On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be visible across North America, leaving 31.5 million people in temporary darkness. Cloud cover varies, with historic cloud fraction ranging from 0% to 100%. Thin clouds may limit visibility of solar features, while thick clouds could obscure the eclipse. Buffalo has a higher chance of being cloudy, while Texas has a higher chance of being cloud-free. The Northeast is typically cloudier in April. Total solar eclipses are rare, with the next one in the Lower 48 states not until 2044.

AT&T experienced a nationwide cell service outage, affecting around 250 million customers. The issue, which began early on Thursday, prevented calls, including to 911. AT&T confirmed the outage was not due to a cyber attack but resulted from an incorrect process during network expansion. The company restored its entire network by 3pm ET. Emergency services issued warnings, and companies provided workarounds.

Two US studies published in The BMJ show that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution increases the risk of hospital admission for heart and lung diseases. The Global Burden of Disease study estimates that PM2.5 exposure accounts for 7.6% of global mortality and 4.2% of global disability adjusted life years. The World Health Organization recommends annual average PM2.5 levels not exceeding 5 μg/m3. The US EPA recently updated the national air quality standard for annual PM2.5 to 9 µg/m3, still higher than the WHO guideline.

Apple is launching post-quantum encryption in iMessage to protect against potential quantum computing-based attacks. The update will be included in iOS and iPad OS 17.4 and macOS 14.4, replacing existing encryption protocols. Quantum computing, still in experimental stages, poses a threat to current encryption. Governments and tech companies are investing billions in quantum computing. Post-quantum cryptography is being developed to counter this threat. The update will be applied through operating system updates.

Google has released Gemma 2B and 7B, open-source AI models suitable for tasks like chatbots and summarizations. Despite their smaller size, Gemma models "surpass significantly larger models on key benchmarks" and can run directly on a developer's computer. They come with responsible AI toolkits and are available via Kaggle, Hugging Face, Nvidia’s NeMo, and Google’s Vertex AI. Gemma is free to use on Kaggle, and first-time Google Cloud users get $300 in credits.

Alabama Supreme Court's ruling considers embryos as children, impacting IVF treatments. Natalie Brumfield, 41, sees it as an affirmation of life, while Emily Capilouto, 36, faces despair as her IVF cycle is halted. The ruling's national implications are uncertain, leaving many women in Alabama concerned about its impact on their motherhood journeys. The decision, rooted in religious belief, raises questions about the future of IVF and its emotional toll.

The White House plans to announce "major sanctions" on Russia this Friday in response to Alexei Navalny's death. The sanctions will coincide with the two-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and will specifically target Navalny's death. The Treasury Department is working on the sanctions, aiming to disrupt Russia's military supply and funding. Policy experts propose measures to weaken Russia's energy market, including lowering the price cap on Russian oil.

NASA and Intuitive Machines' lunar vehicle Odysseus is set to land on the Moon today at 6:24PM ET, marking the first successful US Moon landing since 1972. Launched on February 15th via SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, it aims to land on the Moon's south pole. The IM-1 mission carries scientific cargo to aid NASA's Artemis program, including a laser retroreflector array and a radio navigation beacon.

The World Health Organization warns that without urgent action, over half of the world's countries will face high or very high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of 2024. Missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a 79% increase in cases, with over 300,000 reported last year. Urgent preventative measures are needed to protect children and prevent potential outbreaks.

UNICEF warns of a worsening food crisis in Gaza, with over 90% of children under five facing severe food poverty. The acute malnutrition rate is 5% in southern Gaza and 15% in the north. The flow of humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, leading to a dire nutrition situation for the entire population. The International Court of Justice is holding hearings on Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. IDF confirms 236 losses during the Gaza campaign.

Nvidia's record revenue hit $22.1 billion in the December quarter, up 265% from the previous year. Its market value reached $1.94 trillion, surpassing Australia's GDP. The company's success is driven by AI demand, with its share price soaring 16.4%. Analysts are optimistic about Nvidia's future, despite potential supply-chain and geopolitical challenges. The company's chips power AI applications for major tech firms. Nvidia's market growth is attributed to the AI boom.

Australia's governments have agreed on a national action plan to address sexual assault on university campuses. The plan includes mandated reporting, a new code of conduct, and an independent student ombudsman. The plan aims to reduce sexual violence rates in tertiary education, with 14,300 students experiencing sexual violence annually. Universities will be required to report progress and address the needs of at-risk students. The plan has been welcomed by campaigners and students.

German football fans have successfully halted a €1bn media rights income sale to a private equity firm by disrupting games with protests. The Bundesliga league dropped the deal due to the unprecedented wave of disruptions. Fans used creative and peaceful protests, including remote-controlled toy cars with smoke bombs, to express their opposition. The protests have gained widespread public support and sparked mainstream debate about the future of German football.

