Monotype Imaging Inc. has integrated over 750 popular, high-quality fonts from the Monotype library and select foundry partners into Adobe Creative Cloud. Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers now have access to a total of more than 2,800 Monotype fonts across Adobe Express, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and other Adobe applications. Font additions include Helvetica, Avenir, Gotham, Benton Modern, and FF DIN, with language support for Arabic, Hindi, and Japanese, and others. “What we love about this new extension of our long-standing partnership with Adobe is that there are now thousands of fonts from Monotype at the heart of the Creative Cloud workflow,” said Dan Rhatigan, Director of Inventory Curation at Monotype. “Our goal is to get our fonts and those from our amazing foundry partners in the hands of as many creative professionals possible — right in the space where they design — so we can continue to elevate the world’s design to new heights.” “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Monotype by integrating hundreds of additional Monotype fonts into our industry-leading library of over 30,000 fonts that our users can seamlessly access across the full suite of creative tools, including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Express,” said Govind Balakrishnan, SVP and General Manager, Adobe Express. “This expansion not only enhances design possibilities for our users but also reinforces our commitment to empowering creativity through exceptional typographic tools.” The new Monotype font collection will help improve brand consistency, with more seamless font integration across workflows. “Our deepened alliance with Adobe reflects a shared commitment to empowering creativity with precision and purpose,” added Mike Matteo, Chief Typography Officer at Monotype. “Design trends move fast, and businesses can’t afford to lag behind. This partnership ensures Adobe Creative Cloud users have instant access to fonts that define the moment, with quarterly updates to keep them ahead of the curve — maximizing both creative potential and market relevance. These fonts form the foundation of a common core for typographic expression.” Source: Monotype Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

German firms SCANLAB and 1000 Kelvin have announced a new software-hardware integration designed to accelerate and automate industrial metal additive manufacturing. The partnership combines SCANLAB’s SCANmotionControl laser system with 1000 Kelvin’s AI-powered AMAIZE software, creating a tightly coupled process control loop for enhanced part quality and reproducibility. The announcement, made on April 8, 2025, highlights a key development for manufacturers aiming to scale metal 3D printing in high-performance sectors such as aerospace, energy, and electronics. By aligning predictive simulation and real-time control of the melt pool, the integration delivers what the companies describe as “first-time-right” production with improved overhangs, surface quality, and thermal consistency. “This collaboration reveals the possibilities when cutting-edge laser scan systems and AI work in coordination,” said Dr. Daniel Reitemeyer, Business Development Additive Manufacturing at SCANLAB. “Our solution now enables power modulation along individual scan vectors, matching the intelligent thermal strategies generated by AMAIZE.” Integration of SCANmotionControl software and AI-based point-wise laser power optimization. Photo via SCANLAB. Integrating physics-AI with precision laser control through open standards SCANLAB GmbH, based in Puchheim, is a leading OEM for high-precision laser scanning systems used in material processing. 1000 Kelvin, founded in Berlin in 2021, develops the AMAIZE platform, a Physics-AI engine that simulates and controls material behavior during printing. AMAIZE is already used by customers in aerospace and defense for predictive tuning of print files to specific hardware. By synchronizing AMAIZE’s vector-level predictions with SCANmotionControl’s high-frequency galvanometer systems, users gain precise control over energy delivery and process parameters. According to CTO and co-founder Dr. Katharina Eissing, the AI operates with 100 kHz temporal resolution, “governing the process at the level where material behavior is shaped.” The integration is built on the open 3MF toolpath extension format. This facilitates immediate deployment for machine builders and offers compatibility with existing software ecosystems. Alexander Oster, Technical Chair of the 3MF Consortium and Autodesk‘s Director of Additive Manufacturing, called the collaboration “the culmination of a vision we’ve been working on for over a decade.” In a recent LinkedIn post, Oster emphasized how the integration exemplifies ecosystem-driven innovation: “The outcome is an industry-first: a fully controlled, transparent, and mostly Open Source software stack, that defines physical process properties like mirror inertia upfront in the CAD system, then deterministically simulates, hashtag, inspects, and executes an exact laser path and power profile on the latest SCANLAB hardware. With almost microsecond accuracy.” SCANmotionStudio software for laser process development. Photo via SCANLAB. AI and simulation gain traction in additive manufacturing The collaboration between SCANLAB and 1000 Kelvin reflects a broader adoption of AI and simulation for additive manufacturing, integrating tools to enhance productivity and reliability. At Formnext 2024, 1000 Kelvin unveiled AMAIZE 2.0, an AI-native build preparation platform that automates support generation, print strategy optimization, and quality prediction for metal AM workflows​.  