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Chinese researchers plan on fighting asteroid apocalypse with rockets

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Chinese researchers want to send more than 20 of the country’s largest rockets to practise deflecting asteroids away from earth

A group of Chinese researchers want to send rockets into space to practise deflecting asteroids. The researchers say the technique may become crucial in the future if an asteroid ever goes on a collision course towards earth.

China isn’t the first country to trial using rockets to prevent asteroids from plummeting into earth. The US’ NASA also plans to launch a robotic spacecraft to intercept two asteroids late this year.

Our first attempt at changing the trajectory of a celestial body

The rocket will take about a year to crash-land on the asteroids. The aim is to see how much the asteroids’ trajectory changes.

Researchers at China’s National Space Science Center found that launching enough rockets at a large asteroid could alter its path. To be exact, 23 rockets could deflect a large asteroid from its original path by a distance 1.4 times the Earth’s radius.

Field view of Bennu’s surface from a NASA spacecraft. Credits: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona

Asteroids larger than 1km would have global consequences

Their calculations are based on a huge asteroid orbiting the sun called Bennu. Scientists have classified Bennu as being large enough to cause ‘regional or continental damage‘.

Current estimates show there is roughly a 1% chance a 100-metre-wide asteroid would strike Earth in the next 100 years, said Professor Gareth Collins at Imperial College London.

“Something the size of Bennu colliding is about 10 times less likely,” Collins said.

The ‘Bennu’ asteroid.

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Apple’s upcoming product rumours and expectations

Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this Wednesday.

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Apple to unveil new iPhone SE 4, possibly named iPhone 16E, along with other products this week.

In Short

Apple will launch its first major product of 2025 this Wednesday, likely the iPhone SE 4. Other products such as a refreshed MacBook Air and an iPad with upgraded chips may also be announced, while some anticipated releases are delayed.

CEO Tim Cook announced the event via Twitter last week. Industry speculation suggests that the new product could be the iPhone SE 4, possibly rebranded as the iPhone 16E.

Apple

Expectations include a 6.1-inch OLED display, USB-C charging, a 48MP rear camera, and Face ID. This model will reportedly feature Apple’s first in-house 5G modem.

Cook referred to the new release as “the newest member of the family,” fuelling speculation about its naming. Other products may be announced, including a refreshed MacBook Air with an M4 chip, and an iPad 11th generation featuring the A17 Pro chip.

An iPad Air with the M3 chip and a new Magic Keyboard is also possible, although these may launch later in the spring.

However, some anticipated products will not debut this week. AirTag 2 is expected in mid-2025 with enhanced features, and a new smart home hub, known as ‘HomePad’, may release later than initially planned.

Additionally, the M4 Ultra Mac Studio and Mac Pro are not expected until the WWDC this summer. For updated information and products, readers can explore items such as MagSafe wallets and wireless charging stands available on Amazon.

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Meta initiates layoffs, prioritizing AI focus, efficiency

Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

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Meta begins layoffs targeting low performers, aiming to trim 5% of workforce for AI investment amidst industry-wide efficiency drive.

In Short

Meta is laying off about 4,000 employees, or 5% of its workforce, as part of a shift towards AI and greater efficiency. This move, part of a broader trend in Big Tech, has raised employee fears about job security and a culture of fear under CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Meta has initiated significant layoffs, impacting thousands as the company pivots towards AI investment and efficiency.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg aims to eliminate around 5% of the workforce, equating to nearly 4,000 employees. This decision aligns with a broader trend among Big Tech firms to streamline operations after extensive hiring during the pandemic.

Reports indicate employee anxiety regarding these changes, with some claiming a culture of fear under Zuckerberg’s leadership. Concerns include the potential reputational damage for employees laid off under performance-based criteria.

Affected workers in the US will receive severance packages, including 16 weeks of pay plus additional compensation based on service length. Nonetheless, some employees fear that innocent parties could face cuts to meet corporate quotas, hindering workplace morale.

The layoff strategy will target employees receiving low performance ratings, with management instructed to identify up to 15% eligible for cuts. Notifications will occur across different time zones to affected employees via email, with access to company systems revoked shortly thereafter.

European employees in specific countries will follow local regulations, which may alter the process.

As part of restructuring, Meta is consolidating teams, particularly merging Facebook and Messenger groups. The Reality Labs division is being realigned with the main business to reverse previous organizational changes.

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Breakthrough app detects sleep issues in the blink of an eye

OptAlert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

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Optalert launches free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues, utilising AI to screen for obstructive sleep apnea with high accuracy.

In Short

Australian company Optalert has launched a free iPhone app, Owl Eye, that detects sleep issues by analysing users’ blink patterns and screening for obstructive sleep apnea with 96.6% accuracy. The app is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for wider release.

Australian company Optalert has introduced a free iPhone test for detecting sleep issues.

The app differs from traditional sleep trackers by assessing users while awake, requiring only ten minutes to complete.

It focuses primarily on screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and is backed by data from leading Australian sleep laboratories.

An AI-based algorithm, developed from this data, classifies individuals with a remarkable 96.6% accuracy regarding OSA.

Optalert is currently pursuing regulatory certification to operate as a medical device across various regions, including the US, Europe, and China.

The app functions by analysing users’ blink patterns during a concentration task facilitated by the iPhone’s camera, disregarding video content to ensure privacy.

This technology helps identify impairment due to insufficient oxygen during sleep.

Those receiving a positive result can seek further diagnosis and treatment for their sleep issues.

The app, named Owl Eye, is currently available on the Apple App Store in Australia and New Zealand, with plans to expand its reach shortly.

Paul Zubrinich, Chief Marketing Officer of Optalert provides his involvement with the app and shares insights on the technology behind Owl Eye.

In the broader context of sleep technology, the trend indicates increasing accessibility to personal health data previously confined to clinical settings, promising advancements in sleep health.

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