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Auroras shaped early Earth's chemistry at polar regions
Researchers led by Shinya Kato from Kyoto University propose that Earth's auroras—polar light shows created when the magnetic field directs charged particles into the atmosphere—may have sparked prebiotic chemistry. Unlike sunlight or lightning affecting the whole planet, auroras concentrate energy in specific high-latitude zones, creating repeated 'reaction zones' where unique chemistry could develop and support chemical evolution.
Tech Explorist ·
Researchers extract virus DNA from 1,000-year-old York Gospels parchment
University College Dublin researchers discovered sheep pox virus DNA in historic European manuscripts, including the 1,000-year-old York Gospels. By sequencing parchment made from animal hides, they traced the highly contagious disease back at least 3,700 years. The virus caused devastating economic losses to livestock farming. Findings suggest capripoxviruses diverged between 11,500 and 3,700 years ago during sheep domestication.
Tech Explorist ·
Hologram tour kicks off October 8 in Toronto
The Concert Production is launching the Signed To God World Tour, a hologram tribute to late Punjabi star Sidhu Moose Wala, starting October 8, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Rather than AI, creators used Pepper's Ghost projection technology with a body double trained in Italy to replicate his movements, signature gestures, and appearance down to his tattoos and mustache thickness.
Rolling Stone India · · IN
Opens sustainable knowledge economy model globally
A proposal for a university specialized in sustainable development sciences could transcend traditional education to become an economic catalyst. Drawing from models at Wageningen, British Columbia, and Arizona State universities, such an institution would link education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship across 17 UN sustainable development goals, potentially generating new sectors in renewable energy, circular economy, and carbon management.
Al Bilad · · BH
Remains absent from Nobel stage since Naguib Mahfouz won in 1988
Arab writers question why creative Arabic literature has been excluded from the Nobel Prize for Literature since Naguib Mahfouz's 1988 win for his literary legacy, including 'Children of Gebelawi.' Despite numerous Arab novelists, poets, and thinkers deserving recognition with translated works praised globally, the Swedish Academy's doors remain closed to Arabic-language literature, raising concerns about political calculations or cultural bias.
Al Bilad · · BH
Design education shifts toward AI, multidisciplinary training in India
Design education in India is transforming as careers expand across industries and demand rises. Courses now emphasize multidisciplinary training blending design with business, social science, and STEM. Artificial Intelligence adoption and data-driven trends are shaping future designers to create innovative, sustainable, and accessible solutions.
The Hindu Education · · IN
Launches stealth startup in San Francisco focusing on robot planning
Danijar Hafner, 31, left Google DeepMind in fall 2025 to start a stealth startup in San Francisco's SoMa district. His approach uses model-based reinforcement learning and world models to enable AI agents and robots to navigate unfamiliar environments without extensive real-world training. The humanoid robots, imported from China, represent the physical evolution of his decade-long research enabling AI to handle previously unseen scenarios.
MIT Technology Review AI ·
Maruti cuts up to Rs 1.35 lakh on Victoris
Maruti Suzuki is offering September discounts across seven models, with the highest benefits on the Victoris strong hybrid at Rs 1.35 lakh. Petrol and CNG Victoris variants get up to Rs 85,000. Benefits include cash discounts, exchange bonuses, loyalty rewards, and institutional discounts. Offers are valid until September 30 and vary by city and dealership.
Autocar India · · IN
Apple launches iPhone 18 Pro with 2nm A20 Pro chip
Apple unveiled iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on Wednesday, powered by a 2nm A20 Pro chip with 6 CPU cores and 7 GPU cores. The Pro offers 36 hours battery life, Pro Max delivers 45 hours. Both feature triple 48MP cameras and dynamic island with live tracking. In India, pricing starts at ₹1,64,900 and ₹1,79,900 respectively.
The Hindu Sci-Tech · · IN
Court denies bail for Tate brothers in Miami
US Magistrate Judge Lauren Louis denied social-media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate's bail request on Wednesday. Jailed since July 18, the brothers face extradition to the UK on rape charges, which they deny. The judge ruled they failed to demonstrate they aren't flight risks, citing their wealth and multiple passports.
Livemint · · US
Trump threatens strikes on Iran's Pickaxe Mountain site
Donald Trump warned the US may strike Iran's Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified site near the Natanz uranium enrichment facility with two deeply buried tunnel complexes. Speaking at the Republican convention, Trump urged Tehran to avoid provocative action, saying the US would "hit them very hard" if Iran proceeds. Trump has been making such threats since mid-July.
Middle East Eye · · IR
Hackers breach Trezor email provider, distribute phishing scam
Trezor warned users Wednesday that hackers breached its third-party email provider and distributed a phishing email claiming a critical STM32 microcontroller vulnerability. The fake email falsely claimed the defect affects one in four devices and could compromise recovery phrases. Trezor took down the attack domain and is investigating. Similar campaigns may have targeted BitBox users.
Decrypt ·