Assuming the company gets permission from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), some future FedEx cargo planes may be equipped with anti-missile laser systems designed to help protect them from man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The laser systems, should they be used, would work to disrupt a missile's ability to target these cargo jets.
On January 13, President Biden gave an update on the government's plan to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests, including a timeline for when the companion website would launch. Biden said at the time that the website was on track to launch "next week," referring to the week starting on January 16, and it seems that estimate was spot-on. The online ordering portal is now live, though the public won't be able to submit their orders until later on in the week.
It seems Walmart is finally gearing up to launch its own cryptocurrency, at least based on trademark documents the retail giant filed in December 2021 with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings from Walmart related to the crypto market, but it is the most exciting development thus far.
As of January 14, Netflix in the United States now costs at least one dollar more for each of the three plans offered, meaning the company's 4K customers are now paying $20/month for the service. The company has also increased its plan prices in Canada.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published its latest mask guidance update, stating that the public can wear high-filtration respirators like N95 and KN95 masks. The agency didn't go so far as to advise the public to specifically seek out and use these respirators, though it did note that these products offer the greatest level of protection from the virus.
Physicists with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have published a new study detailing their discovery of a hybrid particle, one comprised of an electron and phonon combined together in a way that allows them to behave as a single particle. The team refers to this bond between the two particles as "glue," explaining that it is 10 times stronger than any previously discovered hybrid of this kind.
The Samsung Galaxy S22 series is expected to launch in the near future, and it'll sport a new ultra-durable material from Gorilla Glass. That's according to notorious leaker Ice Universe, who previously claimed the full S22 lineup will feature glass backs. Whereas the Galaxy S21 series features a plastic back that looks like glass, the S22 will reportedly be made with an ultra-durable Gorilla Glass material.
Smartphones and tablets are an incredible way to stay in touch with others and access the world's knowledge. They're also, at times, an annoying distraction that may break your concentration at the worst possible time or wake you up in the middle of the night with an ill-timed notification. Fortunately, there's one feature that addresses all of these issues: Do Not Disturb.
In December 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to launch an online portal through which anyone in the US can order free at-home COVID-19 tests. The new government service was revealed with an initial order of 500 million tests, a figure that will soon double, according to statements recently made by President Biden.
Many have heard of immunosuppressive drugs, which are a type of medication that suppresses the immune system, but lesser-known are immunostimulatory drugs, which stimulate the body's immune system. The latter is a potential solution for treating cancerous tumors, as the drugs trigger the immune system to attack the mutated cells. The problem? Ordinarily, such drugs could also cause the immune system to become overstimulated, attacking healthy cells with serious -- sometimes deadly -- consequences.
NASA has announced that another big asteroid will come close to Earth, relatively speaking, during its space travels. The celestial body is being monitored under the space agency's Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) center, which identifies and keeps track of large space rocks that could potentially pose a threat to our planet. Fortunately, and as with other near fly-by events, NASA says we don't have anything to worry about.
Hong Kong-based company Keychron has announced a new mechanical keyboard targeting creators and anyone who wants a high-end typing accessory that doesn't take up too much desk space. The new Keychron Q2 features a 65-percent layout, meaning you won't get a dedicated numpad, navigation keys (not to be confused with the arrow keys), or function row.