HPE computers stranded in space

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47377707

A pair of Hewlett Packard Enterprise servers sent up to the International Space Station in August 2017 as an experiment have still not come back to Earth, three months after their intended return. Together they make up the Spaceborne Computer, a Linux system that has supercomputer processing power. They were sent up to see how durable they would be in space with minimal specialist treatment. After 530 days, they are still working. Their return flight was postponed indefinitely, after a Russian rocket failed in October 2018. HPE senior content architect Adrian Kasbergen said they may return in June 2019 if there is space on a flight but "right now they haven’t got a ticket". The company is working with Nasa and Elon Musk’s Space X to be "computer-ready" for the first Mars flight, estimated to take place in about 2030.

SpaceX astronaut capsule demo for Nasa lifts off

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47414390

The demonstration of a new US system to get astronauts into orbit is under way. The SpaceX company has launched a capsule designed to carry people from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission is uncrewed for this flight, but if it goes well, the American space agency is likely to approve the system for regular astronaut use from later this year. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said this could be the first step towards opening space travel to commercial customers. Not since the retirement of the shuttles in 2011 has the US been able to put humans in orbit.

Facebook finds UK-based 'fake news' network

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47482145

Facebook has removed more than 130 accounts, pages and groups it says were part of a UK-based misinformation network. The company said it was the first time it had taken down a UK-based group targeting messages at British citizens. The same group set up pages posing both as far-right outlets and anti-fascist activists.

Climate change: Rain melting Greenland ice sheet 'even in winter'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47485847

Rain is becoming more frequent in Greenland and accelerating the melting of its ice, a new study has found. Scientists say they're "surprised" to discover rain falling even during the long Arctic winter. The massive Greenland ice-sheet is being watched closely because it holds a huge store of frozen water. And if all of that ice melted, the sea level would rise by seven metres, threatening coastal population centres around the world. Precipitation usually falls as snow in winter - rather than as rain - which can balance out any melting of the ice in the summer.

SpaceX astronaut capsule demo for Nasa lifts off

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47414390

The demonstration of a new US system to get astronauts into orbit is under way. The SpaceX company has launched a capsule designed to carry people from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission is uncrewed for this flight, but if it goes well, the American space agency is likely to approve the system for regular astronaut use from later this year. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said this could be the first step towards opening space travel to commercial customers. Not since the retirement of the shuttles in 2011 has the US been able to put humans in orbit.
America's new commercial astronaut capsule has completed its demonstration flight with a successful splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-47477617

IBM used Flickr photos for facial-recognition project

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47555216

IBM has been accused of using Flickr photos for a facial-recognition project, without the full consent of people in the images.

Musk adds new Model Y to electric car line-up

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47570133

Tesla has launched its latest car, the Model Y, its second mass-market electric vehicle. The car was unveiled at an event in Los Angeles. The firm will first release a long-range version of the vehicle with a price tag of $47,000 (£35,489). Chief executive Elon Musk said a standard-range model priced at $39,000 would be available in 2021. It comes after a challenging period for Tesla, with production issues and legal problems for Mr Musk.

Google leads gaming down a perilous path

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-47634263

The future of the games industry, at least as Google sees it, is in streaming. It’s a trend that feels inevitable - just ask anyone in the music, TV or film business. Streaming is where it's at, and the possibility for what can be streamed has only ever been bound by the limitations of internet connectivity. Google thinks its technology can make streaming games a plausible and possibly even pleasurable reality. One where gamers aren’t driven to insanity by stuttering gameplay and slow-reacting characters. For the sake of argument, let’s assume it succeeds. Where might Google - with its track record for upending business models, often with unintended consequences - lead the industry?

Amazon 'flooded by fake five-star reviews' - Which? report

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47941181

Online retail giant Amazon's website is flooded with fake five-star reviews for products from unfamiliar brands, consumer group Which? has claimed. Top-rated reviews on popular items such as headphones, smart watches and fitness trackers were dominated by unknown brands, its probe concluded. Thousands of these were unverified, meaning there was no evidence the reviewer bought the product, it said. Amazon said it was using automated technology to weed out false reviews. It said it invested "significant resources" to protect its review system "because we know customers value the insights and experiences shared by fellow shoppers". "Even one inauthentic review is one too many," it added.

