By Ryan Macasero | rmacasero@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News GroupUPDATED: January 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM PSTLast year, about a quarter of all health insurance claims were denied in California a reality mirrored nationwide that has stoked public anger toward health care companies, and led to accusations that such decisions lack human empathy.But this month, a new state law is taking on the latest twist in the debate, ensuring that a humans perspective cannot literally be removed from such decisions by prohibiting coverage denials be made on the solebasis of artificial intelligence algorithms.Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last September, Senate Bill 1120 known as the Physicians Make Decisions Act comes as frustration with the health insurance system has intensified. Last months high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson in New York City ignited a wave of reactions that often reflected the publics anger.According to 2024 data from the California Nurses Association, approximately 26% of insurance claims are denied, one of many factors that inspired the laws primary author, state Sen. Josh Becker, a Menlo Park Democrat.Related ArticlesIn 2021 alone, (nationwide) data showed that health insurance companies denied more than 49 million claims,said Becker, citing data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Yet customers appealed less than 0.2% of them.In November 2023, a lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare spotlighted concerns about the misuse of AI in health insurance decision-making, accusing the company of using artificial intelligence to deny claims.While SB 1120 does not entirely prohibit the use of AI technology, it mandates that human judgment remains central to coverage decisions. Under the new law, AI tools cannot be used to deny, delay or alter health care services deemed medically necessary by doctors.An algorithm cannot fully understand a patients unique medical history or needs, and its misuse can lead to devastating consequences, Becker said. This law ensures that human oversight remains at the heart of health care decisions, safeguarding Californians access to the quality care they deserve.Becker emphasized the balance between embracing innovation and safeguarding patient care.Artificial intelligence has immense potential to enhance health care delivery, but it should never replace the expertise and judgment of physicians, he said.The California Department of Managed Health Care will oversee enforcement, auditing denial rates and ensuring transparency. The law also imposes strict deadlines for authorizations: standard cases require decisions within five business days, urgent cases within 72 hours, and retrospective reviews within 30 days.Under SB 1120, state regulators have the discretion to fine insurance companies and determine the amounts owed for violations, such as missed deadlines or improper use of AI.Erin Mellon, spokesperson for the California Medical Association, which co-sponsored the bill, underscored the importance of protecting the doctor-patient relationship.Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve patient care, but it should not harm or supplant that relationship, Mellon said. Recent reports highlight instances where automated tools wrongly denied patients access to medically necessary care. Physicians generally support AI in health care, provided it enhances care and respects the needs of both doctors and patients.Paula Wolfson, a manager at Avenidas Care Partners, a Peninsula-based nonprofit serving older adults, described the challenges her clients face when navigating insurance denials.It causes enormous stress, Wolfson said. I hear from families dealing with high-risk situations because they cant access the health care services they need.Wolfson welcomed Californias proactive approach to regulating AI in health care.It gives me a glimmer of hope that policymakers are bringing common sense and sensibility to these decisions, she said.Amid rising concerns over health insurance practices, Becker noted that Californias approach is drawing national attention.There are 19 states now looking at similar laws, Becker said. Weve even been contacted by multiple congressional offices considering federal legislation. Our priority is helping Californians, but setting a national model is just as important.Originally Published: January 5, 2025 at 6:05 AM PST

All's Fare In WarHelldivers 2 mod turns the FRV into a souped-up Crazy Taxi, so naturally here's a video of it running down Voteless while blasting The OffspringA ride that's pretty fly, for a Super Earth guy.Image credit: Arrowhead/McMessenger News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 6, 2025 As you're probably aware, Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead gave players the game's first driveable vehicle when it deployed the Omens of Tyranny update. It's called the FRV, and it's an off-road jeep - or at least it was until modders got their hands on it. Now, one's made the inspired decision to replace it with Axel's iconic cab from Crazy Taxi.After all, how are you supposed to drive around at five million miles an hour, dropping off your squadmates so they can wrestle objectives away from The Illuminate, unless you're behind the wheel of a bright yellow convertible built to get people from A to B in one 90s punk hit?To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Enter 'Crazy Taxi Cab (FRV)' by modder McMessenger, who's clearly got an affinity for the classic SEGA hit, having swapped out the FRV's body for that of Axel's Cadillac. Naturally, alien planets are home to slightly more rough terrain than city streets, so the taxi FRV retains the original's raised suspension, and comes in two versions - one with visible mounted machine gun and one without."After seeing how crazily people would drive the Fast Recon Vehicle (FRV) in-game when the Illuminate update first came out, I decided to go back to one of my favorite arcade games for inspiration...thus, this mod was born," the modder explains.Watch on YouTubeWords don't quite do their creation justice, so thankfully they've put together a cool showcase video. It's a solid minute or so of them hauling ass like a madman behind the wheel of the cab, flying off off jumps and running down hordes of Voteless as their fellow diver passengers hang on for dear life. There are some nice extra homages to Crazy Taxi worked in there - such as the words 'Press Start Button' flashing across the screen for the duration and the end card being a totting up of how much cash John Helldiver has earned from these fares.Also, The Offspring's All I Want is blasting in the background the entire time, because of course it is. This isn't the first Helldivers 2 FRV mod I've seen so far - there's also one that swaps it out for Need For Speed Most Wanted's BMW M3 GTR - but it might be the coolest.Will you be humming Bad Religion next time you get your road rage on in Helldivers 2? Let us know below!.

