Video games from the 1990s and today have significant differences in how they affect children's brains and behaviors. Experts say 90s games encouraged skill-building and satisfaction, while many modern games focus on monetization and constant engagement, potentially affecting kids' psychological development.
Key Facts
1990s video games required players to complete levels and overcome challenges, which gave a sense of accomplishment.
Modern games often include microtransactions, where players can spend real money for in-game items or advantages.
These modern games frequently track player actions to suggest purchases and keep them engaged.
The design of 90s games featured clear beginnings and endings, which encouraged taking breaks and social interactions.
Modern games often lack natural stopping points and may create pressure or compulsive behavior due to ranking systems and notifications.
Some experts suggest modern games can affect critical-thinking skills, as players can easily find solutions online instead of problem-solving themselves.
Older games focused on fun and skill development, while many current games emphasize player retention and monetization.
Young people from Generation Z are increasingly interested in using older technology as a way to take a break from always being online. Items like vinyl records, DVDs, and film cameras are becoming more popular. Some Gen Z individuals find these technologies offer a sense of nostalgia and a more 'real' or 'authentic' experience than modern digital alternatives.
Key Facts
Gen Z includes people in their teens and early 20s who are interested in older technology.
Retro tech products like portable vinyl turntables and disposable cameras are becoming popular.
Retailers like Amazon UK saw a rise in sales of retro items during Black Friday.
DVDs are valued by some because they offer physical ownership and are cheaper than streaming.
Vinyl records are appreciated for their sound quality and physical presence.
Traditional cameras provide a photography experience that is different from using a smartphone.
Nostalgia plays a large role in the interest in retro tech, with many young people remembering seeing such items used when they were younger.
For some, retro devices provide a simpler, more engaging experience free from modern tech distractions.
In the U.S., about 1 in 10 babies are born too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This is a high rate compared to other developed countries. An entrepreneur is using artificial intelligence (AI) to help doctors predict these early births.
Key Facts
About 10% of U.S. babies are born prematurely, before 37 weeks.
The U.S. has one of the highest preterm birth rates among developed countries.
The March of Dimes provided the statistics on premature births.
AI is being developed to help predict when preterm births may happen.
Parents of preterm babies share their experiences in the report.
Ali Rogin interviews an entrepreneur working on AI solutions for this issue.
A Harvard neuroscientist, Dr. Rudy Tanzi, shares natural ways to protect brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease. These methods include managing lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, social interaction, exercise, learning, and diet.
Key Facts
Dr. Rudy Tanzi is a neuroscientist focused on Alzheimer's research at Harvard Medical School.
Tanzi emphasizes proactive brain health strategies to prevent cognitive decline.
He developed the SHIELD framework: Sleep, Handling stress, Interaction, Exercise, Learning, and Diet.
Sleep helps clear plaques that cause cognitive issues.
Stress management is crucial because stress hormones harm brain cells and increase inflammation.
Social interaction and exercise help maintain cognitive functions and reduce brain plaque.
Learning new skills supports brain resilience.
The Mediterranean diet is recommended to support brain health by maintaining a healthy gut.
Monitoring diabetes, heart disease, and stroke is important for brain health because they can lead to inflammation and poor blood flow.
The article explores various ways technology is advancing in different fields, such as space exploration, climate change, fashion, and medicine. It highlights how robots could lead space missions and mentions innovations like icebreaker ships and AI systems aimed at solving problems in several industries.
Key Facts
The article discusses if robots can lead space exploration missions.
Engineers are designing icebreaker ships for the Arctic.
An AI startup is working on fixing inconsistent clothing sizes in fashion.
New technology is being trialed to detect hidden pancreatic cancer cases.
High-tech innovations are emerging in the esports industry.
Advances in nuclear fusion are examined for providing clean energy.
Developments in electric flight are being explored to reduce air travel emissions.
A new Doctor Who spin-off series, "The War Between the Land and the Sea," features Russell Tovey as the lead character and focuses on the Sea Devils, an ancient species, posing a threat to Earth. The series will explore themes related to the real world and features significant action scenes with advanced special effects. The show is crafted by Russell T Davies and marks the end of a Disney+ partnership that helped fund its production.
Key Facts
The new spin-off is called "The War Between the Land and the Sea."
Russell Tovey plays the main character, Barclay.
The Sea Devils, an ancient species, are the main antagonists.
The series is set in the Doctor Who universe but stands alone.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays the character Salt, leader of the Sea Devils.
The series includes advanced special effects and detailed prosthetics.
It is co-written and produced by Russell T Davies.
The show marks the end of a Disney+ production partnership.
The article explores whether people are becoming addicted to their smartwatches. It discusses how these devices track various health metrics and how users have mixed feelings about the data they provide. The article also looks at the potential benefits and stresses of using smartwatches.
Key Facts
Many people wear smartwatches to track their health and fitness.
Smartwatches can monitor things like sleep, heart rate, and stress levels.
The smartwatch industry is a large market with brands like Apple, Samsung, and Garmin.