Statins 'don't work well for one in two people'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47933345

Cholesterol-lowering "statin" drugs taken by millions of Britons may not work well enough in about half of those prescribed them, research suggests. UK investigators looked at 165,000 patients on statins and found that for one in two, the drugs had too little effect on bad cholesterol - one of the big risk factors for heart disease. They are not sure why statins appear to help some more than others. Patients should not stop taking the drugs without seeing their doctor. One possible explanation is patients not taking their prescribed drugs or doctors giving them at too low doses, experts suggest. Cardiovascular disease kills about 150,000 people in the UK each year. "Bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is a major contributor - it can lead to furring and blockage of blood vessels.

A rasher of bacon 'ups cancer risk'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47947965

Even small amounts of red and processed meat - such as a rasher of bacon a day - can increase the risk of bowel cancer, according to research.

Hayabusa-2: Spacecraft's 'bomb' crater found

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/amp/science-environment-48065282

The Hayabusa-2 spacecraft has sent back images of the crater made when it detonated an explosive charge next to the asteroid it is investigating.

Opioid painkillers 'must carry prominent warnings'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48082736

All opioid medicines will carry prominent warnings on their labels stating they can cause addiction, the health secretary has announced. Matt Hancock acted after figures in England and Wales revealed a-more-than 60% increase in prescriptions for opioid painkillers in the last decade. People needed protection "from the darker side to painkillers," he said. Health experts welcomed the move, saying opioids can cause "life-altering and sometimes fatal addictions".

Hundreds of thousands of viruses in oceans

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-48066332

The oceans contain almost 200,000 different viral populations, according to the latest count. Marine viruses were found from the surface down to 4,000m deep and from the North to the South Pole. Though most are harmless to humans, they can infect marine life, including whales and crustaceans. And scientists are only just starting to understand how these tiny organisms play a role in the life and chemistry of the seas. Researchers at Ohio State University drew up a global map of marine viruses based on seawater samples from nearly 80 sites around the world. Their viral tally is almost 12-fold higher than previous estimates.

Apple defends removing parental control apps

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48092151

Apple has defended its decision to remove a number of parental control apps from the App Store, citing security concerns.

Facebook boss reveals changes in response to criticism

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48107268

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has revealed a series of changes to the firm's portfolio of social platforms, including Instagram and Whatsapp.

Plan to secure internet of things with new law

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48106582

The rapidly growing "internet of things" (IOT) - internet-connected gadgets - would have to be made more secure under proposed new laws.

Microsoft Word AI 'to improve writing'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48185607

A new feature in Microsoft's Word aims to help improve writing beyond the usual grammar fixes. Using artificial intelligence, Ideas will suggest rewrites for clunky sentences as well as changes to make sure language is gender inclusive. It will help users lay out different parts of a document, including tables, and suggest synonyms and alternative phrases to make writing more concise. It will be cloud-based and initially available to users of Word Online only. A test version of Ideas will go live in June, becoming more widely available in the autumn. It was announced at Microsoft's Build developer conference in Seattle.

Facebook sues analytics firm Rankwave over alleged data misuse

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48236600

Facebook is suing a South Korean firm it accuses of unlawfully using data to sell marketing and advertising.

Charcoal toothpastes 'don't whiten teeth'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48216116

Charcoal-based toothpastes, which claim to whiten teeth, are a "marketing gimmick" which could increase the risk of tooth decay and staining, says a review in the British Dental Journal.

Charcoal toothpastes 'don't whiten teeth'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48216116

Charcoal-based toothpastes, which claim to whiten teeth, are a "marketing gimmick" which could increase the risk of tooth decay and staining, says a review in the British Dental Journal.


https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article15024522.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_MAIN-MAIN-Charcoal-toothpaste.jpg

https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article15024522.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_MAIN-MAIN-Charcoal-toothpaste.jpg
Oh so gross!

Apple faces customer lawsuit over app store

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48255541

A group of US consumers has been given the go-ahead by the Supreme Court to sue Apple over app prices. The iPhone users argued that there is no alternative place to buy an iPhone app, but that Apple takes a 30% commission on every sale, so therefore they are being overcharged. They claim that this puts Apple in breach of anti-trust laws. Apple said that it was an agent for app developers and that it neither owned nor sold the apps itself. However, while app developers set their own prices, Apple collects the payments. One of the judges who ruled against Apple was President Donald Trump's controversial appointment, Brett Kavanaugh.

Oh so gross!


and it might ruin the enamel.

and it might ruin the enamel.
...and other damage?

