Image: Mojang StudiosMinecraft creator Markus 'Notch' Persson has "basically announced" a spiritual successor to the exceptionally popular sandbox game after issuing a poll on social media.The developer asked his audience what they would like him to focus on in 2025, with the options being a traditional roguelike mixed with a 'tile based first person dungeon crawler', or a spiritual successor to Minecraft.Not surprisingly, an overwhelming majority (81.5%) voted for the Minecraft successor, despite Persson encouraging users to vote for the alternative. Since then, he has indicated that he was "100% serious about all that" and, in responding to a comment, clarified that he has "basically announced Minecraft 2".Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kWatch on YouTube Persson hasn't been a part of Minecraft's developer Mojang since 2014. After feeling the pressure from intense media attention, he left the company after the acquisition by Microsoft was finalised, making Persson a boatload of money in the process. Since then, however, both Microsoft and Mojang have distanced themselves from Persson after he made a number of controversial comments on social media.Naturally, then, while this won't be an official sequel in any sense of the word, it's likely that Persson's project will share many similarities with Minecraft, though he is conscious not to "sneakily infringe on the incredible work the Mojang team is doing". "Meet the creaking""As a child, I yearned for the mines"What do you think of this? Is a Minecraft successor even needed at this point? Leave a comment down below and let us know your thoughts.[source x.com, via eurogamer.net]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 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...

Elvie, a female-founded hardware startup, has unveiled a new app-controlled smart bouncer that gently transforms into a bassinet while the baby is still in it. With the new Elvie Rise, announced at CES 2025 on Monday, parents and caregivers dont have to move their baby between soothing, sleep, and play products.The startup is known for its portfolio of femtech products, including a connected breast pump and smart pelvic floor exerciser, and is now expanding into the sleep category with its latest product.In bouncer mode, the product uses Elvies SootheLoop technology to record and repeat the bounce originally established by a parent or caregiver. It can also be used as a manual bouncer if parents dont want automated bouncing. In bassinet mode, the smart bouncer follows the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)s sleep safe guidelines, allowing babies to sleep safely at night and during naptime.Image Credits:ElvieParents and caregivers can use the companion Elvie Rise Sleep & Soothe app to control automated bouncing. The app will also provide parents with valuable insights about their babys sleep patterns. Elvie Rise features a firm, flat mattress and is composed of breathable fabrics, and can be charged via its magnetic contact charger for cordless use.Elvie says the product meets the U.S. safety guidelines for both bassinet and bouncer products.Weve spoken to hundreds of postpartum parents and, after feeding, the next big stress was baby soothing and sleep, Elvie Chief Product Officer Alex Knox said in a press release. Elvie Rise gives all parents and caregivers the opportunity to have some hands-free, guilt free time back for themselves: knowing that their baby is safe and sound.Elvie Rise is available to preorder from Elvie.com starting Monday for $799.

Massachusetts-based industrial 3D printer manufacturer Desktop Metal (DM) has filed a second lawsuit against Nano Dimension, naming Markforged as a new defendant in the legal battle. The Delaware Court of Chancery has also granted the motion for an expedited trial in Desktop Metals first Nano Dimension lawsuit, scheduled for the week of February 24, 2025.The new suit claims that Nanos planned $115 million acquisition of Markforged, announced in September 2024, violated its merger agreement with Nano Dimension. Amid ongoing delays in obtaining CFIUS approval, DM alleges that the Markforged deal now threatens the mergers completion.The company is now seeking a court order to prevent Nano Dimension and Markeforged from finalizing their transaction until the merger is finalized. Desktop Metal CEO Ric Fulop previously stated that a failure to merge with Nano Dimension would constitute a fatal prognosis for Desktop Metal. The company has reemphasized the significant strategic opportunity the combination represents for both parties, expressing confidence that the merger may be completed expeditiously.Nano Dimension 3D printed electronics. Photo by Michael PetchDesktop Metal secures expedited Nano Dimension trialIn July 2024, it was announced that Nano Dimension was set to acquire Desktop Metal in an all-cash transaction worth approximately $183 million, or $5.50 per share. This combination sought to create a larger, more diversified company to accelerate growth and generate long-term value for shareholders. At the time, it was reported that the new entity would offer a strong financial profile, with joint FY23 revenue of $246M, 28% of which was recurring.This agreement came amid a period of financial