tech
Ukrainian startup develops long-range drones and missiles to strike deep into Russia
A Ukrainian-made drone attack on a Russian ammunition depot last September highlighted Kyiv’s ability to target deep behind enemy lines and underscored the rapid growth of its defense industry. The drones, manufactured by Fire Point, flew over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), temporarily limiting Russia’s capacity for similar glide bomb attacks.
“Air power is our main asymmetric advantage,” said Iryna Terekh, head of production at Fire Point, noting Ukraine’s resource constraints compared to Russia. She oversaw production of the “deep-strike drones” used against ammunition depots, oil refineries, and other key Russian targets.
Spurred by necessity and limited Western military aid, Ukraine has emerged as a hub for defense innovation. Fire Point operates several covert factories producing FP-1 exploding drones that can travel up to 1,600 kilometers (994 miles). The company is also developing the FP-5 cruise missile, capable of reaching 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), with plans for mass production by year-end.
Ukraine now buys roughly $10 billion in domestically produced weapons annually, but officials say domestic industry could supply triple that amount, with European exports potentially boosting capacity further.
Founded by a group of friends with backgrounds in architecture, construction, and gaming, Fire Point initially sought to create cost-effective drones to match Iranian-made Shahed drones used by Russia. Starting with a production goal of 30 units per month in 2023, the company now produces about 100 drones daily at $55,000 each.
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The FP-1, with a 60-kilogram (132-pound) explosive payload, accounts for about 60% of Ukrainian strikes inside Russian territory, slowing advances along the 1,000-kilometer front in eastern Ukraine.
The conflict has also turned Ukraine into what defense entrepreneurs call the “Silicon Valley of defense,” with startups rapidly testing and adapting innovations on the battlefield. Fire Point, for example, developed its own software after Western navigation systems were disrupted by Russian electronic warfare.
Despite security risks, the company operates partially underground, with civilian areas providing cover. Drones are delivered to the front within 72 hours. The FP-5 missile, nicknamed Flamingo, delivers a 1,150-kilogram (2,535-pound) payload with high precision, and production is expected to scale from one to seven units per day by October.
Terekh said Ukraine continues to prepare for prolonged conflict, even as leaders seek diplomatic solutions. “We are preparing for a bigger, much scarier war,” she said.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
Hongkong Land unveils city’s first AI-powered facility management platform
Hongkong Land has introduced the Integrated Facility Management Control Tower (IFMCT), Hong Kong’s first AI-powered intelligent facility management platform, aiming to set new benchmarks for commercial property operations.
The IFMCT consolidates more than 20 separate building systems into a unified command centre, integrating core functions such as the Building Management System (BMS), AI-driven heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), energy optimisation, thermal comfort, and soft services including cleaning, vendor management, procurement and tenant wellness monitoring.
By shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, the platform uses AI health analytics to identify early signs of equipment decline, preventing disruptions and reducing maintenance cycles. For example, air handling units (AHUs) are serviced only when performance issues arise, cutting maintenance effort by 16% within a year and reducing routine checks from monthly to twice annually.
The system has also automated 66% of work orders and shortened asset documentation retrieval time by 80%, while significantly lowering the number of alarm notifications sent to tenants and vendors.
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Michael Smith, Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable solutions. “This pioneering platform underlines our long-standing culture of innovation and our drive to create long-term value for stakeholders,” he said.
Following a pilot at Alexandra House—which won an Industry Excellence Award—the IFMCT has already been expanded to Charter House and Exchange Square. Hongkong Land now plans to roll it out across its entire Central Portfolio by 2026.
The platform also contributes to Hongkong Land’s decarbonisation efforts, using real-time monitoring and AI-driven energy management to balance demand, optimise efficiency, and adjust HVAC systems in line with forecast weather conditions.
