Western countries are facing an ongoing competition to strengthen their cybersecurity against cyber threats from malicious groups and individuals. These threats target essential systems like energy networks and healthcare, using tactics like hacking and spreading misinformation. Efforts are being made to improve defenses and resilience against such attacks.
Key Facts
Western nations, including the U.S., are in a cyber "arms race" against threats to critical infrastructure.
Cyber threats can target systems like energy, healthcare, and communication networks.
Attacks can involve hacking, spreading misinformation, and disrupting economic networks.
Ransomware is a type of software used in attacks that demand payment to restore access.
Recent attacks have targeted European airports, affecting major services.
In the last five years, over 80% of attacks have come through supply chains.
The European Union introduced a Cyber Resilience Act to improve product security.
The U.K. announced a bill aiming to secure critical infrastructure and digital services.
Apple has removed apps from its App Store that warned users about nearby Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. This decision followed a request from the U.S. Department of Justice and concerns about safety risks, according to Apple.
Key Facts
Apple removed apps that provided alerts on ICE activities from its App Store.
This action was influenced by pressure from the Trump administration.
Attorney General Pam Bondi contacted Apple demanding the removal of the ICEBlock app.
Apple stated it wants the App Store to be a safe place for users.
The ICEBlock app had over one million downloads and its developer said it aimed to keep users safe.
Pam Bondi argued that the app endangered ICE agents while performing their duties.
A report by Global Witness found that TikTok's algorithm was suggesting pornographic and sexualized content to fake child accounts, even when safety settings were activated. Despite TikTok's efforts to provide age-appropriate experiences, the report highlighted continued issues with inappropriate content being recommended to young users.
Key Facts
Researchers from Global Witness created four fake TikTok accounts pretending to be 13-year-olds.
The accounts still received pornographic content recommendations despite using TikTok's "restricted mode" meant to block such material.
Suggested search terms led to explicit videos, including sexual acts and provocative images.
Videos appeared under "you may like" recommendations, evading TikTok's content moderation.
Global Witness informed TikTok, which claimed to take immediate action to address the problem.
TikTok states it has over 50 features to ensure teen safety and removes most violative content before it's seen.
The Online Safety Act's Children's Codes came into force on July 25, requiring platforms to protect children from harmful content.
Global Witness found pornographic content suggested again in late July and August, after the Children's Codes were enacted.
Many people are now using AI tools like ChatGPT to get advice on dating and relationships. This trend is particularly popular among Generation Z, with some people turning to AI to help navigate communication challenges or draft sensitive messages. Experts warn that while AI can be helpful, it might also encourage avoidance of difficult emotions or result in less personal communication.
Key Facts
People are using AI for advice on dating, breaking up, and handling relationship issues.
Rachel, a pseudonymous user, found AI advice useful but noted its "therapy-like" language.
A study shows that about half of Generation Z in the U.S. use AI for dating advice.
AI can help people compose texts or interpret complex messages.
Psychologists caution that AI might validate unhealthy patterns or avoid uncomfortable feelings.
There is concern AI could replace personal reflection, affecting emotional growth.
New AI services, like Mei, offer anonymous relationship advice to those avoiding judgment from friends or family.
More than half of the queries on some AI platforms are about sex, a topic people may avoid discussing with others.
AI is improving at creating fake crowd scenes in videos. This raises concerns about how these fake crowds could be used by entertainers, politicians, and others.
Key Facts
AI technology is getting better at creating fake crowd scenes in videos.
A recent incident involved a fake crowd in a Will Smith concert video.
There are concerns about the implications of fake crowds.
Entertainers and politicians might use fake crowds to appear more popular.
The ability to fake crowds easily could change how people perceive popularity.
A study shows that artificial intelligence can design DNA for dangerous proteins in ways that biosecurity checks might miss. Researchers used AI to generate DNA codes for harmful proteins that evaded the detection systems of DNA manufacturers. The study raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI in biotechnology.
Key Facts
The study was published in the journal Science.
AI was able to design DNA codes for more than 75,000 hazardous protein variants.
The biosecurity screening systems failed to detect some of these AI-generated sequences.
