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Technology News
Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), used worldwide to diagnose mental illnesses, is planning to include biological factors in its next edition. This change aims to better reflect mental health conditions using measurable biological signs, called biomarkers, although such markers are currently limited in psychiatry.
Key Facts
The DSM is a key manual for diagnosing mental disorders and guiding research.
The current version, DSM-5 (2013), lacks biological measures for mental illness diagnoses.
Biological factors involved in mental illness are not yet fully measurable or understood.
Biomarkers are biological traits that can be objectively measured, like blood tests or scans.
Psychiatry currently uses no validated biomarkers except some for Alzheimer’s disease.
Mental illnesses are complex and influenced by genetic, environmental, and social factors.
Psychiatric disorders are often overlapping syndromes rather than clear-cut illnesses.
The DSM’s upcoming edition will try to responsibly integrate neurobiology to improve diagnosis.
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Meta has agreed to pay $17 billion to settle a lawsuit filed by 47 U.S. states over claims that its Facebook and Instagram platforms contributed to teen social media addiction. As part of the deal, Meta will add new safety features to protect children using its social media apps.
Key Facts
The lawsuit accused Meta of designing addictive features that harmed youth mental health.
The case involved 47 states, including California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey.
The trial was taking place in federal court in Oakland, California.
Meta will introduce safety measures such as daily time limits and pauses for young users.
The settlement amount is $17 billion, with $353 million allocated to Virginia alone.
Meta was also accused of collecting data on children under 13 without parental consent.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri testified defending Meta’s child safety efforts during the trial.
The settlement is one of the largest consumer protection deals in U.S. history and ends the current trial.
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Meta has agreed to make big changes to its social media apps Instagram and Facebook. This settlement ends a court case where several states accused Meta of creating products that make children addicted.
Key Facts
Meta is the company that owns Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads.
Several U.S. states filed a case against Meta accusing it of designing addictive apps for children.
Meta agreed to a settlement that requires it to change how Instagram and Facebook work.
The settlement is described as a landmark, meaning it is an important or first-of-its-kind case.
The changes focus on reducing addiction risks for children using these platforms.
The case highlights concerns about the impact of social media on young users.
The news story is still developing, and more updates may come later.
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A large wave energy testing site called PacWave South has recently opened off the coast of Oregon to test ocean wave power technologies. This site received approval from President Donald Trump’s administration, marking a step forward for clean energy, even though no wave energy devices are yet operating there.
Key Facts
PacWave South is the first large wave energy test site on the U.S. mainland.
The site is located near Newport, Oregon, and was developed by Oregon State University.
It received federal approval during President Trump’s administration after a review by the Energy Department.
The facility is connected to the electrical grid but has not yet started producing power because no devices have arrived.
The U.S. Department of Energy has invested nearly $150 million in building and locating the facility since 2016.
Marine energy uses power from ocean tides, currents, or waves and does not produce carbon emissions.
Federal estimates say marine energy could potentially supply about 57% of U.S. electricity needs.
The administration views wave energy as beneficial to national security, unlike offshore wind projects, which it has restricted.
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Vholume is a fast-paced parkour-style video game where players run, jump, and slide through strange, futuristic city environments. The game offers different routes and challenges, making it suitable for players of all skill levels.
Key Facts
Vholume is inspired by other games like Mirror’s Edge and Half-Life 2.
Players move through urban, surreal settings using parkour moves like wall-running and power-sliding.
The game focuses on speed, timing, and smooth movement to reach level exits and compete on leaderboards.
It allows players to retry levels to improve their time or compete against other players' past runs ("ghosts").
Controls are simple, mainly using trigger buttons to jump or duck.
The game encourages experimentation with different paths and moves to find the fastest route.
Levels get more complex over time, adding puzzles and moving obstacles.
Vholume balances challenge with accessibility, letting less skilled players still progress.
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Uber has introduced new features to help parents keep an eye on their teenager’s rides. These tools let parents track the trip and use safety options like recording audio during the ride.
Key Facts
Uber added features to help parents monitor teen rides.
Parents can see where their teenager is during the trip.
A safety feature allows parents to record audio during the ride.
These features aim to increase the safety of teen passengers.
