Scientists have made strides in using CRISPR gene editing to potentially eliminate HIV by cutting out “bad” DNA from infected cells, with hopes of developing a cure strategy, as reported by the BBC. While early findings show promise in targeting dormant HIV in cell samples, challenges remain in proving the effectiveness and safety of this approach in treating the virus on a larger scale in animals and humans.
After nearly a decade of endorsing Weight Watchers, Oprah Winfrey has shifted gears, questioning the CEO of her former sponsor, now known as WW International, during an ABC special. Winfrey challenged the necessity of WeightWatchers in light of drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy. Sistani, WW’s current CEO, defended the program, emphasizing community and education. Winfrey’s departure from the board caused a stock drop, highlighting the struggle to adapt to changing attitudes towards weight and health.
Playing recordings of healthy corals through underwater speakers has shown to boost the vitality of degrading coral reefs, as seen in a study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers. By attracting coral larvae and fish back to struggling reefs, this method may offer a new approach to reef restoration alongside existing efforts. However, caution is advised to ensure the survival and growth of corals over time, making it a multi-faceted endeavor to save these crucial marine ecosystems.
Google researchers have unleashed Vlogger, an AI marvel that can morph a static image into a chatty, lifelike avatar. The cutting-edge tech aims for genuine interaction, crafting synthetic personas to enhance virtual communication. While Vlogger’s potential for creative endeavors is enticing, its ease of use raises concerns about misuse. Though still a work in progress, this AI breakthrough could revolutionize the digital landscape – for better or for worse.
During a tense interview with Elon Musk, Don Lemon didn’t hold back, questioning Musk’s leadership at X and the platform’s decline. Musk responded defensively, claiming moderation equals censorship. His inability to articulate a clear vision for his companies was evident, and his regression into conspiracy theories post-interview was alarming. Despite Musk’s optimism, evidence shows a different reality. The interview highlighted Musk’s struggles and growing radicalization by followers. Lemon’s probing clashed with Musk’s closed-off worldview, revealing a strained relationship between the two.
According to the Daily Dot, Russian media outlets, like Sputnik, promoted a false story using a manipulated screenshot claiming Buckingham Palace announced the unexpected death of the king. Amidst this absurdity, real news of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis and Princess Kate Middleton’s surgery surfaced. Interestingly, Kensington Palace faced its own scandal involving edited photos of Middleton. The confusion escalated until the Associated Press issued a “Kill notification” on the photo, prompting retractions from major news outlets and an AFP announcement discrediting Kensington Palace as a reliable source.
Federal prosecutors are investigating whether Meta, formerly Facebook, profited from ad sales for regulated drugs and telehealth services promoting them. The probe focuses on the tech company’s potential involvement with unregulated online pharmacies advertising on its platforms. With the surge of telehealth services during the pandemic, sketchy companies are offering controlled substances through digital ads. Meta could face liability for these activities. The FDA is cooperating with the investigation, while Meta remains tight-lipped about the matter.
A recent viral video showed a Tesla Cybertruck struggling in the Moab desert, sparking concerns about its durability. However, further investigation revealed that the issue was a loose wheel well liner causing the strange noises and light flickering. Despite Elon Musk’s bold claims, the Cybertruck may not be as indestructible as advertised. Nonetheless, with minor repairs and features like “Wade mode,” it can handle light off-roading and water crossings, proving its resilience in everyday challenges.
In a groundbreaking paper, Gupta challenges prevailing beliefs by proposing that the universe’s age is double what current models suggest and that dark matter may not even exist, going against the consensus of physicists. Through his research, Gupta argues that the universe does not rely on dark matter for its existence, citing the theory that the accelerated expansion is linked to a declining nature of forces over time rather than dark energy. Expect pushback from the scientific community as this bold theory contradicts widely accepted principles.
Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder often experience prolonged fear and anxiety following traumatic events. Researchers from the University of California San Diego delved into the neural mechanisms sustaining this fear, identifying a brain switch triggering “Fear generalization.” By investigating lab mice and individuals with PTSD, they pinpointed a neurotransmitter switch in the brainstem responsible for this persistence of fear. Their study proposes potential interventions, offering hope for managing PTSD and related disorders effectively.
Be cautious about sharing sensitive information with AI chatbots, as hackers can easily eavesdrop on your conversations. Researchers at Ben-Gurion University revealed that these “side-channel attacks” exploit vulnerabilities in AI encryption methods, making it possible for malicious actors to intercept chat messages. While some platforms like Google’s Gemini are exceptions, most chatbots are susceptible to such exploits due to flawed encryption techniques. These security concerns highlight the importance of safeguarding personal data when interacting with AI technologies.
Keep an eye out from now until September for a rare celestial event: a nova explosion from 3,000 light years away, visible to the naked eye in the Northern Hemisphere. NASA anticipates the explosion, emanating from the T Coronae Borealis star system, to be as bright as the North Star for about a week. This event occurs when a binary star system explodes, such as the one formed by a red giant and white dwarf star in T Coronae Borealis, creating a spectacular and bright thermonuclear burst.
