Samsung launches Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G in Brazil with AI features and six-year software support
April 15, 2026, 10:44 PM EDT. Samsung announced the Galaxy A57 5G and A37 5G for Brazil, expanding the mid-range line with a stronger AI focus and longer software support. The AI suite, called Absurd AI, includes an Object Eraser, improved group selfies, auto video crop, and Google Search integration. Bixby and Gemini receive updates for natural-language commands and cross-app automation. Both phones use a 50 MP triple camera with Nightography improvements, scene recognition and auto portrait optimization. The A57 leads in performance with upgraded CPU, GPU and NPU, and a 5,000 mAh battery delivering up to two days, plus ~60% charge in 30 minutes and a larger vapor chamber for sustained use. Displays are Super AMOLED+ with Vision Booster; IP68. Samsung backs up to six Android/One UI updates and six years of security updates, protected by Knox.
Seeing the invisible: WEHI joins ZEISS Labs@Location to power biomedical imaging
April 15, 2026, 9:06 PM EDT. WEHI has become the first ZEISS Labs@Location partner in the Southern Hemisphere, linking Australia's biomedical institute to a global imaging network. The collaboration-nurtured for years by WEHI's Senior Research Scientist (Technology), Dr Niall Geoghegan-brings next-generation imaging technologies to Australia and ensures access to advanced tools for tackling pressing questions in medicine. The partnership underscores WEHI's world-class capability and its steady record of innovation and dedication. Officials say the alliance accelerates discovery by enabling researchers to visualize biological processes with greater clarity, supporting translational research and patient-impact outcomes. The move highlights ZEISS's commitment to scientific leadership and WEHI's growing role at the cutting edge of biomedical imaging.
Most thorough study yet keeps Hubble tension alive, hints at new physics
April 15, 2026, 7:19 PM EDT. A global analysis of measurements of the universe's expansion finds the discrepancy known as the Hubble tension cannot be explained by random error. Early-universe estimates from the cosmic microwave background yield a Hubble constant around 67-68 km/s/Mpc, while local measurements using standard candles converge near 73 km/s/Mpc. The gap exceeds statistical uncertainty and persists despite decades of work. A large consortium convened to assess methods and data, publishing a paper on April 10 in Astronomy & Astrophysics. The study anchors the most precise Hubble constant yet and reinforces the view that the standard cosmological model is incomplete. The effort centers on the Local Distance Network, the expanded cosmic distance ladder that maps nearby galaxies and calibrates distance with high precision.
PlayStation Plus Adds 8 New Games, Highlighting The Crew Motorfest and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
April 15, 2026, 7:12 PM EDT. Spring promotions are underway as PlayStation Plus expands its catalog. Starting March 21, Extra and Premium subscribers will gain access to eight new titles, headlined by The Crew Motorfest. The open-world racing game adds high-speed action and multiplayer battles for PS5 and PS4 players. Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered returns as a major draw for Sony exclusives, inviting fans to revisit the Guerrilla Games classic. Other new adds include Football Manager 26, Warriors: Abyss, Squirrel with a Gun, The Casting of Frank Stone and Monster Train. Premium users also get a bonus offer: Wild Arms 4 debuts on PS5 for the first time in April. No extra purchases required for these titles.
PS Plus Extra/Premium April 2026 leaks: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, The Crew Motorfest and Football Manager 26
April 15, 2026, 6:49 PM EDT. Dealabs, via Billbil-kun, leaks the PS Plus Extra lineup for April 2026: Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, The Crew Motorfest and Football Manager 26. Sony is set to publish the official catalog for the Extra and Classics today at 17:30 CET, though a rumored State of Play on April 16 could push the reveal. The three titles arrive on April 21 as part of the PS Plus Extra additions. In parallel, the Essential freebies for April include Lords of the Fallen, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, and Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, available to download until May 4. On price, ClaveCD promotes a price comparison tool and exclusive codes to save on PS Plus Extra and Premium subscriptions.
Impossible Science Festival makes experiments seem like magic at Morton College
April 15, 2026, 6:47 PM EDT. Hundreds of students and teachers gathered at Morton College in Cicero for the Impossible Science Festival, two days of immersive demos that turn science into wonder. The gym hosts nearly two thousand students, with Kameyah Davenport noting that light refraction makes invisibility seem possible. The event is funded by a West40 grant. Jason Latimer, a museum curator, physicist and magician, reframes experiments as magic, showing levitation through real science and explaining how negative charges can bend perception. He says: "Everything in this room is an impossible subject that's been brought to life through science." The festival marks its first stop outside California and continues Thursday.
Samsung launches Galaxy A57 and A37 in Brazil with AI features and durability
April 15, 2026, 6:45 PM EDT. Samsung launched the Galaxy A57 and A37 in Brazil on April 15, expanding its midrange line after an international debut. The pair emphasizes AI features under a pack called Awesome Intelligence, including automatic transcription, photo capture/edit, Gemini integration, and a 'circle to search' tool. Both models pack 5,000 mAh batteries, 45W fast charging, a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, and Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, 5G and Wi-Fi 6/6E. The A57 targets more demanding users; the A37 is the cheaper option. They ship with Android 16 and One UI 8.5, integrated with Samsung's Bixby. Samsung says both will receive up to six years of OS updates and wear-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus+ on front and back, with IP68 dust/water resistance. The A37 5G is described as slim with a glossy ceramic-enamel look.
I Am Artemis: Rebekah Tolatovicz, Orion technician leading Artemis II work
April 15, 2026, 6:41 PM EDT. At NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Rebekah Tolatovicz leads a crew of technicians building, integrating and testing the Orion spacecraft for Artemis missions. As a mechanical technician lead for ASRC Federal supporting Lockheed Martin, she moves from installing giant titanium parts to micro-component closeouts, coordinating teams and performing hands-on assembly inside the Operations and Checkout Building. She has worked on Artemis II, the first crewed mission in NASA's program, which carried four astronauts around the Moon and splashed down April 10, and on Artemis I's uncrewed test. Tolatovicz credits mentors from the space shuttle era for shaping her career and says the job blends broad technical work with meticulous detail, a mix she loves.
China doubles AI-for-science computing scale to 60,000 domestically made chips in two months
April 15, 2026, 6:40 PM EDT. China's Zhengzhou core node, the country's largest AI computing cluster for scientific research, has expanded to 60,000 domestically made AI accelerator chips, up from 30,000 during early February trial operations, CCTV reported. The upgrade makes the node the most powerful scientific intelligent computing infrastructure in China for AI-driven research, CCTV called it a breakthrough for computing infrastructure and AI industrial applications. Beijing Daily notes long-standing challenges for AI for science research, including computing power shortages and reliance on foreign suppliers for critical tools.
UW prototypes VueBuds with cameras hint at future AirPods
April 15, 2026, 6:27 PM EDT. Researchers at the University of Washington unveiled VueBuds, wireless earbuds equipped with tiny cameras that feed a local AI model to answer questions about what users see. The system captures low-resolution grayscale images and transmits them via Bluetooth to a nearby device, where on-device processing returns answers in about one second. A recording light and the option to erase images aim to address privacy concerns associated with smart glasses and cloud-connected vision. The cameras are roughly the size of a grain of rice; tilting them 5-10 degrees outward yields a usable 98-108 degree field of view, and fusing the two frames reduces latency. While not a claim about Apple's roadmap, the work dovetails with rumors of camera-equipped AirPods for enhanced spatial awareness.