Image: NintendoOne of the biggest surprises of 2024 was undoubtedly the release (and accompanying marketing campaign) of Emio - The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club. It marked the first proper new entry in the Famicom Detective Club franchise since 1989, bringing with it a whole bunch of dark, mature themes that we don't often see from Nintendo these days.In fact, in a new interview with Inverse, producer Yoshio Sakamoto and assistant producer Kaori Miyachi commented on the game's development, with Sakamoto specifically noting how surprised he was that Nintendo opted to approve the project so willingly considering its more mature content. Miyachi, meanwhile, was significantly more confident:Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kWatch on YouTube Sakamoto: There was a theme and message that I really wanted to convey through this game, and in order to do so, there was no other way but to go in the direction we did. However, this game is clearly doing something different from most Nintendo games, so I expected that we would have a hard time getting approval from Nintendo teams internally.Miyachi: While Sakamoto expected an uphill battle for internal Nintendo approval, I had the opposite thought. In fact, there were times during the production when a worried Sakamoto would say to me "Is it alright for us to make this kind of story?", and I would always reply, "I'm sure it'll be fine!"Sakamoto: I was honestly surprised how smoothly this project was approved. I was convinced that if we approached this theme sincerely and conveyed the message we truly wanted to convey, that would be the best way to live up to the expectations of Nintendo, who gave us the go-ahead, and that motivated us to do our best.Miyachi: Thinking back, I think this was an ambitious game for Nintendo in many ways. I hope that players sense that through what weve done in this game.It's worth checking out the full interview when you have a moment, as the pair go into all sorts regarding the game's background design, similarities to the originals, and even the epilogue, but just be mindful that it does stray into territory that some may consider to be spoilerific.Sakamoto and Miyachi end the interview by touching on the potential future of the series, with both expressing interest in working together on new entries should the opportunity arise. Smells like teen...MURDER?!What were your thoughts on Emio - The Smiling Man? Would you like to see more entries in the Famicom Detective Club series? Let us know with a comment.[source inverse.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed year126 Games You Should Pick Up In The Nintendo Switch eShop Holiday Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherRumour: New 'Switch 2' Photos Show Off A Very Legit-Looking Joy-ConBlack and blue, not white and goldNintendo's Punch-Out!! Series May Be Dead And Buried For GoodAll punch'd outFeature: 15 Best-Looking Switch Games Of 2024Hello, my pretties

December 2024 closed the year with a reaffirmation of additive manufacturings resilience and adaptability. Industry leaders navigated strategic divestments, contested shareholder battles, and renewed commitments to next-generation R&D. Breakthrough demonstrationssuch as the first in-flight linear aerospike engine testran alongside expansions in enterprise services and the revival of a high-profile 3D printing startup. The 3D Printing Industry Awards punctuated the months developments with a broad embrace of hardware, software, materials, and community advocacy, signaling that the sectors evolutionary trajectory remains robust. Amid economic headwinds and operational realignments, optimism for 2025 is rising, with multiple segments poised to rebound, advanced technology platforms set to flourish, and new collaborations continuing to reshape how 3D printing intersects with traditional manufacturing ecosystems.The 3D Printing Industry Awards: Celebrating Innovation and LeadershipThe annual 3D Printing Industry Awards concluded with the announcement of winners and honorable mentions across various categories, celebrating the breadth and innovation within the AM landscape. Selected by both industry readers and the 3D Printing Industry (3DPI) Expert Committee, the awards highlighted achievements spanning desktop solutions to industrial applications.Divergent 3D emerged as the 3D Designer of the Year, recognized for its innovative work in optimized heat exchangers, exemplifying advanced design capabilities in AM. The Honorable Mention went to Andreas Vlahinos for his work on optimized heat exchangers, further underscoring the significance of efficient thermal management in modern manufacturing processes.In the 3D Scanning or Metrology Company category, Shining3D took the top honor, commended for its high-resolution scanning solutions that have enhanced quality assurance across multiple industries. Artec 3D received an honorable mention, acknowledging its contributions to advancing metrological technologies.The Academic, Research Team, or Project accolade was awarded to the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing (SC3DP), celebrating a decade of pioneering research and collaboration with industrial partners to develop smarter and more reliable AM systems. ADAPT Center at Colorado School of Mines was recognized with an honorable mention for its innovative research in additive manufacturing.In the Aerospace, Space, or Defense Application category, NASA JPL in collaboration with REM Surface Engineering won for their development of powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/Ti-6Al-4V) crush