undefined 9, 2025
Red Sea cable cuts disrupt internet across Asia and the Middle East
Two major undersea cables, SMW4 and IMEWE, were cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet in parts of Asia and the Middle East, including India, Pakistan, and the UAE. While Houthis have been suspected of targeting cables, most such incidents stem from accidents like fishing or anchors. A third line, Kuwait’s FALCON GCX, was also affected. Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not commented, though users reported slower speeds. The cause of the cuts remains unclear.
‘It is a war of drones now’: the ever-evolving tech dominating the frontline in Ukraine
Ukraine’s “Da Vinci Wolves” face relentless Russian infantry assaults, often near-suicidal, while drone warfare dominates the battlefield. Their underground bunker coordinates surveillance and logistics now reliant on drones. Ground robots like the Termit evacuate wounded and carry supplies, while FPV drones strike deep behind lines. Both sides jam each other’s drones, with Da Vinci downing 30–35 daily. Amid setbacks near Pokrovsk, pilots endure grueling missions, driven by resolve to fight for freedom.
Was Jesus’ crucified body wrapped in the Shroud of Turin? Newly found medieval text declares relic a “clear fake”
A newly found text by 14th-century theologian Nicole Oresme brands the Shroud of Turin a forgery, making it the earliest known rejection of its authenticity. Published in the Journal of Medieval History, the study shows Oresme accused clergy of fabricating relics for profit, citing the Lirey shroud as fraud. His critique predates the 1389 denunciation by Bishop d’Arcis. Scholars say this adds to radiocarbon and scientific evidence placing the cloth in the Middle Ages, reinforcing doubts about its origin.
The iPhone 17’s potential makeover might be just enough
Most people buy new iPhones not for innovation but because their old one fails. Once an active choice, the iPhone now feels like a habitual upgrade, with Android rivals closing the gap. The iPhone 17 promises a ProMotion screen, design tweaks, and a bold iOS 26 look, but Siri’s long-promised AI is still missing. The updates may feel more cosmetic than groundbreaking, yet they’ll likely be enough to keep loyal users upgrading.
Are ultra-processed foods really so unhealthy? What the science says
Brazilian researcher Carlos Monteiro coined “ultra-processed foods” (UPFs) in 2009 after noting obesity rose as people replaced home-cooked meals with industrial products. Studies link UPFs to obesity, diabetes, cancer, and higher mortality, but debate persists over whether harm comes from processing itself or factors like fat, sugar, and energy density. Trials show people eat more and gain weight on UPF diets, partly due to fast eating, soft textures, and calorie density—suggesting these mechanisms, not processing alone, may drive health risks.
Mad science or a radical revolution - could refreezing the Arctic actually work?
A new review warns geoengineering schemes to save polar ice—like spraying particles, seabed barriers, or ocean fertilization—are costly, unproven, and potentially harmful, distracting from the urgent need to cut emissions. Lead author Prof. Martin Siegert calls them a “false promise,” urging net-zero within 30 years as the only real solution. Yet Cambridge scientists plan Arctic trials this winter, flooding sea ice with seawater to thicken it, arguing future generations need tested options if emission cuts fall short.
Bosses are seeking ‘AI literate’ job candidates. What does that mean?
ChatGPT said: AI skills are increasingly appearing in job descriptions, even for nontechnical roles, but expectations are unclear. Employers seek candidates who are curious, adaptable, and able to apply AI to improve work, ranging from basic familiarity to transformative use. Companies like Zapier, Everlywell, HubSpot, and EY highlight AI in hiring and performance evaluations, though most postings remain vague. Experts advise candidates to embrace AI learning, highlight skills on résumés, and experiment with tools to stay competitive in the evolving job market.
