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Scientists have detected the closest confirmed pair of supermassive black holes ever observed, located just 300 light-years apart. This extraordinary discovery was made using NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

The black holes reside in the galaxy MCG-03-34-64, about 800 million light-years from Earth. Both black holes are actively consuming gas and dust, a process that makes them shine brightly as active galactic nuclei (AGN), detectable across multiple wavelengths of light.

Black holes are regions of space where gravity is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape. They form when massive stars collapse under their own gravity, creating a point of infinite density known as a singularity, surrounded by an event horizon.

This AGN pair is the closest of its kind discovered in the local universe.

Anna Trindade Falcão, the lead researcher from the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian, expressed surprise at the discovery, which was made by chance. NASA explained that AGN binaries were likely more common in the early universe when galaxy mergers were frequent. This find offers a unique, close-up glimpse of a nearby example of this cosmic phenomenon.

Hubble’s high-resolution imaging revealed unusual diffraction spikes, indicating a region of concentrated glowing oxygen gas. Chandra’s X-ray data further confirmed the presence of two strong sources of high-energy emissions, confirming the existence of the two supermassive black holes.

This discovery provides astronomers with a rare opportunity to study closely interacting supermassive black holes. The two black holes will continue their spiral journey and are predicted to merge in around 100 million years. When that happens, they will generate gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime—that future observatories like the planned Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) could detect.

The discovery underscores the importance of multi-wavelength astronomy and highlights the crucial role that long-serving space telescopes like Hubble and Chandra continue to play in expanding our understanding of the universe.

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Business

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved Microsoft’s hiring of nearly all of Inflection AI’s employees, following an investigation launched in July. While the CMA recognized that the move represented a “relevant merger situation,” it concluded that the hire would not harm competition in the UK’s AI sector.

In March, Microsoft announced it had brought on board most of Inflection AI’s team, including two co-founders, Mustafa Suleyman and Karén Simonyan. Along with the workforce, Microsoft also gained a license to Inflection’s intellectual property, giving it access to the startup’s AI models and chatbot development.

Inflection’s main product, a chatbot named Pi, focuses on “emotional intelligence” by offering a “kind and supportive” user experience. Despite this, the CMA determined that the impact on competition would be minimal, citing Inflection’s small market share and lack of standout features compared to competitors.

The investigation follows growing scrutiny over tech giants hiring talent and acquiring intellectual property from innovative AI startups without formal takeovers. In a similar case earlier this year, Amazon hired key employees from San Francisco-based AI startup Adept and obtained a license for its AI systems, sparking calls from U.S. Senators for regulatory review.

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Business

An Israeli startup that uses AI to help manage diabetes treatment has announced many new partnerships with US health institutions and businesses and is getting ready to establish itself there.

The endo.digital platform from DreaMed Diabetes is intended to give treatment suggestions to millions of diabetics without access to endocrinologists.

One of the recently inked agreements is a data integration one with Abbott, a major player in the medical device industry and one of the top producers of diabetic devices.

Thanks to the arrangement, patients with diabetes who use the Abbott FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor can now send data to their doctors for remote monitoring via the endo.digital platform.

In order to expedite its global market expansion, DreaMed has also inked agreements with top US health systems, such as Yale New Haven Health, as well as a development and licensing arrangement with a foreign business.

A $3 million funding round led by eHealth Ventures, a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in digital health, has also been concluded. The company has also received grants, other non-diluted funding sources, and equity financing totaling about $30 million.

Eran Atlas, the CEO and co-founder of DreaMed, said, “The last two years have been very challenging for the Israeli high-tech industry as a whole, and for the field of digital health in particular,”  Atlas was called up for emergency reserve duty by the IDF on October 8, spending six months in uniform.

“We managed to overcome the difficulties of the coronavirus, the economic crisis and the war, and we are preparing for a large-scale deployment in the US and then to other countries, with a significant revenue stream and the raising of new capital,”  he added.

“We have the backing of the two leading Israeli health maintenance organizations: Clalit Health Service, which supported the technological development, and Maccabi Health Fund, which is one of the partners of the eHealth Ventures fund. The partnerships and commercial agreements are a jumping off point for the company’s next stages of growth.”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted DreaMed its fifth approval in November, enabling the business to broaden the scope of its suggested care plans for diabetics following a set regimen of insulin supplied by injection or pump.

