Here's an example of design research that does not (in my opinion) consider larger societal consequences. Researchers at Canada's University of Waterloo are experimenting with the ability to control smartphone apps with your feet, as you walk.You could argue that this isn't "design" research at all, as the researchers are from the university's School of Computer Science; but since it involves UI, I'll put it under the design umbrella.Here's the impetus for the research: "Waterloo professor of computer science Daniel Vogel, frustrated by having to stop and use his phone with cold fingers while walking to get coffee, wondered if there could be a way to place orders without pausing."The researchers are thus using an AR headset to detect specific gait patterns. The idea is that you can navigate apps by altering your footfall, turning your foot one way or the other as you walk. Examples:I understand design research and experimentation is important, particularly in a university setting, but I think this is a terrible idea. We already have a problem with people walking around cities with their noses buried in their phones. On YouTube you can see disturbing compilations of people heedlessly walking into traffic, with predictable results. The idea that what we need is a new way to interact with our phones while walking is, I think, wrongheaded.I like to think that if this research was conducted at a design school, or in partnership with designers, there would be some robust conversations around how this technology would affect people. Then again, those discussions didn't take place with the designers who invented smartphones, so maybe I'm giving designers too much credit.

As we step into 2025, the world of furniture design is experiencing a fascinating evolution, with furniture trends reflecting a harmonious blend of style, functionality, and sustainability. Designers and homeowners are embracing innovative concepts that cater to modern living while maintaining a strong focus on environmental consciousness. We have explored the top 10 furniture trends that are set to define interiors in 2025.The furniture trends of 2025 demonstrate a dynamic interplay between innovation and tradition, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and functionality. These trends can create spaces that are beautiful, aesthetic, and practical. Embrace the future of furniture design by incorporating these exciting trends into your home.1. Sustainable MaterialsIn 2025, we believe sustainable materials will rise even more. The demand for eco-friendly furniture continues to grow, with sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, and recycled metals taking center stage. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also add a unique, rustic charm to any space. We will witness more furniture designs centered around sustainable and eco-friendly materials, thereby causing no harm to the environment, while also ensuring our living spaces look aesthetic and put together.Flow Wall DeskSay hello to the Flow Wall Desk a superb solution for smaller office spaces. This piece of office furniture strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, adhering to a sustainable and minimalist design philosophy. When not in use, the desk folds up seamlessly, transforming into a wall-mounted artwork marked with minimalist, geometric shapes.It has a flat-pack design and is made using wood, following an eco-friendly ethos. At first glance, the desk looks like a flat canvas, but it unfolds in a captivating manner reminiscent of a spiraling caterpillar, slowly showcasing its form as a practical desk. This innovative design allows you to work, read, or journal in style, making it a versatile addition to any compact workspace.What we likeEquipped with a flexible flat-pack form.Multifunctional furniture design, ideal for small living spaces.What we dislikeFolding and unfolding the desk whenever you need to use it means we cant have a constant setup, which can be inconvenient.2. Multifunctional PiecesIn todays world, living spaces and homes are becoming more and more compact. In such an environment, multifunctional furniture is gaining quite a bit of popularity. From sofa beds to extendable dining tables these multifunctional designs maximize utility without compromising on style, making them ideal for modern urban living. Theyre a clever and valuable addition to our homes, cutting down the need for multiple furniture pieces, thereby saving space, and creating a living environment that feels spacious, open, and free-flowing. We will see a growth in multifunctional pieces in 2025.TokyoCalled the Tokyo Shoe Rack this multifunctional piece draws inspiration from the elegance and beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. It is designed by Joao Teixeira, and it includes elements that will remind you of the graceful torii gates. The multifunctional design merges form and function serving as a bench and a tray in addition to its main role.It doubles up as a shoe rack and a bench while showcasing a minimal yet detailed aesthetic that commands attention. It is a versatile design that