Author: OMN AI

Plants growing close together can warn one another about incoming stress, helping nearby neighbours survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either in isolation or packed closely so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light stress, isolated plants suffered heavy damage, while crowded plants coped far better by rapidly activating their defences. Within just one hour, densely grown plants switched on more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against a wide range of stresses. Isolated plants, by contrast, showed little increase in defensive gene activity. The findings suggest…

Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, has settled a social media addiction lawsuit just days before trial. The case was scheduled to start in Los Angeles. Lawyers announced the settlement at a California Superior Court hearing. Snap later said all parties resolved the matter amicably. The terms of the deal remain confidential. Other Major Platforms Still Facing Trial Other defendants include Meta, owner of Instagram, TikTok parent ByteDance, and Google parent Alphabet. None of these companies have settled. The plaintiff, a 19-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., alleged that platform algorithms caused addiction and harmed her mental health. Because the remaining…

Prenatal ultrasounds are a vital part of monitoring a baby’s development, but traditional scans can miss up to half of fetal abnormalities. Now, a new AI-powered system cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aims to help doctors catch more issues earlier. Real-Time Analysis in the Exam Room The software, developed by U.S. start-up BioticsAI, works alongside existing ultrasound machines. It instantly evaluates each image, checks for quality, suggests adjustments, and ensures every part of the baby is visible. Using global data patterns, it flags potential problems such as heart or limb defects and produces a detailed report…

Netflix has upgraded its $82.7bn (£61.5bn) takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery by switching to an all-cash offer, aiming to speed up approval and block a hostile bid from Paramount Skydance. The revised deal keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes shares from the structure, giving WBD investors more certainty and potentially allowing a shareholder vote as early as April. Netflix said the board of WBD continues to unanimously support the offer. Under the agreement, WBD shareholders would also receive stock in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery Channel, which Netflix is not acquiring. Paramount…

Donald Trump said he will impose tariffs on European countries opposing his Greenland demand. He vowed to act “100%” on the threat. European allies immediately defended Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark said no leader can pressure ownership of the territory. Denmark’s foreign minister rejected coercion. He said Greenland’s status will not change. He stressed the territory remains part of the Danish kingdom. European leaders repeated that stance in coordinated statements. Europe Stands United on Greenland UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reaffirmed Britain’s position. She said only Greenlanders and Denmark can decide Greenland’s future. She rejected outside interference. Other Nato allies issued similar…

The National Bank of Poland (NBP) has boosted its gold holdings to around 550 tonnes, worth over €63 billion, as part of a long-term strategy to protect the nation’s financial stability. NBP President Adam Glapiński has repeatedly highlighted gold’s unique role: it carries no credit risk, is unaffected by other countries’ monetary policies, and acts as a safeguard against economic shocks. The bank now aims to reach 700 tonnes, bringing total bullion reserves to around PLN 400 billion (€94 billion). A Rapid Rise in Gold Holdings Gold’s share of Poland’s foreign reserves has surged in just over a year. In…

Valentino Garavani, the Italian designer whose glamorous creations defined red-carpet style for decades, has passed away at his home in Rome. Known for his signature “Valentino red” gowns and timeless designs, he remained a major influence on fashion from the 1960s through his retirement in 2008. A Life Dedicated to Elegance Valentino, known simply by his first name, was adored by royals, celebrities, and first ladies alike. Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania of Jordan all praised him for making them look and feel their best. “I know what women want,” he famously said. “They want…

Scientists have developed a simple blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to specific treatments. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA released into the bloodstream by cancer cells, allowing doctors to gauge treatment effectiveness before or shortly after therapy begins. Researchers studied blood samples from 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, taken before treatment and again after four weeks. Low or undetectable levels of tumour DNA were strongly linked to better responses and longer periods with the cancer kept under control. The results were especially clear in patients with triple-negative breast cancer, where low tumour…

Multiple state legislatures have passed new bipartisan reforms aimed at modernizing local government operations. The measures, which received cross-party support, focus on improving voting access and increasing transparency in local elections. Lawmakers say these changes strengthen democratic processes and enhance public trust. Voting access reforms are a central feature of the new legislation. Bills include measures to simplify voter registration, expand early voting options, and ensure clear communication about polling locations and deadlines. Officials say the goal is to make it easier for citizens to participate in elections, particularly first-time voters and historically underrepresented groups. Transparency improvements also played a…

Newcastle United missed the chance to climb fifth after a flat 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. Despite controlling possession, Newcastle lacked creativity and failed to test José Sá until late. Wolves defended compactly and looked organised under Rob Edwards, offering occasional threat on the counter. Eddie Howe admitted Newcastle missed quality and a decisive moment in attack. The stalemate reflected Wolves’ growing resilience and Newcastle’s attacking shortcomings.