NASA is launching a robotic spacecraft to save the aging Swift telescope from falling back to Earth. The mission will boost Swift to a higher orbit so it can keep observing space explosions.
Key Facts
NASA hired Katalyst Space Technologies to carry out the mission with a $30 million budget.
The rescue spacecraft, named Link, has three arms and will be launched from an airplane using a Pegasus rocket.
Swift has been losing altitude faster due to increased solar activity and needs a higher orbit to continue working.
It will take about a month for Link to reach Swift and several more weeks to raise its orbit from 224 miles to 373 miles above Earth.
NASA also worries about the Hubble Space Telescope losing altitude and plans to use a future robot to save it.
China is the only other country to have done a similar satellite-boosting mission, which it completed four years ago.
This operation is the first American attempt using a robotic spacecraft to service an orbiting telescope.
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This episode of Tech Life discusses shadow banning, a practice where certain content is hidden or made less visible online without users being told. It explores how shadow banning might affect health education messages aimed at women and young girls. The episode also features a conversation about video game discs and an interview with the founder of the Global Gaming League.
Key Facts
Shadow banning means hiding or reducing the visibility of online content without notifying users.
The episode examines whether shadow banning impacts health education for women and young girls.
It includes a look back at physical video game discs that store games.
Shiona McCallum is the episode’s presenter.
The episode features an interview with the founder of the Global Gaming League, an organization related to gaming competitions.
The show is part of the BBC World Service and has been available for over a year.
The producer of the episode is Tom Quinn.
A photo related to the episode shows a young sportswoman resting on a yoga mat while using her smartphone.
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A poll by health research firm KFF found that US adults who often use AI chatbots for health advice are more likely to believe false information about vaccines. The study showed these users were more prone to myths like vaccines causing autism or changing DNA, compared to people who do not use AI for health information.
Key Facts
The poll surveyed 2,480 US adults in May and looked at AI chatbot use for health advice.
Frequent AI health advice seekers were more likely to believe vaccine myths, such as MMR vaccines causing autism.
35% of frequent AI users believed that MMR vaccines cause autism, compared to 20% of non-AI users.
29% of frequent AI users thought mRNA vaccines can change DNA, which is false.
The myth about vaccines causing autism has been debunked by many studies and the original study was retracted.
People who use social media weekly for health advice were also more likely to believe vaccine misinformation.
Higher income and college-educated individuals are more likely to use AI tools for health advice, while lower income and less educated individuals rely more on social media.
The poll did not identify which specific AI chatbots were used, and different bots may provide different accuracy levels.
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Australia’s consumer watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), has sued Amazon. The ACCC claims that Amazon’s contracts with Prime Video subscribers included unfair terms after Amazon started adding ads to the service and charging more to avoid them.
Key Facts
The ACCC sued Amazon over adding ads to Prime Video and charging extra for an ad-free option.
Amazon changed Prime Video from being ad-free to including ads starting in early 2024 worldwide.
In Australia, subscribers had to pay an extra fee up to 12.99 Australian dollars monthly to avoid ads.
Over 1 million subscribers signed contracts with Amazon between November 2023 and August 2025.
Many customers who prepaid for a year still received ads unless they paid more to remove them.
The ACCC says Amazon used five unfair contract terms allowing it to change services without offering refunds.
Amazon has faced similar complaints in other countries, including the US and UK, about unfair practices.
The ACCC’s case focuses on consumer protection laws and customers’ rights regarding contract changes.
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Google DeepMind has introduced a new AI image model called Nano Banana 2 Lite that is faster and cheaper than its previous models. This model creates images quickly, making it useful for rapid idea testing, although the image quality may be lower than other higher-end models.
Key Facts
Nano Banana 2 Lite is part of Google’s Gemini 3.1 family of AI image models.
It can generate images in about 4 seconds, compared to 20 seconds for the standard Nano Banana model.
The model is designed for fast, low-cost image generation, costing about $0.034 per 1,000 images.
Nano Banana 2 Lite handles text and detailed graphics less accurately than other models.
