JUANA SUMMERS, HOST:
It’s time now for our science news roundup from Short Wave, NPR’s science podcast. And I’m joined now by Emily Kwong and Berly McCoy from the show. Hi to both of you.
BERLY MCCOY,…
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New virtual fencing laws could promise safer bushfire response by allowing farmers to move stock remotely
South Australian farmers will soon be able to use virtual fencing to move livestock out of the path of bushfires after the technology was formally legalised in the state last week.
The system, which allows livestock to be moved remotely via electronic collars, can guide animals out of danger and prevent them becoming trapped as a fire approaches.
The state’s approval makes it the last jurisdiction in Australia to sign off on the technology, paving the way for rollout next year.
The announcement has been welcomed by Livestock SA, with the organisation expecting strong demand from primary producers to transition to virtual fencing.
Virtual fencing will help reduce the demand for physical fencing on farms to divide livestock. (ABC South East SA: Elsie Adamo)
“The benefits are multi-dimensional,” Livestock SA chief executive officer Travis Tobin said.
“The obvious ones are capital and labour costs that you can reduce … it enables you to improve the way you manage stock and manage the land.
“Heaven forbid if they do come, but in natural disasters it gives you that flexibility where you’re not losing kilometres of fence lines, and the animals can get away so they’re not trapped.”
New technology could help in emergencies
Specific details on how the new technology will be licensed and governed are yet to be released, but businesses are working with the state government to be rollout ready.
Halter is one of the businesses that will apply for a permit to sell and install virtual fencing in the state.
Virtual fencing allows farmers to control where their animals go, using a phone. (Supplied: Halter)
Director of strategic relations Brent Thomas said the benefits of the technology surpass day-to-day operations.
He said if a flood or bushfire was to strike, virtual fencing can help protect human as well as animal lives.
“In traditional farming systems, you’ve got to staff out … and it can be quite risky,”
Mr Thomas said.
“With this technology, farmers are able with the palm of their hand, to move their cattle to safer ground.
“You can use a collar to move an animal from an unsafe area to a safe area, but you can also remotely disable the collars so they can freely move.“
Mr Thomas said many South Australian farmers were keen for the announcement, having added their names to the company’s waitlist months ago.
“They had been really hopeful this news would come out for a long time,” he said.
“I think they’re very, very excited … it’s going to be a game-changing technology for their farms.”
SA farmers enthusiastic about transition
One of the farmers who has been signed up on the wait list for virtual fencing equipment is Adam Mann, co-manager of Donovan’s Dairy in the South East.
Adam Mann had been waiting for virtual fencing to be approved in South Australia. (ABC South East SA: Elsie Adamo)
Mr Mann had been advocating for virtual fencing throughout the year, expecting the new technology to save time and money on his farm.
“It’s nice to be on an even playing field with the rest of the states,” he said.
“We’ll be trying to get it on as soon as possible, early 2026 will be a pretty good goal for us.”
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‘Kirsty Wark DJed at our club – but we missed Nicola Sturgeon’
Other highlights over the years included a proposal (the couple are still together, adds Aarti proudly) and a night when a group of sailors walked in, and ended up partying away with some emo-loving regulars.
There was also the odd disagreement…
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Decoding the molecular mechanism via systems biology-based insights into neoschaftoside from Ailanthus altissima targeting lung cancer
Zhou, J. et al. Global burden of lung cancer in 2022 and projections to 2050: Incidence and mortality estimates from GLOBOCAN. Cancer Epidemiol. 93, 102693 (2024).
Li, C. et al. Global burden…
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Luepke sets up big 4th down
LANDOVER, Md. – In a game that included plenty of third-down and fourth-down tries, not to mention the longest play in NFL history on Christmas Day, there were a few plays that are forgettable but played a role in the outcome.
Here…
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OUC donates concrete for new Space Coast artificial reef
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The Space Coast will soon have a new artificial reef thanks to a donation of 100 concrete poles from the Orlando Utilities Commission.
OUC is donating the pole sections as part of the 2025 Brevard County Artificial Reef…
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CA Weather: New storm hitting waterlogged Southern California could cause more flooding and mudslides
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. — California, soaked from days of relentless rain and recovering from mudslides in mountain towns, was hit with another powerful storm Christmas Day that led to evacuation warnings and high surf advisories.
The San Bernardino…
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FormFactor Stock Up 22% and Drawing a $35 Million New Stake as The Firm Beats Q3 Estimates
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New York City-based Shannon River Fund Management added 968,161 shares of FormFactor in the third quarter.
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The move increased its exposure by an estimated $35.26 million.
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As of September 30, the fund reported holding 968,161 FORM shares valued at $35.26 million.
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These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires ›
New York City-based Shannon River Fund Management initiated a new position in FormFactor (NASDAQ:FORM), adding 968,161 shares worth about $35.26 million as of a November 13 SEC filing.
