Microsoft introduces Phi-3-Mini, the first in a series of small language models. Phi-3 models are cost-effective and outperform larger models in various benchmarks. Phi-3-Mini has 3.8 billion parameters compared to ChatGPT's trillion. It was trained on a dataset of 3.3 trillion tokens. These models may enable local use on devices like smartphones. The affordability of Phi-3 models could democratize AI access for small businesses.

Google's CEO Sundar Pichai announced during the Q1 2024 earnings call that Google's generative AI has served "billions of queries" and aims to expand query types further. AI overviews have increased Search usage and user satisfaction. Pichai emphasized the positive impact on user experience and expressed confidence in managing costs and monetization. Google continues to evolve its Search Generative Experience in 2024.

Avian flu H5N1 has spread to American cows, with 33 herds in 8 states affected. The virus was found in 1 in 5 commercially bought milk samples. The US CDC confirmed one human case, possibly from cow-to-human transmission. The fatality rate is 52%, and the US government is preparing with testing, treatment, and vaccines. The risk to the general population is low, but mutations could lead to human-to-human spread.

The European Parliament passed new laws to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in the EU. The legislation focuses on large cash payments, crypto firms, and football clubs. It establishes a single rulebook for all 27 EU nations and creates an anti-money laundering authority in Frankfurt. The laws mandate enhanced due diligence and reporting of suspicious activities by entities like banks and crypto asset managers.

Breakthroughs in ageing science are changing perceptions of old age, with life expectancy increasing. Geroscience focuses on targeting ageing biology, with experiments showing promising results in extending lifespan and health. Trials with drugs like rapamycin and metformin aim to delay chronic diseases. The Dog Aging Project is testing rapamycin on pets. Exercise remains crucial for health. The FDA's approval of ageing as a treatable condition is a key challenge.

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission reached low-Earth orbit in 13 minutes in February 2024. It took over 20 years for scientists to develop PACE's instruments, including the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and Hyper Angular Rainbow Polarimeter (HARP). NASA's Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) supported the development of over 1,100 new technologies for Earth observation, crucial for PACE's success. HARP2, a key instrument, offers global aerosol views with minimal energy consumption.

Modern web browsers' advanced capabilities, like the File System Access API, can be exploited by hackers to deploy ransomware. Chrome and Edge are vulnerable, comprising 70% of browsers. No reported incidents yet. Ransomware attacks are increasing, costing over $1.1 billion in 2023. Researchers at Florida International University developed RøB, the first browser-based ransomware, and proposed defense strategies. Users should be cautious when uploading files online to prevent potential cyber threats.

Global leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, gather to address defeating meningitis by 2030 at a WHO and French government co-hosted meeting. Nigeria's success with a new vaccine targeting five strains is highlighted. The roadmap aims to prevent 3 million cases and 900,000 deaths by 2030, saving $4-10 billion. The plan focuses on prevention, treatment, and support for those affected. Key partners include Gavi, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNICEF.

Nio and Xpeng are introducing lower-priced electric cars in China's market, with Nio's upcoming SUV priced below Tesla's Model Y starting at 249,900 yuan. This move shifts focus from premium to mass market, competing with BYD and Volkswagen. China's new energy car market sees over 40% of new passenger cars as electric or hybrid. Nio plans to launch its new brand, Onvo, in mid-May.

U.S. Secretary of State Blinken met with Chinese officials in Beijing to address growing tensions. Discussions covered various contentious issues, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, trade, and human rights. Both sides emphasized the importance of communication to prevent misunderstandings. The U.S. recently signed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, including funds for Taiwan and Ukraine, which China views as provocative. Russia-China ties were also a key topic.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals' Trikafta can extend young cystic fibrosis patients' lives by up to 45 years, with a cost of $300,000 per patient annually in the US. Revenues doubled from $4.2bn to $8.9bn between 2019 and 2022. Trikafta has generated $26bn since 2019 and is expected to reach $10bn in annual sales. Vertex's non-opioid painkiller research and acquisitions aim to replicate its CF success.