AI Linked to Brain Structures With Life Cycle, Researchers Say
April 15, 2026, 6:26 PM EDT. Researchers from the LNM Institute of Information Technology and the Indian Institute of Information Technology propose a model that pairs AI systems with human brain structures and gives the AI a life cycle. The peer-reviewed paper, published in the International Journal of Transdisciplinary Research and Perspectives, maps AI modules to about two dozen brain structures, processes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. For example, the visual cortex could align with Google DeepMind's vision-language model, PaliGemma, while REM sleep would be simulated as the AI generates text, images, and videos in a dreaming-like state. The authors say the architecture organizes intelligence into specialized subsystems, contrasting with current neuromorphic approaches. Critics note our incomplete understanding of consciousness. The goal: an ever-learning, user-specific adaptive assistant, though questions remain about true singularity.
Samsung launches Galaxy A57 and A37 in Brazil with AI-focused performance upgrades
April 15, 2026, 6:24 PM EDT. Samsung has launched the Galaxy A57 and Galaxy A37 in Brazil after a late-March international debut. The update is more internal than external, prioritizing AI processing and photography enhancements. Design remains similar to prior models: the A57 uses aluminum edging; the A37 keeps a plastic body; both offer IP68 ratings and under-display fingerprint sensors. The A57 weighs 179 g and is 6.9 mm thick, down from the A56, while the A37 stays at 196 g and 7.4 mm. Both sport a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with 120 Hz refresh, 1,900 nits peak brightness, Vision Booster and Gorilla Glass Victus+. The A37 uses an Exynos 1480 chip for basic tasks; the A57 uses Exynos 1680 with Xclipse 550 GPU for higher graphics performance and efficiency. The A57 targets advanced AI features.
Samsung Galaxy A57 and A37 Arrive in Brazil with AI-Driven Upgrades and Camera Improvements
April 15, 2026, 6:14 PM EDT. Samsung has brought the Galaxy A57 and A37 to Brazil after their international debut in March. The updates are largely internal, aimed at boosting AI performance and photo capture, with minimal exterior changes. Design stays close to last year: the A57 uses aluminum edges, the A37 remains plastic. Color options: A57 in Blue, Gray, Light Blue and Lilac; A37 in Lavender, Black, Green and White. Both carry IP68 dust/water protection and an in-display fingerprint reader. The phones share a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display at 120 Hz, 1,900 nits brightness, FHD+ and Gorilla Glass Victus+. The A37 uses the Exynos 1480 with Xclipse 530 (graphics up ~29% vs A36) and the A57 uses the Exynos 1680 with Xclipse 550 (RDNA 3.5) for higher graphics performance and efficiency, supporting more advanced AI workloads.
AI maps ocean currents from space with unprecedented detail
April 15, 2026, 6:07 PM EDT. UC San Diego researchers reveal an AI tool called GOFlow (Geostationary Ocean Flow) that maps surface currents with new detail by linking thermal imagery from weather satellites to an ocean-current model. The network was trained on simulated currents and then tested on real images, cross-checked against ships' data in the Gulf Stream and conventional satellite methods. The team found GOFlow offered finer resolution than prior approaches and surfaced physical signals already present in observations, not replacing physics but extracting it. Cloud cover remains a limit; future work will fuse additional satellite data to fill gaps. The project will publish the code to support transparency and reproducibility as a stepping stone to broader use of big remote-sensing data with machine learning. The work appeared in Nature Geoscience on April 13.
Samsung launches Galaxy A57 and A37 in Brazil with AI-driven upgrades and enhanced durability
April 15, 2026, 6:04 PM EDT. Samsung brings the Galaxy A57 and A37 to Brazil, delivering mainly internal upgrades aimed at AI workloads and better photography. The A57 trims weight to 179 g and thins to 6.9 mm, adds IP68 ingress protection, while the A37 keeps 196 g and 7.4 mm. Both share a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ display with 120 Hz, 1,900 nits peak brightness, Vision Booster and Gorilla Glass Victus+. The A37 uses Exynos 1480 with entry-level graphics Xclipse 530; the A57 uses Exynos 1680 with Xclipse 550 (RDNA 3.5-based) for up to double graphical performance and better energy efficiency. Colors differ by model: A57 in Blue, Gray, Light Blue and Lilac; A37 in Lavender, Black, Green and White. The phones carry IP68 dust and water resistance, up from IP67.
Garmin Forerunner 55 price drops on Cdiscount for a few days
April 15, 2026, 6:01 PM EDT. Garmin's Forerunner 55 is now listed at €159.99 on Cdiscount, down from €169.99 for a limited window. The 42mm smartwatch pairs an AMOLED display protected by tempered glass with 100-meter water resistance. Its GPS includes PacePro, guiding pace by course segment, while an optical heart-rate sensor tracks stress, blood oxygen and sleep around the clock. With 17 activity profiles – including running, cycling, swimming, HIIT and yoga – it covers diverse workouts. Battery life runs about 20 hours in GPS mode and up to two weeks in smartwatch mode. Features include contactless payments, iOS and Android compatibility, and customizable watch faces via Connect IQ.
Garmin Forerunner 55 price slashed on Cdiscount for a few days
April 15, 2026, 6:00 PM EDT. On Cdiscount, the Garmin Forerunner 55 briefly drops to €159.99 from €169.99 for a limited window. The 42mm watch features a 1.04-inch AMOLED display, water resistance to 100 meters, and GPS with PacePro for pace guidance. A built-in heart-rate monitor tracks stress, SpO2 and sleep. It offers 17 activity profiles, including running, cycling and swimming, plus contactless payments, iOS/Android compatibility, and Connect IQ customization. With up to 20 hours of GPS use and two weeks of smartwatch use, it aims to be a durable helper for regular training. Availability is temporary; the offer is being promoted on Cdiscount for a few days.
Garmin Forerunner 55 price drops on Cdiscount for a limited window
April 15, 2026, 5:59 PM EDT. Garmin's Forerunner 55 saw a short-lived price drop on Cdiscount, slipping to €159.99 from €169.99. The 42 mm, 100 m water-resistant smartwatch features an AMOLED display, GPS with PacePro for course-specific pacing, and continuous heart-rate, sleep and stress tracking. It covers 17 activity profiles-from running and cycling to swimming and HIIT-and promises up to 20 hours of GPS use or about two weeks as a regular smartwatch. With contactless payments, iOS and Android compatibility, and Connect IQ customization, the device aims to guide workouts without complicating daily life. The deal shows how budget wearables compete for runners' attention during promotions on Cdiscount for the Forerunner 55.
AI maps ocean currents from space with unprecedented detail via GOFlow
April 15, 2026, 5:58 PM EDT. Researchers from UC San Diego developed an AI tool, GOFlow (Geostationary Ocean Flow), to map ocean currents from satellite thermal imagery. Published in Nature Geoscience on April 13, the work trains the model on simulated currents and tests it on real images to infer which current drives observed temperature shifts. The team compared results with ship measurements in the Gulf Stream region and with traditional satellite methods, finding greater detail than prior approaches while preserving the underlying physics. They caution that cloud cover can block views; future work will add more satellite data. The project will release its code to promote transparency, and broader use of remote-sensing datasets with machine learning.