Beyond Hong Kong, the IFMCT is set for regional deployment, beginning with Westbund Central in Shanghai, which will feature premium retail, office, residential, hospitality, and cultural facilities. The platform’s standardised data structure enables seamless integration across multiple markets, strengthening Hongkong Land’s position as a leader in intelligent property management.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
AEye partners with Black Sesame Technologies to enhance autonomous safety in China
AEye, Inc. (Nasdaq: LIDR), a global leader in high-performance lidar technology and developer of the Apollo lidar sensor, has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Black Sesame Technologies, a top provider of automotive-grade computing platforms and smart vehicle solutions.
The collaboration aims to create an AI-powered obstacle detection and early warning system designed to provide ultra-long-range, highly reliable safety improvements for railway operations in China.
AEye CEO Matt Fisch and Vice President of Business Development Ben Hua formalized the agreement with Black Sesame Technologies during a signing event in China.
The partnership will integrate AEye’s Apollo long-range lidar with Black Sesame’s advanced chipset and perception software, offering a full-stack, plug-and-play solution to meet the safety requirements of high-speed transport networks.
“I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” Fisch said. “By combining our industry-leading 1550 nm Apollo lidar with Black Sesame’s intelligent perception stack, we expect to deliver a best-in-class solution in China, the world’s largest lidar market.”
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Wilson Liu, Co-founder and President of Black Sesame Technologies, said the collaboration pioneers a new benchmark for rail safety. “By merging ultra-long-range sensing with mission-critical computing, we aim to deliver the most reliable obstacle detection system for trains,” he said, adding that a top-tier Chinese OEM has already selected the system.
Founded in 2016, Black Sesame Technologies is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2533.HK) and provides advanced computing platforms for autonomous driving and smart vehicles. AEye, meanwhile, is recognized for its Apollo lidar, which can detect objects up to one kilometer away, and its OPTIS™ full-stack platform for real-time 3D imaging and decision-making.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
realme P4 Pro Review: Mid-ranger gaming phone with huge battery and robust processor
The realme P Series represents the brand's mid-range smartphone lineup that focuses on delivering "power and style" without premium pricing. The P4 lineup is the fourth generation of realme’s mid-range P series. realme launches its new innovation, the P4 Pro, in India on August 20, 2025. Let’s delve into the main features, advantages, drawbacks, and pricing of the realme P4 Pro 5G in Bangladesh.
Key Features and Specs of the realme P4 Pro
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Design and Display
The realme P4 Pro is rumoured to have a weight of around 189 grams and a thickness of 7.68 mm. The display is expected to be 6.8 inches. The display uses AMOLED technology, which provides vibrant colours, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios that make content consumption and everyday use more visually appealing. The display is protected by Mohs level 6.
It is equipped with an up to 144 Hz HyperGlow 4D Curve+ display featuring 1280 by 2800 pixels, 6500 nits of peak brightness, and HDR10+ technology. This high refresh rate display technology makes interactions feel more fluid compared to standard 60 Hz displays.
The overall design philosophy seems focused on delivering a premium look and feel while maintaining practicality. The large screen provides ample space for media consumption, productivity tasks, and gaming, while the AMOLED technology ensures excellent viewing quality both indoors and outdoors.
Read more: realme P4 5G Review: A True Mid-Range Game Changer?
Camera
The realme P4 Pro offers a dual rear camera setup. This pack includes a primary camera with a 50 MP Sony IMX896 sensor featuring optical image stabilisation (OIS). Its 6p lens offers a 24mm focal length, an 84.4-degree field of view and an f/1.8 aperture.
The other rear camera is an 8 MP ultra-wide angle sensor. This secondary sensor features a 5P lens, f/2.2 aperture, and 112-degree field of view.
The camera will be one of its key selling points. The combination of the large 50 MP primary sensor with OIS should help with low-light photography and video stabilisation, while the equally high-resolution front camera suggests strong focus on selfie quality and video calling performance.
The optical image stabilisation on the main camera is particularly noteworthy as it helps reduce blur from hand movement when taking photos or recording videos, making it a standout feature in this smartphone segment.
