Interstellar comet contains cyanide, similar to comets from our solar system
Since 2I/Borisov will be the closest interstellar object to pass us, scientists have been able to study it better, and have found a thin cloud around the comet which indicates cyanogen gas. The presence of cyanide does not pose a threat, since Earth will not come close to passing through the comet’s tail.
Nobel Prize awarded to physicists who changed our understanding of the cosmos
Three scientists were just awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for work in what the universe is made of and discovering the first exoplanet. Canadian scientist James Peebles and Swiss astronomers Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz are splitting the $906,705 Nobel Prize money for their separate discoveries.
The NYPD is sending undercover cops to Joker screenings for its opening weekend
The NYPD will be increasing police presence at movie theaters showing director Todd Phillips' new Joker movie, including undercover officers at screenings. An NYPD spokesperson said there are no specific or credible threats, but the police presence is a precaution when the movie comes out on Friday.
We now have scientific proof that quitting Facebook makes you less depressed
There’s now scientific proof of what we already knew: Quitting Facebook is beneficial for your health. A study looked at two groups of Texas A&M student participants in 2017. The students who stayed off of Facebook for a week consumed less news and also reported greater overall well-being.
Microsoft and Adobe partner to bring Fresco to Surface Pro X
At the Microsoft Surface Event, Microsoft announced a new creative tool to pair with the Surface Pro X called Adobe Fresco. The sketching and painting app will combine the power of the new Surface Pro X and the new Surface Slim Pen to recreate the feeling of drawing and painting on a tablet.
UPS gets FAA clearance to roll out a fleet of delivery drones
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave UPS the go-ahead to create a fleet of drones to deliver packages with very few limitations on Tuesday, the first time it's given such broad permission to a delivery company to essentially create a new drone airline.
Zuckerberg says a Warren presidency would be an ‘existential’ threat to Facebook
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg called presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) an "existential" threat to his company, said Twitter can't deal with election interference, and expressed confidence about the social network's legal battles in the new leaked audio.
See what a black hole looks like up close in NASA’s incredible new visualization
NASA released a visualization of what a warped black hole might look like, and it’s mesmerizing to see. The video simulates how a black hole’s dense gravity would distort our view, resulting in a warped image that resembles a reflection in a carnival mirror.
Twitch gets new logo, brand redesign inspired by gamer community
Twitch has a new look, including a refreshed logo, that the company said was inspired by Twitch’s vibrant gamer community. The most noticeable difference is the logo, which features a more bold font inspired by retro game aesthetics. There’s also a new color palette that includes two dozen new colors.
Justice Department piles on with its own antitrust investigation of Facebook
Facebook is facing yet another federal probe, this time from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for possibly violating antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently opened a separate antitrust investigation as well.
Amazon’s new Echo Frames smartglasses have Alexa, but that’s about it
Amazon announced new Alexa-enabled smart glasses during Wednesday’s Amazon Devices Event. The Echo Frames look like normal glasses and can be tailored to your individual prescription, but unlike other smart frames, they don’t have a camera or display within the frames -- just Alexa capabilities.
GM will bring Amazon Alexa to Cadillac, Chevy, Buick, and GMC vehicles
General Motors announced that the it will include will include Amazon Alexa in all of its vehicles moving forward. GM drivers will be able to use Alexa voice commands to ask for directions, have Alexa play a specific song or podcast, or to call people by pairing their phone using Bluetooth.
Amazon wants your kids to use Alexa and its new Echo Glow night-light
Amazon announced a slew of new Alexa features geared towards kids during the Amazon Devices Event, including the new Echo Glow, a a multicolor smart lamp that pairs with Alexa, the Alexa Education Skill API pairs up with programs like Canvas, Kickboard, and Coursera, and a new FreeTime feature.
Uber investigators were forbidden from reporting criminal allegations to police
A new report reveals that Uber's internal investigation team that handles customer complaints of crimes like sexual assault and rape are “forbidden” from reporting allegations against drivers to authorities. Uber won’t remove a driver from the platform unless they get three strikes for “bad behavior.”