AI tool GOFlow maps ocean currents in unprecedented detail from space
April 15, 2026, 5:57 PM EDT. Researchers from UC San Diego have developed GOFlow, an AI tool that maps surface ocean currents from thermal satellite imagery with detail not previously achievable. The Geostationary Ocean Flow network was trained on simulated currents and applied to real weather satellite images to track surface temperature shifts caused by moving water. By linking these temperature changes to specific currents, GOFlow can infer current patterns across large ocean areas. Validation included comparisons with ship measurements in the Gulf Stream region and conventional satellite methods that track surface height. The team reports that GOFlow yields finer detail than earlier approaches and complements physics-based models rather than replacing them. Clouds remain a limitation; future work will integrate more satellites and the code will be publicly released for transparency and reproducibility.
PS Plus Extra April 2026 lineup announced, Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered leads
April 15, 2026, 5:45 PM EDT. PS Plus Extra and Premium's April 2026 slate is official. Sony confirms seven new titles for the Game Catalog on PS4 and PS5, led by Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered on PS5. The lineup includes The Crew Motorfest, Football Manager 26 Console, Warriors: Abyss, Squirrel with a Gun, The Casting of Frank Stone and Monster Train. All arrive on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and stay while your subscription remains active. Premium adds Wild Arms 4, a PS2 JRPG returning to the Classics with enhancements. Several titles depart the service on April 21: Dave the Diver, Disaster Report 4, EA Sports PGA Tour, Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, SPITLINGS and Towerfall Ascension. Readers are advised to check the Game Catalog for updates as availability persists with active subscription.
DESI completes planned universe map, extends survey to probe dark energy
April 15, 2026, 4:52 PM EDT. DESI completes its originally planned 3D map of the universe ahead of schedule after a five-year survey. The instrument collected data on more than 47 million galaxies and quasars, plus over 20 million nearby stars, exceeding the planned 34 million targets. The map is the largest high-resolution view of the cosmos to date and will help physicists study dark energy, the force driving cosmic expansion. By comparing past clustering with today's distribution, researchers trace dark energy's influence over about 11 billion years. DESI will extend observations to cover more sky, improving constraints on dark energy and dark matter. The international effort involves 900 researchers from 70 institutions, led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and mounted on NSF's Mayall telescope at Kitt Peak.
Space Force weighs moving GPS launches from ULA to SpaceX as Vulcan demand persists
April 15, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT. Space Systems Command has shifted four GPS launches from ULA to SpaceX in two years. The next GPS payload, once slated for the Vulcan rocket, will launch next week on a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral, after a February booster malfunction forced a swap. Officials say they are weighing a significant number of additional swaps from Vulcan to other launch vehicles, guided by spacecraft availability and warfighter priorities from Combat Forces Command and Headquarters. Some missions will remain with Vulcan as the nation's needs require it, but teams are exploring ways to lighten payloads so Vulcan can launch without solid rocket boosters, enabling rideshare missions for the Space Development Agency. Future Vulcan missions include a new-generation missile-warning satellite in geosynchronous orbit.
Samsung Galaxy A57 5G debuts as top mid-range with 256 GB, price drops to €559
April 15, 2026, 4:46 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy A57 5G enters as a top mid-range pick for 2026. The 8 GB RAM/256 GB storage model launched at ~€589, with a limited-time discount bringing it to about €559 on Amazon and at Samsung's official store. The device combines premium feel-aluminium frame, glass back, refined capsule camera module, IP67 protection, and a slender 6.99 mm chassis at 179 g-with solid everyday performance. It uses the Exynos 1689, enough for daily tasks and many games, complemented by 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. It runs One UI 8 on Android 16, offers fast responses and many AI features, and promises up to 7 years of updates. The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display remains competitive in this segment.
Webb finds clue on formation of supermassive exoplanet 29 Cygni b
April 15, 2026, 4:34 PM EDT. Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers study 29 Cygni b, a gas giant about 15× Jupiter's mass, 133 light-years away. The team tests two formation ideas: bottom-up growth from rock and ice, or top-down collapse in a protoplanetary disk. Despite its heft, the planet's wide orbit (about 1.5 billion miles) aligns with a disk origin. JWST's data show 29 Cygni b is unusually metal-rich-roughly 150× Earth's metal content and higher than its star-hinting it gathered metal-enriched material during formation. Its orbital axis matches the star's rotation, another disk-formation clue. The program, using NIRCam, images young exoplanets to test how the most massive worlds form and whether they share pathways with smaller planets.
DESI completes five-year run, produces largest 3D map to study dark energy
April 15, 2026, 4:32 PM EDT. Scientists say the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has wrapped a five-year mission to assemble the largest 3D map of the cosmos. The map, completed ahead of schedule on April 14, will let researchers probe the mysterious force driving the universe's accelerating expansion: dark energy. DESI uses 5,000 fiber-optic sensors on the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak to collect light from roughly 47 million galaxies and quasars and more than 20 million nearby stars. Original plans projected 34 million objects; the final dataset more than doubled that figure, a sixfold increase over previous surveys. Data will be mined for clues that could refine the cosmology standard model and reveal new physics.
PS Plus Extra and Premium April 2026 lineup adds Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered and The Crew: Motorfest
April 15, 2026, 4:20 PM EDT. PlayStation Plus expands its Extra and Premium catalogs in April 2026 with a mix of platform exclusives and multi-platform titles. Highlights include the Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered for PS5 and the Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition for PS4, plus the open-world racer The Crew: Motorfest. The roster also adds Football Manager 26 Console on PS5, and a slate of smaller titles such as Warriors: Abyss (PS5/PS4), Squirrel with a Gun (PS5), The Casting of Frank Stone (PS5), Monster Train (PS5), and Wild Arms 4 (Premium on PS5/PS4). Sony notes the Horizon remaster is PS5-exclusive, hence the PS4 option carries the full edition. The update sits alongside Essential drops, continuing a diverse lineup for veteran subscribers.
Sony adds eight PS Plus titles for PS4/PS5 in April 2026, includes Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
April 15, 2026, 3:48 PM EDT. Sony has announced eight PS Plus games for April 2026 across Extra and Premium catalogs. The update goes live April 21. PS Plus Extra members will get seven titles, while PS Plus Premium adds one classic title. Highlights include Horizon: Zero Dawn Remastered and The Crew Motorfest. The lineup for the Essential tier lists three games for April, including Lords of the Fallen, available through May 4 with an active subscription. Sony's PlayStation blog confirms the confirmed entries for the higher tiers, though catalog availability can vary by region. The move keeps PS5 and PS4 players in the loop as Sony expands its monthly offerings and sustains the value proposition of PS Plus.
ISS crew activates new science gear after Cygnus XL delivery
April 15, 2026, 3:46 PM EDT. The Expedition 74 crew unpacked a Cygnus XL cargo delivery and activated new research gear aboard the International Space Station. In the Columbus laboratory, hardware for the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) was installed, powered on and adjusted to support crew workouts on Moon and Mars missions. In the Kibo laboratory, Jack Hathaway kicked off the Space Surface Spirulina experiment, cultivating microalgae to improve life-support efficiency. A new quantum physics module expanded the Cold Atom Lab in the Destiny module to probe general relativity and dark matter. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot photographed the setup while others performed life-support maintenance, water transfers, and ventilation checks across the Zvezda and Nauka segments.