is intended for modern homes. It has a thoughtful design which makes it perfect for entryways or hallways offering utility and style in a sophisticated package. It fuses three distinct functions into one sleek and compact package.What we likeOffers a smart blend of seating, storage, and display, enhancing its functionality in any room.Features clean lines and an elegant design that can seamlessly fit with various interior styles.What we dislikeMay demand a substantial amount of space, which could be a concern for more compact areas.3. Biophilic DesignThe trend of bringing the outdoors inside continues to gain momentum, with furniture designs increasingly incorporating natural elements like live-edge wood, stone accents, and integrated plant features. This design philosophy not only adds aesthetic appeal but also fosters a deeper connection with nature, enhancing the tranquility and well-being of indoor environments. Designers can create a harmonious blend between the built environment and the natural world by integrating organic materials into furniture pieces.Green Hideaway ChairNamed the Green Hideaway Chair, this DIY living plant chair is a biophilic design that lets you reconnect with nature. It is created by Stockholm-based studio Front/ in collaboration with the European DIY chain HORNBACH, and its creative agency HeimatTBWA\. With the Hideaway Chair, you can add a touch of green to your home.The Green Hideaway Chair is designed for easy assembly and requires no professional expertise. DIY enthusiasts of any skill level can effortlessly set up this straightforward chair. It comes with illustrated, step-by-step instructions, a template, and a comprehensive list of tools and materials you might need. The entire assembly process is clearly outlined for your convenience.What we likeOffers access to nature in the comfort of your own home.What we dislikeIt will occupy some space, so you must ensure you have sufficient space to add it to your home.4. Bold Colors & PatternsIn 2025, bold colors and patterns will make a huge comeback. They will transform living spaces with a dynamic and incredible flair. Vibrant hues and intricate furniture designs will serve as bold statement pieces, adding character and vitality to living spaces. We will witness rich jewel tones like ruby reds, emerald greens, and sapphire blues becoming popular, adding a luxurious and opulent feel to homes. These colors will be paired with striking geometric patterns, which add a modern edge and visual interest to the decor.The Big ChairThe Big Chair is a delightful and entertaining piece of furniture that adds a whimsical touch to any home. Its expansive and welcoming seat is primarily designed for one person but can comfortably accommodate two. Created by BNF founder Ben Newman, the chairs exaggerated and bold features draw inspiration from the maximalist style of the 1980s and the iconic Memphis design movement.As you study the chair, other aspects the shapes, the fabric, the symmetry draw from the less avant-garde aspects of the art deco movement, he said. The merging of these worlds creates a piece that exudes playfulness while remaining sophisticated and refined. It has a big personality and uses bold colors and chonky shapes to draw attention.What we likeBrings a playful and artistic flair to your living space.Generous size allows for versatile seating options, making it perfect for both solo relaxation and cozy gatherings.What we dislikeDue to its large size, it may not be suitable for smaller rooms or apartments with limited space.5. Smart FurnitureTechnology has now become an integral and important part of our daily lives. And with such a scenario, smart furniture is now officially on the rise. Smart furniture is finding its way into different parts of our homes, making our everyday routines and tasks easier and more simplified. From charging stations integrated into coffee tables to adjustable smart beds, these innovations enhance convenience and connectivity. And, we are definitely going to see a trend in smart furniture in our homes, offices, and public spaces.Hariana Tech Smart Ultimate BedThe Hariana Tech Smart Ultimate Bed is designed to have everything you need for ultimate relaxation within its frame. This all-in-one bed features an integrated reclining massage chair controlled by a remote, a built-in Bluetooth speaker, a bookshelf, a reading lamp, and an air-cleaning system. It also includes convenient charging ports for your devices as well as a footstool with extra storage.It also includes a pop-up desk perfect for working from home, enjoying a Netflix binge, or indulging in some cozy reading time. The sound system is equipped with an SD card slot, an auxiliary port, and a USB port. Additionally, the bed boasts a password-protected safe box for securing your most valuable itemsideal for storing essentials like your passport or even some secret snacks.What we likeOffers a wide range of integrated features, providing a multifunctional space for relaxation and productivity.Provides comfort and convenience in one piece of furniture.What we dislikeThe bed will require significant space, making it unsuitable for smaller bedrooms.6. Artisanal CraftsmanshipHandcrafted furniture is experiencing a growth in popularity as consumers now prefer the uniqueness and superior quality of artisanal craftsmanship. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for pieces that are not mass-produced but instead showcase the lovely skill and dedication of local artisans. Each piece is a fine specimen of traditional technique, ensuring that the artistry and heritage of furniture-making are preserved and celebrated. Artisanal pieces will be a preferred choice for many customers in 2025 who want to create unique and personalized living spaces.Carpentopod TableMeet theCarpentopod Coffee Table, a captivating fusion of craftsmanship and technology. It features twelve legs designed to mimic the movement of multi-legged creatures. Inspired by Theo Jansens Strandbeest mechanism, the table showcases the beauty of engineering and design.The table is made using laminated bamboo and intricate CNC-machined leg linkages for precision and accuracy. It is semi-automated and can move across a table. It offers a dynamic and interactive experience for users and is a far cry from the conventional tables we often see.What we likeThe design is innovative, seamlessly blending art, engineering, and functionality.Made from sustainable bamboo, it offers an eco-friendly appeal.What we dislikeThe movement feature might not be ideal for every household environment.7. Minimal AestheticThe minimalist approach remains a strong influence in furniture design, prioritizing clean lines, neutral color palettes, and clutter-free spaces. This trend emphasizes functionality and simplicity, aiming to create environments that are serene and orderly. It focuses on having essential elements, thereby reducing visual noise and allowing for a more peaceful and harmonious living space. This trend supports the creation of spaces that are aligned, seamless, and functional.Flat StoolCreated by Joao Teixeria, this flat-packed furniture piece is ingeniously designed without the need for extra parts, screws, or glue. Despite its simplicity, it functions as a versatile piece with a distinct and attractive aesthetic, setting it apart from typical mass-produced flat-packed furniture. The stools uniqueness lies in its ability to curve and bend, even in its flat-packed form.Aptly named the Flat Stool, it employs an unconventional design that utilizes kerf bending to achieve gentle curves in its structure. This technique gives the impression that the piece was shipped in its curved form from the beginning. It serves as a multifunctional and visually striking piece that challenges the norms of traditional flat-pack furniture design.What we likeThe kerfs and ribs add visual interest, giving the stool a distinctive and intriguing appearance.What we dislikeSince it is a conceptual design, its practicality, and effectiveness as a tangible product remain uncertain.8. Vintage & Retro RevivalIn 2025, we will see nostalgia playing an important appearance and role in furniture trends. We will see vintage and retro styles making a comeback, adding a touch of old-age beauty to modern pieces. We will witness mid-century modern pieces in homes and living spaces, as they are preferred for their timeless appeal and elegant simplicity. Adding nostalgic pieces to our homes allows us to stay in touch with the past, while keeping our feet firmly planted in the present.Wooden Arcade CabinetThis unique arcade cabinet provides the same functionality as its predecessors inside a bare and minimal wooden structure. This minimal body seems ideal for a luxurious and modern room. The design cant be called a cabinet, because of its shape, since it only features an outer skin, which showcases the silhouette of the gaming contraption.The sides have been left out, allowing you to see the outlines of its profile when seen from the sides. The arcade cabinet has a tapered back, unlike typical cabinets, which in turn streamlines the design, and minimizes the space it occupies making it perfect for modern homes where space constraints are an issue.What we likeA lamp is installed in the center of the hole, creating a mysterious and captivating glow in the dark.What we dislikeThe downward curve of the table may limit usable space, requiring caution in placing items.9. Outdoor LivingOutdoor living spaces are increasingly being designed as extensions of the home, with outdoor furniture evolving to match the comfort and style of indoor pieces. This trend focuses on creating cohesive environments where the boundary between indoors and outdoors is blurred. Furniture made from weather-resistant materials ensures durability and longevity, allowing homeowners to enjoy their outdoor areas throughout the year. Versatile designs cater to various activities, from lounging and dining to entertaining, providing flexibility and functionality.Hut Lounge BedThe Hut Lounge Bed, designed by Marco Levit for the Italian outdoor furniture brand Ethimo, is an outstanding piece tailored for outdoor relaxation. This cozy and inviting lounge bed provides the perfect spot