Amazon makes Alexa more transparent with ‘Tell me what you heard’ feature
Amazon announced privacy improvements for its Alexa assistant during the Amazon Devices Event on Wednesday, September 25. Updates include the addition of “Alexa, tell me what you heard,” which rolls out today, and “Alexa, why did you do that?” which comes later this year.
First astronaut from the UAE launches with crew to International Space Station
Three astronauts launched Wednesday to the International Space Station, including the first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hazza Ali Almansoori is one of only two astronauts in the Emirati Space Agency and will make the UAE the 40th country to fly a citizen to the ISS.
Juul’s CEO steps down amid federal investigations into the e-cigarette giant
Juul Labs CEO Kevin Burns stepped down from his position at the e-cigarette company amid widespread vaping-related illnesses and deaths, along with multiple investigations into the company by federal agencies. K.C. Crosthwaite will replace Burns as CEO effective immediately.
Massachusetts becomes the latest state to enact a ban on e-cigarettes
Massachusetts is the fourth state to ban vaping amid an outbreak of vaping-related illnesses. Governor Charlie Baker announced a four-month ban on the sale of all vaping products in the state. Baker called the recent diseases and deaths related to vaping a “public health emergency.”
The interstellar comet passing through our solar system gets an official name
The interstellar comet that was discovered passing through our solar system on August 30 has been officially named 2I/Borisov by the International Astronomical Union. The comet, formerly known as C/2019 Q4 (Borisov), was discovered by amateur Ukrainian astronomer, Gennady Borisov, near the Gemini constellation.
Families of Aurora shooting victims fear new Joker movie could inspire violence
Family members of the victims of the 2012 Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting have penned a letter to Warner Bros. voicing their concerns about Todd Phillips' new Joker movie, set for release on October 4, fearing that it could inspire more violence.
Boston Dynamics shows off Atlas robot doing parkour in new video
In a new video, the Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot, known as Atlas, shows off in an impressive a gymnastic routine, complete with somersaults, handstands, jumps, and turns. The company also released an additional video the Spot robot’s launch, showing off how it can benefit companies or organizations.
NASA taps Lockheed Martin to build Orion spacecraft for decade-long moon mission
NASA awarded Lockheed Martin the Orion Production and Operations Contract, which tasks the company to design and prepare six to 12 Orion spacecraft to go to the moon. The contract lasts until September 30, 2030 and includes the production of Orion spacecraft as part of NASA’s Artemis missions.
Google’s Wing delivery drones will soon ship packages for FedEx and Walgreens
Google-owned drone delivery company Wing will launch a pilot version of its service in Virginia next month, delivering packages for FedEx Express and Walgreens. The company will deliver health care products and other packages and will be one of the first drone delivery programs in the U.S.
Facebook launches interactive augmented reality ads that let you try on makeup
Facebook is rolling out new interactive ads to its News Feed that include augmented reality experiences that let you play games or see how makeup looks on your skin. The new ads would also include polls and even games you can play without downloading them to your phone.
The FDA launches criminal probe into vaping-related illnesses and deaths
The FDA has started a criminal probe into vaping-related illnesses and deaths. The investigation is reportedly focusing on the supply chain of e-cigarette products. The number of confirmed cases of vaping-related illnesses has also increased significantly, from 380 to 530.
Mark Zuckerberg is in Washington to get more friends for Facebook
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg is back in Washington D.C. in an attempt to win over Congress despite his company's many privacy mishaps. It’s the first time the social media exec has been to the Capital since he had to testify before Congress amid privacy investigations in 2018.
You can finally buy the Impossible Burger at grocery stores
You’ll soon be able to cook an Impossible Burger in your kitchen once the popular plant-based meat substitute reaches certain California grocery store shelves on Friday, September 20. Here's where to buy them in California and when they'll be available nationwide.
Elon Musk shares a new look at the SpaceX rocket he wants to send to Mars
Elon Musk tweeted out two new photos showing how work on SpaceX’s Starship rocket prototype is coming along. The commercial space company expects to fly the ship to the moon and help establish a colony on Mars. Musk hopes to launch the first prototype Starship in October.