The new tools are part of Uber’s effort to support families.
Parents have more control and peace of mind when their teens use Uber.
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Rockstar Games has responded to leaked videos of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 game, calling the leaks upsetting for their team and saying this is not how they wanted fans to see the game. The company apologized for slow updates and promised a special preview on Netflix, while also taking legal action against the leaks.
Key Facts
Leaked videos of Grand Theft Auto 6 showing gameplay and story scenes began appearing online last week.
Rockstar Games said the leaks were "heartbreaking" and not the intended way to reveal the game.
The company apologized for delays in official updates and promised an upcoming Netflix preview.
Legal action was started by Rockstar’s parent company, Take Two Interactive, in a New York court to stop the leaks.
The leaked footage has been removed from social media via copyright claims.
The group behind the leaks claims they acted for players’ interests but also sought cryptocurrency donations.
Grand Theft Auto 6 is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox in November and is expected to be a major game launch.
Rockstar faces an employment tribunal in Scotland over accusations of unfairly firing workers who tried to form a union, which they deny.
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OpenAI, Nvidia, and Japanese investors plan to build one of the world's largest artificial intelligence datacenters in southern Ohio, costing about $500 billion and expected to open in 2028. The project will use a large amount of energy, supported by a nearby natural gas plant, but it has raised concerns because it is located near a former uranium enrichment site linked to local health problems.
Key Facts
The datacenter will provide 8 gigawatts (GW) of AI computing power.
OpenAI will lease the datacenter capacity for 20 years from SB Energy, a SoftBank subsidiary.
The project will use Nvidia’s AI computing technology.
A new natural gas power plant will be built to supply energy, funded by $33 billion from Japanese investors.
The site is partly on a former uranium enrichment plant that operated until 2001 and was associated with cancer and radiation concerns.
The project emerged partly due to the Trump administration’s tariffs and agreements with Japan in 2025.
The datacenter will create about 35,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs.
Some local people are hopeful about the jobs and money, while environmental groups worry about health and pollution risks.
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Scientists studied genetic data from more than 18,000 families with autism and found that genetic risk scores work best for people of European ancestry. The accuracy of these scores decreases for people from other ancestry groups, showing a need for more diverse research to make genetic tools useful for everyone.
Key Facts
Researchers analyzed data from 18,383 families affected by autism using the SPARK autism research project.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects communication and interaction and is diagnosed in about 1 in 31 children in the U.S.
Genetic scores estimating inherited autism risk are most accurate for people with European ancestry.
The further a person’s genetic ancestry is from Europeans, the less accurate the autism risk scores become.
In European ancestry families, a higher polygenic score is linked to a 28% higher risk of autism.
Genetic scores related to other brain and psychiatric traits like schizophrenia and ADHD also correlate with autism risk.
Scientists say these scores are not yet ready for use in predicting autism in individuals.
More diverse and larger genetic studies are needed to improve accuracy and usefulness of these risk scores across all populations.
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IBM has introduced the Granite 4.2 series of large language models (LLMs) designed for users to download and run on their own hardware. These models come in three sizes and focus on improved reasoning abilities, handling long texts, and supporting tools for tasks like web searching.
Key Facts
Granite 4.2 models are available in 3 billion, 8 billion, and 30 billion parameter versions, with parameters being settings that shape the AI's capabilities.
All versions use a decoder-only design, a common type of AI language model architecture.
The models can handle very long inputs of up to 128,000 tokens (words or parts of words) at once.
The 8B and 30B models underwent extra training to better use external tools like terminals, web search, and software utilities.
The 3B model supports tools but with less specialized training than the larger versions.
The main feature of this release is enhanced "reasoning" abilities, meaning the models can follow step-by-step logic to give more accurate answers.
These reasoning improvements may cause slower responses and require more computing power.
IBM focuses on reliability and predictable deployment rather than speed or cutting-edge innovation compared to competitors.
Interest in locally hosted models like Granite is growing because they reduce reliance on expensive cloud-based AI services and avoid ongoing fees.
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French astronaut Sophie Adenot performed her second spacewalk at the International Space Station. Alongside NASA astronaut Anil Menon, she worked on installing and connecting a backup communications antenna to improve the station’s link with mission control.
