Scientists are working on new methods to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus by changing how patients' immune systems work. These new treatments aim to control diseases more effectively than current options, which often have severe side effects.
Key Facts
Researchers are developing new treatments for autoimmune diseases by changing patients' immune systems.
Current treatments only reduce symptoms but do not address the root cause of the immune attack.
Many existing treatments can have serious side effects and are not always effective.
Scientists are experimenting with methods that aim to be more precise and powerful than current therapies.
The treatments are in early experimental stages, mainly for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
One approach, called CAR-T therapy, was originally developed to treat certain cancers.
A patient, Mileydy Gonzalez, participated in a study and saw improvement in her lupus symptoms, becoming pain-free.
The new treatments are described as "living drugs" that reset immune systems.
Daikin US, part of a global air conditioning and heating company, plays a significant role in conversations about energy efficiency and environmental protection. At New York Climate Week, company leaders discussed the importance of technologies that help manage energy demand, ensure grid reliability, and support sustainability. They highlighted heat pumps, inverters, and proper refrigerant management as key technologies to address energy demand and climate impacts.
Key Facts
Daikin US is the American branch of a global company that makes HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning).
The company spoke at New York Climate Week about energy efficiency and sustainability.
Daikin products aim to provide comfort while protecting the environment and supporting energy security.
Increased demand for energy comes from data centers, electric vehicles, and digital services.
The "duck curve" refers to fluctuations in energy use over the day, which will change as demand becomes more constant.
Rising temperatures and more extreme weather increase the need for heating and cooling systems.
Heat pumps, inverters, and controlled refrigerants can make HVAC systems more environmentally friendly.
Direct emissions from refrigerants and increasing energy demand are concerns for the company.
Hims & Hers, a virtual healthcare platform, is partnering with Quest Diagnostics to offer direct-to-consumer lab tests. Patients can choose from various health tests and receive results directly, aiming to simplify the process of accessing personal health information.
Key Facts
Hims & Hers has about 2.5 million subscribers and is adding lab testing services.
The partnership with Quest Diagnostics will offer over 120 different biomarker tests.
Tests cover health areas like heart, liver, and metabolic health.
Patients can choose from two blood testing plans, costing $199 or $499 annually.
Results will be provided through the Hims & Hers app, with guidance from over 2,000 medical providers.
Quest Diagnostics has more than 6,000 locations across the U.S. to conduct these tests.
Direct-to-consumer lab testing is a growing market, expected to reach nearly $6 billion in value by 2025.
A survey found that 96% of patients want faster access to their lab results.
OpenAI has updated its ChatGPT models to be more conversational and emotionally aware. There are concerns that this could lead to unhealthy attachments for some users. OpenAI is working with experts to define what constitutes healthy interactions with AI.
Key Facts
OpenAI updated ChatGPT to make it friendlier and more emotionally aware.
Concerns exist about users forming unhealthy attachments to chatbots.
OpenAI found that a small percentage of users display signs of strong emotional attachment to ChatGPT.
The update aims to make ChatGPT feel personal to users without compromising on factual accuracy.
Studies show some users use ChatGPT for emotional support and view it as a "friend."
Instances have occurred where users misunderstand chatbots as more than just tools, potentially leading to delusion.
Illinois has implemented laws to prevent AI from serving as mental health counselors.
Valve, the company behind the Steam gaming platform, announced a new gaming console called the Steam Machine, designed to compete with Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo. This console is expected to be released in early 2026 and will feature powerful hardware to support high-quality gaming experiences.
Key Facts
Valve is launching a new gaming console called the Steam Machine.
The console allows users to play PC games on their TV.
It serves as both a gaming console and a computer.
The release for the Steam Machine is planned for early 2026.
The device features a Linux-based operating system called SteamOS.
It uses AMD graphics processors and supports 4k resolution and 60 frames per second.
Valve also introduced a new VR headset, the Steam Frame, which is wireless.
Steam, Valve's gaming platform, is one of the largest for PC gaming globally.