WhatsApp discovers 'targeted' surveillance attack

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48262681

Hackers were able to remotely install surveillance software on phones and other devices using a major vulnerability in messaging app WhatsApp, it has been confirmed. WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, said the attack targeted a "select number" of users and was orchestrated by "an advanced cyber-actor". A fix was rolled out on Friday. On Monday, WhatsApp urged all of its 1.5 billion users to update their apps as an added precaution. The surveillance software involved was developed by Israeli firm NSO Group, according to a report in the Financial Times. Facebook first discovered the flaw in WhatsApp earlier in May.

...and other damage?


probably tooth loss.

probably tooth loss.
I was thinking of infections, or worse.

San Francisco is first US city to ban facial recognition

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48276660

Legislators in San Francisco have voted to ban the use of facial recognition, the first US city to do so. The emerging technology will not be allowed to be used by local agencies, such as the city’s transport authority, or law enforcement. Additionally, any plans to buy any kind of new surveillance technology must now be approved by city administrators. Opponents of the measure said it will put people’s safety at risk and hinder efforts to fight crime. Those in favour of the move said the technology as it exists today is unreliable, and represented an unnecessary infringement on people’s privacy and liberty. In particular, opponents argued the systems are error prone, particularly when dealing with women or people with darker skin.

Koalas are ‘functionally extinct', say campaigners

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/48284392

Animal campaigners say that koala numbers have fallen so low that the animal is "functionally extinct". The Australian Koala Foundation says there are fewer than 80,000 koalas left in the wild. Although 80,000 sounds like a lot, the foundation says these koalas are unlikely to produce a new generation. 'Functionally extinct' describes an animal population which has so few pairs that they are unlikely to produce a new generation. It can also describe an animal which is breeding in such few numbers that they are more likely to become ill from disease.

Grumpy Cat internet legend dies

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-48308638

Grumpy Cat, the feline famous on the internet for her permanent scowl, has died aged seven, her owners say. A statement says she died on Tuesday following complications from a recent urinary tract infection. The cat from Arizona had "helped millions of people smile". Grumpy, whose real name was Tardar Sauce, went viral in 2012 after photographs of her sour expression emerged online. Her image quickly spread as a meme.

Surgeons warn of serious hand injuries from dog leads and collars

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48382570

Surgeons are warning dog owners not to wrap leads around their fingers or wrist because of the dangers of serious hand injury. They say thousands of people could be at risk from lacerations, friction burns, fractures and ligament injuries. There were 30 serious hand injuries caused by dog leads last year in Cornwall alone, the British Society for Surgery of the Hand said.

Four times more data breaches logged in UK

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48398607

More than 14,000 data breaches have been logged since the introduction of tough new data laws last May, the UK's information commissioner's office has said. Complaints from the public have also doubled, from around 21,000 to 41,000. It suggests that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has increased awareness about the importance of personal information. But no fine has yet been issued under GDPR rules in the UK

2024 Summer Olympics will include video games: Gamer World News Entertainment CEO

https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2024-summer-olympics-will-include-video-games-gamer-world-news-entertainment-ceo

Competitive video gaming is expected to be part of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, according to Gamer World News Entertainment CEO Gayle Dickie.

E3: Xbox One successor Project Scarlett to launch in 2020

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48576960

Microsoft has announced that its next-generation console is set to go on sale before the end of 2020. Codenamed Project Scarlett, the firm said that the machine would be the "biggest leap" over a previous generation there had ever been. At the E3 games expo, Microsoft said the custom-designed processor, made by AMD, would be four times more powerful than that of the Xbox One X. It added that Halo Infinite would be among its launch titles. However, the company did not show off what the device would look like, or reveal its intended price.

Microsoft deletes massive face recognition database

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48555149

Microsoft has deleted a massive database of 10 million images which was being used to train facial recognition systems, the Financial Times reports. The database was released in 2016 and was built of online images of 100,000 well-known people. The database is believed to have been used to train a system operated by police forces and the military. The deletion comes after Microsoft called on US politicians to do a better job of regulating recognition systems.

Auction of Concorde nose cone to take place in Northamptonshire

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-48598190

A rare piece of aviation history will be up for grabs when a nose from test specimen of a Concorde passenger plane goes to auction next week. The 25ft (7.5m)-long "droop" nose cone is currently in Kansas City, Missouri, housed in a specially-built glass unit. A guide price of between £200,000 and £300,000 has been set by auctioneers in Towcester, Northamptonshire. Concorde's last commercial flight took place on 23 October 2003.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/660/cpsprodpb/0675/production/_107335610_concorde51-6.jpg

New Ebola outbreak in DRC is 'truly frightening', says Wellcome Trust director

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-48615667

The head of a major medical research charity has called the latest outbreak of Ebola in central Africa "truly frightening". Nearly 1,400 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr Jeremy Farrar, the director of the Wellcome Trust, said the epidemic was the worst since that of 2013-16 and has showed "no sign of stopping".

