New research suggests that COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna may help some cancer patients by enhancing their immune response to tumors. In studies, cancer patients who received these vaccines lived longer while undergoing certain cancer treatments. Researchers are planning further studies to explore this potentially beneficial use of mRNA technology.
Key Facts
COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna might boost the immune system in cancer patients, helping them fight tumors.
The research looked at patients with advanced lung or skin cancer using certain immunotherapy drugs.
Those who were vaccinated lived longer than those who were not.
The mRNA in the vaccines seems to enhance the effect of the cancer treatment.
The study was conducted by researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Florida.
Only mRNA vaccines showed this benefit; other vaccines like flu shots did not have the same effect.
Further studies are planned to investigate if combining mRNA vaccines with cancer treatments is effective.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lizzo is facing a lawsuit from the GRC Trust, which claims she used part of a 1970s song without permission in her own piece about actress Sydney Sweeney. The song, which Lizzo shared on social media, has not been officially released. The lawsuit seeks to stop the distribution of the song and seeks compensation for alleged profits.
Key Facts
Lizzo is being sued by the GRC Trust for using part of the song "Win or Lose (We Tried)" without permission.
The GRC Trust says the song is not registered with copyright or royalty agencies.
Lizzo shared a short 13-second clip of the song on social media in August 2023.
The song includes a reference to actress Sydney Sweeney, who appeared in ads for American Eagle jeans.
The lawsuit, filed in California, claims Lizzo earned profits from the song clip.
Lizzo's representatives claim the song has never been commercially released or monetized.
The GRC Trust is seeking a court order to stop further distribution and financial compensation.
Previously, Lizzo faced a similar copyright lawsuit over her song "Truth Hurts," which was settled out of court.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK's competition regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), has ruled that Apple and Google have too much control over mobile app platforms. This may lead to changes in how app stores function in the UK to promote competition and innovation. Apple and Google expressed concerns that these changes could impact user privacy and access to new features.
Key Facts
The CMA gave Apple and Google a "strategic market status," meaning they have significant control over mobile platforms.
Apple and Google may need to adjust their app store practices to encourage competition.
Apple is concerned these changes could weaken user privacy and delay feature updates.
Google labeled the CMA's decision as "disappointing" and questioned its necessity.
The app market contributes 1.5% to the UK's GDP and supports about 400,000 jobs.
Apple might have to allow alternative app stores and direct downloads on its devices.
Google's changes could involve enhancing user experiences for downloading apps outside its Play Store.
Approximately 90-100% of UK mobile devices use either Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating systems.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Google announced that it is discontinuing its Privacy Sandbox project, which aimed to remove tracking cookies in its Chrome browser. This decision affects over 3 billion Chrome users and has implications for online privacy and advertising methods. Competitors highlight privacy in their browser offerings as Google phases out these privacy efforts.
Key Facts
Google is ending its Privacy Sandbox project, which aimed to replace tracking cookies in its Chrome browser.
Privacy Sandbox initiatives, such as Federated Learning of Cohorts (FLoC), will be retired because of low adoption and technical challenges.
Chrome continues to hold over 70% of the browser market share on both mobile and desktop platforms globally.
Google's new Chrome update integrates with AI models, raising concerns about increased data collection.
Competitors like Apple and Microsoft warn users about privacy issues with Chrome, suggesting alternatives.
AI-powered browsers from competitors, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas, focus on providing greater user privacy.
The discontinuation of Privacy Sandbox leaves advertisers without a new 'privacy-safe' alternative to tracking cookies.
Google stated it plans to continue improving privacy but without the Privacy Sandbox branding.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
OpenAI is expanding beyond its chatbot, ChatGPT, to become a major player in technology. The company has launched a new web browser called Atlas and a social media app, Sora 2, while also entering e-commerce and developing new hardware. OpenAI's goal is to become a dominant technology company, much like Apple and Google.
Key Facts
OpenAI launched a new web browser named Atlas, integrating ChatGPT into the browsing experience.
The company introduced Sora 2, a social media app that became popular on Apple's download charts.
Developers can now offer their apps within ChatGPT, positioning OpenAI against Apple's and Google's app stores.
OpenAI partnered with Walmart for an Instant Checkout program, making it easier to shop through chat features.
OpenAI is reportedly working on new hardware projects, including collaborations with former Apple designer Jony Ive.
The Trump administration's tech regulators have not taken significant steps to limit AI development efforts in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve healthcare in rural areas by making medical services more accessible. It highlights the importance of designing AI tools that integrate smoothly into daily healthcare processes to effectively address challenges faced in rural communities. It also mentions the need for trust from rural communities for AI adoption.
Key Facts
Rural healthcare often challenges patients due to long travel distances to medical services.
AI can help by improving access and making healthcare processes more efficient.
Medicare's telehealth flexibilities ended on September 30, 2025, which affects rural healthcare delivery.
The Acute Hospital Care at Home program also expired on the same date.
AI is most effective in rural healthcare when it becomes a seamless part of daily tasks, like reducing doctors' administrative workload.
