Hoda Kotb, a co-anchor on NBC’s “Today” show, has announced her departure after nearly two decades at the show and six years as lead co-anchor. Before she leaves, she is setting the stage for her next chapter by launching a wellness company that includes a mobile app, retreats, and a podcast. Kotb revealed her plan … Read more
Taiwan’s coast guard has accused a Chinese-linked ship of damaging an undersea internet cable, disrupting global communications and internet services. The Taiwanese authorities claim seven Chinese nationals were on board the vessel at the time of the incident. The incident is believed to have occurred in the South China Sea, where tensions between Taiwan and … Read more
Mirumi is a furry robot that wraps around a bag or backpack strap, watches friends and family, and reacts to its surroundings. Developed by Yukai Engineering, the same company behind the Qoobo therapeutic pillow with a tail and Amagami Ham Ham finger-tip chewing robot, Mirumi is described as a “mascot robot” that spontaneously turns its … Read more
Loneliness has become an alarming concern in today’s digital age, with 25% of older people and 5-15% of adolescents experiencing social isolation. A recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that loneliness is linked to increased risk of disease and death. Researchers at the University of Cambridge and Fudan University explored the biological processes … Read more
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Associate Administrator Nicky Fox are set to provide an update on the status of the Mars Sample Return mission, which has been plagued by uncertainty since 2023. The joint ESA and NASA mission aims to return scientifically selected samples from Mars to Earth, with a focus on reducing costs and … Read more
Meta is rethinking its approach to free expression on its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The company recognizes that over-enforcement of its content moderation policies has led to mistakes, censorship, and frustration for users. Mark Zuckerberg argued in 2019 that inhibiting speech, even with good intentions, can reinforce existing power structures rather than empower … Read more
The US service sector saw a surge in growth last month, with the Institute for Supply Management’s services PMI reaching 54.1. This represents a two-point increase from November and is the highest since early 2023. According to data released Tuesday, the index of prices paid for materials and services jumped over six points to 64.4, … Read more
The NFL coaching carousel has taken on a life of its own this season, with eight head-coaching vacancies created as teams opted for change during the regular season. Gone are the days when mid-season firings were rare, replaced by an era where team owners and front offices can’t wait to get a jump start on … Read more
Austria’s president has given the leader of the far-right Freedom Party, Herbert Kickl, a chance to try to form a government coalition after months of failed talks among mainstream parties. The task was announced on Monday by President Alexander Van der Bellen, who expressed confidence in Kickl’s ability to find viable solutions. The Freedom Party … Read more
Biotech company Variant Bio is developing new drugs for obesity and diabetes using genetic information from Indigenous people who donated their genes. The company is committed to sharing its revenues with the donors’ communities, a move that has sparked praise from advocates. The partnership aims to improve treatment options for those affected by these conditions. … Read more