Similarly, companies like Oqton have introduced full-stack AI powered solutions, such as Build Quality, which combines simulation, monitoring, and inspection. Even defect detection is being reimagined through AI, as shown by Euler’s tool that uses printer camera data to identify powder bed anomalies via Autodesk Fusion​. These developments signal a shift away from traditional slicers toward predictive manufacturing environments, where software interprets and shapes material behavior before a single layer is printed. The companies will showcase their joint capabilities at rapid.tech 3D (Erfurt, May 13–15), and Laser World of Photonics (Munich, June 24–27).  Dr. Reitemeyer is scheduled to present on process synchronization and standardized component workflows. What 3D printing trends should you watch out for in 2025? How is the future of 3D printing shaping up? Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news. You can also follow us onLinkedIn and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content. Feature Image shows SCANLAB headquarters, Puchheim near Munich, Germany. Photo via SCANLAB.

On April 24, The Architect’s Newspaper will  return to Houston for a Facades+ conference. AN collaborated with Michelle Old and Gary Machieck of Kirksey Architecture at this year’s event to assemble a program that reflects the unique architectural character of Houston and the pressing conversations within the industry. The conference will feature discussions and case studies highlighting Houston’s most-innovative architecture and dynamic conversations on cutting-edge design and key issues shaping the AEC community. Click here for more details and registration. GreenStreet Houston is an urban development (Courtesy RIOS) Innovative Urban Revival: Adaptive Reuse & Face Enhancement for Placemaking The day’s first session will dive into the transformation of urban spaces through the lens of adaptive reuse, spotlighting GreenStreet Houston as a central case study. Mark Motonaga, partner and creative director at RIOS; and Matt Ragan, managing director of repositionings at Rebees, will discuss how repurposing existing structures supports sustainable urban development by minimizing environmental impact and preserving architectural character. A focus of the conversation will be reimagining building facades to enhance placemaking; energize pedestrian activity; improve leasing performance; and boost energy efficiency, aesthetics, and occupant comfort. Motonaga and Ragan will share cutting-edge innovations in placemaking, materials, and design strategies that redefine downtown Houston’s streetscape and contribute to a more dynamic, sustainable urban core. Facades as Story-Tellers: Creating Narratives through Building Skin Design Next is a spotlight on Kirksey’s latest educational work, emphasizing the critical role of the facade in expressing a building’s story. In this session, co-chairs Michelle Old and Gary Machicek will explore how facade design is driven by creative inspiration, contextual sensitivity, and high-performance strategies that can enhance aesthetic identity and support environmental responsiveness and user comfort. Featured projects include Prairie View A&M University’s Fabrication Center, The Branch School’s Hightower Middle School, and Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School. Each project showcases how the facade serves as a visual statement and a responsive interface that reflects the unique needs and values of its users and community. The Allen’s facade mimics the bayou’s curves. (Courtesy HOK) Redefining Urban Elegance with Innovative Cutting Edge Facade: The Allen Up next is a presentation by members of HOK and DC Partners on The Allen, a 6-acre mixed-use development located just west of downtown Houston along Buffalo Bayou Park. Inspired by its natural surroundings, The Allen features sleek, contoured building forms that echo the organic flow of the nearby bayou. Elevated terraces and ground-level patios seamlessly connect the development to the park’s trails and greenways, enhancing its integration with the landscape. At the heart of the design is a customized cladding system, ShapeShell™ RT facade rainscreen—the first of its kind in the United States. It unifies the retail pavilion and tower podium with a dynamic, undulating aesthetic that mimics the bayou’s curves. The tower’s multi-material facade further emphasizes the stacked program components while delivering both cost-efficiency and energy performance. Innovative Approaches to Sustainable Facades: An Academic Perspective The day’s roundtable will focus on emerging research from leading Texas institutions. Professors Mili Kyropoulou of the University of Houston and Ahmed K. Ali of Texas A&M University will discuss how academic research is crucial in driving innovation in sustainable facade design, material science, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. Focusing on biomimetic materials and responsive facade systems that help advance computational modeling, the panelists will explore how bridging the gap between theory and practice offers valuable insights to create the next generation of architects, engineers, and developers of our future buildings. 