The UK’s National Highways agency is testing small, low-flying drones to monitor motorways and A-roads. They used a virtual reality driving simulation to check if these drones distract drivers, with hopes to start using the drones by early 2027.
Key Facts
National Highways manages the UK’s major roads and plans to use smaller drones for road monitoring.
These drones will fly closer to the road, about 10 to 20 meters high, instead of the current 50 meters.
Smaller drones are around 10 times cheaper than larger ones.
A virtual reality driving test was held with 120 regular drivers and 19 heavy vehicle drivers to check if drones distract them.
About half of the drivers noticed the drones during the simulation, but few found them dangerous or hazardous.
The test tracked heart rate, pupil size, and driver focus to measure distraction.
National Highways believes these drones will be a safe and efficient way to inspect roads and has been working on this for six years.
Other countries like Australia and the US have shown interest in this drone technology for road maintenance.
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A woman looks back at a video she and her friends made in 2006 that went somewhat viral on YouTube. She compares her experience with more recent teenage internet stars who faced serious bullying and harassment, showing how the internet and social media have changed over time.
Key Facts
In 2006, the author and her friends made a funny video singing a song and uploaded it to YouTube.
The video got about 48,500 views and many negative comments, including hateful messages.
Unlike today, her video was not widely shared at school or saved forever, so she could remove it.
Later teenage internet stars, like Rebecca Black in 2011, faced much heavier bullying and threats, sometimes causing serious harm.
Social media has changed a lot, making it harder for young people to escape unwanted attention or forget embarrassing moments online.
The UK government is considering banning children under 16 from social media platforms because of these risks.
Many young people today avoid expressing themselves online due to fear of embarrassment or hate.
The author reflects on the freedom and limits of being young online then versus now.
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The TV show *The Agency* explores the lives of CIA spies who live undercover, focusing on the personal and moral challenges they face. Actors Michael Fassbender and Katherine Waterston discuss how the show reflects real questions about trust and truth, especially in a time when artificial intelligence (AI) affects our daily lives.
Key Facts
*The Agency* is a thriller TV series on Paramount+ about CIA operatives with deep-cover identities.
Michael Fassbender plays Martian, a veteran CIA spy dealing with the long-term effects of undercover work.
The show emphasizes character drama and moral issues over action scenes like explosions.
Critics have mixed opinions: some praise the show’s realism and complexity, while others find its pace slow.
Katherine Waterston, who plays CIA officer Naomi, highlights growing public concern about trust and truth due to AI technology.
Waterston warns that AI use requires stronger rules and regulation to prevent harm.
Fassbender agrees that AI could have dangerous effects if not carefully controlled.
The actors feel the show’s themes are timely because of misinformation and AI’s impact on society.
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A new video game console called the Nex Playground is designed to get children moving by using body motions instead of controllers. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) and a camera to track players’ movements and will launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, with a subscription model to access most games.
Key Facts
The Nex Playground is a cube-shaped console that replaces controllers with body movement tracking via AI and a built-in camera.
It will launch in the UK and Ireland on June 22, priced at £269 (€319).
The console comes with five free starter games, but most of the 60+ games require a subscription.
A yearly subscription costs £90 and a quarterly subscription costs £45.
The device was the third best-selling console in the US on Black Friday 2025, beating Xbox Series S and X.
The system tracks 18 points on the player’s body to create an on-screen avatar.
Player privacy is protected by processing video locally on the device; no video is saved or sent to the cloud.
The console has kidSAFE+ COPPA certification to protect children’s online privacy under US law.
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John Edwards, the UK's information commissioner responsible for regulating AI and data protection, has resigned following an investigation into his workplace behavior. The inquiry found that his inappropriate attempts at humor had caused offense, leading to his resignation from the post he held since 2022.
Key Facts
John Edwards served as the UK's information commissioner since early 2022.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regulates AI, data protection, and freedom of information laws in the UK.
An independent investigation found Edwards made inappropriate, offensive comments described as poor judgment and unacceptable behavior.
Several women reported feeling shocked and uncomfortable due to his language in workplace interactions.
Edwards stepped back from his duties in February during the investigation and resigned effective immediately in June 2026.
The ICO board and executive team are leading the organization after his resignation.
The ICO has faced criticism over how it handles public data protection complaints, with some groups calling for stronger enforcement.
