Jeff Bezos spaceflight company Blue Origin launched its new mega-rocket, called New Glenn, into orbit for the first time.The rocket lifted off at 2:03AM ET on January 16 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and crossed the official boundary into space a few minutes later. Shortly after, a second-stage burn placed the rockets upper section into orbit around the Earth.While it was the rockets inaugural launch, a number of things went right, and the company had said that reaching orbit safely was its main objective. But the rockets first stage exploded on the way back down to Earth as Blue Origin attempted to land that section on a drone ship at sea. The company hopes to launch again this spring and plans as many as eight New Glenn launches this year.Im incredibly proud New Glenn achieved orbit on its first attempt, Dave Limp, former Amazon executive and CEO of Blue Origin, said in a statement. We knew landing our booster, So Youre Telling Me Theres a Chance, on the first try was an ambitious goal. Well learn a lot from today and try again at our next launch this spring. Thank you to all of Team Blue for this incredible milestone.The successful launch kicks off a new era for Blue Origin, which until now has been stuck with a rocket (called New Shepard) that is not designed to go to orbit, which limits its usefulness. Blue Origin needs New Glenn to succeed in order to build a solid launch business in order to take on Elon Musks SpaceX, which has dominated the industry in recent years.First revealed in 2016, New Glenn stands 320 feet high and is powered by seven BE-4 engines, which Blue Origin also designed. The company had initially hoped to launch the mega-rocket as early as 2021. But the costly development process took longer than expected. Along the way, Blue Origin spent time locked in legal battles with NASA and SpaceX over launch contracts, and was accused of cutting corners on safety by multiple employees. Blue Origin now hopes to use New Glenn to launch satellites and other spacecraft, including ones it is designing for the Moon. The company already has contracts with NASA, the Space Force, Amazons Project Kuiper, and others. It also hopes to one day launch astronauts to the Moon as part of NASAs Artemis project. That said, NASAs focus is always shifting with the political winds, and Musk who has forged a deep relationship with incoming president Donald Trump has said the Moon is a distraction. Bezos told the press this week that he thinks theres room for multiple winners in the industry.

A recent study from Queens University Belfast has employed 3D printing to create cacao-based formulations infused with raw Greek honey and vitamin D3 (VitD3). The researchers aimed to improve supplement delivery by addressing taste and bioavailability issues. Their approach involved blending organic cacao with varying concentrations of honey and introducing VitD3, using specialized 3D printing technology to form precise, stable printlets.Three honey typesVitex Honey, Lavender Honey, and Jerusalem Sage Honeywere each melted at 37C and incorporated into 100% organic cacao liquor. The team prepared two concentrations, 5% and 10% (w/w), to identify how varying honey ratios affected the resulting mixtures. Physicochemical tests indicated that the chocolate-honey formulations stayed liquid-like under ambient conditions and remained stable up to around 38C. Rheological analyses revealed that adding honey increased viscosity, enhancing the structural stability of the 3D printed shapes.Graphical abstract. Image via Science Direct.Lavender Honey at 10% concentration emerged as a balanced choice in terms of viscosity and compatibility with VitD3. Thermal assessments confirmed that VitD3 was dispersed uniformly in the chocolate matrix, adopting an amorphous form conducive to consistent dosing. Researchers found that higher honey content slightly prolonged disintegration times, raising the possibility of a more controlled release profile for VitD3 in an oral setting.CHOC EDGEs Choc Creator V2.0 Plus, a specialized chocolate 3D printer, was used to build precise layers of tempered cacao. The device operates through semi-solid extrusion (SSE), a process that deposits low-temperature, gel-like materials layer by layer. SSE technology preserves heat-sensitive componentssuch as honeys bioactive compounds and VitD3while maintaining the required viscosity for intricate chocolate designs.After mixing honey and VitD3 into cacao at around 80C, the formulations were cooled to roughly 32.5C and loaded into a temperature-controlled aluminum syringe. The printed shapes20mm by 20mm squares with a thickness of 1mmwere then allowed to cool at room temperature. Dimensional evaluations of each formulation demonstrated consistent geometry, though the inclusion of honey influenced final weight.Graphic illustration of (A) 3D design from TinkerCAD (B) 3D sliced design using Choc Print software and (C) 3D printed cacao-based formulation. Image via Science Direct.Assessing Palatability, Structural Integrity, and Antibacterial AspectsOne objective of this work was to address palatability issues that often limit patient adherence to supplement regimens. Honeys widely accepted sensory qualities could mask any bitterness arising from active pharmaceutical ingredients. Texture analysis showed that different honey concentrations influenced mechanical strength. Some printlets with higher honey content had increased firmness, while others showed no significant difference under the chosen parameters.Researchers also evaluated the antibacterial properties of raw honey before and after printing. Although raw Lavender Honey inhibited bacterial strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at specific concentrations, the final printed products did not show measurable zones of inhibition during disk diffusion assays. The study attributes this result to several factors, including potential dilution of antibacterial compounds during printing and the need for higher honey concentrations to form visible inhibition zones.Next steps proposed in the study include conducting sensory evaluations, exploring larger-scale printing, and assessing additional active ingredients or nutrient combinations. The authors suggest that 3D printed chocolate-honey supplements could pave the way for more personalized, on-demand healthcare solutions, particularly when precise dosing and patient-friendly formats are essential.Optical microscopy images depicting the physical characteristics surface morphology and colour, of the different honey varieties (LH, VH, and JH) under three storage conditions: (A) ambient (20.0 C 0.5 C), (B) refrigerated (5.0 C 0.5 C) and (C) freezer temperature (20.0 C 0.5 C). Image via Science Direct.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.

