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Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan on Transforming a 250-Year-Old Company
Business
Feb 17, 2026

Novartis CEO Vasant Narasimhan on Transforming a 250-Year-Old Company

Ever wonder how a 250-year-old company like Novartis is staying ahead? Well, Vasant Narasimhan, the CEO, shares how they’re transforming into a focused medicines powerhouse, unlocking a staggering $180 billion in value. According to Jorge Conde from a16z, they’re pioneering platform tech like cell and gene therapies, RNA medicines, and radioligand therapies — stuff that’s truly revolutionary. But here’s where it gets fascinating — AI is now a key player in drug discovery, speeding up breakthroughs. And get this — China’s rising as a biotech juggernaut, changing the global game. Narasimhan also talks about what he looks for in startup partnerships, emphasizing the importance of killer experiments and solid CMC work, as Jorge points out. ((conversational)) Honestly, this isn’t just about big pharma — it’s about how innovation is reshaping healthcare from the ground up. So, keep an eye on what’s next, because the future of medicine is being written right now, and leaders like Vasant are leading the charge.

Sideways on the ice, in a supercar: Stability control is getting very good
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

Sideways on the ice, in a supercar: Stability control is getting very good

Here's something that caught my attention — modern stability control systems in cars are so advanced, they’re almost like having a driving instructor in the dashboard. Imagine sliding sideways on a frozen lake in a supercar — sounds wild, right? Well, according to Jonathan M. Gitlin at Ars, McLaren took this to the extreme by putting its car on ice in Finland to test these systems. The feeling of a rear-wheel slide can be pure thrill — like a roller coaster — but when it catches you unexpectedly, it’s downright nerve-wracking. But here’s the thing — thanks to decades of tech evolution, these electronic safety nets are better than ever, preventing crashes before they happen. As Gitlin reports, automakers are pushing these systems to their limits, making even the most daring driving risks safer. So what does this mean for you? As car tech keeps improving, our roads could become a lot safer, even when things go sideways — literally.

10 Brutal Truths For Ambitious Men in Their 30s & 40s
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

10 Brutal Truths For Ambitious Men in Their 30s & 40s

Ever wonder what really hits home for ambitious men in their 30s and 40s? Well, according to My First Million, the harsh truth is that success isn’t just about hustle or talent — it’s about relentless self-awareness. One key lesson? As Scott Galloway points out, money can't buy everything, especially the intangible things like genuine happiness or meaningful relationships. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — many guys think more wealth equals more security, but Galloway warns that truly rich lives focus on purpose and connection, not just dollars. And get this — he suggests that the easiest way to ruin your life is through complacency and bad habits. So, what does this mean for you? It’s about making conscious choices now, knowing that your 40s can be the best decade if you get intentional. My First Million reminds us that real success isn’t just accumulation but growth in the right areas — because, honestly, the most valuable things in life aren’t things at all.

Michigan antitrust lawsuit says oil companies hobbled EVs and renewables
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

Michigan antitrust lawsuit says oil companies hobbled EVs and renewables

Here's something that's got everyone talking — Michigan's taking a stand against big oil. Instead of just calling them out on climate deception, the state’s accusing oil giants like ExxonMobil, BP, and Chevron of colluding to keep prices high and block cleaner, cheaper energy options like solar and electric vehicles. According to Dana Drugman at Inside Climate News, this isn’t just about climate — it's about market manipulation, aiming to delay the shift to renewables and protect fossil fuel profits. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: legal experts say Michigan’s approach could shake things up if they can get past industry dismissals. The lawsuit claims a conspiracy to stifle competition and maintain fossil fuel dominance — big moves, considering most climate lawsuits focus on transparency or misinformation instead. So what does this mean for your energy bills or the future of clean tech? Well, if Michigan wins, it could set a powerful precedent — making big oil pay the price for slowing down the clean energy transition. Keep an eye — this could be a game changer, says Dana Drugman.

A fluid can store solar energy and then release it as heat months later
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

A fluid can store solar energy and then release it as heat months later

Here's something that caught my attention — researchers have developed a new fluid that can store solar heat for months and then release it on demand. So, why does this matter? Well, heating makes up nearly half of global energy use, mostly from fossil fuels. Solar energy is a promising alternative, but storing heat efficiently has always been the challenge. According to Jacek Krywko writing in <em>Technology</em>, a team from UC Santa Barbara and UCLA has made a major breakthrough. They’ve created a molecule inspired by DNA that traps solar energy in its bonds, holding onto it for months before releasing heat when needed. What’s exciting is that this could finally make molecular solar thermal storage practical — something scientists have been chasing for decades. And get this — this new fluid could revolutionize how we store and use solar heat, making renewable energy more reliable and widespread. So, the next step? Watch for how this tech might scale up and reshape our energy future.