Edwards said he was proud of his and ICO staff’s contributions but accepted that his position was no longer sustainable.
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Scientists using the Webb Space Telescope found salty clouds around a planet called the "Pink Planet." This discovery helps researchers learn more about the planet's atmosphere and its possible conditions.
Key Facts
The Webb Space Telescope observed a planet nicknamed the "Pink Planet."
Salty clouds were detected in the planet’s atmosphere.
Finding these clouds gives clues about the planet’s environment.
The discovery was made by researchers studying data from the telescope.
This information helps scientists understand planets outside our solar system better.
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New wireless TV streamers let people watch popular TV channels and streaming services over wifi without needing a traditional aerial or satellite dish. These devices are easy to set up and offer good picture and sound quality to enjoy TV anywhere in the home.
Key Facts
Freely is a new streaming service from Freeview and Freesat creators, supported by UK public broadcasters.
Freely offers channels like BBC, ITV, Dave, and premium ones like Sky Atlantic via wifi.
The Manhattan Aero is a popular Freely streamer priced at £89.99 and works without an aerial.
Devices tested support Ultra HD (4K) picture quality and Dolby Atmos sound for better viewing and listening.
Setup is quick and simple, usually taking just a few minutes to connect to wifi.
Sky also offers a streaming box called Sky Stream with pay-TV packages for entertainment, sports, or movies.
Streaming boxes allow watching TV from anywhere in the home without cables.
Most devices include apps for major streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube.
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Blue Origin has started rebuilding its launch pad after damage, while the company Relativity is focusing on developing rockets to reach Mars. SpaceX plans its next Starship test flight soon, and other startups like Isar Aerospace and Katalyst Space Technologies are working on new rocket tests and satellite missions.
Key Facts
Blue Origin is repairing its launch pad following damage.
Relativity is working on rockets aimed at Mars missions.
SpaceX’s next Starship test flight, Flight 13, could happen next month but remains uncertain.
SpaceX’s Flight 13 will be a suborbital flight with a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
Isar Aerospace delayed its Spectrum rocket test launch again due to technical problems.
Isar Aerospace has raised nearly $1 billion but has limited flight experience.
NASA contracted Katalyst Space Technologies to build a satellite to extend the life of its Swift telescope.
Katalyst’s reboost satellite, Link, is set to launch no earlier than June 27 on a Pegasus XL rocket.
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The UK government plans to ban social media use by anyone under 16 unless they prove their age, aiming to protect children online. This policy may require users to share sensitive personal data like government IDs or facial scans, which raises concerns about privacy and data security while potentially increasing the power of big tech companies.
Key Facts
The UK will block users under 16 from using apps like X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat unless they verify their age.
Age verification might include submitting government ID and facial images checked by AI technology.
Collecting such data could give tech companies access to new sensitive information, like biometric details.
Tech companies use this data to create detailed profiles for advertisers and to train AI systems.
This data collection has risks, such as theft, identity fraud, and misuse by bad actors or governments.
Third-party age verification services may be used, potentially increasing the influence of related tech firms.
Some experts warn that children might bypass these rules or move to less-regulated platforms.
Big tech companies often follow government content rules worldwide to maintain their business and political relationships.
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A study in the UK shows that the HPV vaccine has almost completely prevented deaths from cervical cancer in women under 30. This vaccine protects against human papillomavirus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, which is often found in young women.
Key Facts
The HPV vaccine was introduced in the UK in 2008 for teenage boys and girls.
A recent study found no deaths from cervical cancer in UK women aged 20-24 from 2020 to 2024.
Without the vaccine, about 23 deaths would have been expected in that age group during this period.
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by persistent infection with certain types of HPV.
HPV is a common virus spread mostly through sexual contact and often clears on its own.
About 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer occur worldwide each year, with around 350,000 deaths.
The vaccine helps prevent infection with high-risk HPV strains, lowering cancer risk.
Most cervical cancer deaths happen in low and middle-income countries where vaccination and screening are less common.
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Rockstar Games will release Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) on November 19, 2024, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. The game features two main playable characters, Jason and Lucia, and is set in a fictional version of Florida called Leonida, with Vice City as the main city.
Key Facts
GTA 6 will be released on November 19, 2024.