challenges for Desktop Metal. Q224 saw revenues fall 26.9% YoY to $38.9 million. Despite working tirelessly to align its cost structure with the macroeconomy realities, the quarter witnessed an operating loss increase of 108.8% YoY to -$101.3 million. This led Fulop to identify the Nano merger as the best path forward for the company. In a call with investors, he argued that failing to finalize the transaction could spell the end of Desktop Metals existence.However, as 2024 came to a close, doubts were raised over the merger agreement. Desktop Metal filed a lawsuit against Nano Dimension, alleging the Israeli company failed to make reasonable best efforts to secure the deals timely regulatory approval.Filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, the firm has called on Nano to cooperate with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to finalize a mitigation agreement and complete the transaction. It is also seeking a Court declaration that Nano Dimension has not met its contractual obligations and requests injunctive relief to prevent additional actions that may hinder the mergers completion.At a hearing Delaware Court of Chancery on December 30, 2024, Desktop Metals motion for an expedited trial was granted. This is expected to be scheduled for the final week of February. Nano Dimension argued that the lawsuit is without merit and inconsistent with the terms of the Merger Agreement.The Desktop Metal InnoventX in the Nano Dimension booth at Formnext 2024. Photo by 3D Printing Industry.Desktop Metal launches second lawsuit against Nano DimensionDesktop Metal filed a second lawsuit against Nano Dimension on December 31, 2024. This suit names Markforged as a defendant, alleging that Nanos agreement to acquire the 3D printer manufacturer violated its obligation to not consummate acquisitions that threaten the completion of its own merger.Desktop Metal did not initially believe the Markforged acquisition would impact its own deal. At the time of the announcement, all parties anticipated that the Merger would close before the Markforged Transaction could close.However, Nano Dimensions failure to achieve CFIUS approval has led Desktop Metal to believe the Markforged transaction could materially increase the risk of a governmental entity preventing or delaying the consummation of the Merger. As such, the plaintiff is seeking an order restraining the closure of Nano Dimensions Markforged deal until after it has completed the Desktop Metal merger.Desktop Metal expressed that it remains focused on completing the agreed merger and upholding the contractual obligations agreed upon by both parties.Markforged HQ. Photo via BusinesswireWill Nano Dimension buy Desktop Metal and Markforged?Recent boardroom changes and shareholder battles have raised doubts over whether Nano Dimension will finalize the Desktop Metal and Markforged agreements. At the beginning of December, a shareholder vote saw then-CEO Yoav Stern removed from the Nano Dimension Board.The decision was made during the companys Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM), which also saw incumbent Director Michael X. Garrett removed. Meanwhile, Ofir Baharav and Robert Pons, nominated by activist shareholder Murchinson Ltd., were elected to the Board of Directors. Following this, six of Nano Dimensions incumbent directors, Dr. Yoav Nissan-Cohen,Eitan Ben-Eliahu, Oded Gera, Roni Kleinfeld, Chris Moran, and Georgette Mosbacher, resigned from the Board. This left Baharav and Pons, along with Kenneth Traub and Dr. Joshua Rosensweig, as the remaining Nano Dimension Board members. Traub and Rosensweig were elected during an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in March 2023. However, Nano Dimension contested the legality of these appointments, meaning the vote wasnt upheld until the Israeli District Court validated the results on November 21, 2024. Before the 2024 AGM, Murchinson published a letter calling the offers for Desktop Metal and Markforged overpriced and misguided. In a press release, Murchinson outlined an opportunity for the reconstructed Board to carefully and critically examine the merits and success of past and present acquisitions, further reflecting its opposition to Nanos M&A activity.At the time, Murchison owned approximately 7.1% of Nano Dimensions outstanding shares and achieved this boardroom victory as it jostled for power over the Israeli electronics 3D printing company. The firm claimed that the reshuffling represented a strong message from shareholders.Later in December, Murchinson scored another victory when Yoav Sterns termination as Nano Dimension CEO was announced. Appointed in 2020, Stern was replaced by interim CEO Julien Lederman. Murchinson had long criticized Sterns stewardship, repeatedly challenging his leadership by raising concerns over capital allocation and poor governance. The removal of Stern, a vocal advocate for Nanos M&A activity, raises further uncertainties around the Markforged and Desktop Metal agreements.Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?All the news from Formnext 2024.Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on X, like our Facebook page, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows Nano Dimension offices in Munich. Photo by Michael Petch.