Best Buy worker used manager’s code to get 99% off MacBooks, cops say
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

Best Buy worker used manager’s code to get 99% off MacBooks, cops say

Here's something that’ll make you do a double-take — an employee at a Florida Best Buy used his manager’s code to get nearly 150 items, including MacBooks, at a staggering 99% discount. Ashley Belanger reports that, according to police, Matthew Lettera started this scheme in December 2024 after the store’s sales numbers raised suspicions. What’s wild is that he facilitated 97 purchases for himself and 52 for others, racking up over $118,000 in losses for Best Buy. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — Lettera switched careers from chef to retail, but apparently, the temptation was too big. Local investigators traced the suspicious activity straight to him, and he’s now charged with fraud. As Belanger notes, this isn’t just a case of shoplifting — it’s a clear inside job with serious financial consequences. So, what does this actually mean? It’s a reminder that even in retail, trust can be exploited, and sometimes, the biggest risks come from within.

Get ready for new Macs and iPads: Apple announces &quot;Special Experience&quot; on March 4
Technology
Feb 17, 2026

Get ready for new Macs and iPads: Apple announces &quot;Special Experience&quot; on March 4

Here's something that caught my attention — Apple’s dropping a 'Special Apple Experience' on March 4, and honestly, the buzz is pretty exciting. No official details, but all signs point to new Macs and iPads making an appearance. Ryan Whitwam from Techology points out that Apple loves to keep us guessing, but recent leaks suggest updates to the MacBook lineup and possibly new iPads. And get this — there's talk of an iPhone 17e, a budget version with the same A19 chip as the flagship, but probably missing some fancy camera features. Whitwam also highlights that pricing will be key, especially since Apple tends to keep the prices of their non-Pro phones in the $600-800 range. So, what does this actually mean for you? If you’re holding onto an old Mac or iPad, this could be the sign to upgrade. And, of course, we’ll be on the ground in NYC covering everything as it happens. Stay tuned — Apple’s next moves might surprise us.

KPMG partner fined for using artificial intelligence to cheat in AI training test
AI
Feb 17, 2026

KPMG partner fined for using artificial intelligence to cheat in AI training test

Here's something that might surprise you — an AI training scandal at KPMG where a partner used AI to cheat during a test. And get this — it's not just one person; over two dozen staff in Australia have been caught using AI dishonestly since July, according to Aisha Down writing in The Guardian. Now, here's where it gets interesting: KPMG fined the unnamed partner A$10,000 for sneaking AI tools into the exam, aiming to boost their scores unfairly. But this isn’t just about one bad apple — it's a sign of how tempting AI’s tricks are becoming across professional spaces. As Aisha reports, the firm is taking measures, yet the fact that so many staff resorted to AI deceit speaks volumes about the pressure to stay ahead in this tech race. So what does this mean for you? It’s a vivid reminder — no matter how advanced AI gets, integrity still matters more than ever. Keep your eyes peeled; this isn't the last story like this we’ll hear.

What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced?
AI
Feb 17, 2026

What social media restrictions has Keir Starmer announced?

Here's something that caught my attention — Keir Starmer hasn't fully backed a social media ban for under-16s yet. But the government is moving fast. According to Kiran Stacey, writing in The Guardian, they’re planning to crack down on AI chatbots and gain new powers to act swiftly against online harms. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — ministers believe these platforms pose real risks to kids, from harmful content to addictive features. The Prime Minister, a parent himself, says he understands the worries parents have about their teens online. But, and this is key, there’s still debate about banning social media for under-16s altogether. What’s clear is that the government wants to tighten controls, especially around AI tools that can influence young minds. And get this — according to Stacey, they’re also aiming to regulate AI chatbots more aggressively. So, the big takeaway? The UK’s online safety rules are about to get a serious overhaul, with a focus on protecting kids in this rapidly evolving digital world.

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AI
Feb 17, 2026

Google might think your Website is down

Here's something that might make your head spin — Google could actually think your website is down, even when it’s not. And the weird part? This isn’t just speculation; /u/omarous points out that Google’s algorithms sometimes interpret slow or unstable sites as dead, which can tank your rankings unexpectedly. According to a post on Reddit, Google's search bot might mistake server hiccups or high traffic for a site that's offline, leading to lower visibility. Now, here's where it gets interesting: this misreading could happen even if your site’s perfectly fine but just a bit flaky. So what does this actually mean for you? It’s a reminder that maintaining a smooth, reliable site isn’t just about user experience — it’s also about making sure Google doesn't think you’re offline. As /u/omarous warns, keeping an eye on your server stability and load times might be more critical than ever — because Google’s perception can be just as important as your actual site status.

