Author: OMN AI

Ultra-processed foods should face tobacco-style regulation because they are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption, researchers say.Scientists from Harvard University, the University of Michigan, and Duke University found strong parallels between UPFs and cigarettes.The study, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harms and misleading marketing practices.Researchers called for stricter controls, shifting responsibility from individuals to the food industry.

SpaceX Surpasses Tesla in Private Valuation Elon Musk’s SpaceX has reached a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation following its merger with AI company xAI, closing the gap with Tesla and reshaping Musk’s wealth portfolio. Tesla currently sits at approximately $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn), just 26% above SpaceX-xAI’s combined private value. On paper, Musk now derives more of his fortune from space exploration and AI than from electric vehicles. Tesla has faced a challenging start to 2026. Its stock has dropped around 6% as the company reported a 16% decline in vehicle deliveries in January and a 3% fall in total 2025 revenue…

Netflix faced tough questioning in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers doubted whether the deal would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties voiced concerns during a Senate antitrust hearing. Senators warn merger could reduce competition and raise prices Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee cautioned that the deal could weaken competition in entertainment markets. Several senators said subscription costs might rise. Others questioned the long-term survival of cinemas if the merger is approved. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed transaction. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and…

Toto Wolff rejected rivals’ claims that Mercedes broke engine rules for 2026.He said competitors missed an opportunity and should focus on their own development.The dispute centres on compression ratios rising when engines heat up during running.Rivals Ferrari, Audi and Honda raised concerns with the FIA.Wolff insisted the engine complies with regulations and FIA procedures.He did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix.

Independent reporting confirms that U.S. life expectancy reached the highest level in decades. Americans now live longer on average, thanks in part to meaningful drops in overdose deaths and COVID-19 fatalities. Experts say this milestone reflects progress in public health, healthcare access, and lifestyle improvements. CDC and other health data indicate that average life expectancy in the United States has increased steadily in recent years. Reductions in deaths from drug overdoses, heart disease, and COVID-19 have been key factors driving this improvement. Public health campaigns, vaccination efforts, and expanded access to addiction treatment contributed to the positive trend. Life expectancy…

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles over mounting safety concerns. The move makes China the first country to outlaw the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face intensified scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents increased pressure on authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars produced by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Rules Ensure Mechanical Access The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the requirements. Authorities aim to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators want…

Scientists recreated cosmic dust in a Sydney laboratory to study how life’s building blocks reached Earth.Cosmic dust comes from dying stars and falls to Earth as meteorites and micrometeorites.The dust contains organic CHON molecules essential for life.University of Sydney researcher Linda Losurdo produced the dust from scratch using plasma physics.She simulated space conditions inside a vacuum tube filled with star-like gases.High voltage transformed the gases into plasma, forming dust analogues.Scientists compared the dust’s infrared fingerprint with real meteorites.The work may explain how organic matter arrived on early Earth.Researchers hope the method will aid studies of life formation on other planets.

Tariff Reductions and Trade Commitments President Donald Trump announced Monday that tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 25% to 18%, following talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trump also said India would gradually eliminate import taxes on U.S. products and commit to purchasing $500 billion in American goods. Modi responded positively on X, calling the move “delightful” and praising Trump’s leadership, though he did not confirm any changes regarding Russian oil purchases. India, Russia, and the Ukraine War India has been one of Russia’s largest oil buyers since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, taking advantage of discounted crude…

Gold and silver prices fell steeply as investors abandoned momentum-driven safe-haven trades. Losses intensified on Monday after a heavy sell-off on Friday. The move marked a clear reversal from the record highs seen in January. In Asian trading, spot gold dropped more than nine percent to around $4,403 per ounce. Silver slid roughly 15 percent to below $72 per ounce. Investors had pushed both metals to historic peaks earlier this year. Central bank clarity shifts market mood Earlier gains reflected geopolitical tension and uncertainty over US monetary policy. Investors also questioned the independence of the US central bank. Those concerns…

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply warned soaring shipping costs could push up consumer prices in 2026.CIPS said cracks are forming in global supply chains for computers, machinery, and transport equipment.Procurement leaders reported the highest supply disruption concerns in two years.Shipping and logistics face the steepest increases, with 22% seeing costs rise over 10%.Computer prices also climbed, with Lenovo and Dell raising prices by about 15%.Spot shipping rates between Asia and the US jumped nearly 30% in weeks.CIPS blamed tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and volatile trade rules.Chief executive Ben Farrell said volatility now defines global trade, not disruption.