1550 on the Green balances natural light and energy efficiency. (Courtesy Skanska) 1550 on the Green: Blending Sustainability and Design in Houston’s Skyline The day’s final session will feature presenters Martin Voelkle from Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Ben Llanda from Skanska, will discuss 1550 on the Green, Houston’s new 28-story mixed-use building. The tower is a striking example of sustainable, high-performance architecture. Its sleek glass facade enhances visual impact, maximizes natural light, and reduces energy consumption. The tower is situated adjacent to Discovery Green and strengthens the connection between urban development and green space. The panel will discuss how high-performance glazing, metal paneling, and vertical fins are combined to achieve a refined aesthetic while improving solar shading and energy efficiency. The complex exemplifies the future of environmentally conscious design in Houston. Attendees will also have plenty of time to explore the Methods + Materials gallery, showcasing innovations from 24 leading building product companies.

All images courtesy of the artist and Saatchi Gallery, London, shared with permission In Elaborate ‘Textile Paintings,’ Anne von Freyburg Reframes Femininity in European Art History April 14, 2025 Art Kate Mothes As if splashed onto the wall with a monumental brush, Anne von Freyburg’s installations visualize fabric and fiber as gestural splotches of paint. Colors bleed into one another and drips extend to the floor in what the London-based Dutch artist describes as “textile paintings.” Drawing on 17th and 18th-century European painting traditions like the still lifes of the Dutch Golden Age and the stylized exuberance of Rococo, von Freyburg reframes relationships between craft and fine art. “Fantasia (After Boucher, Venus and Cupid)” (2022), textile painting: acrylic ink, synthetic-fabrics, tapestry-fabric, sequin fabrics, hand-embroidery, polyester wadding, and hand-dyed tassel fringes on canvas, 144 x 195 centimeters References to Rococo artists like Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher play prominently in von Freyburg’s solo exhibition, Filthy Cute, at Saatchi Gallery. Tapping into “the clichés of heterosexual romance and societal expectations of women…she explores the pressures women face, particularly the expectations of being ‘caretakers’ and ‘pleasers,'” says a statement. Von Freyburg turns her attention to themes of compassion, freedom, and women as sovereign individuals. Filthy Cute celebrates sensuality and the feminine while highlighting unexpected associations between materials. The artist’s abstract compositions often reference florals that are blurred, dripping, and verging on complete abstraction. Glossy fabrics in a range of colors swirl without fully mixing, resulting in sensual shapes that are beguiling and strange. Von Freyburg describes one undergirding theme as “commodity fetishism,” tapping into the 17th-century fashion for Dutch floral still lifes and the infamous economic speculation bubble that characterized Tulip Mania between 1634 and 1637. The show continues through May 11 in London, running concurrently website and Instagram. “Kabloom (After Jan van Huysum, Flower still-life)” (2024), acrylic ink, synthetic-fabrics, PVC fabric, tapestry-fabric, sequin fabrics, hand-embroidery, polyester wadding, and hand-dyed tassel fringes on canvas, 230 x 130 centimeters “Tuttifrutti (After Jan van Huysum, Flower still-life)” (2024), acrylic ink, synthetic-fabrics, PVC fabric, tapestry-fabric, sequin fabrics, hand-embroidery, polyester wadding, and hand-dyed tassel fringes on canvas, 235 x 135 centimeters Next article

Meta has agreed for the first time to stop using the personal data of a specific individual for targeted advertising, as part of a negotiated settlement with human rights campaigner Tanya O’Carroll. Launched in November 2022, O’Carroll’s lawsuit alleged the technology conglomerate was ignoring her legal right to object to the processing and continued use of her personal data for targeted advertising on its Facebook service. In the wake of the settlement – which was agreed just days before the claim was due to be heard in the British High Court – Meta must now cease its tracking and profiling of O’Carroll for the purposes of serving microtargeted ads. This marks the first time a person in the UK has secured an agreement with the social media company over the right to opt out of its surveillance-based advertising – potentially setting a precedent that allows millions of UK users to confidently exercise their same right to object. “This settlement represents not just a victory for me, but for everyone who values their fundamental right to privacy,” said O’Carroll. “None of us signed up to be trapped into decades of surveillance advertising, held hostage by the threat of losing the ability to connect with our loved ones online.” O’Carroll created her Facebook account around 20 years ago, but after finding out she was pregnant in 2017, she began to notice the “unnerving” targeted advertising on Facebook. Before telling her family and friends the news, O’Carroll was already being bombarded with ads about babies, pregnancy and motherhood.  