World leaders are convening an emergency summit following President Trump's announcement of a long-term agreement regarding Greenland, a move made after a NATO meeting. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving the Federal Reserve, adding further complexity to the global economic and political landscape.
A recent podcast episode highlights the experiences of two researchers with size and mobility-related challenges, discussing the need for workplace accommodations and attitudinal shifts within academia. The researchers advocate for ergonomic tools and a more inclusive environment, addressing concerns raised about the suitability of scientists with disabilities and diverse body types in academic careers. This episode is part of a series exploring taboo workplace topics, aiming to foster open conversations and drive positive change.
A Microsoft 365 outage is disrupting access to key services like email, file storage, and Teams for enterprise users, stemming from infrastructure issues in North America. The disruption impacts critical administrative functions, including security dashboards, highlighting the reliance on cloud-based platforms and the potential for widespread business interruption. Microsoft is actively working to restore service, though specific details on the root cause remain undisclosed.
A correction has been issued for a Nature article published on January 14, 2026, concerning polyamine-dependent metabolic shielding's role in alternative splicing regulation. Specifically, labels in Figure 1g were incorrect in the initial publication and have been updated in the HTML and PDF versions to accurately reflect the SAT1, SMARCA1, and ACTB markers, ensuring the integrity of the research findings in metabolomics and alternative splicing.
Biometric technology, including facial recognition and e-gates, is expanding rapidly in U.S. airports to streamline security, customs, and boarding processes. Airlines and the TSA are collaborating to implement "Touchless ID," enabling passengers to navigate security checkpoints without physical identification at a growing number of airports, while new biometric corridors are being tested to identify multiple travelers simultaneously. This increasing reliance on facial recognition raises privacy concerns, even as it promises greater efficiency.
Chinese lithium battery companies like CATL and BYD are expanding globally, building factories across continents and shifting the narrative of "Made in China" towards technological advancement and efficiency. This expansion, with 68 identified facilities, demonstrates China's manufacturing prowess and its ability to compete effectively on a global scale.
Biometric technology, including facial recognition and e-gates, is expanding rapidly in U.S. airports to streamline security, customs, and boarding processes. Airlines and the TSA are collaborating to implement "Touchless ID," enabling passengers to pass through security without physical identification at a growing number of airports, while new technologies like biometric corridors are being tested to further accelerate passenger identification. This increased reliance on biometrics raises privacy concerns, even as it promises greater efficiency.
A correction has been issued for a *Nature* article on oestradiol's role in inhibiting ferroptosis and acute kidney injury, addressing errors introduced during typesetting that did not affect the study's conclusions. The corrections involve chemical structure inaccuracies in figures, incorrect sample sizes, and inaccurate references to extended data figures within the original publication. These changes are now reflected in the corrected online version.
X is launching "Starterpacks," curated lists of suggested accounts to follow, mirroring a popular feature on Bluesky. Unlike Bluesky's user-generated lists, X's Starterpacks are compiled internally using data on top posters across various categories, aiming to connect users with relevant content and expand their network. This feature, rolling out soon, represents X's effort to enhance user discovery and engagement within the platform.
Cubby, a self-storage software startup founded in 2022, is modernizing the industry with its technology-driven platform, attracting over 400 operators and 2,000 facilities. The company's software aims to improve upon legacy systems and has secured $63 million in Series A funding to further its growth and impact on the self-storage market. Cubby's approach brings a new level of efficiency and innovation to a traditionally fragmented and technologically underserved sector.
Mexico's President Sheinbaum defends the extradition of 37 cartel members to the US as a sovereign decision, aiming to preempt further pressure from the Trump administration regarding drug trafficking. Experts suggest that while these extraditions may temporarily ease tensions, Trump is likely to demand more comprehensive action, including addressing corruption within Mexican politics related to criminal networks.
ZBD, a Bitcoin payments startup, secured $40 million in Series B funding led by Blockstream Capital to expand its video game payment software, enabling direct financial relationships between game developers and players through Bitcoin transactions. This investment aims to address the growing demand for seamless in-game digital asset exchange, despite the broader crypto gaming market facing adoption challenges. ZBD's platform facilitates various transaction types, positioning itself as a key payment solution for the gaming industry.
Smart locks offer keyless entry via passcodes, fingerprint scanning, or apps, providing convenience and remote access control for homeowners. Models like the Aqara Smart Lock U50 and Level Lock Pro cater to different needs, offering features like keypads or discreet designs while enhancing home security and accessibility. These smart home devices are revolutionizing how we manage entry, eliminating the need for physical keys and offering advanced control.
World leaders are convening an emergency summit following President Trump's announcement of a long-term agreement regarding Greenland, a move made after a NATO meeting. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving the Federal Reserve, though details of the case are not provided.
Robotics is rapidly expanding beyond simple applications, with humanoid robots poised to become a $200 billion industry, impacting labor markets and daily life. New advancements, like wirelessly connected cleaning robots capable of navigating elevators, demonstrate increasing complexity and autonomy, signaling a future where robots are more integrated into shared spaces.
The lithium market is poised for significant shifts in 2026 due to increasing demand for EV batteries and advancements in extraction technologies. Recent price fluctuations have spurred innovation in alternative battery chemistries and lithium recovery methods like direct lithium extraction, potentially reshaping the battery technology landscape and mining industry. These developments could alleviate supply constraints and influence the future cost and availability of lithium-ion batteries.
Elon Musk anticipates a slower-than-expected production ramp for Tesla's Cybercab robotaxis and Optimus humanoid robots due to the high number of novel components and manufacturing processes involved. While initial production will be "agonizingly slow," Musk maintains that output will eventually accelerate rapidly, underscoring Tesla's commitment to AI-driven automation despite potential delays in realizing ambitious timelines. This adjustment reflects the challenges of scaling production for highly innovative products with significant technological advancements.
In 2025, the U.S. semiconductor market experienced significant shifts, including Nvidia's strategic licensing deal with Groq involving talent acquisition and asset purchase, alongside a surprising reversal in AI chip export controls allowing Nvidia and AMD to supply advanced chips to China. Intel also made strides with its new "Panther Lake" processor, signaling ongoing innovation in the face of evolving market dynamics.
Meta is attempting to limit the scope of evidence admissible in an upcoming New Mexico trial concerning child safety on its platforms, seeking to exclude research on social media's impact on youth mental health and its financial information. This legal strategy, considered unusually broad by experts, aims to narrow the focus of the lawsuit, which alleges Meta failed to protect minors from online exploitation and abuse, marking a significant test case for social media accountability.
Ray Dalio warns of a looming breakdown of the monetary order due to unsustainable debt levels, presenting policymakers with the difficult choice between printing money and triggering a debt crisis. This situation, exacerbated by political paralysis, could have long-term consequences, impacting future generations and potentially leading to a sudden economic shift. Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, highlights the urgency of addressing these systemic issues.