NASA's DSOC experiment on the Psyche spacecraft is revolutionizing deep space communication with laser-based optical technology. It transmitted data over 140 million miles, surpassing Earth-Sun distance by 1.5 times. This breakthrough paves the way for advanced deep space missions beyond traditional RF systems.

Thousands will rally in 17 Australian cities demanding action on women killed in violent attacks. Organized by WWYW, rallies start on Friday in Ballarat and Newcastle, with more on Saturday and Sunday across the country. Demands include more funding for support services and designating violence against women a national emergency. On average, one woman was murdered every four days this year.

Asia faced extreme weather in 2023, with over 9 million people affected by floods and storms, resulting in 2,000 casualties. The region experienced its second-highest mean temperature on record, with temperatures rising faster than the global average. Economic damages in Asia-Pacific reached $65 billion due to floods in China and droughts in India. The World Meteorological Organization calls for better climate preparedness to reduce future losses.

WhatsApp stated in court that it would cease operations in India if compelled to compromise message encryption, safeguarding user privacy. The company, with over 400 million Indian users, argues that breaking encryption violates fundamental rights. Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, is challenging India's 2021 IT rules mandating chat tracing. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg praised India's adoption of messaging technology.

In the 2024 election, President Biden and Donald Trump are the main contenders. Key dates include voters selecting party nominees from January to June. Abortion rights are a significant issue, with voters in twelve states potentially influencing its fate. Biden advocates for legal access nationwide, while Trump now believes states should decide. Trump's stance on abortion has evolved over time.

Sequoia Capital commits to investing in Elon Musk's xAI, aiming to raise $6bn and compete with OpenAI, Meta, and Google. Musk seeks to value xAI at $18bn, with Sequoia's undisclosed investment. OpenAI raised $13bn from Microsoft, while Anthropic received commitments of $2bn and $4bn from Google and Amazon. Musk aims to enhance xAI's capabilities with the investment, competing in the AI market.

Solar physicists from NCRA used MeerKAT in South Africa to capture detailed radio images of the Sun in just 15 minutes. Dr. Kansabanik and Dr. Mondal, both NCRA alumni, led the research. The Sun's radio emissions from the corona are crucial for understanding space weather. By employing a unique observing strategy, they overcame challenges to produce high-fidelity solar images. MeerKAT's capabilities offer a new frontier in solar physics.

ByteDance may shut down TikTok instead of selling it if US legislation bans the app. TikTok operates at a loss, with a billion users but a small share of ByteDance's revenue. ByteDance's 2023 revenue was nearly $120bn. TikTok's US daily active users are 5% of ByteDance's total. ByteDance values its algorithms and may not sell TikTok without them. China opposes forced divestment of TikTok.

Recent torrential rains in East Africa caused floods and landslides, resulting in over 200 deaths and numerous injuries. Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi were severely affected, highlighting issues with poor infrastructure and drainage systems. Activists urge governments to prioritize infrastructure improvements to mitigate future disasters.

Harvey Weinstein's rape conviction has been overturned, shocking Hollywood. He was sentenced to 23 years in 2020, now facing imprisonment for a separate rape conviction in Los Angeles. Celebrities like Ashley Judd and Rose McGowan express disappointment, emphasizing the impact on survivors. The #MeToo movement founder, Tarana Burke, sees this as a call to action. Over 80 women accused Weinstein, sparking the movement in 2017.

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta are increasing investments in AI, with Meta raising spending predictions by up to $10 billion and Google planning to spend $12 billion per quarter on data centers. This surge in AI investment is driving up demand for energy and high-end computer chips. Nvidia's revenue is expected to reach $24 billion this quarter. Microsoft's revenue rose 17% to $61.9 billion, and Google's revenue increased by 15% to $80.5 billion.