Tech Soft robotic armband gives prosthetic hand users natural control How haptic feedback technology is revolutionizing prosthetic hand functionality Published January 16, 2025 6:00am EST close New prosthetic hands can multitask like real ones Study participants successfully grasped and transported two objects at once without dropping them. Prosthetic hands have long struggled to replicate the dexterity and functionality of natural hands, often limiting users to a single grasp function at a time.This limitation has made everyday tasks, such as typing on a keyboard or braiding hair, challenging for those who rely on prosthetics.However, a groundbreaking study from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) offers promising advancements that could transform the experience of prosthetic hand users. Man sporting wearable soft robotic armband (Florida Atlantic University)New technology enables users to grasp two objects at onceResearchers at FAU's College of Engineering and Computer Science, in collaboration with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, conducted an innovative study that combined haptic feedback, electromyogram control and a wearable soft robotic armband. This study aimed to investigate whether users could control grip forces applied to two different objects simultaneously with a dexterous artificial hand.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?The study's findings, published in Scientific Reports, demonstrated that multiple channels of haptic feedback allowed participants to successfully grasp and transport two objects at once without dropping them, even when visual feedback was obstructed.For example, participants managed to pinch a card between their fingers while simultaneously unscrewing a water bottle lid or toggling a light switch with their little finger. Prosthetic robot hand (Florida Atlantic University)Multichannel soft robotic armbandA key innovation in this research was the development of a multichannel soft robotic armband designed to convey artificial sensations of touch. This armband included soft actuators that provided proportional contact force feedback and vibrotactile stimulators that alerted users if they were about to drop or break an object. The armband's design allowed it to deliver haptic feedback at three critical points corresponding to the thumb, index and little fingers, effectively enhancing the user's ability to control multiple objects simultaneously.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREParticipants in the study reported that haptic feedback was significantly more important than visual feedback, especially since visual cues often failed to indicate when an object was about to be lost. This insight underscores the necessity of integrating tactile sensations into prosthetic technology. Prosthetic robot hand (Florida Atlantic University)Implications for future prosthetic designThe implications of this study extend beyond immediate user benefits; they suggest a paradigm shift in how prosthetic hands could be controlled in the future. By enabling refined dexterous control through enhanced sensory feedback, this research opens new pathways for individuals with upper limb loss to engage in complex tasks traditionally deemed impossible with current prosthetics. This includes activities such as playing musical instruments or performing intricate surgical procedures.In addition, the researchers noted that participants with limb loss performed as well as able-bodied subjects in key performance metrics during the tasks. This finding is particularly encouraging for clinical applications and indicates that advancements in technology can bridge gaps in functionality for users. Prosthetic robot hand (Florida Atlantic University)COULD THESE EXOSKELETON 'POWERED PANTS' MAKE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES EASIER IN THE FUTURE?Kurts key takeawaysAs researchers continue to refine these prosthetic technology systems, we may soon see prosthetic hands that not only replicate but exceed the capabilities of natural hands, empowering users to reclaim their independence and engage fully in both everyday activities and specialized tasks. This innovative approach not only addresses existing limitations but also paves the way for future developments in assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.What personal experiences or stories do you have related to the use of prosthetics or assistive devices? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 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

Volodymyr - stock.adobe.comNewsLOral: Making AI worth itNo stranger to advanced technologies, the cosmetics firm is partnering with IBM on GenAI capabilities to support its sustainability goalsByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 16 Jan 2025 11:57 Cosmetics and beauty company LOral has expanded its long-term partnership with IBM to uncover new insights in cosmetic formulation data through generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology.The company hopes to use GenAI to support its plans to use sustainable raw materials for energy and material waste reductions. The use of GenAI aligns with its LOral for the Future sustainability programmes target of sourcing most of its product formulas from bio-sourced materials and the circular economy by 2030.The cosmetics and beauty company has been working with IBM for a few years, as part of a digital transformation journey to