The images produced have SynthID watermarks to label them as AI-generated, even after editing.
It is available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and across Google’s ecosystem.
Google is also expanding access to Gemini Omni Flash, a video generation tool, through its API and AI Studio.
The model is useful for quick design prototypes but less suited for creating photorealistic or detailed images.
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Tidal, a music streaming service, has started a new rule to mark songs made entirely by artificial intelligence (AI). The company will also stop paying royalties for songs that are fully generated by AI.
Key Facts
Tidal is a music streaming platform.
It will label music that is completely created by AI.
AI-generated songs will be identified clearly on the platform.
Tidal will not give royalty payments for streams of fully AI-made songs.
This policy aims to distinguish human-made music from AI-produced music.
Tony Gervino is the executive vice president and editor-in-chief of Tidal.
Tidal announced the policy during a discussion with CBS News.
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Musician Peter Gabriel released a new song called "I Belong to the Sky" to coincide with the strawberry moon on June 30. This song is part of his upcoming album "o/i," which follows his 2023 album "i/o," and he releases new songs with each full moon until the album’s full release in 2026.
Key Facts
A strawberry moon is the full moon that appears in June each year.
Peter Gabriel released "I Belong to the Sky" to honor the June 30 strawberry moon.
The song is from his upcoming album "o/i," a follow-up to 2023’s album "i/o."
Gabriel releases a new track with each full moon until the full "o/i" album is out by the end of 2026.
Gabriel describes the song as exploring the idea of making dreams come true by visualizing them.
This track features musicians performing freely, led by drummer Manu Katché.
"I Belong to the Sky (Bright-Side Mix)" is now available on music streaming platforms.
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Data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) are causing a big increase in the world's electricity use. Countries that build the right energy infrastructure fast will have an advantage in the growing AI-based economy.
Key Facts
Data centers use a lot of electricity to store and process information.
AI technology needs powerful computers that consume significant energy.
Global electricity demand is rising because of more data centers and AI use.
Building energy infrastructure means setting up the systems that produce and deliver electricity.
Countries that develop these systems quickly can benefit more from AI economic opportunities.
The growth in AI is creating new needs for energy worldwide.
Energy planning is key for supporting AI and data center expansion.
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NASA is working quickly to save the Swift Observatory telescope, which is orbiting Earth but slowly falling closer. They have started a $30 million mission to try to rescue the telescope before it reenters the atmosphere.
Key Facts
The telescope involved is called the Swift Observatory.
It is currently in orbit around Earth but losing altitude.
NASA is conducting a salvage mission to save it.
The mission costs about $30 million.
The goal is to prevent the telescope from falling uncontrollably to Earth.
This effort is time-sensitive because the telescope’s orbit is deteriorating.
The Swift Observatory studies space events like gamma-ray bursts.
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Google's power use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions all reached record highs last year as the company rapidly expanded its AI infrastructure. Despite efforts to use clean energy, the growth of AI has caused environmental impacts to increase significantly.
Key Facts
Google's electricity demand rose 37% last year, much higher than in previous years.
Greenhouse gas emissions increased by 18%, the biggest rise Google has reported.
Water use climbed 34% to nearly 11 billion gallons, mostly by data centers.
Google signed agreements for 12 gigawatts of clean energy but kept carbon-free electricity use flat.
Electricity-related emissions fell 2% from 2023, less reduction than the previous year.
Google’s environmental report highlights AI’s potential to reduce emissions in other areas.
Tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon will soon release similar environmental reports.
The report reflects challenges balancing AI growth with climate goals.
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A union representing workers at Rockstar Games, the maker of Grand Theft Auto 6, is asking the company to officially recognize the union so they can discuss working conditions. Some union members have filed legal action, claiming they were unfairly fired for trying to organize, which Rockstar denies.
Key Facts
Rockstar Games is set to release Grand Theft Auto 6 in November, expected to be a very successful game.
The Independent Workers of Great Britain (IWGB) Video Game Workers Union wants Rockstar to formally recognize the union.
