abilities. According to Indian media reports, the manipulated video shows Kohli stating that he has been closely observing Shubman Gill.         View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Cricket Pakistan (@officialcricketpakistan) While acknowledging Gill's talent, deepfake Kohli allegedly emphasises that there is a significant difference between being a good cricketer and becoming a legend. The video also portrays Kohli praising himself, claiming that despite comparisons, there is only one Virat Kohl...

Google boosts Pakistan’s gaming, app industry with new training programs Google has unveiled two new initiatives aimed at enhancing Pakistan's gaming and app development sector, as reported by APP. These programs, named the Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy, are designed to help local developers create top-tier games and applications.  The launch took place at the Think Apps 2024 event in Lahore on Wednesday, which attracted nearly 350 developers from across Pakistan, alongside global industry leaders. The Game Design Masterclass and Google Ads Academy will be rolled out across major Pakistani cities over the next six months. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower developers to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for driving innovation and growth within the country’s burgeoning app industry. Farhan Qureshi, Google’s Director for Pakistan, emphasised the significant potential of Pakistan’s app and gaming industry. He highlighted the success of local ...

Nvidia's forecast cools AI enthusiasm in tech stocks Shares of Nvidia  and other technology heavyweights fell late on Wednesday, a discouraging sign for investors betting that a strong forecast from the dominant seller of AI chips would fuel fresh gains in Wall Street's most valuable companies. Nasdaq futures fell about 1% following Nvidia's quarterly earnings report, suggesting traders expect tech stocks to lose ground on Thursday. Nvidia dropped almost 7% and lost $200 billion in stock market value after it forecast third-quarter gross margins that could miss market estimates and revenue that was largely in line. A handful of other AI-related companies shed around $100 billion in combined value. Shares of Broadcom  and Advanced Micro Devices  were each down about 2%. Microsoftand Amazon each dipped almost 1%. If Wednesday's late-day dip in Nvidia shares extends into Thursday, it would be well short of the 11% price swing the options marke...

AI identifies cancer, viral infections with cutting-edge technology Researchers have recently developed a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) tool named AINU, which holds the potential to revolutionize disease diagnostics by differentiating between cancerous and normal cells, as well as detecting early stages of viral infections within cells. This innovative technology, developed through a collaboration among the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), and the Fundación Biofisica Bizkaia (FBB) at the Biofisika Institute, was detailed in a study published on August 27 in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. AINU, an acronym for AI of the NUcleus, is designed to scan high-resolution images of cells using a specialized microscopy technique known as STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy). STORM allows for the capture of images at a nanoscale resolution, revealing cellular st...

New ultrasound device shows potential in treating chronic pain Pain is an essential biological signal, but various conditions can cause these signals to malfunction. For those suffering from chronic pain, the issue often lies in faulty signals deep within the brain, giving false alarms about wounds that have healed, amputated limbs, or other complex scenarios. Patients enduring such life-altering pain are always seeking new treatments. A new device from the University of Utah might offer a long-awaited solution. Researchers at the university's John and Marcia Price College of Engineering and Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine have published promising findings about an experimental therapy that has provided relief to many participants after just one treatment session. They are now recruiting participants for a final round of trials. At the centre of this research is Diadem, a new biomedical device that uses ultrasound to noninvasively stimulate deep brain regions, potentially d...

Webb Telescope uncovers six rogue worlds, providing new clues on how stars are born The James Webb Space Telescope has identified six potential rogue worlds—planetlike objects untethered from any star’s gravity. Among them is the lightest object ever found with a dusty disk around it. These elusive objects provide new evidence that the same cosmic processes that create stars may also be responsible for forming objects only slightly larger than Jupiter. “We are probing the very limits of the star-forming process,” said lead author Adam Langeveld, an astrophysicist at Johns Hopkins University. “If you have an object that looks like a young Jupiter, is it possible that it could have become a star under the right conditions? This is important context for understanding both star and planet formation.” The findings come from Webb’s deepest survey of the young nebula NGC1333, a star-forming cluster about a thousand light-years away in the Perseus constellation. A new image released by the E...

“How much microplastic in your drink?” New tool can tell in minutes Micro- and nanoplastics have become ubiquitous in our environment, infiltrating our food, water, and even the air we breathe. These tiny particles have been found in various parts of the human body, including brain tissue and testicles. Now, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed an innovative, low-cost tool that can accurately measure plastic particles released from everyday items like disposable cups and water bottles. The portable device, which is paired with a smartphone app, uses fluorescent labeling to detect plastic particles as small as 50 nanometres to 10 microns—sizes too minute to be seen with the naked eye. The results are delivered within minutes. “The breakdown of larger plastic pieces into microplastics and nanoplastics presents significant threats to food systems, ecosystems, and human health,” said Dr. Tianxi Yang, an assistant professor in the faculty of land and food...