UnitedHealth Group reported that its subsidiary, Change Healthcare, was likely hacked by a nation state, causing an ongoing cybersecurity incident. Change Healthcare processes billions of healthcare transactions annually and handles around one-in-three U.S. patient records, affecting around a hundred million Americans. The cyberattack has led to pharmacy outages, preventing prescription fulfillment through patients' insurance. UnitedHealth Group has engaged security experts, law enforcement, and notified relevant parties.

Four foreign nationals were charged with transporting suspected Iranian-made weapons in the Arabian Sea. Two Navy SEALs died during the mission. The defendants, carrying Pakistani IDs, were transporting missile components for Houthi rebel forces. The weapons could have targeted American forces and threatened freedom of navigation. The vessel was boarded by Navy forces, and 14 sailors were brought back to Virginia. Criminal charges were filed against four, and material witness warrants were filed against the other 10.

The B.C. government presented an $89-billion budget with record spending on health and education, financed by an expected $7.9-billion deficit in 2024-2025. The budget includes relief for families and businesses, a flipping tax on home sales, and increased benefits for low- and middle-income families. The province's debt is projected to reach $81.7 billion by 2026-2027. The budget also focuses on countering climate change impacts and supporting the mining sector.

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported a 42% drop in trade volume through the Suez Canal over the past two months. Panama Canal transits have also fallen by 49% due to climate-change-induced drought. Houthi rebels' attacks in Yemen and climate change are contributing factors. This could impact vulnerable populations, increase living costs, and raise global supply chain disruptions, energy prices, and food prices. Shifting transport and commodity patterns are also noted.

Google's generative AI chatbot, formerly Bard, is now named Gemini and is set to replace Google Assistant. It can be accessed through a web browser and will soon be available on iPhones. The new Gemini app for Android is gradually rolling out. It will allow users to interact with Gemini as their default voice-activated helper. Google plans to integrate generative AI into many of its products.

Goldman Sachs predicts that the use of weight-loss drugs in the US could increase GDP by 1%. The market for these drugs may reach $100bn annually by 2030. GLP-1 agonists, pursued by companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, could see 10-70 million users by 2028. The drugs could boost US GDP by 0.4-1%. Healthcare innovation, including AI and GLP-1s, could raise GDP by 1.3%. Weight-loss drugs are also being researched for other conditions.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated Ukraine has the right to use Western-supplied weapons for self-defense, including striking Russian military targets outside Ukraine. This comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned against such actions. NATO allies have provided Ukraine with long-range weapons, including F-16 fighter jets. Stoltenberg emphasized the need for trained pilots and support systems for the F-16s. The situation remains tense, with Russia claiming a Ukrainian attack on Russian territory.

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, Canadian pediatric hospitals saw a significant increase in respiratory illness hospitalizations. Hospitalizations for seasonal flu among children four and under spiked by 7,306%, reaching 2,444 cases. The top causes of hospitalizations were lower respiratory infections, pneumonia, asthma, COVID-19, acute upper respiratory infections, and seasonal influenza. Hospitalizations for pneumonia nearly tripled for those 17 and under, reaching 9,871 cases. The report emphasizes the need to invest in the pediatric health system and adopt public health measures.

NASA's motto is "for the benefit of all." The space agency's innovations include CMOS camera sensors used in over a third of digital cameras, water purifiers based on Aerospace Compound, memory foam for comfort and protection, modern smoke detectors, and wireless headsets. These technologies have widespread applications, from mobile phones to water filtration systems, benefiting industrial, commercial, and residential sectors globally.

Scientists propose a new multibillion international scheme to monitor Earth's changing ecology using satellite data and on-the-ground technologies. Current data on the planet's biodiversity is flawed, hindering the ability to measure agreed-upon targets. Countries are developing their own biodiversity observation networks, but a global system is needed. Data gaps exist, particularly in the tropics, and new technologies like eDNA and acoustic monitoring offer potential solutions. International cooperation is crucial for this global initiative.

Northwestern Medicine scientists discovered a way to destroy chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer by blocking its cholesterol uptake with synthetic nanoparticles. The treatment reduced ovarian tumor growth by over 50% in human cells and animal models. The research, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to develop a combination of nanoparticles and traditional chemotherapy. The study was published in Advanced Science and involved 14 Northwestern authors.

Scientists at Scripps Research have developed an antibody that can neutralize lethal snake venoms from various species in Africa, Asia, and Australia. The antibody, 95Mat5, protected mice from venom of black mambas and king cobras. This breakthrough could lead to a universal antivenom effective against all snake venoms, potentially saving tens of thousands of lives annually. The antibody was developed synthetically, without immunizing animals or using snakes.

In 2009, Emma Murphy discovered that the epilepsy medication she took during pregnancy had harmed her children. She and Janet Williams campaigned for 15 years, leading to a report recommending a compensation scheme for 20,000 British children exposed to the drug. They uncovered evidence showing the government's failure to warn about the drug's risks. The report suggested initial payments of £100,000 for victims. The women also formed In-Fact to support affected families.

