Author: OMN AI

Plants growing close together can warn one another about stress, helping nearby plants survive conditions that would otherwise cause serious damage. In experiments with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), researchers grew plants either alone or packed closely so their leaves touched. When exposed to intense light, isolated plants suffered severe damage, while crowded plants coped much better. Within an hour, densely grown plants activated more than 2,000 genes linked to protection against a wide range of stresses, whereas isolated plants showed little extra gene activity. The findings suggest that stressed plants send warning signals to their neighbours. The study showed that…

Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, has reached a settlement in a social media addiction lawsuit just days before trial. The case was set to begin in Los Angeles. Lawyers announced the agreement during a California Superior Court hearing. Snap later said all parties resolved the matter amicably. The settlement terms remain confidential. Other Tech Giants 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…

Prenatal ultrasounds save lives by detecting potential issues in developing babies, but traditional scans can miss up to half of fetal abnormalities. Now, a new AI-powered tool cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration promises to boost accuracy and help doctors spot problems earlier. How the AI Works Developed by American start-up BioticsAI, the software integrates with existing ultrasound machines and analyses images in real-time. It checks the quality of each scan, suggests adjustments for a clearer view, and ensures every part of the baby is visible. Using patterns from global datasets, the AI flags potential anomalies, such as…

Netflix has strengthened 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 rival move from Paramount Skydance. The revised deal keeps the valuation at $27.75 per share but removes shares from the structure, giving investors more certainty and potentially allowing a shareholder vote as early as April. Netflix said WBD shareholders would also receive shares in a spun-off global networks business, including CNN and Discovery Channel. Paramount is pursuing a larger $108.4bn hostile bid and has tried to undermine the Netflix agreement through legal action and…

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 Over 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 roughly 550 tonnes, valued at over €63 billion, highlighting the country’s strategy to safeguard its economy. NBP President Adam Glapiński has long emphasized gold’s unique role: it carries no credit risk, is insulated from other nations’ monetary policies, and remains resilient during financial shocks. The bank aims to expand further, targeting 700 tonnes worth about PLN 400 billion (€94 billion). Rapid Growth in Gold Holdings Gold’s share of Poland’s foreign exchange reserves has surged in just over a year. In 2024, bullion accounted for 16.86% of reserves, climbing…

Valentino Garavani, the legendary Italian designer whose gowns defined glamour for generations of royals, Hollywood stars, and society’s elite, has passed away at his home in Rome at the age of 93. Known for his signature “Valentino red” and flawless, feminine designs, he remained a cornerstone of fashion from the 1960s well beyond his retirement in 2008. Dressing the World’s Most Famous Women Universally recognized by his first name, Valentino became synonymous with timeless elegance. He counted Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Princess Diana, Julia Roberts, and Queen Rania among his devoted clients. “I know what women want,” he famously said. “They…

Scientists have developed a DNA blood test that can predict how well breast cancer patients will respond to treatment. The test analyses circulating tumour DNA in the blood, released by cancer cells, and provides early insight into treatment effectiveness. In a study of 167 patients with advanced breast cancer, low or undetectable levels of tumour DNA before treatment, or after four weeks, were strongly linked to better outcomes. Patients with lower levels experienced longer periods without disease progression and higher response rates. The findings suggest doctors could identify ineffective treatments much earlier and switch patients to better options, improving outcomes…

New economic indicators show continued progress in key areas of the U.S. economy. Recent data released by the White House point to steady gains in manufacturing jobs, stronger trade performance, and expanded family support programs. Together, these trends suggest growing momentum in areas that often receive bipartisan support. Manufacturing employment has shown clear improvement over the past year. More factories have increased hiring, and job growth has spread across several regions. Officials say this reflects renewed demand for domestically made goods and stronger investment in production facilities. Manufacturing remains a critical part of the economy, especially in states that depend…

Newcastle United lacked creativity and cutting edge in a drab 0-0 draw at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite controlling possession, Newcastle failed to test the defence or goalkeeper with meaningful chances. Wolves stayed organised, defended deep, and countered sparingly but effectively. Eddie Howe admitted quality was missing in attack. Rob Edwards praised his side’s resilience and growing belief. The stalemate left Newcastle frustrated and Wolves satisfied with steady progress.