Science and Technology

Custard powder, a cherished kitchen essential for making smooth desserts, is not typically linked with peril. Its sugary and gentle nature doesn’t reveal the risks it might possess. Yet, in specific situations, this everyday cooking item can be unexpectedly volatile. Although this might seem overstated, the occurrence is grounded in clear scientific concepts related to powdered materials and ignition.Initially, custard powder appears benign—a soft, pale-yellow powder that transforms milk and sugar into a soothing treat. However, this apparently harmless material has a surprising aspect. Similar to numerous powdered substances, custard powder may catch fire and potentially explode if it becomes…

In the current digital era, where social media channels provide a main avenue for personal expression, employees might question how their online actions could affect their careers. While individuals typically experience a sense of liberty when sharing on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn, it is crucial to recognize that their online conduct can result in serious outcomes, including possible job loss. Legal and employment professionals highlight the necessity of being aware of company policies and the protections—or their absence—that apply to workers.The topic has been examined closely after a Tesla executive was let go for criticizing Elon Musk,…

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…

YouTube, the leading platform for sharing videos worldwide, marks its 20th year of existence this year. Starting out in 2005 as a platform for amateur video makers, it has transformed into a worldwide powerhouse, competing closely with conventional entertainment centers. Nowadays, YouTube promotes itself as the "new Hollywood," where professional content creators and influencers attract vast audiences, frequently surpassing film and TV industry giants. As an illustration, in 2024, the platform's top creator, MrBeast, garnered 762 million views on a single video—almost equaling the total number of cinema tickets sold throughout the US and Canada that year.However, below this sleek…

The US Supreme Court has announced that it will hear arguments on January 10, 2025 on the constitutionality of a federal law that could ban TikTok in the US unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the platform. The case raises significant questions about free speech and national security, with implications for TikTok's 170 million U.S. users and its content creators. The law, passed in April with bipartisan support and signed by President Joe Biden, set a Jan. 19 deadline for ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban. TikTok has argued that the law violates the First Amendment…

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…

Apple has launched a significant free software update, iOS 18, which introduces artificial intelligence features to its iPhone 16 series. This update comes shortly after the release of the new iPhone models, which are priced between $800 and $1,200 and are equipped with the necessary hardware to support these advanced AI functions. In addition to the iPhone 16 models, last year's premium offerings, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, also feature processors that will enable AI technology once the iOS 18 update is installed. Additionally, recent iPad and Mac models can benefit from the same software improvements.…

In a decisive move to strengthen national security, President Joe Biden has ordered the Pentagon and US intelligence agencies to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence. This initiative, outlined in a national security memorandum, aims to position the United States as a leader in artificial intelligence technology while safeguarding against potential threats from adversaries such as China. The memorandum highlights artificial intelligence as a transformative technology, establishing guidelines intended to prevent its misuse against civil liberties or human rights. A senior administration official, speaking anonymously, stressed the importance of aligning the implementation of artificial intelligence with American values. The official…

The collaborative relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, once hailed as a tech power couple, is showing signs of strain. Despite a substantial $13 billion investment from Microsoft, OpenAI's ambitious AI projects and rising operational costs have put a strain on the partnership. The AI ​​landscape is evolving rapidly, and both companies are navigating the complexities of this dynamic field while seeking to maintain a competitive advantage. OpenAI's projected loss of $5 billion this year highlights the immense financial demands of developing and deploying cutting-edge AI systems. The company's pursuit of increasingly sophisticated models requires vast computational resources, pushing the limits…

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into Tesla's self-driving systems following numerous crashes, including a fatal accident involving a pedestrian. This investigation represents a significant obstacle for Tesla, which has ambitiously advanced its plans for fully self-driving vehicles. Tesla, under the leadership of CEO Elon Musk, has been at the forefront of developing technologies that allow cars to operate without human intervention for navigation, steering and braking. This technology, defined by Tesla as "fully autonomous and supervised driving", aims to revolutionize the way we move by reducing human error and increasing efficiency on the roads.…