Microsoft released a patch on Wednesday to fix a security flaw in Windows Defender that allowed attackers to take control of Windows 10 and 11 systems. However, this patch may cause a new problem where the system can fill up the hard drive by writing very large files, leading to disk space running out and system instability.
Key Facts
The patched flaw, called RoguePlanet (CVE-2026-50656), lets attackers control Windows machines remotely.
Microsoft’s update fixes this vulnerability automatically through the Microsoft Malware Protection Engine.
The new patch includes extra security updates called “defense-in-depth.”
A security researcher named NightmareEclipse says these updates cause a bug that can make Defender write huge files that fill up the disk.
This happens because Defender tries to keep copies of special hidden metadata files called Zone.Identifier for files downloaded from the internet.
Attackers could exploit this through a custom SMB server, which is a way computers share files over a local Windows network.
The bug causes Defender to lock files and fill the disk space, making the computer unstable but not crash.
Microsoft has not confirmed whether the disk-filling problem is real yet.
The researcher and Microsoft have had ongoing disagreements about vulnerability disclosures and patches since May.
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Surgeons remotely controlled humanoid robots to remove gallbladders from live pigs in a new medical experiment. This trial shows potential for cheaper, smaller surgical robots that could be used in places with fewer resources.
Key Facts
The experiment involved removing gallbladders from live pigs using humanoid robots controlled by surgeons.
The study was published in the journal Nature and conducted by researchers at UC San Diego.
The robots used were Unitree G1 humanoid robots, made by a Chinese company, costing much less than current specialized surgical robots.
Unitree G1 robots weigh about 60 pounds and stand 5 feet tall, much smaller than existing surgical robots that weigh around 1,800 pounds.
Surgeons operated the robots remotely using a computer console with a headset and foot pedal.
The system still requires improvements because surgery took longer and needed pauses to recalibrate the robots.
The robots’ smaller size limits their movement and reach compared to human arms.
If developed further, this technology could help hospitals in rural areas, battlefields, or even space missions.
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A writer named Rose Horowitch says that fewer Americans are reading books now. She believes that new technology and shorter attention spans have made gambling and other activities more popular than reading.
Key Facts
Rose Horowitch wrote an article for The Atlantic in August.
She claims that the era when many people read books is ending.
Gambling has become more popular as a leisure activity than reading.
New technology is partly responsible for shorter attention spans.
Overall, fewer Americans are reading and literacy levels are dropping.
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OpenAI is involved in a legal dispute with news organizations, including The New York Times, over the use of news content by its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The news groups accuse OpenAI of hiding evidence related to users bypassing paywalls, which has led to calls for penalties against OpenAI.
Key Facts
News organizations, led by The New York Times, are suing OpenAI over copyright issues with ChatGPT using their news articles.
OpenAI reportedly hid information and made false statements about its ability to search ChatGPT’s user logs.
These logs show whether users accessed news content behind paywalls through ChatGPT.
OpenAI had two large samples of anonymized logs but did not disclose them for two years.
The company had already searched these logs to develop a filter to block copyrighted content.
News plaintiffs say OpenAI’s actions delayed the legal process and increased costs.
OpenAI denies wrongdoing and says the lawsuit is an attempt to invade user privacy.
The dispute centers on whether ChatGPT’s use of news content is fair use or infringement.
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OpenAI released its new AI model, ChatGPT 5.6, after delaying the launch due to US government cybersecurity concerns. The Trump administration asked OpenAI to limit access to trusted users first and review the model before a wider release.
Key Facts
OpenAI delayed ChatGPT 5.6 to address cybersecurity issues raised by the Trump administration.
The administration requested a limited release to government-approved users initially.
The government’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation tested the model before wider access was allowed.
Anthropic, a rival AI company, also faced US restrictions and an export ban on its AI models last month.
The Trump administration supports advancing AI to compete with China but has recently increased security measures due to cyber-attack risks.
President Trump issued an executive order encouraging voluntary reviews of AI models by the government.
US restrictions on advanced AI models have caused concern among businesses, foreign governments, and US allies.
OpenAI and Anthropic are competing ahead of planned stock market offerings, with OpenAI targeting a $1 trillion valuation.