Valve announced a new version of the Steam Machine, a gaming console designed to bring PC-like performance to TVs. It will be available in early 2026 and will feature advanced gaming capabilities and be usable as a regular computer. The console will run on Valve's SteamOS and AMD hardware, supporting 4K resolution and fast processing speeds.
Key Facts
Valve plans to release the new Steam Machine in early 2026.
The console will run on SteamOS and use AMD graphics, supporting 4K at 60 frames per second.
It will come in two models with 512GB and 2TB storage options, expandable via microSD.
The power supply is built into the console, removing the need for an external power source.
The console features ports for USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet.
Valve is also introducing the Steam Frame, a wireless VR headset with eye-tracking technology.
A redesigned controller will come with the Steam Machine, featuring large trackpads resembling a mouse.
In a radio episode, Amol Rajan talks with Sir Nick Clegg about the influence and responsibilities of big tech companies. Sir Nick suggests more regulation and user control instead of breaking up these companies. He also discusses the impact of technology on young people and the need for appropriate safeguards.
Key Facts
Sir Nick Clegg is a former UK deputy prime minister and former president of global affairs at Meta.
The discussion revolves around how to manage the power and accountability of big tech companies.
Sir Nick believes breaking up tech companies won't solve their dominance.
He advocates for more regulation and giving users more control.
Sir Nick talks about the influence of technology on young people's lives and calls for age-appropriate protections.
He argues that governments should set rules, not tech CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg.
The conversation also touches on AI, political polarization, and the race for AI dominance between the US and China.
A Russian AI robot named AIdol went viral after a comedic malfunction during a presentation. The article compares the AI efforts of Elon Musk and his company Tesla to China's state-driven approach in advancing AI technology. Tesla shareholders agreed to a significant performance-related award for Musk, while China is heavily investing in AI with state funds.
Key Facts
A Russian robot, AIdol, stumbled on stage, capturing online attention due to a technical issue.
Tesla aims to lead in AI by seeking substantial investments to further develop robots, aiming for long-term growth.
More than 75% of Tesla shareholders approved a performance-based award for Elon Musk, potentially worth $1 trillion by 2035.
Musk's goals for Tesla include increasing its market value, expanding electric vehicle production, and developing robotics.
China is rapidly investing in AI, with a significant increase in state procurement and subsidies for humanoid technology.
By 2024, China's investment in humanoid technology rose from about $700,000 to $30 million.
China's strategy involves significant state-led initiatives, including public tenders and subsidies to boost their AI sector.
China introduced 36 new humanoid models in 2024, while the U.S. introduced 8, with expectations of high future sales.
Chinese AI models are becoming important for American companies, particularly in Silicon Valley. These models are popular because they are cheaper and still perform well compared to some U.S. models. Some American tech leaders and companies are starting to use Chinese AI models for their operations.
Key Facts
Chinese AI models are being used more in Silicon Valley by American companies.
Companies like Alibaba and Z.ai offer cheaper open language models.
U.S. companies find some Chinese models to be fast and cost-effective.
Airbnb and Social Capital have chosen Chinese AI models over U.S. ones like ChatGPT.
Chinese AI tools occupied seven spots among the 20 most-used models last week.
China’s cumulative AI model downloads surpassed 540 million by October.
Rui Ma noted that smaller startups favor Chinese models due to lower costs.
Open-weight AI models are important because they make their data available for free.
The creators of Stranger Things, Matt and Ross Duffer, have confirmed that a spin-off series is in development. While the original series will end after five seasons, the new show will explore different characters within the same universe. The Duffers express excitement about the new project and discuss their experiences creating the successful Netflix series.
Key Facts
Stranger Things creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, are working on a new spin-off series.
The spin-off will feature new characters and a new mystery, set in the same universe as Stranger Things.
The original Stranger Things series will conclude after its fifth season.
The final season of the original show is set in the autumn of 1987, in Hawkins, Indiana.
The Duffers planned for Stranger Things to have four or five seasons from the start.
The show was inspired by creators like Steven Spielberg and Stephen King.
The success of Stranger Things turned it into one of Netflix's biggest global hits.
The show's young cast formed strong friendships during filming, reflecting the relationships of their characters onscreen.