Paralympian hails the Games' influence as they prepare for space mission British Paralympian John McFall will be taking a stand for sports and space this week after becoming the first person with a physical disability to be effectively cleared for future missions by the European Space Agency. The 43-year-old surgeon, who won a 100-metres bronze medal in the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, is in France to back Team GB at the Paris Games and to show how elite competitors can go on to break through ever more formidable barriers. "I think sport has been a hugely powerful vehicle for making people appreciate what anybody is capable of. But now that we have Paralympic sport on the radar much more ... it's a really, really great, powerful platform to see what people with physical disabilities are capable of," he said in an interview. McFall was visiting Thailand at the age of 19 when a motorcycle accident led to the amputation of his right leg above the knee and ended his hopes ...

WhatsApp launches augmented reality features for iOS video calls WhatsApp is rolling out new augmented reality (AR) features for its iOS users, enhancing video calls with interactive effects and filters. This update, available through the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.17.10.74 on TestFlight, aims to bring the same level of personalization and engagement currently offered to Android users. The new AR tools allow users to customize their video call experience with dynamic facial filters, altering the color tone of their video feed in real time. Additionally, a background editing tool enables users to blur their surroundings or choose from pre-set backgrounds, offering more ways to personalize their calls. A notable feature is the low-light mode, which improves visibility in dim conditions, making it easier to communicate during evening calls or in poorly lit environments. Complementing this is the touch-up mode, which subtly smooths skin imperfections for a polished appearance, addin...

Germany announces donation of 100,000 mpox vaccines to contain African outbreak Germany will donate 100,000 mpox vaccine doses from its military stocks to help contain the outbreak on the African continent in the short term as well as provide help to the affected countries, said a government spokesperson on Monday. The government will provide the World Health Organization with flexible financial resources via various instruments to combat mpox and also support its partners in Africa through the GAVI vaccination alliance, added the spokesperson. Germany has around 117,000 doses of Jynneos, which is being stockpiled by the German army after Berlin procured it in 2022. It will keep a minimum amount of stock, to protect travelling authorities, for example, said a defence ministry spokesperson on Monday. A separate decision would need to be made when it comes to reordering vaccines, he added. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency after an outbrea...

Elon Musk accuses Zuckerberg of shielding Meta from accountability in child exploitation scandal Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has accused Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg of succumbing to censorship pressures and failing to adequately address child exploitation issues on Instagram. Musk criticised Zuckerberg's handling of these problems, suggesting that Meta's response has been insufficient and that Zuckerberg has avoided legal consequences by allowing government access to user data. Musk’s comments followed a post by German conservative activist Naomi Seibt, who questioned why Zuckerberg has not faced similar legal challenges as Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was arrested in France over content moderation issues on his platform. Seibt’s post highlighted Instagram’s involvement in child trafficking and abuse cases, adding fuel to Musk's accusations. In response, Musk stated that Instagram's child exploitation problem persists while Zuckerberg remains free, imply...

Research highlights top exercises for diabetes control A recent study has revealed that the most effective exercise for managing type-1 diabetes varies by gender. The findings suggest that men benefit most from tailored interval exercises based on their initial blood sugar levels, while women respond well to both interval and continuous exercises. This research underscores the importance of personalised exercise guidelines to prevent hypoglycemia. Study Background The research was conducted by the Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco in collaboration with Staffordshire University, focusing on optimizing exercise routines for diabetic patients. Dr Pooya Soltani from Staffordshire University highlighted the significance of the study, stating, “This study is important because diabetic patients often lack motivation to exercise as a means of managing their condition. One reason for this is that physical activity can lead to blood sugar drops, causing discomfort and demotivation....

iPhone 16 Series: Apple’s expected reveal date Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 16 series, along with new Apple Watches and AirPods, according to reports by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The tech giant is reportedly preparing for the event, which falls on September 10, a Tuesday, with the devices likely to go on sale on 20 September. The iPhone 16 lineup is anticipated to include four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The Pro models are expected to feature larger displays, with the iPhone 16 Pro sporting a 6.3-inch screen and the Pro Max coming in at 6.9 inches. Both models are also likely to see camera upgrades and faster charging capabilities. In addition to the iPhones, Apple is expected to introduce the Apple Watch Series 10, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. The Series 10 will reportedly have a thinner design and larger screen sizes, increasing from 45mm/41mm to approximately 49mm/45mm. The event may also see the launch of two var...

