Read more of this story at Slashdot.

Exclusive: Blunder at Rosebank, UK’s biggest undeveloped oilfield, comes as government considers granting licence

Production at Britain’s biggest undeveloped oil and gasfield could be delayed for months after equipment from a rig was accidentally dropped in the North Sea, the Guardian can reveal.

Andy Burnham’s new government is under pressure from the fossil fuel industry to allow oil to be retrieved from the Rosebank site despite opposition from climate campaigners and some Labour MPs.

European defense contractor Saft is set to supply lithium-ion battery systems for the next generation of naval submarines, replacing decades-old lead-acid technology with EV-style packs that promise higher energy density, faster charging, and superior underwater endurance.

The small exoplanets of our Sun’s second-nearest neighbor, Barnard’s Star, are inhospitable wastelands, British astronomers say.

Located six light-years from Earth, Barnard’s Star is separated from our closest neighbor, Alpha Centauri, by about 66° in our sky. Now, University of Cambridge researchers have revealed their findings on this exosolar system in a recent paper published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

After careful analysis, the astronomers announced that the exoplanets are unlike any in our solar system, presenting a brutal and barren environment.

Barnard’s Star Exoplanets

Scientists only discovered these four small planets orbiting Barnard’s Star in 2025. Unlike anything in our solar system, these orbital bodies fit into a size range larger than Mars, but smaller than Earth or Venus.

Like a peeled onion, these smaller planets are rich in a mineral only found deep below the Earth’s surface. Chemical analysis revealed large amounts of the mineral periclase on the surface of these planets, something typically only found hundreds of kilometers deep on our planet.

“Barnard’s Star has an enormous amount of the element magnesium compared to other stars, so its planets are likely to be rich in magnesium too,” said lead author Xander Byrne from Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy. “On Earth, that magnesium goes into making minerals called olivines, which are really important for storing water within the planet.”

A Lack of Water and Atmosphere

Unfortunately for those looking for extraterrestrial life, magnesium serves a different purpose on these exoplanets. Instead of water-storing olivine, it produces the abundant periclase, which is a poor store of water.

Even worse, these inhospitable exoplanets likely no longer have an atmosphere. According to the University of Cambridge team, these ten-billion-year-old planets probably only managed to hold an atmosphere for two billion years at most.

“These planets were always going to be hostile, because they’re really close to their star,” said Byrne. “Even the outermost planet orbits ten times closer than Mercury orbits the Sun. When you’re that close to your star, and have such little gravity, your atmosphere just gets blown off.”

In addition to the lack of atmosphere, the planets’ proximity to Barnard’s Star leaves them tidally locked, like our Moon, with one side always facing toward the star.

Exoplanet Stability

However, there is one positive element to these small planets. Typically, such close-orbiting systems are highly unstable, with the planets shooting out from the system, falling into their host star, or catastrophically colliding. Yet in this case, the system is as ordered as a piece of music. 

The three inner planets of the exosolar system have years in a 9:12:16 ratio, producing two of what is known as a “perfect fourth” in music. This musical harmony is known as an orbital resonance, with the same type of effect stabilizing Jupiter’s moons in their orbits around that planet. 

While our ability to view Barnard’s Star from Earth may be limited, the European Space Agency’s upcoming Plato mission may allow astronomers to discover ever smaller worlds orbiting in the nearby exosolar system.

“Larger planets are much easier to detect than small ones, so we know about very few sub-Earth planets like the ones in this system,” said Byrne. “But the sensitivity of these new missions will help to reduce this bias, allowing us to discover more and more planets that are small and rocky, like Earth.”

The true significance of the research may lie in the value of a null result. While these planets are bleakly hostile to life, observing this exosolar system’s composition can aid future astronomers in narrowing down the search for extraterrestrial life.

The paper, “The Barnard’s Star Planetary System: Stability, Composition, and Evolution of Four Sub-Earth Exoplanets,” appeared in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society on June 24, 2026.

Ryan Whalen covers science and technology for The Debrief. He holds an MA in History and a Master of Library and Information Science with a certificate in Data Science. He can be contacted at ryan@thedebrief.org, and follow him on Twitter @mdntwvlf.

Warner Bros. Discovery has filed suit against Amazon, accusing it of illegally poaching employees, including Pia Barlow, former senior VP for originals marketing. In the complaint, Warner says that "Amazon has chosen to ride on the coattails of other well-established Hollywood mainstays," and that it engaged in a "lawless employee shopping spree." Deadline reports that Francesca Orsi, HBO's head of drama series and films, is believed to be one of the other Amazon targets.