There is debate about whether smartwatches provide accurate data.
Some users feel overwhelmed by their smartwatches' many features.
Smartwatches can perform advanced tests like electrocardiograms (ECGs).
Niels Peek, a data science expert, notes that while smartwatches can help detect health issues early, they may also cause unnecessary worry.
Twitch streamer QTCinderella, whose real name is Blaire, expressed regrets about her streaming career, citing safety concerns and online harassment. She created the Streamer Awards in 2021 but faces challenges due to scrutiny and security issues. Despite this, she aims to foster community through her events.
Key Facts
QTCinderella, real name Blaire, became known for streaming video games and cooking to 1.2 million followers.
She created the Streamer Awards in 2021, an event recognizing top creators on Twitch.
Blaire experiences constant scrutiny and personal safety concerns due to her online presence.
Several female streamers reported safety issues at public events in 2025.
Blaire spends money monthly to remove edited photos of her from the internet.
She discovered a deepfake website using her likeness in explicit materials in 2023.
Blaire opened a craft shop in Los Angeles but rarely visits due to safety concerns.
The Streamer Awards are determined 70% by fan votes and 30% by industry panelists.
The European Union fined Elon Musk's social media platform X $140 million for breaking rules about digital transparency. The penalty is the first action under the Digital Services Act, aiming to regulate how social media companies operate. X was fined for issues with its verification system, advertising transparency, and restricting researcher access.
Key Facts
The EU fined X 120 million euros ($140 million) under the Digital Services Act.
The fine is for violating rules on account verification, advertising transparency, and data access for researchers.
X's paid blue checkmark system, seen as misleading, incurred a 45 million euro ($52.4 million) fine.
X was fined 35 million euros ($40.7 million) for not keeping transparent ad records.
The company received a 40 million euro ($46.6 million) penalty for blocking researcher access to public data.
This action may strain trade talks between the EU and the U.S.
X has 60 to 90 days to address these issues or face more penalties.
The Digital Services Act allows for fines up to 6% of a company's global revenue, potentially larger than the one issued.
A facial recognition app called Mobile Identify, used for identifying illegal immigrants, was recently removed from the Google Play Store. The app, developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under President Trump's administration, allowed law enforcement to access facial recognition databases. It is unclear if the app will return to the store.
Key Facts
The Mobile Identify app was launched by CBP a few weeks ago.
The app is no longer available on the Google Play Store as of Friday.
The app allowed police to identify individuals using facial recognition linked to databases managed by CBP and ICE.
There were reports that some identified individuals were U.S. citizens.
Google said the app required official government credentials to use.
The app supported local law enforcement's role in federal immigration control by instructing officers to contact ICE if they identified someone.
Mobile Identify is a simpler version of another app, called Mobile Fortify, used by federal agents.
Concerns were raised about other apps tracking ICE activity, which some believe could endanger federal agents.
The European Union (EU) fined Elon Musk's social media platform, X, 120 million euros for not following social media rules. The EU found X didn't meet transparency standards set by the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to protect users and ensure the removal of harmful content.
Key Facts
The EU fined X 120 million euros for violating the Digital Services Act (DSA).
This is the first non-compliance decision made under the DSA.
The EU's rules require platforms to protect users and remove harmful content.
X violated transparency requirements for user verification and ad databases.
X's blue checkmarks do not effectively verify account authenticity.
The ad database of X has design flaws and delays that hinder research.
X reportedly blocks researchers from accessing necessary public data.
U.S. officials criticized the EU's action as unfair towards American tech companies.
A new report from a talent solutions company shows that most workers think artificial intelligence (AI) increases bias instead of reducing it. Many workers express concerns about AI in the hiring process and would prefer humans to evaluate job applications.
Key Facts
59% of workers believe AI increases bias.
56% prefer humans over AI for reviewing job applications.
91% say being interviewed by AI would change their perception of a company.
54.6% would still interview with AI to get a job.
67.1% think AI is reducing job openings.
66% believe companies should disclose when AI is used in hiring.
Many workers are unsure about what "AI skills" mean.
Experts warn that AI could automate and perpetuate bias if not properly monitored.
Frank Gehry, a renowned architect known for his unique and creative building designs, died at age 96. He created famous structures like the Guggenheim Museum in Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Gehry's work received many top awards in architecture throughout his career.
Key Facts
Frank Gehry was an architect recognized globally for his creative building designs.
He died at the age of 96 at his home in Santa Monica after a brief illness.
Gehry designed famous structures like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
He received many awards, including the Pritzker Prize and the Royal Institute of British Architects gold medal.
Gehry joined the University of Southern California as a professor of architecture later in his life.
Some critics did not like his work, seeing it as overly showy, while others appreciated his unique style.
Gehry continued designing buildings well into his 80s, impacting skylines around the world.
New AI-generated video clips of famous movies like Titanic, Harry Potter, and Home Alone have caused some confusion among viewers who are unsure if the clips are real or fake. These advanced AI clips appear realistic and challenge how people perceive authenticity in entertainment content.