The union seeks improvements in pay transparency, flexible working hours, and clearer rules about overtime work, known as "crunch."
Some workers say they were illegally fired last October for union activity; Rockstar denies this and says dismissals were for serious misconduct.
Rockstar has studios in Edinburgh, Dundee, Lincoln, Leeds, and London.
The union says working conditions have improved since 2019, including pay rises and bonuses for overtime work.
Official union recognition would give workers more rights and formal ways to discuss issues with management.
A tribunal will hear the legal case about the firings in September.
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Dead by Daylight, a multiplayer horror game, celebrated its 10th anniversary with a large fan event in Montreal. The game announced new content, including Jason Voorhees as a playable character and the introduction of the first Indigenous Survivor, Shane Wiigwaas.
Key Facts
Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer horror game where four Survivors try to escape one Killer.
The game has lasted 10 years, which is rare for live-service games.
Thousands of fans gathered in Montreal's Old Port for the 10th anniversary event.
The event included panels, developer talks, community art, and meet-and-greets.
Jason Voorhees, a popular horror character, will join the game on June 16.
Shane Wiigwaas, the game's first Indigenous Survivor, will be introduced on June 25.
The game features characters from many horror franchises, becoming a major horror crossover.
Developers continue to update the game, showing a commitment to growth and new content.
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The character Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th movies has been added to the video game Dead by Daylight. The game’s developer created a new version of Jason that fits the game’s style, focusing on his strength, stealth, and ability to catch players. Jason’s inclusion is a major event for the game and reflects years of fan requests despite challenges with licensing rights.
Key Facts
Jason Voorhees is a well-known horror character famous for his hockey mask.
The Friday the 13th series has expanded Jason’s story with different styles including horror, science fiction, and comedy.
Dead by Daylight’s developer, Behaviour Interactive, created a unique version of Jason for the game rather than just copying the movie character.
Jason’s game character focuses on moving quietly, being strong, and chasing players relentlessly.
His addition to the game happened after many years of licensing difficulties.
Licensed characters like Jason may not stay in the game forever due to rights issues.
Jason’s backstory in the game puts him directly into the game’s world, hunting creatures controlled by the game’s Entity.
Players feel like they are truly playing as Jason, not just using a costume.
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Creatine, a popular supplement used to build muscle, is being studied to see if it can help with depression. Early research shows mixed results, so experts say it is too soon to use creatine as a treatment for depression.
Key Facts
Depression affects over 18% of U.S. adults, about 47.8 million people.
Researchers reviewed five clinical trials testing creatine for depression.
Two studies showed creatine helped women with major depressive disorder when combined with the antidepressant escitalopram.
Three trials found no benefit, including among people with treatment-resistant depression, teenagers, and those with bipolar disorder.
Some participants with bipolar disorder experienced hypomania or mania after taking creatine.
Creatine helps the body and brain produce energy, which might affect mood.
The link between creatine and brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin is possible but not fully understood.
Experts say current evidence is not strong enough to recommend creatine to treat depression.
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Netflix is requiring users to link each adult profile on their account to a unique email address. This change aims to reduce password sharing by making each profile function more like an individual account.
Key Facts
Netflix users now need to add a separate email for each adult profile on their account.
Before, users could create multiple profiles under one email and password.
The update started rolling out around June 15, 2024.
Netflix says this allows independent sign-ins, personal verification codes, and customized settings for each profile.
Some users are unhappy, saying it makes switching profiles harder and adds extra steps.
Netflix wants to limit password and profile sharing to increase paying subscribers.
The change helps Netflix track individual user habits better, improving recommendations and advertising.
This update follows previous efforts like paid sharing plans and household location limits introduced since 2022.
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"Adventure Time: Side Quests" is a new series that feels like lost episodes from the original show, with a new art style and a new voice actor for Finn the Human. John DiMaggio and most of the original cast return, while Sasha Knight replaces Jeremy Shada as the voice of young Finn. All 20 episodes are now available on Hulu and Disney+.
Key Facts
The new series feels like it continues from the early seasons of the original "Adventure Time."