Dark matter decay could spur early supermassive black holes
April 15, 2026, 3:34 PM EDT. Decaying dark matter could boost the formation of direct-collapse black holes in the early universe, potentially explaining how billion-solar-mass holes appeared within a billion years after the Big Bang. In a paper published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, Yash Aggarwal of UC Riverside and colleagues show that energy released by dark-matter decay can heat and chemically alter primordial gas, tipping conditions toward collapse rather than star formation. The idea aligns with James Webb Space Telescope findings of unusually large early black holes and provides a mechanism that does not require precise nearby starlight. The team modeled axions with masses around 24-27 eV, locating a narrow window where decay energy seeds direct-collapse black holes. Tanedo and Dent contributed to the work.
Amazon Fire TV Stick HD (2026) shrinks size, boosts speed, keeps HD
April 15, 2026, 3:20 PM EDT. Amazon unveils the Fire TV Stick HD (2026), a slimmer, faster HD streamer. Amazon claims the new model is about 30% smaller than the 2025 version and offers 30% faster performance. It supports Wi-Fi 6 and draws power from the TV via USB-C, eliminating the need for a separate power brick. The included Alexa voice remote remains. Priced at €44.99, the device has not announced a fixed release date; interested buyers can sign up on Amazon for email alerts. In context, the 2026 HD model stays faithful to the Fire TV approach: compact, easy to use, and affordable, though it omits 4K despite broader streaming options elsewhere.
CSMC wins $400K Aqualunar Challenge with LunaPure lunar water system
April 15, 2026, 3:05 PM EDT. Canada's space agency prize goes to Toronto-based Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation for LunaPure, a self-sustained system to filter and convert lunar ice into drinkable water. The award, a $400,000 grand prize, comes from the CSA in partnership with the Privy Council Office's Impact Canada Initiative, announced at the 2026 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs after a final shortlist of four Canadian teams. The bilateral Aqualunar Challenge with the UK Space Agency seeks in-situ resource utilization for future deep-space missions. LunaPure could support life support and on-site oxygen and rocket-fuel production by processing ice from permanently shadowed craters, while also offering terrestrial water-purification insights. CSMC rebranded from the Canadian Space Mining Corporation earlier this year to reflect dual-use aims; the UK winner is SonoChem System by Naacker Scientific.
Samsung Galaxy S26: the most sensible premium phone, now discounted
April 15, 2026, 2:52 PM EDT. Samsung's Galaxy S26 embodies the most sensible high-end choice. It avoids overkill in favor of balance: a compact 6.3-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120 Hz, and 2600 nits brightness. The Exynos 2600 chip, with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage, underpins solid performance and efficiency. The triple camera system – 50 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide, and 10 MP tele with up to 3x optical zoom – prioritizes reliability over spectacle, aided by AI in photos and editing. The battery supports everyday use, matching the phone's size. Officially €999, it's discounted to €710 on Amazon, widening its appeal in a crowded premium market. In short, the S26 blends functionality with restraint, delivering a premium experience without chasing extremes.
CRISPR variant ThermoCas9 targets tumor DNA via methylation fingerprint
April 15, 2026, 1:47 PM EDT. Researchers from Wageningen University & Research and the Van Andel Institute report a CRISPR variant, ThermoCas9, that distinguishes tumor DNA from healthy DNA by DNA methylation-chemical tags that regulate gene activity. In Nature, the team shows ThermoCas9's PAM includes a human methylation site, allowing it to bind methylated DNA and cut tumor genomes while sparing unmethylated healthy DNA in cultured cells. The work marks the first CRISPR-based method to use methylation to target human cancer cells. While promising, results in cell culture are early and require validation in animals and, later, humans. If developed, this epigenetic fingerprint approach could yield highly selective cancer therapies that target malignant cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
European cloud rival to Google Drive offers 20 GB free with pCloud
April 15, 2026, 1:37 PM EDT. pCloud, a Europe-based cloud storage provider, is offering 20 GB of free cloud storage to new users, pitching itself as a viable alternative to US services like Google Drive and iCloud. Sited in Switzerland, it operates under Swiss privacy laws and the GDPR, avoiding the US CLOUD Act that can compel data disclosure. Beyond the free tier, it offers three paid plans-500 GB, 2 TB, and 10 TB-with options for monthly, annual, or lifetime payments; the lifetime option is marketed at around €199. The service includes shared links, backups, and a built-in media player. Note: some links are affiliate.
Sony unveils April PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium lineup with Horizon Zero Dawn remasters and The Crew Motorfest
April 15, 2026, 1:13 PM EDT. Sony has announced the April 2026 slate for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium, effective April 21. On PS5, Horizon Zero Dawn Remaster arrives, while PS4 players get Horizon Zero Dawn Complete Edition. The racing sim The Crew Motorfest also joins both tiers, alongside Football Manager 26 Console from SEGA/Sports Interactive. Additional additions include Warriors: Abyss, Squirrel with a Gun, The Casting of Frank Stone (a horror adventure set in the Dead by Daylight universe built by Until Dawn creators), and Monster Train, a roguelike deck-builder. For Premium members, the retro classic Wild Arms 4 returns as the month's featured classic. The PAL-era PS2 RPG is noted for bugs in some emulations; Sony's emulation checks will reveal if issues persist.
Tri-Valley Innovation Fair showcases robots, drones at Pleasanton event
April 15, 2026, 1:09 PM EDT. Visitors will explore booths from major research labs such as Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories, along with hands-on groups like Chabot Space & Science Center, Lawrence Hall of Science and UC Berkeley's Seismology Lab at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The event, organized by Quest Science Center, began in 2018 when retirees formed a nonprofit to bring science to the region. After plans for a brick-and-mortar space in Stockmen's Park stalled by the pandemic, the group pivoted to a mobile science center. "We became a science center without walls," Lane said. Mosby added, "We exist to ignite curiosity and expand opportunity and help young people see themselves as future innovators." The Tri-Valley Innovation Fair runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with free admission.
Artemis II crew returns home after Moon mission
April 15, 2026, 12:37 PM EDT. NASA's Artemis II crew-Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen-returned to Earth after a milestone Moon flight. The Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, traveled farther than any crewed vehicle and logged about 694,481 miles (1.1 million kilometers). The crew splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean and was recovered as NASA streamed the moments live. In postflight remarks, Wiseman described an enduring bond with his crewmates and the view of Earth and the Moon from beyond near space. Engineers endured extreme re-entry, with temperatures rising into the thousands of degrees and high plasma that briefly hindered communications during the final minutes of descent.
NIST scientists pioneer any-wavelength lasers on integrated photonics chips
April 15, 2026, 12:24 PM EDT. NIST scientists and collaborators have pioneered on-chip light circuits by depositing complex patterns of specialized materials onto silicon wafers, making integrated photonics chips. These chips embed lasers, waveguides, filters and switches to route light and process information. The advance could hasten the deployment of AI hardware, quantum computers and optical atomic clocks by making light-based circuitry cheaper and more portable. A long-standing hurdle is creating lasers at many colors; traditional semiconductor lasers excel at infrared around 980 nanometers, leaving other wavelengths hard to access. By integrating lasers into chip circuits, researchers hope to broaden the color palette and reduce size and power. The team, including Grant Brodnik, Alexa Carollo, Lindell Williams and Scott Papp, describes a multilayered, on-chip approach that works toward universal photonics functionality on silicon.