For selfies and video calls, the front camera packs a 50MP sensor with an OV50D sensor, which is quite impressive for front-facing photography. It is 5P, with an 86.7 FOV and f/2.4 aperture.
realme P4 Pro can capture maxium of 4k video footage at 60fps with both main rear and front sensors.
Read more: Vivo Y400 4G Review: Worth It or Just Hype?
Hardware: Processor, GPU, and Memory
The realme P4 Pro is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, which is built on a 4nm TSMC manufacturing process. This is a significant upgrade that promises excellent performance and power efficiency for a mid-range smartphone.
What makes the P4 Pro particularly unique is that it features two distinct chipsets for processing, making it the first device in its price category to offer this dual-processor setup. Its graphic section is run by an Adreno™ GPU @ 1150 MHz with a graphics chipset X7P.
The device comes with 8 GB and 12 GB of LPDDR4X RAM options, providing smooth multitasking capabilities. The internal memory options are 128 GB, 256 GB and 512 GB, equipped with UFS 3.1 data transfer technology.
Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in August 2025
Gaming Performance
The realme P4 Pro scores over 1.1 million on AnTuTu, with the HyperVision AI chipset co-developed with Pixelworks delivering performance similar to an 8 Gen level chipset.
The standout gaming feature is the dedicated HyperVision AI Chip, built to improve the viewing and gaming experience. The HyperVision chip works alongside the GPU on the Snapdragon chip to increase the frame rate in games and video applications, providing a significant boost to gaming performance.
For actual gaming capabilities, the dual-chip configuration enables stable 144 FPS gameplay in over 100 supported titles, real-time frame generation, and resolution upscaling to 1.5K. This combination supports features such as 1.5K + 144 FPS gaming and ultra-smooth 120 FPS streaming, making it capable of handling demanding games with high frame rates and excellent visual quality.
The thermal management is equally impressive with a 7,000 sq mm AirFlow VC cooling system, ensuring the phone will not heat up even after long hours of gaming. Additionally, the device incorporates the GT Performance Engine 3.0 for thermal management and sustained performance, helping maintain consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date
To help users monitor performance gains, realme has collaborated with PerfDog to introduce a "Frame Generation Index" that displays real-time data on the performance gains from the Pixelworks hardware, giving gamers detailed insights into how the dual-chip system is enhancing their gaming experience.
Battery and Charger
The realme P4 Pro comes with an exceptionally large 7000 mAh battery capacity, which is significantly larger than most smartphones on the market. This massive battery capacity promises excellent battery life that can easily last more than a day of heavy usage.
For charging, the device supports 80W fast charging technology that ensures the phone can be fully charged in less than 2 hours.
Pros and Cons of the realme P4 Pro
Pros:
• Massive battery capacity that can handle heavy usage without frequent charging concerns.
• Innovative dual-chipset design with for enhanced gaming and visual performance
• Dual 50MP camera setup with OIS on the main camera and equally high-resolution front camera
• Gaming-focused features including 144 FPS support in over 100 titles, frame generation, and 1.5K resolution upscaling
• Large AMOLED display with high refresh rate for smooth scrolling and excellent visual quality
• Advanced cooling system to prevent overheating during intensive tasks.
Read more: Vivo X200 FE Review: The Compact Champion Featuring Zeiss Cameras and a Massive Battery
Cons:
• The massive battery likely makes the device significantly heavier and thicker than typical smartphones
• realme's "breakneck speed of launching devices" may raise concerns about long-term software support and updates
• The large battery capacity, while beneficial for longevity, may lead to longer charging times despite the 80W fast charging
• The device may feel bulky for users who prefer compact smartphones due to the large battery and display size
• Limited storage options and RAM configurations compared to some competitors in the same price range.
Read more: Best Smartphones Releasing in July 2025
Price of the realme P4 Pro in Bangladesh
According to rumours, the realme P4 Pro will be priced at Rs 29,999 in India, which roughly converts to approximately 42,000 to 45,000 BDT based on current exchange rates. In the Bangladesh market, the realme P4 Pro may be priced in the range of 48,000 to 52,000 BDT for the official version when it launches.