Army engineers have started constructing a floating pier and causeway off Gaza's coast to aid in delivering up to two million meals daily. The project, ordered by President Biden, is on track for completion early next month. The facility aims to bypass Israeli restrictions on land convoys. Concerns about security have been raised, but the project is seen as a valuable addition to ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

The FCC reinstated net neutrality rules, preventing broadband providers from favoring sites or apps. The move reverses a 2017 decision under Trump's administration. Net neutrality ensures equal treatment of internet traffic, prohibiting throttling, blocking, or paid prioritization. FCC Chairwoman emphasized broadband as a necessity. The 3-2 vote split along party lines, with Democrats supporting and Republicans opposing the measure.

Boeing's Starliner is set to launch astronauts to the International Space Station on May 6. The mission marks Starliner's second flight to the ISS after facing delays and over $1.5 billion in costs. NASA's Commercial Crew Program aims to increase astronaut transportation resources. The mission's loss-of-crew probability is 1-in-295, meeting NASA's safety standards. Successful completion will lead to regular missions under the CCP contract.

A study suggests a link between vitamin D and improved immunity to cancer by promoting specific gut bacteria growth. Mice on a vitamin D-rich diet showed better immune resistance to cancer. Data from 1.5 million people in Denmark indicated lower vitamin D levels correlated with higher cancer risk. Further research is needed to confirm these findings. The study was funded by Cancer Research UK, the UK Medical Research Council, and the Wellcome Trust.

AMA urges Australians to get their annual flu vaccine and Covid booster shot to protect against serious illness. AMA President Professor Steve Robson emphasizes the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and children. Both shots can be given in one appointment for convenience. Influenza is highlighted as a severe virus that can lead to hospitalization and death.

UNRWA warns of dire conditions for 1.2 million Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza, living in tents. Temperatures reaching 40°C, set to rise to 50-60°C. Water scarcity leads to long queues. UN aid missions hindered by Israeli army checkpoints. UNRWA converts nursery into health clinic in Khan Younis, serving 2,000 daily. Concerns over infectious diseases and overcrowding. UN condemns potential Israeli invasion of Rafah.

Every 40 seconds, a heart attack occurs in the U.S. with 300,000 patients not receiving post-attack surgery. Jianjun Guan's team at Washington University aims to use smart nanoparticles to deliver anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis drugs directly to the heart. The $2.1 million NIH-funded project combines M2 macrophage secretome and a peptide inhibitor to target inflammation and fibrosis. The goal is to develop a self-administered treatment for heart attack patients.

Caitlin Clark signed a $28 million sneaker deal with Nike, sparking a surge in popularity. The Washington Mystics sold out a game in three hours after drafting her first overall. Clark's deep three-point shot revolutionized women's basketball, setting records and elevating her to stardom. She joins a select group of WNBA players with signature shoes, highlighting racial dynamics in sports. Her success may pave the way for others in the league.

Companies like InnerPlant are developing technology to help crops communicate distress signals to farmers, reducing agricultural waste. This genetic engineering solution uses fluorescents in plants to emit signals detectable by devices on satellites, drones, or tractors. This innovation aims to optimize chemical use, potentially saving farmers up to 30% in over-application costs. InnerPlant has received $22.3 million in funding and is working with major agriculture producers to implement the technology.

Ariel Henry resigned as Haiti's prime minister amid escalating gang violence that left over 2,500 dead or injured from January to March. Michel Patrick Boisvert was appointed interim prime minister by Henry's remaining Cabinet. A transitional council was sworn in to select a new prime minister and Cabinet, with a mandate until Feb. 7, 2026. Gangs have caused chaos, with 80% of Port-au-Prince under their control.

The World Bank warns that Middle East tensions could push oil prices above $100 a barrel, reversing global inflation trends. Brent crude is at $87, with potential to reach $92 or higher. A major conflict could raise global inflation by nearly one percentage point. Commodity prices fell 40% from mid-2022 to mid-2023, impacting global inflation. Green technology investments are driving up key metal prices.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the EU's "mortal" threat due to economic decline and rising illiberalism post-Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He proposed doubling EU's financial firepower for defense and decarbonization, common debt issuance, and changing the European Central Bank's monetary policy. Macron also advocated for a tougher EU trade policy and increased investment in technology. His vision includes a more sovereign Europe and strategic autonomy.

