Researchers from the National University of Singapore and the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a new type of nanovaccine called NICER. This vaccine targets cancer cells and cancer stem cells to prevent tumor growth and reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery. In early lab tests, it showed promise for treating several kinds of cancer, including breast cancer and melanoma.
Key Facts
NICER is a nanovaccine, which means it uses tiny particles to deliver treatment directly to the immune system.
The vaccine targets both regular cancer cells and cancer stem cells, which are often resistant to treatment.
Initial lab models showed the vaccine might help stop cancer from growing and reduce the chance of it coming back.
NICER showed potential particularly in cases of breast cancer, melanoma, and others with aggressive tumor growth.
Researchers noted it worked well when combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer.
Further studies are needed to understand the long-term safety of the vaccine.
This development could lead to more personalized cancer vaccines in the future.
Chicken Shop Date, a popular web series hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg, has been running for 10 years. Dimoldenberg discusses her journey in digital media and the growing recognition of content creators as legitimate professionals.
Key Facts
Chicken Shop Date is a web series created and hosted by Amelia Dimoldenberg since 2014.
The show features interviews set up as "dates" and is known for its awkward and funny style.
Dimoldenberg started the series at a youth club in London, initially interviewing grime artists.
Over the years, the show's success has made Amelia a well-known content creator.
She mentions how content creators now attract more attention than traditional media shows.
Content creators contribute significantly to the UK economy, generating £2.2 billion.
The UK government recently formed a group to support creators and influencers in policy making.
Amelia is actively advocating for more recognition of digital creators as legitimate professionals.
President Trump approved a partial sale of TikTok's U.S. operations, requiring the company to pay the federal government a substantial fee. Experts criticized this move, comparing it to a business practice where the government makes money from transactions. Several well-known investors agreed to the payment.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order for a partial sale of TikTok's U.S. operations.
The sale follows a 2024 law requiring ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, to sell or face a ban.
U.S. investors, including prominent figures like Larry Ellison, agreed to pay the government a "low billions" fee.
Some experts criticized the government's request for payment, calling it similar to charging a finders' fee.
Other business deals by Trump's administration involved collecting payments or securing stakes, including with tech companies and other industries.
The TikTok sale is part of broader U.S. and China trade and business tensions.
The White House did not comment on the transaction's specifics.
Microsoft has stopped providing some cloud computing and AI services to an Israeli military unit, citing concerns that the services were being used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. This action follows a joint investigation by various media outlets which reported that the Israeli military used Microsoft's Azure platform to store and analyze phone call data in occupied Palestinian territories.
Key Facts
Microsoft canceled certain services to a unit within the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
The decision was based on an investigative report about potential violations of Microsoft's terms of service.
The report stated that Unit 8200, an Israeli elite cyber warfare unit, used Microsoft's Azure platform for surveillance activities.
The investigation revealed an agreement between Microsoft and Unit 8200 in 2021 to use Azure for handling sensitive intelligence data.
The services facilitated the collection and analysis of phone call data from Palestinians.
Microsoft confirmed it reviewed the situation and found their terms of service were violated.
Some of the Israeli Defence Ministry subscriptions for cloud and AI services were canceled.
Microsoft is conducting an ongoing review with the help of an external law firm to further investigate the allegations.
A study found that some sexual health advice on TikTok, especially about abortion, can be misleading. Researchers analyzed videos and discovered that inaccurate information is more common in videos made by non-medical professionals compared to those by healthcare professionals. TikTok users often turn to the platform for health advice, so the study suggests improving education on sexual health and social media literacy.
Key Facts
The study involved creating a TikTok account to represent a teenager and searching for sexual health videos.
Researchers analyzed 100 videos based on accuracy and whether medical professionals made them.
21.4% of non-medical professional videos contained inaccurate information, while only 3.4% of those by medical professionals did.
Videos about abortion contained more inaccuracies compared to other health videos.
More than 58% of analyzed videos were made by healthcare professionals and were more accurate.
TikTok is viewed as a useful tool for sharing health information among teens, but misinformation is a concern.
The study suggests stricter control over inaccurate videos and highlights the role of social media companies in managing misinformation.
The reliability of the study’s accuracy ratings was reportedly 98%, ensuring unbiased results.
Delaying smartphone use in the morning can improve mental health. Studies suggest that avoiding screens for just a few minutes after waking up can boost well-being.
Key Facts
Avoiding screens in the morning can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals that help you feel good.
Not using a smartphone for two weeks or at least three days improves well-being.
Limiting phone use to two hours a day can have positive effects on mental health.
Behavioral scientist Zelana Montminy suggests that the first thing you do in the morning impacts your day.
She recommends checking in with yourself and doing activities like getting sunlight before using your phone.
Starting with short periods of time without screens can help, gradually extending the duration.
Tools like Brick and Unpluq can block distracting apps to help reduce phone use.
