New funding to explore the human genome
The University of Michigan is set to increase the amount and type of genetic information stored in its Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) data centre. This information is used by researchers and healthcare providers around the world looking to genomes to treat disease. The expansion has been made possible thank to a $30 million award from the […]
US holiday spending to approach $1 tn: Retail Federation
US consumers are expected to spend close to $1 trillion during the winter holiday season, a slight uptick from the year prior, the National Retail Federation (NRF) said Tuesday. The trade association forecasts total holiday spending in November and December will grow by 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent over 2023 — reaching between $979.5 billion and […]
US weighs Google breakup in landmark trial
The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday it would demand that Google make profound changes to how it does business and even consider the possibility of a breakup, after the tech juggernaut was found to be running an illegal monopoly. Determining how to address Google’s wrongs is the next stage of a landmark antitrust […]
The US and Microsoft disrupt a Russian hacking group targeting American officials and nonprofits
A hacking group tied to Russian intelligence tried to worm its way into the systems of dozens of Western think tanks, journalists and former military and intelligence officials, Microsoft and U.S. authorities said Thursday. The group, known as Star Blizzard to cyberespionage experts, targeted its victims with emails that appeared to come from a trusted […]
How artificial intelligence is changing the reports US police write
Officer Wendy Venegas spoke softly in Spanish to the 14-year-old standing on the side of a narrow residential road in East Palo Alto. The girl’s face was puffy from crying as she quietly explained what had happened. The girl said her father had caught her and her boyfriend “doing stuff” that morning, and her dad […]
U.S. pitches ban on Chinese tech in driverless and connected vehicles
The Biden administration on Monday proposed banning the import or sale of internet-connected vehicles containing Chinese or Russian components, sounding an alarm about the potential for modern transport to be used as a tool for spying or to create domestic chaos during a conflict. The move follows seven months of deliberation and increasing concern over […]
Julian Assange’s extradition to US delayed as he waits to find out whether he can appeal
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange will have to wait to find out whether he can appeal over his extradition to the United States, as the High Court ruled he cannot immediately be extradited on espionage charges. A further hearing will now be held in May, two High Court judges said, unless the US can give further […]
End of an era in Baltimore after bridge collapse leaves residents in disbelief
On the banks of the Patapsco river, hundreds of people from across Baltimore gather in the early evening sun. Most are taking pictures with their mobile phones and can’t quite fathom what they are seeing. The Francis Scott Key bridge, a fixture of this city for half a century, had been destroyed in less than […]
TikTok chief executive appeals directly to users to ‘protect their constitutional rights’ and oppose potential US ban
TikTok’s chief executive has appealed to US users directly to stop a bill that could see the social media app banned in America. Shou zi Chew appealed to the public via – what else – a video posted on the app. “Keep sharing your stories, share them with your friends, share them with your family, […]
‘Extreme’ blizzard hits California, Nevada and Utah causing widespread disruption
An “extreme” blizzard has caused widespread disruption in the western US – with more than 10 ft of snow piling up in places. Thousands of properties were left without power in California and Nevada over the weekend, while the state of Utah was also hit. The states have also been affected by heavy rain and […]
