Aging breast screening bus only retired after staff get electric shocks
Tasmania’s health department was aware a 32-year-old breast cancer screening bus was unsafe for years, but continued operating it up until two staff suffered electric shocks. ⌘ Read more
‘Motherships’, corpses and ‘comical’ failures as drug smugglers try it all
The alleged use of an international livestock ship to smuggle drugs into Western Australia last month prompted a media storm, but one expert says it is just one among a “dizzying variety” of methods criminals are trying. ⌘ Read more
A 1950s Material Just Set a Modern Record For Lightning-fast Chips
“Researchers engineered a strained germanium layer on silicon that allows charge to move faster than in any silicon-compatible material to date,” reports Science Daily. “This record mobility could lead to chips that run cooler, faster, and with dramatically lower energy consumption.
“The discovery also enhances the prospects for silicon- … ⌘ Read more
As Christmas lights return to Bethlehem, Palestinians look for hope
As the ceasefire in Gaza enters its second month, the Palestinian city revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus holds a ceremony to light up a 20-metre tree at the edge of Manger Square. ⌘ Read more
Piastri’s task gets tougher as Verstappen takes pole for F1 finale
Aussie Oscar Piastri’s hopes of the world F1 crown slump after title rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris finish ahead of him in Abu Dhabi GP qualifying. ⌘ Read more
Fears number of homes lost in NSW fires could rise
Authorities say there is a risk severe storms could hit the already-fire damaged north-east as part of a cold front, as more than 70 fires continue to burn across NSW. ⌘ Read more
Fish returning to some parts of SA’s coast, divers say
Open water divers say underwater visibility has improved and marine life is returning to some areas off South Australia’s coast. Experts say it’s a positive sign, but warn it’s “way too early” to say the environment is recovering from the state’s algal bloom. ⌘ Read more
Snatched sushi and scoffed sandwiches — seagulls swoop at Federation Square
Pesky seagulls snatching food from unsuspecting members of the public has spurred a Melbourne council to start canine patrols of Federation Square. ⌘ Read more
Beloved by Instagrammers, walk closed to preserve paperbark forest
Bush Heritage Australia says it is still considering how to safely reopen the walk, which prior to closure was being visited by 100,000 people a year. ⌘ Read more
Chernobyl’s Protective Shield Can No Longer Confine Radiation, UN Nuclear Watchdog Says
“A structure designed to prevent radioactive leakage at the defunct Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine is no longer operational,” reports Politico, “after Russian drones targeted it earlier this year, the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog has found.”
[T]he large steel structure “lost its primary safety fun … ⌘ Read more
Judgement day arrives for Bazball as Australia moves in for the kill
Australia was patient, mature and ruthless on day three at the Gabba, widening the chasm between it and an England side now set for its day of reckoning. ⌘ Read more
When Bugurra was 11, her life changed forever. A photo captured the moment
In the 1960s, the last of the desert families were coming into contact with white people. For one woman, the moment was captured on camera. ⌘ Read more
What life’s like when you’re Deaf and blind
Living with vision impairment throws up many challenges. Being Deaf on top of that requires you to go to even greater lengths just to fit in with the modern world. This is how one Deafblind woman does it. ⌘ Read more
Aptera’s Solar-Powered EVs Take Another Step Toward Production
To build three-wheeled, solar electric vehicles, Aptera has now launched its “validation” vehicle assembly line, reports the San Diego Business Journal.
“The validation line will set a technical foundation for the company’s eventual low-volume assembly line, ensuring that manufacturing processes are optimized and refined, particularly for the company … ⌘ Read more
Gearing up for the school holidays? Here’s how to survive them without social media
These school holidays, children under 16 will find themselves with less social media access as a ban comes into place. We asked the experts how parents can best support their kids with the transition. ⌘ Read more
How one man’s method became the death penalty standard
On this day in history, the US carried out its first execution by lethal injection — a method thought up by one doctor. ⌘ Read more
So, you think you’re good at quizzes? It’s time to play HARD!