The game can be pre-ordered starting June 25, 2024.
It will launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles; a PC or Nintendo Switch 2 version is not yet announced.
Rockstar has not yet revealed the price, but some expect it could be around $100 (£76).
GTA 6 introduces the first playable female lead in the series, Lucia, along with her partner Jason.
The story follows a crime duo in a Bonnie and Clyde-style adventure after a heist goes wrong.
The setting is a fictional US state called Leonida, based on Florida, featuring Vice City (inspired by Miami).
Rockstar delayed the game twice to ensure higher quality and polish before release.
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A recent study from MIT found that relying too much on AI chatbots to identify fake news and images can reduce people's ability to think critically and spot misinformation on their own. While AI tools help users make correct judgments immediately, over time they may weaken users' independent skills.
Key Facts
The MIT study lasted four weeks and involved 67 participants.
Participants used AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT to determine if news headlines and images were real.
AI improved participants’ accuracy by 21% when used for help.
However, without AI help, participants’ ability to detect misinformation dropped by 15.3% by week four.
AI prioritizes giving a direct answer, which may limit users’ critical thinking development.
Similar concerns exist about other technologies, such as calculators and GPS reducing mental skills.
The study mainly included participants from the US and UK, so results may differ in other regions.
Longer studies are needed to see if these effects last beyond one month.
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John Edwards, the UK's Information Commissioner, resigned after a workplace investigation found he made inappropriate attempts at humor that caused offense. The ICO, which regulates AI and data protection in the UK, is now seeking new leadership amid criticism of its effectiveness.
Key Facts
John Edwards was the UK's Information Commissioner since January 2022.
He resigned immediately after a workplace investigation into his behavior.
The investigation found he made inappropriate jokes that caused offense.
Edwards disagreed with the investigation process but accepted his position was untenable.
The ICO regulates artificial intelligence, data protection, and freedom of information laws in the UK.
The ICO has faced criticism for handling public data protection complaints.
Non-profit groups like the Open Rights Group have challenged the ICO for allegedly ignoring public concerns.
Edwards expressed pride in his work and the ICO staff’s efforts despite stepping down.
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Many online video games shut down their servers after some years, making the games unplayable. A group called Stop Killing Games started in 2024 to push for laws that keep games playable even after companies stop supporting them. They want publishers to allow players to keep using or run private servers to continue playing.
Key Facts
Several popular online games, like Anthem, The Sims Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, had their servers shut down in 2026.
When servers close, players usually cannot play these games anymore.
Stop Killing Games was founded by YouTuber Ross Scott after Ubisoft closed The Crew’s servers.
The group wants governments to create legal rules so game publishers cannot simply shut down games.
They ask for "end-of-life plans" that let players buy or run private servers to keep playing.
Stop Killing Games has become an organization active in the US and Europe, using petitions, lawsuits, and political debates.
Ubisoft’s CEO met with European officials to discuss policies after the group’s efforts.
The European Commission said it cannot force companies to keep games playable due to copyright laws but will work on voluntary guidelines.
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Sam Little, a contestant from the BBC show The Traitors, lost £40,000 of his life savings to a phishing scam involving cryptocurrency. He received fake messages from what looked like his bank, which led him to give scammers access to his online account, and he has not recovered the money.
Key Facts
Sam Little, from Yarm near Middlesbrough, lost £40,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.
The scam started with text messages pretending to be from his bank about login attempts.
During a phone call, scammers tricked him into accessing a fake website they controlled.
The phone call ended abruptly, and the money disappeared from his account.
The scam happened in January 2024, and he has not recovered the funds.
He reported the incident to Report Fraud, part of the City of London Police, but no investigation has started yet.
Cybercrime affects 4.6 million people annually in the UK, with a 31% rise in cases between 2024 and 2025.
Little wants to warn others to be cautious because such scams can happen to anyone.
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Researchers used the James Webb Space Telescope to study a space object called the "Pink Planet" or GJ504b. They found that its atmosphere contains clouds made of salt, which is a new discovery. This object is cooler than typical giant planets and could be a large exoplanet or a small brown dwarf.
Key Facts
The "Pink Planet" GJ504b orbits a star 57 light-years away from Earth.
GJ504b has an estimated temperature of 550 degrees Fahrenheit, cooler than most giant planets.