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A new report shows strong growth in local groups opposing large AI data centers across the U.S., with over 430 groups and more than 525,000 members in 40 states. People are concerned about the centers’ energy use, water demand, noise, and other impacts as these facilities expand rapidly.
Key Facts
The number of opposition groups rose from 268 in April to 430 in the latest report.
Opposition members increased nearly seven times since December 2025, now totaling over 525,000 people.
Ohio has the most groups (47) while Pennsylvania has the second most (46), but Missouri has the largest number of members (about 141,000).
The report tracks groups mainly on Facebook to avoid counting duplicates on other platforms.
Data centers use lots of energy, sometimes as much as major cities, driven by demand for AI technology.
There are nearly 4,500 data centers in the U.S., including almost 500 in Texas and over 637 in Virginia.
A national protest against data centers is planned for July 18 in over 50 locations.
Concerns against data centers include rising utility costs, high water use, noise, land changes, and national security risks related to AI growth.
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A young man named Harchie Sagoo, who had cerebral palsy after a viral illness, helped test and improve communication technology for people with disabilities. In recognition of his contributions, a Bristol-based company named its new testing laboratory "Harchie's Lab" in his honor.
Key Facts
Harchie Sagoo developed cerebral palsy after contracting viral encephalitis during a family holiday in Spain.
Despite his disability affecting movement and speech, Harchie understood everything and used eye-tracking technology to communicate and control devices.
He began using Eye Gaze technology at around four-and-a-half years old, which allowed him to operate screens and household devices like lights and heating.
Harchie worked closely with Smartbox, a company that creates communication aids for disabled people, testing their devices and providing feedback.
Smartbox named its new laboratory "Harchie's Lab" to honor Harchie's role in improving their technology.
Smartbox's communication aids are used by over 100,000 people worldwide.
The technology helps users express themselves, build relationships, and participate in daily life.
Harchie's father said Harchie valued being able to express himself and would have been very pleased by the lab naming.
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Microsoft's new environmental report shows its efforts to build artificial intelligence technology are increasing its greenhouse gas emissions and water use. Though the company is improving water efficiency and investing in new clean energy, expanding AI infrastructure is making its climate goals harder to reach.
Key Facts
Microsoft's greenhouse gas emissions rose 25% due to AI growth and changes in electricity sourcing.
Emissions from purchased electricity jumped 945% between 2024 and 2025, while electricity use grew 24%.
Microsoft shifted from buying certificates for existing renewable energy to investing in new clean energy projects.
The company claims it matches 100% of its electricity use with renewable energy purchases.
At least two Microsoft data centers will use natural gas power to ensure reliable and fast energy as AI demand grows.
Microsoft improved data-center water-use efficiency by 25% from 2022 and aims for a 40% improvement by 2030.
The company returned more water to local watersheds than it withdrew worldwide for the first time.
Microsoft faces challenges because AI infrastructure is growing faster than many sustainability solutions can keep up.
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AI notetaker tools can record and summarize virtual meetings quickly, helping participants remember key points and tasks. However, some professionals worry about privacy risks, data storage, and how sensitive information might be misused or exposed.
Key Facts
AI notetakers use artificial intelligence to listen, transcribe, and summarize conversations in online meetings.
These tools can help save time and improve participation during virtual meetings.
There are concerns about where the recorded data is stored and how long it is kept.
Privacy experts worry AI notetakers may create voiceprints without user consent, which could lead to security risks.
Some companies selling AI notetakers may share or sell meeting data or use it to train their AI systems.
Sensitive or confidential information, like legal conversations or company secrets, could be at risk of exposure.
Users should check for AI notetakers during meetings, as some apps show them as attendees or display notifications when recording.
Not all virtual meeting platforms clearly inform participants if an AI notetaker is being used.
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A cybersecurity expert showed how a photo of house keys posted on social media can be used to create a working copy of the keys using free software and 3D printing. This demonstrates the risk of sharing such images online, as advanced methods can replicate keys and potentially allow unauthorized entry.
Key Facts
People often share photos of their house keys on social media when announcing home purchases.
A Virginia-based ethical hacker, Evan Ottinger, demonstrated copying keys from photos.
Ottinger used free online tools and a 3D printer to make a functioning key from a key photo.
The process involved decoding the key cuts using transparent overlays and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
The 3D printer used was a Bambu X1C model with PLA filament.