Alright, show us what you’ve got. I’ll keep my expectations low. ⌘ Read more
‘This was a wanted pregnancy’: The mothers facing prosecution in Trump’s America
Denied pregnancy care and threatened with prosecution: in the wake of widespread abortion bans, across the United States prosecutors have launched more than 400 cases charging people with crimes related to their pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth or birth. ⌘ Read more
Parents could grant Labor the grace the opposition won’t on social media ban
Australia’s social media age ban is one of the most significant attempts to rebalance the asymmetric power relationship between government and tech. ⌘ Read more
As natural disasters tear through Asia, politicians ignore climate at their own peril
Accused of incompetence and apathy in the aftermath of natural disasters, governments across Asia are facing increasing backlash as the impact of global warming intensifies. ⌘ Read more
Why These Parents Want Schools to Stop Issuing iPads to the Their Children
What happened when a school in Los Angeles gave a sixth grader an iPad for use throughout the school day? “He used the iPad during school to watch YouTube and participate in Fortnite video game battles,” reports NBC News.
His mother has now launched a coalition of parents called Schools Beyond Screens “organizing in WhatsAp … ⌘ Read more
Could Netflix’s Deal for Warner Bros. Fall Apart?
While Netflix hopes to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $72 billion, CNBC reports a senior official in America’s federal government said the administration was viewing the deal with “heavy skepticism. And that’s not the only hurdle:
On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reported that Paramount, in a letter to lawyers for Warner Bros. Discovery [WBD], had warned that a s … ⌘ Read more
The AI Boom Could Increase Prices for Phones and Tablets Next Year
CNN’s prediction for 2026? “Any device that uses memory, from phones to tablets and smartwatches, could get pricier.” But will it be a little or a lot?
The article cites an analysis from multinational strategy/management consulting firm McKinsey & Company which found America’s data center demand could continue growing by 20 to 25 percent … ⌘ Read more
Linus Torvalds Defends Windows’ Blue Screen of Death
Linus Torvalds recently defended Windows’ infamous Blue Screen of Death during a video with Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips, where the two built a PC together. It’s FOSS reports: In that video, Sebastian discussed Torvalds’ fondness for ECC (Error Correction Code). I am using their last name because Linus will be confused with Linus. This is where Torvalds says this: … ⌘ Read more
India caps airfares as IndiGo crisis leaves hundreds stranded for fifth day
Thousands of IndiGo flights were cancelled this week due to a pilot shortage, which prompted government relief and extra trains to help stranded passengers. ⌘ Read more
Five quick hits: The first ‘English’ wicket and Archer’s ‘shocking look’
A sleepy Jofra Archer cops a rinsing from Matthew Hayden, as the English finally make it through the first over of an innings. Here are the quick hits from day three of the Gabba Ashes Test. ⌘ Read more
Overnight fire exchange at Afghan-Pakistan border kills five civilians and wounds eight
Each side has blamed the other for triggering the clash in violation of a tenuous two-month ceasefire, with the clashes lasting until dawn Saturday. ⌘ Read more
Not all babies need a hepatitis B shot at birth, US vaccine advisers say
President Donald Trump is calling the vote a “very good decision” after US vaccine advisers recommended ending the universal hepatitis B shots at birth. ⌘ Read more
‘Rage Bait’ Named Oxford Word of the Year 2025
Longtime Slashdot reader sinij shares a report from the BBC: Do you find yourself getting increasingly irate while scrolling through your social media feed? If so, you may be falling victim to rage bait, which Oxford University Press has named its word or phrase of the year. It is a term that describes manipulative tactics used to drive engagement online, with usage of it increasing t … ⌘ Read more
Teen seriously injured in e-bike crash in Perth’s western suburbs
A 14-year-old boy suffers serious injuries in an e-bike crash in Perth’s western suburbs, just two days after a parliamentary inquiry into WA’s e-rideable laws made 33 recommendations in a bid to make the devices safer. ⌘ Read more
Day 6 of AoC, and I’m all caught up. 12 puzzles down, 12 more to go!
