Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his voice and famous phrase to stop unauthorized use by AI platforms. This makes him the first actor to use trademark law for this purpose. Many celebrities face challenges with AI creating unapproved videos and audio that mimic them.
Key Facts
Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice to prevent AI from using them without permission.
His famous catchphrase from the movie "Dazed and Confused" is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
This is the first known case of an actor using trademark law against AI misuse.
Other celebrities, like Scarlett Johansson and Taylor Swift, have dealt with fake AI-generated content.
McConaughey aims to ensure his likeness is used with his approval and to maintain control over it.
The trademarks might help capture economic value from AI uses.
He has invested in ElevenLabs, a company that creates AI voice models.
AI misuse in the entertainment industry is a growing concern.
3D scanning technology is being used to closely study and create copies of famous artworks. This use of technology is raising questions about preserving original art and making it more accessible to the public.
Key Facts
3D scanning can closely examine and copy famous pieces of art.
The technology is creating discussions about what makes an artwork original.
There is a focus on how this affects the idea of preserving art.
Questions are being asked about how this technology impacts public access to art.
The lines between original artworks and their replicas are becoming less clear.
The news report is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
AI-driven toys that can respond to users are featured at Asia's major toy exhibition. These toys are popular, but there are worries about how they might impact children's safety.
Key Facts
AI-powered toys can interact by talking back to users.
These toys are showcased at Asia's largest toy show.
The toys are attracting attention and bringing smiles.
There are safety concerns about the use of AI in children's toys.
The exhibition highlights the growing trend of AI in the toy industry.
Health care is changing with technology like electronic records, AI diagnostics, and telehealth. Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan is leading this change, combining tech innovation with high medical standards. They have achieved high certifications that set a new benchmark in smart health care.
Key Facts
Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital is in southern Taiwan.
The hospital achieved HIMSS EMRAM Stage 7 certification on July 25, 2025.
They use AI tools for predicting sepsis and acute kidney injury.
Telehealth connects rural clinics with hospital specialists.
The hospital has certifications for 14 disease-specific care conditions.
AI helps in breast imaging quality for rural areas.
The hospital's Nursing Assistant System uses an in-house language model called KMUGPT.
The hospital integrates cloud services and blockchain for secure data management.
A radio program episode discusses the similarities between the current excitement about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the dotcom boom of the late 1990s. The show examines whether AI might be experiencing a bubble, similar to the one that burst in 2000. Experts share insights on what can be learned from the past to better understand the potential risks and opportunities with AI today.
Key Facts
The episode is from a BBC Radio 4 program called "The Bottom Line."
The focus is on whether AI is similar to the dotcom bubble of the 1990s.
Experts recall the dotcom boom where many internet companies rapidly increased in value.
The dotcom bubble burst in 2000, leading to significant financial losses.
The core idea of the internet transforming lives eventually became true, despite initial setbacks.
Guests include Ernst Malmsten, a key figure from the dotcom era, and current financial reporters.
The article discusses a medical procedure involving a 68-year-old patient with a brain tumor, where advanced robotics and artificial intelligence were used to perform a pioneering surgery. The integration of these technologies allowed the operation to be completed quickly and more precisely, resulting in a fast recovery. This example reflects the growing role of AI and robotics in improving healthcare by making surgery more precise and patient-centered.
Key Facts
A 68-year-old patient named Mr. Abbas had a 4.5-centimeter benign brain tumor.
Advanced robotics and AI-enabled a pioneering surgery for Mr. Abbas.
The surgery was the world's first robotic intracranial tumor resection.
The operation was completed in under an hour.
Mr. Abbas was able to go home 24 hours after the surgery.
Robotic arms in surgery are controlled by surgeons for precision.
Machine learning helps refine imaging data to plan surgeries accurately.
AI and robotics can reduce recovery time and improve patient outcomes.
A study found that disposable plastic cups can release thousands of microplastic particles into hot drinks like coffee and tea. The researchers discovered that heat increases the release of microplastics, and the material of the cup matters. This research highlights potential health concerns as these tiny plastic particles can enter the human body.
Key Facts
Disposable plastic cups can release microplastics into drinks.
Heat makes more microplastics come out of plastic cups into drinks.
Microplastics are tiny plastic bits, from the size of dust to sesame seeds.
The study found that more microplastics are released at higher temperatures.
Plastic-lined paper cups release fewer microplastics than all-plastic cups.
Soaking time, or the time a drink stays in a cup, didn't affect microplastic release as much as initial heat.
Around 500 billion single-use cups are used globally each year.
Microplastics can enter the body through drinking or breathing.
A report suggests that AI could automate up to 25% of work hours in the U.S., raising worries about job losses. AI is developing tools that can replace tasks typically done by humans, such as creating presentations and conducting research. Tech leaders and companies are preparing for changes in hiring practices as AI advances.