Key Facts
AI-generated videos of classic films have become popular and are causing confusion about their authenticity.
Some of these clips seem to show behind-the-scenes moments from movies like Titanic and Home Alone.
Many viewers don't realize the videos are created by AI and think they are real.
AI video technology is becoming more common in entertainment and can create realistic scenes.
According to AI expert Geetha Rajan, the technology used for these clips has improved greatly, making them appear genuine.
Viewers can still detect AI videos by looking for unnatural movements in elements like hair and water, and inconsistencies in lighting and details.
This trend raises questions about intellectual property and what counts as original content.
Meta has announced several new agreements with news publishers, including CNN and USA Today, to access their content for its AI chatbot. These deals involve compensating publishers to help Meta provide real-time news answers to users' questions. This marks a return to compensating news outlets as Meta expands its AI tools across its platforms.
Key Facts
Meta has made AI data agreements with news publishers like USA Today, CNN, and Fox News.
The agreements help Meta's AI chatbot deliver real-time news information to users.
Publishers are paid for allowing Meta access to their content for its AI tools.
Meta's AI chatbot is integrated into platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
These deals are multiyear and aim to broaden verified news content available to users.
Meta plans to add more news partners over time and expand its AI features.
Facebook ended its News Tab in the U.S. in 2024 and shifted focus from news articles to viral video content.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the software-as-a-service (SaaS) industry, mainly by improving behind-the-scenes processes. While many expected flashy new AI features, the real changes are in how the software is built and maintained, which is important but not obvious to users.
Key Facts
AI is transforming the SaaS industry mainly in its architecture and internal processes, which are not immediately visible to users.
SaaS growth historically involved moving users to cloud services or creating new software categories.
AI is causing changes by improving productivity, such as reducing the time to develop and test software.
Customers want AI features included in their software but are unwilling to pay more for them.
SaaS companies focus on using AI to cut costs and improve productivity rather than immediately adding visible new features.
One major area of change is the modernization of old software systems, using AI to help update outdated code.
Financial services, like banks, are using AI to modernize their old systems written in older programming languages like COBOL and Fortran.
AI's impact on SaaS systems is significant at the system architecture level, altering how the software is structured.
Elon Musk's social media platform X has been fined €120 million by the European Union. The fine is due to X allowing users to pay for blue verification check marks without properly confirming the identity of the users, which can lead to scams. The EU also mentioned issues with advertisement transparency and restricting access for researchers.
Key Facts
X received a €120 million fine from the EU.
The fine is related to allowing users to buy blue check marks, which are meant to verify identities.
The EU stated that this approach can lead to scams and fraud.
X also failed to provide clear information about its ads.
Researchers faced limitations in accessing public data on the platform.
This is the first time the EU enforced its Digital Services Act on a platform.
The EU's Digital Services Act includes rules about content, data, and advertising for online companies.
US Vice President JD Vance criticized the EU, arguing that it should support free speech instead of imposing fines.
Scientists discovered that hair grows by being pulled from surrounding cells, not pushed from the root. This new understanding could lead to better treatments for hair loss. The study used advanced imaging technology to observe the process.
Key Facts
Scientists from L'Oréal and Queen Mary University of London conducted the study.
They used 3D live imaging to watch hair follicles in a lab.
Traditional biology believed hair was pushed out from the root as it grew.
The new finding shows hair is pulled up by coordinated cell movements.
Blocking cell division did not stop hair growth, challenging old beliefs.
Blocking a protein called actin, which helps cells move, slowed growth by over 80%.
Computer models supported the new "pulling" theory of hair growth.
Future hair loss treatments might focus on this pulling mechanism.
Experts believe artificial general intelligence (AGI) might be 5 to 10 years away, but it comes with risks like possible cyberattacks. Google DeepMind's CEO, Demis Hassabis, emphasized that breakthroughs are still needed to reach AGI. The AI advancements are expected to change many jobs and industries in the near future.
Key Facts
AGI is a form of intelligence that can match or surpass human abilities, and may be 5 to 10 years away.
Google DeepMind's CEO, Demis Hassabis, suggests that more breakthroughs are necessary to achieve AGI.
Current AI technologies, like Google's Gemini, are significant but still need further development.
Cybersecurity is a major concern as the rise of AI could lead to cyberattacks on infrastructure.
The AI industry is highly competitive, with many companies vying for advancements.
Job roles across various sectors may change significantly due to AI within the next five years.
The CEO of Palo Alto Networks and others stress the inevitability of AI-driven change in society.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the European Commission for fining Elon Musk's social media platform, X, $140 million. Rubio argued that this action targets American tech companies and the American people. The fine was due to violations of the EU’s Digital Services Act.
Key Facts
The European Commission fined X, a social media platform owned by Elon Musk, $140 million.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed that this fine is an attack on American tech companies and citizens.
Rubio communicated his views on the social media platform, X.
The European Commission imposed the fine for three violations of the Digital Services Act.
The Digital Services Act sets rules for online transparency in the EU.