Who will pay for trusted news?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48595593

Here is the good news about journalism - more people are worried about misinformation and so are turning to more reputable sources of information. But here's the bad news - they seem no more inclined to pay for good journalism.

Folic acid: Consultation starts on plan to fortify flour

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48608653

The government is consulting on plans to add folic acid to flour in the UK to help prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Pregnant women are already advised to take folic acid, but many do not. It is estimated fortifying flour with folic acid could prevent up to 200 birth defects a year. The charity Shine, which has campaigned for the move for 25 years, said it hoped it would not be another 25 before it happened.

Huawei delays launch of folding smartphone

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48636452

Huawei has delayed the launch of the Mate X folding handset until September, having originally planned to launch it this summer.

Twitter removes Iranian-backed accounts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48635878

Twitter has removed almost 4,800 accounts it claimed were being used by Iran to spread misinformation. The accounts were deleted alongside others from several different groups as Twitter tries to tackle interference. It revealed the deletions in an update to its transparency report that aims to expose the "spread of misinformation by insidious actors". Also removed were accounts used for Russian, Catalonian and Venezuelan propaganda.

Twitter removes Iranian-backed accounts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48635878

Twitter has removed almost 4,800 accounts it claimed were being used by Iran to spread misinformation. The accounts were deleted alongside others from several different groups as Twitter tries to tackle interference. It revealed the deletions in an update to its transparency report that aims to expose the "spread of misinformation by insidious actors". Also removed were accounts used for Russian, Catalonian and Venezuelan propaganda.


I remember when I was 16 in 2009 and I saw the "Green Revolution" hashtags trending on Twitter and I was tweeting thinking I was making a difference ;D

Cat flap uses AI to punish pet's killer instincts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48825761

A cat flap that automatically bars entry to a pet if it tries to enter with prey in its jaws has been built as a DIY project by an Amazon employee. Ben Hamm used machine-learning software to train a system to recognise when his cat Metric was approaching with a rodent or bird in its mouth. When it detected such an attack, he said, a computer attached to the flap's lock triggered a 15-minute shut-out. Mr Hamm unveiled his invention at an event in Seattle last month.

John McEnroe wants to read you the rules of tennis until you fall asleep

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/28/tennis/john-mcenroe-rules-of-tennis-scli-intl/index.html

The gentle rustle of leaves. Raindrops softly tapping on the window. John McEnroe describing the maximum permitted length and width of a regulation tennis racket, as per Appendix II of the International Tennis Federation rulebook. Certain sounds just scream "relaxation." And now, that final option is available to lull you to sleep, or take a weight off your shoulders after a stressful day.

Obesity 'causes more cases of some cancers than smoking'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48826850

Obesity now causes more cases of four common cancers in the UK than smoking, according to a charity. Cancer Research UK says bowel, kidney, ovarian and liver cancers are more likely to have been caused by being overweight than by smoking tobacco. It says millions are at risk of cancer because of their weight and that obese people outnumber smokers two to one. It comes as Tory leadership contender Boris Johnson vowed to not to extend the sugar tax without a review.

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp hit by photo glitch

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48855823

Some Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users cannot upload photos, videos and files. A spokesman for Facebook, which owns all three apps, told BBC News: "We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible." Together, the social networks have billions of users worldwide. In March, Facebook and Instagram suffered their longest period of disruption ever. Problems also struck both apps as well as WhatsApp in April. The Facebook Messenger app, which is often installed separately, is also affected.

Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp hit by photo glitch

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48855823

Some Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users cannot upload photos, videos and files. A spokesman for Facebook, which owns all three apps, told BBC News: "We're working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible." Together, the social networks have billions of users worldwide. In March, Facebook and Instagram suffered their longest period of disruption ever. Problems also struck both apps as well as WhatsApp in April. The Facebook Messenger app, which is often installed separately, is also affected.


I just noticed this on Instagram. But if it's hitting WhatsApp then that means my friend didn't get my meme insulting him.

I just noticed this on Instagram. But if it's hitting WhatsApp then that means my friend didn't get my meme insulting him.
He-He!!

I just tried sending an image to a relative and they did not arrive!

