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WATCH: Pet cloning boom: Why some owners are paying big to bring pets back

WATCH: Pet cloning boom: Why some owners are paying big to bring pets back

August 21, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Some pet owners are choosing to clone their pets, paying high prices to create a genetic copy of animals they love. This cloning trend is growing as people want to bring back their beloved pets.

Key Facts

  • Pet cloning means making a genetic copy of a pet.
  • Owners are paying large sums of money for cloning services.
  • Cloning allows people to recreate a pet they cherished.
  • The demand for pet cloning is increasing.
  • This trend reflects new uses of advanced scientific technology.
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ABC News
Dr TikTok: Mental health moves from consulting rooms to social media

Dr TikTok: Mental health moves from consulting rooms to social media

August 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Licensed mental health professionals are increasingly using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to share information about mental health conditions such as anxiety and ADHD. This shift offers wider access to education and support but raises questions about the difference between online education and actual treatment.

Key Facts

  • Mental health content on TikTok and Instagram includes explanations from licensed psychologists and psychiatrists.
  • These professionals use social media to educate the public, clear up misunderstandings, and offer practical advice.
  • Many accounts also promote paid services such as private therapy, courses, and books.
  • Access to traditional mental health care is limited due to cost, stigma, and a shortage of trained staff worldwide.
  • TikTok views for mental health hashtags, like #anxiety and #MentalHealth, have grown dramatically, reaching over 100 billion views globally.
  • Social media provides a sense of community and anonymity that some young people find safer than formal care settings.
  • Experts note social media is good for learning and guidance but not a replacement for clinical treatment, which needs structured, evidence-based approaches.
  • For professionals, social media is a way to reach more people than traditional methods like books and journals.
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Al Jazeera
Stupid Never Dies – a zombie fights for the love of a frozen corpse

Stupid Never Dies – a zombie fights for the love of a frozen corpse

August 21, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Stupid Never Dies is an upcoming action role-playing game (RPG) about a weak zombie named Davy who falls in love with a frozen corpse named Julia. The game features a monster-filled world where players can fight enemies, steal their powers, and customize their character by attaching weapons to body parts.

Key Facts

  • The game is made by GPTrack50, a new studio led by Hiroyuki Kobayashi, a former Capcom producer.
  • The story features monsters like zombies, werewolves, and vampires living alongside humans.
  • The main character, Davy, is a weak zombie who wants to bring back a frozen girl and take her on a date.
  • Players fight aggressively with little focus on defense, reflecting the undead nature of the character.
  • Davy can consume defeated enemies to gain their skills and transform into other monsters.
  • The game allows players to replace Davy’s head, arms, and legs with weapons, changing his abilities.
  • The development team includes about 30 members from major gaming companies like Capcom, Konami, and Square Enix.
  • The game blends fast action, colorful visuals, and dark humor, aiming for a fresh, original experience.
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Guardian Tech
House Democrat: Rein in data centers without losing tech race to China

House Democrat: Rein in data centers without losing tech race to China

August 21, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam from Virginia wants to put some limits on data centers but not so much that the U.S. falls behind China in technology development. He emphasized the importance of balancing regulation with growth in new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Facts

  • Rep. Suhas Subramanyam represents a district with many data centers.
  • He supports regulating data centers to some extent.
  • The goal is to avoid harming the U.S. technology industry while managing growth.
  • Subramanyam mentioned AI as an example of an important emerging technology.
  • He highlighted the competition between the U.S. and China in technology development.
  • The discussion took place on a Thursday during a political event.
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The Hill
Brazil launches AI supercomputer push while balancing US and Chinese tech

Brazil launches AI supercomputer push while balancing US and Chinese tech

August 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Brazil is investing about $444 million to improve its artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The country is working with both U.S. and Chinese companies to build supercomputers that will help develop AI applications and protect national control over data.

Key Facts

  • Brazil will spend 2.3 billion reais ($444.2 million) to support AI development.
  • 1.3 billion reais ($251 million) will fund a supercomputing project in Rio de Janeiro in partnership with China's Huawei and iFlytek.
  • This infrastructure will focus on creating large language models for general and specific uses.
  • About 1 billion reais ($193.1 million) will go to a supercomputer expected to be among the world's top 10 AI machines, located in Rio Grande do Norte.
  • Brazil expects U.S. chipmaker Nvidia to win the contract for the supercomputer.
  • The project aims to avoid dependence on a single country or company and to strengthen Brazil’s control over its data.
  • The Chinese partnership will start in July 2027, and the supercomputer is expected to be operational by the end of next year.
  • The investments are funded by Brazil’s National Fund for Scientific and Technological Development (FNDCT).
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Al Jazeera
NASA calls off mission to save Swift telescope, which will plunge into Earth's atmosphere and burn

NASA calls off mission to save Swift telescope, which will plunge into Earth's atmosphere and burn

August 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

NASA has stopped efforts to rescue the Swift telescope. The telescope is expected to enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up later this year.