It is about 25 times the mass of Jupiter and 2.5 to 4 billion years old.
Its atmosphere contains water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and salt clouds.
Salt clouds form in temperatures too hot for water or ammonia clouds but too cool for silicate clouds.
The James Webb Space Telescope observed the planet using infrared light, which reveals chemical signs in its atmosphere.
Previous ground-based observations could not detect these atmospheric details, but Webb made it possible in about two hours.
This discovery helps scientists study cooler objects with different atmospheric compositions in space.
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NASA asked three companies to build a small satellite to save the aging Swift space observatory from falling back to Earth. Katalyst Space Technologies won the $30 million contract and built a spacecraft called Link, which will grab Swift and boost its orbit to keep it working. The mission had to be done quickly because Swift is losing altitude fast due to atmospheric drag.
Key Facts
Swift is a space observatory launched in 2004 to detect gamma-ray bursts, powerful explosions in space.
Swift has no thrusters to maintain its orbit and is gradually losing altitude because of atmospheric drag.
The Sun’s activity has caused Earth’s atmosphere to swell, increasing drag on satellites like Swift.
NASA gave Katalyst Space Technologies less than a year and a $30 million budget to design and build a rescue satellite.
Katalyst’s spacecraft, named Link, will attach to Swift using robotic arms and push it back to a higher, safer orbit.
Swift is expected to fall below 186 miles altitude by October, after which it will be too low for the rescue mission.
Katalyst has completed the Link spacecraft and is preparing it for launch to meet the tight deadline.
This mission is the first attempt to extend the life of a satellite using a capturing and servicing spacecraft.
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Microsoft discovered a new malware called Crypto Clipper that spreads through USB drives and steals cryptocurrency wallet information by watching what users copy on their devices. The malware sends stolen data and screenshots to attackers anonymously through the Tor network, allowing criminals to redirect cryptocurrency payments to themselves.
Key Facts
Crypto Clipper spreads via USB drives using special shortcut files (.lnk) that run harmful code.
It monitors clipboard data for cryptocurrency wallet addresses or secret seed phrases that control wallets.
When it finds these details, it sends them along with five screenshots to attackers through the anonymous Tor network.
The malware replaces copied wallet addresses with ones controlled by attackers to steal payments.
It uses a lightweight backdoor that does not rely on traditional installation or direct internet connections.
Crypto Clipper hides its presence by renaming infected USB drive files to look normal.
Microsoft Defender antivirus tools can detect parts of this malware under specific suspicious activity names.
The malware’s use of scripting and anonymous communication gives attackers ongoing control and quick financial gain.
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In the Himalayan region of Ladakh, farmers face water shortages because small glaciers that once supplied water have disappeared due to global warming. To solve this, people created artificial ice towers called ice stupas that store winter water as ice and then melt it in spring to irrigate crops. A new tech system, called the Automated Ice Reservoir (AIR), uses computers and weather data to control the freezing process more efficiently.
Key Facts
Himalayan glaciers have shrunk, reducing water availability for mountain farmers in Ladakh.
The growing season is short, so farmers need water in early spring for their crops.
Traditional ice stupas are frozen water towers made by spraying water into cold air to form ice piles.
Managing these ice stupas was difficult because pipes could freeze and break in very cold weather.
Farmers had to monitor and fix the system constantly, often working in freezing conditions.
A company called Acres of Ice developed an Automated Ice Reservoir (AIR) system to improve ice stupa efficiency.
The AIR system uses computer controls and weather sensors to adjust water flow based on temperature changes.
The system is powered by solar panels and batteries, allowing better management of ice creation and water supply.
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An FDA advisory panel has recommended approving Moderna’s new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology. The panel voted 9-0 that the vaccine is safe and effective for people aged 50 and older.
Key Facts
The vaccine is based on mRNA technology, a first for flu shots.
The FDA panel reviewed Moderna’s mFlusiva vaccine.
The recommendation was unanimous with a 9-0 vote.
The vaccine is aimed at people 50 to 64 years old and those 65 and older.
Moderna is currently seeking official FDA approval for the vaccine.
mRNA technology has been used before in COVID-19 vaccines.
This new flu vaccine could offer better protection for older adults.
The FDA panel acts as an independent group advising the agency on vaccine safety and effectiveness.
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