SpaceX launched its Crew-12 mission, sending four astronauts on a 34-hour journey to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew will stay on the ISS for eight months, taking the place of a team that left due to a medical issue.
Key Facts
SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket for its Crew-12 mission.
The crew includes astronauts from NASA, the European Space Agency, and Roscosmos.
The astronauts are Jessica Meir, Jack Hathaway, Sophie Adenot, and Andrey Fedyaev.
The journey to the ISS is expected to take about 34 hours.
The team will spend eight months on the ISS.
The new crew is replacing a team that left last month because of a medical emergency.
Jessica Meir, the mission commander, expressed readiness for the mission after launch.
Musician Aloe Blacc explained why he invests in technology during a talk at the Web Summit in Doha, Qatar. He shared his reasons and experiences in the tech sector.
Key Facts
Aloe Blacc is a musician known for investing in technology.
He spoke at the Web Summit event in Doha, Qatar.
The Web Summit is a large international event focused on technology.
Aloe Blacc discussed his reasons for investing in tech companies.
His involvement links music with technology and innovation.
Gen Z, people aged 18 to 24, are increasingly interested in reading romance novels, partly due to a popular online community on TikTok called BookTok. This trend is helping boost the visibility and sales of romance books, with social media playing a significant role in recommending and discussing books.
Key Facts
Gen Z shows growing interest in romance novels, especially those aged 18 to 24.
BookTok is a community on TikTok where people share book reviews and recommendations, with over 73.3 million posts using the #BookTok hashtag.
Romance novels see sales booms during tough times, like after 9/11 and the 2008 recession.
BookTok influences book sales and provides a platform for readers to connect and share.
Recent screen adaptations, like "Heated Rivalry," have increased interest in romance stories.
"Heated Rivalry" TV show has gained popularity, significantly increasing its viewership during its run.
The upcoming film adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" has renewed interest in the classic novel.
An actor from HBO's "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms" may have shared important story details from the books it's based on. Dexter Sol Ansell, who plays a character named Egg, hinted at potential changes to the known story surrounding a key event known as the Tragedy of Summerhall.
Key Facts
Dexter Sol Ansell is an actor in HBO’s "A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms."
He plays a young character named Egg, who is a squire to a knight called Ser Duncan.
In an interview, Ansell suggested that known details about the Tragedy of Summerhall may be incorrect.
The Tragedy of Summerhall is a mysterious event involving a fire that supposedly killed Egg, whose real name is Aegon Targaryen.
Egg is believed to have died while trying to revive dragons from extinction.
Ansell's comments imply that the HBO show might explore or change these existing book details.
George RR Martin, the author behind the story, has mentioned plans to write more about Dunk and Egg.
BBC reporter's computer was hacked due to security issues in an AI coding platform called Orchids. The platform allows users without technical skills to create apps, but a flaw lets hackers access users' computers. Despite security concerns, the company has not provided a comment.
Key Facts
Orchids is an AI platform that lets non-experts create apps by typing prompts to a chatbot.
A cyber-security researcher showed that a hacker could access a BBC reporter's laptop using Orchids.
The hacker was able to change the computer's wallpaper and create files on it.
Orchids is used by many people, including major companies like Google, Uber, and Amazon.
The security flaw allows hackers to launch attacks without the victim doing anything.
The BBC has asked Orchids for a response, but the company has not replied.
The security expert found this flaw last December and has been trying to contact Orchids.
Orchids was founded in 2025 in San Francisco and has fewer than 10 employees.
Scientists at the University of Zurich found that a small electrical current applied to specific brain areas can temporarily make people more generous. The study involved stimulating the frontal and parietal brain regions, resulting in participants sharing more money in an experiment. These findings might help treat brain disorders related to social behavior.
Key Facts
Researchers conducted the study at the University of Zurich.
44 volunteers participated in an experiment where they shared money after brain stimulation.
Electrical currents targeted the frontal and parietal areas of the brain.
Stimulating these areas increased generosity, but the effect was temporary.
The study suggests that altruism is linked to specific brain activities and areas.
This approach might help treat social behavior disorders.
The experiment was ethically cleared, with participants giving informed consent.
The study builds on prior research about brain activity during decision-making.
Robotics companies face challenges in developing robotic hands that mimic human dexterity. While current robotic hands can perform some tasks, achieving the full range of human hand movements is still a complex and costly task. Robotics experts believe it may take up to a decade to reach human-like manual dexterity.
Key Facts
Shadow Robot is a company working on developing robotic hands with precise movements.
Their robotic hands use small motors and metal tendons to move fingers.
200 of Shadow Robot's hands are used in universities and tech firms for research.
The goal is to create a single robotic hand that can be used for various tasks.
Kinisi is another company that has developed a three-fingered robotic hand.
The cost of advanced robotic hands can be very high compared to simpler models.
Elon Musk has identified creating a hand as a major challenge in humanoid robotics.