First images of interface-controlled oxygen spillover in Ru/r-TiO2 captured by environmental TEM
April 15, 2026, 12:16 PM EDT. Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics researchers led by Prof. Zhang Tao and Prof. Huang Yanqiang, with Prof. Liu Wei and Prof. Wang Yanggang, tracked oxygen spillover in catalysts and observed, for the first time, bulk oxygen spillover in Ru/r-TiO2 using environmental transmission electron microscopy (ETEM). The study, published in Nature on April 15, 2026, shows spillover need not be limited to surfaces but can involve the catalyst bulk. The team used TiO2 for its reducibility to store and release oxygen, making it a practical model for microscopic spillover study on single Ru/TiO2 particles. They identified a TiO2 channel that facilitates spillover while the metal-support interface acts as an atomic-scale guard. The findings suggest a new strategy for exploiting catalyst bulk, long considered useless in catalysis.
Alexander Goetz, Landsat pioneer in imaging spectrometry, honored
April 15, 2026, 11:56 AM EDT. Alexander Goetz, a physicist and planetary scientist, helped shape Landsat's imaging science. He was a principal investigator for Landsat 1 and 2, and later joined the first formal Landsat Science Team on Landsat 7. The team steered the Long-Term Acquisition Plan (LTAP) to ensure global, seasonal coverage. Goetz led the study 'Land and Land-Use Change in the Climate Sensitive High Plains: An Automated Approach with Landsat.' An innovator in imaging spectrometry-measuring surface spectra to identify materials-he built a field spectrometer in 1974 to calibrate MSS data, then helped develop SMIRR for the Space Shuttle in 1981, enabling SWIR (shortwave-infrared) mineral mapping. He received the Pecora Award and NASA's Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement. He died in 2025 at 86, leaving a lasting legacy for Landsat science and imaging spectrometry.
NASA SPHEREx maps vast interstellar ice, revealing water reservoirs across Milky Way
April 15, 2026, 11:46 AM EDT. NASA's SPHEREx mission has mapped interstellar ice across regions of the Milky Way more than 600 light-years across, focusing on giant molecular clouds where stars form. The survey highlights water ice and other ices such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, attached to dust grains. The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal, reinforce the view that these ice reservoirs on grain surfaces are where much of the universe's water is produced and stored-linking to Earth's oceans and ices on comets. Researchers describe the cold, bright ice structures in Cygnus X as an expansive network resembling interstellar glaciers that could feed future star systems with water and chemistry.
CRISPR variant uses DNA methylation to target tumor DNA, study shows
April 15, 2026, 11:31 AM EDT. Researchers from Wageningen University & Research and Van Andel Institute describe a CRISPR variant that distinguishes tumor DNA from healthy DNA by DNA methylation patterns. Using ThermoCas9, the team found that the enzyme recognizes methylated versus unmethylated sites, enabling selective cutting of tumor cells in culture while sparing healthy cells. Published in Nature, the work marks the first CRISPR approach to rely on methylation as a targeting cue in human cancer cells. The researchers say ThermoCas9 binds to a PAM sequence that includes a human methylation site, making methylation act as an address. If validated in vivo, this method could inform precision cancer therapies by targeting malignant cells with high accuracy while reducing off-target effects.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra tops Consumer Reports ranking; battery, display and cameras praised
April 15, 2026, 11:05 AM EDT. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra led Consumer Reports' April smartphone evaluation, earning 88 points to claim first place for the third straight year. The Galaxy S25 Ultra and Galaxy S24 Ultra tied for second at 87, followed by the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 17 Pro Max at 86, alongside the Galaxy S25 Plus. The flagship earned the maximum 5 points in seven of ten categories, with standout marks for the display quality, rear-camera performance, durability, and overall system performance. Battery life impressed, delivering about 51.5 hours in tests on a 6.9-inch screen, a perfect score in the category. The device also won award distinctions in Europe and is marketed as the NCAA's official phone in the US.
Tomodachi Life returns on Switch with A Life of a Dream, a nostalgia-fueled quirky life sim
April 15, 2026, 10:49 AM EDT. Tomodachi Life: A Life of a Dream returns on the Nintendo Switch, reviving a two-decade-old premise. The life-simulation lets players recreate colleagues as Mii avatars and stage playful mini-dramas in a tiny open-office terrarium. The game leans on nostalgia and a lightweight, eccentric vibe rather than depth. Its character editor, drawing from a handful of traits, lets you map faces of coworkers or friends, then dress them in quirky outfits. A touchscreen canvas encourages personal avatar creation, and local multiplayer enables sharing Mii designs across consoles. Though not a technical showcase, the package offers a casual, social playground that evokes Wii-era avatar creation while embracing modern Switch refinements. The core appeal remains the same: a simple, communal toy for fans of offbeat life sims and light creative expression.
Remembering Alexander Goetz, Landsat imaging spectrometry pioneer
April 15, 2026, 10:34 AM EDT. Alexander Goetz helped shape Landsat science for more than five decades. A physicist and planetary scientist, he pioneered imaging spectrometry from space and served as a principal investigator for Landsats 1 and 2. He rejoined the program on the Landsat 7 Science Team, guiding algorithm refinement, data calibration, and the long-term acquisition plan that ensures global, seasonal coverage. Goetz led the study on land-use change in the High Plains using Landsat data and developed a portable field spectrometer in 1974 to calibrate surface reflectance. He co-developed the Shuttle Multispectral Infrared Radiometer (SMIRR), enabling mineral mapping from space and informing the case to add band 7 to Landsat 4. He received the William T. Pecora Award and the NASA Medal for Exceptional Scientific Achievement. Goetz died in 2025 at 86.
Plasma bursts convert methane directly to methanol with electricity, Northwestern study shows
April 15, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT. Northwestern University researchers say they can convert methane directly into methanol in a single step using pulses of high-voltage electricity. In a reactor with glass tubes submerged in water and a copper-oxide catalyst, tiny plasma bursts form inside the liquid, breaking methane's bonds without heating the system to extremes. The method could offer a cleaner, electrified path to a widely used chemical building block and to a cleaner-burning fuel for ships and industrial boilers, skipping the energy-intensive steam reforming and high pressures of today's process. The study, to be published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), emphasizes metal-oxide catalysis and notes further work is needed before scale-up.
Samsung unveils 14-meter Onyx Cinema LED for premium theaters at CinemaCon 2026
April 15, 2026, 10:01 AM EDT. Samsung Electronics unveiled a 14-meter Onyx Cinema LED (ICD) screen at CinemaCon 2026, expanding its PLF lineup. The system delivers the same image quality, reliability and scalability as the 5- and 10-meter variants, now sized for larger premium theaters. Samsung says the 14-meter panel preserves Onyx performance while enabling greater immersion in Premium Large Format rooms. Key specs include a pixel pitch of 3.3 mm, native up to 4K 120Hz, and ultra-smooth motion. A flexible scaling feature lets the screen extend from 14 to 20 meters by adding modules on the sides and bottom, preserving uniform brightness and color. Hyoung Jae Kim, Samsung executive VP, said premium cinema demands drive such expansion.