The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump's claim of presidential immunity on Thursday. The case involves his actions post-2020 election. Trump argues for broad immunity citing a Nixon-era ruling, while the Justice Department contends presidents don't have absolute immunity. The outcome may affect Trump's legal battles and his potential run in the upcoming presidential election. Trump will miss the hearing due to a trial in New York.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series competes with Apple Silicon. Microsoft plans to launch an Arm-based Surface tablet. The new Snapdragon X Plus chip has 10 CPU cores, a 3.4 GHz base frequency, and a 3.8 TFLOPs GPU. It outperforms Apple's M3 by 10% in multi-threaded performance. All X chips share the Oryon CPU architecture and NPU. They meet Microsoft's "AI PCs" requirements, including 16GB RAM and a Copilot key.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported a 130% increase in battery capacity, with 42GW added globally in 2023. To meet renewable energy goals, 1,500GW of battery storage is needed by 2030. Battery costs have dropped 90% in 15 years, driving growth in electric vehicles. $150bn was invested in batteries last year, with a significant impact on electric car sales and renewable energy adoption.

Apple, known for secrecy, unveils OpenELM, a generative AI model outperforming others. OpenELM is a family of small open-source language models for iPhones and Macs, with eight models ranging from 270M to 3B parameters. It uses a layer-wise scaling strategy for enhanced accuracy. Apple claims OpenELM is state-of-the-art and trained on public datasets, challenging perceptions of its AI progress.

Anglo American received a takeover offer from BHP, causing its shares to rise by over 13%. BHP aims to become the world's largest copper producer and expand its coal and iron ore operations. The deal values Anglo at £25.08 per share, including Amplats and Kumba shares. Anglo reported an 11% increase in copper production. BHP plans to produce up to 1.91 million tonnes of copper in 2023-24.

Climate change is spreading malaria to new areas, affecting millions in Africa. In 2022, global malaria cases rose to 249 million, with 608,000 deaths. Africa bears 70% of the burden, with children under 5 accounting for 80% of deaths. COVID-19 setbacks include disrupted health services. Climate change exacerbates the issue, with extreme weather events impacting efforts. WHO warns of increased malaria risk in previously unaffected areas.

Former President Donald Trump's lawyer Rudy Giuliani and chief of staff Mark Meadows are among 18 indicted in Arizona for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. Arizona is the fourth state to charge individuals for submitting false documents claiming Trump won. Joe Biden won Arizona by over 10,000 votes. The US Supreme Court will hear arguments on Trump's attempt to avoid federal prosecution. Charges include conspiracy, fraud, and forgery.

Scientists at Fudan University developed high-performance fiber batteries for clothes and bags, capable of wirelessly charging devices by 20-30% in 30 minutes. The breakthrough replaces flammable organic electrolytes with safe polymer gel electrolytes, ensuring safety and stability. The batteries passed industry standards for washing, abrasion, and bending tests, with an energy density of 128 watt-hours per kilogram. Potential applications include heated suits and powering drones in extreme conditions.

A new method using liquid metals can produce artificial diamonds in minutes at 1 atm pressure and 1,025°C. Researchers from South Korea's Institute for Basic Science developed the process, which could revolutionize synthetic diamond production. The innovative approach eliminates the need for high pressures and diamond seeds, potentially making diamond manufacturing faster and easier. Published in Nature, the study shows promise for various applications.

Researchers at University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill have created artificial cells in the lab mirroring human cells. Led by Ronit Freeman, the team manipulated DNA and proteins to achieve this breakthrough. The synthetic cells remained stable at 122°F (50°C), offering potential for creating cells with unique abilities in extreme conditions.