However, as the device hasn't officially launched in Bangladesh yet, so these are estimated prices based on the Indian pricing structure and Bangladesh market patterns.
Who Should or Shouldn’t Buy the realme P4 Pro?
Heavy smartphone users who struggle with battery life throughout the day will find the P4 Pro's 7000 mAh battery particularly appealing. People who consume lots of media content, whether streaming videos, reading, or browsing social media, will benefit from the large AMOLED display.
The dual-chipset with HyperVision AI chip, 144 FPS gaming support, and efficient cooling system make P4 Pro excellent for gaming. The combination of a high refresh rate display and frame generation technology provides a premium gaming experience.
Content creators and photography enthusiasts who prioritise camera quality will appreciate the dual 50MP setup with OIS.
Read more: vivo T4 Ultra Review: A Game-Changing Mid-range Flagship
However, users who prioritise compact, lightweight phones should avoid the P4 Pro. The massive battery and large display inevitably make this device bulky and heavy, which may be uncomfortable for people with smaller hands or those who prefer one-handed usage.
People who frequently upgrade their phones or care deeply about long-term software support might want to reconsider. realme's rapid device launch cycle sometimes raises questions about how long individual models receive regular updates and security patches. Besides this, users who prefer stock Android or minimal software customisation may not enjoy realme UI, which tends to be more heavily customisable than some competitors' interfaces.
Those who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light app usage are essentially paying for features they won't fully utilise. The advanced gaming capabilities and large battery capacity represent overkill for minimal smartphone users. Therefore, the budget-conscious buyers with very tight spending limits might find better value in realme's lower-tier offerings, as the P4 Pro's advanced features come with a price premium that may not be justified for basic smartphone needs.
Read more: Infinix GT 30 Pro Review: Best Budget Gaming Phone with Flagship Features in 2025
The realme P4 Pro is fundamentally designed for power users who want maximum battery life, gaming performance, and camera quality in the mid-range segment, making it less suitable for casual users or those seeking ultra-portable devices.
1 year ago
Hijacked satellites, space weapons signal new era of conflict in orbit
When Russia staged its Victory Day parade this year, pro-Kremlin hackers hijacked a satellite serving Ukraine and replaced regular broadcasts with images of tanks and troops rolling through Moscow. The stunt underscored how modern warfare now stretches into cyberspace and outer space.
Experts warn that disabling satellites could cripple communications, navigation, intelligence gathering and even missile-warning systems — all without a single shot being fired. More than 12,000 satellites currently orbit the Earth, making them prime targets for cyber intrusions.
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U.S. officials say Russia is also developing a space-based nuclear weapon capable of wiping out satellites in low-Earth orbit, a move that would violate treaties and threaten global stability.
Meanwhile, competition over the moon’s resources, such as helium-3 for future nuclear fusion, has raised fears of future clashes among the U.S., China and Russia.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
realme P4 5G Review: A True Mid-Range Game Changer?
realme has carved its space in the mid-range smartphone market with the P series, blending performance and affordability. The latest addition, P4, expected to be launched on 20 August 2025, continues this legacy with fresh upgrades. Let's delve into the main features, drawbacks and pricing of the realme P4 5G in Bangladesh.
Key Features of realme P4 5G
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Design and Build Quality
The realme P4 5G takes a big leap forward in terms of design, offering a sleeker profile and a more polished finish than the realme P3. At 185 grams, it feels noticeably lighter in hand compared to the P3’s 194 g, making it more comfortable for long usage.
The frame feels sturdy, with a refined matte texture that prevents smudges, while its IP68/IP69 rating ensures durability against dust and water exposure. This is an upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A17, which only offers IP54 protection, making the P4 more reliable for users who live in environments prone to dust or heavy rain.