lattices for the Mars Sample Return Mission. Dr. Ryan T. Watkins of NASA JPL highlighted the projects significance, emphasizing the integration of open-source lattice design software and novel chemical etching processes to achieve ultra-low density crushable structures. Sintavia received an honorable mention for its contributions to next-generation hypersonic propulsion through AM, demonstrating the technologys versatility in high-performance applications.Duann Scott, Director of the 3MF Consortium, was honored as the Community Advocate of the Year, recognized for his efforts in nurturing the AM community through initiatives like the CDFAM Computational Design Symposium. Teula Bradshaw of the Sanjay Mortimer Foundation received an honorable mention for her work in empowering neurodiverse engineers and makers, reflecting the industrys commitment to inclusivity and diverse talent.Autodesk was named Company of the Year (Enterprise), lauded for democratizing 3D design through platforms like Fusion 360, which have made AM more accessible to mainstream manufacturing. In the Company of the Year (Personal) category, Bambu Lab secured the award for its consumer-friendly multi-color 3D printers, specifically the A1 & AMS models, which also won Desktop FFF 3D Printer of the Year. Nadia Yaakoubi, Head of PR and Communications at Bambu Lab, expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the companys dedication to making reliable and high-performance 3D printing accessible to a broader audience. Prusa Research took the honorable mention in the same category, recognized for its continued impact on desktop 3D printing at a personal-user scale.In the Desktop FFF 3D Printer of the Year category, Bambu Labs A1 & AMS again took the top spot for its user-friendly design and multi-material capabilities. Prusa Research XL secured the honorable mention, reflecting its achievements in producing a larger build volume FFF printer equipped with advanced features such as multi-tool upgrade options and robust extruders.Formlabs claimed Desktop non-FFF 3D Printer of the Year with the Form 4, praised for its speed, reliability, and affordability in resin-based printing. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra received an honorable mention, acknowledging its advancements in non-Fused Filament Fabrication (non-FFF) technologies.In the Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Metals) category, Meltio won with the M600 model, recognized for its innovative Wire-Laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED) technology, which promises mass adoption in machine shops by addressing global manufacturing challenges such as lead times and supply chain dependencies. EOS M290 earned an honorable mention, highlighting its role in advancing metal additive manufacturing.EOS also secured the Enterprise 3D Printer of the Year (Polymers) award with the FORMIGA P 110 FDR, noted for its fine detail capabilities and production efficiency. Axtra3D Lumia X1 was acknowledged with an honorable mention, commending its Hybrid PhotoSynthesis (HPS) technology that bridges laser-based SLA and projector-based DLP systems for enhanced production quality.MIT 3D Printed Glass Bricks were awarded Innovation of the Year, showcasing the potential of AM in creating advanced materials with unique properties. xolo Volumetric 3D printing received an honorable mention, recognizing its contributions to volumetric printing techniques.In the Material Company of the Year category, Metal Powder Works triumphed for its consistent, high-quality metal powders, which are crucial for reliable AM processes. 6K Additive was received an honorable mention for its sustainability efforts, particularly in recycling refractory metals like tungsten and cobalt.Strykers Infinity Total Ankle System won in the Medical Dental or Healthcare Application category, illustrating the impact of AM in developing advanced medical implants. Lithoz & Profactor INKplant received an honorable mention for their first ceramic jaw implant, further emphasizing the technologys role in medical advancements.In the Mobility or Energy Application category, General Motors was recognized for the Cadillac Celestiq EV, which incorporates over 100 3D printed components, highlighting the integration of AM in automotive production. Oak Ridge National Lab & DoE earned an honorable mention for their work on hydropower generation with Rapid RUNNERS, demonstrating AMs versatility in energy applications.Orca Slicer was named Software Tool or Company of the Year, applauded for its contributions to open-source slicing software that enhances accessibility and functionality for a wide range of 3D printers. nTop received an honorable mention, recognizing its advanced software solutions in generative design.Hyphen Innovations was awarded Start-up of the Year, acknowledged for its impactful work in aerospace additive manufacturing, particularly in critical aircraft engine parts. 