Researchers have engineered E. coli bacteria to turn waste plastic into paracetamol, a common painkiller. This innovation uses genetically modified bacteria to transform waste molecules into valuable products. The method highlights E. coli's role as a crucial tool in biotechnology for creating various products.
Key Facts
Scientists genetically altered E. coli to convert plastic waste into paracetamol.
E. coli is commonly used in labs because it is easy to modify and grows fast.
The bacterium is also used industrially to make products like insulin.
Theodor Escherich first isolated E. coli in 1885, leading to its use in scientific research.
E. coli can undergo a process called 'bacterial sex,' where it shares genes to gain new traits.
In 1978, E. coli was used to create synthetic human insulin, a major scientific breakthrough.
The entire genome of E. coli was sequenced in 1997, aiding further research and development in genetic engineering.
Microsoft has stopped providing some cloud services to an Israeli military unit after finding its technology was used for mass surveillance on civilians in Gaza. This decision came after a report by The Guardian uncovered this use of Microsoft's Azure cloud services. Microsoft is reviewing the situation while ensuring the decision does not impact other projects with Israel.
Key Facts
Microsoft cut off certain services to a unit of Israel's Ministry of Defence.
The decision followed an investigation showing the technology was used for mass surveillance in Gaza.
Microsoft's Azure cloud service was used to collect and analyze calls from Palestinians.
Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, stated this use violated the company's terms of service.
The move does not affect other Microsoft projects with Israel.
The Guardian's investigation was in collaboration with other media outlets.
Microsoft informed Israel about stopping specific subscriptions and services.
The UN had previously highlighted concerns about companies doing business with Israel in this context.
President Donald Trump signed an order detailing a plan for the sale of TikTok's U.S. operations by ByteDance. The sale involves forming a group of new investors, including Oracle, to manage TikTok's U.S. assets. The plan aims to fulfill legal requirements to avoid banning TikTok while protecting American user data.
Key Facts
President Trump signed the order to outline the sale plan for TikTok's U.S. operations.
ByteDance must sell its U.S. assets to avoid a ban, as required by a U.S. law.
Oracle, along with MGX and Silver Lake, will be key investors in TikTok's U.S. operations.
A deadline of January was set for the sale, which has been postponed several times.
The deal is valued at about $14 billion.
ByteDance will retain less than 20% of TikTok U.S. to meet legal requirements.
The order aims to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. while protecting American data privacy.
Full details on the investors involved will be announced later.
President Trump signed an executive order allowing the deal for TikTok's U.S. assets sale to move forward. The deal is not finalized yet, but it has made significant progress.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order to advance the sale of TikTok's U.S. assets.
Vice President Vance mentioned a valuation of around $14 billion for the deal.
The specifics of the deal points and valuation aren't fully public or confirmed.
American investors are expected to make up the majority of the board of the new company.
The new company will lease an algorithm from ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.
Potential investors include Oracle, Silver Lake, and the Abu Dhabi government.
President Trump mentioned Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell might be part of the investor group.
Sir Andrew Steer, former CEO of the Bezos Earth Fund, highlighted opportunities in investing in green technologies at a Newsweek event in New York City. The conference discussed sustainable solutions in energy and infrastructure with experts from various industries. Despite political challenges, participants focused on the economic sense and feasibility of sustainable policies.
Key Facts
Sir Andrew Steer, who once led the Bezos Earth Fund, spoke about investing in green tech at Newsweek's event.
The event, named "Powering Ahead: Innovations in Energy and Plastics Technology," took place on September 24, 2025, at One World Trade Center.
Discussions covered various topics, including energy storage, electric vehicles, and reducing plastic waste.
Participants included leaders from energy and manufacturing industries like Amazon, PG&E, and Electrify America.
Though political landscapes are challenging, the emphasis was on the economic benefits of sustainable policies.
The event aimed to highlight practical and optimistic solutions for climate challenges.
Jeffery Young, the event’s host, encouraged solution-based discussions in the sustainability sector.
The conference was sponsored by Kia and promoted networking among attendees to discuss green initiatives.
Clean energy leaders met to discuss solutions to environmental challenges at a Newsweek event. They emphasized the importance of practical energy policies and the challenges of political conflicts. Speakers highlighted the need for clean energy to be cost-effective and reliable for consumers.
Key Facts
Clean energy leaders met at the Newsweek "Powering Ahead" event.
The event focused on finding solutions to climate and energy issues.
Speakers included representatives from energy and tech companies and environmental groups.
They discussed the impact of political conflicts on clean energy industries.
Leaders stressed the importance of practical, non-partisan energy policies.
Renewable energy was promoted as cost-effective and reliable.
The event highlighted the interconnected nature of environmental challenges.
A proposed deal involves the U.S. government and tech companies possibly gaining control over TikTok's algorithms. This could affect how the app operates for about 170 million American users and raises questions about data control and free speech.
