Monday, March 24

Science and Technology

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Science and Technology

Worldwide iron deficiency and the controversy on supplements

Lack of iron continues to be one of the most common nutritional issues worldwide, impacting millions in both affluent and emerging countries. Even though it is widespread, experts and medical professionals have not reached a solid agreement on the ideal approach to tackle this problem. Iron supplementation, a frequently used method, has ignited significant discussions regarding its success and possible adverse effects, causing many to question if they are indeed the answer to this ongoing international health concern.Iron is an essential element for the human body, being vital in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the system. A lack of adequate iron can lead to iron deficiency anemia, a disorder characterized by tiredness, weakn...
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Science and Technology

Tech giants unease over Utah’s digital platform rules

In a development that has sparked both praise and disapproval, Utah has enacted new laws that represent a notable victory for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, though it has left other significant tech corporations dissatisfied. The move, which emphasizes the increasing intricacy of tech governance, illustrates the evolving relationships between tech companies and government officials as states become more active in influencing the digital environment.The core of the controversy lies in a law concentrating on the concerns of online platforms, user privacy, and content moderation—subjects that have grown more contentious over time. Though seen as a win for Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, the legislation has unsettled other tech leaders. They contend that the regulations might introduce d...
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Science and Technology

Blockchain experts join forces against major crypto theft

In an incident now regarded as the most significant cryptocurrency robbery ever recorded, cybercriminals have made off with $1.46 billion in digital assets from ByBit, a prominent platform for crypto trading. This theft, reportedly executed by the notorious Lazarus Group from North Korea, has reverberated throughout the digital currency community. In reaction, ByBit has initiated an audacious crowdsourcing effort, recruiting online bounty hunters and blockchain experts to trace and retrieve the stolen assets.The CEO of ByBit, Ben Zhou, has turned to social media to gather backing, calling on both individuals and businesses to participate in the mission. "Unite with us in the battle against Lazarus," Zhou posted, providing a link to a freshly established website where participants can monit...
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Science and Technology

Apple’s $500 billion US investment plan in play amid trade tensions

Apple has announced an investment of $500 billion to grow its operations in the United States over the upcoming four years. This substantial pledge follows the introduction of new tariffs on imports from China, a key center for its production activities. The decision is anticipated to generate 20,000 additional jobs and enhance its foothold in the U.S., a market that has become increasingly crucial for the tech company's long-term plans.El anuncio se produce tras una reunión entre Tim Cook, CEO de Apple, y el presidente Donald Trump, en la que los aranceles fueron un tema central de discusión. A principios de este mes, el presidente implementó un arancel del 10% sobre todas las importaciones de China, una medida que afecta directamente a Apple, dado que la mayoría de sus iPhones y otros pr...
Neuralink wins approval for new brain implant study aimed at restoring mobility and digital freedom
Science and Technology

Neuralink wins approval for new brain implant study aimed at restoring mobility and digital freedom

Neuralink, the brain technology startup founded by Elon Musk, announced that it has received approval to launch a new feasibility study using its experimental brain implant and robotic arm technology. This initiative, called FIRST studywill evaluate the safety and functionality of the company's wireless brain-computer interface (BCI) and its surgical robot. The study is specifically aimed at helping people with tetraplegia-a severe form of paralysis: controls external devices using only their thoughts. The announcement was made via Neuralink's social media channels, where the company described the study as a significant step toward advancing its technology. “This is the first step in our mission to restore not only digital freedom but also physical freedom,” Neuralink said. The P...
A US court upholds the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok under penalty of ban
Science and Technology

A US court upholds the law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok under penalty of ban

A US federal court has upheld legislation requiring Chinese tech giant ByteDance to relinquish ownership of the popular social media platform TikTok in the US by early next year or face a nationwide ban. The ruling marks a significant victory for the Justice Department and critics of TikTok, who have long expressed concern about the app's ties to China. However, the decision constitutes a major setback for ByteDance as it now faces the possibility of losing access to the app's 170 million US users. The ruling raises the likelihood of an unprecedented ban on a social networking app widely used in the United States. ByteDance and TikTok are expected to challenge the decision, potentially sending the case to the U.S. Supreme Court or requesting a new hearing by the full appeals cour...
Apple accused of monitoring employees and limiting discussions about pay and conditions
Science and Technology

Apple accused of monitoring employees and limiting discussions about pay and conditions

Apple is accused of illegally surveilling the personal devices and iCloud accounts of its employees, particularly when they discuss pay and workplace conditions. A new complaint, filed by Domingo Amar Bhakta in a California state court, accuses the tech giant of requiring employees to install software on personal devices used for work. This software supposedly grants Apple access to sensitive personal data, including emails, photo archives, health information, and even data from “smart home” devices. Bhakta, who works in Apple's digital advertising division and has been with the company since 2020, claims that Apple has strict privacy policies that prevent employees from openly discussing their working conditions. These policies supposedly include restrictions on speaking to the ...
TikTok pushes Supreme Court to review potential US ban on national security grounds
Science and Technology

TikTok pushes Supreme Court to review potential US ban on national security grounds

TikTok has formally asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a federal appeals court decision that upheld legislation potentially banning the app in the United States. The controversial law, backed by President Joe Biden's administration, requires the popular social media platform to sever ties with its China-based parent company, ByteDance, or face a nationwide ban. The legal documents, filed Monday, come on the heels of a ruling by a three-judge panel of the same appeals court. Last week the committee sided with the government, saying the law requiring TikTok's divestment from ByteDance is constitutional. According to the document, if the legislation is maintained, TikTok will face a US ban effective January 19, 2025, a move that TikTok and ByteDance say would have catastrophic c...
Microsoft reports cybercriminals collaborating with Russia and China in attacks against US targets
Science and Technology

Microsoft reports cybercriminals collaborating with Russia and China in attacks against US targets

Microsoft has released a report indicating a growing trend of cybercriminals collaborating with state actors, particularly Russia, China and Iran, to conduct cyber espionage and hacking operations against adversaries, including the United States. This development raises concerns about the increasingly complex and interconnected nature of cyber threats and the potential for increased cyber conflict. A deeper examination of the report's findings, the implications of these collaborations, and strategies to mitigate these threats is critical to understanding the evolving cyber landscape. Microsoft's report highlights several key findings regarding collaboration between cybercriminals and state actors. Cybercriminals are increasingly offering their services to nation-states, providing access t...
Technology’s pursuit of nuclear energy: Powering the future of artificial intelligence
Science and Technology

Technology’s pursuit of nuclear energy: Powering the future of artificial intelligence

The growing need for clean, reliable energy sources to power the burgeoning artificial intelligence industry has led major technology companies to explore a somewhat controversial energy source: nuclear energy. This marks a significant shift for companies like Microsoft, Google and Amazon, which have historically supported and invested heavily in renewable energy solutions like wind and solar. The immense energy demands of artificial intelligence, however, are pushing these tech giants to reconsider their energy portfolios and explore alternatives that can ensure constant energy supply. Artificial intelligence, unlike its predecessors in the digital realm such as social media or video streaming, requires significantly more computing power. The complex algorithms and massive data ...