Key Facts
Sophie Adenot is a French astronaut from the European Space Agency.
She conducted her second spacewalk on August 26, 2026.
Adenot and NASA’s Anil Menon worked together outside the space station.
Their task was to install a spare antenna on the Z1 truss, which is part of the ISS structure.
They made electrical and data connections to restore high-speed communications.
This work helps keep communication between the space station and mission control strong.
The antenna is located above the Unity module of the ISS.
Spacewalks involve astronauts working outside the station in space suits.
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Xtracycle's Swoop ASM is a cargo e-bike featuring an automatic transmission system developed by Shimano that shifts gears electronically. The bike combines smart shifting technology with a durable steel frame and cargo-carrying design, offering a comfortable ride and practical features for hauling goods or children.
Key Facts
The Swoop ASM is a cargo e-bike priced around $4,500.
It uses Shimano’s automatic transmission system to shift gears based on the rider’s speed and pedaling effort.
The automatic system can be turned off for manual gear control.
The bike has a “mullet” wheel setup with a larger front tire and smaller rear tire to improve load handling.
It features a steel frame, which provides comfort and stiffness, weighing about 70 lbs (31 kg).
The battery is placed behind the mid-motor and helps keep clothing away from the chain.
Adjustable features include a double-telescoping seat post and a quick-release front handlebar clamp for rider comfort.
Safety features include protective covers for the chain and rear wheel, plus a strong U-shaped kickstand.
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Laurie Cox studies how bacteria in the gut affect brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Her work explores how the gut connects to hormones and women's health, which may help create personalized medicine.
Key Facts
Laurie Cox researches gut bacteria, also called the gut microbiome.
The gut microbiome may influence neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Her studies focus on how the gut interacts with hormones.
This research could improve understanding of women's health issues.
Personalized medicine means creating treatments tailored to an individual's biology.
The connection between gut health and aging is a key part of her work.
The article includes a mention of a morning routine to support gut health.
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Bill Gates has urged that some jobs be reserved only for humans to protect them from being taken over by artificial intelligence (AI). He also warned that governments are not ready for the big changes AI will bring and called for global cooperation, including between the US and China, to manage AI risks.
Key Facts
Bill Gates wrote a 6,000-word essay discussing the impact of AI on jobs and society.
Gates proposes setting aside "human reserved" jobs that only people should do, similar to nature reserves protecting wildlife.
He gave an example of healthcare workers caring for his father, saying robots should not replace human empathy in such roles.
Gates warns that many jobs will disappear forever as AI and robots improve.
Governments worldwide are not prepared for AI's wide-ranging effects on security, education, economy, and more.
He suggests the need for a global framework to handle AI risks, including cooperation between the US and China.
Gates expressed concern that reliance on AI in education might reduce critical thinking, especially among young people.
The essay is Gates's first major public statement about AI since a controversy involving meetings with Jeffrey Epstein.
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Starcloud, a startup from Washington, has raised an additional $250 million to develop data centers in space that handle AI computing tasks. The company aims to build a large network of satellites that provide powerful computing capacity above Earth, potentially easing the energy demands of ground-based data centers.
Key Facts
Starcloud was founded in 2024 and has now raised a total of $450 million, valuing the company at $2.3 billion.
Investors include Nvidia, Cisco Investments, Benchmark, and EQT.
The company plans to build a fleet of 88,000 satellites capable of delivering 20 gigawatts of computing power in orbit.
Starcloud flew an Nvidia H100 GPU, a specialized AI chip, into orbit in November 2025 and ran AI tasks there.
Nvidia and Starcloud are working together on a new Space-1 Vera Rubin Module designed to handle space conditions and provide even more computing power.
Data centers consume a growing share of electricity on Earth, with projections showing demand could double or triple by 2028 in the U.S.
Space-based data centers could help reduce energy use and cooling challenges that Earth data centers currently face.
Starcloud is building a large manufacturing facility in Woodinville, Washington, to expand satellite production.
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The 2026 Honda Prelude returns after 26 years with a hybrid engine and advanced handling features. Edmunds tested the Prelude against the Toyota GR86, finding the GR86 offers better driving excitement, while the Prelude excels in comfort and everyday usability.