AI: Hard drives are already sold out for the entire year, says Western Digital
AI
Feb 17, 2026

AI: Hard drives are already sold out for the entire year, says Western Digital

Here's something that caught my attention — hard drives are already sold out for the entire year, thanks to the AI boom. According to /u/esporx, who shared a story on Reddit, Western Digital is struggling to keep up with the demand. And get this — it's not just a small bump. The entire supply chain is feeling the squeeze, and this shortage could last months, if not longer. Now, here's where it gets interesting: AI’s rapid growth isn’t just about smarter apps or faster chips — it's driving a massive need for storage. As /u/esporx notes, data centers, AI training, and even homes are all gobbling up drives faster than anyone expected. So what does this mean for you? If you work in tech or just rely on reliable storage, you might want to start thinking ahead. This shortage is a sign that AI’s influence is expanding — fast — and it’s already affecting the hardware supply chain in a big way.

Why the ‘AI scare trade’ might not be done
AI
Feb 17, 2026

Why the ‘AI scare trade’ might not be done

Here's something that might surprise you — despite all the hype, the 'AI scare trade' might not be over yet. According to /u/cnn on Reddit, a lot of investors are still wary, fearing AI could disrupt markets or even cause a crash. But here’s where it gets interesting — what they’re really worried about isn’t just AI itself, but how quickly it’s advancing and how unprepared we might be. As /u/cnn points out, history shows that markets often overreact to new tech, but the fear around AI feels different — it's more persistent. And get this — some experts think the scare might actually fuel more investment in AI companies, making the bubble worse. So, what does this actually mean for you? If you’re holding stocks or planning to invest, you’ll want to keep a close eye on how these fears evolve. The takeaway? The AI scare could stick around longer than many expect, and that’s something to watch for in the coming months.

AI conducted my phone screening interview!!!!
AI
Feb 17, 2026

AI conducted my phone screening interview!!!!

Here's something that caught my attention — an AI actually conducted a phone screening interview. Imagine getting a call, and suddenly, a robotic voice starts asking questions. That’s what happened to /u/AdorableAntelope1609, who initially thought it was just a normal recruiter call. But then, the AI kept probing about past jobs and salaries — despite the fact that the person had no work experience at all. According to /u/AdorableAntelope1609, it was clear right away that they were talking to an AI, and honestly, it was kinda surreal. The AI was relentless, ignoring the fact that the applicant was a total newbie. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — companies are experimenting with AI in hiring, but this example shows how clunky it can be. As /u/AdorableAntelope1609 points out, sometimes the AI just doesn’t get the basics, which makes you wonder — are these new tools really ready for prime time? The takeaway? Even as AI tech advances, there’s still a long way to go before it feels truly human.

AI chatbots to face strict online safety rules in UK
AI
Feb 17, 2026

AI chatbots to face strict online safety rules in UK

Here's something that might actually surprise you — AI chatbots in the UK are about to face some of the strictest online safety rules yet. So, why should you care? Well, if you use or develop these bots, this could shape how they interact with millions. According to /u/cnn, the UK government is rolling out new regulations that demand tighter controls on AI chatbots, especially around preventing harmful content and misinformation. Now, here's where it gets interesting — these rules aren’t just about filtering language; they aim to hold creators accountable for what their bots say. What /u/cnn points out is that compliance will require companies to implement new safety features and rigorous monitoring. But here's the thing — these regulations could set a global standard for AI safety. So, as AI continues to evolve, staying ahead of these rules isn’t just smart — it’s essential for anyone in the space. Watch this space; the landscape of online safety is about to get a lot more serious.

Are AI note taking apps overhyped right now?
AI
Feb 17, 2026

Are AI note taking apps overhyped right now?

Here's something that might surprise you — AI note-taking apps are kind of overhyped right now. Every few weeks, a new one promises to turn meetings into a breeze. But the reality? Most of them can summarize decently, sure, but when conversations get long or messy, they often fall apart. I’ve personally used Bluedot to skip the typing during meetings, and honestly, it helps — until I need to review everything later. According to /u/adriano26 on Reddit, we're probably still in the early hype phase, and current models just aren’t quite there yet. So what does this actually mean for you? Well, if you’re hoping AI will replace note-taking anytime soon, you might want to pump the brakes. It’s useful now, but don’t expect it to handle chaos perfectly. As /u/adriano26 points out, these tools are helpful, but they’re not the miracle fix some claim. Keep watching — future updates might change the game, but for now, it’s still a work in progress.