Strawberry Garden (2021), medium-cast glass, ceramic, hand-painted details in oil paint, 26 x 27 x 7 inches. All images courtesy of Christina Bothwell, shared with permissionCeramics and Glass Merge in Christina Bothwells Transformative SculpturesJanuary 6, 2025ArtKate MothesWhen Christina Bothwell was younger, her primary focus was making the best work she was capable of. Now, it occurs to me that I am part of a continuum, she says. Its the feeling I have when I am making stuff that is the important thingthe process Thats what we do as artists, right? Lay the groundwork for the next generation.Bothwell often collaborates with her husband, Robert Bender, who adds wood elements to her dreamlike glass and ceramic pieces (previously). She applies botanical details and other small features in oil paint, creating a mixed-media world of ethereal figures and spiritual, interspecies interactions.Journey (2021), cast glass and ceramic, 26 x 17 x 16 inchesRecently, Bothwell experienced a sudden health issue that threw her off her axis and derailed her studio practice. She says, I felt disconnected from my creativity, and it even seemed pointless to make art at all, like, Why bother?' Eventually, though, she realized how much she missed being in the studio and how playing around with materials enlivened her mind and spirit.These days, I feel keenly that it is a privilege just to make art, to see and be moved by beauty, Bothwell says. She began working on a series of seashell sculptures with figures nestled inside them, which were deeply personal, metaphorical visions of emerging from ones own safety zone to experience the unknown of the wider world. She sculpts each shell out of beeswax, eventually casting them in glass. The figures, on the other hand, are made from raku.Bothwell is currently working on sculptures that encourage letting go of the past and making space for new ideas, focusing on themes of ease, change, and courage. Explore more on the artists website.Girl in Pink (2024), cast glass and ceramic, 10 x 5 x 4 inchesCollaboration with Robert Bender, Strange Angel #3, cast glass, ceramic, hand-painted details, wood wings, and antique wood puppet hands, 26 x 15 x 6 inchesSometimes I Dream the Strangest Things (2022), cast glass, ceramic, and hand-painted detailsCollaboration with Robert Bender, Antlers (2023), cast glass, hand-painted detail, and hand carved wood, 40 x 28 x 15 inchesGirl in Conch Shell (2024), cast glass and ceramic, 10 x 4 x 4 inchesCollaboration with Robert Bender, Girl with Pink Bow, (2024), kiln-formed cast glass and ceramic, 18 x 14 x 10 inchesWilderness (2024), cast glass, ceramic, found objects, wood, and hand-painted details, 38 inches tallCollaboration with Robert Bender, Murmuration (2022), cast glass, 46 x 12 x 12 inchesDetail of MurmurationNext article

Artist Residency participant Kate Tova in her studio at SVA (2024). Photo by Nivia HernandezElevate Your Creative Practice with SVA Continuing Education Courses, Workshops, and Residency ProgramsJanuary 6, 2025SponsorSVAReady to take your practice and creativity to new heights? SVACE has the resources and expertise to help you go to the next level. With a diverse range of more than 200 courses and 10+ artist residency programs, youll find everything you need to achieve your goals and actualize your potential. Whether youre looking to advance your career, explore new artistic avenues, or simply deepen your practice, our experienced faculty will provide the guidance and support you need to grow.Head to sva.edu/ce to explore our offerings and get started.Artist Residency Programs & IntensivesOnline and on-campus courses are available in:Registration DetailsCourse AdviceIf you need advice or have questions, please email [emailprotected] to connect with one of our course advisors.About the School of Visual ArtsSchool of Visual Arts has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for seven decades. With a faculty of distinguished working professionals, a dynamic curriculum, and an emphasis on critical thinking, SVA is a catalyst for innovation and social responsibility. Comprising 6,000 students at its Manhattan campus and 35,000 alumni in 100 countries, SVA also represents one of the most influential artistic communities in the world. For information about the college please visit sva.edu.Previous articleNext article

Tech It is easier than ever to disable Location Sharing on your Android phone Understanding Google's new Location Sharing controls on Android Published January 6, 2025 6:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': It is easier than ever to disable Location Sharing on your Android phone Google Maps Location Sharing is now built into Android settings; no need for Maps settings. Tech expert Kurt Knutsson discusses the welcome improvement for Android users. Privacy is a growing concern, especially regarding location tracking. Google has taken steps to enhance your control over location sharing on your Android, making it simpler for you to manage who can see your whereabouts. Let's dive into this new feature that Google is rolling out and how you can utilize it effectively. (iPhone users, follow these tips)Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. Location Sharing on Android in settings (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The new Location Sharing toggleGoogle has introduced a new "Google Location Sharing" toggle that is now integrated directly into the Android settings. This update eliminates the need to navigate through Google Maps to manage your Location Sharing preferences. The new feature is part of the latest updates to Google Play Services and is designed to simplify and enhance your control over location sharing.What Location Sharing meansBefore you toggle this off, lets take a moment to understand why you