Eric Daigle, a student, discovered vulnerabilities in the iSharing app, exposing 35 million users' precise locations, names, and contact details. The bugs allowed unauthorized access to location data. Daigle notified iSharing, prompting a fix. The company plans to enhance security measures. Daigle confirmed the fix before TechCrunch published the story. iSharing attributed the issue to a feature oversight. Daigle intends to continue researching location-tracking and stalkerware.

NYU Langone Health performed the first successful transplant combining a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney on Lisa Pisano, a 54-year-old with heart failure and kidney disease. The US faces an organ shortage crisis, with 17 people dying daily while waiting for transplants. Xenotransplants, like pig organs, are seen as a solution. Pisano's recovery is progressing well, with doctors monitoring for rejection and infection.

Immunization has saved 154 million lives in 50 years, with 146 million being children under five. The measles vaccine alone saved 94 million lives. Global infant deaths decreased by 40%, more than halving in Africa. Despite successes, 67 million children missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO stresses the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks. Gavi has helped protect over a billion children.

Japan's moon lander, SLIM, survived a third lunar night, with temperatures dropping to -170°C (-274°F). It landed on Jan. 20, making Japan the fifth country to land a probe on the moon. Despite challenges, SLIM's key functions are operational. JAXA plans to monitor its condition closely. The probe aims to test landing technology and gather geological data. NASA also restored contact with Voyager 1 recently.

The Senate passed a bill requiring the sale of TikTok by ByteDance due to national security concerns over Chinese ties. The law gives 270 days for the sale, extendable to a year. Legal challenges and resistance from Beijing are expected, with uncertainty over potential buyers due to the high price tag. President Biden is likely to sign the bill into law soon.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule banning noncompetes nationwide to promote competition and protect workers' freedom. The rule is expected to increase new business formation by 2.7% annually, create over 8,500 new businesses yearly, raise average worker earnings by $524 per year, reduce healthcare costs by up to $194 billion over a decade, and lead to 17,000 to 29,000 more patents annually.

Columbia University's president, Nemat Shafik, faced intense scrutiny over antisemitism on campus. Pro-Palestinian student demonstrators occupied the lawn, adding to the crisis. Shafik set up a command center near the White House to address the situation. The ensuing 24 hours of deliberations led to a campus crisis over free speech and safety, reminiscent of 1968, impacting campuses nationwide during a challenging academic year.

Eliot Bohr, descendant of physicist Niels Bohr, introduces a new time measurement technique using "superradiant atoms" for precise second measurement. This innovation aims to surpass limitations of existing atomic clocks, crucial for maintaining global time accuracy. With over 400 atomic clocks globally, oscillations are key for precise timekeeping.

On April 23, the sun emitted four solar flares simultaneously, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory. These "super-sympathetic" eruptions involved three sunspots and one magnetic filament, potentially leading to Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. If these impact Earth, they could disrupt power grids, communication networks, satellites, and pose radiation risks to astronauts. The event hints at nearing solar maximum or entering the decay phase of the solar cycle.

NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, led by Ames Research Center, will launch a CubeSat from New Zealand on April 23. The sail, measuring over 800 square feet, will use sunlight for propulsion in space. Successful deployment will pave the way for missions to the Moon and Mars. The spacecraft will demonstrate orbit maneuvers visible from Earth. Media can contact NASA Ames for interviews. Launch updates available on NASA's platforms.

Meta announced that third-party device makers can now use the Meta Horizon OS, offering technologies like tracking and passthrough. Asus, Lenovo, and Xbox are the first to develop devices running the system. Microsoft and Meta are collaborating on a limited-edition Meta Quest inspired by Xbox. Asus focuses on gaming, Lenovo on productivity. The Meta Horizon Store is open to third-party developers for creating mixed-reality experiences amid the VR/AR headset competition.

