Tech & Science

(The Guardian) The Covid-19 virus is continuing to mutate throughout the course of the pandemic, with experts believing it is probably becoming more contagious, as coronavirus cases in the US have started to rise once again, according to new research. The new US study analyzed 5,000 genetic sequences of the virus, which has continued to mutate as it has spread through the … [Read more...] about Coronavirus Continuing to Mutate, Study Finds, as Us Cases Rise

(Fast Company) Facebook might owe you $400. No, that’s not a scam. It’s the result of a class-action lawsuit settlement, but to be eligible, you must meet some specific criteria: You’re a Facebook user who has lived in Illinois for at least six months and who was in a picture uploaded to the site after June 7, 2011. The deadline to apply for checks ranging from … [Read more...] about Facebook Might Owe You $400 If You Live in Illinois: Here’s How to Find Out

(The Verge) Ring latest home security camera is taking flight — literally. The new Always Home Cam is an autonomous drone that can fly around inside your home to give you a perspective of any room you want when you’re not home. Once it’s done flying, the Always Home Cam returns to its dock to charge its battery. It is expected to cost $249.99 when it starts shipping next year. … [Read more...] about Ring’s Latest Security Camera Is a Drone That Flies Around Inside Your House

(NBC News) Most Americans have never heard of Dr. Richard Whitley, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Yet as the coronavirus pandemic drags on and the public eagerly awaits a vaccine, he may well be among the most powerful people in the country. Whitley leads a small, secret panel of experts tasked with reviewing … [Read more...] about Secret, Powerful Panels Will Pick COVID-19 Vaccine Winners

(Engadget) As California continues to battle ever more deadly and destructive wildfires up and down the state, California governor Gavin Newsom has issued a sweeping executive order that will effectively ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel-driven vehicles by the year 2035 by requiring that any car you drive off the dealer’s lot be zero emission. “This is the most … [Read more...] about California to Ban Sale of New Gas-Powered Vehicles by 2035