Artemis II returns from lunar flyby as Orion completes fiery reentry and Pacific splashdown
April 15, 2026, 9:44 AM EDT. NASA's Artemis II crew wrapped a milestone mission, returning from a 1.4-million-mile journey to the Moon. The quartet-Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen-lifted off April 1 aboard SLS and reached the lunar far side on April 6 for a 7-hour flyby. They beat the odds on the fiery reentry, landing in the Pacific near San Diego on April 10 with Navy and medical teams aboard. Wiseman later shared video of the first human contacts on the capsule as NASA and agency heads praised the milestone. The mission tests deep-space endurance ahead of Artemis III.
Trump Phone T1 gets official redesign as Trump Mobile adjusts promises
April 15, 2026, 9:40 AM EDT. Trump Phone T1 arrives with a new official look, after a long-running hype cycle around Trump Mobile's nationalist, U.S.-made branding. The operator promised a 100% American-made handset and modeled visuals that evoked an iPhone before pivoting to a Samsung-like design. Observers later learned those renderings were not real and the device is, in fact, a rebranding of a Chinese model. The latest official image shows a greatly altered T1, with a gold finish, US flag accents and a bezel-heavy display, plus a triple-camera rear module. The price has shifted to a promo $499 with a $100 deposit. Specs publicly confirmed: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 120 Hz, 50 MP main, 8 MP ultrawide, 50 MP tele (2x optical), 5,000 mAh battery, 30W charging, Qualcomm processor. For a year, deposits have been taken with little sign of progress.
Tomodachi Life 2 launch time, preloads and platforms
April 15, 2026, 9:26 AM EDT. Tomodachi Life 2 is set to launch on Thursday, April 16, with a target start time around midnight, though exact timing has sparked debate. Nintendo usually places new content at 15:00 in some cases, but major first-party titles often unlock at midnight; players with a physical edition should check local store hours. If you've preordered or bought the game on the eShop, you can preload now. The download weighs about 6.2 GB, so ensure you have enough space on your console. The game is available on Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2. Coverage from outlets like 3DJuegos also points to additional island features and a demo, though timing can vary by region; verify local details.
Porsche 911 GT3 S/C blends manual purity with automatic roof for purist fans
April 15, 2026, 9:19 AM EDT. Porsche unveils the 911 GT3 S/C, a convertible that blends pure driving with modern tech. The car sticks to a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, revving to 9,000 rpm and delivering 510 hp and 450 Nm. It pairs this engine with a six-speed manual gearbox as the only transmission, underscoring a purist ethos. A lightweight carbon-fiber body and magnesium wheels help the curb weight stay at 1,497 kg. Brakes are carbon-ceramic as standard, with a reduced rotating mass for agility. For the roof, Porsche installs a fully automatic magnesium frame that opens or closes in 12 seconds and can operate above 50 km/h in motion. The rear hatch dispenses with a fixed spoiler when stowed, maintaining a clean silhouette.
What time can you play Tomodachi Life 2? Release timing, preload, and platforms
April 15, 2026, 9:05 AM EDT. Tomodachi Life 2 is slated to launch Thursday, April 16, with a contested release time. Nintendo guidance suggests new content often appears around 15:00, but many first-party titles unlock at midnight, implying players could start at 12:00 a.m. local time. Physical copies require checking store hours. If you preordered or bought via the Nintendo eShop, you can preload; the game weighs 6.2 GB, so ensure adequate space. The title will run on Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2, not exclusive to the newer model. It was shown in a Nintendo Direct focused on the original console, and the listing lacks a dedicated NS2 logo. 3DJuegos coverage also notes features like island management and a free demo.
NASA Curiosity images fuel controversy over insect-like and reptile-like life on Mars
April 15, 2026, 8:33 AM EDT. New public images from NASA's Curiosity rover in Gale Crater have been cited by entomologist William Romoser as evidence of insect-like and reptile-like life on Mars. Romoser, who has studied arthropods for decades, argues the photos show compound eyes, wings, segmented bodies, and burrows-features he says are consistent with terrestrial arthropods and early reptiles. He presented the analysis at the 2019 National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America; the material has resurfaced in science media, reigniting debate about what rover cameras captured. NASA scientists have not confirmed biological life; many experts view the interpretations as controversial. The episode touches on growing areas of inquiry in astrobiology and related fields, though extraordinary evidence would be needed to establish a fossilized ecosystem on the planet.
Cosmic dust seeds Venus haze; meteors help shape Venus clouds
April 15, 2026, 8:03 AM EDT. Scientists from Tohoku University (Japan) and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy identified the source of Venus's lower haze as cosmic dust, tiny mineral particles shed by meteors burning up in the atmosphere. The process: meteors burn high up, leaving nanometer-sized mineral particles that drift into the sulfuric acid cloud deck; as they sink into warmer layers, the surrounding acid evaporates, leaving solid cores. These cores collide and aggregate, forming the long-standing haze. Simulations reproduced measurements from spacecraft since the 1970s. The dust seeds cloud formation, boosting Venus's cloud production by about 20 to 30 percent. The iron-rich component may explain the long-debated unknown UV absorber, a substance that absorbs ultraviolet light and alters the planet's energy balance. The finding suggests similar processes could shape atmospheres on other planets and possibly exoplanets.
Cosmic dust fuels Venus haze; new study links lower cloud layer to meteoric particles
April 15, 2026, 8:01 AM EDT. A team led by researchers at Tohoku University and the Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy has identified the source of Venus's long-standing lower haze. Tiny cosmic dust particles-mineral remnants from meteors burning up in Venus's atmosphere-settle into the sulphuric acid cloud layer and form solid cores as they descend. Those cores collide and create a persistent haze, a mechanism that matches measurements from the 1970s. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, finds the dust seeds also boost cloud production by about 20-30%, reshaping the planet's climate. The iron-rich content may explain the enigmatic unknown UV absorber that alters Venus's energy balance. Similar dusty processes could occur on other planets.
Hisense adds cyan to RGB MiniLED 116UXS as Europe launch nears
April 15, 2026, 7:28 AM EDT. Hisense is expanding its RGB MiniLED evo lineup with a new cyan color for the 116UXS. First shown at CES26, the European debut marks the model's first public display in the region; production samples are limited, with full market availability expected in September. The move follows a broader push into RGB MiniLED across Hisense's range, including UR8S and UR9S, and comes as the company sustains a sponsorship deal with FIFA's World Cup Mundial26 to boost visibility. Company executives say the technology delivers higher purity, clarity and color accuracy, positioning RGB MiniLED as a rival to OLED. In Europe, Hisense has grown market share to about 9% from 2.2% in 2019, aided by retail partnerships and sports sponsorships.
Zelda Majora's Mask runs natively on PS Vita via free homebrew port
April 15, 2026, 7:20 AM EDT. Zelda Majora's Mask now runs as a native port on PlayStation Vita and PS TV via a free homebrew project, not an official Nintendo release. HarbourMasters decompiled the N64 game to build the PC open-source project 2Ship2Harkinian, published May 2024. Rinnegatamante ported the PC build to Vita/PS TV, with the first public release on 12 April 2026, after Ship of Harkinian (the Ocarina of Time Vita port). The port is distributed as a VPK for modded devices and requires owners to supply their own copy of Majora's Mask. It recompiles the code for Vita hardware, delivering crisper visuals, higher internal resolution, and faster menus than emulation. Early builds run around 20 FPS; initial issues include L/R input, stick accuracy and missing options.