AMA Queensland has praised the early rollout of free Meningococcal B vaccine for infants and older teenagers in Queensland, a month ahead of schedule. The vaccine has been available for all Queensland School Immunisation Program providers since early January 2024. The Queensland Government's initiative aims to address the high private cost of the vaccine and protect all young Australians from the disease. The Federal Government is urged to follow suit.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced that nearly 3.9 million borrowers have had their education debt erased, totaling $138 billion in relief. An estimated 300,000 people may be eligible for refunds. The Education Department is reviewing accounts of borrowers making payments for a decade or more to identify those eligible for forgiveness. The Department contracts with companies like Mohela, Nelnet, and Edfinancial, paying them over $1 billion annually to service federal student loans.

Queensland plans to invest $570m in the grid-scale battery export industry, aiming to employ 9,100 workers by 2030. The state's commitment to industry policy is praised by experts. The investment includes $275m for battery technology innovation, $92.2m for supply chain growth, and $202.5m for industry promotion. Queensland's large supply of critical minerals and emerging technologies position it as a competitive player in the global market.

The Labor Department found that Fayette Janitorial Service LLC employed at least two dozen children as young as 13 to clean dangerous equipment in slaughterhouses, resulting in a 14-year-old's arm being mangled. The department filed for a temporary restraining order and injunction against the company, which operates in multiple states. The investigation was prompted by a New York Times Magazine article. Fayette has not yet responded to the allegations.

Australian logistics expert Lindsay Croghan, working with Médecins Sans Frontières in Rafah, warns of a "catastrophic" Israeli ground offensive in Gaza. He emphasizes the urgent need for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire" to prevent further deaths. The hospital in Rafah is treating trauma injuries and war-related burns, with children comprising over 40% of patients. Croghan highlights the struggle of local colleagues and the dire humanitarian situation, urging unhindered aid access.

A data leak revealed Chinese company I-Soon's cyber espionage for Chinese authorities, including hacking foreign governments and spying on citizens. The leaked documents show infiltration and data collection in countries like Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Mongolia. The leak is believed to be authentic by Mandiant Intelligence. The US Federal Reserve releases its Monetary Policy Report today. Japan's stock market index hit an all-time high after 34 years. Nvidia's earnings report boosted global stock markets. Elon Musk's social media platform protested Indian government orders. Alexei Navalny's death raises concerns for other Russian political prisoners. Two Goldman Sachs investment bankers may leave after being excluded from a new committee. Russian activist Natalia Arno narrates her suspected poisoning experience in Prague in May 2023. Pakistan's traditional power-brokers form a new coalition government.

Ritlecitinib, a Pfizer tablet for severe alopecia, is recommended for NHS use, impacting 400,000 UK individuals. Nice's approval follows a September 2023 rejection, now backed by additional data and a price discount. Alopecia UK's CEO hails it as a monumental day, addressing the lack of NHS treatment options. An NHS spokesperson acknowledges the potential to benefit thousands. Patients still face barriers, urging NHS to keep referral pathways open.

The FDA warns against smartwatches and smart rings claiming to measure blood glucose levels, as none are authorized for this purpose. Major wearables only support FDA-authorized continuous glucose monitors. Scammy devices making unsubstantiated claims are targeted. Misleading companies sell these devices at trade shows and online. The FDA urges reporting such devices. Reputable wearable brands are not capable of measuring blood glucose. Progress in the wearable space is promising but not ready for healthcare settings or consumers.

China is falling short of its 2025 climate targets, with energy consumption up 5.7% in 2023 and CO2 emissions growing at an average of 3.8% annually. The country's economy grew by 5.2% last year, but it's slow compared to previous rates. China's clean energy contributed $1.6tn to its economy in 2023, but it's off track to meet its 2025 targets. China approved 114GW of coal power in 2023, contradicting President Xi's pledges.

Former CIA director and secretary of Defense Robert Gates stated that the Russian military has gained momentum in the Ukraine war, with Ukraine facing artillery shortages due to waning U.S. support. Russia has suffered significant losses but is now on the offensive, with a 600-mile front. European allies have increased support, but NATO aid won't reach the battlefield until 2025. The $60 billion U.S. aid package is crucial for Ukraine's survival against a revived Russian offensive in 2024.

Leading cancer experts, including Nobel laureates, urge wealthy individuals to support a new golden age of cancer research. They highlight the potential of AI and technology to transform cancer prevention and treatment. With 18 million new cancer cases annually and a 50% rise expected by 2040, they stress the need for philanthropic funding to accelerate progress. CRUK aims to raise £400m to reduce UK cancer death rates and improve survival.