DNA manufacturers have added fixes to their screening software, but some variants still go undetected.
The study highlights ongoing worries about AI being used to create biological threats.
Researchers and the journal limited the distribution of certain details from the study to prevent misuse.
They enlisted a third-party nonprofit to control access to sensitive information.
This approach is a first in managing the risk of sharing hazardous data in scientific publications.
Researchers found that changes in the shape of the brain as it ages can be linked to declines in memory and cognitive functions, which might help predict dementia before symptoms appear. They studied over 2,600 brain scans and noticed certain parts of the brain expand or contract with age, especially in regions associated with Alzheimer's disease. This research suggests that brain shape could be used to identify early signs of dementia.
Key Facts
Researchers from the University of California, Irvine and University of La Laguna studied brain scans to understand changes with aging.
More than 2,600 MRI scans of adults aged 30 to 97 were analyzed.
Certain brain regions, crucial for memory and cognitive functions, expand or contract with age.
Dementia may cause these expansion and compression effects to worsen.
The entorhinal cortex, crucial for memory, is one of the first areas affected in Alzheimer's disease.
The study suggests brain shape could be an early marker for dementia risk.
Current methods focus on small changes in the brain, but this study looks at overall brain shape changes.
This research points to the need for a combined approach to study Alzheimer's, considering both molecular and global changes.
Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox Game Pass subscription, leading to dissatisfaction among many gamers. The new pricing for the most popular tier increased from £14.99 to £22.99 per month. Microsoft explained the changes offer more options but users have reacted negatively, with some canceling their subscriptions.
Key Facts
Microsoft increased the Xbox Game Pass subscription price by more than 50% for the most popular tier.
The new pricing structure includes three tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
Ultimate tier allows access to new Microsoft-owned game releases on launch day.
Popular games like Call of Duty can be played on the service without buying them individually at higher prices.
Some users reported the cancellation page on the service crashed due to high demand.
Microsoft's recent adjustments also include price hikes for Xbox consoles and accessories.
Price increases are partly linked to higher game development costs and market conditions.
Microsoft has undergone 9,000 layoffs this year, related to its focus on investments in artificial intelligence.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is being highlighted as a preferred device for gaming. Key features that make it stand out include its advanced processor, split-screen function, and a unique cover screen that allows gaming without opening the phone. It also supports Samsung Cloud Gaming, letting users play games directly from the cloud.
Key Facts
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a new processor that improves game performance, offering up to 23% better graphics compared to its predecessor, the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
The phone supports Samsung Cloud Gaming, allowing users to play games without downloading them.
Its split-screen feature lets users run multiple apps or games simultaneously without noticeable performance issues.
The cover screen is 4.2 inches and enables gaming without unfolding the phone, although some intense games may experience a slight performance drop.
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 includes game optimization modes—performance, battery saver, and balanced—that adjust settings for different gaming needs.
Users can customize graphics settings, like motion smoothing and framerate, with options ranging from 20 to 60 frames per second (fps).
The device enables pairing apps for quick access, allowing two apps to open simultaneously with a single tap.
The phone's thin bezels enhance the gaming and viewing experience, despite minor interruptions from the camera lenses.
Researchers from Germany have designed a molecular sensor that could be integrated into chewing gum to help detect the flu before symptoms appear. This sensor releases a thyme-flavored compound called thymol when it encounters the flu virus, which allows people to taste the presence of the virus. The goal is to provide an easy and early method of detecting flu infections without needing unpleasant nasal or throat swabs.
Key Facts
Scientists have developed a sensor that can be used with chewing gum to detect the influenza virus early.
The sensor releases a thyme-like flavor when it detects neuraminidase, a flu virus enzyme.
Currently, flu tests use nasal or throat swabs, which can be uncomfortable and costly.
The sensor was tested in lab conditions and released thyme flavor within 30 minutes when exposed to flu virus in saliva samples.
Initial tests showed no harmful effects on human or mouse cells.
The researchers plan to create an app to track user-reported taste results, which could help predict flu outbreaks.