Key Facts

  • NASA decided not to continue a mission to save the Swift telescope.
  • The Swift telescope will fall into Earth's atmosphere.
  • The telescope will burn up as it re-enters the atmosphere.
  • This event is expected to happen later in the current year.
  • The decision was shared by NASA and reported by CBS News.
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CBS News
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How landscape gardening is being electrified

How landscape gardening is being electrified

August 20, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Cities in the US are encouraging the switch from petrol-powered gardening tools to electric versions to reduce noise and pollution. Companies like Whisper Aero, originally an aerospace startup, are creating quiet, efficient electric leaf blowers that appeal to both consumers and professionals.

Key Facts

  • Petrol gardening tools are noisy and polluting, leading some US cities to ban or restrict their use.
  • Electric landscaping equipment reduces noise, pollution, and vibrations, and can be used in noise-sensitive hours.
  • Whisper Aero, an aerospace start-up, adapted its electric propulsion technology to make quieter leaf blowers.
  • Whisper Aero’s leaf blower battery lasts about 50 minutes at full power.
  • Electric blowers are generally more expensive than petrol ones but cause less disturbance.
  • Petrol blowers are more powerful and run longer, so many professional landscapers still prefer them.
  • Battery charging can take around 45 minutes, and crews keep multiple batteries charging to maintain work.
  • Transitioning all equipment to electric can cost landscaping businesses around $10,000 or more.
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BBC Tech
Rogers pushing for 1-year pause on data center construction

Rogers pushing for 1-year pause on data center construction

August 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, has asked for a one-year pause on building new data centers. These facilities store computer servers and are important for artificial intelligence (AI) development, but their rapid growth is causing concerns.

Key Facts

  • Mike Rogers is a former representative and GOP Senate candidate in Michigan.
  • He proposed a one-year stop on constructing new data centers.
  • Data centers house servers that support computing tasks and AI technology.
  • The expansion of data centers is linked to the growth of AI.
  • The proposal reflects growing worries about the impact of data centers.
  • This pause would give time to assess the effects of current data center growth.
  • Data centers are sometimes called “server warehouses.”
  • The call for a pause shows the issue is becoming politically sensitive.
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The Hill
US distributor of China’s most popular humanoid robots pivots after US ban

US distributor of China’s most popular humanoid robots pivots after US ban

August 20, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

A U.S. company called RoboStore, which used to sell popular Chinese-made humanoid and robot dog models, is now starting its own robot factory in New York. This change comes after new U.S. government rules banned imports of certain foreign-made robots for security reasons. RoboStore plans to build robots designed for hospitals, security, and education under its new company, Robo Inc.

Key Facts

  • RoboStore was the main North American seller of humanoid and quadruped robots from China’s Unitree Robotics.
  • Customers included top universities like Harvard and MIT, as well as tech companies like Amazon and Nvidia.
  • The U.S. government banned imports of certain foreign-made robots in July, citing national security and cybersecurity risks.
  • RoboStore closed its distribution business but continues to support existing customers with parts and repairs.
  • The company plans to open a 66,000-square-foot robot factory in Long Island, New York, by early 2027.
  • Robo Inc. is the new company created to handle robot manufacturing and system integration.
  • New robots under development include healthcare robots that can check vital signs, security quadruped robots, and robots for education and research.
  • The shift aligns with U.S. moves to encourage domestic robot production and restrict imports of foreign robots.
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Ars Technica
Europe cancels planned upgrades for Ariane 6 rocket

Europe cancels planned upgrades for Ariane 6 rocket

August 20, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Europe has stopped the planned "Block 3" upgrades for its Ariane 6 rocket due to high costs. While Ariane 6 has launched eight successful missions and provides reliable access to space, its future is uncertain because of expensive launch costs and the need for continued government subsidies.

Key Facts

  • The Ariane 6 rocket launched eight successful missions in two years, reaching orbit each time.
  • It can carry over 20 metric tons to low-Earth orbit.
  • Europe canceled the Block 3 upgrades, including a new lightweight upper stage called ICARUS.
  • This cancellation affects future scientific missions, such as a probe to Saturn’s moon Enceladus.
  • Launch costs are estimated between 80 million and 100 million euros per flight.
  • Each launch requires a government subsidy of 32 to 38 million euros to cover costs.
  • Europe has invested about 3.6 billion euros in Ariane 6 development and its launch site.
  • The goal is to fly 9 to 10 launches per year, with talks about increasing to up to 20 launches annually.
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Ars Technica
Moderna's Cancer Vaccine Could Change America in 7 Surprising Ways

Moderna's Cancer Vaccine Could Change America in 7 Surprising Ways

August 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Moderna and Merck have developed a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine called intismeran autogene that showed positive results in a Phase 3 trial for high-risk melanoma patients by preventing cancer recurrence. This vaccine is tailored to each patient’s tumor and given alongside Merck’s immunotherapy Keytruda. The vaccine could become available as soon as next year pending regulatory approval and is also being tested for other cancers.