to unwind after a long day, offering a serene space to lounge and recharge. It is ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying a peaceful connection with nature.The Hut Lounge Bed features a conical, semi-enclosed design that offers both protection and comfort. Its thoughtful design creates a tranquil retreat, allowing you to relax in style while enjoying the outdoors. It truly allows you to embrace outdoor living in style and comfort, letting you lounge about as you absorb some fresh air.What we likeIdeal for enhancing your backyard during the spring and summer months.Built to withstand years of exposure to various weather conditions.What we dislikeIts bulky, space-consuming design is best suited for larger yards.10. Curved SilhouettesIn 2025, we will see a rise in soft, curved lines. They will replace sharp angles to form a more inviting and comfortable space. This design trend focuses on furniture with rounded edges like circular sofas and oval dining tables. These will add a modern and cozy aesthetic to any living space. The subtle shift towards softer shapes improves the visual appeal, while also creating a more relaxed and welcoming environment.Snowhouse SofaThe Snowhouse Sofa beautifully embodies the delicate image of snow gently falling and leaving its mark on everything it touches. Imagine a wooden sofa experiencing a gentle snowfall, and you have the essence of the Snowhouse Sofa. What sets this furniture design apart is its thoughtful consideration for both humans and pets.The wooden structure is adorned with plush white cushions, evoking the serene look of freshly fallen snow. It features rounded edges and a curved silhouette that creates a soft and subtle aura. This unique design seamlessly combines aesthetic charm with practical functionality, making it a delightful addition to any home.What we likeThe top empty spaces serve as tunnels for your cats, providing them with areas to play or rest.What we dislikeAs a conceptual design, the final products execution remains uncertain.The empty spaces may be challenging to access and clean.The post Furniture Trends To Watch In 2025: Sustainable Materials, Biophilic Design & More first appeared on Yanko Design.

Style: Modern English with Traditional UndertonesColor Combination: Hunter green, warm cream, rich terracotta, aged brass, walnut woodWho is it for: Perfect for those who love classic English style but want a fresh take. Ideal for homeowners who appreciate heritage design elements but dont want their space to feel like a period drama. Great for families who want elegance without sacrificing comfort.Budget: $$Modern English Living Room Shopping ListBelow we present a curated list of products presented on the board:1. Mackenzie Sofa2. Natalie Armchair3. Skyler Wood Top Coffee Table4. Chalon End Table5. Glenn Solid Color Rug6. Reversible Throw Pillow7. Potted Floral Assortment8. Breyannah Accent Mirror9. Agathon Dimmable Bath Sconce10. 6 Light Traditional Chandelier11. Brera Ceramic Vase12. Eucalyptus Branch13. Corto Plant Stand14. Super Mink Throw Blanket15. Globe Decorative Bookends Set16. Arched Display Cabinet17. Pre-Cut Wall Molding SetTips and suggestionsColors That Work Together: The bold hunter green paneling creates a sophisticated backdrop, while warm cream upholstery keeps the space light. Terracotta accents add warmth, and brass fixtures introduce timeless elegance. The walnut wood tones ground everything with natural richness.Furniture Foundation: A classic rolled-arm sofa serves as the comfortable heart of the room, while its cream fabric keeps it from feeling heavy. The coordinating armchair offers additional seating without overwhelming the space. The arched cabinet brings architectural interest and valuable storage with its vintage-inspired design.Art & Accessories: Vintage-inspired globes and brass details add character while maintaining sophistication. The cream ceramic vases with greenery bring life to the space without competing with the statement walls. Textured throw pillows and a plush terracotta throw add layers of comfort.Lighting: Brass wall sconces and a graceful chandelier add traditional elegance while providing ambient lighting. Their classic forms honor the English heritage while their finish keeps them current.Bringing Nature In: Fresh eucalyptus in cream vessels adds organic texture and movement, while seasonal florals bring color and life to the coffee table arrangement.The Final Note: This living room proves that traditional English style can feel completely current. By combining heritage elements with fresh colors and comfortable furnishings, the space feels both timeless and livable. Its English manor house style reimagined for modern living cozy enough for family movie night but elegant enough for entertaining.Think English manor house, but make it approachable. Thats what this living room is all about.

Its a far cry from the smiles of 2017.

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Airlines have been increasingly outsourcing repair and upkeep work to other countries, but experts and consumer groups disagree about its impact on safety.