Future clinical trials aim to confirm the sensor’s effectiveness in detecting flu in pre- and post-symptomatic stages.
The UK government has asked Apple to provide access to data stored by its users in the cloud, stirring privacy concerns among civil rights groups. This is the second request this year, following a similar demand that faced opposition and was withdrawn after a dispute with the United States. Apple is resisting the request, stating it will not create a backdoor to its services.
Key Facts
The UK Home Office asked Apple to allow government access to customer data stored in the cloud.
This is the second time the UK has requested such access from Apple in 2023.
A previous request included US customers, leading to a dispute with the United States.
Civil liberties groups in the UK are concerned about privacy and the potential for similar demands on other companies.
Apple has stated it will not create a backdoor for its products and has already appealed against earlier requests.
Advanced Data Protection, a strong security feature, is not available for new Apple users in the UK as of February.
The UK government's actions come amidst discussions about issuing digital identity cards.
Gen V season two, episode six will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting October 8, 2025. New episodes of the series release weekly on Wednesdays until October 22, 2025.
Key Facts
Gen V season two, episode six releases on October 8, 2025.
The episode will be available on Prime Video at Midnight Pacific Time (PT) or 3 am Eastern Time (ET).
New episodes of Gen V season two release every Wednesday through October 22, 2025.
To watch, a Prime Video subscription is required, costing $14.99 per month, or part of an Amazon Prime membership for $139 annually.
Episode runtimes typically range between 39 and 59 minutes, but the exact time for episode six is not specified.
Only one episode will be released on October 8, with a total of three episodes released earlier on September 17.
The season involves a storyline linked to events at Godolkin University amidst an ongoing conflict between humans and super-powered beings, or "Supes."
In 2025, the U.S. and China are competing for leadership in artificial intelligence (AI), with semiconductors becoming a key focus. The U.S. considers tariffs on chip imports, while China is expanding its influence in semiconductor production. Governments worldwide are investing in AI infrastructure, and new technologies like autonomous systems are affecting business strategies and cyber security.
Key Facts
The U.S. and China are major players in AI development in 2025.
Semiconductors are crucial for AI technology and are the focus of economic and political strategies.
The U.S. is considering heavy tariffs on imported chips from non-U.S. companies.
China's strategy includes extending control over semiconductor production in Southeast Asia.
Taiwan is a leading location for chip manufacturing.
There is significant investment globally in domestic semiconductor factories and data centers.
New technology called "agents" is being developed, which can act and make decisions.
Cyber criminals are using AI tools for faster, more sophisticated attacks.
OpenAI launched a new app called Sora that allows users to create AI-based short videos featuring themselves and others. The app is part of a broader trend of AI-generated video content becoming popular, as it is cheaper and can be personalized. This shift raises concerns about the authenticity of online videos, potential copyright issues, and personal privacy.
Key Facts
OpenAI's Sora app creates AI-generated short videos featuring users and others with permission.
Sora promotes AI video content, similar to Meta's AI video platform Vibes.
AI-generated videos are cheaper and can be customized more than traditional videos.
Concerns include the erosion of truth, as AI videos may not be easily distinguished from real ones.
Users can control their image use with Sora's "cameo" feature, but it may lead to privacy concerns.
There are potential copyright issues when using images from popular media in AI videos.
The app collects user data, raising issues about privacy and data use.
Mark Cuban, a businessman and investor, explains how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping young entrepreneurs from low-income backgrounds compete with more experienced professionals. He shares that free or low-cost AI tools are reshaping his business practices and personal routines. Cuban does not believe there is currently an AI bubble and advises students to work with small companies that need AI skills.
Key Facts
Mark Cuban believes AI is making it easier for young and low-income entrepreneurs to compete in business.
AI tools are accessible for free or at low cost, helping people without resources access expert knowledge.
Cuban uses AI for competitor research at his company, Cost Plus Drugs, and plans to use AI wherever possible.
He does not think AI technology is experiencing a slowdown like the internet bubble did.
Cuban advises college students and graduates to work with small companies that need their AI skills.
If he were a lawmaker, Cuban would react to problems caused by AI rather than preemptively regulating it.
