🔬 Finerenone linked to higher kidney stone risk

A comparative real-world evidence study found that finerenone significantly increased the risk of incident nephrolithiasis compared to other drugs. This study utilized data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network covering June 2021 to June 2024. Finerenone showed higher hazard ratios against spironolactone, SGLT2i, and ACEi/ARB across multiple subgroups. The findings suggest that nephrolithiasis risk must be considered when treating CKD patients with finerenone. Clinicians should review this evidence to manage stone risk when prescribing these medications. 🧐

⛈️ Typhoon Saudel slams Zhejiang, travel halted

Flights and ferries are being cancelled across Zhejiang province due to the approaching Typhoon Saudel. Ningbo Lishe International Airport suspended flights from 11:30 pm on Thursday, while 90 flights were cancelled in Wenzhou and 22 in Zhoushan. The National Meteorological Centre expects Saudel to make landfall between Sanmen county and Xiapu early Friday morning to noon. If it hits Zhejiang directly, it will be the third landfall this year, matching the 2004 record. The region recently faced impacts from Typhoon Bavi and Typhoon Dolphin.

⌚ Pixel Watch needs a philosophy shift, not just better hardware

The Google Pixel Watch 5 is technically excellent, boasting features like precise haptics and good battery life. However, the reviewer feels it's too complex and pricey for the average user's needs. He argues that a stripped-down version, like a hypothetical Pixel Watch A-series, could be more practical. This budget model could potentially cost around $250 by dropping features like Gemini Intelligence. Google should focus on essentials and redesign the watch instead of repeating the same design.

🦆 Hugging Face Drops $400 Singing Robot Duck 🦆

Hugging Face has unveiled a unique, duck-like robot that is capable of both singing and skating. This new creation was developed by the company and is designed with advanced interactive features. The robot was announced with a price tag of $400, making it relatively accessible. It showcases the company's advancements in robotics and AI integration. Future plans suggest more sophisticated versions might be released soon.

😔 Iran War Reaches Costly Stalemate After Six Months

The ongoing war involving Iran has finally reached its endgame after a period of six months. This conflict involves various regional actors across the Middle East. Specific casualty and economic figures for the duration have not been released yet. The prolonged fighting has resulted in a costly stalemate for all involved parties. Future diplomatic efforts are anticipated to resolve this protracted situation. 😔

🦸‍♂️ Mukesh Khanna rejected Ranveer for Shaktimaan role

Mukesh Khanna admitted to rejecting Ranveer Singh for the Shaktimaan role, stating it was commercially unwise. This decision was made by Mukesh Khanna in a recent podcast with Subhojit Ghosh, concerning the big-screen adaptation. He revealed that he turned down offers worth crores, holding back a cheque. Mukesh felt that Ranveer's mischievous image didn't suit the positive nature of Shaktimaan's character. He insists on preserving the legacy, even if it means losing massive financial gains. 🦸‍♂️

📱 Pixel 11: Slimmer design, incremental updates

Google released the Pixel 11, which features a slimmer camera bar and a 6.3-inch display. The phone comes with a Google Tensor G6 processor and a 4,985mAh battery, starting at an $899 price. Although it is $100 more expensive than the Pixel 10, the 128GB storage option has been removed. The device includes new AI features like Magic Capture for dynamic stills. Overall, the Pixel 11 is a respectable Android phone, but lacks major standout hardware upgrades. 📱

🔬 Graphene lets soft lenses focus without moving parts

Researchers have developed a novel graphene material capable of changing the focus of soft lenses. This innovation was achieved by a team of scientists at a research lab. The material demonstrated functionality during testing on October 15, 2023. This development bypasses the need for complex mechanical components in corrective eyewear. Future research will focus on mass-producing this advanced lens technology. 🔬

🐧 Penguin bones hold secrets of old Antarctica 🐧

Scientists analyzed 55 million-year-old penguin fossils from Seymour Island, Antarctica, to uncover climate clues. Researchers from the China University of Geosciences used micro-XRF scanning on specimens dating from 55.3 to 37.7 million years old. The ancient bones reveal shifting weathering patterns and fluctuating oxygen levels as Antarctica cooled from warm to glacial stages. High titanium in the oldest fossil suggests intense weathering during the warm Early Eocene Optimum. This data shows how the continent's environment changed over tens of millions of years.

🤕 Pregnant constable attacked with iron rod in Bengaluru station

A pregnant police constable was brutally attacked with an iron rod inside the Majestic Railway Police Station in Bengaluru on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The accused, identified as Gajendra, was taken into custody by the railway police for investigation. The attack occurred around 5 a.m. when constable Shilpa was alone at the station. Reports indicate Gajendra struck her head seven to eight times, resulting in serious injuries requiring 23 stitches. Her brother alleges negligence in duty deployment, and the railway police are currently investigating the incident. 🤕

🔬 Smartphone tool helps catch Alzheimer's early

Scientists at JNCASR have developed an innovative smartphone tool to detect early signs of Alzheimer's disease. This tool was created by researchers in Bengaluru, aiming to make detection easier and cheaper for patients. The device uses a fluorescent molecule, TZ-48, to measure amyloid-beta protein buildup in samples. This reading is then processed by a smartphone app called ADxFluor, eliminating the need for expensive lab equipment. While currently tested only in mice, the team hopes this can become a low-cost screening method for humans.