Having worked in tech policy and human rights as a former director of Amnesty Tech and People vs Big Tech, O’Carroll was aware that individuals have the right to object to surveillance-based advertising like that used by Meta. O’Carroll specifically argued that Meta breached Article 21 of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which gives individuals an unqualified right to object to the processing of their data for direct marketing. While Meta denied that its personalised advertising constituted direct advertising, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) intervened in the litigation in support of O’Carroll’s case, stating that online targeted advertising should be considered direct marketing. In a statement on the case, an ICO spokesperson said: “Organisations must respect people’s choices about how their data is used. This means giving users a clear way to opt out of their data being used in this way. If people believe that an organisation is not complying with their request to stop processing their data, they can file a complaint to us. We will continue to engage with Meta on this issue.” Alexander Lawrence-Archer – one of the solicitors in the legal team at AWO who represented O’Carroll – said: “Whilst the legal issues in the case were not adjudicated by the court due to the last-minute settlement, the ICO made a rare intervention. The ICO has publicised the thrust of that intervention, which is consistent with what Tanya argued in the case: that the GDPR right to object applies to Meta’s processing for targeting advertisements to its users.” While the settlement means the court has not made a formal decision on the matter, O’Carroll and AWO believe the situation could set a precedent for future legal cases against surveillance advertising online, and push a potential change in company policy in the UK. Speaking with Computer Weekly, AWO added: “The ICO even went further, indicating that if other people were to use the right, the regulator would back them up. So, whilst the case didn’t go to court, the regulator’s intervention met Tanya’s second objective: people should now feel confident that they too can use the right to object in the GDPR to get more control over their data.” The case also demonstrates that human rights and privacy online are fundamentally linked. “We should not have to trade away our privacy to access essential online services,” said Jim Killock, executive director of Open Rights Group. “The real solution is to break down the monopoly of walled gardens.” In partnership with legal experts at AWO, the Good Law Project has created a tool to send automated requests to Meta’s data protection officer, which people can use to demand it stops using their personal data for targeted advertising. O’Carroll believes her victory could lead to greater accountability from Big Tech and help win back our right to digital privacy: “When one company controls how we connect, communicate and get our news, we’re left with no real choice. Meta acts like a public square but manages to dodge public accountability. It’s time for a fairer internet – where privacy is a right, not a price we’re forced to pay.” Meta said that despite the settlement, it still “fundamentally” disagreed with O’Carroll’s claims, arguing that “no business can be mandated to give away its services for free”. A spokesperson added: “Facebook and Instagram cost a significant amount of money to build and maintain, and these services are free for British consumers because of personalised advertising. “Our services support British jobs and economic growth by connecting businesses with the people most likely to buy their products, while enabling universal access to online services regardless of income,” they said. “We will continue to defend its value while upholding user choice and privacy.” Read more about targeted advertising Invasive tracking ‘endemic’ on sensitive support websites: Websites set up by police, charities and universities to help people get support for sensitive issues like addiction and sexual harassment are deploying tracking technologies that harvest information without proper consent. High Court: Sky Betting ‘parasitic’ in targeting problem gambler: UK High Court rules that Sky Betting acted unlawfully after breaching a customer’s data protection rights when it obtained his personal data through cookies and used it to profile him for the purposes of direct marketing, despite his ‘impaired’ ability to provide meaningful consent. ICO launches major review of cookies on UK websites: ICO sets out 2025 goals, including a review of cookie compliance across the UK’s top 1,000 websites, as it seeks to achieve its ultimate goal of giving the public meaningful control over how their data is used. Following a similar 2023 ruling in the European Court of Justice, Meta began offering a “pay or consent” subscription service model in the European Union, where users can pay monthly so they do not receive ads on the platform. The Meta spokesperson said the company was “exploring the option” of offering a similar service to UK users and would “share further information in due course”. The settlement also comes amid increased scrutiny of Meta’s surveillance-based business model. In March 2025, a memoir published by former Facebook executive Sarah Wynn-Williams – titled Carless people – alleged that Meta allowed advertisers to target vulnerable people based on them feeling “worthless”, “anxious” or “insecure”. However, the company has denied the claim, saying it has never offered tools to target people based on their emotional state.