Amazon's inclusion in the Dow Jones Industrial Average is expected to boost the index, potentially driving it up to 42,865, an 11% increase. The stock split for Walmart is also anticipated to impact the index. Historically, outgoing Dow members have outperformed incoming ones, with a 12-month gain of nearly 17.5% compared to 10%. Amazon's performance is expected to benefit from the inclusion, while Walgreens Boots Alliance may suffer further decline.

Researchers at UC San Francisco have developed an AI method that can predict Alzheimer’s Disease up to seven years before symptoms appear, with 72% accuracy. High cholesterol and osteoporosis, especially in women, were identified as significant predictors. By integrating clinical data with genetic databases, they identified genes linked to Alzheimer’s, offering new avenues for early diagnosis and precision medicine. The findings were published in Nature Aging on Feb. 21, 2024.

NASA invites digital content creators to register for the Boeing Crew Flight Test (CFT) mission launch to the International Space Station. The mission, targeted for mid-April 2024, will be the first crewed launch of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. 50 social media users will be selected to attend the two-day event at Kennedy Space Center, with registration open until Feb. 27. Attendees must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old. #NASASocial #Starliner

Trainee doctors in South Korea are on a three-day mass walkout, causing red alerts in most major hospitals. Almost two-thirds of young doctors have joined the protest, leading to patient rejections and procedure cancellations. The government plans to increase medical school admissions, but doctors demand better pay and working conditions. The Prime Minister denies election agenda claims and issues a back-to-work order. Patients are advised to seek care at smaller clinics and state-run or military hospitals.

The Liberal government and NDP are negotiating pharmacare legislation, with a March 1 deadline. The NDP demands full funding for diabetes and contraceptive medications. The cost of supplying diabetes drugs alone is estimated at $1 billion annually. Canada is the only country with universal health care but no universal pharmacare. The estimated cost of a universal pharmacare program is $15.3 billion to $38.9 billion annually. The NDP has been advocating for public coverage of contraception for almost two years.

High levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) have been linked to long Covid, with potential for diagnosis and treatment. A study at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge found persistently elevated IFN-γ in patients with long Covid symptoms. More than 60% of patients showed symptom reduction as IFN-γ levels fell. The discovery offers hope to patients and challenges the dismissal of long Covid. Long Covid affects an estimated 5% of Covid-19 patients.

Jill Biden announced $100 million in federal funding for women's health research through the White House Initiative on Women’s Health Research. The money comes from ARPA-H and aims to address underfunded women's health research. The initiative seeks to prioritize women's health and increase funding. President Biden created ARPA-H in 2022. The agency will solicit ideas for research and development to address women’s health in the coming weeks.

Intel will produce high-end semiconductors for Microsoft, aiming to compete with TSMC and Samsung. CEO Pat Gelsinger plans to "rebuild western manufacturing at scale" and increase US and Europe's semiconductor production to 50% in a decade. Intel has reorganized into two units and secured foundry deals worth $15bn. The federal Chips Act promises $52.7bn for US semiconductor research. OpenAI, Google, and others will drive a surge in cutting-edge chip demand.

The OECD has decided to open accession discussions with Indonesia, a move described as "historic" by OECD secretary-general Mathias Cormann. The process could lock Indonesia into investment-friendly reforms and boost the OECD's global relevance. The OECD will prepare a draft accession roadmap for consideration in May, involving a rigorous evaluation of Indonesia's alignment with OECD standards. The process could involve legal and regulatory changes in areas such as trade, governance, integrity, and environmental protection.

President Biden signed an executive order to enhance US port cyber security, allocating over $20bn for infrastructure improvements over five years. The move aims to counter potential Chinese hacking threats and strengthen supply chains. The order expands the Department of Homeland Security's authority and directs the US Coast Guard to bolster security for Chinese-built cranes at strategic seaports. The initiative aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains and manufacturing.

A study in Australia found that high blood pressure is the leading risk factor for deaths, with 34% of adults affected. In Canada, 68% have managed to return to a healthy range. Effective treatment could save 37,000 lives annually. The National Hypertension Taskforce aims to improve control rates from 32% to 70% by 2030. Single-pill combination therapies are recommended for better control. The study urges an urgent update to national guidelines.

A new position statement emphasizes the importance of considering the patient experience in diabetes care. The statement, reflecting the consensus of two virtual roundtables, involves over 500 million people worldwide with diabetes. It highlights the need for effective communication, addressing mental health, and leveraging patient experiences to optimize health outcomes. The statement also provides a framework for person-centered care and timely access to support services.

A Chinese research team has developed a technology to store a massive data set equal to 5.8 billion web pages in a desktop-sized device. The optical data storage (ODS) method can store up to 1.6 petabits on a DVD-sized disk, 24 times more than advanced hard disk drives. This energy-efficient technology could lead to significant savings in storage space and power consumption for data centers. The disks are highly stable and could last 50 to 100 years.