3D Spark received an honorable mention, commending its innovative approaches in the AM space.Finally, 6K Additive secured the Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing award, celebrated for its commitment to zero material waste and the development of sustainable metal powders. WASP & United Nations received an honorable mention, highlighting their collaborative efforts in sustainable AM practices.AerospaceOutside the awards spotlight, Germanys POLARIS Spaceplanes carried out the maiden test of its 3D printed aerospike engine aboard the five-meter-long MIRA II demonstrator. Following the crash of its earlier MIRA in May 2024, POLARIS refined the design and mounted two lighter aerospike engines manufactured by AM Global. MIRA II successfully completed a brief but significant three-second in-flight burn, solidifying what the company calls the first real-world demonstration of a linear aerospike engine.This design deviates from standard bell nozzles, potentially improving performance at varying altitudes. Although a small fuel leak led to the loss of a hatch during the flight, MIRA II landed safely, allowing POLARIS to gather performance data on low chamber pressure operations. The company plans further testing, culminating in a full-scale Aurora spaceplane by 2028.A digital rendering of POLARIS Spaceplanes future aerospike-powered vehicle. Image via POLARIS Spaceplanes.Market and Financial DevelopmentsDecember sawnew data from CONTEXT indicated cautious optimism in 3D printer shipments after a challenging year, marked by high interest rates, reduced capital expenditure, and weakness in industrial polymer 3D printing. Midrange and professional 3D printer shipments dipped significantly in early 2024, yet the entry-level segment costing less than $2,500 continued to grow, buoyed by demand for models from Bambu Lab and other Shenzhen-based manufacturers. Vice President of Global Analysis at CONTEXT, Chris Connery, cited cooling inflation and declining interest rates as drivers of renewed investment in 2025. Metal 3D printers, particularly laser powder bed fusion systems aimed at Chinese markets, are predicted to lead a 15% rebound in the industrial sector by the second half of next year.The CONTEXT logo. Image via CONTEXTInvestor activism continued at Nano Dimensions 2024 Annual General Meeting, where Murchinson Ltd. succeeded in removing CEO Yoav Stern from the Board, and terminating his role as CEO. Murchinson also removed board member Michael X. Garrett and installed two of its own nominees, intensifying the ongoing confrontation around Nano Dimensions strategy. Murchinson has repeatedly criticized Sterns expansionary tactics, notably proposed acquisitions of Desktop Metal and Markforged, labeling them overpriced.By the close of 2024, multiple court rulings had validated earlier Murchinson-led shareholder meetings that removed incumbent directors and pressed for a simpler de-classified board structure. While that measure failed to pass with the required 70% majority this month, Murchinson claims it achieved over 67% support, calling for the boards immediate cooperation. Ultimately, Nano Dimension now faces a scenario in which additional Murchinson nominees could further sway decisions on acquisitions and corporate direction.Yoav Stern (left) and Julien Lederman (right): Leadership transition at Nano Dimension. Photo via Nano Dimension.December also saw 3D Systems undergo a strategic realignment by selling its Geomagic software suite to Hexagon for $123million. The Geomagic brand includes Design X for reverse engineering, Control X for inspection, Freeform for intricate modeling, and more. In explaining the decision, CEO Jeffrey Graves stressed that the companys future growth lies in high-volume polymer and metal printing ecosystems driven by 3D Sprint, 3DXpert, and Oqtonplatforms integral to advanced digital workflows. While Geomagic has historically been recognized for scanning and mesh-processing solutions, 3D Systems expects the portfolio to flourish under Hexagon, a firm that sees 3D scanning and CAD bridging as essential to its design and simulation capabilities.Geomagic Design X software. Image via 3D Systems.Company Resurgence and AcquisitionsWhile 3D Systems refocused software lines, Shapeways emerged from a Chapter 7 bankruptcy process to recapture its position in digital manufacturing. Led by two of its original co-founders plus a dedicated Eindhoven-based team, the company leveraged a profitable Dutch subsidiary and WVS International Inc. to preserve the Shapeways brand, production facility, and website. Because the trustee could not transfer user intellectual property, the marketplace structure from before is effectively gone.Shapeways has been reestablishing core functionalities: users can once again upload designs for printing on a professional production line, with an eye toward reactivating e-commerce integrations such as Etsy and Shopify. Days after this relaunch, Shapeways acquired the Thangs 3D sharing platform, which features over 24 million printable models and advanced IP scanning from Physna. By combining the new Thangs 3D Inc. with Shapeways digital manufacturing capacity, CEO Marleen Vogelaar believes the result should surpass the defunct Shapeways marketplace. Thangs will focus on consumer and creator needs, while Shapeways pivots toward professional and industrial solutions.The iconic Shapeways logo. Photo via Shapeways.Siemens, meanwhile, continued expanding its additive manufacturing portfolio on Xcelerator Marketplace with an array of new products showcased at Formnext 2024. VLM Robotics presented the CALYPSO system, a large-scale, mobile robotic solution that integrates Siemens Sinumerik One CNC platform for hybrid manufacturing. LEAM Technologies introduced a light-based welding approach for large format additive manufacturing, suitable for high-strength materials encountered in defense and energy environments.At Formnext, VLM Robotics presented a fully automated autonomous mobile robot solution based on Sinumerik One, Sinumerik CNC Robotics, and Simove. Photo via Siemens.In a similar collaborative spirit, the state-owned energy corporation Petrobras launched LABi3D at its Rio de Janeiro research center. Operated in partnership with 3DCRIAR