Until Valve releases an official version of SteamOS, Bazzite has you covered for gaming on a Linux PC.

Not old-fashioned, just underrated —“grandma hobbies” might just be the remedy your overstimulated ... More and anxious mind has been needing all along.getty In a culture hooked on speed, screens and constant stimulation, there’s a growing desire to slow down and reconnect with simpler and more intentional ways of living. That’s where “grandma hobbies” like knitting, gardening, baking and sewing come in. Activities once seen as old-fashioned are now being embraced for their surprising mental health benefits. Take knitting, for example. A study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that frequent knitters often report feeling calmer, less stressed and more uplifted. By focusing on one specific activity rather than general leisure, the study revealed how knitting promotes mindfulness, sparks creativity and even encourages social connection — whether through community groups or online forums. In other words, it’s not just something you do to pass the time. It’s a soothing and mentally restorative act. At a time when burnout is rising and hustle culture is being questioned; slow, hands-on activities like these are more than nostalgic pastimes — they’re practical tools for restoring emotional balance and everyday joy. Here are three reasons why indulging in grandma hobbies might just be one of the best investments you make in your well-being. 1. They Reframe What Productivity Looks Like Amid the pressure to constantly hustle and be productive, grandma hobbies offer a refreshing, pressure-free way to achieve fulfillment and well-being. Cal Newport, in his book Slow Productivity, challenges the pervasive culture of busyness, urging us to reject constant multitasking and return to work that is meaningful and rooted in quality. His approach emphasizes the importance of doing fewer things at a natural pace and shifting away from hyper-visible activity that often masquerades as productivity. This philosophy aligns surprisingly well with the practices we often associate with grandma hobbies. Indulging in any sort of grandma hobby — which tends to be centered on craftsmanship and mindfulness — helps you inherently reject the pressure to hustle. A 2025 study found that participants who engaged in creative practices rooted in their heritage, like traditional crafts, reported feeling less anxious and more emotionally balanced compared to those completing puzzles with a clear end goal. The key difference was that the creative activities were not focused on finishing a task, but rather about being present in the process. These kinds of hobbies gently challenge the idea that time must always be optimized. They remind you that time spent doing something slow, quiet and meaningful is not wasted; rather, it is restorative. It’s a way of choosing presence over pressure and imagination over efficiency. In a world wired for hustle, that choice becomes a radical act of self-respect. The cherry on top is that you end up with something tangible like a scarf, a jar of pickles or maybe a blooming patch of flowers, which you can hold and cherish as a product of your presence and patience that brings you quiet satisfaction. The act of doing something slowly and mindfully becomes your quiet rebellion against a world that insists on constant speed and output. 2. They Nurture Your Mental And Emotional Well Being Engaging in grandma hobbies provides more than just a creative outlet. It nurtures your mental and emotional health. A 2020 study highlighted that home gardening, for instance, gave participants a level of happiness and satisfaction comparable to activities like biking, walking or dining out. In fact, gardening ranked among the top five activities that participants found most meaningful, which speaks to the deep, intrinsic satisfaction such hobbies bring. What’s key here is that these hobbies tend to be slow and rooted in the present moment, allowing you to detach from the constant buzz of modern life. As the study showed, these activities don’t need to be complex or demanding; they just need to be authentic and centered around personal engagement. This aligns with the therapeutic aspects of grandma hobbies, which are not about producing something for the sake of it, but instead about enjoying the process. Whether it’s tending to a garden, making homemade jam or crafting, these hobbies offer a calming and stress-reducing experience that enhances emotional well-being. By slowing down and focusing on the task at hand, you allow your brain to release stress and anxiety, shifting your focus to something grounding and fulfilling. Indulging in such activities is a powerful way to create space for self-care and resilience, boosting both mental clarity and emotional stability. 