A Yale-led study links an overactive immune response to colitis, a severe colon inflammation. The presence of ceramides triggers inflammation, while unsaturated fats, like those in olive oil, alleviate symptoms in mice. The absence of interleukin-10 leads to increased ceramide production. Mice lacking specific ceramides showed reduced colitis. Feeding them unsaturated fats improved symptoms. The study suggests diets high in unsaturated fats may benefit colitis treatment.

A study suggests the US Covid death toll is at least 16% higher than reported, with over 1.1 million deaths. Excess deaths from natural causes between March 2020 and August 2022 were estimated at 1.2 million, with 163,000 unattributed to Covid. Deaths began rising before surges, indicating lack of awareness and testing. Regional disparities and under-reporting persist. Accurate mortality reporting is crucial for pandemic responses and future preparedness.

Orbital Materials, led by former DeepMind researcher Jonathan Godwin, is developing GenAI technology to discover new physical materials using AI. The AI-powered platform aims to expedite the traditionally time-consuming and expensive process of material discovery. Their proprietary AI model, Linus, generates 3D molecular structures based on natural language instructions. Orbital recently raised $16 million in a Series A round to further develop their technology.

In 2020, a baby died every 40 seconds due to prematurity complications, with preterm birth being the leading cause of death among children under 5. Around 80% of preterm births occur in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia had a 12.9% preterm birth rate, while Nigeria had 9.9%. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics identified five key interventions to save preterm babies, including steroids, magnesium sulfate, delayed cord clamping, breastfeeding, and kangaroo care. These interventions have proven effective in low- and middle-income settings. The FIGO PremPrep-5 initiative aims to provide training to professionals to improve awareness and implementation of these interventions globally.

This winter, high levels of respiratory viruses like COVID-19, flu, and RSV have caused severe and long-lasting symptoms. Co-infections of two different illnesses are possible, especially after viral illnesses, making patients more susceptible to bacterial infections. Crowded indoor places increase the risk of co-infections. The immune system can fight off co-infections, but high-risk patients may have severe disease. Vaccination, ventilation, masking, handwashing, healthy diet, rest, and antiviral therapies can help prevent and manage co-infections.

Google is reportedly enhancing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) protection in Android 15. A new permission, RECEIVE_SENSITIVE_NOTIFICATIONS, with a protectionLevel of role|signature, is believed to restrict sensitive notifications to Google's own apps. Additionally, a flag named OTP_REDACTION may be employed to prevent 2FA codes from appearing on the lock screen. These measures aim to safeguard 2FA codes from unauthorized access and improve security. Android 13 already restricts notification access for untrusted apps.

Severe weather warnings are in place across China as temperatures drop. Beijing is blanketed in snow, with an orange alert issued for the south, where temperatures could fall by 6-12 degrees Celsius. The National Meteorological Center warns of a potential plunge of over 20 degrees C in some areas. Authorities urge precautions, as up to 4.1 centimeters of snow falls in suburban Beijing. Visitors marvel at the picturesque snowfall in the historic Forbidden City.

Israeli lawyers and lawmakers debate the fate of hundreds of Palestinians arrested after a Hamas attack. Some call for large-scale trials, while others suggest military tribunals. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to comply with international law on genocide. The Public Defender's Office is hesitant to represent the suspects. The debate arises amid Israel's retaliatory offensive in Gaza, which has killed over 29,000 people.

ViiV Healthcare's interim analysis of the LATITUDE phase III trial shows Cabenuva, a long-acting injectable antiretroviral treatment, is superior to daily oral therapy in maintaining viral load suppression for individuals with adherence challenges. The Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended stopping randomization and offering eligible participants the long-acting injectable therapy. The study is ongoing in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with full data to be presented at an upcoming scientific conference.

The UK entered a recession at the end of 2023, with inflation at 4%. 73% of low-income families on Universal Credit experienced food insecurity. The final cost of living payment of £299 should be paid between February 6, 2024, and February 22, 2024. The Energy Price Cap is set at £1928, predicted to fall to £1,660 in April. Benefits and state pensions will increase in April 2024. Local council assistance and charitable grants are available for those struggling financially.

The World Bank urges China to play a more active role in providing debt relief to low-income countries, as 11 are in distress and 28 at high risk. The Common Framework, established by the G20, has only supported a few countries. Without relief, countries may cut education and health spending, worsening the crisis. 40% of low-income countries will have lower per capita incomes by the end of 2024. Only Chad and Zambia have reached debt relief agreements.

Billionaire financier Ken Griffin's Citadel hedge fund achieved record-breaking performance in 2022. However, the hedge fund industry is now showing signs of vulnerability. The Financial Times' Harriet Agnew and Ortenca Aliaj explore the potential implications of a downturn for investors and the financial sector. For more information, visit FT.com. Contact Michela Tindera with market, finance, or economics questions for a chance to be featured in an upcoming show.