under a 3D as a Service model, LABi3D aims to produce polymer components for on-demand spare parts, tooling, and engineering solutions. The lab features technologies from Formlabs (Fuse1+ for SLS), Ultimaker, and miniFactory Ultra 2, enabling advanced materials such as PEEK. The initiative aligns with Petrobras emphasis on logistical independence, cutting down lead times for offshore repairs and operational demands. This model stands as a case study for other industries seeking integrated AM solutions that revolve around remote or harsh environments.Petrobrass Cenpes research center. Photo via 3DCRIAR.Remembering Sir David McMurtry and the Renishaw LegacyDecember ended on a solemn note with the passing of Renishaws Co-founder, Sir David McMurtry, at age 84. Widely recognized as the inventor of the 3D touch-trigger probe, McMurtry held over 200 patents. He launched Renishaw in 1973 along with John Deere, initially to commercialize the measurement technology for Concorde engines. Over the decades, Renishaw diversified into neurosurgery, automation, and 3D printing. Tributes highlighted the truly visionary nature of McMurtrys innovations, which have become standard in metrology and quality control for manufacturing. In addition to many industry accolades, he received a knighthood in 2001 for services to Design and Innovation. Renishaw described him as a mentor to generations of engineers and a pivotal figure in shaping modern manufacturing processes.Sir David McMurtry. Photo via Renishaw.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Feature image shows the 3D Printing Industry Awards.

The last few major Wi-Fi releases have all been about getting the fastest possible connection. Wi-Fi 8 is about making sure that your connection is stable.

A giant 11ft thresher shark was found dead on Par Beach in Cornwall by a dog walker on New Year's ... [+] Day.Hayley Michelle Cumming/SWNSOn New Years Day, the body of a male 4.25m (13.9 feet) thresher shark washed up on Par Sands Beach in Cornwall, shocking locals. Just a few months earlier, another thresher shark was found dead on a beach in Devon, hinting at a troubling trend for this vulnerable species.Thresher sharks, with their distinctive whip-like tails as long as their bodies, are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN. While they are usually found in deeper waters, these predators occasionally venture into United Kingdom coastal waters during the summer. Known for their extraordinary hunting technique using their tails to herd and subsequently then stun fish they are often touted as a marvel of marine evolution.But its that very same unique tail that makes them a target for fisheries, as they are sought after for their fins, meat, and liver oil. Like other species of shark, threshers are endangered primarily due to overfishing, bycatch, and habitat degradation. They are also frequently caught as bycatch in commercial and recreational fishing, where they become entangled in nets or hooked on lines not meant for them. Thresher sharks have slow reproductive rates, with females giving birth to only a few pups after long gestation periods; this low reproductive output makes it difficult for populations to recover from any heavy exploitation. Thresher sharks are not just iconic - they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Their decline could lead to cascading effects on ocean biodiversity, highlighting the urgency of protecting these animals.The Cornwall Wildlife Trust said a thresher shark was found dead at Par beach on 1 January after ... [+] suspected "sport fishing."Sharon TrewWhile the post-mortem examination of the shark is still pending, early assessments from Cornwall Wildlife Trusts Marine Strandings Network suggest that the shark found in Cornwall may have suffered significant trauma, likely caused by fishing lines. Cornwall Wildlife Trust said there was damage to the mouth of the animal, and signs of haemorrhaging, both of which likely occurred before the animal died. They emphasized the need for safer fishing practices to prevent such tragedies, particularly for species already teetering on the brink of extinction. Educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable fishing and minimizing bycatch could also help bridge the gap between marine conservation goals and recreational or commercial fishing interests.MORE FOR YOUVolunteers from the community worked together to remove the shark from the beach while keeping the area secure from curious onlookers. Yet, the sight of the lifeless predator sparked outrage among conservationists and residents alike. One community member took to social media to call out sport fishing as animal abuse, while others questioned the inconsistencies in marine protection efforts, such as banning plastic straws while permitting potentially harmful fishing methods. This tragedy is not just about one sharkor even one species. It encapsulates the larger story of how human activities are altering marine environments, often with devastating consequences.Maybe 2025 will be the year we all unanimously agree on this fact, as there is growing frustration with policies that fail to address the broader, systemic issues affecting marine ecosystems. While no one ever wants to see such a majestic animal suffer, there is hope that these incidents will lead to meaningful action, ensuring that species like the thresher shark have a fighting chance in our increasingly pressured oceans. Every lifeless body that washes ashore tells a story... and its up to us to decide whether we will listen and act to change the narrative for these creatures.