Malaria cases rose to 249 million in 2022, with Africa bearing 94% of cases and 95% of deaths. The RTS,S vaccine, targeting children under 5, prevented 30% from severe malaria. Rollout began in Cameroon in 2024. The R21/Matrix M vaccine, with 75% efficacy, is cost-effective and easier to produce. WHO approved it in 2023, and it's set to roll out in Africa from May 2024.

Israeli military intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva resigned over the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, the deadliest in Israel's history, killing 1,200 and taking 250 hostages. The attack led to a seven-month war. Haliva cited intelligence failures in his resignation letter. The war has claimed over 34,000 Palestinian lives, with 80% of Gaza's population displaced. The attack has also caused a humanitarian crisis and unrest in the region.

The House approved $95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, overcoming opposition to support the Ukrainian military against Russia. The aid package includes $60 billion for Kyiv, $26 billion for Israel, and $8 billion for the Indo-Pacific region. The bill also includes provisions for repayment and potential forgiveness of loans to Ukraine. Speaker Mike Johnson took a political risk to secure bipartisan support.

Israel conducted multiple strikes on Iran's bases and nuclear facilities, escalating tensions in the region. Recent events include Iran's drone and missile attack on Israel, which was repelled with US and Jordanian assistance. India, impacted by the conflict, faces challenges in geopolitics, connectivity projects, oil imports, economy, trade, travel, and labor. The conflict's impact on India's plans for connectivity and its citizens in the region is significant.

NASA and Nokia are collaborating to establish a 4G network on the Moon, aiding in future planetary habitability. SpaceX will deploy the technology to the lunar south pole in 2024. The network will be remotely operated from Earth, enabling data transmission for lunar exploration, including the discovery of lunar ice.

Researchers from Pohang University of Science and Technology and Korea Institute of Industrial Technology developed a bendable energy storage device using laser-patterned liquid metal electrodes on a stretchable substrate. The device maintained its capacitance after 1,000 cycles of stretching and various deformations. This innovation addresses the need for flexible energy storage in wearable technology. Funding was provided by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea.

A major bushfire in WA's south coast threatens homes and property in the Shire of Denmark near Walpole. The fire, suspected to be deliberately lit, has burned over 2000ha. Residents are urged to evacuate, with an emergency warning in place for the area. Dry conditions and low rainfall have heightened fire risks. Authorities are investigating the cause, urging vigilance and providing evacuation instructions.

A simplified multi-omics testing using one annual blood sample can detect early pancreatic cancer. The longitudinal multi-omics monitoring (LMOM) system is practical, requiring fewer measurements and enabling faster decision-making. Researchers at the University of Alberta developed this cost-effective method, successfully diagnosing a precancerous pancreatic tumor in a 62-year-old woman. This approach has also identified early cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes in other cases.

Devon Dixon, a licensed gun carrier and mother of three in Nashville, worries about school safety after a shooting that killed six, including 9-year-olds. Despite concerns, she questions the effectiveness of a bill allowing teachers to carry concealed weapons. The shooting at Covenant School has prompted parents to push lawmakers for action, reflecting widespread fears and calls for solutions in Tennessee.

Micron Technology will receive over $13bn in government funding and loans to build memory chip factories in New York and Idaho under the 2022 Chips Act. Micron plans to invest up to $125bn in both states over the next two decades. The Biden administration aims for 20% of leading-edge chips to be made in the US by 2030. Micron's latest HBM3E memory chips are integrated with Nvidia's H200 GPUs.

The EU-funded PASSEPARTOUT project is developing compact, affordable gas-sensing networks using laser technology to detect toxic gases like NO2, SO2, CO, and more in real-time. These hand-sized sensors aim to be as common as CCTV cameras, potentially on every lamppost. Dr. Whelan-Curtin highlights the system's precision and spatial resolution, with hopes for widespread urban adoption and integration into Google Maps for real-time air quality monitoring.

The UK has the highest rate of child alcohol abuse globally, with over half of British children drinking by age 13. A WHO study surveyed 280,000 children from 44 countries, revealing that by age 11, 35% of boys and girls had consumed alcohol. Girls aged 13 and 15 in the UK drink, smoke, and vape more than boys. The UK government aims to create a smoke-free generation.