Read more: Best 10 Smartphones Releasing in August 2025
On the other hand, the Motorola Moto G56 matches the P4 with its rugged IP68/IP69 resistance, even going a step further with MIL-STD-810H compliance for drop resistance. While Moto’s build favours ruggedness, the realme P4 strikes the right balance between style and toughness, leaning more towards premium aesthetics without sacrificing durability.
Display Quality
The 6.77-inch HyperGlow AMOLED panel with HDR10+ support is where the realme P4 truly shines. With a maximum of 144Hz refresh rate, 1080 by 2392 resolutions, and 4500 nits peak brightness, it easily outclasses the realme P3’s 120Hz AMOLED panel capped at 2000 nits. The jump in refresh rate makes animations smoother, gaming more fluid, and everyday scrolling an absolute delight.
Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A17, which only offers a 90 Hz Super AMOLED display, the P4’s screen feels far more responsive, particularly for gaming and high-frame-rate video playback. Meanwhile, the Moto G56 packs a 120Hz IPS LCD panel, which, although solid, lacks the deep blacks and vibrant colour reproduction of the P4’s AMOLED display. Overall, the realme P4 clearly outshines its competitors in the display department, positioning itself as a strong mid-range entertainment device.
Read more: Vivo Y400 4G Review: Worth It or Just Hype?
Camera Performance
realme has packed the P4 with a dual (50 MP + 8 MP) rear setup. Its 50 MP AI primary rear sensor features a 5P lens, f/1.8 aperture, 27 mm focal length, and a 76-degree field of view. The other rear sensor is an 8 MP wide-angle camera that offers a 5P lens, f/2.2 aperture, 16 mm focal length, and a 112-degree field of view. The primary rear sensor can shoot at most 4K footage at 30 fps.
P4 5G also bears a standard 16 MP AI selfie shooter. It is a 4P lens with an f/2.4 aperture and an 85-degree field of view. It can capture a maximum of 1080-pixel video footage at 30 fps.
Daylight shots pop with colour accuracy, while low-light photography benefits from better noise reduction and optical image stabilisation (OIS)—a feature missing on the P3. The Samsung Galaxy A17 offers a triple-lens system with an ultrawide sensor, which gives it more versatility in framing, but its 13 MP selfie camera pales in comparison to the P4’s 16 MP front shooter.
Meanwhile, the Moto G56 also boasts a solid dual setup, with a 50 MP main sensor and an ultrawide lens, plus a 32 MP selfie camera.
However, realme P4 competes with good video stabilisation and selfie performance, making it particularly appealing for vloggers and social media creators.
Read more: Apple iPhone 17 Series: Leaks, Rumours and Probable Release Date
Processor Performance
At its core, the realme P4 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra, paired with an Adreno 810 GPU. Compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 powering the P3, the Dimensity chip feels more optimised for multitasking, app switching, and power efficiency. Apps launch quicker, and even heavy workloads like video editing or running multiple apps in the background are handled effortlessly.
Against the Samsung Galaxy A17’s Exynos 1330, the P4 feels significantly faster, with less stutter during prolonged usage. The Moto G56’s Dimensity 7060 offers strong competition, but the 7400 Ultra delivers slightly higher clock speeds and better GPU stability, giving the P4 the upper hand in raw performance. Simply put, the realme P4 5G offers flagship-level smoothness at a mid-range price point, easily outperforming both its predecessor and some of its closest rivals.
Gaming Performance
Gaming is where the realme P4 truly earns its place as a mid-range powerhouse. Titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact run effortlessly on high settings, maintaining stable frame rates without excessive heating. The 144Hz refresh rate display enhances gameplay fluidity, while the upgraded cooling system prevents throttling during extended sessions—a problem the realme P3 occasionally faced under load.
Read more: Vivo X200 FE Review: The Compact Champion Featuring Zeiss Cameras and a Massive Battery
Compared to the Samsung Galaxy A17, which maxes out at 90 Hz and struggles with demanding titles at higher settings, the P4 is leagues ahead. The Moto G56 also delivers a strong performance thanks to its Dimensity 7060 and 120Hz display, but it does not match the same buttery-smooth experience as the P4’s 144Hz AMOLED. If you are a mobile gamer, the realme P4 5G offers one of the best gaming experiences under 40,000 Taka.