In this zoomed-in detail of the Hubble image of Abell 370, the host galaxy where the 44 stars were ... [+] discovered appears several times: in a normal image (left), and a distorted image appearing as a drawn-out smear of light.NASAAstronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have used a distortion in space to reveal over 40 individual stars in a galaxy 6.5 billion light-years from the Milky Wayhalfway back to the beginning of the universe. Its the largest number of individual stars ever detected in the distant universe.The unique image, which takes advantage of JWSTs high-resolution optics, was only possible because the light from 44 stars in a distant galaxy was magnified by a massive cluster of galaxies in front of it called Abell 370.Gravitational LensingThis technique, called gravitational lensingalso known as an Einstein ring because it was predicted by the famous scientist Albert Einsteinworks when the gravitational field of a foreground object distorts the space around it. Light is bent from an object behind it into circular rings or arcs, both revealing the existence of something in the background and, crucially, magnifying it by factors of hundreds or even thousands. In this case, an arc was visible, dubbed the Dragon Arc.In a paper published today in Nature Astronomy, scientists at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian in Cambridge, Massachusetts. A press release accompanying the paper described the feat as a bit like raising a pair of binoculars at the moon in hopes of making out individual grains of dust inside its craters.The massive, yet invisible halo of dark matter of a galaxy cluster works as a "macrolens,", while ... [+] lone, unbound stars drifting through the cluster act as additional "microlenses, multiplying the factor of magnification.Yoshinobu Fudamoto MORE FOR YOUGroundbreaking Discovery This groundbreaking discovery demonstrates, for the first time, that studying large numbers of individual stars in a distant galaxy is possible, said postdoctoral researcher Fengwu Sun, one of the papers co-authors. While previous studies with the Hubble Space Telescope found around seven stars, we now have the capability to resolve stars that were previously outside of our capability.Astronomers do not expect to see individual stars in galaxies halfway across the observable universe. However, the achievements are not simply a record-breaker; scientists hope it will also help them learn more about so-called dark matter.Dark matter is what astronomers call hypothetical undetectable particles that are invisible. They're thought to account for about 85% of matter in the entire universe. Although they interact with gravity, they absorb, reflect and emit no light or energy. Observing more individual stars will also help us better understand the dark matter in the lensing plane of these galaxies and stars, which we couldnt do with only the handful of individual stars observed previously, said Sun.Abell 370, a galaxy cluster located nearly 4 billion light-years away from Earth features several ... [+] arcs of light, including the "Dragon Arc" (lower left of center). These arcs are caused by gravitational lensing: Light from distant galaxies far behind the massive galaxy cluster coming toward Earth is bent around Abell 370 by its massive gravity, resulting in contorted images.NASA, ESA/Hubble, HST Frontier FRed Supergiant StarsMany of the stars in the Dragon Arc are red supergiants, similar to Betelgeuse in the constellation of Orion and Aldebaran in Taurus, both of which are visible now in the eastern night sky immediately after sunset. Their detection was made possible by JWST's sensitivity to infrared light. We know more about red supergiants in our local galactic neighborhood because they are closer, and we can take better images and spectra, and sometimes even resolve the stars, said Sun.We can use the knowledge weve gained from studying red supergiants in the local universe to interpret what happens next for them at such an early epoch of galaxy formation in future studies.It's hoped that JWST's landmark discovery will be followed up by more observations of more magnified stars in the Dragon Arc galaxy and other distant galaxies.Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.