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When we talk about Android upgrades, its all too easy to miss the forest for the trees.Its a familiar tale here in the land o Googley matters and with some wacky-seeming changes on the way for Android upgrades in 2025, the myopic musings are only getting louder.Surely youve seen these sentiments, right? One just popped up in my feed the other day, in fact, with a saucy-seeming headline stating that the current Android 15 update is a waste of a software upgrade.In it, the author notes that Android 15 doesnt introduce many obvious front-facing changes to a phones look and feel and is consequently, as he puts it, a useless update.Its a dj-vu-inducing view one we inevitably hear after virtually every Android update. Now, though, it includes a new variable as part of its argument: the fact that Google is shifting away from its annual cadence for new Android versions in 2025 and moving instead toward a twice-yearly pattern for official operating system rollouts. And thus, the thinking goes, each individual update is bound to become even less significant.For anyone staring only at the surface and without the deeper context of everything happening in the Android software ocean, it sure sounds like an sensible conclusion. But my, oh my, youd better believe theres a lot more going on here and Google, unfortunately, has never been great about making regular phone-owning folk aware of that bigger picture.Specifically, weve got two pesky misconceptions were gonna hear plenty more of in the months to come. Lets tackle em both and get to the bottom of why theyre misguided, shall we?[Get level-headed knowledge in your inbox with my free Android Intelligence newsletter three new things to know each Friday and my free Android Notification Power-Pack as a special welcome bonus!]Android upgrade misconception #1: Android updates dont matterAh, yes a classic complaint and one weve been hearing for ages: This update barely changes anything! I guess I didnt really need it after all.And look: I certainly get why it could seem that way. Theres a reason why each new generation of a physical product tends to look different from the last. We mealy-mouthed mammals need an obvious, front-facing visual that confirms to us something is new and exciting, lest it seem like more of the same.But as Ive been reminding folks for years now, an Android update is about much more than what you see on the surface.Sure, the shiny new stuff is nice. Who doesnt love exploring fun new features and interesting interface improvements? Those are the elements most of us relate to most readily.But the most important parts of an Android update are typically whats under the hood and often even invisible to us from the outside.Each new Android update, ysee, includes an array of engine-room enhancements along with noteworthy privacy, security, and performance strengtheners things that go beyond the little fixes provided in those separate monthly patches. Beyond that, each update introduces both expansions and restrictions to APIs, which are what permit third-party apps to interact with your phone and data and perform a variety of advanced functions. Frequently, the updates better control how and when apps are able to access different types of data and make it more difficult for them to take advantage of permissions.You may not immediately see all that stuff, but oh, yes youd better believe it matters.That aside, even in terms of front-facing features, Android 15 actually includes a surprising amount of interesting stuff everything from the introduction of a platform-level place for securely storing important files to an intelligent auto-adjusting vibration control, a new and more effective system volume panel setup, and a useful new charging-time home control screensaver. And thats just the start.Now, could Google do a better job of (a) showcasing this stuff and (b) educating everyone about the importance of all the less visible advantages each new update introduces? Absotively. Thats been a soapbox subject of mine for something like 737 years now.But just because it isnt in your face doesnt mean it isnt there or that the update itself doesnt matter. At this point, at least, its just up to you to do a little discovering (or, ahem, to read a pithy weekly newsletter that points you to all the pertinent info) and wrap your brain around the benefits both front-facing and unseen.Android upgrade misconception #2: iPhones get more with their annual updatesWhoo, boy is this ever a fun one.From the earliest days of Android, theres been a popular perception that Apple does way more for its iDevices and gives iPhone owners a major advantage over us Android-appreciating animals.With no disrespect to the Apple adorers among us, this couldnt be more off-base.Again, Google doesnt do a great job of highlighting this and helping average Android phone-owners appreciate the bigger picture but, well, go go gadget self-quote summoner:With Android, operating system updates are only half the story. For well over a decade now, Googles been pulling what were once core operating system elements out of the operating system proper and treating them as standalone apps instead. That means those elements all of which are still considered part of the single-bundle operating system in the land of iOS get updated numerous times a month, all throughout the year. And those updates reach every single Android device within a matter of days, regardless of which company made it or how long ago it was released.A perfect example of that principle in action is how Google recently made a quiet under-the-hood update to a system-level utility called Google Play