Industry 4.0 where IBMs Watson internet of things (IoT) platform supports decision-making. The company has used a range of technologies from IBM to deliver IoT, augmented and virtual reality, and AI, which form the basis of the smarter factory at LOreal.In 2018, the company acquired ModiFace, which provides augmented reality and artificial intelligence for the beauty industry. The AI-powered technology has been used to enable Amazon customers to use the front-facing camera on their mobile phone to digitally try different shades of lipstick in a live video of themselves or on a selfie.This latest application of AI with IBM has the potential to augment LOrals creativity in finding new cosmetic formulations to transform the beauty industry. The AI model is being developed using a large number of formulations and component data points to accelerate multiple tasks to be performed by LOral, including the formulation of new products, reformulation of existing cosmetics and optimisation for scale-up production, to support LOrals 4,000 researchers worldwide in the coming years.IBM Consultings work also involves helping LOral rethink and redesign the formulation discovery process. According to IBM, understanding the behaviour of renewable ingredients in cosmetic formulas will help LOral build out more sustainable product lines with greater inclusivity and personalisation for consumers around the world. Matthieu Cassier, chief transformation and digital officer for LOral research and innovation, said: Building on years of unique beauty science expertise and of data structuring, this major alliance with IBM is opening a new, exciting era for our innovation and development process.IBM described the work as augmented research, where highly specialised expertise in artificial intelligence and cosmetics are used to revolutionise cosmetic formulation.It embodies the spirit of AI-augmented research, emphasising sustainability and diversity, said Guilhaume Leroy-Mline, IBM distinguished engineer in business transformation services at IBM Consulting France.Read more about GenAI in manufacturingUnilever calls on Accenture to drive AI business efficiency: Manufacturer Unilever is already using AI for advanced data analytics, but is now exploring how to use Accentures GenAI platform.JLR and Tata team to deliver smarter, data-driven, connected cars: Jaguar Land Rover partners with digital ecosystem enabler to supercharge next-generation vehicle connectivity with real-time vehicle location services and smarter driving experience.In The Current Issue:Interview: Wendy Redshaw, chief digital information officer, NatWest Retail BankPreparing for AI regulation: The EU AI ActDownload Current IssueData engineering - Percona: Measure twice, implement once, the art of thinking ahead CW Developer NetworkThe UK government's AI plan covers all the bases but needs a dose of pragmatism Computer Weekly Editors BlogView All Blogs

It is a great time to find new ways to deliver value through technology.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. on Dec. 16, 2024.Andrew HarnikGetty ImagesBy ASSOCIATED PRESSJanuary 16, 2025 6:04 AM ESTTrumps pick for national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, said in an interview on Wednesday that the president-elect is exploring options to preserve TikTok.Waltz made the comment when Fox News anchor Bret Baier asked him about a report from The Washington Post that said Trump was considering an executive order to suspend enforcement of a federal law that could ban the popular platform nationwide by Sunday.Last week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a legal challenge to the statute brought by TikTok, its China-based parent company ByteDance, and users of the app. The Justices seemed likely to uphold the law, which requires ByteDance to divest TikTok on national security grounds or face a ban in one of its biggest markets.If the Supreme Court comes out with a ruling in favor of the law, President Trump has been very clear: Number one, TikTok is a great platform that many Americans use and has been great for his campaign and getting his message out. But number two, hes going to protect their data, Waltz said.Hes a deal maker. I dont want to get ahead of our executive orders, but were going to create this space to put that deal in place," he added.Separately on Wednesday, Pam Bondi, Trumps pick for attorney general, dodged a question during a Senate hearing on whether shed uphold a TikTok ban.Trump has reversed his position on the popular app, having tried to ban it during his first term in office over national security concerns. He joined TikTok during his 2024 presidential campaign and his team used it to connect with younger voters, especially male voters, by pushing content that was often macho and aimed at going viral. He pledged to save TikTok during the campaign and has credited the platform with helping him win more youth votes.More Must-Reads from TIMEL.A. Fires Show Reality of 1.5C of WarmingHow Canada Fell Out of Love With TrudeauTrump Is Treating the Globe Like a Monopoly BoardBad Bunny On Heartbreak and New Album10 Boundaries Therapists Want You to Set in the New YearThe Motivational Trick That Makes You Exercise HarderNicole Kidman Is a Pure Pleasure to Watch in BabygirlColumn: Jimmy Carters Global Legacy Was Moral ClarityContact us at letters@time.com