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Business

DEFCON AI, an analytics firm, has revealed that it has secured $44 million in seed funding. The company is developing a next-generation suite of modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) tools for the contemporary military. Among others, Red Cell Partners and Fifth Growth Fund participated in the round, which was led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Alongside independent board member Dr. Ray O. Johnson, a former CTO of Lockheed Martin and Bessemer Operating Partner, Christopher Wan of Bessemer joins the DEFCON AI Board of Directors as part of the financing.

According to Yisroel Brumer, co-founder and CEO of DEFCON AI, “we are developing powerful solutions to reshape response planning in contested and disrupted environments.” “We bring to the DoD our capacity to very quickly field transformational software innovation so that defense leaders and planners have the tools they need to effectively coordinate operations and plan around disruptions. Our ability to do this dramatically improves the odds of materiel and manpower making it to their destinations without delay. At a time when near-peer competitors are stepping up their investments in intelligent military technology, such capabilities could mean the difference between winning and losing wars within the next decade.”

Since its founding in 2022, DEFCON AI, an incubator of Red Cell Partners, has had impressive progress. Prior to this, it successfully closed contracts worth millions of dollars for Small Business Innovation Research Phase II and Phase III from the Department of the Air Force, and it received positive feedback from customers for its initial product.

Gen. (Retired) Paul Selva, a co-founder of DEFCON AI and its chief strategy officer, said, “Few organizations can take high-end software engineering and artificial intelligence expertise and combine it with a deep understanding of battlefield and defense operational requirements to rapidly deliver the kinds of technology that the DoD needs.” “With algorithms that are built to allow planners to immediately respond to disruptions, we have already established ourselves as a valuable partner to the DoD.”

The money raised will be used by DEFCON AI to expand its workforce, improve its research and development program to increase the scope of its dual-use offerings, and extend its core capabilities into a variety of Defense missions and the commercial sector, enabling both public and private organizations to anticipate disruptions and act quickly and effectively.

According to David Cowan, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, “the security of the United States increasingly depends upon innovative software that delivers speed, intelligence, and resilience. That’s why Bessemer is proud to fund defense tech startups like DEFCON AI.” “The exceptional group of military veterans and career public servants at DEFCON AI is ideally positioned to collaborate with the Defense Department in the development of more intelligent and agile logistics capabilities.”

“In an era of great power competition marked by increasing complexity, unpredictability, turmoil, and danger, DEFCON AI works to reduce these factors and empower decision makers at all levels when it comes to conducting mobility and logistics operations across a full range of scenarios. With this latest round of funding, DEFCON AI is positioned to not only continue to support the Defense Department, but to enable commercial enterprises to get products where they need to be in a faster, better, and more economical manner.” stated Hon. Mark T. Esper, Chairman of Red Cell’s National Security Practice and a former Secretary of Defense.

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Business

Are you excited to embrace the dynamic energy of Coinfest 2024? The biggest festival in the convergence of Web3 will be held in Bali, Indonesia, from August 22 to 23, 2024.

At the upcoming Coinfest Asia Bali event, Atok is honored to be one of the Asian representatives, engaging with renowned partners for potential collaborators in the Web3 space. This event provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, share experiences in project development, and build communities together.

Coinfest Asia Largest Web3 Festival

Coinfest Asia 2024 is set to be a major Web3 gathering, bringing together over 6,000 attendees and industry leaders to discuss the industry’s future. With a focus on innovation and adoption, the event will feature prominent speakers including Aptos, CoinsPh, Sweet Economy,… and keynote speaker Edward Lee. Topics will cover RWA, DePIN, AI, and ML. The conference aims to foster Web3 growth in the promising Asian market.

What is Atok?

Atok is a pioneering Web3 Reward-based Mobile Advertising platform that redefines how brands connect with consumers and how users interact with advertisements. By merging the power of blockchain technology with innovative advertising strategies, Atok creates a win-win ecosystem for both advertisers and users.

Atok Focuses On The Value Of Normal Users

Atok offers a unique opportunity to earn while engaging with content. Through its Move-to-Earn model, users are rewarded with $ATOK for completing various in-app activities such as watching ads, answering quizzes, upgrading Avatar/NFTs and playing games. Atok ensures a seamless and enjoyable user experience by balancing earning potential with engaging content.

Atok Provides A Competitive Advertising Platform For Advertisers And Businesses

Atok provides a powerful platform to reach targeted audiences effectively. By leveraging AIoT and Big Data, Atok delivers highly personalized ad campaigns that resonate with consumers. This data-driven approach fosters meaningful connections, builds brand loyalty, and drives conversions.

Atok’s transparent advertising practices and commitment to user experience create a trust-based environment for advertisers to thrive. By combining user engagement, advanced technology, and a strong focus on sustainability, Atok is leading the charge in shaping the future of mobile advertising.