might want it on and what happens when you turn it off.Imagine this: Youre meeting a friend in a busy city, and instead of sending a dozen texts back and forth, they can simply see your real-time location on Google Maps. Thats the power of location sharing. It allows you to share your exact position with specific contacts, along with useful details like your devices battery level or your estimated arrival time if youre navigating.But when location sharing is off, your movements stay private. No one can track where you are, and your personal information is better protected from potential misuse. Apps and services lose access to your location data, which not only boosts your privacy but can also save battery life by cutting down on background tracking.So, before deciding, think about what fits your needs best: staying connected or staying private.Supported devices and softwareThe feature is primarily available on Android smartphones, including popular models from brands such as the Google Pixel series (e.g., Pixel 6, Pixel 7), Samsung Galaxy series (e.g., Galaxy S21, Galaxy S23) and other manufacturers that run stock or near-stock Android versions. Certain Android tablets that support the latest versions of the operating system may also have access to this feature. The Location Sharing toggle is part of recent updates to the Android OS, specifically through Google Play Services. You should ensure your devices are running at least Android 12 or later to access this functionality effectively.How to update the latest software on your deviceReady to upgrade? Here's how to do it, but firstback up your device data (just in case):Settings may vary depending on your Android phones manufacturer.Go toSettingsClickSystemTapSoftware updatesThen clickSystem UpdateIf available, tapDownload and installWait for thedownload to complete and your device to restart Steps to update software on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to disable Location Sharing on AndroidSettings may vary depending on your Android phones manufacturer.Open theSettings app on your phoneScroll down and click LocationToggle off where it says Use Locationso it turns gray. This will disable location sharing on your Android. Steps to disable Location Sharing on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)The benefits of enhanced location control1) Improved privacy managementThis new feature not only simplifies turning off location sharing but also enhances privacy management by providing transparency about who can track you. You can now feel more secure knowing you have control over your shared information, which is particularly beneficial in situations where privacy is paramount.2) Easier communication with trusted contactsLocation sharing can be very useful for coordinating meetups, ensuring safety during travel or simply letting loved ones know you've arrived safely. Now, we have shown you how to disable location sharing, but heres how you can share your real-time location with trusted contacts using Google Maps when Use Location is toggled on.Launch theGoogle Maps app on your Android deviceTap yourprofile picture or initial in the top right cornerThen selectLocation sharing Steps to share your real-time location using Google Maps on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Tap on Share location,or it might say New shareDecidehow long you want to share your location (options range from 15 minutes to "Until you turn this off")Choose thecontacts you want to share your location with from the list. If they dont appear, tap More to find them.If sharing with someone who doesnt have a Google account, tap Copy to clipboard and paste the link into a text message or email.TapShareto send your location Steps to share your real-time location using Google Maps on Android (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Remember that people you share your location with can always see:Your name and photoYour device's recent location, even when you're not using a Google serviceYour device's battery power and if it's chargingYour arrival and departure time, if they add a Location Sharing notificationThey may also see other info depending on how you're sharing. Learn more aboutLocation Sharing. Illustration of what people you share your location with can always see (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysGoogle's new "Google Location Sharing" toggle, now integrated into Android settings, simplifies and enhances your control over location sharing. With this feature, Google is striking a balance between convenience and robust privacy management, making it a welcome improvement for Android users.Have you ever had a situation where turning your location sharing on or off was crucial? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Related Topics

NewsHow Toyota is transforming its digital employee experienceThe traditional way of handling IT issues through help desk tickets generally delivers an unsatisfactory user experience something Toyota is looking to rectify in its business this yearByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 06 Jan 2025 11:15 Toyota, one of the worlds largest car manufacturers, has embarked on a project to transform its digital employee experience (DEX).In the US, Toyota has ambitions to eliminate its traditional IT service desk this year, and if its unable to hit that target, it aims to at least reduce IT help desk calls by 80%. Part of the strategy to get there is the use of automation, predictive analytics and virtual assistants. The traditional service desk is always reactive, says Zakir Mohammed, manager of artificial intelligence and automation at Toyota.Looking at the experience employees can go through on a traditional IT help desk, he says it can take days or even weeks for support personnel to reach out to