Lost for a century: first-ever images reveal sunken WWI submarine’s final resting place
Researchers captured unprecedented high-definition images of the USS F-1 submarine wreck off San Diego, which sank in 1917 claiming 19 sailors. Using the human-operated submersible Alvin and autonomous vehicle Sentry, the team mapped the site with sonar and cameras, producing 3D photogrammetric models. The expedition, supported by NSF, ONR, and NHHC, also trained future scientists and included a remembrance ceremony honoring lost crew, highlighting both technological achievement and historical commemoration.
Is a low-salt diet as unhealthy as having too much?
Excess salt intake is widely recognized as harmful, raising blood pressure and increasing risks of stroke and heart disease. Global averages exceed recommendations, largely due to hidden salt in processed foods. However, recent studies suggest that very low salt intake may also carry risks, creating a “sweet spot” of moderate consumption, roughly 3-6 g per day, optimal for most people. Individual sensitivity varies, and public health efforts focus on reducing excessive intake rather than eliminating salt entirely.
2,200-year-old gold coin depicting ancient Egyptian queen discovered in Jerusalem
Archaeologists in Jerusalem have unearthed a rare gold coin depicting Queen Berenice II of Egypt, likely minted in Alexandria around 2,270 years ago. This tiny coin, one of only 17 known, may have been given to soldiers returning from the Third Syrian War. Its discovery in the City of David shows Jerusalem was recovering and reconnecting with major political and economic centers after the First Temple’s destruction. The coin highlights Berenice II’s political influence and the city’s renewed prominence under Ptolemaic rule.
Source: interestingengineering
China’s Alibaba releases trillion-parameter AI model to rival OpenAI, Google
Alibaba has launched its Qwen-3-Max-Preview AI model, featuring over 1 trillion parameters, on its cloud services platform and the OpenRouter marketplace. The text-only model outperforms previous Qwen3 models and rivals including MoonShot AI’s Kimi K2 and DeepSeek V3.1 in benchmark tests. While not yet open-sourced, it’s available through official channels at premium rates. Alibaba’s $52 billion investment in AI highlights its aim to lead both domestically and globally in large-scale AI development.
The Polestar 5 is an 884hp fastback sedan that should make Porsche nervous
Polestar has unveiled the Polestar 5, a production fastback sedan based on its 2018 Precept concept. The car offers up to 460 miles of range, 884 hp in the Performance trim, 0–60 mph in 3.1 seconds, and 800‑volt fast charging. Built on a bespoke aluminum platform, it features advanced driver-assist systems, 11 cameras, and a premium interior with a 14.5‑inch display. Deliveries are planned for early 2026, with the Performance version expected above $100,000.
Source: interestingengineering
90-year-old ‘second sound’ quantum theory observed in superfluid helium
MIT physicists have, for the first time, captured the quantum phenomenon called second sound on film, where heat propagates like a wave instead of diffusing. Using ultra-cold lithium-6 atoms and radio waves, the team visualized heat rippling in a superfluid, confirming a 90-year-old prediction. This breakthrough may improve neutron star models and accelerate research into high-temperature superconductors, offering a new way to study extreme quantum states.
Dinosaur-hunting croc cousin with monster jaws unearthed in Patagonia
Scientists have discovered a remarkably well-preserved fossil of Kostensuchus atrox, an 11-foot-long, bone-crushing crocodyliform from 70 million years ago in Patagonia. Likely an apex predator, it hunted medium-sized dinosaurs and is the first crocodyliform found in the Chorrillo Formation. The fossil provides unprecedented insight into peirosaurid evolution and the Cretaceous floodplain ecosystem of southern South America.
Your lungs hold secrets about your health as you age
Lung health reflects overall wellbeing and can be assessed at home or clinically. Research shows lung function peaks in your 20s and declines with age, influenced by factors like smoking, pollution, and chronic conditions. Healthy lungs support immunity, metabolism, and even brain function. Home tests, like measuring forced vital capacity with a bottle and tubing, provide rough estimates, while spirometry gives medical accuracy. Exercise, inspiratory muscle training, quitting smoking, maintaining healthy weight, and activities like singing can all strengthen lungs and slow age-related decline.