Learn more about Step-By-Step: Setting An Advertisement On Atok

What Awaits You At Atok Booth?

At the Bali Coinfest 2024 event, Mr Edward (Co-founder & Chairman of DTE Ventures & Atok Labs) is honored to participate as a speaker, bringing core values and groundbreaking vision to the Web3 space. Intending to build a global community where everyone can be rewarded for their efforts, Atok shared advanced solutions for harnessing and optimizing the potential of blockchain technology. Besides, many interesting activities like mini-games, give-away merchandise and token airdrops are waiting for you.

Atok’s presence at the event is not only an opportunity to network and collaborate with international partners but also a chance to convey the message of a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone in the digital space.

Join With Us – Atok’s Booth in Coinfest Asia 2024!

Throughout the days of the festival, expect an abundance of engaging activities organized by Atok. The dedicated area of the Atok’s Booth will be under the shade of a colorful tent, which promises an unforgettable experience with varied activities, without worrying about the unbearable temperatures.

Atok’s standee is waiting for you first! Equipped with an incredible standee designed for you, you can capture some of the most beautiful moments with friends or family, as eternal memories that you take with Atok’s standee, and check in on your social media network to receive our merchandise.

Snap a picture with our eye-catching standee and share your chill Coinfest Asia 2024 look on social media.

Follow Atok’s Channels to update new information about Bali Coinfest Asia 2024 here https://linktr.ee/atok.m2e

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Science

By arranging a private launch from Florida that will place its passengers in a polar orbit for the first time, SpaceX has secured additional funding for its human spaceflight mission.

Chun Wang of Malta is in charge of the Fram2 mission, which may launch from the Space Coast before the end of 2024, according to a post on the SpaceX website. Wang is an ardent adventurer and an entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in bitcoin.

Fellow explorers Eric Philips from Australia, Jannicke Mikkelsen from Norway, and Rabea Rogge from Germany will travel with them. Philips will assume the position of pilot, and Mikkelsen will assume the job of mission commander.

With its current fleet of four Crew Dragon capsules, SpaceX has flown thirteen flights with fifty humans, and it was developing a fifth at the time. Uncertainty surrounds whether Fram2 will launch on the new Crew Dragon, but it will have a cupola attachment instead of the docking mechanism required for Crew Dragon missions to the International Space Station.

When the Crew Dragon Resilience launched billionaire Jared Isaacman on the Inspiration4 mission in 2021, it did so with an addition that improved vistas of Earth and space. During that three-day voyage, the entire crew was private and they circled the planet.

As early as August 26, he is scheduled to take off again on Resilience for the Polaris Dawn mission, which is likewise an orbital trip but with a hatch that will enable the first-ever commercial tethered spacewalk instead of the cupola.

The ship Fram, which was built in Norway and aided explorers like Roald Amundsen in reaching the Arctic and Antarctic in the late 1800s and early 1900s, is the inspiration behind the name Fram2.

Fram2 “will be the first human spaceflight mission to explore Earth from a polar orbit and fly over the Earth’s polar regions for the first time,” SpaceX says of the project’s launch.

“Wang aims to use the mission to highlight the crew’s explorational spirit, bring a sense of wonder and curiosity to the larger public, and highlight how technology can help push the boundaries of exploration of Earth and through the mission’s research,” said SpaceX.

Most SpaceX Crew Dragon flights are for NASA and go to the International Space Station. The Demo-2 mission, which took place in May 2020, was the first Crew Dragon mission including humans. Since then, SpaceX has launched eight more crew rotation trips using the astronauts from Crew-8 that are presently stationed on the ISS. To relieve them, Crew-9 is scheduled to take off as early as September 24. Axiom Space has also hired SpaceX to carry out its three private trips to the International Space Station thus far; the company plans to launch a fourth as early as November.

Fram2 may be the seventh private astronaut flight in SpaceX’s manifest, counting the two private missions it has completed with Isaacman and the ones from Axiom Space.

Launchpad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which will use the Crew-9 mission as its first human spaceflight after SpaceX constructed a crew access arm at the pad, is one possible launch site.

Fram2 will go to a height of 264 to 279 miles over the course of three to five days, “leveraging insight from space physicists and citizen scientists to study unusual light emissions resembling auroras,” according to a post made by SpaceX.

In addition to performing additional studies to examine the impact of spaceflight on human health, including obtaining the first-ever human X-ray photographs in orbit, the goal is to analyze the green and mauve thermal emissions.