Meta Confirms ‘Shifting Some’ Funding ‘From Metaverse Toward AI Glasses’
Meta has officially confirmed it is shifting investment away from the metaverse and VR toward AI-powered smart glasses, following a Bloomberg report of an up to 30% budget cut for Reality Labs. “Within our overall Reality Labs portfolio we are shifting some of our investment from Metaverse toward AI glasses and Wearables given the mom … ⌘ Read more
Smith leaps into Australian Open contention, Lee and Scott in the mix
Cameron Smith is only two shots off the lead heading into the final round of the Australian Open, while Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott remain in the hunt at Royal Melbourne. ⌘ Read more
Live: Opetaia aims for more cruiserweight dominance
Jai Opetaia defends his IBF and The Ring cruiserweight world titles against Hüseyin Cinkara in a stacked card of boxing on the Gold Coast. Follow live. ⌘ Read more
Community raises funds after two children charged over Geraldton fire
While police say the investigation is over, the local community is still trying to move forward from the devastation. ⌘ Read more
Alleged Adelaide hospital escapee re-arrested after manhunt, police say
A 36-year-old who prompted a manhunt after allegedly escaping custody at Adelaide’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday night has been re-arrested and will face court on Monday, police say. ⌘ Read more
Government reveals future plan for Queensland racing industry two months late
The Next Lap plan will establish a $200 million infrastructure fund, streamline governance, and maintain taxation levels, and comes about two months after an independent review into the sector. ⌘ Read more
Critics choice nominations 2026: Sinner, One Battle After Another
The gothic vampire period drama Sinners has topped the Critic Choice Awards, securing 17 nods, followed by One Battle After Another with 14. ⌘ Read more
Man dies after being trapped under machinery at Victorian gold mine
An investigation is underway following the death of a 53-year-old man who was trapped under machinery at a gold mine in Central Victoria on Friday. ⌘ Read more
How a gold toilet became a symbol of Ukraine’s endemic corruption
Ukraine has a history of corruption issues, but the latest allegations include close confidants of the president and many people want answers from Volodymyr Zelenskyy. ⌘ Read more
McIlroy’s Australian Open tilt hindered by discarded banana skin
Inclement weather is not the only challenge Rory McIlroy faced on his way to shooting a three-under-par 68 in the third round of the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne. ⌘ Read more
Live: Australia looks to drive home advantage on day three at the Gabba
Australia can build a decisive first-innings lead over England with a strong batting effort by the tail as it starts day three of the second Test at the Gabba. Follow live. ⌘ Read more
OpenAI Has Trained Its LLM To Confess To Bad Behavior
An anonymous reader quotes a report from MIT Technology Review: OpenAI is testing another new way to expose the complicated processes at work inside large language models. Researchers at the company can make an LLM produce what they call a confession, in which the model explains how it carried out a task and (most of the time) owns up to any bad behavior. Figuring out why … ⌘ Read more
Trump’s new security strategy warns Europe faces ‘civilisational erasure’
The Trump administration releases a document saying its goal is to “help Europe correct its current trajectory”, adding that it faces “civilisational erasure” due in part to “mass migration”. ⌘ Read more
No perfect draw but nothing to fear for Socceroos in World Cup grouping
Nothing can be guaranteed in a World Cup, but the Socceroos’ draw alongside the United States, Paraguay and a European qualifier gives a solid shot at advancing, with the Australians avoiding most of the big names. ⌘ Read more
‘Cheating’ Malaysia slammed by FIFA over passports for footballers
A soccer players’ union says seven South American and European members of the Malaysian national team suspended over allegedly forged documents are “victims”. ⌘ Read more
Blackest Fabric Ever Made Absorbs 99.87% of All Light That Hits It
alternative_right shares a report from ScienceAlert: Engineers at Cornell University have created the blackest fabric on record, finding it absorbs 99.87 percent of all light that dares to illuminate its surface. […] In this case, the Cornell researchers dyed a white merino wool knit fabric with a synthetic melanin polymer called polydo … ⌘ Read more
Company pauses plan to release controversial genetically modified mosquitoes
An organisation that planned to sell “friendly” mosquitoes to reduce the spread of diseases like dengue withdraws its licence application after backlash from scientists and health experts. ⌘ Read more
Woman’s body went undiscovered outside police station for three days
A critical incident has been declared after a 48-year-old woman’s body was found inside a car at a police station car park. ⌘ Read more
Princess Kate celebrates community work at annual Christmas service
Heir to the throne, Prince William, was due to deliver a reading before 1,600 guests along with actors Kate Winslet, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Joe Locke, as well as actor and comedian Babatunde Aléshé. ⌘ Read more