Apple has launched a passport-based Digital ID feature for iPhones and Apple Watches to help travelers clear TSA security lines in U.S. airports. This digital ID, which focuses on domestic travel, is encrypted and requires verification like Face ID or Touch ID. It is not a replacement for a physical passport for international travel.
Key Facts
Apple's Digital ID lets travelers use their smartphone or smartwatch to clear TSA security lines.
The feature is available in beta at over 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel.
The Digital ID is encrypted, and users access it with Face ID or Touch ID.
It does not replace a physical passport for international travel.
Apple currently allows users in 12 states and Puerto Rico to store driver's licenses in the Wallet app.
Future uses may include ID verification for businesses and organizations.
Setting up the Digital ID requires specific iPhone and Apple Watch models, the latest software, and a U.S. passport.
At TSA checkpoints, the Digital ID is confirmed by Apple's security features, and TSA agents do not handle the device.
A bipartisan group of officials and business leaders suggests that the U.S. government should play a bigger role in the technology sector to protect national security. The group highlights risks of relying too much on foreign countries, like China, for important tech resources, and recommends actions to strengthen American positions in AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology.
Key Facts
A bipartisan panel says government involvement in the tech sector is crucial for national security.
The group includes members like Justin Muzinich, Gina Raimondo, and Jim Taiclet.
The recommendations focus on AI, quantum technology, and biotechnology.
They suggest increasing U.S. production of semiconductors and pharmaceutical components.
The group advises establishing bio-manufacturing hubs with private companies.
The Department of Defense should help develop a quantum computer to boost U.S. capabilities.
Past government actions under President Trump include equity stakes in tech companies and imposing tariffs to secure tech resources.
The White House is moving towards a form of capitalism that involves more government control in strategic tech sectors.
Apple introduced a new product called the iPhone Pocket, a carrying case for iPhones priced at $229.95. The item received online criticism for its high price and its resemblance to a sock. The iPhone Pocket is part of a limited edition collaboration with the Japanese fashion brand Issey Miyake.
Key Facts
Apple launched a new carrying case for iPhones called the iPhone Pocket.
The price of the iPhone Pocket is $229.95.
The design resembles a sock, leading to online mockery.
The product is a collaboration with Japanese fashion brand Issey Miyake.
It is available with a short strap in eight colors and a long strap in three colors.
The product drew criticism for lacking features like zippers and structure for protection.
Some people defended the high price by noting the fashion collaboration.
A tech YouTuber suggested the product tests the loyalty of Apple fans.
Google has taken legal action against a phishing platform called "Lighthouse," allegedly run by China-based operators. This platform helps cybercriminals launch scams through text messages and fake websites. Google filed the lawsuit in New York, making it the first of its kind aimed at a phishing-as-a-service operation.
Key Facts
Google filed a lawsuit against the operators of the "Lighthouse" phishing platform.
The lawsuit claims the platform facilitates text message scams that mimic legitimate brands.
Scammers reportedly stole over $16 billion from consumers in the last year.
Lighthouse's software allows users to create fake websites, potentially compromising millions of credit cards.
The platform is described as a "phishing for dummies" kit, available for purchase through Telegram.
Victims are tricked into entering payment information on fake sites that mimic entities like the U.S. Postal Service and Apple.
Lighthouse uses techniques to evade detection, including capturing users' keystrokes in real time.
Google has also endorsed three anti-scam bills introduced in Congress to combat this type of fraud.
A Danish man received a suspended sentence for sharing nude scenes from films and TV shows on Reddit. He posted 347 clips, viewed over 4 million times, on a subreddit he moderated, which violated Danish copyright laws.
Key Facts
The man shared 347 clips of nude scenes from films and TV shows on Reddit.
His posts were viewed 4.2 million times before being reported.
He was sentenced to a seven-month suspended sentence for copyright infringement.
The case involved a rarely-used clause about artists' "moral rights" in Danish copyright law.
From March 2022 to May 2023, the man shared content featuring over 100 actresses.
The subreddit had more than 6,000 members and allowed clip requests.