John McEnroe wants to read you the rules of tennis until you fall asleep

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/06/28/tennis/john-mcenroe-rules-of-tennis-scli-intl/index.html

The gentle rustle of leaves. Raindrops softly tapping on the window. John McEnroe describing the maximum permitted length and width of a regulation tennis racket, as per Appendix II of the International Tennis Federation rulebook. Certain sounds just scream "relaxation." And now, that final option is available to lull you to sleep, or take a weight off your shoulders after a stressful day.


Why do I need to learn tennis? ???

Why do I need to learn tennis? ???
The sound of his voice and the content of what he is reading will he to bring on sleep.

'The kids emptied our bank account playing Fifa'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48908766

Four children spent nearly £550 in three weeks buying player packs to play the Fifa football video game online on the family's Nintendo Switch console. In Fifa, special players can be bought in packs, but the contents are only revealed after payment is completed. The children's father, Thomas Carter, had bought them a single pack for around £8, and had not realised they had seen how he made the purchase. The Switch has now been confiscated "indefinitely", Mr Carter said.

The sound of his voice and the content of what he is reading will he to bring on sleep.


Didn't John McEnroe have issues? ???

Didn't John McEnroe have issues? ???
No, it is just the sound of his voice that will send the listener to sleep, as a sleeping aid.

Macs vulnerable to 'bananas' Zoom video flaw

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-48922575

Hackers could access cameras on millions of Apple Macs thanks to a vulnerability in Zoom's video-conferencing software, a security researcher has found. Jonathan Leitschuh uncovered a way to force almost any Mac that has Zoom's app installed to join a video call. One tech veteran who found he was at risk called the flaw "bananas". Zoom disagreed about the severity of the issue but has updated its software so it is harder to abuse.

Amazon Alexa offering NHS health advice

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48925345

People will be able to get expert health advice using Amazon Alexa devices, under a partnership with the NHS, the government has announced.

Amazon Alexa offering NHS health advice

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48925345

People will be able to get expert health advice using Amazon Alexa devices, under a partnership with the NHS, the government has announced.

I do not trust it, for Alexa is already listening to every conversation in your household, and Google will get to know you health conditions.

I do not trust it, for Alexa is already listening to every conversation in your household, and Google will get to know you health conditions.


It's like an invasion of privacy.

It's like an invasion of privacy.
Completely, I switched my Alexa off ages ago.

Facebook urged to shut groups seeking fake Amazon reviews

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49235986

Facebook is failing to shut down groups on its site where fake Amazon reviews are sold, consumer group Which? claims. Facebook was urged in June by the Competition and Markets Authority to probe the sale of fake reviews via these groups. Which? claimed to have uncovered several active groups that recruited people to write fake testimonies. Facebook said it had removed almost all the groups reported to it and was still investigating the issue.

Amazon Alexa: Luxembourg watchdog in discussions about recordings

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49252503

Luxembourg's data privacy watchdog says it is in discussions with Amazon about voice recordings made of customers who have used the firm's Alexa smart assistant. The regulator is the lead supervisory authority for the company in the EU, meaning that it co-ordinates investigations into the business on behalf of the other member states. At this point it has not launched a formal privacy probe. Amazon declined to comment. But a spokesman for the National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) said that citizens could "file a compliant with our authority or his/her national supervisory authority" if they had concerns. Unfortunately, at this stage, we cannot comment further about this case as we are bound by the obligation of professional secrecy," he added. Concern about Alexa recordings came to light in April after the news agency Bloomberg spoke to staff who had transcribed clips for the firm. It said the recordings had sometimes been triggered by Amazon's smart speakers mishearing the command that is supposed to restrict when audio is transmitted back to the firm. It reported they had included everyday conversations as well as instances of suspected sexual assault.

Traditional TV viewing holds off streaming, Ofcom reveals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-49248030

Watching programmes on a TV set is still the most popular way for UK audiences to watch television - but streaming is catching up. Traditional viewing - including catch-up within 28 days - still accounts for most TV watching, with an average of three hours and 12 minutes per day. But according to Ofcom's latest Media Nations report, this marks a drop of 11 minutes since 2017. Average daily viewing of streaming services rose last year to 26 minutes.

Hyundai releases car with solar panel roof

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49249884

Hyundai has released a version of its Sonata hybrid that has solar panels to help charge its battery. The Korean car maker said up to 60% of the power for the car's battery could be supplied if the solar roof was used for six hours a day. The panels would provide enough power to propel the Sonata for 1,300km (800miles) a year, it added. Hyundai said it planned to offer the roof as an optional extra on other models in its range.