Barlow is set to begin a new position as Amazon's head of original series marketing on August 3rd. According to Warner's suit, Barlow was under contract until October 31st …

Read the full story at The Verge.

Earlier this year, Apple decided to completely discontinue its Pro Display XDR, which was an amazing piece of hardware but hadn’t been updated in years and was still $6,000+. Their new lineup consists of a Studio Display and the new Studio Display XDR, which are impressive in their own right, but now both only offer 27-inch 5K displays. The XDR starts at an insane $3,299 and can be spec’d up to $3,600 before tax. So now the door is open for someone to deliver a larger retina-class monitor for Mac users, and that is exactly what the new Meirro Pro does. The Meirro Pro is a 32-inch, 6K monitor made of a full aluminum construction. It is a single-cable solution and brings an adjustable stand for just $1,199. I’ve been using it as my primary display, and while a few compromises helped Meirro reach that price, this might be the most convincing Studio Display alternative I’ve tested. Here’s what you need to know.

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering a new statewide framework for micromobility that could finally bring clearer rules to everything from e-bikes and e-scooters to higher-speed electric motorbikes capable of reaching 30 mph, 40 mph, and beyond.

Xiaomi sub-brand REDMI is reportedly preparing to unveil its next-generation flagship K100 series as early as next month. According to information shared by Chinese tipster Smart Pikachu, the lineup will debut ahead of Qualcomm’s next flagship chipset announcement by utilizing the current-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 (Snapdragon 8E5) platform.

The leak also suggests the return of the REDMI K100 Pro, bringing substantial upgrades in display technology, camera hardware, charging capabilities, and overall design.

REDMI K100 Pro Returns to the Lineup

Following its absence in the previous generation, the K100 Pro is expected to make a comeback as one of the flagship models in the K100 series.

According to the latest leak, the device will feature a 185Hz ultra-high refresh rate display, making it one of the fastest smartphone screens currently reported. The panel is also said to continue using Xiaomi’s Super Pixel display technology, combining a full RGB pixel arrangement with improved power efficiency.

The display is claimed to deliver 2K-level image clarity while consuming power comparable to a conventional 1K panel, offering sharper visuals without significantly impacting battery life.

200MP Triple Camera with Telephoto Lens

Photography is expected to receive a major upgrade on the K100 Pro.

The smartphone is rumored to feature a 200MP triple-camera system, housed in REDMI’s signature oversized rear camera module.

The camera setup is expected to include:

• 200MP primary camera
• Dedicated telephoto camera for long-range photography
• Ultra-wide camera

The addition of a telephoto lens would significantly expand the device’s photographic versatility, enabling higher-quality portrait shots and improved optical zoom performance compared with previous generations.

Flagship Charging Features

Charging capabilities are also expected to move further into flagship territory.

According to the report, the REDMI K100 Pro will support:

• 100W wired fast charging (expected)
• 50W wireless fast charging
• 100W PPS fast-charging compatibility

These specifications would align the K100 Pro with Xiaomi’s latest premium smartphones, offering rapid charging across both wired and wireless solutions.

Premium Audio Experience

REDMI is also expected to retain its collaboration with Bose for audio tuning across the K100 lineup.

All models are reportedly equipped with Bose-tuned stereo speakers, while the top-tier K100 Pro Max is expected to feature an exclusive three-speaker 2.1-channel audio system, delivering a more immersive multimedia experience.

Refined Premium Design

Beyond internal hardware, the K100 series is rumored to receive notable improvements in industrial design.

Previous reports indicate that REDMI has adopted a more premium construction, featuring:

• Metal frame
• Glass rear panel
• Color-matched frame and back panel for a seamless appearance

The unified color treatment is said to create a cleaner, more refined aesthetic while improving the overall premium feel of the device, although it is also expected to increase manufacturing costs.

Pricing Expected to Rise

Like many flagship smartphones launching this year, the REDMI K100 series is expected to see a modest price increase due to rising component costs across the industry.

However, industry sources suggest that Xiaomi intends to keep the price adjustment more conservative than competing flagship brands, allowing the K100 series to maintain its reputation for delivering strong value in the premium Android segment.