Key Facts

  • The vaccine is a personalized mRNA therapy made specifically for each patient's tumor mutations.
  • Phase 3 trial results showed improved recurrence-free survival and distant metastasis-free survival in melanoma patients.
  • The vaccine is used together with Merck’s immunotherapy drug Keytruda.
  • This is the first positive Phase 3 result for an individualized mRNA-based cancer therapy.
  • Moderna and Merck are testing this vaccine approach on other cancers like lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
  • The treatment could help keep patients cancer-free for longer, potentially changing cancer from a deadly disease to a manageable condition.
  • Unlike standard drugs made the same for everyone, this vaccine is custom-built for each patient’s unique tumor.
  • If approved and successful in other cancers, this technology might change how treatments are developed and delivered across the U.S. healthcare system.
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Newsweek
World’s Tallest Empty Skyscraper Adds Record-Breaking Feature

World’s Tallest Empty Skyscraper Adds Record-Breaking Feature

August 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

China’s Tianjin 117 Tower, currently the world’s tallest unoccupied building, will have the world’s longest elevator shafts when it opens. Otis, the elevator company, will install 251 elevators and escalators, including two SkyRise elevators that travel nearly 600 meters high, breaking the current record held by a building in Shanghai.

Key Facts

  • Tianjin 117 Tower has 117 floors and stands about 600 meters (1,968 feet) tall.
  • It holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest empty building.
  • Otis will supply 251 elevators and escalators for the tower’s vertical transportation.
  • Two Otis SkyRise elevators will travel upwards of 597 meters (1,958 feet), longer than any elevator hoistway before.
  • The previous record for tallest elevator was 578 meters (1,898 feet) in Shanghai Tower.
  • Designing these elevators required special engineering to ensure safety, smooth rides, and handling of building sway and wind.
  • Tianjin 117 will have China’s highest occupied floor at over 584 meters (1,916 feet).
  • Techniques used in this tower’s elevator design will help future supertall buildings worldwide.
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Newsweek
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Landmark case against Meta: Focus shifts from online content to 'design and infrastructure'

Landmark case against Meta: Focus shifts from online content to 'design and infrastructure'

August 20, 2026 • France24

Summary

A major court case against Meta is shifting its focus from the content posted by users to the way Meta designs its social media platforms. The case examines how features like recommendation systems and infinite scrolling influence user behavior and whether these design choices contribute to harm.

Key Facts

  • The legal case targets Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram.
  • Traditionally, legal debates focused on what users publish on social media platforms.
  • This case looks at the infrastructure of the platforms, such as algorithms that recommend content.
  • Features like infinite scroll and attention-maximizing tools are under scrutiny.
  • The question is whether Meta’s design choices make users more vulnerable, especially minors.
  • Section 230, a U.S. law that limits platform liability for user content, is less central in this case.
  • The trial is seen as potentially groundbreaking in shaping social media regulation.
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France24
Humanoid robots take centre stage in China-US tech race

Humanoid robots take centre stage in China-US tech race

August 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

China is focusing on humanoid robots to lead in technology and improve productivity. At the World Robot Conference in Beijing, Chinese companies are competing with U.S. firms in developing these robots.

Key Facts

  • The World Robot Conference is taking place in Beijing.
  • Humanoid robots are robots designed to look and act like humans.
  • China is investing in humanoid robots to gain a technological advantage.
  • Chinese companies are competing against American companies in robot development.
  • The goal is to use robots to increase work productivity.
  • The conference highlights the ongoing technology competition between China and the U.S.
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Al Jazeera
Roblox must make changes after failing to block adults creeping on kids

Roblox must make changes after failing to block adults creeping on kids

August 20, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Australia’s eSafety commissioner reported that Roblox still allows adults to contact children in unsafe ways despite previous changes. Roblox has agreed to make further improvements within three months and to have independent checks to ensure better protection for kids using the platform.

Key Facts

  • Roblox made some changes last fall to block adults from messaging unknown children.
  • Testing by Australia’s eSafety identified gaps allowing adults to send friend requests and see children’s profiles without restrictions.
  • Adults can comment on kids’ posts outside of game areas without parental permission.
  • Australian law requires online platforms to block unwanted contact between adults and children and make kids’ accounts private by default.
  • About 1.7 million Australian children use Roblox.
  • Roblox agreed to a court-enforceable deal to improve safety settings and parental controls within three months.
  • Roblox will allow third-party experts to audit its child safety tools to verify compliance with the law.
  • The company recently began using facial age checks, a method that raises privacy concerns among some people.
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Ars Technica
Is Vine back? Short-form video-sharing app Divine opens to public

Is Vine back? Short-form video-sharing app Divine opens to public

August 20, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

A new app called Divine has launched, allowing people to create and watch six-second looping videos like the old Vine app. Divine includes over two million original Vine videos, uses a system to verify videos are made by humans (not AI), and is built on a decentralized platform where users can move their accounts to other apps.