someone to fix an IT problem. For instance, if someone needed a new piece of software, they would need to raise a help desk ticket. In Mohammeds experience, two to three days later, IT support would contact the individual who raised the ticket, then block out a slot of 30 minutes or an hour to install the application.There was a lot of reactiveness happening, he says. At some point, our employees gave up opening tickets and started suffering in silence. We decided the traditional way of running a help desk was not sustainable. We needed to have a proactive approach.The company is a Gartner client, and Gartners digital employee experience market research recommends tools that conform to industry standards. Gartner defines DEX management tools as software that measures and continuously improves the performance of employee sentiment towards company-provided technology.The tools tend to offer near-real-time processing of aggregated data from endpoints, applications, employee sentiment and actionable insights, which, according to Gartner, can power self-healing automations and also be used to enhance employee interactions with self-service portals and chatbots. Gartner says DEX tools also help IT support, asset management, procurement and other teams whose work depends on reliable information. Some of the tools and technology we evaluated look very promising, says Mohammed. But the tool we currently use is Nexthink, which aligns with our requirements.Instead of waiting for IT issues to be manually triaged, Toyotas 100,000 staff members now benefit from the IT department using Nexthinks DEX technology to proactively detect, diagnose and remedy IT issues across endpoints.Getting started with DEXToyota initially began a small-scale pilot using Nexthink with 100 users. Mohammed says metrics were collected, enabling the IT team to understand the issues the pilot users were experiencing.For Mohammed, among the challenges Toyota faced was that while it had deployed advanced observability tools to monitor business applications and IT infrastructure such as storage, the company lacked the tools required to monitor users, the performance of their devices, their experience of the IT they used and their overall sentiment.Given people are considered a businesss most important asset, Mohammed believes its important to measure their experience of the IT they require to do their jobs.Having evaluated a sample of 100 employees, he says: What we saw was kind of eye-opening. There were so many issues.Toyota then scaled up the proof of concept to 30,000 users. This step involved using automation. We deployed to 30,000 users, says Mohammed. We were not only collecting the information, but we also started automating.Discussing the benefits of the roll-out, he says Toyota now has visibility of user devices, which helps the company offer a seamless digital experience and automation of certain help desk tasks.Read more DEX storiesRedefining DEX: DEX technologies focus on ensuring users have the tools and high-performing technology they need. But is it a good idea to rely on user sentiment as a universal metric?Poor tech kills hybrid work productivity: People who work from home say the IT they use is failing or performs poorly, which reduces their productivity, leading to hours of work lost.Nexthink is also being used for predictive maintenance, such as replacing laptop batteries before they die. If the performance of a certain type of battery is going from 80% to 60% in the next six months, these batteries may require replacement, says Mohammed. This is great information for the IT delivery team. It means they not only buy the batteries in advance, but can also proactively replace them before the old battery dies.Another way Nexthink is being used is in software reclamation. There are tonnes of software sitting on laptops and were paying software licenses for them, he says. Nexthink is able to check if the software has been used in the past 90 days. This information can then be used to send an automated message to ask if the application is still required. I click and its automatically reclaimed by the IT software library.The final piece of the DEX story at Toyota is the use of a virtual assistant. We want to make it like a ChatGPT for Toyota, so that employees can submit a request and it does the work behind the scenes, says Mohammed.In effect, the virtual assistant is used to parse free text entered by users and translate these requests into actions that can be sent to Nexthink.One of the other uses of the virtual assistant is to enable users to request software directly. If you need PowerBI, it connects behind the scenes with Nexthink, picks up the software and installs it, he says. You dont have to do anything. Once the install is done, you get a notification saying that your software is ready.If Toyotas goal is to reduce IT help desk calls, the ability for a user to have IT problems proactively resolved via a virtual assistant, or perhaps use it to request new software, shows where digital employee experience is heading.In The Current Issue:What do the home secretarys policing reforms mean for the future of the Police Digital Service?What are the security risks of bring your own AI?Download Current IssueRelaunch of the Norwood Community Safety Partnership When IT Meets PoliticsData engineering - Hycu: Bridging data & infrastructure, the evolving role of data engineers CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