Outlook

Although Xiaomi has yet to officially announce the REDMI K100 series, the latest leaks point to a compelling flagship lineup led by the returning REDMI K100 Pro. With its reported Snapdragon 8 Elite 5 processor, 185Hz Super Pixel display, 200MP triple-camera system, wireless charging, and upgraded premium design, the device appears positioned to compete aggressively in the flagship smartphone market.

As with all pre-release information, these specifications should be treated as unofficial until Xiaomi confirms the details during the product’s expected launch next month.

The post Redmi K100 Pro Reportedly Launching Next Month with Snapdragon 8 Elite 5, 200MP Camera, and 185Hz Display appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Xiaomi is reportedly preparing to unveil a new flagship device that could represent a major milestone in the company’s long-term technology strategy. According to information shared by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, a Xiaomi smartphone bearing the model number 2608BPX34C has completed all required regulatory certifications and is now awaiting its official launch, which is expected as early as next month.

The upcoming device is widely believed to be the first Xiaomi smartphone to fully integrate the company’s self-developed processor, operating system, and AI large language models into a single product.

Certified With UWB, 5G, and AI Capabilities

Certification documents reportedly reveal several key hardware features, including:

• 67W wired fast charging
• UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support
• 5G compatibility, including the n79 frequency band
• Certification for Xiaomi’s proprietary AI large model platform

Although Xiaomi has yet to officially identify the device, the combination of these features suggests it will be positioned as a premium flagship.

Xiaomi’s Vision of a Fully Self-Developed Ecosystem

Earlier this year, Xiaomi founder and CEO Lei Jun stated that the company aims to achieve the convergence of three core technologies on a single device in 2026:

• Self-developed silicon
• Self-developed operating system
• Self-developed AI large models

The newly certified flagship is widely expected to become the first commercial product to realize that vision, highlighting Xiaomi’s growing emphasis on vertical integration across hardware and software.

Expected to Be the Next MIX Fold

Despite earlier speculation surrounding the Xiaomi 17S Pro, recent reports indicate that this new flagship will instead belong to Xiaomi’s MIX series.

Industry sources suggest it could debut as the next-generation MIX Fold, possibly under the name MIX Fold 5, featuring a redesigned large foldable form factor with a new wide-fold architecture.

While Xiaomi has not confirmed the product name, the device is expected to serve as the company’s next premium foldable flagship.

Powered by the New Xuanjie O3 Chip

The upcoming device is rumored to feature Xiaomi’s next-generation Xuanjie O3 flagship system-on-chip (SoC), succeeding the Xuanjie O1 while reportedly skipping an O2 generation.

According to previous leaks, the chipset is manufactured using TSMC’s 3nm process and features a high-performance CPU architecture that includes:

• One ultra-large core clocked at 4.05GHz
• Performance cores operating at 3.42GHz
• Efficiency cores running at 3.02GHz

The integrated GPU is reportedly clocked at 1.49GHz and paired with memory supporting bandwidths of up to 9,600MT/s, promising significant gains in graphics performance, AI processing, and overall system responsiveness.

HyperOS 4 Brings a Rebuilt Foundation

On the software side, the flagship is expected to debut with HyperOS 4, Xiaomi’s next-generation operating system.

According to previous reports, HyperOS 4 has undergone a comprehensive redesign at the system level. Xiaomi is said to have removed years of accumulated legacy code and rebuilt major portions of the underlying architecture, with the goal of delivering:

• Improved system responsiveness
• Better power efficiency
• Enhanced multitasking
• Deeper AI integration throughout the operating system

Broad AI Model Support

The certification information also references an extensive range of AI models that may be supported on the device, including:

• Xiaomi Large Model
• Xiaomi Leaps Vision Model
• Xiaomi Leaps Perception Model
• Xiaomi MiMo Model
• Zhipu AI
• ERNIE (Wenxin Yiyan)
• Doubao
• DeepSeek
• Tongyi Qianwen
• Hengyuan

The broad compatibility suggests Xiaomi is building a more open AI ecosystem capable of leveraging both proprietary and third-party large language models for different applications and user scenarios.

67W Charging Raises Questions

One specification that has surprised industry observers is the reported 67W wired fast charging support.

In recent years, Xiaomi’s premium flagship smartphones have commonly offered 90W, 100W, or even higher charging speeds. If the certification information proves accurate, the reduced charging wattage may reflect engineering trade-offs associated with the device’s foldable design, battery longevity, thermal management, or internal space constraints.