Why it matters: After a decade of robust growth from 2011 to 2021, the gaming industry has hit a plateau, creating a climate of caution and reduced investment. However, amidst this stagnation, PC gaming has emerged as a bright spot, continuing its upward trajectory and now representing the majority of non-mobile content revenue. Both PC and console gaming sectors have expanded substantially since the early 2010s, with consumer spending on these platforms increasing by nearly $50 billion in 2024 compared to 2011 levels, according to a presentation by Epyllion CEO Matthew Ball ("The State of Video Gaming in 2025").Yet, a divergence in growth patterns has become apparent since 2021. The console gaming market has experienced a noticeable slowdown, particularly reflected in sales figures for the Xbox Series and PlayStation 5. After 49 months on the market, Microsoft and Sony's current generation of consoles has sold almost 7 million fewer units than their predecessors.In contrast, PC gaming has sustained its upward momentum. While console gaming has plateaued since 2021, PC gaming revenue has surged by 20 percent. Ball attributes this growth to several factors, including a more extensive and backward-compatible game library, instant access to web browsers, social platforms, and livestreaming software, as well as superior high-end performance capabilities.Ball's analysis suggests that PC gaming's momentum is likely to continue, driven by trends such as the cross-release of console exclusives, advancements in portable PC gaming devices like SteamOS, and the influence of platforms like Roblox. The latter, in particular, may dissuade younger gamers from investing in expensive consoles, as hundreds of millions of children growing up on Roblox are unlikely to request a $500 console to play AAA games.Other analyses of market share distribution between consoles and PCs, however, have arrived at different conclusions. For example, Newzoo reported in August 2023 that console games generated $56.1 billion in consumer spending, compared to approximately $40 billion for PC games.When PC Gamer inquired about this discrepancy, Ball explained that he primarily relied on IDG data, which is widely regarded as the industry standard for sales tracking. He also noted that other sources, such as Pelham Smithers, estimate PC gaming to be 50 percent larger than console gaming.Ball theorizes that variations in market research data may stem from differences in tracking game sales in China, where PC gaming dominates the AA/AAA market. For his analysis, Ball consulted publishers and cross-referenced multiple sources, including IDC and Bloomberg.The same five franchises on PC (which are 6 22 years old) have averaged 30% of playtime for 4 years straightDespite discrepancies in market share estimates, Ball remains confident in PC gaming's growth potential. He emphasized the potential for Steam to expand into the living room and handheld markets, which could further solidify PC gaming's dominance.

New research into smartphone shipments shows Apple remains the top brand for market share worldwide, but it has slipped in China, a crucial market, and the blame likely lies in its inability to launch Apple Intelligence there.Apple will take solace in its 23% market share worldwide at the end of 2024, according to the numbers from analysts IDC, which although down from the end of 2023, is still far ahead of rival Samsung in second position with 15% market share.Recommended VideosIts a different story in China though. At the end of 2023 Apple had 19% market share of mobile shipments and topped its rivals according to research from Canalys, but at the end of 2024 Apple had fallen to third position with 15% market share. It has been overtaken by Huawei with 16% market share, and leaders Vivo with 17% market share.Please enable Javascript to view this contentOne of the reasons for Apples downward slide in China is likely to do with Apple Intelligence. The company has been unable to release its AI-powered tools in China due to extensive regulatory requirements and stringent checks. Local brands, such as Huawei and Vivo, have released smartphones with AI features.A likely course of action for Apple to solve its problem is to forge local partnerships with AI companies, which will help it replace ChatGPT which is part of Apple Intelligence and not available in China and enable AI features in China. A report has linked Apple with Tencent, developer of the ubiquitous WeChat app, and ByteDance, the developer behind TikTok. Both have invested heavily in AI. Apple also has plans to open a new data-processing center in Shanghai, which may assist in its local AI efforts.Samsung, despite being Apples biggest rival globally, isnt a top-five brand in China, but is apparently further ahead in its AI efforts than Apple. It has worked with technology company Baidu on its AI features, and has recently launched an AI-intensive version of its virtual assistant Bixby only in China. Samsung will launch the Galaxy S25 series in January, and Galaxy AI will certainly play a big part in the devices appeal.Apple will need to follow Samsungs lead in cementing local, and therefore already government approved, AI partners if it wants to claw back superiority in China. It will also need to continually improve and further build on Apple Intelligence globally, if it wants to stay ahead of Samsung and the incoming AI-heavy Galaxy S25.Editors Recommendations

The need to analyze an overwhelming influx of stock dataand to do it fastpushed Man Group to become its own kind of tech company.