Interoperability standards allow medical images to be shared across networks without delays.
Proposed changes to CMS rules in 2026 could make remote patient monitoring more practical.
Trust in AI systems is crucial for adoption in rural communities, requiring transparency in how AI tools work.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study shows that cognitive training can increase levels of a brain chemical, acetylcholine, which usually decreases with age. Researchers found that people aged 65 and older who engaged in mental exercises saw an increase in this chemical in the brain area related to attention and memory.
Key Facts
Cognitive training can boost levels of acetylcholine, a chemical tied to decision-making.
Acetylcholine levels usually decrease with age by about 2.5% every decade.
A 10-week study involved people aged 65 or older doing mental exercises daily.
Participants engaged in 30 minutes of cognitive tasks like those on BrainHQ.
Those who did the exercises saw a 2.3% increase in acetylcholine levels.
Changes were observed using a special PET scan on the brain's decision-making area.
The study involved 92 healthy participants and was funded by the National Institutes of Health.
Online brain-training programs like BrainHQ target attention and processing speed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elon Musk's Boring Company has started building a tunnel in Nashville. The tunnel project is moving forward without approval from the city's authorities.
Key Facts
Elon Musk's Boring Company is constructing a tunnel in Nashville, Tennessee.
The tunnel will connect areas leading to and from the Nashville airport.
The project is moving ahead without getting official approval from Nashville city officials.
The construction began in October 2025.
The Boring Company is known for its tunneling and infrastructure projects.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study found that AI models like ChatGPT and others often give incorrect responses to questions about news events. About 45% of the answers from these AI tools had significant errors, especially in sourcing and accuracy.
Key Facts
A study by the European Broadcasting Union and the BBC tested AI models like ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Perplexity.
The study assessed over 2,700 responses from these AI models.
45% of the responses had significant problems.
Sourcing errors were the most common, appearing in 31% of responses.
Accuracy issues were found in 20% of the responses.
Gemini had the most sourcing issues, with 76% of its answers affected.
Some examples of errors include claims about Czechia and false information about Pope Francis.
AI model producers like OpenAI and Google did not comment on the study.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A group of experts, including AI pioneers, is asking to stop developing AI that is more intelligent than humans until it is proven safe. They want more oversight and control over advanced AI technologies. A related call to action has gained over 800 signatures from diverse figures and highlights public support for strong AI regulations.
Key Facts
A group wants to pause AI development that could be smarter than all humans.
The call for a pause on superintelligence stems from safety concerns.
The Trump administration supports rapid AI development.
The Future of Life Institute organized the pause request with over 800 signatories.
Notable signatories include AI experts and public figures like Steve Wozniak and Richard Branson.
A survey showed about 75% of U.S. adults want strong AI regulations.
Around 64% of surveyed U.S. adults support an immediate pause on advanced AI projects.
A similar call for a pause was made in early 2023, which was mostly ignored.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
OpenAI has updated its tool, Sora 2, to ban the use of real people's likenesses and copyrighted characters in its AI-generated videos unless they opt in, following complaints from celebrities and rights-holders. However, deceased celebrities can still be recreated without consent, leading to concerns about the ethical use of such AI content. OpenAI allows representatives or estates to request that certain likenesses not be used.
Key Facts
OpenAI released Sora 2 in December 2024, which can create realistic videos from text or images.
The new policy prevents using real people's or copyrighted characters' likenesses without their consent.
Actor Bryan Cranston supports the new policy, highlighting concerns over unauthorized use of performers' identities.
There's a loophole for using likenesses of deceased celebrities such as Robin Williams and Michael Jackson.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s family successfully requested a block on his likeness in Sora 2.
Legal rights about using deceased personalities vary globally, affecting how families can protect these likenesses.
OpenAI states that public figures' families should control how their likeness is used.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Author Philip Pullman is urging the government to change copyright laws because artificial intelligence (AI) uses writers' books without permission for training. Pullman and other authors believe writers should be paid for their work when it is used by AI. The UK government is examining this issue by consulting experts and setting up groups to explore AI and copyright.
Key Facts
Philip Pullman is a well-known author who wrote His Dark Materials and The Book of Dust trilogies.
Pullman wants the government to change copyright laws regarding AI's use of books for training.
Some authors claim AI uses their work without permission or payment, which they view as theft.
The UK started a consultation on AI and copyright laws, receiving 11,500 responses.
Expert working groups are being set up by the UK government to address AI and copyright issues.
Pullman’s latest book, The Rose Field, is part of a series that has sold 49 million copies globally.
Pullman is critical of certain educational practices and organized religion.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI has released a new internet browser called ChatGPT Atlas to compete with other browsers like Google Chrome. This browser, designed around OpenAI's ChatGPT, is initially available for Apple's MacOS and offers features like a paid agent mode for advanced search capabilities.
Key Facts
OpenAI launched a new AI-powered browser named ChatGPT Atlas.
Atlas does not have a traditional address bar, focusing on ChatGPT interaction.
The browser includes a paid "agent mode" for enhanced searching.
Initially available on Apple's MacOS.
OpenAI aims to make money and grow its user base with this browser.