3. They Boost Your Cognitive Health Incorporating simple, traditional hobbies into your daily routine can have a profound impact on your cognitive health. While these activities may seem outdated or simplistic, they play a critical role in maintaining brain function and cognitive resilience. Research shows that a diverse range of activities is linked to improved brain health, particularly in areas related to memory, learning and spatial navigation. Researchers found that engaging in varied activities can lead to greater hippocampal volume, which is crucial for cognitive functions like memory retention and spatial reasoning. The hippocampus benefits from activities that require sustained focus, learning and creativity — characteristics inherent in many traditional hobbies. Reintroducing traditional hobbies and learning new skills can significantly boost cognitive health. These activities engage the brain in multiple ways, from improving memory and motor skills to enhancing spatial awareness and problem-solving abilities. Manual tasks like knitting and sewing require focus, dexterity and memory, while gardening encourages both physical activity and mental engagement through planning and tracking growth. Similarly, puzzle-solving and brain games can stimulate cognitive functions like attention and processing speed, providing consistent mental exercise. Learning new techniques, whether in crafting, baking or other hobbies, challenges the brain and strengthens neural connections, contributing to overall cognitive resilience. Revisiting these timeless activities can serve as a simple yet powerful way to enrich your cognitive well-being, offering a holistic approach to brain health that blends creativity and mental agility. Embracing The Soft Life The true value of indulging in grandma hobbies lies in embracing the freedom of slowing down and savoring the process. By carving out time for yourself to engage in mindful hobbies, you reconnect with a softer pace of life. Approach these activities without an agenda of achievement. Let your only goal be to enjoy and immerse yourself in the experience. To make this a consistent part of your life, start by dedicating small, non-negotiable time slots each week for your chosen hobby. Whether it’s 15 minutes of knitting or tending to your plants, make it a priority. Remember, these hobbies aren’t meant to impress others or gain validation. Don’t do them for social media, for likes or for others’ approval. The real magic lies in indulging in these activities purely for your own satisfaction, without any expectation of a perfect outcome. In doing so, you’ll experience the creativity and solace that come from doing something simply for the pleasure it gives you. Are your habits helping you stay present or just keeping you busy? Take this science-backed test to find out: Mindful Attention Awareness Scale

Forward-looking: The rising popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy has transformed obesity treatment and spurred competition among pharmaceutical companies to develop more effective alternatives. One such contender is Syntis Bio, a Boston-based biotech firm working on an oral medication designed to replicate the effects of gastric bypass surgery without the need for invasive procedures. The company recently unveiled promising early data at the European Congress on Obesity and Weight Management in Barcelona, highlighting the potential of its lead candidate, SYNT-101. SYNT-101 offers a novel approach to weight loss by temporarily altering nutrient absorption in the small intestine. Unlike GLP-1 drugs, which are administered via injection and often come with side effects such as nausea and vomiting, SYNT-101 is a once-daily pill that mimics the metabolic effects of gastric bypass surgery. The drug forms a temporary coating in the upper small intestine, redirecting nutrients to the lower intestine where satiety hormones like GLP-1 are naturally activated. This mechanism promotes feelings of fullness and supports sustainable weight loss, all while preserving lean muscle mass – a common concern with current anti-obesity medications. The science behind SYNT-101 is based on research conducted at MIT by gastroenterologist Giovanni Traverso and chemical engineer Robert Langer, who co-founded Syntis Bio with CEO Rahul Dhanda in 2022. SYNT-101 is meant to replicate the effects of gastric bypass surgery The drug's design leverages two key ingredients: dopamine and hydrogen peroxide. When ingested, these compounds interact with an enzyme called catalase in the small intestine