Businesses everywhere face pressures to enhance their security postures as cyberattacks across sectors rise. Even so, many organizations have been hesitant to invest in cybersecurity for a variety of reasons such as budget constraints and operational issues. The EUs new Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) confronts this hesitancy head on by making it mandatory for companies in Europe and those doing business with Europe to invest in cybersecurity and prioritize it regardless of budgets and team structures.What Is NIS2?The first NIS Directive was implemented in 2016, which was the EUs endeavor to unify cybersecurity strategies across member states. In 2023, the commission introduced the NIS2 Directive, a set of revisions to the original NIS. Each member state was required to implement the NIS2 recommendations into their own national legal systems by October 17, 2024.The original NIS focused on improving cybersecurity for several sectors, such as banking and finance, energy and healthcare. NIS2 expands that scope to other entities, including digital services, such as domain name system (DNS) service providers, top-level domain (TLD) name registries, social networking platforms and data centers, along with manufacturing of critical products, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices and chemicals; postal and courier services; and wastewater and waste management.Related:Organizations in these industries are now required to implement more robust cyber risk management practices like incident reporting, risk analysis and auditing, resilience/business continuity and supply chain security. For example, member states must ensure TLD name registries and domain registration services collect accurate and complete registration data in a dedicated database. The new regulations also strengthen supervision and enforcement mechanisms, requiring national authorities to monitor compliance, investigate incidents and impose penalties for non-compliance.The goal of these new measures is to ensure the stability of societys infrastructure in the face of cyber threats. Entities in the EU will benefit from adopting these security measures over the long run, better preventing a devastating cyberattack. In doing so, they will also avoid the NIS2 penalties, which are significantly more punitive and clearly defined than those created under the original directive.Impact on OrganizationsMuch like how the European Unions General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) reset the standard for privacy globally, NIS2 sets clear requirements for businesses to establish stronger security defenses, but not without a cost. Failing to comply can lead to severe financial penalties and legal implications.Related:The official launch of NIS2 in October was met with mixed reactions. While some organizations could testify, they had been preparing all along, many others had left NIS2 on the backburner. In addition, as a result of the new sectors covered by NIS2, there were businesses that did not initially believe they would be impacted and therefore had not laid their own groundwork.All this said, it will be interesting to see how penalty enforcement plays out in 2025. If organizations dont demonstrate compliance early in the new year, or at least show progress toward becoming compliant, I predict we will start to see consequences, though it may be too soon to tell which sectors will face them first.To those still grappling with NIS2 implementation, it may understandably seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be. Here are three actions organizations can take today to ensure a more seamless NIS2 implementation:1. Evaluate your business partners. NIS2 is not just about strengthening one business security; It also demands businesses thoroughly evaluate every entity they engage with in their supply chain. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and the same can be said for businesses and their partners security postures. It is essential for organizations to audit their partners to ensure every entity they do business with meets NIS2 requirements. Evaluating any security gaps now can help to avoid overlooked issues down the road.Related:2. Consolidate your domains. We have heard anecdotally that some businesses are not fully aware of their domain registrars or who is responsible for managing and securing the domains within their organization. This lapse in knowledge creates more than siloed work environments; it can cause major repercussions when it comes to secure domain management and NIS2 compliance. Taking a more consistent, consolidated approach to managing and securing domains helps strengthen an organizations overall domain security and checks one more task off the teams compliance checklist.3. Stay security-minded, organization-wide. With new NIS2 requirements, businesses must report cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours. This demand requires an organization-wide culture shift to a more security-minded approach to the way they do business. For example, businesses may need to evaluate what cybersecurity protocols they have in place to secure the way they interact with their customers and their supply chain. Without security being top-of-mind, businesses may miss NIS2 requirements that could lead to revenue loss, loss of customers and even dents in their reputation. This shift doesnt happen overnight but working with partners that are security-minded helps organizations stay a step ahead in their security.As cybercriminals become more elusive in targeting reputable organizations, and as global geopolitical tensions leave many companies in the crossfires of nation-state attacks, adhering to NIS2 standards becomes all the more critical. These three strategies are guiding principles for organizations to contribute to a safer, more secure enterprise environment in Europe and around the world.