Musk condemns Pavel Durov’s arrest, defends free speech Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has publicly condemned the recent arrest of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, who was detained on Saturday at Bourget airport outside Paris. Durov, arriving from Azerbaijan on his private jet, was arrested by local authorities amid an investigation into Telegram's alleged lack of moderation, which authorities believe has allowed criminal activity to go unchecked on the platform. Musk, known for his outspoken views on free speech, took to social media to express his disapproval of Durov’s arrest. He emphasized the importance of free speech protections, particularly under the First Amendment in the United States, and criticized the European approach. In a pointed remark, Musk quipped, “It’s 2030 in Europe, and people are getting executed for liking memes,” underscoring his concern about the broader implications for freedom of expression. Musk’s comments come as reports suggest Durov could...

Boeing's Starliner returns uncrewed as NASA Picks SpaceX NASA will return Boeing's faulty Starliner capsule to Earth without astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who will return to Earth on a SpaceX vehicle early next year, NASA chief Bill Nelson said on Saturday. Starliner launched its first two astronauts, both former military test pilots, into space on June 5 as a crucial test before it can receive NASA approval for routine flights. But what was supposed to be an eight-day mission docked to the ISS has been drawn out by months after the capsule sprang leaks and some of its thrusters failed. Here's a rundown of key events in Starliner's journey to space over the past few years: Sept. 4, 2015 - Boeing takes the wraps off an assembly plant for its first line of commercial spaceships, which NASA plans to use to fly crews to the ISS. Nov. 4, 2019 - Boeing says one of three parachutes failed to open during a crucial unmanned test of the Starliner...

Bioengineers create lotus leaf-inspired system for cancer cell study Bioengineers have developed a novel system inspired by the lotus leaf to study cancer cell clusters, offering new insights into tumour behaviour. The system, designed by researchers at Rice University, utilises a zinc oxide-based surface that mimics the water-repellent and self-cleaning properties of a lotus leaf, creating a platform for high-throughput generation of 3D tumour models. “The study of metastasis—the leading cause of cancer deaths—poses a particular challenge in part due to the difficulty of developing accurate, high-throughput models,” said William Grover, associate professor of bioengineering at UC Riverside. “We hope this tool will unlock new knowledge about this problematic stage of the disease and help us identify ways to intervene in order to stop or prevent it from happening.” The superhydrophobic array device (SHArD) developed by the team provides a tunable, physiologically relevant model for st...

Global team of physicists discovers major antimatter breakthrough A joint research team made up of Chinese and foreign physicists has observed a new antimatter hypernucleus, by using a heavy ion collider in the United States, marking an important step forward in the exploration of antimatter. The discovery of anti-hyperhydrogen-4, which is the heaviest antimatter hypernucleus observed in experiments to date, was made by a research team led by the Institute of Modern Physics (IMP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study was published in the latest issue of the academic journal Nature. Current physics assumes that the properties of matter and antimatter are symmetrical and that equal amounts of matter and antimatter existed at the birth of the universe. Fortunately, some mysterious physical mechanism led to a slight asymmetry in the early universe. After the annihilation of most matter and antimatter, approximately one in ten billion matter particles survived, which formed the ma...

Gabon confirms its first case of mpox Gabon has reported its first case of mpox in a man who had returned from a trip to Uganda, its health ministry said. Cases of the infectious disease, formerly known as monkeypox, have been surging in East Africa, but have also been detected in Asia and Europe. The 30-year-old who lives in Gabon had "returned from a two-week trip to Uganda, which has been impacted by the epidemic", the ministry said in a statement Thursday. "The patient is in a good state generally... and has been put in isolation," it added. The health ministry said the country was on "maximum alert" for the virus, and it was "reinforcing its preparations against mpox coming into Gabon." It added that it was also preparing a "nationwide surveillance and testing system". Mpox is a virus transmitted to humans by infected animals that can also be passed from human to human through close physical contact. While mpox has been known for...

Google names Character.AI founder as AI models co-lead Google  has appointed Noam Shazeer, the former head of startup Character.AI and before that a long-time Google researcher, to co-lead its main AI project. Shazeer will serve as a technical lead on Gemini, joining the other co-leaders Jeff Dean and Oriol Vinyals, the company said in a memo to staff. Gemini is the line of AI models being developed by DeepMind, Google's AI division, and which are being integrated into products such as Search and Pixel smartphones. Shazeer recently rejoined Google from the chatbot maker he founded in 2021 with the U.S. tech giant paying billions to bring him and a handful of other employees into DeepMind and to strike a licensing agreement with Character.AI. "We are thrilled to join the best team on earth building the most valuable technology on earth," Shazeer wrote in an email reply to the memo which was seen by Reuters. The memo was first reported by The Information. Shazee...