Experts believe achieving full human-like dexterity in robots may take about 10 years.
The article explores the idea of soulmates and how it has evolved over time. It looks at historical concepts of love and recent scientific views on whether a perfect partner exists. The article also discusses how modern dating apps impact the search for a soulmate.
Key Facts
The concept of soulmates dates back to ancient Greece, with myths like Plato's story of Zeus splitting whole beings in two.
Medieval European stories, such as those about Lancelot and Guinevere, influenced modern ideas about romantic love and soulmates.
Professor Viren Swami mentions that the idea of choosing one life partner stems from medieval European culture.
The rise of industrialization led people to seek individual partners for connection, different from earlier communal lifestyles.
Dating apps are described as tools for "relation-shopping," which can make finding a soulmate feel unfulfilling.
Professor Jason Carroll distinguishes between the idea of a soulmate and a life partner, emphasizing relationships require effort.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has warned Apple to review its news app policies following claims that it limits content from conservative news outlets. The FTC's letter suggests Apple's actions might violate consumer protection rules by possibly suppressing certain viewpoints. Apple says its app prioritizes "quality" journalism and avoids content with factual inaccuracies.
Key Facts
The FTC urged Apple to check if its news app policies comply with consumer protection rules.
The concern arises from allegations that Apple News does not feature enough conservative news.
The Media Research Center reported that no conservative articles were in the app's top stories last month.
Apple News is a popular app that uses algorithms to suggest articles based on user behavior.
Apple claims its app focuses on reliable journalism, excluding inaccurate or low-quality content.
The FTC does not have the legal power to force changes to Apple News.
Andrew Ferguson, appointed by President Trump, chairs the FTC and has expressed interest in tech company oversight.
AeroVironment's LOCUST, a laser weapon, caused El Paso's airspace to be shut down temporarily. The U.S. Army is interested in using this technology to tackle drones efficiently. The Federal Aviation Administration took the action due to concerns over a lack of coordination when deploying the weapon.
Key Facts
AeroVironment's LOCUST is a 20-kilowatt laser system.
It was used in El Paso, leading to the airspace being shut down for nearly eight hours.
The FAA closed the airspace because the weapon was fired without enough prior coordination.
Officials initially claimed a "cartel drone incursion" required a military response.
The weapon is owned by the military but was fired by Customs and Border Protection.
There are questions about whether there was actually a drone "incursion."
LOCUST was developed by BlueHalo and acquired by AeroVironment.
The Pentagon invests heavily in directed-energy weapons, but widespread use is still limited.
Apple is expected to keep a controversial visual design feature called Liquid Glass in its upcoming iOS 27 software, despite user complaints. There has been speculation about changes due to the departure of a key designer, but reports suggest the company will continue with the design. iOS 27 is scheduled to be released later this year.
Key Facts
Liquid Glass is a visual theme introduced in iOS 26, aiming to look like real glass.
Alan Dye, a former Apple design leader, announced this feature in 2025.
Some users have criticized the feature for poor performance, while others find it visually appealing.
A Bloomberg report indicates Apple is unlikely to change this design in iOS 27.
User adoption of iOS 26 was low, possibly due to dissatisfaction with Liquid Glass.
Apple has launched iOS 26.3, adding a new feature to help users transfer data from an iPhone to an Android. The update also fixes many security issues but is notably large in file size, which can be a challenge for users.
Key Facts
iOS 26.3 was released on Wednesday.
A new tool in the update simplifies moving data from an iPhone to an Android device.
The update includes security patches for many vulnerabilities.
Some users reported the update file size as over 10 gigabytes.
The update helps transfer photos, messages, and other data without third-party apps.
Certain items like health data and Bluetooth pairings do not transfer.
Apple advises users to update quickly for security reasons.
Sony held its February 2026 State of Play event, where it shared news about upcoming PlayStation 5 games. Major announcements included a new "Castlevania" game and remakes of the first three "God of War" games, along with several other game releases and updates.
Key Facts
Sony presented new and upcoming PS5 games during its State of Play event in February 2026.
"Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse" is a new game by Motion Twin and Evil Empire, set to release on multiple platforms, including PS5.
Remakes of the first three "God of War" games are in the early stages of production.
A new "God of War" game called "God of War Sons of Sparta" was announced and is already available on PS5.
Several other games, including "Death Stranding 2: On the Beach" and "Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2", have specific release dates or release windows.
The event featured a mixture of game trailers and release information.
HBO and Warner Bros. are creating a new "Harry Potter" TV series set to debut on HBO Max in early 2027. The show aims to be a major streaming event and will include a new cast for the classic characters. It will consist of multiple seasons to tell a more detailed story than the original films.
Key Facts
HBO and Warner Bros. are working on a new "Harry Potter" TV series.
It is planned to premiere on HBO Max in early 2027.
The series will feature a new cast for all the main characters.