A revised NHS app will form a key part of the governments Elective Reform Plan to address the NHS waiting times crisis. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said that the upgraded NHS App will enable patients to choose providers, book appointments in more settings and receive test results all in one place.NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: As part of the Elective Reform Plan, we will fully harness the potential of the NHS app, giving patients more information, choice and control over their care while freeing up the time of our staff so they can work more productively.Using technology to revolutionise access to NHS care, alongside offering more availability of tests, checks and scans closer to peoples homes, will help us to tackle waiting times and put patients in the driving seat of elective care.The Elective Reform Plan proposes to cut waiting times and reduce waiting times to 18 weeks and offer greater choice and control for patients. As part of its Plan for Change, the new NHS App is among a raft of proposals which the government aims to use to offer patients greater power over how and when they receive elective treatment.Missed appointments add significant delay to patients receiving care, increasing pressures on elective services and potentially other areas of the health service. According to the DHSC, the proportion of missing appointments has been shown to fall by up to 80% when patients are sent appointment reminders.In an attempt to reduce the proportion of missed appointments, the government said that the upgrades to the NHS App will enable patients requiring non-emergency elective treatment to view and manage appointments at a time and place that is convenient to them. It added that the app will also enable patients to choose from a wide range of providers, including in the independent sector, and book diagnostic tests through the NHS App at convenient locations, such as a Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) in a local shopping centre.The DHSC said that the health service is working on a pilot AI system that identifies patients more likely to miss appointments and provide support, such as free transport, to those most in need. The NHS App is also being positioned as a way to speed up the time for processing test results. Currently, most patients receive test results through a phone call from a clinician, or a letter with either the result or instructions to book an appointment to discuss them further. This can be a significant time after the diagnostics took place.To address this inefficiency, the NHS App will offer a single place where patients can receive test results and book either a follow-up virtual consultation or a surgery visit. Health and Social Care secretary Wes Streeting said: This governments reform agenda will take the NHS from a one-size-fits-all, top-down, like-it-or-lump-it service, to a modern service that puts patients in the driving seat and treats them on time delivering on our Plan for Change to drive a decade of national renewal.By bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age, we will cut waiting times from 18 months to 18 weeks and give working class patients the same choice, control and convenience as the wealthy receive.Read more about the NHSNHS Federated Data Platform celebrates first birthday: In its first year, more than 100 NHS organisations have signed up to the controversial platform, aiming to bring together data from different IT systems.Data bill will boost NHS and police access to data, says government: The Data Use and Access Bill will pave the way for sharing medical records across the NHS and give police the ability to access databases without having to manually log the reasons for their use.

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Neurologist reviews a MRI Scan of woman's brain to diagnosis and treat her. gettyDespite recent increases in awareness and funding, women's healthcare remains dramatically underserved, with research and investment lagging far behind the needs of more than half the population. This presents not just a health crisis but a massive economic opportunity. From closing the research gap in heart disease to harnessing the potential of AI for diagnostics, the future of women's healthcare demands collaboration between policymakers, investors, and employers to unlock innovation and deliver returns for society and the bottom line.With key initiatives gaining momentum and a growing understanding of the stakes, 2025 is poised to be a transformational year for women's healthcare.Women's Healthcare: Investment Opportunity KnocksWomen have unique health needs, not only because some conditions exclusively affect them but also ... [+] because they may experience certain conditions disproportionatelylike Alzheimer'sor differently than menlike heart disease.WHAM empowers women and strengthens the economy by boosting funding and awareness for vital women's health research.Women's health is experiencing unprecedented attention, driven by increased awareness, research funding, and private investment. As Carolee Lee, CEO and founder of WHAM (Women's Health Access Matters), points out, "We're 52% of the population, but we've [VCs] only invested 2%." The Biden administration has played a significant role, allocating a billion dollars to women's healthcare research.Despite the progress, significant research disparities persist. Shockingly, only 4% of research funding is allocated to heart disease in women, the number one killer of women. Sixty million women live with heart disease. This disparity is not only a health crisis but also an economic one. Investing in women's healthcare research yields substantial economic benefits. "If you double that small number [$350 million], you get a return of $14 billion to the economy," Lee emphasizes.MORE FOR YOUMenopause, projected to be $18.56 billion market in 2025 and a significant life transition for women, is finally receiving the attention it deserves. The increased conversation and research in this area are crucial for improving women's quality of life during and after menopause.Autoimmune conditions, a $5.3 billion