General Motors has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over its Smart Driver program, which collected precise geolocation data from millions of OnStar vehicles without driver consent. The FTC alleged that GM provided this data to telematics analysis firms like Verisk and LexisNexis, who used it to raise insurance rates for drivers … Read more
Two private companies, ispace and Firefly Aerospace, successfully launched their spacecraft to the Moon today, aboard the same rocket. This marks a significant milestone in the growing space industry’s efforts to explore the lunar surface. However, private missions to the Moon are notoriously challenging due to the need for detailed research equipment installation. The probes … Read more
A ceasefire deal has been finalized in Qatar to end the 15-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, with devastating consequences for Gaza. The territory has suffered significant destruction, leaving over 46,000 Palestinians dead, including more than 60% women, children, and the elderly. The Israeli military claims its attacks targeted Hamas fighters but acknowledges civilian casualties. … Read more
President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to Israel played a key role in securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with a diplomat crediting him for “real pressure” on the Israeli side to accept a deal. In contrast, President Joe Biden failed to exert similar pressure over 15 months of violence, despite having leverage to do so. The US … Read more
UnitedHealth Group’s shares fell sharply on Thursday after reporting fourth-quarter results below Wall Street’s expectations. The health insurer reported a medical cost ratio (MCR) of 86-87%, higher than its first quarter 2023 MCR of 82%. This led to a decline in the company’s stock price, falling 6% to $510.59. The decline followed failed attempts by … Read more
Ukraine has received a new air defence system called Gravehawk, developed by Britain and Denmark. The system is roughly the size of a shipping container and can shoot down aerial threats using retrofitted air-to-air missiles launched from the ground. This allows Ukrainian forces to use their existing missiles to target Russian missiles and drones. Meanwhile, … Read more
A Dallas-based startup, Colossal Biosciences, has secured a major boost in funding to revive extinct species. The company, valued at over $10 billion, announced it received $200 million in series C funding from TWG Global. This brings the total investment to $435 million since its launch in 2021. Colossal aims to bring back three iconic … Read more
Researchers have made significant progress in creating bionic limbs that can sense and convey touch to users. A new study published this week introduced a brain-computer interface (BCI) device that can reproduce complex tactile sensations, allowing volunteers with spinal cord injuries to perform tasks with greater accuracy. The BCI system uses intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of … Read more
Austin-based startup Colossal Biosciences Inc., which is using genetic engineering to recreate extinct species like the woolly mammoth, has secured a massive $200 million funding round led by TWG Global. The new funding values the company at $10.2 billion, making it the first Texas-founded and headquartered venture-backed startup to reach this milestone. This achievement cements … Read more
The Los Angeles Rams will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field. The game kicks off at noon Pacific Time, airing on NBC, Peacock, Telemundo, and Universo. To catch the action live, fans can watch on NFL+, which provides access to local and … Read more