Science and Technology

Brazil launches AI supercomputer push while balancing US and Chinese tech

The government has announced investments of about 2.3 billion reais ($444.2m) to bolster its AI ecosystem.

01:50

From: NewsFeed

Humanoid robots take centre stage in China-US tech race

Humanoid robots are at the forefront of China’s race for technological supremacy at Beijing’s World Robot Conference.

Moderna, Merck unveil mRNA-based cancer vaccine that cuts spread

Moderna’s mRNA vaccine Intismeran shows promise, reducing melanoma recurrence and spread in late-stage trials.

EXPLAINER

Why extreme heat is much more dangerous for the elderly than we realised

Human heat tolerance limits are lower than previously thought, and age is a major risk, Stanford researchers say.

EXPLAINER

Meta lawsuits: Is social media facing a global legal reckoning?

Meta battles legal challenges in the US, Europe and beyond over platform design and its impact on younger users.

25:00

From: The Bottom Line

Why are sandwiches more regulated than AI?

Futurist Max Tegmark wonders why sandwiches are more regulated than artificial intelligence in the US.

A firefighter cuts a fire break along Coast Ridge Road to help control the Timber Fire in Big Sur, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

A firefighter cuts a break along the Coast Ridge Road to help control the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on August 13 [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

firefighters face flames during the night

Firefighters hike up Castro Canyon while fighting the Timber Fire in Big Sur, California, on August 13. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

smoke billows from the forest during a fire in Big Sur

Smoke from the Timber Fire was seen pouring out of Grimes Creek and has blanketed the nearby coastal mountains. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

firefighters look on as smoke emerges from a treeline

Since the Timber Fire started on August 8, crews have attempted to clear dry brush from its path. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

Firefighters hike out after cutting a fire break along Coast Ridge Road to help control the Timber Fire in Big Sur, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

The cause of the Timber Fire is not yet known, but wildfires can erupt for a range of reasons, from human activity to lightning strikes. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

A fire crew stands on Coast Ridge Road as the Timber Fire burns in Big Sur, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Nic Coury)

Fire crews from California have been deployed not only across the state but also to fires in areas like Oregon and Washington, as the western US deals with hot, dry weather. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

a firefighter uses a hose to extinguish a spot fire

The Timber Fire threatens 503 structures in the area in and around Big Sur, California, according to Cal Fire. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

Roughly 1,811 personnel, 192 engines and nine helicopters have been assigned to the Timber Fire as of Saturday. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

a fire vehicle on a road surrounded by burnt landscape

Emergency vehicles responding to the Timber Fire must navigate the steep cliffs and narrow roads of the Big Sur region. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

a bulldozer cuts a fire break through vegetation

A bulldozer on August 13 cuts fire break near Coast Ridge Road in an attempt to stop the progression of the Timber Fire. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]

While blazes like the Timber Fire burn, labour unions have warned of the stress that federal staffing and resource cuts place on firefighters. [Nic Coury/AP Photo]