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Showing articles 1 - 15 of 379 total (matching filters).

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  tech 4

  Why Are Some Women Training for Pregnancy Like It’s a Marathon?

  (Backchannel Latest / 2026-02-04 11:00)

  A woman spent three years intensely preparing for pregnancy by overhauling her lifestyle and environment, including dietary changes, extensive supplement regimens, and removing potential toxins from her home. This reflects a broader cultural trend where the wellness and biohacking movement has expanded into a rigorous "preconception" or "zero trimester" phase, promoted heavily on social media.

  The trend is driven by influencers and experts targeting the "Trying to Conceive" demographic with content promising an easier pregnancy and healthier baby through specific wellness formulas. This has created a booming online space where curated content advocates for taking extreme control over one's health before conception.

  The main topics covered are preconception health optimization, the influence of social media and wellness culture on pregnancy planning, and the lifestyle changes and industry surrounding the "TTC" demographic.

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  tech 6

  Public Health Workers Are Quitting Over Assignments to Guantánamo

  (Backchannel Latest / 2026-02-06 11:00)

  A US Public Health Service nurse, Rebekah Stewart, was deployed to provide medical care at a Trump administration immigration detention operation at Guantánamo Bay, which is being used to hold noncitizens. Health officers described treating detainees in harsh, prison-like conditions at the base, with many detainees having no criminal record and being considered low-risk.

  The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has led to record detention numbers, creating a new demand for public health officers at facilities like Guantánamo and ICE detention centers. This has caused a moral crisis for some medical professionals, leading several, including Stewart and colleague Dena Bushman, to resign from their dream jobs rather than participate in what they view as a humanitarian crisis.

  Main topics: Use of Guantánamo Bay for immigrant detention, conditions at the facility, the role and moral dilemmas of US Public Health Service officers, and resignations in protest.

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  tech 5

  AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead low-altitude economy

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-08 06:30)

  AutoFlight has unveiled the Matrix, a five-tonne eVTOL aircraft it claims is the world's largest, capable of carrying 10 passengers or heavy cargo. The debut comes as China's government is actively establishing regulatory standards for the domestic eVTOL industry, targeting comprehensive rules by 2030.

  The company is part of a competitive Chinese eVTOL sector and is currently focused on cargo, though it sees strong future potential in passenger transport. The industry-wide push is part of China's broader strategy to develop and lead the emerging "low-altitude economy."

  The main topics covered are: the unveiling of AutoFlight's large eVTOL aircraft, the competitive landscape of China's eVTOL industry, and the Chinese government's regulatory efforts to standardize the sector.

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  tech 6

  M&A market ‘firing on all cylinders’, headed for record year, Citigroup says

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-09 03:30)

  The global mergers and acquisitions market is poised for a potential record year, driven by strong economic fundamentals and ample capital. Artificial intelligence is cited as the dominant theme, with its long-term relevance expected to fuel deal activity despite short-term market volatility. A recent major data center deal in Singapore exemplifies the ongoing transaction flow, particularly in AI-related infrastructure.

  The main topics covered are the robust outlook for the M&A market, the central role of artificial intelligence in driving deals, and an example of a significant recent transaction.

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  tech 6

  ByteDance’s new model sparks stock rally as China’s AI video battle escalates

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-09 10:30)

  ByteDance's new AI video generation model, Seedance 2.0, is in beta and impressing early users with its cinematic realism, smooth camera work, and improved visual consistency. The announcement sparked a stock rally for several Chinese media and AI firms, with shares in companies like Huace Media and Perfect World seeing significant gains.

  The model supports multimodal input—using text, images, audio, or video to generate content—making sophisticated video production more accessible. Testers have praised its ability to create lifelike characters and offer precise control over editing, blurring the line between AI-generated and real video.

  The main topics covered are the launch and capabilities of Seedance 2.0, its impact on financial markets, and the ensuing debate about AI's evolving role in filmmaking and content creation.

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  tech 6

  Pony AI and Toyota roll out mass-produced robotaxis in China’s autonomous drive push

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-09 12:28)

  Pony AI, in collaboration with Toyota, has begun mass production of robotaxis in China, with 1,000 units planned for this year. The joint venture aims to expand its total fleet to over 3,000 autonomous vehicles across Chinese and international markets by the end of 2026.

  This partnership combines Pony AI's self-driving technology with Toyota's manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to scale commercial robotaxi operations. Analysts note this model of integrating a tech provider with a major automaker is accelerating the deployment of autonomous cabs in urban areas.

  The main topics covered are the launch and scaling of robotaxi production, the strategic partnership between Pony AI and Toyota, and the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in cities.

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  tech 4

  Chinese vacuum maker using Temu’s playbook dreams big with Super Bowl debut

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-09 14:20)

  Chinese appliance maker Dreame debuted a commercial for its robot vacuums during the Super Bowl, following a marketing playbook used by other Chinese companies like Temu and Top Games to break into the US market.

  Company executives state the high-profile ad signals a long-term commitment to the US market, aiming to build Dreame into a trusted household name through innovation tailored to American consumers.

  The strategy appears effective, with Dreame's CEO reporting a 189% year-over-year revenue increase in the market for 2025.

  The main topics covered are Dreame's Super Bowl marketing strategy, its growth in the US market, and the precedent set by other Chinese firms using similar high-visibility advertising.

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  tech 4

  Before the factory floor, the dance floor: humanoids find a path to market at US$145

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-10 00:00)

  A Chinese company is trialing a service to rent humanoid robots for entertainment at events like parties and holidays for 999 yuan (US$145) per 90-minute session. The service, offered by the platform Botshare and featuring robots from maker Agibot, provides programmed performances including dancing and skits in several major Chinese cities. This represents an early commercial pathway for humanoid robots, focusing on entertainment, as their anticipated large-scale industrial applications are still developing.

