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Neuralink Corp. has successfully implanted its brain-computer device in a third patient, with plans for an additional 20 to 30 implants in 2025, according to founder Elon Musk. Speaking at a Las Vegas event streamed on X, Musk confirmed that all three patients with Neuralinks are functioning well. Neuralink is part of a burgeoning sector focused on brain implants aimed at treating conditions like paralysis and ALS, typically involving surgical procedures to place electrodes in the brain. The company initially implanted its device in patient Noland Arbaugh a year ago. Currently, Neuralink has two studies registered with the FDA: the Prime Study, which enables paralyzed individuals to control devices like smartphones with their minds, and the Convoy study, allowing patients to operate assistive robotic arms. These experimental procedures represent significant advancements in neurotechnology.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pmeznews.inIn the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, real estate agent Jenna Cooper initiated a clothing drive for those affected, which quickly gained traction among a network of influential women, including actors Sharon Stone and Halle Berry. Berry encouraged her followers to donate, stating, "I'm packing up my entire closet," while Stone helped spread the word on social media. Cooper transformed her home goods store, +COOP, into a pop-up shop where displaced individuals could select essential items, with donations ranging from fresh underwear to designer shoes. Volunteers, including Kelly Stone, provided personalized assistance to shoppers, creating a supportive environment. Amidst the chaos, community members rallied together, with many expressing their grief for those who lost everything. Cooper remarked on the overwhelming response, emphasizing the city's spirit of solidarity: "This is a city of love, and everybody wants to support each other."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inThe Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, potentially complicating President-elect Donald Trump's immigration plans. Announced just days before Trump's inauguration, the extension grants these individuals an additional 18 months of deportation reprieve and work permits. This move aims to protect vulnerable immigrants, particularly in light of Venezuela's humanitarian crisis under President Nicolás Maduro's regime, which the Department of Homeland Security cited as justification. The TPS program, established in 1990, has become a contentious issue, with Republicans arguing it encourages illegal immigration. However, under Biden, the program has expanded significantly, currently benefiting over one million individuals from 17 countries. The extension covers more than 600,000 Venezuelans, over 230,000 Salvadorans, around 100,000 Ukrainians, and 1,900 Sudanese, reflecting ongoing conflicts and crises in these nations.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 4 pmeznews.inA recent study by International SOS, a London-based health and security service firm, has identified the most dangerous countries for travelers in 2025, factoring in security, health, and climate risks. Among the countries deemed extremely risky are Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, alongside several African nations such as Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Other nations with high security risks include Haiti, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Mali. The report highlights threats stemming from extreme weather, infectious diseases, political violence, and social unrest. Sally Llewellyn, International SOS's global security director, noted that geopolitical tensions have led to increased risk ratings for countries like Sudan and Lebanon, affecting more population centers. The firm remains committed to providing organizations with verified information and advice to navigate these challenges and facilitate evacuations when necessary.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, revealed on "The Joe Rogan Experience" that Biden administration officials aggressively pressured Facebook to remove specific content, including humor and satire related to COVID-19. He recounted instances of officials "screaming" at Facebook staff, leading the platform to assert its independence by refusing to take down truthful content. Zuckerberg acknowledged that while Facebook complied with some requests in the past, he would make different decisions today. The White House defended its stance, emphasizing the need for tech companies to consider the public health implications of their content. This controversy is part of a broader legal battle that reached the Supreme Court in 2023, where a lawsuit aiming to restrict government communication with social media was dismissed. In response to ongoing scrutiny, Meta announced changes to its content moderation policies, including the discontinuation of its fact-checking program and relaxed rules on political content.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inMark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, revealed on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast that officials from the Biden administration aggressively pressured Facebook to remove certain content, claiming they would "scream" and "curse" at staff. He stated that Facebook ultimately resisted these demands, asserting, "We're not gonna take down things that are true." This follows Zuckerberg's previous acknowledgment in a letter to Rep. Jim Jordan that the White House had "repeatedly pressured" Facebook to censor COVID-19-related content, including satire. While Zuckerberg admitted to complying at times, he expressed a willingness to make different choices in hindsight. The White House defended its stance, emphasizing the need for tech companies to consider public health impacts. This controversy coincides with Meta's announcement of changes to its content moderation policies, including an end to its fact-checking program and relaxed rules on political content, amidst ongoing scrutiny of government and social media interactions.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inThe Afghan Taliban government has declined to participate in a global summit on girls' education in the Muslim world, which is being hosted by Pakistan. The summit, aimed at addressing educational challenges faced by girls, has seen notable attendance, including that of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. Pakistan's Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui confirmed that an invitation was extended to the Afghan authorities, but ultimately, no representatives attended the conference. The decision by the Taliban not to engage in this dialogue highlights ongoing concerns regarding their stance on education for girls, a critical issue in the region.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 pmeznews.inNASA astronaut Sunita Williams is poised for her first spacewalk in 12 years, scheduled for January 16 aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She will collaborate with fellow astronaut Nick Hague to repair the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) X-ray telescope and replace a critical rate gyro assembly essential for the ISS's orientation. This mission, dubbed “US spacewalk 91,” will also involve checking tools for future maintenance of the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer. Williams will don an unmarked suit, while Hague will wear a red-striped suit. Following this, on January 23, she will participate in “US spacewalk 92” alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore, focusing on removing an antenna assembly and testing for microbial life on the ISS's exterior. Williams' return to Earth has been postponed to March 2025 due to safety concerns regarding the Boeing Starliner.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 3 pmeznews.inAt the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, US-based tech company Realbotix unveiled 'Aria', an AI robot designed to serve as a companion with strikingly human-like expressions, priced at Rs 1.5 crore ($175,000). CEO Andrew Kiguel stated that the goal is to create robots "indistinguishable from humans" to address the growing issue of male loneliness, likening Aria's capabilities to those of a romantic partner. The robot can remember user interactions and engage in meaningful conversations, focusing on social intelligence and emotional expression, while leaving mobility development to larger companies like Tesla. Social media reactions to Aria have been mixed, with some users expressing fascination and others finding the technology unsettling. Aria herself expressed a desire to meet Tesla's Optimus Robot, highlighting her interest in the broader world of robotics.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 12 pmeznews.inApple Inc. announced an 18% pay increase for CEO Tim Cook, whose compensation rose to $74.6 million for 2024, up from $63.2 million the previous year. The increase, primarily due to a rise in stock awards, includes a $3 million base salary, $58.1 million in stock, and approximately $13.5 million in additional compensation. This announcement precedes Apple’s annual meeting on February 25, where investors will vote on four external proposals, all of which the company opposes. Notably, one proposal calls for the end of Apple's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, arguing it could lead to discrimination lawsuits. Apple countered that the proposal improperly seeks to limit its business operations and that it already evaluates legal risks. While Cook's pay has risen, it remains below his nearly $100 million compensation in 2022, reflecting his voluntary cut in 2023 following shareholder and employee feedback.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 pm
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