Author: OMN AI

Researchers confirmed that Yersinia pestis triggered the Justinian Plague, the world’s first recorded pandemic 1,500 years ago. Scientists traced the bacterium to its epicentre for the first time, solving a centuries-old medical mystery. Ancient DNA Links Deadly Bacterium to Outbreak Archaeologists uncovered traces of Yersinia pestis in a mass grave beneath Jerash’s ruins in Jordan. Researchers used DNA analysis on eight teeth from the grave, confirming the bacterium’s presence between 550 and 660 AD. Lead author Rays HY Jiang said the findings finally provided hard biological evidence long absent from historical accounts. Pandemic Devastated Byzantine Empire The Justinian Plague began…

A simple cheek-swab test can identify children at risk of a potentially fatal heart condition up to five years before traditional diagnosis, according to new research. The condition, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM), is typically genetic and is responsible for over 10% of sudden cardiac deaths in children. ACM arises from abnormalities in proteins connecting heart cells, disrupting both the structure and electrical activity of the heart. Often, it develops silently and can strike without warning. Researchers from Great Ormond Street Hospital and St George’s, University of London discovered that these protein abnormalities can also be detected in the lining of the…

Shares of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD dropped by as much as 8% on Monday. The fall came after the company revealed weaker earnings, squeezed by an escalating battle over prices in the auto market. Quarterly results disappoint investors On Friday, BYD reported net profit of 6.4bn yuan ($900m; £660m) for April to June. That was 30% lower than the same period last year. The company admitted that aggressive discounting among EV brands had weighed heavily on the sector. Rivals intensify the fight The Shenzhen-based manufacturer faces mounting competition from Nio, XPeng, and Tesla. All have slashed prices to attract…

European leaders gathered at the White House and highlighted Ukraine’s security as a critical issue for the whole continent. They expressed measured optimism that US President Donald Trump might gain momentum in fulfilling his campaign pledge to end Russia’s invasion. Leaders from France, Germany, Finland, Italy, and the UK, joined by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and NATO chief Mark Rutte, displayed solidarity with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the meeting as progress marked by a “real sense of unity.” Ursula von der Leyen emphasized collective work toward “a lasting and…

An Australian court has fined airline giant Qantas 90 million Australian dollars for unlawful sackings during the Covid-19 crisis. The company had dismissed more than 1,800 ground staff in 2020. Australia’s Transport Workers’ Union welcomed the decision. It called the fine the largest in history for breaches of industrial relations law. Court delivers a clear warning Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said the penalty must serve as real deterrence. He stressed that employers must know such conduct has consequences. Qantas accepted the ruling and announced it will pay the fine. The company admitted it caused harm to its workers. “We…

Chocolate can take on many flavors – from fruity and floral to strong and bitter. Now scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the fermentation of cocoa beans. An international team led by Prof. David Salt from the University of Nottingham studied beans from three regions in Colombia and showed how specific microbes active during fermentation play a decisive role in shaping the final taste of chocolate. Nine microbes as the “secret ingredient” While beans from Santander and Huila developed fruity and floral notes during fermentation, those from Antioquia lacked these aromas due to a different microbial community. Through genetic…

Apology Issued Following Outcry Swiss watchmaker Swatch has removed an advertisement after widespread criticism in China. The ad featured an Asian male model pulling the corners of his eyes, which many viewers deemed racially insensitive. Online Backlash and Calls for Boycott Social media users on Instagram and China’s Weibo condemned the gesture as offensive. Despite Swatch’s apology, some continued to call for boycotts of Swatch Group brands, including Blancpain, Longines, and Tissot. A popular Weibo influencer accused the company of “racism against Chinese” and urged regulatory action. Swatch Responds The company stated that the ad had been deleted globally and…

Google and NASA collaborate on an AI system called the “Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant” to manage astronaut health during missions. The tool enables astronauts and Earth-based medical crews to diagnose and treat symptoms instantly in space. It also equips flight surgeons, specialists in space medicine, with predictive analytics and data to guide critical decisions. Early testing produced reliable diagnoses based on symptoms, and Google now works with doctors to refine the model. The system becomes vital when astronauts face limited communication with Earth, offering detailed diagnoses and treatment options. Google emphasized its growing importance as NASA prepares for longer…

A US senator has launched a probe into Meta. A leaked internal document reportedly showed that the company’s artificial intelligence allowed “sensual” and “romantic” conversations with children. Confidential standards revealed Reuters reported the document was titled “GenAI: Content Risk Standards.” Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican, described its contents as “reprehensible and outrageous.” He demanded access to the entire paper and a list of the affected products. Meta denied the claims. A spokesperson said: “The examples and notes in question were erroneous and inconsistent with our policies.” They stressed Meta had “clear rules” for chatbot responses. These rules “prohibit content that…