Key Facts
A report by Goldman Sachs Research states AI could automate 25% of all U.S. work hours.
AI tools, like Claude Code, are being developed to handle tasks such as meeting summaries and research work.
Some tech leaders are considering less reliance on H-1B visas because AI may take over these jobs.
The startup Mercor contracts specialists to train AI, indicating a shift in employment practices.
Elon Musk claims AI can replace half of white-collar jobs and suggests robots could perform surgeries soon.
Current unemployment is at 4.4%, but companies are slow to fill jobs and expect AI to replace certain roles.
President Trump believes AI will create jobs rather than take them away.
"Hytale" is a new video game similar to "Minecraft" that has quickly gained popularity among gamers. Developed by Hypixel Studios, the game is available on PC and combines resource collection, crafting, and building in an open-world setting.
Key Facts
"Hytale" is an open-world sandbox game where players collect resources, craft items, and build structures.
The game allows players to fight monsters and create their own world or use a creative mode to build freely.
Hypixel Studios developed "Hytale," and they previously worked on a popular "Minecraft" server.
Originally, Riot Games canceled "Hytale," but it continued development after Hypixel's founder bought the rights.
The game is still in early access, meaning it’s not fully complete and might have bugs.
"Hytale" is currently only available for PC (Windows, macOS, Linux) but could come to consoles in the future.
The game is not yet on Steam and costs $21.99 for the standard version; there are more expensive editions with added cosmetics.
"Hytale" has attracted many players, reportedly having enough pre-sales to fund development for two more years.
A study by Curtin University researchers found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week can negatively affect young people's diet, sleep, and weight. The research showed that while moderate gaming is mostly harmless, excessive gaming may lead to poorer health outcomes, such as a higher body mass index and worse sleep quality.
Key Facts
Researchers surveyed 317 students from five Australian universities.
Students were grouped into low, moderate, and high gamers based on weekly gaming hours.
High gamers, those playing more than 10 hours a week, had worse health outcomes.
High gamers showed higher body mass index (BMI) levels, crossing into overweight.
Each extra hour of gaming was linked to poorer diet quality.
Longer gaming hours were associated with poorer sleep, especially when gaming late.
The study did not prove cause and effect but noted concerning patterns.
Researchers suggest that excessive gaming might replace healthy habits.
A study by Anthropic, a company that created an AI model called Claude, shows that AI is currently helping people with their jobs rather than replacing them. The study analyzed conversations to see how AI is used at work and found that most jobs use AI to improve tasks, not eliminate them. AI is changing job roles by taking over some tasks, but it often needs human input for complex jobs.
Key Facts
Anthropic's study examined how AI affects jobs, analyzing 2 million conversations.
It found that AI helps with parts of jobs, rather than eliminating them completely.
49% of jobs can now use AI for at least a quarter of their tasks.
The study reported a 50/50 split between using AI to assist (augment) versus fully automate tasks, with more jobs leaning towards augmentation.
AI's impact is different depending on job type, with some roles at risk of automation (deskilling) and others benefiting from higher-skill tasks (upskilling).
Complex tasks see the most productivity gains from AI, but require human oversight.
The study suggests AI is not causing a job crisis, but rather is changing the way work is done.
A new "Star Trek" series called "Starfleet Academy" begins streaming on Paramount+ starting January 15, 2026. The series focuses on young cadets training to become Starfleet officers and features a variety of actors in key roles. The first season's episodes are scheduled to release weekly on Thursdays until March 12, 2026.
Key Facts
"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" premiered on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026.
The show follows young cadets at Starfleet Academy.
Holly Hunter stars as Chancellor of Starfleet Academy.
Episodes are released every Thursday until March 12, 2026.
A subscription to Paramount+ is needed to watch the series.
Paramount+ subscription costs $7.99 per month or $59 annually.
Episode 1 becomes available at Midnight Pacific Time (PT) on the release date.
Elon Musk's company X is taking steps to stop its AI chatbot, Grok, from creating sexualized images of people in bikinis or similar attire. Various countries and regulators are investigating or blocking Grok due to concerns about its capability to generate non-consensual and inappropriate images. Only users who pay will be able to create and edit images, and there are restrictions in places where such content is illegal.
Key Facts
Elon Musk's company, X, will block Grok users from creating images with people in revealing attire like bikinis.
Grok faced backlash for allowing users to create sexualized AI images, leading to regulatory investigations and bans.
Grok used a feature called "spicy mode" that let users make deepfake images with prompts like "put her in a bikini."
Countries like Indonesia and Malaysia have blocked Grok due to deepfake image concerns.
The U.K. and French regulators have started investigations, and the European Commission has ordered X to retain related documents.
