Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz reveal a significant $2 million fee paid by a tanker operator for transit through an Iranian corridor. Iran's parliament is considering formal tolls for vessels, amid rising gas prices in the U.S., particularly California, where prices soared to $8.21 per gallon. The maritime traffic through the strait has significantly decreased amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.
Tommy Thompson, the deep-sea engineer who discovered the SS Central America wreck, was released on March 4, 2026, after over a decade in federal prison for civil contempt. He refused to disclose the location of 500 gold coins valued at approximately $2.5 million. Questions about the coins' whereabouts and investor compensation remain unresolved.
Finnish universities are exploring wireless power transmission through various methods, but claims of a significant breakthrough are exaggerated. The most notable experiment, involving ultrasonic spark guidance, does not enable usable power transfer. Aalto University's wireless charging shows promise, yet overall, the research is still nascent and limited to niche applications.
Japanese researchers initiated Phase I human trials of a tooth-regrowing drug, TRG-035, at Kyoto University Hospital in October 2024, targeting USAG-1 protein inhibition. With 30 participants, the trials aim for commercial readiness by 2030. While promising, experts caution that significant challenges remain before widespread availability.
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• The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization on January 22, 2026, one year after President Trump signed Executive Order...
Alphabet has reached a $4 trillion market valuation, joining Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple. The company's stock rose significantly after Apple announced a partnership to utilize Google's Gemini AI models for its services. Alphabet's strong performance has been bolstered by advancements in AI technology and growth in its cloud business, surpassing Apple in market capitalization.
Warner Music Group settled its copyright lawsuit against Suno, marking the first major label partnership with the AI company, which has secured $250 million in funding. Meanwhile, Universal Music Group and Sony Music continue litigation against Suno for alleged copyright infringement, raising discussions on the future of AI in music.
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• China's first atomic quantum computer, Hanyuan-1, has entered commercial use with orders exceeding 40 million yuan ($5.6 million), according to the South...
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• Around 10,000 protesters gathered outside Lithuania's parliament on December 9, according to police estimates reported by LRT and Bloomberg via Baltic News...