China has banned major institutional investors from reducing equity holdings at the open and close of each trading day to support the $8.6 trillion stock market. The ban aims to prevent bearish bets and market manipulation. The move follows a 17% drop in the benchmark CSI 300 Index over the past year. The China Securities Regulatory Commission is also cracking down on quantitative trading and studying measures to tighten IPO approvals and combat financial fraud.

Traders made significant bets on Nano-X Imaging and SoundHound AI before Nvidia's disclosure, leading to a surge in their shares. Nvidia's stock has quadrupled since 2022, with a market cap of $1.7tn. The company's quarterly earnings update is anticipated to impact the market's recent rally. Trading volumes for Nano-X and SoundHound options surged, with some traders betting on overreactions to AI-related news. SEC declined to comment on a possible investigation.

A new 20-kilometer Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) in Clark, Pampanga, will reduce travel time between Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to 20 minutes. The toll-free road is expected to create over 170,000 jobs and be fully operational by July. The P8.42 billion project aims to enhance connectivity across Luzon, revolutionizing travel and trade between Central and Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Clark International Airport.

"Martha's rule" will be implemented in 100 English hospitals from April, allowing patients to seek an urgent second opinion from a critical care team. The initiative was prompted by the death of 13-year-old Martha, who was not provided timely care for sepsis. The move is expected to save lives and empower patients. The rollout will be evaluated in 2024-25. The initiative has received praise from the health and care secretary.

Asteroids and comets pose a real threat to Earth, prompting international efforts to identify, calculate trajectories, assess risks, and devise mitigation strategies. The American DART and European HERA missions aim to divert potential collision courses. Israeli experts, including Dr. Uri Malamud and Prof. Hagai Perets from the Technion, are conducting collision simulations and developing advanced methods to enhance accuracy and support solar system exploration.

Vietnam is projected to experience a 125% increase in wealth over the next decade, making it the country with the largest wealth expansion in terms of GDP per capita and number of millionaires. It is becoming a popular manufacturing hub for multinational companies, with 19,400 millionaires and 58 centimillionaires. India follows with an expected 110% wealth growth. The country's safety and attractiveness for manufacturing operations are contributing factors.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified over 275 million previously unreported genetic variants from nearly 250,000 participants, half of whom are of non-European genetic ancestry. This discovery provides new pathways for understanding genetic influences on health and disease, particularly in underrepresented communities. The All of Us Research Program aims to build a diverse biomedical data resource to enable individualized healthcare. The program's CEO emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in scientific research.

A report by Green Energy Markets predicts that rooftop solar capacity in Australia will surpass that of coal, gas, and hydro combined in the national electricity market. Currently at almost 20GW, rooftop solar is expected to more than triple by 2054. The report suggests rooftop solar will play a significant role in helping Australia meet its climate goals. The forecasted surge in capacity is underpinned by expectations of cheaper batteries and increasing consumer demand for larger systems.

An atmospheric river is causing heavy rains in California, with rainfall totals nearing double digits in some areas. Flood watches affect over 35 million people, with debris flows and mudslides already occurring. Southern California faces the risk of an isolated tornado or waterspout. The atmospheric river is expected to wane by Wednesday evening, but active weather may return for the weekend. Snow levels in the Sierra Nevada will drop, leading to greater accumulations.

Signal has introduced new features to protect users' phone numbers, including the ability to turn off number visibility and discoverability. This allows for more secure communication with untrusted individuals. Users can now use a username instead of a phone number, eliminating the need for a burner phone or Google Voice. However, registering with a phone number remains necessary for Signal, as it prevents spam accounts and facilitates contact imports.

OpenAI's Sora is a text-to-video model that generates videos of various lengths and resolutions. It uses deep learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to create videos from textual prompts. Sora's flexibility presents opportunities for marketing, advertising, training, education, and e-commerce. However, challenges include copyright issues, ethical concerns, and potential digital noise. Sora is not expected to replace human creativity but to enhance content creation. OpenAI is working to establish guidelines and safeguards.

Ford has announced a major price cut for the 2023 Mustang Mach-E, making at least one version below $40,000 for the first time. The electric SUV was the second bestseller in the US in 2023, after a price war with Tesla. The premium trims with extended range batteries are getting the biggest discounts of $8,100. Ford is also offering a $7,500 "Red Carpet Lease cash incentive" for leased vehicles.

A new gene therapy technique called PRINT, using a retrotransposon from birds, can insert genes into a "safe harbor" in the human genome without disrupting essential genes or leading to cancer. Developed by Kathleen Collins at UC Berkeley, PRINT leverages retrotransposons' ability to efficiently insert entire genes. This approach could complement CRISPR-Cas technology and potentially treat hereditary diseases more effectively. The study will be published in Nature Biotechnology on Feb. 20.