ASEICA and SEOM urge progressive, evidence-based adoption of liquid biopsy for precision oncology
April 15, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT. Madrid, April 15, 2026 – The ASEICA and SEOM presented recommendations for progressively incorporating liquid biopsy into routine clinical care. The test analyzes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in blood, offering a global, dynamic view of cancer with minimal invasiveness. It enables monitoring of tumor evolution in real time, uncovering resistance mechanisms and predicting relapses before they appear on imaging. Dr. Javier de Castro, SEOM president, says the tool moves oncology toward true personalized oncology by adapting treatment to evolving molecular data. Dr. Rafael López López, ASEICA president, notes the progress and calls for an orderly, evidence-based rollout within Spain's National Health System (SNS). The guidance, released on World Cancer Innovation Day, aims to bridge research and practice.
Three PS Plus Extra and Premium free games for April 2026 leak, including Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, The Crew Motorfest and Football Manager 26 Console
April 15, 2026, 6:51 AM EDT. Dealabs' gaming leaker billbil-kun claims three titles will join Sony's PS Plus Extra and Premium on Tuesday, April 21. The official reveal is expected today, April 15, with rumors of a State of Play possibly on April 16. If accurate, the lineup includes Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, returning with a refreshed look; The Crew Motorfest, Ubisoft's open-world driving game; and Football Manager 26 Console, the football-management sim. Dealabs notes the leaker's solid track record, but Sony's formal confirmation is still required. April's slate tends to be smaller, but these picks would be a strong draw for fans.
UChicago paleontologist unveils teen-focused science center for Washington Park
April 15, 2026, 6:19 AM EDT. University of Chicago paleontologist Paul Sereno unveiled Scitopia Chicago, a teen-focused science center planned for Washington Park. The more-than-45,000-square-foot facility will host library resources, gathering spaces, a museum called Lost World, and teen maker labs for hands-on learning. It will be free for teens across the state. Officials say the project will cost about $50 million and aims to open in 2029, funded through public and private sources. The site sits near East Garfield Boulevard and Prairie Avenue, amid plans for nearby healthcare facilities by City Colleges of Chicago. Ald. Pat Dowell and Washington Park advocates hailed potential visitors and new business. Sereno calls Scitopia a zero-energy, carbon-neutral public science destination and a milestone in his youth outreach.
New Eye Opens at Cerro Chajnantor as FYST Telescope Inaugurated
April 15, 2026, 6:11 AM EDT. More than 100 scientists, engineers and dignitaries joined an ascent to inaugurate the Fred Young Submillimeter Telescope (FYST) atop Cerro Chajnantor in Chile's Atacama Desert. The 6-metre instrument uses a Crossed-Dragone optical design to deliver clean images over a wide field and rapid sky coverage. Its primary instrument, Prime Cam, accommodates up to seven detector modules and more than 100,000 superconducting detectors, boosting mapping speed by over ten times versus prior submillimeter observatories. FYST targets the cosmic microwave background, searching for signatures of primordial gravitational waves from inflation, mapping galaxy clusters, tracing star formation hidden by dust, and studying the epoch of reionisation. The site's dryness and thin air are essential to observe submillimeter wavelengths that are otherwise absorbed by water vapor.
Spain targets global hub status for biomedical innovation through public-private cooperation
April 15, 2026, 6:10 AM EDT. Spain aims to become a global hub for biomedical innovation by deepening public-private collaboration across the drug development value chain. The country already leads European clinical research; the challenge is scaling models to link academia with industry through all stages of R&D+i, from deep tech and AI to industrial production and clinical adoption. Barcelona will host the XIX Annual Conference of the Biomedical Research Platforms on May 28, gathering leaders from Farmaindustria, Fenin, AseBio, Veterindustria and Nanomed, with voices from AEMPS, regional authorities, patient groups and startups. In a landscape shaped by the European Health Data Space and EU biotech rules, the goal is cohesive, sustained collaboration that reinforces Spain's strategic autonomy and global competitiveness. Amelia Martín Uranga of Farmaindustria emphasizes turning knowledge into high-impact solutions through collaboration.
NASA says Apollo astronauts altered Moon climate, study finds
April 15, 2026, 3:55 AM EDT. NASA researchers say Apollo-era experiments left a measurable thermal footprint on the Moon. Between 1969 and 1972, astronauts deployed buried probes to gauge subsurface temperatures. The regolith-a fine, insulating dust layer-was disturbed by walking, digging and equipment deployment, making the surface slightly darker and denser. Those changes improved solar absorption and heat transfer to depth. Over years, measurements show a gradual surface warming of about 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the instrumented zones. The effect was local, not global. A reanalysis of archival data in the Journal of Geophysical Research concluded the Moon reflected less sunlight back to space, helping raise surface temperatures. The finding highlights how human activity leaves footprints even on airless bodies.
Huawei dominates 70% of foldables with Pura X, IDC data shows
April 15, 2026, 3:46 AM EDT. IDC data for March 2026 shows Huawei commanding about 70% of the foldables market, led by the Pura X. The device shipped more than 1.5 million units to stores, widening the gap to rivals. Huawei's pivot-from luxury to mass market-unites a large screen and a strong processor at a price mainstream buyers accept. In China, the company held 71.8% of the foldables market in 2025, aided by durability upgrades. The result places pressure on rivals like Samsung and Apple, as Huawei readies the Pura X Max to push design and features further and eyes global markets.
Artemis 3 plans hinge on SpaceX and Blue Origin landers amid delays
April 15, 2026, 3:31 AM EDT. NASA is pursuing a 2027 Artemis 3 crewed lunar landing, but a clear flight plan hinges on rival lunar landers still in development. The Orion capsule has passed its initial in-flight tests, but it cannot descend to the Moon. Boeing is assembling the core SLS stage while the mobile launch platform, used for Artemis 2, is slated to return to service. The timing of Artemis 3 remains uncertain, with no firm launch date or complete vehicle readiness. SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's lunar landers, contracted to deliver the landing system, have fallen behind, with prototype flights and orbital tests delayed after earlier failures. NASA officials say the focus is on steady progress toward a sustainable presence on the Moon.
ORGAPRED selects CYTOQUBE from Hamamatsu Photonics for personalized oncology research
April 15, 2026, 3:14 AM EDT. ORGAPRED, a France-based core facility that produces Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids (PDTOs), has chosen the CYTOQUBE high-throughput 3D imaging system from Hamamatsu Photonics France to bolster personalized oncology drug screening and therapeutic discovery. The platform enables rapid multi-color analysis of tumoroids, assessing viability and cell death across 384-well plates and beyond. Dr. Romane Florent, ORGAPRED's Research Engineer, said CYTOQUBE permits 3D analysis across entire plates in under 30 minutes, outperforming conventional confocal workflows. The collaboration, which began in 2021 and advanced through on-site evaluation in March 2025, culminated in a tender award in December 2025. The system's intuitive operation and automated tumoroid segmentation streamline data visualization and accelerate identification of effective therapies.
Apple's iPhone Fold could upend the foldable market, challenging Samsung
April 15, 2026, 2:50 AM EDT. Predictions say the iPhone Fold, also called the iPhone Ultra, could redefine the US foldable market. Analysts peg Apple with as much as 46% market share in the United States, even before the device is announced. Apple may not need to invent a concept or slash prices; the right name, ecosystem, and timing could win buyers. Samsung, which has led the segment for years, could be the first major victim as Apple enters. The reports point to a $2,000 price, a figure that would stretch into euros in Europe and test consumer willingness. If Apple nails the hinge and ecosystem, the conversation could shift away from Samsung. Rumors persist about rivals such as OPPO Find N6 offering alternative hinge innovations.
