Category Archives: SCI-TECH

Global Software Update Disrupts Flights, Banks, and Other Services

Global Software Update Disrupts Flights, Banks, and Other Services

Getty Images

A software update caused chaos on computer systems worldwide on Friday, affecting flights, broadcasters, banking, and healthcare services. The trigger appeared to be an update to a product offered by global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike (CRWD.O), impacting customers using Microsoft’s (MSFT.O) Windows Operating System. Microsoft later confirmed that the issue had been resolved. CrowdStrike CEO George […]

NASA and SpaceX’s Plan to Deorbit the International Space Station

NASA and SpaceX’s Plan to Deorbit the International Space Station

In this image taken on November 8, 2021, the International Space Station is depicted. On Wednesday, NASA and SpaceX revealed their intentions to deorbit the station and guide it toward a controlled ocean reentry within the next decade. (Image credit: NASA via AP)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA and SpaceX have unveiled a plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) using a modified Dragon capsule when the time comes for the massive lab to retire. The space agency and Elon Musk’s company announced on Wednesday that the plan is to burn up the ISS on reentry and […]

Is AI Eligible for Authorship? Federal Court to Decide in Unprecedented Copyright Case

Is AI Eligible for Authorship? Federal Court to Decide in Unprecedented Copyright Case

At the All In artificial intelligence conference in Montreal, attendees were seen checking their phones under the watchful gaze of AMECA, an AI robot./Ryan Remiorz captured the scene.

The Federal Court of Canada faces a unique challenge: determining whether artificial intelligence (AI) can be recognized as authors under the country’s copyright law. This case marks the first time the court will examine how the Copyright Act applies to AI-generated content, such as text, images, and videos produced by systems like ChatGPT. David Fewer, […]

NHS Endorses Online Test for Faster ADHD Diagnosis in Children

NHS Endorses Online Test for Faster ADHD Diagnosis in Children

The NHS has recommended the use of an online test, QbTest, to potentially speed up the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents. QbTest, a computer-based assessment, tracks patients’ movements while evaluating the three primary symptoms of ADHD – inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The results are then compared with those of […]

SpaceX to Safeguard Earth by Deorbiting ISS

SpaceX to Safeguard Earth by Deorbiting ISS

NASA

NASA has chosen SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space venture, to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of its lifespan. The California-based company will construct a vehicle to guide the 430-tonne space station into the Pacific Ocean in the early years of the next decade. The contract, worth up to $843m (£668m), was revealed […]

Uniting Nations for Asteroid Threat: NASA Urges Global Cooperation

Uniting Nations for Asteroid Threat: NASA Urges Global Cooperation

Copyright AP Photo

In the face of an asteroid threat, Earth’s nations may find common ground, according to experts. Addressing a large, dangerous asteroid on a collision course with our planet necessitates international cooperation, and it’s crucial to start planning for such a scenario now. Leviticus “L.A.” Lewis, a detailee from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) […]

Embracer Group Adopts AI to Revolutionize Game Development

Embracer Group Adopts AI to Revolutionize Game Development

LOGO VIA EMBRACER

Embracer Group, a restructured Swedish gaming conglomerate, plans to use AI models to enhance game production significantly. According to the company’s annual report, this new AI policy aims to improve resource efficiency, add intelligent behaviors, personalization, and optimization to gameplay experiences. Embracer believes that harnessing AI will create more engaging and personalized gaming experiences. They […]

SpaceX’s Starlink Mini Dish: A Portable Satellite Internet Solution with Built-In Wi-Fi Router

SpaceX’s Starlink Mini Dish: A Portable Satellite Internet Solution with Built-In Wi-Fi Router

SpaceX has revealed that its upcoming Starlink Mini dish will feature a built-in Wi-Fi router, eliminating the need for an external one. This information was found in an official spec sheet and setup guide on Starlink.com. The Mini dish, set to roll out in a few months according to CEO Elon Musk, offers consumers a […]

Kim Pledges Support for Russia in Ukraine as Putin Visits Pyongyang

Kim Pledges Support for Russia in Ukraine as Putin Visits Pyongyang

North Korea rolled out the red carpet for Putin, as throngs of people gathered in Kim Il Sung Square to cheer the Russian president [Gavriil Grigorov/Sputnik, Pool via AFP]

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged “full support and solidarity” for Russia’s war in Ukraine during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang. Putin expressed gratitude for Kim’s “unwavering” support on Ukraine and asserted that Moscow is combating the “hegemonic and imperialist policy” of the United States and its allies. Putin’s visit to […]

Is Apple Falling Behind in the AI Race?

Is Apple Falling Behind in the AI Race?

Google’s launch of the Pixel 8 smartphone in October — powered by its Gemini family of AI models — has introduced a new concept into the industry lexicon: ‘the AI smartphone’ © AFP via Getty Images

In June 2023, Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage at the company’s annual developers conference, but his announcement of the Vision Pro mixed-reality headset left many wondering why he didn’t mention “generative AI.” This technology, which powers products like ChatGPT and promises to revolutionize how we interact with our devices, has been embraced by […]

Boeing’s Starliner Set for Historic First Crewed Launch

Boeing’s Starliner Set for Historic First Crewed Launch

Boeing's Starliner capsule, which will carry two NASA astronauts during the Crew Test Flight, sits atop an Atlas V rocket at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday. John Raoux/AP

Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is poised for its first crewed mission, a milestone nearly a decade in the making. The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 12:25 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. You can catch the event live on NASA’s website, with the stream starting at 8:15 a.m. ET. Weather conditions […]

Santander Confirms Data Breach Affecting Millions of Customers and Staff

Santander Confirms Data Breach Affecting Millions of Customers and Staff

Hackers have claimed to possess confidential information of millions of Santander customers and employees, which they are attempting to sell. The same group, ShinyHunters, is also responsible for the recent Ticketmaster hack. Santander, a global bank with approximately 200,000 employees, including 20,000 in the UK, has confirmed the data breach. The bank apologized for the […]

Scarlett Johansson Upset Over ChatGPT’s Voice Similarity

Scarlett Johansson Upset Over ChatGPT’s Voice Similarity

Getty Images

OpenAI’s founder, Sam Altman, is facing an unexpected challenge from Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson. In September, Altman approached Johansson to lend her voice to ChatGPT’s text-to-speech product, but she declined the offer, as reported by the New York Times. Nine months later, ChatGPT introduced a voice option that closely resembled Johansson’s, leaving her “shocked, angered, […]

NASA Plans Maglev Rail System for Lunar Transport

NASA Plans Maglev Rail System for Lunar Transport

An artist’s concept of a future human habitat on the Moon.Illustration: Ethan Schaler

NASA is exploring innovative solutions to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon, including a magnetic levitation (maglev) railway system for cargo transport. The NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program recently selected six projects for further development, including the Flexible Levitation on a Track (FLOAT) system. FLOAT employs unpowered magnetic robots that levitate over […]

Federal Budget 2024-25: Clean Economy Investments in Hydrogen, Solar, and Batteries

Federal Budget 2024-25: Clean Economy Investments in Hydrogen, Solar, and Batteries

‘Budget dollars are eye-catching but facilitation is vital … Future Made in Australia depends on deploying vast amounts of renewable energy at competitive cost.’ Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Businesses, investors, unions, and climate advocates have been urging for significant clean economy investments. The question is, did the 2024-25 federal budget address these calls? The government’s Future Made in Australia policy includes a strategic framework, $22.7bn in spending, and facilitation policies. The framework aims to provide discipline by supporting sectors crucial for net zero […]