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Technology

All eligible users can now download iOS 18 Public Beta 4, which includes several new features and stability improvements. The latest public beta of iOS is also accessible for iPad OS 18, macOS Sequoia, and other associated Apple operating systems.

With iOS 18 public beta 4, what’s new?

1) The control center’s Bluetooth:

Apple is at last providing customers with an easy way to toggle Bluetooth on and off with iOS 18 Public Beta 4. Control Center now has a specific Bluetooth option in addition to the usual connectivity settings. The flashlight or camera symbol on the lock screen can be swapped out for this new control, which can be added to any Control Center page. Users of the iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max can additionally designate the Action button as the Bluetooth toggle.

2) Apple Music:

The Browse tab in Apple Music has been renamed to New as a minor update in the most recent public beta. The previous tab’s contents have also changed in some cases.

3) Icons in notifications that use Dark Mode:

Apple is resolving a problem wherein icons in the Notification Tray that use Dark Mode would show up in regular light. Notifications received with Dark Mode enabled will now display that icon with a darker finish thanks to the latest public beta.

4) Tinted icons:

If users have enabled the app icon tinting feature, Apple is expanding the customization options for this feature, enabling them to match their icons to the background of their choice.

How can use the Apple Public Beta 4 Beta version?

The most recent software features for iOS 18 should soon be accessible to you if you are already running an earlier public beta of the device. If you haven’t already, you may join Apple’s beta program right now by following the steps listed below.

Register for the public beta program by going to beta.apple.com/sp/betaprogram/, the website for Apple’s beta program.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.

Choose iOS 18 Public Beta from the Beta Updates menu.

Go back to the Software Update page and watch for the download link to show up. Accept Apple’s terms, then start the download. After the download is finished, the installation will begin.

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Technology

CEO Patrick Spence estimates that Sonos will have to spend $20 to $30 million “in the short term” to handle backlash following the company’s highly unpopular app overhaul.

When Sonos released an upgraded software in May, many customers became irate since popular capabilities like editing playlists and song queues, using sleep timers, and accessing local music libraries were gone. Sonos stated that it aimed to update and simplify the user interface of the app.

Although the app was initially successful in speeding up some tasks, such as volume adjustment, the modifications infuriated Sonos’s usually devoted user base. Spence announced in July that Sonos would patch the app with fortnightly updates and expressed regret for the poorly received revamp.

Spence stated yesterday on Sonos’ fiscal Q3 2024 earnings call that Sonos will have to spend millions of dollars on app fixes and consumer fallout management. The expenses are ““necessary to right the ship for the long term,” according to Spence, and they originate from three main areas: app updates, customer service, and luring back customers and partners.

Spence informed investors, “We have identified the key bugs, have a plan to fix them, and are improving our processes and staffing to ensure we successfully execute our action plan,”

Nick Millington, the software’s original architect, was brought in by Sonos to make fixes. According to Spence, the “modular developer platform based on modern programming languages” of the redesigned software allows for faster updates and eventually allows functionality that the prior version was unable to implement. The executive stayed away from details.

Sonos has to invest more in partner and customer support as a result of the app. It appears that the business intends to provide financial reductions in an effort to entice former partners and clients back. According to Spence, Sonos would provide “programs” to “to both support and thank our customers and partners for sticking with us through this period and turn their dissatisfaction to delight.”

Furthermore, because of issues arising from the redesign, Sonos lowered its fiscal 2024 guidance.

Hardware Launches are Delayed by Software Issues

Sonos is seeing a knock-on impact from the app issues. Sonos is postponing the release of two pieces of gear in addition to the remediation, which could end up costing the firm up to $30 million.

Spence stated: We feel that the app needs to be fixed before anything else because the current state of the app is impeding sales of our current products. This means that until our app experience reaches the caliber that we, our partners, and our customers expect from Sonos, we will postpone the two significant new product launches that we had scheduled for Q4.

Although Sonos did not name the devices impacted, there have been rumors that the company is working on a new flagship soundbar to replace the Arc.

In light of these postponements, Sonos projects revenue for fiscal Q4 2023 to be between $240 and $260 million, as opposed to $397.1 million in Q3 2024 and $305.1 million in Q4 2023.

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Business

Payoneer, a US-based paytech company, has paid $61 million in cash to purchase Skuad, a Singapore-based start-up that manages payroll and workforce globally.

The agreement, which was completed on August 5, according to Payoneer, also includes “up to an additional $20 million of future payments in cash and equity,” subject to Skuad meeting “certain performance and tenure milestones.”

The 2019 launch of the Skuad platform aims to streamline SMB hiring, onboarding, payroll, and talent management procedures. It supports 100 currencies and is currently active in 160 countries globally.