Battery Life
One of the biggest upgrades in the realme P4 5G is its massive 7000 mAh battery, a huge step up from the 6000 mAh unit in the P3. With this battery size, the P4 can easily last two full days on moderate use, even with the high refresh rate enabled. realme pairs it with 80W fast charging, capable of reaching 50% in just 25 minutes—an improvement over the P3’s 45W charging.
Compared to competitors, the Samsung Galaxy A17’s 5000 mAh battery with 25 W charging feels underwhelming, while the Moto G56’s 5200 mAh unit with 30 W charging is solid but still falls short of the P4’s incredible endurance and charging speed. For heavy users who stream, game, and multitask, the P4 sets a new benchmark in battery reliability.
Read more: Tecno Spark 40 Pro Review: Budget Brilliance or Just Another Buzz?
Software and User Interface
The realme P4 5G ships with Android 15 layered with realme UI 6.0, offering a clean, fluid, and customisable experience. Compared to the P3, which also launched with Android 15, the P4 feels slightly more optimised thanks to performance tweaks tailored for the new chipset. While Samsung’s One UI 7 on the Galaxy A17 offers longer update support, Realme’s UI feels lighter and less bloated, appealing to users who prefer speed over excessive features.
The Moto G56’s near-stock Android 15 experience is great for purists, but Realme’s additional features like Smart Sidebar, enhanced privacy tools, and UI customisation provide a nice balance of simplicity and functionality. Overall, the P4 offers a polished software experience that bridges the gap between stock Android and heavily customised skins.
Storage Options
realme provides the P4 with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and storage variants of 128GB and 256GB, expandable via microSDXC using the hybrid SIM slot. It is equipped with UFS 3.1 mechanism.
This mirrors the storage flexibility of the realme P3 but with faster optimisation under the new chipset. Against the Samsung Galaxy A17, which maxes out at 256 GB, and the Moto G56, which goes up to 512 GB with 12 GB RAM, the P4 sits comfortably in the middle ground.
Read more: Best Smartphones Releasing in July 2025
For most users, the 128GB/8GB variant will be more than enough, especially with the expansion slot. While it does not push boundaries like Motorola, it offers a practical balance between price and performance, keeping it attractive for the majority of mid-range buyers.
Pros and Cons of realme P4 5G
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Pros
- Premium AMOLED display with HDR10+ and 144Hz refresh rate- Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra for smooth performance- Records video in 4K@30 with OIS support- Large 7000 mAh battery with 80 W fast charging- IP68/IP69 certification for dust and water resistance- Expandable storage via microSD card slot- In-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock- Stereo speakers with loud and clear sound- 5G connectivity with wideband support- Sleek and lightweight design compared.
Read more: vivo T4 Ultra Review: A Game-Changing Mid-range Flagship
Cons
- No 3.5mm headphone jack- No FM radio support- Infrared port missing- Slightly heavier than some competitors due to the big battery
Price of realme P4 5G
realme P4 5G costs Rs. 18499 in India, which converts to around 25,832 TK. However, after the official release, the device is expected to be priced at BDT 30,000 to 35,000 in Bangladesh.
Verdict
The realme P4 5G is perfect for gamers, content creators, and heavy users who want powerful performance, a vibrant display, and long battery life. However, if you need a 3.5mm jack, FM radio, or a versatile triple-camera setup, this phone may not be for you.
Read more: Infinix GT 30 Pro Review: Best Budget Gaming Phone with Flagship Features in 2025
1 year ago
HOPE Foundation, top lung cancer experts urge integration of early screening
Taiwan’s HOPE Foundation for Cancer Care and leading lung cancer specialists have called for stronger integration of early screening, precision diagnostics, and early treatment in lung cancer care, aiming to cut cancer deaths by one-third by 2030 and set a new global benchmark.
At a recent press conference titled “Healthy Taiwan, Leading the World – Ushering in a New Era of Early Screening and Treatment of Lung Cancer,” government officials, 10 prominent lung cancer experts, and medical leaders from across Taiwan gathered to outline the next phase of prevention and control policies.
Taiwan’s Lung Cancer Early Detection Program, launched in 2022, offers biannual low-dose CT (LDCT) screenings for high-risk groups. To date, more than 210,000 screenings have identified 2,506 lung cancer cases, with over 80% diagnosed early and late-stage cases reduced sevenfold. The program has drawn global recognition as a model for proactive cancer prevention.
During his Taiwan visit, Dr. Cary Adams, CEO of the Union for International Cancer Control, praised the nation’s comprehensive cancer care system and urged continued improvements in screening and access to treatment. Minister of Health and Welfare Dr. Chiu Tai-Yuan pledged policy innovation and cross-ministerial collaboration to strengthen early detection, while Legislator Wang Cheng-Hsu called for expanded resources and legislation to support early treatment.
Medical leaders highlighted the importance of next steps. Dr. Yang Pan-Chyr of Academia Sinica noted LDCT screening could reduce lung cancer mortality by more than 50%. Dr. Chen Chien-Jen stressed the need to expand precision diagnostics and treatment for early-stage patients. Other experts emphasized the role of AI in risk prediction, early genetic testing, targeted therapies, and adjuvant treatment to prevent relapse and improve survival rates.
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HOPE Foundation and its partners also urged reallocation of National Health Insurance (NHI) resources to support early diagnosis and therapy. Clinical data shows adjuvant targeted therapy for patients with EGFR mutations can reduce five-year mortality by 10%. Experts called for improved reimbursement policies, wider access to genetic testing, and alignment of treatment guidelines with international standards.
Speakers including Dr. Wang Chin-Chou, Dr. Chang Wen-Cheng, and Dr. Chen Jen-Shi stressed the need for integrated care — combining surgery, adjuvant therapy, and long-term follow-up — along with diverse financing mechanisms to ensure patients benefit from advances in treatment.
The united call underscored Taiwan’s determination to push forward a new era of early detection and comprehensive lung cancer care, strengthening its role as a global leader in cancer control.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
Louisiana sues Roblox, claiming it fails to protect children from predators
The state of Louisiana has filed a lawsuit against Roblox, accusing the widely-used online gaming platform of fostering an unsafe environment where child predators are able to target and exploit minors.
Filed by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill in state court, the lawsuit alleges Roblox lacks sufficient safety measures to protect young users from adult predators. Murrill claimed the company prioritizes profit and growth over children’s safety.
“Roblox is filled with harmful material and predatory individuals because it places revenue ahead of responsibility,” Murrill stated. “Its lack of proper safety systems puts Louisiana’s children at serious risk.”
Roblox has previously faced legal and public scrutiny for allegedly failing to adequately protect minors. Just last month in Iowa, a 13-year-old girl was reportedly groomed by an adult on the platform, then abducted, trafficked across multiple states, and sexually assaulted.
Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard said his department has handled several Roblox-related cases, including one where a man allegedly used voice-changing software to impersonate a young girl. However, no arrests have been made in connection with Roblox so far.
Murrill went as far as to say she believes Roblox should be taken offline entirely.
Roblox Denies the Allegations
Roblox rejected the claims, stating in a press release, “The suggestion that Roblox would knowingly endanger its users is completely false.”
The company outlined its current safety features, including filters to block personal information, links, and image sharing between users. While acknowledging that no safety system is foolproof, Roblox emphasized its ongoing efforts to prevent users from being lured off-platform—where its safety standards don’t apply.
Roblox, which boasts over 111 million monthly users, describes itself as a virtual universe where users can create, explore, and connect with others. It does not permit sharing of videos or images through chat and attempts to block personal data. However, like many platforms, users often find ways to bypass these restrictions.
Despite advertising a “zero-tolerance policy for child exploitation,” critics argue the platform’s safety measures fall short. For example, Roblox only restricts under-13 users from chatting outside games with strangers if parental approval is given. Private chats are not encrypted, allowing the company to monitor and moderate them.
Concerns Over Age Verification
Murrill also criticized Roblox’s age verification, claiming it’s too easy for adults to pose as children since the platform lacks a robust process to verify users' ages. She pointed out that there is no reliable minimum age enforcement once someone creates an account.
Roblox acknowledged that its age verification system is still in development. A recent update allows teens (13–17) to verify their age using a video selfie if they want to use certain chat features with trusted contacts.
Recent Safety Enhancements
Facing growing pressure, Roblox has introduced new safety tools in recent months. In August, the company announced a new AI system designed to detect early signs of grooming or exploitive language. It reported that this system led to the submission of 1,200 potential exploitation cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in the first half of 2025.
1 year ago
Louisiana sues Roblox over child safety concerns
Louisiana filed a lawsuit against the popular online gaming platform Roblox on Thursday, accusing the site of creating an environment where sexual predators can “thrive, unite, hunt and victimize children.”
The suit, brought by Attorney General Liz Murrill in state court, alleges Roblox has failed to put in place adequate safety measures to protect its young users. “Roblox prioritizes user growth and profits over child safety, leaving Louisiana’s children at risk,” Murrill said.
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Roblox, which has over 111 million monthly users, has faced criticism for not doing enough to prevent exploitation. Recent cases include a 13-year-old girl in Iowa allegedly trafficked after meeting a predator on the platform. Local authorities in Louisiana report multiple Roblox-related incidents, though no arrests have been made.
While the company enforces age restrictions and monitors chats, Murrill argues its verification process is insufficient. Roblox has recently added AI systems and age-verification features to improve child safety, including reporting potential abuse to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Source: Agency
1 year ago
Chinese robot sprints into Guinness record books
Zhejiang University in east China on Tuesday said that its quadruped robot, named White Rhino, had completed a 100-meter sprint in 16.33 seconds, breaking the previous world record of 19.87 seconds set by a robot named Hound from the Republic of Korea.
This achievement, notably, is a new Guinness World Record for the fastest 100 meters time by a quadruped robot.
The current world record for 100-meter sprint by a human being is 9.58 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2009 in Berlin.
White Rhino was developed jointly by the university's Center for X-Mechanics, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center.
The record was set at a test site in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province.
"This was a very demanding goal," said Professor Wang Hongtao, the project leader. He explained that the 100-meter sprint not only tests the robot's explosive power and speed, but also examines the robot's stability and precise control in conducting rapid movements. "More importantly, it allows us to determine if we are on the right research path."
The core technological breakthrough of White Rhino lies in a comprehensive optimization methodology known as robot forward design.
Conceptually, this approach involves a priori simulation of the dynamics across each joint and actuator within diverse operational contexts to identify a globally optimal solution -- rather than applying iterative, "patchwork" modifications to a pre-existing structural design. The research team established a precise dynamic model and employed multi-objective optimization algorithms to coordinately adjust the robot's geometric proportions, motor specifications and reduction systems.
This "design-for-performance" philosophy from the ground up endowed White Rhino with a robust hardware foundation. Regarding its power system, the Center for X-Mechanics independently developed a set of high-power-density joint actuators capable of delivering both high torque output and rapid response -- akin to equipping White Rhino with a "racing-grade" muscular system. The robot's intelligent motion capabilities, meanwhile, are enabled by a dynamic control strategy derived from reinforcement learning.
"Most notably, its maximum load is 100 kilograms, making it a quadruped robot capable of both high-speed running and heavy-load performance," said Dr. Cheng Shaowen, a team member.
In the future, White Rhino is expected to be applied to a variety of fields -- ranging from disaster rescue to transportation in extreme terrain, thereby extending its capabilities from "running fast" to "running usefully," Cheng added.
1 year ago