Key Facts
The Honda Prelude has a 200-horsepower hybrid engine, emphasizing fuel efficiency and smooth driving.
The Toyota GR86 has a 228-horsepower engine and offers a manual transmission option for more engaging driving.
The GR86 accelerates from zero to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, faster than the Prelude’s 7.2 seconds.
The Prelude features a front-wheel-drive layout with adaptive suspension for a comfortable ride.
The GR86 is rear-wheel drive and praised for its steering feel and driving balance.
The Prelude’s interior includes a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The GR86’s cabin is noisier and has a dated infotainment system that requires wired phone connections.
The Prelude offers a larger trunk space (15.1 cubic feet) with a practical hatchback design.
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A recent test found that 3 out of 5 chatbots, including Google's AI assistant Gemini, gave biased or racist responses. For example, Gemini gave different advice depending on the nationality of the person mentioned, raising concerns about AI promoting stereotypes.
Key Facts
Three out of five tested chatbots showed racist or biased answers.
Google's AI assistant, Gemini, gave different suggestions based on nationality.
Internet users noticed the bias in AI responses when mentioning being alone with someone.
The issue highlights concerns that AI systems might reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The source reporting this is France 2, a French news outlet.
The problem is related to how AI learns and generates answers from data it was trained on.
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Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival is an upcoming first-person horror video game based on Clive Barker’s Hellraiser universe. The game focuses on creating a feeling of discomfort and unease through its story, characters, and gameplay rather than relying on sudden scares.
Key Facts
The game puts players in the role of Aidan Lynch, who must use the Genesis Configuration puzzle box to save his girlfriend from the Labyrinth.
Game director Emil Esov has trypophobia (fear of clusters of small holes) and included disturbing images to increase unease.
Horror comes from the atmosphere and characters like Pinhead, who is calm and intimidating rather than a typical slasher villain.
Clive Barker helped develop the game’s story and details as an adviser, ensuring it stayed true to his original vision.
Actor Doug Bradley returns to voice Pinhead for the first time in over 20 years.
The Cenobites are powerful enemies that players cannot defeat in combat.
Combat and gameplay take inspiration from games like Resident Evil, BioShock, and Condemned.
The game’s hardest difficulty is named after Hellraiser and is designed to be very challenging and uncomfortable to play.
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Data centers are important for supporting artificial intelligence and the U.S. economy, with President Donald Trump highlighting their value for jobs and taxes. However, many local communities oppose new data center construction, leading to statewide bans and stalled projects due to concerns about their impact on resources and neighborhoods.
Key Facts
Data centers power artificial intelligence and are seen as vital for America’s role in the global economy.
President Donald Trump supports data centers, calling them “incredible buildings” and valuable for job creation and tax revenue.
A Gallup survey showed 70% of Americans oppose building data centers in their communities.
New York became the first state to ban data center construction statewide in July 2024.
Over 500 local areas have delayed or stopped new data center projects, valued at about $130 billion in 2024.
Both Republican and Democratic areas have shown resistance to data center construction.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott paused approvals for new data centers to study their electricity and water use.
Federal officials praise data centers as key to tech leadership, but state and local opposition is growing.
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The plan to introduce robotaxis in London this year has been delayed due to regulatory and technical challenges. Companies like Uber and Wayve have licenses to test self-driving taxis with safety drivers but are waiting for official guidelines from Transport for London before fully launching driverless services.
Key Facts
Uber and Wayve received mini-cab licenses to offer self-driving taxi rides in London with a human driver currently present.
The UK government initially planned commercial trials of fully driverless taxis to start in spring 2024.
Transport for London (TfL) has not yet released guidelines that companies need to follow to get approval for fully driverless robotaxis.
TfL’s director of strategy said applications for approval are not expected soon due to ongoing work behind the scenes.
Over 100,000 Londoners are on waitlists for self-driving taxi rides from Uber and Wayve.
Other companies like Google-owned Waymo and China’s Baidu are also preparing to launch robotaxi services in London and Europe.
Robotaxi services exist in more than 20 cities globally, including in the US, China, and the Middle East.
Approval for operating taxis without a driver requires a new permit from the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, but no such permits have been granted yet.
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