Outlook

Although Xiaomi has not officially confirmed the device, multiple leaks point to an ambitious flagship designed to showcase the company’s expanding technological independence. By combining an in-house Xuanjie processor, HyperOS 4, and Xiaomi’s growing portfolio of AI models, the upcoming smartphone could become the clearest demonstration yet of Xiaomi’s vertically integrated ecosystem.

More details—including the official product name, pricing, complete specifications, and launch date—are expected to be revealed when Xiaomi announces the device in the coming weeks.

The post Xiaomi’s Next Flagship Clears Certification: In-House Chip, HyperOS 4, and AI Models Expected to Debut Together appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Xiaomi’s next-generation premium smartphones are reportedly preparing for a wider global debut. According to information shared by well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, the international versions of the Xiaomi 18 Pro series have received certification, suggesting that Xiaomi plans to bring its dual-screen flagship lineup to overseas markets.

If the report proves accurate, it would mark a significant change in Xiaomi’s flagship strategy. While the Xiaomi 17 Pro remained exclusive to China, with only the Xiaomi 17 and Xiaomi 17 Ultra launching internationally, the upcoming Xiaomi 18 Pro family is expected to make its global debut.

Dual-Screen Design Returns with Expanded Functionality

One of the defining features of the Xiaomi 18 Pro series is its rear secondary display, a concept Xiaomi is said to be refining for this generation.

According to the leak, the new rear screen offers broader app compatibility, allowing more applications to take advantage of the secondary display. Xiaomi is also reportedly developing additional interactive features and customization options to make the rear display more practical for photography, notifications, widgets, and other everyday tasks.

Two Models Planned

The Xiaomi 18 Pro lineup is expected to include two models:

• Xiaomi 18 Pro
• Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

Both devices are rumored to target the ultra-premium smartphone segment while offering different screen sizes and camera configurations.

Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen6 Pro Built on 2nm Process

Powering both models is expected to be Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen6 Pro platform, reportedly manufactured using TSMC’s advanced 2nm process.

The new chipset is said to deliver approximately 30% higher transistor density than the previous 3nm generation, enabling notable improvements in both performance and energy efficiency.

Leaked specifications also suggest the processor will feature:

• Third-generation Oryon CPU architecture
• 2+3+3 octa-core CPU configuration
• 16MB L2 cache
• Adreno 850 GPU
• 18MB dedicated graphics cache
• Support for LPDDR6 memory

The platform is also expected to significantly enhance on-device AI processing, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and the ability to run increasingly sophisticated local AI models.

New “Super Pixel” 2K Displays

Both smartphones are rumored to feature Xiaomi’s latest Super Pixel flat display technology.

According to the report, the panels are designed to provide 2K-level visual clarity while consuming power comparable to a conventional 1K display, helping improve battery efficiency without sacrificing image quality.

The displays are also expected to feature:

• Ultra-narrow bezels
• Large-radius rounded corners
• Symmetrical four-sided design

Upgraded Camera Systems

Photography remains a major focus for the Xiaomi 18 Pro series, with the two models offering different camera hardware.

Xiaomi 18 Pro Max

The larger flagship is rumored to include:

• 200MP main camera featuring a LOFIC ultra-large image sensor
• 200MP telephoto macro camera with a large sensor
• Ultra-wide camera

This would create a triple-camera system highlighted by dual 200MP sensors, making it one of Xiaomi’s most ambitious imaging systems to date.

Xiaomi 18 Pro

The standard Pro model is expected to feature:

• 200MP large-sensor main camera
• 200MP large-sensor telephoto macro camera
• Ultra-wide camera

Unlike the Pro Max, however, the main camera is not expected to incorporate LOFIC sensor technology.

Massive Batteries with Fast Charging

Battery capacity is another area where Xiaomi appears to be pushing new boundaries.

According to the leak:

• Xiaomi 18 Pro: approximately 7,000mAh battery
• Xiaomi 18 Pro Max: approximately 8,000mAh battery

Despite their large capacities, both models are rumored to support:

• 100W wired fast charging
• Wireless charging

These specifications could place the Xiaomi 18 Pro series among the highest-capacity flagship smartphones currently available.

Outlook

Although Xiaomi has yet to officially announce the Xiaomi 18 Pro lineup, the latest certification leak suggests the company is preparing to expand its premium flagship strategy beyond China. The reported arrival of the international Xiaomi 18 Pro series, combined with a refined rear display, next-generation Snapdragon platform, upgraded cameras, and exceptionally large batteries, indicates that Xiaomi is aiming to compete more aggressively in the global high-end smartphone market.