to form a biocompatible polymer coating known as polydopamine. This coating lasts for approximately 24 hours before being naturally cleared through the body's mucosal turnover. // Related Stories In preclinical studies with rodents, SYNT-101 demonstrated consistent weight loss of one percent per week over six weeks, while preserving 100 percent of lean muscle mass. These findings were echoed in early human trials, where nine participants reported no adverse effects. Although the pilot study was not intended to measure weight loss, blood tests revealed promising hormonal changes: decreased levels of ghrelin, the "hunger hormone, "and increased levels of leptin, which helps regulate appetite. Tissue samples confirmed that the polymer coating formed as expected and was safely eliminated within a day. GLP-1 receptor agonists have challenges including high costs and the loss of lean muscle mass Syntis Bio's findings come at a pivotal moment in obesity treatment. While GLP-1 drugs have earned widespread acclaim for their effectiveness, they are not without drawbacks. High costs, insurance challenges, and unpleasant side effects have led many patients to discontinue their use. "With SYNT-101, we believe we can deliver sustainable, safe, effective weight loss by reducing fat while preserving lean muscle and stimulating natural production of satiety hormones," Dhanda said during the conference. Experts in the field have taken note of SYNT-101's potential. Dr. Louis Aronne, an obesity medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medical College and a clinical adviser to Syntis Bio, emphasized the drug's promise as a first-line treatment. "A major pitfall of current GLP-1 drugs is related to gastrointestinal side effects as well as the loss of lean muscle that accompanies weight loss," Aronne noted. "SYNT-101's mechanism of action may avoid these issues entirely." Dr. Vladimir Kushnir, director of bariatric endoscopy at Washington University in St. Louis, praised the early data but cautioned that larger trials are necessary to fully assess the drug's efficacy and safety. "My anticipation is that this is going to have some digestive side effects like bloating and abdominal cramping," Kushnir told Wired. Despite these uncertainties, SYNT-101 could represent a significant advancement in obesity treatment. Syntis Bio plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the US Food and Drug Administration later this year and hopes to begin Phase 1 clinical trials shortly thereafter.

Apple is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Apple Watch by marking April 24 as Global Close Your Rings Day, giving owners an exclusive reward when they close all their Activity rings. The company shared plans for the Apple Watch’s milestone birthday in a press release on Monday, encouraging users to be more active throughout the day and close their move, stand, and exercise rings in order to receive an exclusive reward created especially to celebrate the Activity rings that came with the first batch of the Apple Watch line, as well the Activity app on iPhone. If you close all your rings by doing the exercises you love and move around more during the day, you’ll get a limited-edition badge with gold borders, plus 10 colorful animated stickers for the Messages app. Apple Recommended Videos In addition to giving Apple Watch users a great incentive to exercise more often, Apple gave some scientific insight into how its smartwatch has improved the health and fitness levels. According to its Heart and Movement Study, which examined 140,000 participants, people who regularly close all their activity rings are 48% less likely to experience poor sleep quality, 73% less like to experience elevated resting heart rate levels, and 57% less likely to report elevated stress levels. Related “Apple Watch has changed the way people think about, monitor, and engage with their fitness and health. A decade ago, we introduced Activity rings — and since then, Apple Watch has grown to offer an extensive set of features designed to empower every user,” Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, said. “People write to us almost every day sharing how Apple Watch has made a difference in their life, from motivating them to move more throughout the day, to changing the trajectory of their health.” Apple Watch users can start earning the exclusive reward for closing their rings starting on April 24. They can also pick up a special pin at Apple Store locations globally while supplies last. Editors’ Recommendations

MIT economics professor Sendhil Mullainathan says it is in humans’ power to put artificial intelligence on a path to help us rather than replace us.