  The main topics covered are the commercial rental of humanoid robots for entertainment, the specific service and pricing offered by Botshare and Agibot, and the strategic shift towards near-term entertainment applications over longer-term industrial uses.

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  tech 5

  China calls on delivery, ride-hailing firms to respect gig-worker rights ahead of holiday

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-10 02:37)

  Chinese regulators summoned 16 major platform and logistics firms, including Meituan, Alibaba, and Didi Chuxing, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday. The government directed these companies to improve labor management and safeguard the rights of the country's vast gig workforce.

  Separately, Alibaba's ride-hailing service, Amap, was summoned over issues like rate suppression and inadequate driver support. Authorities urged Amap to strengthen care for drivers and improve working conditions during the holiday period.

  The main topics covered are government intervention with gig economy platforms, the protection of gig workers' rights ahead of a major holiday, and specific regulatory actions against a ride-hailing service.

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  tech 5

  Indonesia telco chief warns of ‘digital colonisation’, backs China’s open-source AI

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-10 15:00)

  Indonesian telecommunications executives have warned of "digital colonisation" and stressed the importance of localisation and digital sovereignty in AI adoption. This emphasis comes as major Chinese AI cloud providers, like Huawei and Alibaba Cloud, seek to compete with U.S. rivals in fast-growing Southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia.

  Chinese companies are promoting their open-source AI models as being better suited for customization to local conditions compared to closed-source alternatives. The remarks were made during a panel on China-Indonesia AI cooperation at a conference in Jakarta.

  The main topics covered are digital sovereignty, AI localisation, and the competition between Chinese and U.S. tech firms in Southeast Asia's AI market.

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  tech 5

  RFK Jr. Says Americans Need More Protein. His Grok-Powered Food Website Disagrees

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-10 20:30)

  A new public health campaign, promoted via a Super Bowl ad and the website Realfood.gov, encourages increased protein consumption based on updated government dietary guidelines. The guidelines recommend 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, a shift from previous advice, and are framed as ending a "war on protein."

  The AI chatbot Grok, which the campaign directs people to for advice, provided varying protein recommendations; it initially cited the older standard but aligned with the new guidelines when exercise habits were specified. Nutrition experts note that while the higher targets can benefit active individuals, the broad messaging lacks nuance and may not apply to sedentary people.

  The campaign's emphasis on animal protein, including beef, contrasts with Grok's advice and conventional health guidance, which prioritize plant-based proteins and fish while recommending limits on red and processed meats.

  Main topics: New government dietary guidelines promoting protein, the use of AI (Grok) for dietary advice, expert analysis of the guidelines' appropriateness, and the contrast between campaign messaging and established nutritional science.

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  tech 4

  The Physics Behind the Quadruple Axel, the Most Difficult Jump in Figure Skating

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-10 20:45)

  A new biomechanics study has identified that achieving greater vertical height is a crucial, previously underemphasized factor for successfully performing the extremely difficult quadruple axel jump in figure skating. The research analyzed competition footage and found skaters aimed for significantly more height on quad axel attempts compared to triple axels, providing the necessary air time to complete the four-and-a-half rotations.

  The article explains the quad axel's unique difficulty due to its forward takeoff and high rotation count, and notes its high value in the current scoring system. The findings update previous scientific theories and offer insights for training strategies, though mastering the jump remains an exceptional challenge.

  The main topics covered are the biomechanics of the quadruple axel jump, its scoring importance in figure skating, and the specific kinematic strategies required for its execution.

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  tech 5

  China’s SMIC expects flat revenue as drop in low-end orders offsets AI chip growth

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-11 03:13)

  SMIC, China's largest contract chipmaker, expects flat revenue for the first quarter as declining orders for low-end products, like smartphones, offset strong demand for AI chips. The company reported annual revenue and profit growth for 2025, but its profit still fell short of analyst estimates. SMIC's leadership stated they are positioned to address market demands to drive future growth in 2026.

  The main topics covered are SMIC's financial performance, its flat revenue outlook due to shifting market demand between low-end and AI chips, and its role in China's semiconductor self-reliance efforts.

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  tech 6

  Capital injection: China backs AI drug makers in self-reliance drive

  (Big Tech - South China Morning Post / 2026-02-11 06:00)

  The Chinese government is directing significant investment into domestic AI-driven pharmaceutical companies as part of a broader push for technological self-reliance. A key example is Hangzhou-based METiS TechBio, which secured substantial state-linked funding and has developed China's first AI-designed drug candidate to reach Phase III clinical trials.

  The company plans to seek regulatory approval in China this year and is considering a Hong Kong IPO. This activity highlights Beijing's strategic effort to build an independent biotech ecosystem by financing innovative firms in the sector.

  The main topics covered are: Chinese government investment in AI drug discovery, the progress of a specific company (METiS TechBio), and the national drive for biotech self-reliance.

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  tech 5

  Astronomers Are Closing In on the Kuiper Belt’s Secrets

  (Science Latest / 2026-02-11 10:00)

  The Kuiper Belt, a distant region of frozen debris beyond Neptune, is a largely pristine relic of the early solar system containing thousands of cataloged objects. New observatories, especially the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, are expected to dramatically increase discoveries and provide a more complete census of this frontier.

  This influx of data may answer major questions, including the existence of hidden planets, the belt's full extent, and the history of planetary migrations. For instance, peculiar structures within the belt, like a "kernel" of objects at 44 AU, may be evidence of Neptune's turbulent outward migration billions of years ago.

  Main topics: The Kuiper Belt's nature and significance; upcoming observational advances from new telescopes; key unresolved scientific questions about the solar system's history and structure.