As with all pre-release reports, these specifications should be regarded as preliminary until Xiaomi formally unveils the devices. More details, including pricing, regional availability, and launch timing, are expected to emerge in the months ahead.

The post Xiaomi 18 Pro Series Global Variant Certified: Dual-Screen Flagship Reportedly Set for International Launch appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

The post Motorola Moto Pad 70 Debuts Ahead of Launch: 12.1-Inch 2.5K Display, Dimensity 6400, and 5G Connectivity appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Igeekphone reported on July 25th that the technology media XiaomiTime published a blog post yesterday (July 24th). By mining the GSMA IMEI database, they discovered relevant information about the international version of the Xiaomi 18 Pro smartphone.

The source of the information stated that the international version of the Xiaomi 18 Pro mobile phone (internally known as VENICE) has the model number 26122PN61G. The suffix “G” represents “Global”, which means it is the international version, while the model for the Chinese version is M261DB.
The report indicates that the “Smart Back Screen” feature of Xiaomi 17 Pro has received significant attention in the Chinese market, but it is not available in the international market. However, from the international version that has been exposed this time, users outside China can also experience the “Smart Back Screen”, which can display dynamic wallpapers, customize time styles, cartoon characters and virtual pets, etc.

In terms of the distribution market, it is reported that the Xiaomi 18 Pro will not be available in the Indian market. Instead, it will be launched and sold in markets such as Turkey, the European Economic Area (EEA), Russia and Japan.

In terms of specifications, current reports indicate that this device is equipped with an ultra-clear custom small straight screen, featuring a large R-corner with extremely narrow bezels, a 2nm flagship processor, a 200Mp ultra-large sensor main camera + 200Mp large sensor telephoto macro camera, an internal 7000mAh large battery, support for 100W fast charging + wireless charging, and may upgrade to dual speakers + relatively large-sized motor.

The post International version of Xiaomi 18 Pro smartphone Unveiled: Not launching in the Indian market appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

Samsung’s next-generation flagship smartphones are beginning to take shape as new leaks reveal key camera specifications for the upcoming Galaxy S27 series. According to a recent report from WinFuture, Samsung is preparing significant imaging upgrades for its 2027 flagship lineup, particularly for the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra.

Samsung Galaxy S27 Series Codenames Revealed

The leaked internal database suggests that the Galaxy S27 family will consist of four models, each carrying the “Next Miracle” (NM) codename:

• NM1 – Samsung Galaxy S27
• NM2 – Samsung Galaxy S27+
• NM3 – Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro
• NM4 – Samsung Galaxy S27 Ultra

The “NM” designation reportedly stands for “Next Miracle,” succeeding the “Miracle” (M) codename used internally for the Galaxy S26 series.

Sony IMX855 to Power the Ultra-Wide Cameras

One of the biggest highlights of the leak is Samsung’s reported decision to adopt the Sony IMX855 sensor for the ultra-wide cameras on both the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra.

According to the leaked specifications, the Sony IMX855 features:

• 1/2.55-inch sensor size
• 0.7μm pixel size
• Designed for improved ultra-wide image quality and low-light performance

Although the megapixel count has not been confirmed in the report, the sensor represents a notable shift as Samsung continues to incorporate Sony imaging technology into its premium smartphones.

New 16MP Autofocus Selfie Camera

Samsung is also expected to introduce a completely redesigned front-facing camera for its flagship models.

Both the Galaxy S27 Pro and Galaxy S27 Ultra are rumored to feature:

• 16MP front camera
• Samsung-developed image sensor
• Autofocus support

Interestingly, the internal database reportedly indicates that the Galaxy S27 Pro’s selfie camera may even include optical image stabilization (OIS)—a feature rarely seen on front-facing smartphone cameras. If implemented, this would significantly improve selfie photography and video recording stability.

Galaxy S26 Ultra Camera Setup for Comparison

For reference, the current Galaxy S26 Ultra reportedly features the following camera configuration:

• 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HP2 main camera with upgraded f/1.4 aperture
• 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN3 ultra-wide camera
• 50MP Sony IMX854 5× periscope telephoto camera
• 12MP Sony IMX874 front-facing camera

Compared with its predecessor, the Galaxy S27 flagship models appear set to receive both a new ultra-wide sensor and a higher-resolution autofocus selfie camera.

Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ Expected Camera Configuration

The leak also provides preliminary details for the standard Galaxy S27 models.

The Galaxy S27 and Galaxy S27+ are expected to feature:

• 50MP primary camera with optical image stabilization (OIS)
• 12MP ultra-wide camera
• A dedicated telephoto camera with currently unknown resolution and optical zoom capability

Additional specifications are expected to emerge as Samsung moves closer to the official launch.

Early Outlook

While Samsung has yet to confirm any details regarding the Galaxy S27 lineup, the latest leak suggests the company is continuing to refine its camera hardware rather than pursuing dramatic specification increases. The introduction of the Sony IMX855 ultra-wide sensor, a 16MP autofocus selfie camera, and the possibility of OIS on the front camera could represent meaningful upgrades for users who prioritize mobile photography and content creation.

As with all pre-release information, these specifications should be treated as rumors until Samsung officially unveils the Galaxy S27 series. More details about the devices’ processors, displays, batteries, and launch timeline are expected to surface in the coming months.

The post Samsung Galaxy S27 Pro and S27 Ultra Camera Specs Leak: Sony IMX855 Ultra-Wide Sensor and Upgraded Selfie Camera Tipped appeared first on IGeeKphone China Phone, Tablet PC, VR, RC Drone News, Reviews.

A remarkable discovery has been made in East Africa’s Lake Malawi, one of the deepest bodies of water on the African continent.

Africa’s impressive lakes have long remained a focus of speculation for naturalists, involving folklore about strange creatures—including supposed holdovers from prehistoric times—alleged to inhabit some of their waters.

However, a much smaller discovery made by a team of researchers with the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) at Vancouver, Canada, is nonetheless challenging our past thinking on what kinds of life forms can be found lurking in the depths of some of Africa’s storied lakes.

In a remarkable discovery, a variety of lake fly larvae have been found descending into the very oxygen-deprived depths of Lake Malawi, where they hide more than 650 feet below the surface to avoid predators.

After spending their days in this deep-water “dead zone,” the larvae reemerge at night and feed—or at least some of them do, if they are lucky enough to escape the fish searching for a dinner of their own, while these tiny insects are commuting back to the surface.

A Surprising Discovery Deep in Lake Malawi

To chart the unusual daily cycle of these larvae, UBC researchers Dr. Philip Matthews and Dr. Evan McKenzie used sonar technologies, which were positioned deep within the lake.

While this provided an idea about where these tiny insects were going, it was dissecting the larvae that revealed how these remarkable little creatures have somehow evolved a respiratory system that contains two pairs of small air sacs, which function like ballast tanks, allowing the larvae to control their buoyancy.

Within these sacs, they discovered the presence of resilin, a material that can either expand or contract in proportion to changes in the pH of the sac’s walls. As a result, the larvae can change the volume of these unique air sacs, thereby controlling their buoyancy.

It is an unusual capability these creatures display, to say the least. Curious about how deep they might be able to go, the researchers placed several of the larvae within small pressure chambers to simulate the depths they might travel to before the sacs imploded.

Much to the team’s surprise, these natural buoyancy systems held out under conditions that would match depths of 400 meters (1,312 feet), which is much deeper than what the sonar data reveals about the larvae’s daily descents into Lake Malawi.

While it has long been assumed that insects, which often thrive in freshwater environments, do not live in open oceans due to such pressures associated with the depths of the world’s largest bodies of water, these African insect larvae reveal that such creatures can survive under such conditions.

Based on their findings, the UBC researchers hope to work on finding ways of simulating such capabilities, perhaps by creating pH-powered resilin smart materials, or even artificial systems that emulate the way muscles operate.

The team’s findings appeared in the new study, “Crush-resistant air sacs allow insect larvae to exploit aquatic habitats at extreme depth,” published in the journal Science.

Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.

As AI reshapes the way we communicate, researchers at Texas A&M University are developing an artificial intelligence-powered platform that could transform care for children with autism and older adults living with dementia. The technology learns each person’s unique communication style, behaviors, and preferences, enabling increasingly personalized support for caregivers, therapists, and families over time.

Called VoiceLove, it is one of three projects being developed with support from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

At the core of the system is an AI engine that analyzes both speech and nonverbal behaviors documented through short videos recorded by caregivers or therapists during daily communications and interactions. Rather than comparing participants against a general model, the platform focuses on understanding each person’s individual patterns and communication style.