In a nutshell: Do you want AI shoehorned into every part of your life? Probably not, but that hasn't stopped Samsung from announcing updated artificial intelligence features for its new TVs. However, it sounds as if some elements of this technology could actually be useful. Unveiled at its CES 2025 First Look event, Samsung Vision AI will upgrade current features that improve a TV's picture, optimize its sound, and fine tune settings. There's also a slew of other, more generative AI-like features that come as part of the package.Picture-wise, Vision AI will offer the likes of AI Upscaling, Auto HDR Remastering, and AI Motion Enhancer Pro. There's also a new Color Booster Pro, which uses AI smarts to offer richer and more vibrant colors.For those who hate straining to hear dialogue in shows and movies, Samsung Active Voice Amplifier distinguishes between voices and background noise, allowing the actors' words to be heard clearly even in loud surroundings. There's also Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro, which claims to put viewers in the scene so they can hear what characters hear.As the name suggests, the fine tuning feature automatically adjusts a myriad of TV settings to create the optimal viewing experience. It does the same for games via the AI Auto Game Mode.It wouldn't be modern times if the TVs didn't come with at least some generative AI features. By clicking on the new AI button on the SolarCell remote, users can see who the actors are in a scene and where it is taking place. They can even identify what the actors are wearing.Think a meal on TV looks nice? The AI can identify the ingredients and show how to make it via Samsung Food, which can also analyze the contents of your fridge and order whatever's missing. You can purchase these items via TV apps, of course. That all sounds a bit concerning, but Samsung says its Knox Matrix provides end-to-end encryption for all users' personal data. // Related StoriesAnother feature is Generative Wallpaper, which promises to create custom artwork for a TV screen using AI.Elsewhere, there's Live Translate for instantly translating closed captions on live broadcasts in up to seven languages, improved AI Voice Removal with Audio Subtitles, and the ability to use the screen as central hubs through integration with the SmartThings ecosystem.Samsung writes that its flagship Neo QLED 8K QN990F features an 8K NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. The chip has a neural processing unit (NPU) that runs twice as fast as its predecessor, featuring eight times as many neural networks 512 instead of 64.Samsung is bringing Vision AI to its Neo QLED, OLED, QLED and The Frame 2025 lineups. More details about the company's latest TVs, including availability and price, will be revealed at CES.

Manufacturing engineer Douglas Dorsey started working at Boeing in 1984 and retired in 2017.Dorsey worked on the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner, where he said things began to unravel.He reflects on his time on the shop floor and how Boeing plans to repair its reputation.This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Douglas Dorsey, from Washington, about his career as a manufacturing engineer at Boeing. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I started my career at Boeing in 1984, and I worked there for over 30 years.I was a manufacturing engineer. My responsibilities included writing instructions and coming up with assembly sequences for aircraft.During my career, I worked on several aircraft projects for Boeing, including the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the Boeing 777, and the 787 Dreamliner. It was always interesting and challenging. I worked with dedicated employees and on cutting-edge programs.I retired in 2017 feeling proud to have worked there. I was a "lifer" with Boeing blue blood running through my veins.However, while working on the Boeing 787 program in the 2000s, I noticed that outsourcing manufacturing tasks to suppliers became a really big problem for Boeing. When I worked on the shop floor, I saw the negative impacts of outsourcing to suppliers, such as slower production and delivering incomplete parts.Even after retiring, I've stayed up to date with Boeing. I've followed the news on malfunctions and strikes, but I think management is taking baby steps in the right direction.I saw chaos unfold at Boeing due to mismanagement and outsourcingDuring the good old days, I had a positive opinion of Boeing. In my first decade at the company, the chain of command was clear. You knew what your job responsibilities were and could count on your line managers. Most importantly, there was no drama with executives, and we had confidence in those in command.But in 1997, upper management was thrown into chaos when Boeing merged with McDonnell Douglas, with McDonnell Douglas executives taking top positions at Boeing. Harry Stonecipher, who was briefly Boeing's CEO, resigned in 2005 after he was found having an affair with an employee.It was like a corporate soap opera played out in the media. As an employee, the news was distracting and felt like evidence of the level of disorder at the top of the company.At the same time, the Boeing 787 program was underway. The 787 was launched as a complete departure from how Boeing airplanes had traditionally been constructed. To reduce the time from program launch to when the planes were in service, Boeing would have "risk-sharing partners" deliver complete aircraft sections to the final assembly site.787 program managers and employees implicitly understood this new production method, and we cautiously believed it might work. But it began to unravel bit by bit and ended in a three-year delay.I wondered why we were accepting substandard work on 787I was a project manufacturing engineer for the 787, creating work instructions, and a liaison manufacturing engineer, working on the shop floor to resolve issues with existing work instructions.At the beginning of each new airplane program, program leadership and supply chain management divided major sections of the aircraft among various subcontractors, suppliers, and risk-sharing "partners." When suppliers were late in delivering their components or delivered them incomplete, this became "traveled work," which had to be completed by Boeing employees during final assembly.I spent much of my time on the program trying to accommodate parts that