Izwi Update: Local Speaker Diarization, Forced Alignment, and better model support
AI
Feb 17, 2026

Izwi Update: Local Speaker Diarization, Forced Alignment, and better model support

Here's something that caught my attention — Izwi, the local audio inference engine, just got a major update. And honestly, it’s a game-changer for anyone working with speech tech. According to /u/zinyando on Reddit, they’ve added speaker diarization, which can automatically tell apart multiple voices using Sortformer models — think meeting transcripts made way easier. Plus, forced alignment now offers word-level timestamps with Qwen3-ForcedAligner, perfect for subtitles or video captions. And get this — there’s now real-time streaming support for transcribing, chatting, and text-to-speech, delivering responses incrementally. Native support for popular audio formats like WAV, MP3, and OGG makes things smoother too, thanks to Symphonia. As /u/zinyando points out, they've also boosted performance with parallel execution and Metal optimizations. Compatibility-wise, they’ve got a ton of models for TTS, ASR, and chat, including Qwen3 and Gemma 3. So, if you’re into speech tech, check out their docs and give it a spin — feedback and stars on GitHub are encouraged. Truly impressive stuff.

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AI
Feb 17, 2026

AI Can't Handle Human Kink

Here's something that might surprise you — AI struggles big time when it comes to understanding human kink. You see, despite all our advancements, AI systems simply can't grasp the nuance and complexity of human sexuality, especially when it involves non-mainstream desires. According to /u/playboy, who posted on Reddit, these algorithms often stumble over the subtleties that make kink unique — things like consent, context, and emotional layers that are second nature to people but baffling to machines. Now, here's where it gets interesting… AI can generate content that looks pretty convincing on the surface, but when it comes to truly understanding or respecting boundaries, it falls flat. As a piece in AI points out, this isn’t just about technical limitations — it’s about how deeply human experience and psychology are intertwined. So what does this actually mean for you? Well, don’t expect AI to replace genuine human connection in these areas anytime soon. It’s still got a long way to go, and honestly, that might be a good thing.

I want to wash my car. The car wash is 50 meters away. Should I walk or drive?
AI
Feb 17, 2026

I want to wash my car. The car wash is 50 meters away. Should I walk or drive?

Here's something that might seem trivial — there's a car wash just 50 meters away. But here’s the thing: should you walk or drive? Now, it sounds simple, but according to /u/HimothyJohnDoe on Reddit, the decision isn't just about distance. If you're in a rush or carrying stuff, driving makes sense to save time. But if you're aiming to be eco-friendly — or just feeling a bit lazy — walking might actually be smarter. What /u/HimothyJohnDoe points out is that when the distance is so short, the energy spent on driving might outweigh the benefits, especially if you consider things like getting in and out of the car or warming it up. And get this — it's not just about convenience. This little dilemma highlights how we often overlook small choices that can add up, whether for our time, energy, or the environment. So next time you're faced with a tiny trip, think about what really makes sense — sometimes, walking is the smarter move.

ByteDance backpedals after Seedance 2.0 turned Hollywood icons into AI “clip art”
AI
Feb 17, 2026

ByteDance backpedals after Seedance 2.0 turned Hollywood icons into AI “clip art”

Here's something that caught my attention — ByteDance's latest AI tool, Seedance 2.0, sparked a huge backlash after turning beloved Hollywood icons like Spider-Man and Darth Vader into what looked like AI clip art. Now, Ashley Belanger reports that the company’s scrambling to add safeguards because studios like Disney and Paramount are furious. They sent cease-and-desist letters, accusing ByteDance of wide-scale copyright infringement, essentially treating these characters like they're public domain. The studios argue that Seedance was “hijacking” their IP without permission, and the backlash is a clear warning about how easy it is for AI tools to cross legal lines fast. So what does this mean? Well, it’s a sign that even in the fast-moving world of AI, respecting copyright isn’t optional — especially when Hollywood’s watching. Ashley Belanger highlights how this incident might just be a wake-up call for all companies rushing AI features without clear safeguards in place.

How Ricursive Intelligence raised $335M at a $4B valuation in 4 months
AI
Feb 17, 2026

How Ricursive Intelligence raised $335M at a $4B valuation in 4 months

Here’s something that’ll make you do a double-take — Ricursive Intelligence raised $335 million in just four months and hit a $4 billion valuation. The secret? It’s all about the founders. According to Julie Bort at TechCrunch, these founders are legendary in the AI world — so much so that VCs were practically fighting to get on board. Now, here’s where it gets interesting… their reputation isn’t just hype; it’s a magnet for investment. Investors see them as the real deal — people who can push AI forward in a big way. But here’s the catch — raising that kind of cash so fast isn’t just luck. It’s a testament to how much faith the industry has in these founders’ vision and talent. As Bort points out, the startup’s rapid rise isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the power of reputation and relationships in the AI space. So, keep an eye — this one’s destined to shake up the industry even more.