Zimbabwe launches emergency polio vaccination campaign after detecting 3 cases caused by mutated oral vaccine virus. Over 10 million new vaccine doses will target 4 million children under 10 in February and March. The mutated virus was found in sewage samples in Harare. The country last reported a wild polio case in 1986. Health authorities are collaborating with other African countries. Polio can cause total paralysis, mainly affecting children under 5.

Sarah, Duchess of York and King Charles received cancer diagnoses within a month. Sarah was diagnosed with aggressive skin cancer in January, less than a year after facing breast cancer. King Charles publicly shared his undisclosed cancer diagnosis in February. Urging people not to skip health checks, Sarah emphasized the importance of early detection. King Charles has postponed public duties but continues behind-the-scenes work.

The CNBC Investing Club's "Morning Meeting" on 2024-02-20 saw U.S. stocks open lower, with Big Tech, including Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Meta Platforms, experiencing losses. Palo Alto Networks reported earnings, and Wells Fargo's position was trimmed after a recent surge. The club holds positions in WFC, PANW, NVDA, META, AAPL, AMZN, GEHC, and PG. Subscribers receive trade alerts before Jim Cramer makes a trade, with specific waiting periods after alerts.

Over 540 million people worldwide have diabetes, with 30% likely to develop foot ulcers. Treating chronic wounds costs over USD 17 billion annually. Scientists have developed a groundbreaking plasma-based treatment, replacing antibiotics and silver dressings. Plasma-activated hydrogel dressings loaded with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can eradicate bacteria and stimulate the immune system. The treatment holds potential for diabetic foot ulcers, internal wounds, and cancerous tumors. Clinical trials are being prepared.

Detect-Ion, a startup, secured a research contract with IARPA to develop a compact sensor platform called Spectral to detect hazardous aerosols in urban environments. The company will use AI and collaborate with three subcontractors. The final product will detect and collect aerosolized chemicals, even at low levels. Rapid detection is crucial for counterterrorism, emergency response, and public health. Last year, Detect-Ion also secured a contract with the Department of Defense to develop a handheld device for pathogen detection.

University of Miami researchers used satellites to map coral reef biodiversity globally, finding high habitat diversity correlates with high species diversity. This new technique can guide efforts to protect biodiverse reefs, offering a cost-effective alternative to SCUBA-diver surveys. The study, published in Remote Sensing of Environment, received support from the National Science Foundation, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and NASA. The findings can aid in marine spatial planning and the designation of marine protected areas.

A computer model of a human lung developed by the University of Surrey and GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung can simulate radiation's cell-by-cell interaction. This could lead to more precise cancer treatments, reducing radiotherapy damage. The model, BioDynaMo, enables interactive organ modeling, potentially revolutionizing medical knowledge. Over half of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, but excessive doses can harm lungs. The research is published in Communications Medicine.

NASA is seeking four individuals for a 378-day Mars simulation in Houston. Applicants need a master's degree in a STEM field, military training, or relevant experience. They must be US citizens aged 30-55, proficient in English, and in good health. The simulation requires teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Health requirements include no smoking, food allergies, or certain medications. Applicants must pass background checks and exercise regularly. The pay is undisclosed. Apply by April 2.

University of Waterloo's Emmanuel Ho developed a nanomedicine using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to combat HIV, showing a 73% reduction in HIV replication. The nanomedicine reactivates autophagy and targets HIV entry genes. It's designed for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission, stable in the acidic environment, and releases siRNA inside cells. Ho plans to optimize the process and explore alternative approaches to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Dr. Catherine Wu, an oncologist at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has made significant contributions to cancer research, leading to the development of personalized cancer vaccines. Her work has shown promising results in treating hard-to-treat cancers such as melanoma and pancreatic cancer. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awarded her the Sjöberg Prize for her decisive contributions. Cancer vaccines are being developed by various groups and pharmaceutical companies, with trials underway for pancreatic, lung, and melanoma cancer.

Italy is facing severe environmental challenges, with Milan experiencing high levels of particle pollution and banning gas-guzzling cars. Northern Italy has long been among Europe's most polluted areas. The lack of rainfall has led to droughts, with snow levels in the Alps and Apennines down. The Italian snow water equivalent is 64% lower than a year earlier. Climate change is exacerbating these issues, with experts calling for a reduction in planet-heating emissions.

A global study of nearly 100 million COVID-19-vaccinated people in eight countries found small increases in health conditions involving the brain, blood, and heart. The study confirmed links between COVID-19 vaccinations and low risks of myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The study also identified potential safety signals for rare conditions. The research emphasizes the importance of comprehensive vaccine safety monitoring. The study has been published in the journal Vaccine.

Adobe introduced AI Assistant in Reader and Acrobat products, offering AI-powered document summarization, insights, and formatting. The AI leverages proprietary models for deep understanding of PDFs, and can work across multiple documents and sources. It integrates features from Firefly and Adobe Express for creativity. Project managers, sales teams, students, and marketing teams can benefit from personalized, efficient document handling. The AI Assistant will be available through a new add-on subscription plan post-beta.