Services that gave all Android phone-owners with 2019s Android 10 or higher a trio of important new security features instantly, universally, and without any manufacturer or carrier involvement.Those types of underemphasized updates arrive on Android all the time with random rollouts like that as well as with the now-standard quarterly feature drops and monthly security patches, too.And all of that is still but one tiny example of the effect were talking about here.Back to that self-quoting magic:Time for the biggest and most rarely acknowledged reality check of all: At this point, nearly every single element thats considered a significant part of an annual Apple iOS update is handled in an a la carte manner on Android with multiple monthly updates that impact close to every still-functioning Android phone. In other words, even Android phones from eight years ago get updates numerous times a year that are all virtually equivalent to an entire iOS operating system rollout. Those updates just arent packaged neatly or presented cohesively, and most people dont consider how all of the small-seeming pieces add up.Its no exaggeration: When you look at an average Apple iOS update, nearly every high-profile addition tends to be something thats handled by a standalone app in Android and updated year-round whether were talkin updates to messaging and video calling, voice-to-text translation, or system-level tools like the browser, maps app, notes app, and mobile payment applications.Heck, the same even applies for updates to things like Gemini, which occur nearly constantly on Android but only as part of those annual bundled OS updates on the Apple side of the mobile divide, with its equivalent.The main difference is just that Google just doesnt do much to draw attention to it or emphasize how it all fits into the same broader picture. And wellWhats especially interesting is that with rare exception, there are virtually no limits to how and when those scattered Android updates apply. The nearly-nine-year-old Nexus 4 sitting in my desk drawer still gets every update to every one of those applications every month and receives the same sort of functionality Apple is delivering as part of its [latest] iOS update in small deliveries year-round. For as good as Apples support is, it typically stops entirely after a phone has passed the six-year mark since its release. And whats almost always overlooked in the glowing headlines about iOS updates is the fact that even devices from a year or two ago frequently dont get all of the features announced in a new iOS update. In fact, the vast majority of these latest additions and improvements have some manner of cutoff or restriction associated with em, even within that six-year window.So while an older iPhone is still getting the latest update and while thats undeniably a very good thing! its also very accurate to say that an equally dated Android device is ultimately getting more current features and updates even more regularly. Its just framed in a very different and generally less attention-grabbing way.Plain and simple, its an apples-to-oranges comparison. But all of that not-so-obvious nuance tends to get lost in the shuffle of most public discussions.Here in 2025, the level of nuance is only gonna grow greater. Weve got Android 16 on the horizon with its extra-early Q2 timeline, then a second smaller Android update set for the fourth quarter of the year (which may or may not sport its own new number).But that expanding framework aside, yknow all the smaller stuff we just went over? Yup all of that is also still present and pertinent as ever: the in-between-update quarterly feature drops, the separate monthly security patches, and perhaps most important, all the ongoing week-to-week updates of system-level apps both front-facing and under-the-hood, all year long.So, yeah: Android updates matter, all right. And with more of em slated to show up in the year ahead, that perspective is more important than ever to wrap your head around and remember even if the Apple marketing machine will do everything in its power to downplay that reality and make you forget.Want even more Googley knowledge? Check out my weekly Android Intelligence newsletter to get next-level tips and insight delivered directly to your inbox and get my free Android Notification Power-Pack the second you sign up.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.We need to protect the protocol that runs BlueskyEli Pariser & Deepti DoshiLast week, when Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta would be ending third-party fact-checking, it was a shocking pivot, but not exactly surprising. Its just the latest example of a billionaire flip-flop affecting our social lives on the internet.Zuckerberg isnt the only social media CEO careening all over the road: Elon Musk, since buying Twitter in 2022 and touting free speech as the bedrock of a functioning democracy, has suspended journalists, restored tens of thousands of banned users, brought back political advertising, and weakened verification and harassment policies.Unfortunately, these capricious billionaires can do whatever they want because of an ownership model that privileges singular, centralized control in exchange for shareholder returns. The internet doesnt need to be like this. But as luck would have it, a new way is emerging just in time. Read the full story.Deciding the fate of leftover embryosOver the past few months, Ive been working on a piece about IVF embryos. The goal of in vitro fertilization is to create babies via a bit of lab work: Trigger the release of lots of eggs, introduce them to sperm in a lab, transfer one of the resulting