The show aims to be one of the biggest streaming events.
It will have multiple seasons to explore stories in more depth than the films.
The previous "Harry Potter" films made about $8 billion worldwide.
Key actors include Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter and Arabella Stanton as Hermione Granger.
The production is described as massive and detailed by Warner Bros. executives.
A report claims that Apple's AI, called Apple Intelligence, shows patterns of racial and gender bias. AI Forensics, a group in Europe, conducted tests and found that the AI often made assumptions based on stereotypes.
Key Facts
AI Forensics is a nonprofit that investigates algorithms for major tech companies.
Their tests showed racial bias, such as assuming non-white characters more often had specified ethnicities.
Gender bias was evident when the AI assumed roles based on stereotypes, like assuming the man was the doctor in a prompt.
The AI incorrectly made up information 15% of the time and relied on stereotypes 72% of those times.
Apple Intelligence is built into many Apple products and assists with tasks like summarizing notes and writing emails.
Apple has not signed a document addressing discriminatory bias as a risk in AI.
The EU may impose fines on Apple if its AI violates new AI regulations set to enforce later this year.
The article discusses how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing retail personalization. It highlights that AI can make shopping experiences more relevant but also amplifies mistakes if data systems are not connected properly.
Key Facts
Retailers have been trying to create personalized shopping experiences for many years.
AI is pushing retailers to improve personalization to meet consumer expectations.
A report found that 75% of consumers prefer truly personalized offers.
More than half of shoppers feel their experiences are still generic.
Nearly 80% of consumers say retailers often get personalization wrong.
AI can speed up how quickly retailers respond to consumer signals.
If data systems are not connected, AI can amplify errors in personalization.
Consumers expect retailers to recognize them across different shopping channels.
Ofcom fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000 for not using proper age verification methods on its porn sites for UK visitors. The company was not compliant with the Online Safety Act from July to December 2025. The regulator can fine companies or block their sites if they fail to meet safety requirements.
Key Facts
Ofcom fined Kick Online Entertainment SA £800,000.
The fine was for not having effective age checks for UK visitors to its porn sites.
Kick Online Entertainment did not comply with age check rules between July and December 2025.
Ofcom can fine companies up to 10% of their turnover or block sites that don't comply.
Kick Online Entertainment also received a £30,000 fine for not answering information requests.
The company will face a £200 daily penalty until it responds.
Ofcom started investigating several companies, including Kick, on 31 July last year.
4chan and two other companies were also found non-compliant with the Online Safety Act.
The U.S. government is taking action against certain health IT developers for potential violations of rules meant to prevent "information blocking." This involves preventing unfair restrictions on data access, particularly concerning electronic health records (EHR), to ensure proper sharing of patient information.
Key Facts
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has started oversight actions against some health IT developers.
These actions aim to address "information blocking," which restricts access to electronic health records.
The ONC is sending notices to developers suspected of not following certification requirements.
There is tension between protecting data as intellectual property and the need for access by other vendors.
Recently, lawsuits have highlighted conflicts over data access, involving companies like Epic.
The ONC's actions may help smaller tech companies gain fair access to healthcare data.
Concerns remain about cybersecurity risks with increased data sharing and integration.
An AI safety researcher, Mrinank Sharma, left the U.S. firm Anthropic due to concerns about artificial intelligence and other global risks. He plans to move back to the UK and study poetry. His resignation comes amid discussions about AI safety and practices at companies like Anthropic and OpenAI.
Key Facts
Mrinank Sharma resigned from the AI company Anthropic over worries about AI and global issues.
Sharma previously led a team researching AI safety at Anthropic.
He plans to focus on writing and studying poetry after moving back to the UK.
Anthropic, formed by former OpenAI employees, focuses on AI safety.
The company released commercials criticizing OpenAI's decision to include ads in its chatbot.
Sharma mentioned his research involved AI safeguards and addressing AI-assisted risks.
Anthropic settled a legal case for $1.5 billion related to using authors' works to train AI models.
Anthropic and OpenAI are involved in debates about the ethical use of AI technology.
A study from Northwestern University suggests that an anti-seizure drug, levetiracetam, may stop Alzheimer’s disease from starting if taken long before symptoms appear. This drug prevents the creation of a harmful protein tied to Alzheimer’s by slowing down a cell process.
Key Facts
Scientists studied levetiracetam, a drug approved in the U.S. to prevent Alzheimer's onset.
It works by stopping brain cells from making a toxic protein called amyloid-beta 42.
The drug is already used to treat seizures and is inexpensive.
Current Alzheimer’s drugs focus on removing clumps of toxic proteins after they form.
Researchers used mice, human neurons, and tissues for their study.
Levetiracetam's mechanism involves slowing down the recycling of synaptic vesicles.
This drug must be taken early, possibly 20 years before symptoms, to be effective.
The drug may benefit those with high risk, like people with genetic Alzheimer’s or Down syndrome.