Ottinger learned these techniques from a security expert at a Red Team Alliance event.
The tools for decoding and designing keys are free and publicly available.
Keys can also be copied by hand or with commercial key cutters, not just 3D printing.
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A new study looked at how well seven popular AI chatbots give financial advice on topics like emergency savings, retirement withdrawals, and investing. The research found that while AI can offer helpful basic guidance that aligns with common financial rules, it is best used as a starting point before consulting a human financial advisor.
Key Facts
The study examined seven AI tools: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, DeepSeek, Meta AI, and Perplexity.
Researchers tested AI advice using identical questions but changed the race or gender of the hypothetical household head.
Most AI platforms gave similar retirement withdrawal advice, roughly following the 4 percent rule.
Investment advice varied more between platforms, with Gemini, Claude, and Copilot giving more reliable recommendations.
The study found no major recommendation differences based on the user’s race or gender.
Experts suggest using AI as a helpful first step, not a replacement for professional financial advice.
AI can help people get a basic understanding of finances before talking to a financial planner.
AI tools may work best for typical financial situations rather than more complex or unique ones.
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People in the US are concerned about the building of data centers used for artificial intelligence (AI) because of their impact on land, energy, and the environment. However, focusing only on data centers might miss bigger issues like the growing power and influence of AI companies and how AI could change jobs and industries.
Key Facts
Opposition to AI data centers in the US comes from worries about using land, higher energy costs, environmental harm, and few local jobs created.
Lower-income communities are often the most opposed because they feel tech companies benefit while they get little in return.
The US is spending about $750 billion this year on building data center infrastructure, but this is smaller than other tech markets.
AI companies aim to expand their impact beyond data centers to areas like software, creative work, management, education, and healthcare.
Some big data center projects continue despite local opposition; for example, a project in Michigan backed by OpenAI and Oracle overcame local rejection through legal action.
The current wave of data center growth may be temporary, as future technology might reduce the need for so much centralized computing power.
The Trump administration supports the growth of AI infrastructure, even willing to override state decisions and use federal lands.
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Several news organizations, including The New York Times and the Daily News, have asked a federal judge to punish OpenAI for not sharing important information in a lawsuit about copyright and artificial intelligence. The case focuses on whether OpenAI and Microsoft used copyrighted news articles without permission to train their AI tools, like ChatGPT.
Key Facts
The New York Times and Daily News claim OpenAI is hiding key evidence about how it used news articles to train AI.
They argue this could harm news companies by reducing web traffic and advertising revenue.
The complaint says OpenAI refused to share datasets and ChatGPT logs that could show use of copyrighted content.
OpenAI is accused of “discovery misconduct,” meaning not properly sharing information in the court case.
The lawsuit began in late 2023 and involves other media groups like the Chicago Tribune’s parent company.
OpenAI says using online content for AI training is allowed under “fair use” copyright law.
Other creative industries are suing AI companies over similar copyright concerns.
A similar case involved Anthropic paying $1.5 billion to authors for using their work to train an AI chatbot.
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Ruf, a German car maker once known for modifying Porsches, revealed a new flat-eight engine called the B8 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. The engine produces over 1,000 horsepower and will be tested in a prototype car named "Erprober."
Key Facts
Ruf started as a company that modified Porsche cars but is now recognized as a car manufacturer.
Ruf has been building its own cars and parts, including carbon fiber chassis for models like the SCR and Rodeo.
The new B8 engine is a flat-eight design, different from Ruf's previous six-cylinder engines.
The B8 engine has a size of 4.8 liters.
It produces more than 1,000 horsepower (745 kW) and 737 lb-ft (1,000 Nm) of torque.
The B8 engine was shown running publicly for the first time at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The engine is installed in a prototype called the "Erprober," which is a modified version of Ruf’s CTR3 car.
Tanner Faust, a racing driver, will drive the car with the new engine up the Goodwood hill climb.
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NASA is working on a plan to build a human base near the Moon’s South Pole. The goal is to create a place where people can live and work on the Moon for a long time. This plan includes living mostly indoors to protect against harsh temperatures and space radiation, and using the Moon’s resources to produce energy.
Key Facts
NASA’s Moon Base Program aims to establish a lasting human presence near the lunar South Pole.
The Moon has no atmosphere or magnetic field, exposing inhabitants to space radiation.