embryos into a persons uterus, and cross your fingers for a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes it doesnt work. But often it does. For the article, I explored what happens to the healthy embryos that are left over.These days, responsible IVF clinics will always talk to people about the possibility of having leftover embryos before they begin treatment. But it can be really difficult to make these decisions before youve even started treatment, and some people cant imagine having any left overor how they might feel about them. Read the full story.Jessica HamzelouThis article first appeared in The Checkup, MIT Technology Reviews weekly biotech newsletter. To receive it in your inbox every Thursday, and read articles like this first, sign up here.MIT Technology Review Narrated: Palmer Luckey on the Pentagons future of mixed realityPalmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus VR, has set his sights on a new mixed-reality headset customer: the Pentagon. If designed well, his company Andurils headset will automatically sort through countless pieces of information and flag the most important ones to soldiers in real time. But thats a big if.This is our latest story to be turned into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, which were publishing each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as its released.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 The Biden administration wont force through a TikTok banBut TikTok could choose to shut itself down on Sunday to prove a point. (ABC News)+ A Supreme Court decision is expected later today. (NYT $)+ Every platform has a touch of TikTok about it these days. (The Atlantic $)2 Apple is pausing its AI news featureBecause it cant be trusted to meld news stories together without hallucinating. (BBC)+ The company is working on a fix to roll out in a future software update. (WP $)3 Meta is preparing for Donald Trumps mass deportationsBy relaxing speech policies around immigration, Meta is poised to shape public opinion towards accepting Trumps plans to tear families apart. (404 Media)4 An uncrewed SpaceX rocket exploded during a test flightElon Musk says it was probably caused by a leak. (WSJ $)5 The FBI believes that hackers accessed its agents call logsThe data could link investigators to their secret sources. (Bloomberg $)6 What its like fighting fire with waterDumping water on LAs wildfires may be inelegant, but it is effective. (NY Mag $)+ How investigators are attempting to trace the fires origins. (BBC)7 The road to adapting Teslas charges for other EVs is far from smoothBut it is happening, slowly but surely. (IEEE Spectrum)+ Donald Trump isnt a fan of EVs, but the market is undoubtedly growing. (Vox)+ Why EV charging needs more than Tesla. (MIT Technology Review)8 Bionic hands are getting far more sensitive A new study is shedding light on how to make them feel more realistic. (FT $)+ These prosthetics break the mold with third thumbs, spikes, and superhero skins. (MIT Technology Review)9 Gen Z cant get enough of astrology apps Stargazing is firmly back e\in vogue among the younger generations. (Economist $)10 Nintendo has finally unveiled its long-awaited Switch 2 consoleOnly for it to look a whole lot like its predecessor. (WSJ $)+ But itll probably sell a shedload of units anyway. (Wired $)Quote of the dayGoing viral is like winning the lotterynearly impossible to replicate.Sarah Schauer, a former star on defunct video app Vine, offers creators left nervous by TikToks uncertain future in the US some advice, the Washington Post reports.The big storyAfter 25 years of hype, embryonic stem cells are still waiting for their momentAugust 2023In 1998, researchers isolated powerful stem cells from human embryos. It was a breakthrough, since these cells are the starting point for human bodies and have the capacity to turn into any other type of cellheart cells, neurons, you name it.National Geographic would later summarize the incredible promise: the dream is to launch a medical revolution in which ailing organs and tissues might be repaired with living replacements. It was the dawn of a new era. A holy grail. Pick your favorite clichthey all got airtime.Yet today, more than two decades later, there are no treatments on the market based on these cells. Not one. Our biotech editor Antonio Regalado set out to investigate why, and when that might change. Heres what he discovered.We can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ If youre planning on catching up with a friend this weekendstop! You should be hanging out instead.+ David Lynch was a true visionary; an innovative artist and master of the truly weird. The world is a duller place without him.+ The very best instant noodles, ranked ($)+ Congratulations to the highly exclusive Cambridge University Tiddlywinks Club, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Just as Meta's Mark Zuckerberg makes another criticism of Apple, Tim Cook gives a very rare candid interview, while Apple TV+ is promoting "Severance" but defending "Servant," and the Home Hub could be held up.Tim Cook image credit: AppleWhile the shadow of an impending ban of TikTok took over the news cycle, this week also saw Apple CEO Tim Cook give actual answers about his personal life and love of chocolate to a food podcast. It was remarkable how much this topic of food drew the man out, and you definitely saw a new side of him.Whereas you saw exactly the same old side to Mark Zuckerberg as he slammed Apple for failing to do anything new in 20 years otherwise known as just about the same time since he did either. Pot, meet kettle. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums