New Drink-Spiking Detection Device Could Transform Nightlife Safety
Scientists at UBC have developed Spikeless, an innovative stir stick that detects common date-rape drugs in beverages within seconds. The device aims to make venues safer by providing a discreet, non-contaminating way to identify dangerous substances like ketamine and GHB.
How to Protect Your Genetic Data After 23andMe's Bankruptcy Filing
With DNA testing company 23andMe facing bankruptcy and potential data sales, customers need to act quickly to safeguard their genetic information. Learn the essential steps to download and permanently delete your sensitive biological data before it changes hands.
California Attorney General Urges 23andMe Users to Delete Genetic Data Amid Company's Financial Crisis
California AG Rob Bonta warns 23andMe customers to remove their genetic information as the company faces potential bankruptcy, with stock prices plummeting from $320 to under $2. The urgent alert follows a 2023 data breach that exposed vulnerabilities in protecting sensitive genetic data.
23andMe Files for Bankruptcy as DNA Testing Pioneer's Value Plummets
Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection following failed takeover attempts, with CEO Anne Wojcicki stepping down. The company, now valued at just $50 million compared to $3.5 billion in 2021, seeks a court-supervised sale while grappling with recent data breaches and layoffs.
Cambridge Launches Pioneering Program to Combat Engineered Pandemic Threats
The University of Cambridge has established a groundbreaking initiative to address the rising risk of engineered biological weapons and laboratory-released pandemics. The program combines expertise in immunology, biotechnology and policy to develop prevention strategies and emergency response frameworks.
Major Data Breach at DISA Exposes Personal Information of 3.3 Million Americans
Leading employee screening provider DISA Global Solutions suffered a massive data breach compromising sensitive data of over 3.3 million individuals. The two-month unauthorized access exposed Social Security numbers, financial details and government IDs of people who underwent employee screening.
Oracle Proposes National AI Database to Store Americans' Health and DNA Records
Oracle CTO Larry Ellison unveils an ambitious plan to consolidate all U.S. national data, including citizens' healthcare and genetic information, into a unified AI system. The controversial proposal aims to enable personalized medicine and improve government services while raising significant privacy and security concerns.
HMPV Disinformation Fuels Anti-China Sentiment and Pandemic Fears
A surge of misleading social media posts about human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has sparked unfounded fears of new lockdowns and discrimination against Chinese communities. Health experts affirm cases remain at normal seasonal levels while warning against viral misinformation that could undermine trust in public health responses.
Major Healthcare Data Breaches Expose 1.5 Million Patient Records in Connecticut and California
Two significant healthcare networks have reported cybersecurity breaches compromising sensitive medical data of over 1.5 million patients. The incidents at Community Health Center Inc. and NorthBay Healthcare exposed everything from Social Security numbers to complete medical histories, highlighting the sector's vulnerability to cyber threats.
Major Data Breach at Wolf Haldenstein Law Firm Exposes 3.5 Million Americans' Sensitive Data
A significant cybersecurity incident at Wolf Haldenstein law firm has compromised sensitive personal information of 3.5 million individuals, including Social Security numbers and medical data. The breach went undetected for months before discovery in April 2024, raising concerns about identity theft and fraud risks.