British Airways passengers facing delays after IT failures

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49261497

Holidaymakers travelling with British Airways are facing delays and problems checking in online after an IT glitch. At least 81 flights have been cancelled at Heathrow Airport, with 10 cancelled at Gatwick Airport. More than 200 other flights have been delayed. BA said it is reverting to manual systems for check-in at airports. It has apologised for the disruption and said customers on short-haul services from Heathrow, Gatwick and London City can re-book another day.

Oyster card accounts hacked, confirms Transport for London

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-49282429

Tube travellers have had their online payment accounts hacked, according to Transport for London (TfL). Some 1,200 customers attempting to access their online Oyster card accounts have reported being denied access since Wednesday. TfL said while no customer payment details had been breached it had "temporarily suspended" online contactless and Oyster accounts. The transport body has six million online Oyster account holders.

Asthma deaths in England and Wales 'highest in a decade'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49277813

Deaths from asthma in England and Wales are the highest they have been in more than a decade, according to analysis of official data. More than 1,400 adults and children died from asthma attacks in 2018 - that's 2.5 people out of every 100,000. The charity Asthma UK said too many lives were being cut short by a lack of basic care, such as inhaler checks. GPs' leaders said more staff in practices were needed so doctors could spend longer with asthma patients. But with research linking some childhood asthmas to air pollution, NHS England said it couldn't solve the problem on its own.

Hands-free phone ban for drivers 'should be considered'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49320473

Drivers could be banned from using hands-free mobile phones in England and Wales, a group of MPs has suggested. Current laws give the "misleading impression" that hands-free options are safe, they warned. While it has been illegal to use a handheld phone at the wheel since 2003, using a hands-free device creates "the same risks of collision", the Commons Transport Select Committee said.

Facebook workers listened to Messenger conversations

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49343262

Hundreds of workers were paid to transcribe voice recordings of Facebook users, it has emerged. Facebook is the latest company to confirm it has used third-party workers to do such work, following Google, Apple, Microsoft and Amazon. The practice had been halted "more than a week ago", Facebook said. Workers were given audio of people's conversations but were not told how it was obtained, according to Bloomberg, which was first to report the news.

Toxic blue-green algae warning for dog owners and swimmers

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49344232

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/774F/production/_102534503_2007_08_lochlevenbloom1resized2.jpg

Dog owners have been warned to take extra precautions while walking their pets amid a rise in reports of potentially toxic blue-green algae. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said it had seen an increase in reports including in Southampton, Edinburgh, Cornwall and Lincolnshire. Contact with the algae can be fatal for animals if left untreated and can cause rashes and illness to humans. The BVA urged owners to keep dogs on a lead around affected lakes and rivers. It follows a number reports of dogs becoming ill or even dying after swimming in water suspected to be contaminated with blue-green algae. In July, it was reported a King Charles Cavalier died after swimming in a lake at Delamere Forest, Cheshire, which was later closed because of the presence of blue-green algae.

Hong Kong protests: Twitter and Facebook remove Chinese accounts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49402222

Twitter and Facebook have taken steps to block what they described as a state-backed Chinese misinformation campaign. Twitter said it removed 936 accounts it said were being used to “sow political discord in Hong Kong”. The network said the accounts originated in mainland China and were part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the “legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement”. Facebook said it had, after being tipped off by Twitter, removed "seven Pages, three Groups and five Facebook accounts.”

'World's oldest webcam' to be switched off

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49408335

The world's oldest continuously working webcam is being switched off after 25 years. The Fogcam was set up in 1994 to watch how the weather changed on the San Francisco State University campus. It has broadcast almost continuously since then barring regular maintenance and the occasional need for it to be re-sited to maintain its view. Its creators said it was being shut down because there were now no good places to put the webcam. Jeff Schwartz, who with Dan Wong set up the webcam, said it would go offline on 30 August.

Millions of old gadgets 'stockpiled in drawers'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-49409055

"Ten phones, two laptops, digital cameras... all just sitting here. We're not dealing with it." Louise Lewis is surveying a collection of old gadgets that have piled up in her home. Her technological stash, experts say, is typical. But it could jeopardise our ability to manufacture new devices. A study has estimated that as many as 40 million unused gadgets are languishing in UK homes.

Fish oil pills 'no benefit' for type 2 diabetes

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49419462

People with type 2 diabetes "should not be encouraged" to take omega-3 fish oil supplements, researchers from the University of East Anglia say. There had been some concerns omega-3 could be harmful for people with the condition. But while a BMJ review of more than 80 studies found no evidence of that, they also failed to find any benefit. Diabetes UK said it was better to get omega-3 from eating oily fish as part of a healthy diet.