market in 2023, disproportionately affect women, yet the underlying reasons remain largely unknown. "We know that 80% of autoimmune patients are women," explains Kathryn Schubert, president and CEO of the Society for Women's Health Research, in an interview with MedCity. "If you look at something like lupus in particular, that's a much higher rate for women of color." Addressing this research gap is critical for developing effective treatments and improving the lives of millions of women.The Role Of Government Policy In Womens HealthcareJust four diseases alone that disproportionately or differently impact women cost the U.S. nearly $1 ... [+] trillion, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in women's health research and care.WHAM empowers women and strengthens the economy by boosting funding and awareness for vital women's health research.Investing in womens healthcare innovation isnt just an investment opportunity. Its about cost saving, too. Just four diseases alone that disproportionately or differently impact womenlung cancer, Alzheimer's, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and cardiovascular diseasecost the U.S. nearly $1 trillion, highlighting the urgent need for increased investment in women's health research and care.With the new administration, the focus is expected to shift towards the Department of Defense, potentially benefiting military women's healthcare. "With the changing of administrations, there will be a shift away from ARPA-H and toward DoD, suggests Liz Powell, cofounder of the Women's Health PAC. I think there will be opportunities to address military service womens health needs."Legislative action remains crucial for ensuring that women's health remains a priority. Advocacy efforts must align with the priorities of the new administration and Republican leadership to secure continued funding and support for women's healthcare initiatives. As Powell notes, "We will ensure womens health is a priority at the legislative level by organizing strategic requests that fit into the legislative priorities of the new Trump Administration and Republican leadership in the 119th Congress."Naseem Sayani, VC investor in women's healthcare and operating partner at How Women Invest, emphasizes the vital role of regulatory and policy changes in fostering a thriving women's healthcare sector. Specifically, she highlights adjustments to reimbursement codes and streamlined AI regulation as key drivers that can unlock investment and innovation.Women's Healthcare: A Call to Action for Investors and EmployersAddressing women's health challenges requires collaboration among researchers, policymakers, investors, and employers. Lee stresses the importance of data, policy, and private investment.Private investment is critical for fueling innovation in women's healthcare. The venture community plays a significant role, and efforts to attract more funding to this sector are gaining momentum. "For so long, womens health was seen as a niche market and a special investment for venture capital," Schubert observes.While venture capital investment in women's healthcare has experienced a downturn since its peak in 2021, the slight uptick from 2023 to 2024 and market conditions suggest an investment acceleration has begun. VC investors are optimistic, anticipating a resurgence in funding throughout 2025.Instead of hindering investment, regulatory constraints have paradoxically fueled interest and capital flow into the women's healthcare sector. This is evidenced by the rise of dedicated funds, demonstrating a focused commitment, and the emergence of unicorn success stories like Maven, which may even IPO this year, validating both market opportunity and impact potential.WHAM's High-Impact Investment Collaborative is a groundbreaking initiative to increase women's healthcare innovation investment significantly. Recognizing the vast untapped potential of the women's healthcare market, WHAM is bringing together leading multi-billion-dollar investment funds, such as Insight Partners, L Catterton, Lightstone Ventures, Northpond Ventures, RA Capital Management, and UPMC Enterprises. The initiative is designed to drive innovation and accelerate the development of new diagnostics, treatments, and preventative measures for women's health issues.The collaborative aims to double venture capital investment in women-led companies by 2026, increase investor awareness, and publish influential reports to track progress and drive further investment. Ultimately, the WHAM Investment Collaborative is poised to transform the landscape of women's healthcare by fueling innovation and ensuring that this critical sector receives the attention and funding it deserves.Employers also play a crucial role in supporting women's healthcare across their lifespan. This includes not only providing benefits that support fertility and motherhood but also recognizing the impact of menopause on women's well-being and productivity. As Kathryn Schubert points out, "If we were to invest a little bit more on those sides of things, you probably would have better productivity." By investing in women's healthcare, employers are demonstrating a commitment to their employees' well-being and contributing to a more productive and engaged workforce.Technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has the potential to revolutionize women's healthcare. AI can improve diagnostics, treatment, and access to care, particularly in underserved and remote areas.The landscape of women's healthcare is transforming, but challenges remain. Research disparities must be addressed, and legislative action is needed to ensure continued support. Collaboration among stakeholders and technology integration will be key to realizing the full potential of this new era in women's healthcare.