Science and Technology

s Design software company Figma more than triples share price in NYSE debut

01 Aug

Design software firm Figma triples share price in NYSE debut

Design software firm Figma made a striking entrance on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), with its shares closing at more than triple their initial offering price on the first day of trading. The debut signals a notable return of investor enthusiasm for tech-focused companies after a period of caution in public markets.Figma’s initial public offering (IPO) was closely watched by industry analysts and investors alike, especially given the company’s role in reshaping how teams collaborate on digital product design. The strong opening-day performance not only highlights the market’s confidence in Figma’s business model but also raises expectations for other…

Less staff, even less trust: Some states say they can't rely on Trump's DHS for election security

01 Aug

States express concern: Trump’s DHS’s election security reliability drops with staff cuts

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

The United States is nearing a significant election period, and various state officials are voicing increasing concern over the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)'s ability and dependability, especially due to reduced personnel and persistent distrust stemming from the policies of the Trump administration. Though DHS continues to be a vital federal agency responsible for supporting states in securing elections against both internal and external dangers, doubts have arisen about its perceived trustworthiness and operational efficacy.In recent months, several state election officials have expressed concerns about depending on DHS’s cybersecurity and infrastructure protection branches. These worries arise from both organizational changes…

A shocking record: Lightning bolt stretched 515 miles, crossed three states

29 Jul

Lightning bolt shatters records: 515 miles, three states crossed

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful and unpredictable phenomena, capable of both awe-inspiring displays and destructive force. Recently, a remarkable event captured the attention of meteorologists and the public alike: a lightning bolt stretched an astonishing 515 miles, crossing the skies of three different states. This event has set a new record and offers important insights into the behavior and capabilities of lightning during severe weather conditions.The lightning strike occurred during a large storm system that swept across a significant portion of the region. What makes this bolt extraordinary is its unprecedented length — a continuous flash covering over…

Could stem cells be used to create life without sperm or egg? Not yet, but here’s why scientists are concerned

27 Jul

Can life be created from stem cells alone? Experts discuss the concerns

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Researchers exploring the possibilities of synthetic human reproduction are inching closer to a future where creating life might not require traditional reproductive cells—sperm or egg. While science has not yet crossed that threshold, recent developments in stem cell biology are prompting renewed discussions around the ethical, biological, and societal implications of creating human embryos using lab-generated cells.At the core of these conversations are embryoid models, or "synthetic embryos," which are groups of stem cells altered to imitate the initial phases of human development. These constructs do not involve the use of sperm or eggs, nor do they implant in a…

Ranchers in southern Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock

27 Jul

Southern Mexico ranchers battle a dangerous flesh-eating parasite affecting livestock

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Ranchers across southern Mexico are facing a growing agricultural emergency as a parasitic outbreak wreaks havoc on their herds. A dangerous flesh-eating organism, known to burrow into the tissue of animals, is rapidly spreading across several regions, threatening the economic stability of farming communities and endangering the health of livestock on a large scale.The creature, scientifically known as Cochliomyia hominivorax, is the developing stage of a specific fly species that deposits its eggs in open injuries or mucosal areas. After emerging, the larvae consume the living tissue of their host, resulting in serious infections that can cause irreversible harm or…

26 Jul

AI-Powered Personal Shopping: Finding the Perfect Revenge Dress for a Party in Sicily

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, consumers are increasingly seeking shopping experiences that are tailored to their individual tastes and needs. One innovative platform is leading the way by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to create hyper-personalized online shopping journeys. By analyzing customer preferences, behaviors, and contextual factors, this new service is revolutionizing the way people find and purchase clothing and accessories for memorable moments—from everyday wear to statement pieces that mark significant events, such as a “revenge dress” for an upcoming celebration in Sicily.Fundamentally, the platform's power stems from its sophisticated implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms and models for…

China pitches global AI governance group as the US goes it alone

26 Jul

China advocates for global AI governance coalition as US takes separate route

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape global industries, China has introduced a proposal for the creation of an international group dedicated to AI governance—an initiative aimed at promoting global collaboration on ethical standards, regulatory norms, and technological safety. The move highlights a growing divergence in how major powers approach the management of emerging technologies, with China advocating for multilateral cooperation while the United States favors a more autonomous path.Beijing's proposal, unveiled during a recent global tech policy forum, calls for the establishment of a structured international mechanism that would bring together governments, tech companies, academic institutions, and civil society…

Hackers leak 13,000 user photos and IDs from the Tea app, designed as a women's safe space

25 Jul

13,000 Tea app users’ photos and IDs leaked by hackers, compromising women’s safe space

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

A major security breach has affected Tea, an app created to offer a safe and supportive space for women, as hackers leaked personal data from more than 13,000 users. The compromised information includes sensitive materials such as selfies, photos of government-issued IDs, and user-submitted reports that were part of the app’s internal verification and complaint processes.The breach has raised serious concerns about user safety and data privacy, particularly because Tea markets itself as a platform meant to protect women, especially those reporting harassment or abuse. Many users joined the app with the assurance that it was a secure space where…

Russia's Aeroflot cancels flights after pro-Ukrainian hackers claim massive cyberattack

25 Jul

Cyberattack by pro-Ukrainian hackers leads to Aeroflot flight disruptions in Russia

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Russia’s largest airline, Aeroflot, faced a major disruption after a cyberattack caused its systems to crash, forcing the cancellation of numerous flights. The incident led to widespread delays and confusion at airports, particularly at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, where passengers encountered long lines and limited information due to the failure of digital services.The airline's internal systems reportedly went down suddenly, impacting everything from flight scheduling to baggage processing and customer support. Over 50 round-trip flights were affected, including both domestic and international routes. With the website offline and the call centers overwhelmed, many travelers were left without updates or assistance for hours.The…

Breakthrough discovery shows that moths listen to plants — and avoid the noisy ones

21 Jul

Breakthrough discovery reveals moths can hear plants — and steer clear of the loud ones

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

In an extraordinary development in our knowledge of insect behavior, recent scientific studies have shown that moths can recognize sound signals from plants — and they seem to favor those that are less noisy when deciding on egg-laying locations. This finding changes long-standing beliefs about how insects relate with their surroundings and introduces new pathways for research in ecological communication.The results of the study indicate that moths, rather than being mere travelers within the natural realm, are highly sensitive to the faint noises generated by the vegetation surrounding them. Moreover, their capability to "hear" appears to affect vital choices, like…