Temperatures near the Moon’s South Pole vary widely, from over 130°F in sunlight to minus 334°F in shadowed craters.
People living on the Moon will spend most time inside shelters covered with lunar soil for protection.
Robotic systems will be used extensively to do outdoor tasks to limit human exposure to radiation.
Lunar materials could help build large solar power satellites in space.
These satellites could provide continuous, green energy to Earth because they won’t be affected by weather or night.
Building solar satellites from Moon materials may be cheaper than launching them from Earth.
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A French startup called LifePods revealed a prototype of a floating survival capsule designed to protect people during tsunamis and severe floods. The device can hold up to eight people, offers safety from debris, and sends distress signals until rescuers arrive. It is planned to be sold next year, mainly targeting organizations involved in disaster response.
Key Facts
LifePods is a French company that created the W-01, a floating survival pod for tsunamis and floods.
The pod fits four adults and four children tightly inside and includes harnesses and space for supplies.
It uses a special design to float and resist impact from large debris like cars and trees.
The capsule can send emergency signals and has an optional GPS tracker for locating it.
LifePods has not yet tested the pod in real disasters but plans staged trials starting in harbors.
The pod will likely cost about $45,000 and is aimed at governments and emergency organizations, not individual buyers.
LifePods faces competition from Survival Capsule LLC, which sells a cheaper spherical pod in the U.S.
The company is also working on other types of survival pods for earthquakes and armed attacks.
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Waymo, Alphabet’s driverless taxi service in California, cannot yet expand its ride area or charge for rides in its new Ojai vehicle because of a delay by California’s regulatory agencies. The company is waiting for state approval to operate and charge fares while addressing safety and legal concerns.
Key Facts
Waymo operates driverless taxi services in California using autonomous vehicles.
The company introduced a new car called the Ojai, made by Chinese company Zeekr but assembled with U.S. technology.
California requires companies to get permission from two agencies before allowing driverless taxis to carry paying passengers.
Waymo applied in January to expand its service to more cities in Northern and Southern California and add Ojai cars to its fleet.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) delayed approval, asking for more information about safety during emergencies and rules about minors riding alone.
A labor union filed a complaint about Waymo carrying unaccompanied minors, which is illegal in California.
Waymo cannot charge for rides in Ojai cars until CPUC approves its request; the company may offer free rides until at least the end of September.
Waymo’s existing Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis continue charging passengers as usual.
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The article discusses the idea that cellphone data may not be fully protected from government searches without a warrant. It suggests that assumptions about digital privacy could be mistaken based on past events.
Key Facts
Cellphone data often contains sensitive personal information.
Legal protections for cellphone data searches have been debated.
Some court decisions have allowed access to cellphone data without a warrant.
Public expectations about digital privacy might not match legal realities.
The issue continues to be important as technology use grows.
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The US Space Force added two companies, Impulse Space and Relativity Space, to its list of bidders for military rocket launch contracts. Impulse Space is unusual because it focuses on spacecraft that operate in space rather than rockets, but it is developing a special "kick stage" to help launch satellites to higher orbits.
Key Facts
The US Space Force’s National Security Space Launch Phase 3 program selects companies to bid on military rocket launch contracts from 2025 to 2029.
Two companies, Impulse Space and Relativity Space, were recently added as eligible bidders.
Relativity Space is working on launching its heavy-lift Terran R rocket.
Impulse Space builds spacecraft for operations in space, not traditional rockets.
Impulse Space is developing a "kick stage" called Helios to boost satellites from low-Earth orbit to geostationary orbit (about 36,000 km high).
Helios can increase the performance of medium-lift rockets like SpaceX's Falcon 9, acting like a powerful extra booster.
To bid on contracts, Impulse Space must first demonstrate Helios in a successful test flight.
Impulse Space is testing Helios components in Mojave, California, including a test tank and the Deneb engine, which runs on liquid oxygen and methane.
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An Indonesian farmer became popular online for using a drone to travel. A video shows him flying above the ground on the drone as he moves through Java.
Key Facts
The farmer is from Indonesia.
He used a drone as a way to get around.
A video captured his drone journey.
The drone carried him safely over the ground.
The location of the trip was Java, an island in Indonesia.
The video quickly gained attention and spread widely online.
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