The show features a slightly different art style but resembles the original designs.
Jeremy Shada, the original voice of Finn, was replaced by Sasha Knight because Shada has grown too old to sound like young Finn.
John DiMaggio returns to voice his characters, including Jake the Dog.
Sasha Knight is a fan of the original series and is now the voice of Finn.
The entire "Side Quests" series, with 20 episodes, is available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
There is hope for more seasons, but no official announcement has been made.
In an interview, John DiMaggio mentioned interest in reviving another old show, "Kim Possible."
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Netflix is developing a live-action TV series based on Atlus' popular Persona video game series. Christopher Monfette will write and lead the show, with executive producers from 21 Laps and Story Kitchen working on the project.
Key Facts
Netflix announced plans to create a live-action TV adaptation of the Persona game franchise.
Christopher Monfette is the writer and showrunner (main creative leader) for the series.
Shawn Levy's production companies 21 Laps and Story Kitchen are executive producers.
Persona is a well-known role-playing game series featuring social simulation, teenage stories, and supernatural themes.
It is unclear which Persona game the show will adapt; possible options include Persona 3, 4, or 5.
Netflix has experience adapting video games into successful series like Castlevania and Arcane.
The show might be tied to the upcoming Persona 6 game or could feature a new original story set in the Persona universe.
Persona 5 is considered the most popular game, reaching a wide audience on many platforms.
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Elon Musk promoted a new film called Citizen Vigilante on Twitter (now X). The movie shows a far-right story where a white vigilante kills migrants and their families, with negative messages about migrants. Germany’s film ratings group refused to officially release the movie due to its violent content against migrants.
Key Facts
Elon Musk shared and promoted the film Citizen Vigilante on his social media platform X.
Citizen Vigilante is directed by German filmmaker Uwe Boll and features actor Armie Hammer.
The film shows migrants as violent and presents white vigilante violence as justified.
The movie ends with the main character killing a whole migrant family, blaming them for crimes.
Germany’s film ratings authority banned the movie’s commercial release, citing incitement to violence.
Musk retweeted far-right supporters of the movie, including Germany’s far-right AfD party leader.
Musk controls X, a platform with about 240 million users, influencing what content is seen.
Critics warn that promoting such content could have harmful effects in the real world.
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Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used artificial intelligence (AI) to study hospital scans of 1,722 patients with chest pain and found that people with denser chest and back muscles had a lower chance of having a heart attack or dying within ten years. The study suggests that better quality muscle, likely linked to regular exercise, may reduce heart health risks.
Key Facts
The study analyzed scans of patients mostly in their 50s using AI to look at chest and back muscle density.
Denser muscles appear brighter in scans because they contain less fat and reflect more X-rays.
For every 10-point increase in muscle brightness on the scan, the risk of heart attack dropped by 31%, and the risk of death within ten years dropped by 39%.
The actual size of muscles did not affect heart attack risk; muscle quality or composition mattered more.
Researchers believe people with better muscle density are likely more physically active.
The study suggests that routine heart scans might one day identify people with poorer muscle quality who need more exercise or heart care.
The research was published in the journal Radiology and partly funded by the British Heart Foundation.
More research is needed to fully understand how muscle density and exercise affect heart health.
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A study shows that artificial intelligence (AI), especially large language models, often suggests common and predictable choices. This happens because AI tends to offer the most typical answers based on what most people like, which can make human decisions less varied and interesting.
Key Facts
Large language models predict the most likely next word or event, leading to average, common outcomes.
Researchers analyzed over 110,000 real-life decisions from 1,000 people and compared them with AI-made choices.
AI recommendations tend to push users toward popular, safe options rather than unique or unusual ones.
AI reduces the diversity of people’s decisions and experiences by favoring what is normal or expected.
This happens because AI is designed to keep users engaged by showing things they already like.
The study suggests adding an "exploration mode" to AI, which would offer more surprising or unconventional choices.
Such changes could help keep human culture rich and prevent people from becoming less creative or more predictable.
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