The Danish anti-piracy group reported the violation, leading to the subreddit’s closure.
The case highlighted potential future challenges related to artists' work integrity with technological advances like AI.
The movie "Roofman," starring Channing Tatum, is now available to watch digitally from November 11, 2025, while still being shown in some theatres. This film, directed by Derek Cianfrance, is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, who lived secretly in a Toys "R" Us after escaping prison. It will be released on DVD and 4K Ultra HD in January 2026, and may later stream on Paramount+.
Key Facts
"Roofman" stars Channing Tatum and is directed by Derek Cianfrance.
The film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former Army Ranger.
"Roofman" can be rented or bought on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from November 11, 2025.
It will also release on DVD and 4K Ultra HD on January 20, 2026.
The movie includes co-stars like Kirsten Dunst and Ben Mendelsohn.
Special features will be available depending on the format, including featurettes and deleted scenes.
"Roofman" is expected to stream on Paramount+ at a future date.
Russia's first human-like robot, named AIdol, fell seconds after being introduced at a tech event in Moscow. The robot lost its balance on stage, prompting assistants to cover it with a cloth.
Key Facts
Russia unveiled its first anthropomorphic robot, AIdol, at a technology event.
The robot fell shortly after its debut.
The incident happened on stage in Moscow.
The fall occurred as AIdol was being led on stage with music from the film 'Rocky'.
Assistants tried to cover the fallen robot with a cloth, which got tangled.
Some churches are using AI technology to reach more people and deal with declining attendance. AI-powered apps allow users to "chat" with religious figures and provide personalized prayers and advice. This trend presents both opportunities and concerns regarding the role of AI in spiritual guidance.
Key Facts
Churches are using AI to interact with worshippers, often due to fewer attendees and staff.
AI apps can simulate conversations with religious figures and create personalized prayers.
29% of Americans now identify as religiously unaffiliated, leading to many church closures.
Chatbots in churches answer common questions and share religious teachings.
Some pastors use AI to help write sermons or manage church activities.
Apps like Text With Jesus simulate conversations with biblical characters for a fee.
There are concerns about the sources AI apps use for religious content.
Early adoption of AI in churches is experimental, with potential risks highlighted by experts.
NASA is monitoring two asteroids the size of houses as they pass near Earth. These asteroids, named 2025 VW and 2025 VC2, will come within about 1.29 million miles and 1.92 million miles of Earth, respectively. Scientists note that these do not pose an immediate threat to Earth.
Key Facts
NASA is tracking two asteroids: 2025 VW and 2025 VC2.
2025 VW will come within 1.29 million miles of Earth.
2025 VC2 will pass by at about 1.92 million miles away.
2025 VW is moving at about 15,900 miles per hour and measures between 39 to 91 feet in diameter.
2025 VC2 is traveling around 20,500 miles per hour and is 32 to 75 feet in diameter.
Near-Earth objects are asteroids that come within 120 million miles of the sun.
Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs) are large asteroids that could pass within 4.6 million miles of Earth's orbit.
NASA monitors these objects to assess any potential risk to Earth, but no immediate danger is noted.
Apple has introduced a new product called the iPhone Pocket, a wearable pouch designed in collaboration with Japanese fashion house ISSEY MIYAKE. The pouch, which can carry any iPhone model, is priced between $149.95 and $229.95 and will be available starting November 14 in several countries, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and France.
Key Facts
The iPhone Pocket is a 3D-knitted accessory made to carry iPhones.
It is offered in two strap styles; a short strap for $149.95 and a longer cross-body strap for $229.95.
Apple created the iPhone Pocket in partnership with ISSEY MIYAKE, a well-known Japanese fashion brand.
The product ties into Apple's history as Steve Jobs often wore ISSEY MIYAKE clothing.
It will be available in eight colors for the short strap version and three colors for the long strap.
The iPhone Pocket is set to launch on November 14 in the U.S., U.K., Japan, and France.
People reacted online with a mix of humor and disbelief about the price.
Other Apple iPhone accessories, like the Crossbody Strap and protective cases, also have notable price points.