had a "non-conformance" tag on them and had to be reworked and installed into the build.I wondered what was going on and why we were accepting substandard, incomplete work.As an engineer, I wasn't privy to the decisions going on in the upper chambers of management, but I could see the chaos filtering down. It felt like the company wasn't listening to its mechanics about how to improve processes.I remember group meetings where employees, including myself, questioned decisions by management and offered constructive criticism that was politely but bluntly blown off.The 787 was sadly delayed three years.Confusing supply chains seem to still cause problemsEarlier this year, there was an incident with a Boeing 737 Max plane, where a door plug blew out after take off.Although I retired in 2017, I think this was caused by mismanagement of traveled repair work. The plug door was manufactured by Spirit AeroSystems, a Boeing subsidiary that was sold off in 2005.An investigation found that because the part 737MAX9 fuselage is shipped in whole, mechanics at Boeing rarely work on the plug doors. When the plug door frame had to be repaired and the plug door replaced, two separate groups of mechanics working on the door made mistakes.As a result, a plug door malfunctioned, and Boeing's reputation was damaged alongside it, causing the FAA to increase its oversight of 737MAX9 planes' production processes.It's always disappointing when the company you worked for makes major news headlines for a mistake. However, it doesn't change my general opinion of Boeing. I know there are many dedicated employees who are committed to doing their jobs properly and safely.Boeing is taking baby steps in the right directionI still know some Boeing employees and followed the recent strike. I think employees have gotten a good package, but they didn't get a return to the legacy defined-benefit pension plan. When I retired, I still benefited from the traditional pension plan and also had a 401(k).Back in 2014, Boeing promised employees that they'd build the 777-9 in Washington. Part of the strike package is also building the next new plane in Washington. These promises show that Boeing management is waking up to the matter of outsourcing.Boeing is also bringing Spirit AeroSystems, which it sold in 2005, back in-house. All the workers will be merged back under one camp.The lines of communication between two in-house teams are often simpler and more direct than with a supplier.I think this shows Boeing acknowledging it went down a bad path when it sold the supplier.I see these actions as baby steps in the right direction. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing's CEO, is trying to steer the company on a new course, but I think it's going to take a long time.Editor's note: In response to Business a request for comment from Business Insider, a Boeing spokesperson highlighted remarks by CEO Kelly Ortberg during the company's third quarter report:"Much has been written about how we got to where we are, but most also recognize that Boeing was once a benchmark for what good culture looks like. And I believe we can return to that legacy. I know culture change starts at the top. Our leaders, from me on down, need to be closely integrated with our business and the people who are doing the design and production of our products. We need to be on the factory floors, in the back shops, and in our engineering labs. We need to know what's going on, not only with our products but with our people."

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said AI has the building blocks to replicate today's jobs.Noam Galai/Getty Images for TechCrunchKlarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski says AI can perform his job as it has reasoning capabilities.The buy-now, pay-later firm's cofounder said the realization made him feel "gloomy."Siemiatkowski previously said Klarna stopped hiring because AI "can already do all the jobs."Sebastian Siemiatkowski has said AI is capable of performing his job as CEO of Klarna but he's not thrilled about the prospect.The cofounder of the buy-now, pay-later firm said in an X post on Monday, "AI is capable of doing all our jobs, my own included," because it now has reasoning capabilities."I am not necessarily super excited about this," he added. "On the contrary my work to me is a super important part of who I am, and realizing it might become unnecessary is gloomy."Siemiatkowski explained that AI can already routinely solve simple problems using basic reasoning. Because complex problems can be "divided into smaller and more basic reasoning tasks that are combined," the building blocks for AI solving advanced tasks already exist, he said."However, how exactly we will combine those building blocks of reason and knowledge to replicate the work we do today is not yet entirely solved," Siemiatkowski said.This isn't the first time Siemiatkowski has voiced concerns about AI's potential to disrupt traditional roles. Siemiatkowski told Bloomberg in December that he believed AI could "already do all of the jobs that we as humans do."Klarna itself has embraced AI. In February, the Swedish company said its AI assistant was "doing the equivalent work" of 700 full-time human agents.The Klarna chief has also been outspoken about the firm's use of AI and how it's impacted the workforce. In August, he wrote in another X post, "AI allows us to be fewer in total."In October, Siemiatkowski appeared on the "Grit" podcast and said that Klarna "stopped hiring due to AI, so we're shrinking because we have a natural attrition rate of 20%." He later clarified that Klarna continues to hire some engineers.Meanwhile, the fintech company has been gearing up for an IPO in the US. In November, it announced it confidentially submitted draft registration documents to the Securities and Exchange Commission.The following month the company told its employees it would start random drug testing for staff in Sweden from January. Its director of people and HR, Mikaela Mijatovic, told employees in a Slack post the move was "part of a larger effort to strengthen security across Klarna."Klarna didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.Do you work for Klarna? Got a tip? Contact the reporter, Jyoti Mann, via the encrypted messaging app Signal at jyotimann.11 or via email at jmann@businessinsider.com. Reach out through a nonwork device.Read the original article on Business Insider