Apple Card can be damaged by wallets and jeans

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49435687

Apple has advised owners of its new credit card to keep it away from leather and denim. Keeping the card in a leather wallet or in the pocket of a pair of jeans could cause "permanent discolouration". The Apple Card is a relatively plain matt white credit card made of titanium, which was designed to stand out compared to other credit cards. But people have poked fun at the company after reading that the card could be so easily damaged. Apple has published a guide advising customers how to "safely store and carry" their Apple Card.

Apple Card can be damaged by wallets and jeans

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49435687

Apple has advised owners of its new credit card to keep it away from leather and denim. Keeping the card in a leather wallet or in the pocket of a pair of jeans could cause "permanent discolouration". The Apple Card is a relatively plain matt white credit card made of titanium, which was designed to stand out compared to other credit cards. But people have poked fun at the company after reading that the card could be so easily damaged. Apple has published a guide advising customers how to "safely store and carry" their Apple Card.


Sending this to my Apple fanboy friends lololol

Sending this to my Apple fanboy friends lololol
He-He!!

Hong Kong protests: YouTube shuts accounts over disinformation

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49443489

Google has shut down 210 channels on YouTube it said were part of a "coordinated” attempt to post material about the ongoing protests in Hong Kong. The firm said attempts had been made to "disguise the origin of these accounts and other activity commonly associated with coordinated influence operations”. The search giant linked its move to similar action taken by Twitter and Facebook earlier this week.

Airport security: 3D baggage scanners could end liquid restrictions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-49447200

All major UK airports must introduce 3D baggage screening equipment before the end of 2022, the government says. Ministers say the technology will boost security, speed up pre-boarding checks, and could end the restrictions on travelling with liquids and laptops. The equipment, similar to CT scanners used in hospitals, is already being installed at London's Heathrow Airport. It provides a clearer picture of a bag's contents, which staff can zoom in to and rotate for inspection.

Google finds 'indiscriminate iPhone attack lasting years'

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49520355

Security researchers at Google have found evidence of a “sustained effort” to hack iPhones over a period of at least two years. The attack was said to be carried out using websites which would discreetly implant malicious software to gather contacts, images and other data. Google’s analysis suggested the booby-trapped websites were said to have been visited thousands of times per week. Apple told the BBC it did not wish to comment.

Great Barrier Reef outlook very poor, Australia says

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-49520949

The Great Barrier Reef's outlook has been officially downgraded from poor to very poor due to climate change. A five-year Australian government report says rising sea temperatures thanks to human-driven global warming remain the biggest threat to the reef. Actions to save it "have never been more time critical", the report reads. Stretching over 2,300km (1,400 miles), the reef was designated a World Heritage site in 1981 for its "enormous scientific and intrinsic importance". But in recent years the reef has been increasingly damaged by warmer seas which have killed off coral and affected its long-term health.

Apple unveils iPhone 11 Pro and 'always-on' Watch

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49636387

Apple has unveiled its iPhone 11 range of handsets, which feature more cameras than before and a processor that has been updated to be faster while consuming less power.

Gay penguin couple adopt first gender neutral penguin at London aquarium

https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/10/gay-penguin-couple-adopt-first-gender-neutral-penguin-london-aquarium-10715881/

Staff have decided not to describe the Gentoo penguin as male or female because they say gender is more of a human construct. Expert Aquarists say it would be normal for it to grow up as genderless in the wild as male and female penguins look almost the same until they mature and reach adulthood. The four-month-old chick is yet to be named and will be identified with its own purple band.

New strain of toxin-producing strep A emerges in UK

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49646304

A new strain of group A streptococcus, which is able to produce significantly more toxin, is spreading in England and Wales, scientists say. Strep A causes a range of infections, from a sore throat to scarlet fever. The new strain's emergence, reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, coincides with a rise in rare but potentially deadly invasive infections. However, it does not explain the mysterious surge in scarlet fever cases during the past five years. And there is no direct evidence the new strain causes more serious infection than other strains, experts say.

Robotic surgeons set to spark 'revolution in healthcare'

https://news.sky.com/story/robotic-surgeons-set-to-spark-revolution-in-healthcare-11810158

Surgeons operating on patients while controlling robotic arms could become a new norm in hospitals. The assistance of robots in surgical rooms are predicted to transform the way operations are performed by allowing surgeries to be carried out as keyhole procedures. As the use of robotic surgery becomes more popular, an increasing number of medics are being trained in how to use them. They allow doctors to perform complex techniques using a minimally invasive approach.