Payoneer presently provides online money transfer and cross-border payment services for businesses and entrepreneurs in 190 countries. It now plans to incorporate Skuad’s payroll and contract management tools into its own solutions.

According to the business, 25% of its B2B clients are now asking for “enhanced workforce management,” which includes capabilities for contractor management, payroll, and employer of record. This has led to “significant cross-sell potential” with the company’s most recent acquisition.

The agreement will “accelerate our evolution and B2B momentum,” according to Payoneer CEO John Caplan, who also notes that the team and technology of Skuad will contribute to the creation of “a powerful platform that will enhance our customers’ ability to expand their teams worldwide and grow globally.”

The paytech reported encouraging sales growth of 16% to $239.5 million in its most recent financial results, which cover the period ending June 30.

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Business

In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, frequently with devastating results. Timely access to care remains a substantial barrier despite advancements in therapy, especially outside of urban regions.

With an inventive solution, Miami firm NAVIGANTIS is stepping forward to meet this need. The firm is well-positioned to realize its objective of revolutionizing neurovascular treatment with its VASCO robotic platform, since it just secured a $12 million Series A financing round.

The funding, which is being led by Puma Venture Capital and includes participation from Cormorant Asset Management and Mirae Asset Capital, will support the VASCO robot’s continued development and testing, advancing it closer to clinical trials involving humans.

In the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds, frequently with devastating results. Timely access to care remains a substantial barrier despite advancements in therapy, especially outside of urban regions.

With an inventive solution, Miami firm NAVIGANTIS is stepping forward to meet this need. The firm is well-positioned to realize its objective of revolutionizing neurovascular treatment with its VASCO robotic platform, since it just secured a $12 million Series A financing round.

The funding, which is being led by Puma Venture Capital and includes participation from Cormorant Asset Management and Mirae Asset Capital, will support the VASCO robot’s continued development and testing, advancing it closer to clinical trials involving humans.

CEO of NAVIGANTIS Mor Dayan emphasized the company’s joy and thankfulness for the support of prestigious investors while highlighting their common goal of transforming neurovascular treatment. “We are thrilled and fortunate to have the support of such esteemed partner investors who share our vision for revolutionizing neurovascular care with robotics,” the statement read.

One of the main causes of impairment is neurological illnesses. The gold standard for treating acute ischemic stroke is now a mechanical thrombectomy; yet, timely access to this potentially life-saving operation is still scarce. Many patients miss the critical window for treatment, which significantly lowers their chances of recovery. This is due to the existing dearth of qualified neurointerventionalists and the geographic limitations of care centers.

Puma Venture Capital founder and managing partner Amit Hazan expressed his excitement about the potential impact of the VASCO platform. Hazan will now be a member of the NAVIGANTIS Board of Directors. He declared,  “We are incredibly excited to support the NAVIGANTIS team in their mission to further improve stroke care via robotic applications,” 

Hazan outlined the wider ramifications of this technique, which include the ability to do telesurgery and the development of novel vascular treatments including drug delivery and brain implants. Prior to this, Hazan oversaw the medical technology division of Goldman Sachs as a Managing Director.

Major businesses in the medical technology sector, including Opko Health and Medtronic, are building substantial regional presences, and South Florida is fast becoming as a center for these technologies.

Puma Venture Capital founder and managing partner Amit Hazan expressed his excitement about the potential impact of the VASCO platform. Hazan will now be a member of the NAVIGANTIS Board of Directors. He declared,  “We are incredibly excited to support the NAVIGANTIS team in their mission to further improve stroke care via robotic applications,” 

Hazan outlined the wider ramifications of this technique, which include the ability to do telesurgery and the development of novel vascular treatments including drug delivery and brain implants. Prior to this, Hazan oversaw the medical technology division of Goldman Sachs as a Managing Director.

The money raised will play a crucial role in advancing the VASCO robot toward its first-in-human clinical trials, a significant advancement in the care of neurovascular diseases. NAVIGANTIS seeks to close the gap in neurovascular care by increasing patient access to cutting-edge therapies, wherever they may be.

Puma Venture Capital, which was founded in 2023 by Amit Hazan and Dr. Vipul Patel, is committed to promoting minimally invasive care by making strategic investments in robotics, digital surgery, AI analytics, diagnostics, medicines, and digital ecosystems. Patel, who received his degree from the University of Michigan, is currently the Medical Director of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute for Urologic Oncology and the Global Robotics Institute. He also teaches urology at the University of Central Florida.

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