The recent health care ransomware attack on UnitedHealth Group’s subsidiary, Change Healthcare, has shed light on the alarming repercussions of a basic security oversight. The cybercriminals behind the attack exploited the absence of multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all systems, despite the sensitive patient data entrusted to the subsidiary. This oversight is akin to leaving the
Technology
In a shocking turn of events, a US high school principal found himself at the center of a controversy fueled by a fabricated audio clip. The clip, created using artificial intelligence by a disgruntled staff member, led to accusations of racism and anti-Semitism against the principal. This incident highlighted the ease with which AI and
As the world gears up for the Paris Olympic Games, there is a group of warriors diligently training in the shadows – the cybersecurity engineers. Similar to Olympic athletes, these cyberwarriors are undergoing intense preparation for the grand event. They are utilizing the expertise of friendly hackers to probe their defenses, akin to boxers sparring
The He Lab at Carnegie Mellon University has been at the forefront of research aimed at developing noninvasive alternatives to traditional invasive brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). In a groundbreaking study published in PNAS Nexus, the lab showcased the remarkable capabilities of noninvasive BCIs by demonstrating that individuals could control the continuous tracking of a moving object
The development of a first-ever stretchy electronic skin by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin has opened up new opportunities in the field of robotics and beyond. This innovative e-skin is designed to provide robots and devices with the softness and touch sensitivity akin to human skin, allowing them to perform tasks that
In the quest to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, it has become clear that simply electrifying various sectors of the economy is not enough. While converting personal vehicles and heating systems to run on electricity generated from renewable sources is a step in the right direction, there are certain sectors that cannot be decarbonized, such as
The conflict between the use of land for sustainable energy production and traditional agricultural practices has become a pressing issue in today’s world. As the demand for renewable energy sources increases, finding ways to integrate solar panels and agricultural production has become a topic of discussion in both cultural products and academic research. Agrivoltaics, which
Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of Tesla, recently met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, where they discussed the importance of “win-win” cooperation between the U.S. and China. Premier Li praised Tesla’s operations in China as a successful example of economic collaboration, highlighting the need for more partnership between the two countries. Political
In recent years, the decline of natural pollinators has raised concerns about the future of food security. With the extinction of various animal species that play a crucial role in pollination, the growth of fruits, vegetables, and seeds is being threatened on a global scale. This has led to the development of alternative pollination approaches,
In the realm of renewable energy, there has been a growing focus on improving the efficiency and stability of solar cells. One of the emerging technologies that has garnered significant attention is organic solar cells based on perovskite materials. These cells offer various advantages over traditional silicon-based solar cells, including lower fabrication costs, greater flexibility,
Chemistry has long been associated with the image of colorful liquids in beakers, flasks, and test tubes in laboratories. However, the field of chemistry extends far beyond this traditional perception. At the Critical Materials Innovation (CMI) Hub, scientists are revolutionizing chemical extraction processes by utilizing mechanochemistry. This innovative approach involves the use of mechanical forces
As contract talks between the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Daimler Truck reach a critical point, around 7,200 workers in three southern US states are on the verge of going on strike. The current labor contract is set to expire at midnight on Friday, leaving workers who manufacture long-haul trucks and buses in a state