Author: Barbara T. Palmer

According to market intelligence company TrendForce, there is a prediction of lower demand for the new iPad Pro models in 2024 compared to last year. Despite the new models featuring a thinner form factor, OLED screens, and the M4 chip, total shipments are estimated to be between 4.5 to 5 million units. The lower demand could be attributed to a price increase as well as the introduction of additional accessories for the new iPad Pro models. In addition, the launch of the 13-inch iPad Air is also expected to impact the demand for the latest iPad Pro models. Apple is…

In a stunning turn of events, the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals with a resounding 106-80 victory. With this win, the Timberwolves now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the series, putting the defending champions on the brink of elimination. From the opening tip-off, it was clear that the Timberwolves were the superior team on the court. The Nuggets struggled to keep up with their opponents and Head Coach Michael Malone did not mince words in criticizing his team’s lackluster effort after the game. NBA analyst Charles Barkley went even further,…

The Indiana Pacers faced a tough loss in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Despite leading for most of the game, the Pacers fell short in the final minutes, losing 121-117. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 23 points, while Pascal Siakam added 19. The bench also made significant contributions, with T.J. McConnell scoring 18 points and Obi Toppin adding 12. However, it was not enough to overcome the explosive performance from Jalen Brunson, who scored 43 points for the Knicks, with support from Josh Hart who contributed 24 points, 13…

A new study challenging previous research on the intelligence of Tyrannosaurus rex has ignited a debate among scientists at Vanderbilt University and Heinrich Heine University. Lead by Vanderbilt neuroscientist Suzana Herculano-Houzel, the study compared the brain size of T. rex to that of primates, suggesting a more holistic approach to assessing the intelligence of extinct animals. However, Heinrich Heine University’s Kai Caspar, the lead author of the new study, claims that dinosaur brains were actually comparable in size to living reptiles. The disagreement between Herculano-Houzel and Caspar highlights the challenges in estimating brain size and neuron count in dinosaur fossils.…

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nature, scientists have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of a rare genetic disorder called Timothy syndrome. Dr. Sergiu Pasca and his team at Stanford University have successfully restored brain cells impaired by the syndrome using an antisense oligonucleotide drug. Timothy syndrome is caused by a mutation in the CACNA1C gene, which affects the flow of calcium ions in and out of cells, leading to various cognitive and physical impairments. Over the course of 15 years, Dr. Pasca’s team has been studying how this mutation impacts brain cells and have now…

Zendaya’s latest film “Challengers” made a splash at the box office this past weekend, bringing in $15 million from 3,477 theaters. The romantic tennis drama, which marks Zendaya’s first leading role in a feature film, has been praised by critics for its gripping storyline and powerful performances. What set “Challengers” apart from other recent releases was its wide nationwide release by MGM Amazon Studios, rather than a platform release. This decision paid off, as the film was able to reach a broader audience, including Zendaya’s dedicated fan base who may not be subscribers to Amazon’s Prime streaming service. The film…

Escape from Tarkov developer Battlestate faces controversy over exclusive PvE mode Battlestate, the developer of the popular game Escape from Tarkov, recently came under fire for locking an exclusive Player vs Environment (PvE) mode behind a €300 Unheard Edition. This move initially sparked backlash from the gaming community, as the PvE mode was not considered a downloadable content (DLC), raising questions about promises made to Edge of Darkness edition owners. In response to the criticism, Battlestate clarified that the PvE mode required separate network infrastructure and resources, which led to the decision to eventually make it available to all Edge…

Students across the United States have taken to the streets to protest the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, demanding that schools cut financial ties with Israel and divest from companies supporting the conflict. However, some of these protests have taken a troubling turn, with incidents of antisemitism leading to the shutdown of encampments at universities like Northeastern in Boston and MIT. Despite these setbacks, students at other universities, including University of Pennsylvania and Columbia, have remained defiant in their calls for action. The campus protests have sparked nationwide arrests and faculty votes of no confidence in university leadership at institutions in California,…

Ellen DeGeneres Opens Up About Controversy in Stand-Up Set In a candid and introspective stand-up set at Largo on Thursday, Ellen DeGeneres addressed her recent fall from grace in the public eye. The comedian openly joked about being “kicked out of show business” as she delved into the toxic workplace allegations that led to the end of her long-running daytime series. Acknowledging the immense backlash she faced, DeGeneres admitted to becoming the “most hated person in America” after the allegations surfaced. She spoke about the toll the controversy had on her ego and self-esteem, drawing parallels to the backlash she…

Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) Soars After-Hours on Strong Quarterly Results Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) stock saw a significant surge in after-hours trading, jumping as much as 13% after the tech giant reported quarterly results that surpassed revenue and earnings estimates. The company also announced a cash dividend program of $0.20 per share and approved stock repurchases of up to $70 billion. CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the strong performance in key areas such as Search, YouTube, and Cloud, which he believes positions the company well for future AI innovation. Revenue, excluding traffic acquisition costs, rose by 16% from the same period last year…