Science and Technology

Custard powder, a cherished kitchen essential for making smooth desserts, is not typically linked with peril. Its sugary and gentle nature doesn’t reveal the risks it might possess. Yet, in specific situations, this everyday cooking item can be unexpectedly volatile. Although this might seem overstated, the occurrence is grounded in clear scientific concepts related to powdered materials and ignition.Initially, custard powder appears benign—a soft, pale-yellow powder that transforms milk and sugar into a soothing treat. However, this apparently harmless material has a surprising aspect. Similar to numerous powdered substances, custard powder may catch fire and potentially explode if it becomes…

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, was hit by significant outages on Monday, with Musk attributing the disruptions to a large-scale cyberattack. The outages, which were reported globally, left thousands of users unable to access the platform, sparking widespread frustration and speculation over the cause. Musk claimed that the attack originated from IP addresses linked to Ukraine, though specifics regarding the alleged incident remain unclear.“We’re still investigating the situation,” Musk said during an interview with Fox Business on Monday afternoon. “It appears to have been a coordinated cyberattack aimed at destabilizing the X platform, with traffic…

The New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has partnered with Google for a groundbreaking pilot project designed to enhance the dependability of its outdated subway network. Utilizing Google's smartphone technology, this initiative aims to detect and resolve track problems proactively to prevent service interruptions. Called "TrackInspect," the program marks a major advancement in incorporating artificial intelligence and contemporary technology into public transportation.The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City has teamed up with Google in an innovative pilot project aimed at improving the reliability of its aging subway system. By leveraging Google’s smartphone technology, the initiative seeks to…

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule has successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), bringing relief to NASA's astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck on the station for more than nine months. Initially planned as an eight-day mission, they ended up spending almost a year in space due to issues with the experimental Boeing Starliner spacecraft that carried them there.A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), bringing relief to Nasa astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stranded aboard the station for over nine months. Originally scheduled for…

This week, the forefront of China's AI sector has once again advanced with two significant milestones capturing attention. On Thursday, Alibaba unveiled its newest AI reasoning system, QwQ-32B, asserting it surpasses both the economical model of OpenAI and the esteemed DeepSeek-R1 from the local startup, DeepSeek. This revelation underscores China's expanding proficiency in AI technology, occurring just a day after the launch of Manus, a versatile AI agent adept at executing intricate, multi-phase assignments.China’s artificial intelligence industry continues to push the boundaries of innovation, with two major developments making headlines this week. On Thursday, Alibaba introduced its latest AI reasoning…

YouTube, the biggest platform for video sharing worldwide, marks its 20th anniversary this year. Starting in 2005 as a place for amateur video makers, it's transformed into a global powerhouse, now competing with traditional entertainment industries. Currently, YouTube positions itself as the “new Hollywood,” with professional content makers and influencers attracting huge audiences, often overshadowing film studios and television networks. For instance, in 2024, the platform’s top creator, MrBeast, garnered 762 million views on one video—almost equivalent to the total number of cinema tickets sold across the US and Canada in that year.However, beneath this slick and commercial facade exists…