California's Attorney General is investigating Grok for potentially breaking laws related to deepfake images.
Elon Musk stated he was unaware of Grok generating illegal underage images and claimed the chatbot responds to user requests.
Only paid subscribers will have the capability to create and edit images with Grok.
A SpaceX capsule, carrying four astronauts, is returning to Earth early due to a medical emergency. The spacecraft will splash down in the Pacific Ocean after a 10-and-a-half-hour descent. NASA has not disclosed details about the medical issue but emphasized crew health is a priority.
Key Facts
A SpaceX capsule named "Endeavour" is bringing back four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS).
The spacecraft's descent began at 22:30 GMT Wednesday and is expected to land Thursday morning off the coast of California.
The crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian astronaut Oleg Platonov.
They spent 167 days on the ISS conducting scientific research as part of SpaceX's 11th crewed mission.
The mission ended early because of a serious medical condition affecting one crew member.
NASA did not disclose more about the medical issue for privacy reasons but said it was the first of its kind.
The next SpaceX Crew-12 mission is scheduled to leave in February.
Three astronauts will stay at the ISS to continue operations.
Promotional videos from Western defense companies BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin show their weapons systems targeting model ships similar to those of the Chinese Navy. BAE Systems presented a launch system capable of firing different missiles, while Lockheed Martin highlighted a long-range anti-ship missile. These videos reflect the growing military reach of China and the response of U.S. defense strategies in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin released videos showing their weapons targeting Chinese Navy-like ships.
BAE Systems showcased its Adaptable Deck Launching System (ADL) which can fire various missiles.
Lockheed Martin promoted its Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with a range over 230 miles.
China's navy has expanded to over 370 ships, including various advanced vessels.
The U.S. is boosting its naval capabilities in the Pacific, involving allies like the Philippines and Japan.
The videos indicate a shift in focus from Russian to Chinese targets by Western defense companies.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to comment on these promotional simulations.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has launched an investigation into Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, due to concerns that the GrokAI tool is creating inappropriate deepfake images. This tool has been criticized for generating sexualized images, including nonconsensual and underage images, leading to investigations in multiple countries. In response, the company has added technological barriers to prevent the misuse of the tool.
Key Facts
The investigation focuses on GrokAI, a tool associated with Elon Musk's xAI.
Concerns arose over GrokAI generating sexualized deepfake images without consent.
Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and the U.K. have taken actions against the tool.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the investigation to see if xAI broke any laws.
High-profile women have been targeted by the deepfake images, as reported by several sources.
xAI's headquarters are located in Palo Alto, California.
Elon Musk responds by saying he is unaware of any inappropriate images generated by the tool.
X, the platform associated with GrokAI, has implemented measures to prevent the creation of these images.
Elon Musk's AI tool, Grok, will no longer be able to alter images of real people to show them in revealing clothes. The decision follows concerns about AI-created inappropriate images, known as deepfakes, in countries like the UK and the US.
Key Facts
Elon Musk's AI model Grok was used to edit images of real people into revealing clothes.
The tool faced backlash due to concerns about AI-generated explicit images, also called deepfakes.
The decision to block this feature applies to all users, including those who pay for services.
California's Attorney General announced an investigation into these AI-generated images.
The images reportedly included inappropriate depictions of women and children.
Some countries, like Malaysia and Indonesia, blocked the chatbot over these concerns.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned it could affect the platform's ability to self-regulate.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 has returned to Earth earlier than planned because one astronaut had a serious medical condition. NASA did not reveal which of the four astronauts had the medical issue, respecting privacy.
Key Facts
NASA's SpaceX Crew-11 mission started its trip back from the International Space Station (ISS).
A serious medical condition in one crew member led to the early return.
NASA did not disclose who had the medical issue or what the condition was.
The crew included US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke.
Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov were also part of the mission.
This return is the first emergency return since the ISS began operating in 1998.
California is investigating the AI deepfake technology created by Elon Musk's company, xAI, due to concerns about explicit content involving non-consensual images. The issue involves the AI model Grok, which can create realistic but fake images, prompting an investigation into its potential misuse. The controversy has raised questions about legal responsibilities and regulations for AI-generated content.
Key Facts
California's Attorney General is investigating AI deepfakes from xAI's model Grok.
Grok has been used to create explicit, non-consensual images online.
xAI claims that users who prompt illegal content will face consequences.
Elon Musk, who supports the tech, says Grok generates images only by user requests.
U.S. Senators have asked to remove Grok from app stores due to these concerns.
The UK is drafting laws against creating non-consensual images and is also investigating Grok.
Legal discussions focus on whether current laws apply to AI-generated content.
Section 230 gives some legal protection for user content online, but its relevance to AI-generated images is debated.