Key Facts

  • Divine is designed to be a successor to the original Vine app, with six-second looping videos.
  • It hosts more than two million original Vine videos restored from the Internet Archive.
  • The app bans AI-generated content and uses tools like ProofMode to verify videos are real and unchanged.
  • Users must record videos live in the app instead of uploading pre-recorded clips.
  • Divine is built on a decentralized system called Nostr, allowing users to take their content to other compatible apps.
  • Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s co-founder, supports Divine.
  • The original Vine had over 200 million monthly users and helped launch internet celebrities like Jake Paul and Lele Pons.
  • Divine’s founder, Evan Henshaw-Plath, aims to "reset" social media by making content authentic and less addictive.
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BBC Tech
Marvel’s Wolverine: Spider-Man developers turn to a more cutthroat character

Marvel’s Wolverine: Spider-Man developers turn to a more cutthroat character

August 20, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

Sony-owned Insomniac Games, known for making Marvel’s Spider-Man video games, is now creating a new game starring Marvel’s Wolverine. The game introduces a different story world and focuses mostly on fighting enemies, showing Wolverine’s violent combat style with advanced graphics and controller feedback.

Key Facts

  • Insomniac Games developed the recent Marvel’s Spider-Man games and is now making a Wolverine game.
  • This Wolverine game presents a new story universe without classic X-Men teams.
  • The villain in the game is Mister Sinister, who also acts like a father figure to Wolverine.
  • Wolverine’s teammates include characters usually seen as villains, like Sabretooth and Mystique.
  • Gameplay focuses mainly on combat, differing from Spider-Man’s mix of fighting and swinging through the city.
  • The combat system uses color cues to tell players when to block or dodge attacks.
  • Wolverine’s fighting style is more violent, allowing killing moves with graphic blood effects.
  • The game uses modern technology for realistic gore and uses the PlayStation DualSense controller to make fights feel more immersive.
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Guardian Tech
Book publishers forced to navigate AI and the stories about misuse are stunning

Book publishers forced to navigate AI and the stories about misuse are stunning

August 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Book publishers are dealing with the challenges that come from using artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. They face issues around how AI is changing the publishing industry and concerns about misuse of AI tools.

Key Facts

  • AI technology is increasingly used in the book publishing world.
  • Publishers must learn how to use AI while addressing new problems it brings.
  • There are worries about how AI might be misused in creating or handling book content.
  • Tisha Morris, a lawyer and author, discussed these challenges on CBS News.
  • The industry is working to find ways to balance AI’s benefits with ethical concerns.
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CBS News
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More technology in schools has led to a decline in learning, neuroscientist says

More technology in schools has led to a decline in learning, neuroscientist says

August 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath says that using more technology in schools has caused a drop in how well students learn. He spoke to the Senate about how screen time and technology affect education.

Key Facts

  • Jared Cooney Horvath is a neuroscientist and educator.
  • He testified before the Senate earlier this year.
  • His testimony focused on the effects of classroom technology.
  • He believes that more technology use in schools has lowered learning outcomes.
  • He discussed the impact of screen time on students.
  • The information was reported by CBS News.
  • The article highlights concerns about technology in education.
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CBS News
Genesis joins the giant electric SUV club with new GV90

Genesis joins the giant electric SUV club with new GV90

August 20, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Genesis has introduced the GV90, its new luxury electric SUV, based on a previous concept called Neolum. The GV90 features advanced designs like pillarless coach doors, a large retractable dashboard screen, a 25-speaker sound system, and safety innovations including a roof airbag. It uses a powerful electric platform shared with Hyundai and Kia models and offers fast charging and a large battery for long driving range.

Key Facts

  • The GV90 is a luxury electric SUV from Genesis, based on the earlier Neolum concept.
  • It includes a special variant called the GV90 Neolum with no B pillar and coach-style doors.
  • The SUV has a large OLED screen on the dashboard that retracts when driving, with a 25-speaker 3D sound system made with Bang & Olufsen.
  • It uses the 800 V E-GMP electric platform shared with Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9.
  • The GV90 has a 123.5 kWh battery that provides about 310 miles of driving range for the seven-seat version.
  • Fast charging can take the battery from 10% to 80% in as little as 22 minutes with the right charger.
  • The electric motor produces a combined 657 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.
  • The vehicle includes 12 airbags, including the world’s first roof airbag to protect occupants in rollovers.
  • No information is yet available on the U.S. release date or price.
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Ars Technica
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