Researchers at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands are developing a groundbreaking technique to improve cancer therapies by better navigating antibodies to target tumors, reducing side effects. The project, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, aims to enhance the efficacy of antibody-based therapies by preventing them from binding to healthy tissue. This innovative approach could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment.

A study from Anglia Ruskin University reveals a 23% reduction in depression risk and a 26% decrease in anxiety risk with low to moderate-intensity exercise. This association remains consistent across demographics and offers an accessible mental health intervention. Tailored exercise guidelines are crucial, as high-intensity exercise may not benefit everyone. Low to moderate physical activity, like gardening and walking, proves effective in promoting mental well-being.

The article discusses the importance of addressing inequality to achieve sustainable growth and global development goals. Brazil proposed a global minimum tax on billionaires, aiming to increase fairness in tax systems and generate $250bn annually. This tax could enhance social justice, trust in fiscal redistribution, and fund public goods. International cooperation is crucial for its effectiveness, similar to the global minimum tax on multinational companies.

Experts warn that continued destruction of nature in Britain could lead to a 12% loss in GDP by the 2030s, surpassing impacts of the 2008 financial crisis and Covid pandemic. The report by the Green Finance Institute highlights risks from pollution, soil erosion, and disease. It emphasizes the urgent need for action to prevent economic downturns. Ministers are urged to address the threats to the economy posed by environmental breakdown.

Millions saw income boosts in April with benefits and state pension increases. Inflation dropped to 3.2% in April. Absolute poverty rose for two consecutive years, with nearly a million more in poverty in 2022/23. Universal Credit, state pension, and other benefits are paid as usual. The Household Support Fund was extended. Energy price cap dropped to £1,690 in April. Benefits rose by 6.7%, state pension by 8.5% in April.

Synthesia, an AI firm backed by Nvidia, introduced "Expressive Avatars" that convey human emotions through text inputs. The technology aims to revolutionize video production by eliminating the need for cameras, microphones, and actors. With over 55,000 business clients, including half of the Fortune 100, Synthesia raised $90 million in funding in 2023, reaching a valuation of $1 billion. Key investors include Accel, Kleiner Perkins, GV, FirstMark Capital, and MMC.

A UN mechanism is being implemented to accelerate aid deliveries to Gaza following Security Council resolution 2720. Israeli military operations have killed over 34,000 Palestinians, prompting urgent aid needs. The mechanism will prioritize aid routes, with initial focus on Cyprus and Jordan. The UN urges a paradigm shift to meet growing needs and emphasizes the importance of political will for sustained aid efforts. Israel has committed to ramping up aid deliveries.

Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever are spreading due to climate breakdown, with dengue cases increasing eightfold in the past two decades. The Asian tiger mosquito, carrier of dengue, has established in 13 European countries. By the end of the century, 4.7 billion people could be living in areas with mosquito-borne diseases. Experts emphasize the need for early intervention and surveillance to prevent outbreaks and save lives.

The Lundquist Institute receives a $2,623,234 grant from USAMRAA for a four-year project led by Dr. Harry Rossiter to develop wearable biosensors for COPD exacerbation risk monitoring. COPD affects 16 million Americans and is the third leading global cause of death. The biosensor, analyzing inflammatory molecules in sweat, aims to predict acute exacerbations early, potentially reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs. Collaboration with Caltech enhances medical technology for chronic disease management.

Tensions in the South China Sea have escalated due to competing claims over islands and strategic waters. China, under President Xi Jinping, has become more assertive. About one-third of global trade passes through the sea, including vital energy supplies. The U.S. advocates for peaceful resolution based on international law and asserts freedom of navigation by sailing warships through the area.