Google launches Windows desktop app with faster search and AI mode
April 15, 2026, 2:37 AM EDT. Google has released a Windows desktop app that brings Search to the PC with speed, organization and AI integration. The new app, available globally with initial English support, lets users search the web, local files, installed apps and Google Drive from a single, keyboard-accessible bar. After install, press Alt + Space to summon the search box anywhere. The app acts as a PC-wide hub, reducing window-switching between browsers and programs. It includes an AI mode that answers questions with generated responses and links for deeper reading, plus follow-up prompts for a more interactive experience. It also integrates Google Lens and screen-sharing, letting users select screen areas to search, translate text, or get quick explanations without leaving the current task.
Google launches Windows desktop app with faster search and AI mode
April 15, 2026, 2:36 AM EDT. Google has released a Windows desktop app that brings search to the PC with speed, organization and AI integration. The app is globally available with initial English support, letting users search the web, local files, installed apps, and Google Drive documents from a single bar. After installation, pressing Alt + Space opens the search box at any moment, turning the PC into a unified hub and reducing window-switching. The software includes an AI mode that answers questions with generated responses and links for further reading, plus follow-up queries for a more natural chat-like flow. It also integrates with Google Lens and screen sharing, enabling questions about on-screen images, text, or windows without leaving current work.
Android to add local PC backup via Quick Share to free up phone storage
April 15, 2026, 2:34 AM EDT. Android is testing a local backup feature that copies selected files from a smartphone to a computer without cloud storage. In Google Play Services beta v26.15.31, Android Authority found an auto backup option that transfers photos, videos and audio over a wireless link to a PC, with an automatic sync setting and a backup now button for manual transfers. A delete on the phone does not remove the PC copy, according to Digital Trends. Because the feature is integrated with Quick Share, it appears to operate without internet. Google has not officially released the feature, and details may change before launch. If implemented, users would have a free way to back up data locally instead of paying for cloud storage.
Trace elements in chalcopyrite could unlock cleaner, faster copper extraction
April 15, 2026, 1:49 AM EDT. Researchers from Monash University argue that chalcopyrite, the ore behind about 70% of global copper, hides microscopic defects and trace elements such as silver, gold and nickel that govern processing efficiency. In Nature Geoscience, the team shows these subtleties are not flaws but opportunities to improve low-temperature leaching and copper recovery from lower-grade ore. Silver, in particular, can destabilise the mineral surface and trigger a cycle that boosts extraction, potentially cutting energy use and chemical needs. The findings link geology to next-generation technologies, since chalcopyrite also underpins semiconductors used in solar cells and sensors. With copper demand rising for renewables, researchers call for cross-disciplinary innovation to rethink mineral processing in a low-carbon world.
Chalcopyrite could unlock cleaner copper extraction for the energy transition
April 15, 2026, 1:40 AM EDT. Researchers from Monash University's School of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment say a common copper mineral, chalcopyrite, could become the gatekeeper of a cleaner, faster, more efficient copper supply. Despite 300 years of study, the mineral resists low-temperature leaching, slowing extraction from lower-grade ore. The trick lies in hidden chemistry: microscopic defects and trace elements-such as silver, gold and nickel-shape how the mineral reacts during processing. The team reports that trace amounts of silver can destabilize the surface and trigger a cycle that boosts copper recovery, potentially cutting energy and chemical use. Beyond mining, chalcopyrite underpins semiconductors used in solar cells and other clean technologies. Meeting future copper demand may hinge on smarter processing, not just new deposits.
Chalcopyrite could unlock cleaner copper production, study says
April 15, 2026, 1:28 AM EDT. New analysis in Nature Geoscience shows chalcopyrite, the ore powering roughly 70% of global copper, could become a lever for cleaner and faster extraction. Monash University researchers say the mineral's long-standing processing bottlenecks stem from hidden chemistry: microscopic defects and trace elements such as silver, gold, and nickel that govern how the ore behaves during processing. By studying how these traces destabilize the surface and trigger copper-recovery cycles, scientists argue extraction can be more energy-efficient and require fewer chemicals. The finding reframes chalcopyrite not as a stubborn obstacle but as a programmable material whose atomic structure informs smarter processing. Beyond mining, chalcopyrite also underpins a family of semiconductors used in solar cells and photodetectors, connecting geology to clean-tech innovations.
SpaceX to launch 25 Starlink satellites from Vandenberg on Falcon 9
April 15, 2026, 1:11 AM EDT. SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying 25 Starlink satellites. Liftoff from SLC-4E is scheduled for 9:29:49 p.m. PDT (12:29:49 a.m. EDT / 04:29:49 UTC). The mission aims for an orbit of about 258 by 246 km at a 97-degree inclination. Spaceflight Now will provide live coverage starting about 30 minutes before liftoff. The booster, B1082, will mark its 21st flight after delivering 17 previous Starlink missions and flying other payloads including USSF-62 and OneWeb Launch 20. About eight minutes after liftoff, the first stage will land on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific. The 25 Starlink V2 Mini satellites will deploy about an hour into flight.
Kolkata's Science City debuts immersive Mars journey in fulldome film
April 15, 2026, 1:06 AM EDT. Science City in Kolkata unveiled a fulldome 3D film, One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars, inviting audiences to a visceral ascent. The premiere was led by Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and joined by museum leaders from the National Council of Science Museums and Science City. Viewers described the launch as almost physical, with the dome projecting Moon craters and Martian terrain in striking detail that blurred the line between observer and voyage. The film traces humanity's arc from the Moon to Mars, turning space into something tangible in the theater. It blends science communication with cinema, provoking reflection on future exploration and the enduring dream of reaching the cosmos.
Riot Games and Discord launch native integration for League of Legends and VALORANT in beta
April 15, 2026, 12:50 AM EDT. Riot Games is rolling out a native Discord integration for its games, starting in beta today in the United States, Canada, and Brazil. The update links Riot and Discord accounts, letting players invite friends to in-game parties directly without switching windows. Discord's interface will show a player's current session and can launch League of Legends lobbies from shared invite links. Riot says the move aims to simplify team-building and deepen social connectivity across LoL and VALORANT, without delivering the voice-chat feature teased for LoL. A future migration will move existing connections into the new system, presenting in-game profiles as a stats card. Officials Pabro and Meddler described the feature as a new form of social communication with players who aren't friends.
Hackers leak Rockstar data; GTA 6 launch unaffected as GTA Online metrics emerge
April 15, 2026, 12:10 AM EDT. Hackers who breached Rockstar Games published the stolen files over the weekend, but the company said the breach would not derail its plans for GTA 6. The data released covered earnings and player counts for Red Dead Redemption Online and GTA Online, not any GTA 6 details. A post on GTA Forums shows GTA Online remains a global draw, with nearly 8.5 million weekly players. The PS4 version dominates with about 1.9 million active players, compared with around 1 million on Xbox One. On current-gen, PS5 houses 3.4 million versus 1.1 million on Xbox Series X/S. The PC version sits at roughly 900,000 weekly. The breach highlights GTA Online's revenue strength, estimated at over $8 million per week, likely shaping expectations for the next title.