Amazon Echo screen flicker angers owners

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/techno

BBC News has seen dozens of complaints about screen flickers affecting the Amazon Echo Spot and Amazon's response. One owner, in Hampshire, said his device had started to flicker 16 months after he had bought it. He was told its one-year warranty had run out and offered 15% off a new one rather than a refund or repair. Under EU law consumers must be given a minimum two-year guarantee "as a protection against faulty good or goods that don't look or work as advertised".

Amazon Alexa gets Samuel L Jackson and other celebrity voices

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49829391

Amazon has announced that its virtual assistant Alexa will soon be able to mimic the voice of the actor Samuel L Jackson among other celebrities. The firm intends to charge a fee for the feature, with each voice costing $0.99 (80p). The company has also refreshed its range of Echo speakers, adding a larger high-end version with Dolby Atmos for "3D sound". Amazon is the world's best-selling smart speaker brand.

Amazon Alexa gets Samuel L Jackson and other celebrity voices

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49829391

Amazon has announced that its virtual assistant Alexa will soon be able to mimic the voice of the actor Samuel L Jackson among other celebrities. The firm intends to charge a fee for the feature, with each voice costing $0.99 (80p). The company has also refreshed its range of Echo speakers, adding a larger high-end version with Dolby Atmos for "3D sound". Amazon is the world's best-selling smart speaker brand.


There will be an uncensored and censored version.

There will be an uncensored and censored version.
...for adults only?

Match.com and US regulators clash over fake accounts

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49652187

The owner of dating app Match.com is being sued by US regulators for allegedly tricking people into subscribing to its service. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) documents detail what it called "deception" and "unfair practices". It claims Match.com used faked responses to dating profiles to tempt people into paying. Match Inc said the FTC was making "outrageous" claims and that it would "vigorously" defend itself in court.

Spoofing emails: The trickery costing businesses billions

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49857948

The email came in like any other, from the company chief executive to his finance officer.

"Hey, the deal is done. Please wire $8m to this account to finalise the acquisition ASAP. Needs to be done before the end of the day. Thanks."

The employee thought nothing of it and sent the funds over, ticking it off his list of jobs before heading home. But alarm bells started to ring when the company that was being acquired called to ask why it had not received the money. An investigation began - $8m was most definitely sent, but where to? We will never know. Some of the money was clawed back by the banks, but most was lost to hackers who may have cashed out using an elaborate money-laundering network or simply moved on to the next victim. Meanwhile, the finance officer is left feeling terrible and the company is left scratching its head. After all, the email had come ostensibly from the boss's address and his account had not been hacked. It was left to cyber-security experts to break the bad news to the firm: emails are not to be trusted.

Microsoft bets on foldable, though not bendable, devices

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49902661

Microsoft has unveiled two folding devices, with dual touch screens, which it says will create a new category in mobile computing.

Microsoft bets on foldable, though not bendable, devices

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49902661

Microsoft has unveiled two folding devices, with dual touch screens, which it says will create a new category in mobile computing.
I bet it still breaks?

Facebook can be ordered to remove posts worldwide

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49919329

Facebook and similar apps and websites can be ordered to take down illegal posts worldwide after a landmark ruling from the EU's highest court. Platforms may also have to seek out similar examples of the illegal content and remove them, instead of waiting for each to be reported. One expert said it was a significant ruling with global implications. Facebook said the judgement raised "critical questions around freedom of expression".

Paralysed man moves in mind-reading exoskeleton

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-49907356

A man has been able to move all four of his paralysed limbs with a mind-controlled exoskeleton suit, French researchers report. Thibault, 30, said taking his first steps in the suit felt like being the "first man on the Moon". His movements, particularly walking, are far from perfect and the robo-suit is being used only in the lab. But researchers say the approach could one day improve patients' quality of life.

https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/3867/production/_109093441_clinatec_juliettetreillet.jpg

The smell of your freshly cut lawn is grass ‘screaming’ to warn other plants they’re under attack

https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/10066571/plants-scream-warning-chemical-signal/

PLANTS 'scream' when they're under attack to warn other plants that they're in danger, according to scientists. A study has found that a plant in 'pain' will release strong smelling organic compounds into the air, which other plants pick up as a sign of an imminent threat and then try to protect themselves.

I hope the link can still be read in foreign lands.