In a major global operation, British and American law enforcement, along with 10 countries, took down the prolific cybercrime gang LockBit, responsible for ransomware attacks on Royal Mail, Boeing, and others. The gang's attacks have cost "billions" in ransomware payments and recovery costs. The operation seized the gang's infrastructure, source code, and decryption keys, effectively rendering LockBit redundant. Five Russian nationals linked to the group have been indicted, with two in custody. Over 200 cryptocurrency accounts linked to the group have been frozen. The gang's tool for stealing data, StealBit, has been seized, and more than 1,000 decryption keys have been found. The NCSC warns against paying ransoms. Although LockBit may try to rebuild, the law enforcement action is a significant short-term blow.

Israel's GDP shrank nearly 20% in Q4 2023, larger than the expected 10% contraction, due to the ongoing war with Hamas. Private consumption fell by 26.9%, and fixed investment dropped by nearly 68% as construction halted. The shortage of workers, both Israeli and Palestinian, contributed to the economic decline. The conflict has also impacted trade and investment, with imports declining more than exports.

U.S. crude oil futures near 3-month highs: WTI at $79.15, Brent at $83.08. Last week, WTI settled at $79.19, highest since Nov. 6; Brent settled at highest since Jan. 26. Conflict in the Middle East, including Israel's strikes in Lebanon and Gaza, drove the increase. Houthi militants attacked a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Analysts warn of intensifying threats to commercial vessels in the region.

Professor Hyunchul Oh of UNIST's Department of Chemistry has developed a nanoporous magnesium borohydride structure capable of storing hydrogen at high densities even at ambient pressure. The material can store 144 g/L of hydrogen, surpassing conventional methods. This breakthrough offers a compelling alternative for large-scale hydrogen storage, improving the economic feasibility and efficiency of hydrogen energy. The study was published in Nature Chemistry.

Scientists have discovered a new species of giant anaconda in the Amazon, named Eunectes akayima. It can grow up to 7.5m and weigh close to 500kg, making it the largest and heaviest snake known. The species diverged from the southern green anaconda about 10 million years ago and is crucial for ecosystem balance. Anacondas and their habitats are under increasing threat from various factors. Conservation efforts are crucial.

Ruby Franke, a popular parenting YouTuber with 2.3 million followers, was sentenced to four prison terms of between one and 15 years each for aggravated child abuse. Her malnourished 12-year-old son escaped and sought help from a neighbor. Franke's collaborator, Jodi Hildebrandt, also received the same sentence. The case highlights the dangers of "sharenting" and ethical violations. Franke's severe parenting style had previously led to reports to child protective services.

Walmart acquired Vizio for $2.3 billion, reporting a 6% rise in Q4 revenue and $100 billion in e-commerce sales. Home Depot beat estimates despite a 3% sales drop. Capital One plans to acquire Discover Financial Services in a $35.3 billion all-stock deal. Sony is expected to release a refreshed PlayStation 5 ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI's launch in 2025. Nintendo's stock fell 6% due to a potential delay in the Switch 2 launch.

An international research team, led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has developed a universal blood test for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The test shows over 96% accuracy for AD and 87% for MCI, and measures 21 protein levels. It has been tested across different ethnic groups and can detect brain amyloid pathology. The test is expected to aid in early detection and personalized treatments.

Japanese AI startup PFN, previously partnered with TSMC, has chosen Samsung for 2nm AI chips, marking Samsung's first deal in this technology. Samsung aims to attract customers with lower prices, targeting Qualcomm's flagship chip orders. This move intensifies the competition between Samsung and TSMC in the lucrative chip market. Samsung's 2nm process offers a 25% improvement in power efficiency and a 12% performance boost. Samsung's discounted rates aim to challenge TSMC's dominance.

Researchers have developed a "molecular tape" using UV light to gently adhere and release fragile 2D materials, such as graphene, for commercial production. The tape reduces damage during transfer, allowing for larger area transfers and customization. It also enables layering and precise positioning of materials, potentially boosting electrical properties. The team aims to improve the adhesive and scale up production. The study was published in Nature Electronics.

Neuralink's first human patient with a brain-chip has fully recovered, controlling a computer mouse with their thoughts. Elon Musk confirmed the patient's progress and Neuralink's goal to maximize mouse button clicks. The startup implanted the chip last month after receiving human trial approval in September. Neuralink aims to enable people to control devices with their thoughts and has ambitious plans for treating various conditions. The firm, valued at $5bn, faces scrutiny over safety protocols.

In 2024, major phone companies like Google, Samsung, and Apple are integrating AI features into their smartphones. These include photo editing, message tone adjustment, transcription, and webpage summarization. However, the usefulness of these tools varies. Google and Samsung offer free AI tools, but Samsung may consider charging in the future. Google has made some AI features exclusive to certain devices and has experimented with putting AI tools behind a paywall.