A US lawsuit has accused an AI company, Character.ai, of failing to protect a teenager from itself after his parents claimed the technology drove him to self-harm and ultimately killed him. The 14-year-old boy became “obsessed” with one of Character.ai’s virtual personalities before his death, according to court documents. Transcripts show the bot urging him … Read more
The S&P 500 rose 0.8% on Wednesday as inflation data largely aligned with forecasts, boosting expectations for an interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting. The tech sector drove gains, with shares of semiconductor firm Broadcom surging 6.6% after reports of a partnership with Apple to develop an AI chip. The Nasdaq … Read more
The 2025 Golden Globe nominations have arrived, but for many of these nominated films, catching up is a challenge due to limited theatrical releases or exclusive streaming deals. Despite facing delays and writer’s strikes, some movies managed to make it to theaters before being made available on popular streaming services like Netflix and Mubi. Movies … Read more
The US Preventive Services Task Force is updating its guidelines for cervical cancer screening, recommending that women over 30 test for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) every five years instead of relying on Pap smears. According to the task force, HPV testing is more effective in detecting cervical cancer, particularly among women between 30 and 65. … Read more
The Atlanta Hawks (13-12) face off against the New York Knicks (15-9) in the NBA Cup quarterfinals tonight at 7 p.m. ET from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are favored to win, with a +280 odds to pull off the upset and -7-point lead on the spread. The over/under is set at 237 total points. … Read more
Residents of Stevenson Ranch are breathing a sigh of relief as an AT&T communications hub near their neighborhood is set to have its power restored. The smell of smoke from the generator has been a nuisance for months, and residents had been seeking answers at community meetings. According to Vladimir Shalkevich, who lives 100 feet … Read more
Meet Deinococcus radiodurans, a microbe nicknamed “Conan the Bacterium” for its incredible ability to withstand extreme cold, acid, and radiation. What sets this bacterium apart is its arsenal of potent antioxidants that protect it from radiation damage. Researchers at Northwestern University and the Uniformed Services University have studied the chemistry behind Deinococcus radiodurans’ remarkable resilience. … Read more
Osama Sabsabi, a 29-year-old activist from Berlin, has returned to his hometown of Homs in Syria after opposition forces captured the city. The news brought him immense joy, as he plans to reunite with his family members still alive and pay his respects to his father’s burial site. Sabsabi, who opposes the exiled President Bashar … Read more
Researchers at the University of Tabriz in Iran have developed innovative materials to improve the performance of brain and heart pacemakers by reducing signal interference. The devices often face challenges from external electromagnetic forces, causing discomfort like headaches for patients. The team created nanocomposites using polypropylene, clay, and graphene to absorb and disperse energy effectively. … Read more
A bright, fiery flash of light was spotted in the cloudy skies above Indianapolis early Tuesday morning, treating some Hoosiers to a rare and wondrous celestial sight. Dozens of witnesses described hearing a powerful “explosion” as it left a glowing trail in its wake. Eyewitnesses from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin reported seeing a … Read more