Snakebites cause over 100,000 deaths annually, with 400,000 left disabled. WHO classified snakebite envenoming as a top neglected tropical disease in 2017. Scientists developed a human antibody to combat snake venom, successfully protecting mice from various deadly snake venoms. This breakthrough could lead to a universal antivenom. Dr. Sunagar aims to discover antibodies for other snake toxins for a comprehensive solution.

Researchers at the Doherty Institute are making strides in malaria research. In 2022, 249 million people were infected worldwide. Associate Professor Haque discovered how malaria parasites' biological clock affects disease spread. Dr. Duffy is identifying immune targets for drug development. The Heath lab focuses on liver-stage immunity for vaccine design. Dr. Beattie's work on gamma delta T cells and immune-boosting molecules shows promise for new vaccine development.

Akula Tech, with academic and industry partners, qualifies for XPRIZE Wildfire competition's Space-based Detection Track. The consortium aims to develop a satellite constellation using AI for real-time wildfire detection and management. The project targets improving emergency response by providing advanced situational awareness to global agencies. Akula Tech's innovative technology integrates satellite, AI, and machine learning for efficient wildfire identification and control, potentially reducing devastating impacts globally.

Summary: BARseq, a new brain mapping method, reveals unique cellular signatures in different brain regions. Sensory experiences, like vision, shape these identities. BARseq is faster and more affordable than previous technologies, mapping over 9 million cells in 3 weeks. This tool aids in understanding brain architecture and changes related to diseases, emphasizing the impact of sensory inputs on brain development. (Note: 65 words)

A report by Citizen Lab reveals that almost a billion mobile users were at risk of having their communications intercepted due to unencrypted keystrokes transmitted by various keyboard apps. Manufacturers like Huawei were secure, while others like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo were vulnerable. Most manufacturers have addressed the issue, except for Honor and Tencent. Users are advised to update their devices and use secure keyboards.

The U.S. Space Force tested the Remote Modular Terminal (RMT), a ground-based satellite jamming system, to protect against potential "space-enabled" attacks. Developed by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, the RMT is designed for rapid deployment globally. The system was evaluated for system latency and target engagement accuracy. Lt. Col. Gerrit Dalman highlighted its ability to deny adversaries satellite use. Space Force emphasizes the need for new space technologies.

The Washington Post tracks U.S. abortion access post-Roe v. Wade. Voters in 12 states may decide abortion rights via constitutional amendments. Biden supports nationwide abortion rights, while Trump favors state decisions. A study shows a rise in women using abortion pills post-Supreme Court ruling. The Court is unlikely to restrict mifepristone access. Current access to mifepristone remains unchanged.

Astronomers discovered 40 Jupiter-Mass Binary Objects (JuMBOs) in the Orion Nebula using the JWST. Astrophysicists from the University of Nevada and Stoneybrook University proposed a model explaining how these objects were ejected from their systems. This discovery challenges traditional star and planet formation theories. The research, published in Nature Astronomy, suggests JuMBOs could be common and revolutionizes our understanding of planetary evolution.

A study found that fewer than 60 multinationals are responsible for over half of the world's plastic pollution, with five companies contributing a quarter. Researchers collected 1,870,000 plastic items across 84 countries, mostly single-use packaging. Only 9% of plastic is recycled. Companies like Coca-Cola and Nestlé have made pledges to reduce plastic waste, but experts argue voluntary measures are insufficient. Calls for a global treaty on plastic pollution are growing.

Michigan State University researchers have developed a vaccine to combat antibiotic resistance, a global threat that caused over 1 million deaths in 2019. The vaccine targets Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA, offering high immunity levels in animal trials. By utilizing a carbohydrate-based antigen and a bacteriophage delivery platform, the team's vaccine outperformed existing options in animal studies, showing promise in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

A new report reveals nearly 40% of US residents face unhealthy air pollution levels, with California hosting four of the top five polluted cities. Over 131 million people are exposed to harmful ozone and particle pollution, a rise of 11.7 million from the previous year. Climate change impacts millions annually, leading to health risks. Recent EPA data shows a 78% drop in emissions since 1970, but wildfires are reversing progress.