🧬 Genes might explain why your back hurts

Genetic changes could cause back pain by triggering the breakdown of the spine's shock absorbers. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Bristol studied zebrafish to understand this process. The study, published in Communications Biology, revealed spinal hardening in zebrafish lacking a specific gene. This points to phosphate handling and fat metabolism as promising future drug targets for IVDD. This research brings new hope for the 9.5 million people in the U.K. living with this common condition.

✨ ChatGPT gets major upgrade: new features for everyone

OpenAI is rolling out GPT-5.6 Sol for Plus/Pro users and unlimited GPT-5.6 Luna for Free users. These updates focus on making ChatGPT more direct and factually accurate across different tasks. Users can now control the model's reasoning speed via a new slider, from Instant to High. Internal tests show GPT-5.6 Sol reduced factual errors by 68% compared to GPT-5.5 Instant. Free users also get a 'Think' button for deeper reasoning on Luna. 🤖

🚭 Over 5.7 lakh fined for smoking in public across India

More than 5.7 lakh people received fines for smoking in public across India during 2025-26. Karnataka recorded the most challans at 1,59,041, followed by Rajasthan in the region. Authorities collected over Rs 5.1 crore in penalties under COTPA during this period. The Health Ministry noted that state governments primarily handle this enforcement, while the Centre provides guidelines. States like Assam and Manipur reported zero violations, showing enforcement differences.

💔 Influencer Sydney Towle Passes Away at 26

Influencer Sydney Towle has passed away at the age of 26 following a battle with cholangiocarcinoma. She was a content creator who inspired millions while documenting her rare cancer journey. Her family announced her passing on August 6, noting her three-year fight with the disease. Towle was passionate about raising awareness for rare cancers and promoting kindness. Her brother shared that she was very at peace when she entered hospice care.

🚶 Supreme Court says walking is a fundamental right

The Supreme Court declared that the right to walk safely on footpaths is a fundamental right in June. This ruling addresses the neglect of pedestrians in Indian cities, where about 45 million people walk to work daily. A 2019 survey showed 63% of all urban journeys were made on foot. These pedestrians often face risks because infrastructure is frequently poor and unsafe. Moving forward, the judgment challenges urban planning that prioritizes vehicles over people.

🚨 ClickFix malware steals crypto and passwords from macOS users

A Go-based malware, delivered via ClickFix attacks, is actively stealing cryptocurrency assets and sensitive data from macOS users. Security researchers at Huntress discovered this payload after responding to a ClickFix incident. The malware targets Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptos, affecting users around the time of detection. It can intercept and redirect transaction amounts rather than emptying wallets completely. Researchers noted the malware communicates with IP addresses linked to the sanctioned Russian corporation, Aeza Group. 💸

🔬 Topical Steroid Abuse Risks Examined

A prospective study investigated the cutaneous adverse effects associated with topical corticosteroid abuse. Researchers conducted this study at a tertiary care center to understand the impact. The findings were collected over a specific period, detailing the prevalence of side effects. This research aims to shed light on the dangers of misuse of these common medications. Further analysis will guide better patient care protocols moving forward. 🔬

🔥 Trump hints at US-Iran war ending soon

US President Donald Trump suggested the conflict with Iran is likely to end soon, stating Tehran cannot sustain the war much longer. Speaking from the Oval Office in Washington, Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He asserted that the US would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, warning of global catastrophe. However, Iran's acting Defence Minister stated their armed forces are ready for any threat. Iran's negotiator also criticized Washington's approach as mere "theatre diplomacy."

⚛️ New insights on atomic toroidal transitions revealed

Researchers are revisiting the search for rare toroidal transitions in atoms, finding that low quantum number transitions are most promising. This study was conducted by scientists at Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. The research refines prior work, noting that diamagnetic coupling was underestimated in earlier analyses from 2022. They developed a differential measurement technique to isolate the weak toroidal signals from stronger electric dipole effects. This advancement could open new ways to manipulate light and matter at the quantum level. ⚛️

🤔 Perimenopause: Still a Mystery for Experts

Experts are stating that perimenopause continues to be the least understood phase of a woman's life journey. This transitional period affects women across various demographics globally. The stage is characterized by hormonal shifts occurring leading up to menopause. Understanding this complex biological phase is crucial for better women's health management. Further research is needed to fully grasp the nuances of perimenopause.

⚖️ SC says compulsory retirement isn't punishment

The Supreme Court ruled that compulsory retirement is not inherently punitive when used to address declining performance. This decision was made by a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar while dismissing a CISF officer's challenge. The Court stated the goal is to remove underperformers to maintain high standards of efficiency and integrity. While not punitive, the order is subject to judicial review if it is found to be mala fide, arbitrary, or perverse. The bench noted the officer's performance had dropped from 'Good' to 'Average' in the two years before the order.