Cuban uses AI in his personal life to assist with his health and workout routines.
Microsoft has made changes to its Xbox Game Pass pricing, introducing three new subscription plans. The highest-tier plan, Ultimate, now costs more, leading to online backlash and reports of subscription cancellations. Microsoft says the price increase reflects added features and more available games.
Key Facts
Microsoft changed the Xbox Game Pass plans to Essential, Premium, and Ultimate.
The Essential and Premium plans replace older plans without a price change.
The Ultimate plan's price increased from $19.99 to $29.99 per month.
Xbox Game Pass has an estimated 37 million subscribers.
Many gamers expressed their intention to cancel subscriptions due to the price hike.
Microsoft says the price increase includes more games and better cloud gaming.
The price change follows recent price increases for both Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
Microsoft's website for cancelling Game Pass faced heavy traffic and crashed.
Professors are increasingly using generative AI tools, like AI chatbots, to help with their teaching tasks, curriculum planning, and academic research. A study showed that a significant portion of higher education staff now uses AI regularly, up from a very small percentage earlier. AI helps in designing lessons, creating grading rubrics, and managing other educational tasks.
Key Facts
Georgia State University professor G. Sue Kasun used Google's AI chatbot, Gemini, for course planning and grading.
A national survey by Tyton Partners found about 40% of higher education administrators and 30% of instructors use AI regularly.
New research from Anthropic showed professors use AI for developing curricula, lesson planning, and creating interactive learning tools.
Anthropic based their findings on 74,000 conversations with their AI chatbot Claude, indicating widespread usage in education.
57% of analyzed conversations related to curriculum and lesson plan development.
Professors also used AI for academic research, which accounted for 13% of usage.
AI helps automate routine tasks like budgeting and drafting letters but is used more collaboratively in teaching tasks.
Anthropic's research did not release full data details, such as the exact number of professors studied.
A teenager named Véro Mackie used TikTok to help find a music video her mom was in during the 1990s. The video gained over 1.4 million views, but despite the attention, the music video has not been found yet. Mackie remains hopeful that someone on TikTok can help locate it.
Key Facts
Véro Mackie is a 16-year-old from British Columbia, Canada.
Her mom, Kate Kowalczyk, was a dancer in a music video between 1995 and 1997.
Mackie shared her search on TikTok, asking users to help find the video.
The TikTok post went viral with over 1.4 million views and more than 61,000 likes.
Kowalczyk remembers the band was called Living Colour but not the song title.
Despite the video’s popularity, the original music video has not been found.
TikTok users have shown great interest, offering tips and suggestions to help in the search.
Kowalczyk is amused by the search and would enjoy watching the video with her daughter.
The article discusses how to choose cooking oils based on health benefits and uses. It explains common misconceptions about oils, highlights the health benefits of certain oils, and advises which oils are best for different cooking methods like frying and dressing.
Key Facts
Supermarket oils include budget options like sunflower oil and pricier oils like olive oil.
Fats in oils vary; some raise cholesterol while others lower it.
Sunflower and vegetable oils are considered healthy and budget-friendly, with low saturated fats.
Modern margarines are nearly free of harmful trans fats and can reduce bad cholesterol.
Olive oil isn't suitable for deep frying due to its low smoke point, which can release unpleasant compounds.
Deep frying is better done with oils like sunflower or vegetable oil, which endure high temperatures.
Hackers attacked a nursery chain by posting private photos and data of children online to demand a ransom in Bitcoin. Following a strong public reaction, the hackers have now removed the information and claim they have deleted it. The nursery, Kido Schools, did not pay the ransom, and there is skepticism about whether the data is truly gone.
Key Facts
Hackers targeted a nursery chain, posting children's data online.
The hackers demanded a ransom in Bitcoin from Kido Schools.
They removed the data and claimed deletion after public outcry.
Kido Schools did not pay the demanded ransom.
About 8,000 children's data, including private details, was involved.
Experts doubt the criminals have truly deleted the data.
The hack involved buying access to a compromised staff computer.
The hackers used data from Kido's account with a platform called Famly.
