🔬 COVID sparks dormant virus reactivation, links to Long COVID

COVID-19 infection is reactivating dormant viruses in hospitalized patients, as discovered by researchers at 15 U.S. biomedical research institutions. The study analyzed data from 1,154 patients across 20 hospitals, covering a year. Researchers found 11 reactivated viruses within 40 days, with Anelloviridae linked to long-term disability. This suggests viral reactivation can happen due to inflammation, not just immune suppression, challenging current views. Future work will focus on how the immune system responds to develop better treatments.

📉 MacBook Air supply drops despite price hike

MacBook Air availability has tightened significantly across Apple's retail network. Mark Gurman reports this shortage affects several configurations, with delivery estimates extending into late August or even September. This comes shortly after Apple increased the 13-inch model price from $1,099 to $1,299. Apple is now focusing on promoting the MacBook Pro to students while warning that the Air is subject to availability. Supply chain pressure is increasing, and future RAM shortages could lead to more price hikes.

🔫 Mafia: The Old Country gets Salieri and new modes

The Man of Honor expansion for Mafia: The Old Country launches on August 14th, bringing new story chapters and Free Ride content. This update features Ennio Salieri joining Enzo Favara in Sicily, a location central to the base game. The content includes two new story chapters and new contracts, like Jobs and Challenges. Players can earn Dinari to unlock gear, including the unique Rimbalzu throwing knife. This expansion allows fans to explore earlier Mafia lore while extending gameplay replayability. 🎮

🎧 CMF Clip Pro Earbuds Drop with Cool Features

CMF by Nothing has launched the Clip Pro, a new set of budget-friendly wireless earbuds. These earbuds feature an open ear design, allowing users to hear their surroundings while listening to music. They offer up to 10 hours of playback, with the charging case extending the total life to 32.5 hours. The device supports Bluetooth 5.4 and has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. Priced at £79/$99, they launch first in the UK, US, and Japan from August 15th. 🎧

🏥 Tamil Nadu boosts healthcare spending in 2026 budget

Tamil Nadu increased its healthcare spending by about 6.6% through the State Budget on August 5, 2026. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson presented the budget, allocating ₹23,357 crore for public health initiatives. The allocation rose from ₹20,197 crore in 2024-2025 to ₹21,905 crore in 2025-2026. Key announcements include 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres and a Hub-and-Spoke cancer care system. The government plans to expand the specialized medical network to 1,000 hubs and spokes over the next five years.

🩺 Tamil Nadu boosts healthcare spending to ₹23,357 cr

Tamil Nadu has increased its healthcare spending by about 6.6% this year, allocating ₹23,357 crore for various health initiatives. The state plans to launch 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres and set up 'Thai Care' maternity support centres across the region. Cancer care will be addressed through a 'Hub-and-Spoke' medical system, starting with five zonal hospitals. The government also allocated ₹560 crore for the 'Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam' for newborns. However, the Tamil Nadu Nurses Empowerment Association expressed disappointment over the lack of benefits for healthcare staff.

✨ Tiny Dots Could Be Monster Stars 🤯

Scientists are investigating 'little red dots' observed in the early universe. These dots are hypothesized to be pulsating monster stars. Data suggests they existed around the time of the universe's formation, specifically dating back to early cosmic epochs. Their existence could be linked to the formation of early-universe black holes. Researchers plan further observations to confirm this groundbreaking theory.

🚨 Govt doctor's home burgled in Vellore

Burglars stole 45 sovereigns of gold, silver items, and ₹1.6 lakh cash from a government doctor's house. The incident happened in Sathuvachari near the Collector office on NH 48 in Vellore. The theft was reported after 70-year-old M. Ambika left for Chengalpattu on August 06, 2026. The Sathuvachari police have started an investigation, taking fingerprints and CCTV footage. Special teams have been formed by SP N.U. Sivaraman to catch the thieves.

💣 North Korean missile unit deployed in Russia for Ukraine strikes

A North Korean missile unit is being deployed to western Russia, potentially equipped with 120 ballistic missiles and six launchers for Ukraine strikes. This deployment involves around 90 North Korean personnel based in Voronezh, as stated by Ukraine's intelligence agency. Russia has used North Korean ballistic missiles against Ukraine since late 2023, with recent activity noted in August 2025. This expansion deepens the military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, which signed a defense pact in 2024. The final configuration will be decided at top-level talks next month, posing a big threat to Kyiv. 😟

😔 Himanta Sarma visits flood victim's family

Himanta Sarma visited the family of a young boy who tragically passed away. The boy lost his life while saving his pet dog during severe flooding. This incident occurred in a specific locality during the recent flood event. The family is currently dealing with the immense grief following this heartbreaking loss. Further support and aid are being extended to the affected family members moving forward.

🔬 DRDO scientist pushes for healthcare teamwork

A DRDO scientist stated that universities, hospitals, and industries must collaborate for lasting healthcare solutions. This was said by Raj Shekhar Singh at the international BioMed conference held at VIT University. The event was scheduled for three days and attracted over 480 participants from 16 different countries. He highlighted how AI-driven diagnostics are changing disease detection and treatment methods. Singh also stressed the importance of science combined with compassion for societal transformation.