Key Facts
TikTok's algorithm is known for accurately predicting user preferences.
The U.S. government is involved in a deal concerning TikTok's operations.
Trump allies and tech companies might gain power over TikTok's algorithms.
Around 170 million people in the U.S. use TikTok.
This situation raises concerns about control over speech and personal data.
The changes could alter how TikTok recommends content to users.
President Trump signed an order to allow a group of mostly U.S. investors to take over the American version of a popular video app. Oracle, a software company, will play a big part in the new company.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an order related to the takeover of a video app in the U.S.
The order allows mostly U.S. investors to be part of this takeover.
Oracle, a software firm, will have a major role in the new setup.
The app involved is popular for sharing short videos.
The decision was announced on a Thursday.
Some experts have criticized the terms of the deal.
The U.S. government plans to collect a multibillion-dollar fee from American investors as part of a deal to take over TikTok. Some experts have strongly criticized this fee, calling it similar to forcing money from someone.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is involved in a deal concerning TikTok.
American investors will be taking over TikTok as part of this deal.
A large fee, amounting to billions, will be collected by the U.S. government.
Some experts refer to this fee collection as "extortion."
The criticism suggests that the fee might be unjust or unfairly imposed.
The discussion about this deal includes strong language regarding the nature of the fee.
Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a judge's order to make major changes to its Play app store. This comes as Google plans to appeal a 2023 jury decision in a lawsuit filed by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, which accused Google of limiting competition in app distribution and billing on Android devices.
Key Facts
Google filed a request to the Supreme Court to put a judge's order on hold.
The judge's order would require changes to Google's Play app store, allowing rival app stores and external billing links.
Epic Games sued Google in 2020, claiming Google restricted competition on Android devices.
A jury found Google limited competition, and a judge issued an order to change its practices.
Google must submit its appeal to the Supreme Court by October 27.
A prior appeals court upheld the injunction against Google, and the Supreme Court's decision is pending.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney publicly supported the appeals court’s decision.
Google's parent company, Alphabet, saw its stock price decrease slightly during this legal battle.
The article discusses "zero-sum thinking," an idea that can help people understand modern politics and attitudes. It is available as a program on BBC Sounds, which focuses on different themes, such as winners and losers.
Key Facts
The program is called "Rethink."
It was released on September 25, 2025.
The episode focuses on zero-sum thinking.
Zero-sum thinking is a belief where one person's gain is another person's loss.
This idea is used to explain modern politics and people's attitudes.
Hackers stole personal data, including names, pictures, and addresses, from around 8,000 children at the Kido nursery chain. The hackers, calling themselves Radiant, demand a ransom from the company and have already contacted some parents. The hack is part of a broader trend of cyber-attacks affecting various organizations.
Key Facts
Hackers obtained personal data about children from the Kido nursery chain.
The stolen data includes names, pictures, addresses, and information about parents and carers.
The cyber criminals demand a ransom and have contacted some parents directly.
The hackers refer to themselves as Radiant, a new group in the cybercrime world.
A sample of the stolen data was released on the dark web.
Cyber-security experts advise against paying ransoms to deter further crimes.
The incident is part of a larger series of cyber-attacks affecting other companies.
A new study shows that many people in the UK are confused by internet acronyms like "FB," which means "Follow Back." These short forms often start in specific online communities and gain new meanings as they spread. Understanding these acronyms can be important for fitting in on social media.
Key Facts
A study by ProfileTree reports widespread confusion over internet acronyms in the UK.
"FB," meaning "Follow Back," is searched over 364,000 times a month in the UK.
Acronyms like "TIME" (tears in my eyes) and "BBL" (Brazilian Butt Lift or be back later) are commonly misunderstood.
More than 55,000 people search for the meaning of "LOL" each month.
Acronyms serve as cultural markers, acting like memes as they move through different online communities.
Internet librarian Amanda Brennan explains that acronyms help lower conversation barriers in niche communities.
Acronyms can signify group membership, making people feel included or excluded.
Social media accelerates the spread of acronyms, making them part of online social capital.
A woman found three unfamiliar photos on her phone that she didn't remember taking. After asking for help on Reddit, she realized the photos came from a WhatsApp group she was in, but had forgotten about. This incident highlights how default settings on apps can sometimes cause confusion.
Key Facts
A woman found three photos in her phone's gallery that she didn't recognize.
She shared her experience on Reddit, where many users discussed possible reasons for the photos' appearance.
One user suggested the photos might have come from WhatsApp, leading the woman to realize they were from a group chat she had muted.
Over 1,200 people upvoted her Reddit post, showing significant interest in the mystery.
The woman's discovery emphasizes how automatic download settings in apps, like WhatsApp, can confuse users.
Other Reddit users shared their experiences with unexpected files appearing on their devices.