“Every child with autism is unique, and effective support should reflect that,” he said. “Our project leverages artificial intelligence to understand each child’s individual behaviors, communication styles, and preferences. The goal is to deliver personalized recommendations that help families, educators, and clinicians work together more effectively, enabling more responsive, data-driven care and improving the health and well-being of children with autism,” says Dr. Junhyoung Kim, associate professor in the School of Public Health, one of the principal investigators on the project, in a statement. 

The AI system was created to identify behavioral patterns in communication, interests, and responses across different situations. Based on its observations, the program provides personalized recommendations that could help therapists or caregivers create individualized intervention plans.

“The key innovation behind this platform is its ability to understand each child individually and learn their unique preferences, needs, communication styles, and strengths to deliver personalized recommendations,” Kim said. “For people living with dementia, the platform is designed to enhance person-centered care by helping residents communicate their needs, preferences, and daily experiences more effectively.”

Researchers say the technology could support a wide range of developmental goals, including improving communication skills, encouraging self-care, strengthening social engagement, and enhancing a person’s quality of life.

The same personalized approach could also benefit people living with dementia, where communication challenges often make it difficult for individuals to express their needs and wants. 

“Our vision is to create an AI platform that continuously learns from each child’s daily experiences,” Kim said. “As the system identifies patterns in behaviors, preferences, and responses to different activities, it can provide therapists and caregivers with personalized recommendations that evolve over time.”

“This adaptive approach helps explain why certain behaviors occur and supports more individualized, proactive care,” Kim added. 

VoiceLove is designed to keep learning. As caregivers continue using the app, the AI analyzes new interactions while also incorporating caregiver observations, experiences, and responses to daily prompts. 

The research team plans to begin with a small pilot study involving children with autism and older adults living with dementia after receiving Institutional Review Board approval.

Participants will use the platform for approximately one month while researchers evaluate its usability, feasibility, and overall user experience, and from there, insights derived from the pilot will help to inform a larger-scale study at some point in the future. 

Chrissy Newton is a PR professional and the founder of VOCAB Communications. She currently appears on The Discovery Channel and Max and hosts the Rebelliously Curious podcast, which can be found on YouTube and on all audio podcast streaming platforms. Follow her on X: @ChrissyNewton, Instagram: @BeingChrissyNewton, and chrissynewton.com. To contact Chrissy with a story, please email chrissy @ thedebrief.org.

Here are the top Apple-related articles at Apple World Today for the week of July 20-24.

° Apple developed, but didn’t release, “M2 Extreme” and “‘M3 Extreme”chips.

° Apple probably won’t name Jony Ive in its lawsuit agains OpenAI.

° Apple is testing a new Genius Bar tool dubbed Live Notes.

° Apple is now in the AI race in China, a market arguably among those showing the highest consumer AI awareness and preference in the world.

° iPhone sales in China grew 23% year-over-year in the second quarter.

° The 20th anniversary iPhone could have a 6.96-inch display.

° Apple recorded a 4% week-over-week increase in European smartphone sales June 21-27.

° Apple says it has fixed a vulnerability in its Hide My Email feature.

° iPhone sales in India grew 12% year-over-year as of quarter two.

° Apple and Klarna — which provides digital payments, short-term consumer credit, cards, banking services and merchant tools for online and in-store commerce — are partnering on a new “Apple Upgrade” program.

° Apple has lost its bid to get out of paying Masimo $634 million.

° Apple is projected to capture a 25% share of the foldable smartphone market this year.

° Apple TV is looking for a head of local language scripted projects.

° Apple purportedly plans to update every Mac model over the next two years.

° Global PC shipments decreased by 4% year-over-year (YoY) in quarter two (Q2) of 2026 to reach 65 million units — but not Apple’s.

° Apple Maps will be integrated directly into Ford’s upcoming Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform.

The post Top Apple-related stories for the week of July 20-24 appeared first on MacTech.com.

ChatGPT users are seeing a “Too many concurrent requests” error while trying to open the chatbot or submit a prompt. The problem is part of a wider service disruption affecting users worldwide. ChatGPT is currently facing an outage OpenAI’s official status page confirms elevated error rates across ChatGPT, its APIs, and Codex. The company says […]

The post Too many concurrent requests when opening ChatGPT? You’re not alone appeared first on The Mac Observer.