Atlas is part of OpenAI's larger strategy to partner with e-commerce and booking services.
As of earlier this year, ChatGPT had 800 million weekly active users.
Google's Chrome browser remains a major competitor despite OpenAI's new entry.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Elon Musk criticized Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is also the acting NASA Administrator. Duffy suggested that SpaceX is behind schedule in sending astronauts to the moon, pushing for more involvement from other companies like Blue Origin. Musk responded by defending SpaceX's progress and questioning Duffy's ability to lead NASA.
Key Facts
Elon Musk owns SpaceX, a company working on space missions, and he has criticized Sean Duffy on social media.
Sean Duffy suggested that SpaceX is behind schedule in its moon mission, which is part of NASA's goals.
Duffy proposed that NASA should be under the Transportation Department's control.
Musk called Duffy names online and disagreed with his views on the space program.
Duffy mentioned considering contracts with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and other companies to continue space missions.
SpaceX was given a NASA contract in 2021 over Blue Origin, but it now faces competition to meet deadlines.
NASA's planned space missions have been delayed, with some now scheduled for 2026 and 2027.
President Trump and Elon Musk have a mostly civil relationship, despite past disagreements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More than 200 people and 70 organizations are calling for a global agreement to set limits on artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent risks to humans. Stuart Russell, a computer science professor, supports this call. The episode also explores AI's impact on the legal field, breast cancer health advice in Ghana using holograms, and features a young tech YouTuber from Dubai.
Key Facts
Over 200 important individuals and 70 groups want international rules for AI safety.
Stuart Russell, a computer science professor, supports setting clear limits for AI.
The aim is to prevent any potential dangers AI might pose to people.
The episode discusses AI's influence on the legal profession.
In Ghana, holograms are used to provide breast cancer health information.
A segment covers a young technology YouTuber from Dubai.
The program featured presenter Shiona McCallum and producer Tom Quinn.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
"The Long Walk," a movie based on Stephen King's novel, is now available to rent or buy digitally on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV+. It will be released physically on 4K Ultra HD, DVD, and Blu-ray on November 25, 2025.
Key Facts
"The Long Walk" is a movie adaptation of Stephen King's 1979 novel.
The film is directed by Francis Lawrence, who is known for the Hunger Games movies.
The movie is available on Video on Demand platforms such as Fandango at Home, YouTube, Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV+ starting October 21, 2025.
Renting the film costs $19.99, and buying it is $24.99.
A physical release on 4K Ultra HD, DVD, and Blu-ray is scheduled for November 25, 2025.
The physical release includes special features like alternate endings and a documentary about the making of the film.
The movie features actors such as Cooper Hoffman, Judy Greer, and Mark Hamill.
"The Long Walk" is not yet available on streaming platforms with a subscription.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The federal government has stopped funding a project that used artificial intelligence to address weather-related problems. This decision was made even though President Trump’s administration supports investing in AI.
Key Facts
The federal funding for an AI project focused on weather issues has ended.
The project was supported by the National Science Foundation.
Artificial intelligence was being used in this project to find solutions for weather challenges.
The Trump administration has stated a commitment to invest in AI development.
Despite this commitment, the specific program did not receive continued funding.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
OpenAI announced the launch of a new web browser named Atlas, which incorporates its AI tool, ChatGPT, offering innovative browsing features. Atlas, built on the Chromium engine like Google's Chrome, allows users to interact with web pages using an "Ask ChatGPT" sidebar and has features for privacy like an incognito mode. The browser will initially be available for Mac users and aims to expand to Windows and mobile soon.
Key Facts
OpenAI launched a new web browser called Atlas.
Atlas is based on the Chromium engine, similar to Google Chrome.
Users can interact with web pages using a feature called "Ask ChatGPT."
The browser offers privacy features such as incognito mode for private browsing.
Atlas will first be available to Mac users, with plans to expand to other platforms.
An "Agent mode" in Atlas allows autonomous AI actions on web tasks.
OpenAI emphasizes user privacy, not using browsing data for model training unless opted in.
OpenAI is offering incentives like increased ChatGPT data limits for using Atlas.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses the impact and future of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on how big tech companies, known as hyperscalers, are investing heavily in cloud-based AI models. It compares this to the evolution of automobiles and suggests that localized, smaller AI models could become significant. The piece also touches on prediction models and how people process information.
Key Facts
Hyperscalers like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Anthropic are investing in cloud-based AI models using large data centers.
OpenAI's CEO estimates that infrastructure spending for these AI models could reach trillions of dollars.
Morgan Stanley projects global data center investments to approach $3 trillion between 2025 and 2029.
The article compares the current AI model to the early automotive industry, which initially focused on centralized ownership of cars.
Smaller, localized AI models are emerging as alternatives to large cloud-based systems.
The article mentions the evolution of computing from shared mainframes to personal devices, suggesting AI might follow a similar path.
Prediction expert Philip Tetlock's work is highlighted, showing how different approaches to forecasting can affect accuracy.
Tetlock is examining the role of large language models (LLMs) in prediction and decision-making.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