According to a November 13 SEC filing, Shannon River Fund Management LLC disclosed a new stake in FormFactor, acquiring 968,161 shares. The position, valued at $35.26 million as of September 30, accounted for 5.68% of the fund’s $621.17 million in reportable U.S. equity holdings. The fund reported a total of 20 positions after the filing.
This new position now comprises 5.68% of the fund’s reportable assets under management.
Top five holdings after the filing:
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NASDAQ:PEGA: $79.59 million (12.8% of AUM)
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NASDAQ:TSEM: $69.56 million (11.2% of AUM)
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NASDAQ:IDCC: $61.70 million (9.9% of AUM)
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NASDAQ:WIX: $58.63 million (9.4% of AUM)
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NASDAQ:FLEX: $49.24 million (7.9% of AUM)
As of Wednesday, shares were priced at $58.17, up 22% over the past year and solidly outperforming the S&P 500, which is up about 15% in the same period.
Metric
Value
Revenue (TTM)
$759.31 million
Net Income (TTM)
$40.84 million
Price (as of Wednesday)
$58.17
One-Year Price Change
22%
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FormFactor, Inc. provides probe cards, analytical probes, probe stations, metrology systems, thermal systems, and cryogenic systems, primarily serving the semiconductor industry.
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The company generates revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling advanced testing and measurement solutions used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing and research lifecycle.
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Primary customers include semiconductor integrated device manufacturers, foundries, fabless semiconductor companies, research institutions, and universities worldwide.
FormFactor, Inc. is a leading supplier of test and measurement solutions for the semiconductor sector, with a diversified product portfolio addressing both production and R&D needs. Its strategy centers on technological innovation and global reach, enabling it to serve a broad spectrum of customers from chip manufacturers to scientific institutions. The company’s competitive edge lies in its specialized expertise and ability to support complex semiconductor testing requirements across multiple geographies.
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Parking hard to find as Boxing Day sales begin
Shoppers at Sylvia Park, Auckland, on Boxing Day 2025.
Photo: Ke-Xin Li / RNZBargain hunters have started their Boxing Day shopping early to avoid crowds and traffic.
Auckland woman Lara finished her shopping at Sylvia Park shortly…
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CPP Investments to Acquire Indirect Minority Stake in Castrol
Partnering with Stonepeak in a US$10.1 billion transaction to support Castrol’s next phase of growth
Toronto, CANADA (December 24, 2025) – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), today announced an agreement to acquire an indirect non-controlling interest in Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, alongside Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Stonepeak is acquiring a majority controlling interest in Castrol from BP p.l.c. (“bp”) (NYSE: BP) (LON: BP). The transaction values Castrol at an enterprise value of approximately US$10.1 billion. CPP Investments will invest up to US$1.05 billion in support of the transaction.
Castrol is one of the largest lubricants providers globally and serves consumer automotive customers, as well as commercial and industrial end markets. As an embedded part of the large and diversified global finished lubricants market, Castrol works closely with its customers and consumers to develop and supply highly engineered lubricants for specific applications. Castrol manufactures and markets engine oils, industrial fluids, and greases through approximately 20 blending plants and more than 100 third-party facilities and warehouses worldwide across 150 countries. Applications have included servicing the first jet airline, the Concorde, space missions for over 60 years, and many professional auto and bike racing teams, establishing Castrol’s historic and trusted brand identity. Castrol’s products are recognized globally for their high performance, premium quality, and use of cutting-edge technology, and are supported by a global workforce of thousands of skilled professionals.
“Castrol is a high‑quality, global business at the heart of the energy and industrial economy. Its cutting-edge innovations and premium brand position it well for a growing role in emerging applications, from electric vehicles to data centres,” said Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Energies, CPP Investments. “Our investment alongside Stonepeak aligns with our strategy of backing businesses that are essential to the energy system. We believe Castrol’s strong market position and diversified growth opportunities will deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns for the CPP Fund.”
“Lubricants are a mission-critical product, which are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of virtually every vehicle, machine, and industrial process in the world,” said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. “Castrol’s 126-year heritage has created a leading market position, an iconic brand, and a portfolio of differentiated products that deliver meaningful value to its customers. We are excited to work alongside Castrol’s talented employees, coupled with bp’s continued guidance as a minority interest holder, as we support the business’s continued growth.”
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
In addition to the announcement today, an announcement in respect of a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to the public shareholders of Castrol India Limited, in accordance with the Indian takeover code was published by UBS Securities India Private Limited as manager in respect of the MTO. The MTO will be proceeded with only upon completion of the Castrol transaction. The relevant details have been included in the Public Announcement on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website.
About CPP Investments
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that manages the Canada Pension Plan Fund in the best interest of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, we make investments around the world in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure, fixed income and alternative strategies including in partnership with funds. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from governments. At September 30, 2025, the Fund totalled C$777.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or on X @CPPInvestments.
Partnering with Stonepeak in a US$10.1 billion transaction to support Castrol’s next phase of growth Toronto, CANADA (December 24, 2025) – Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (“CPP Investments”), today announced an agreement to acquire an indirect non-controlling interest in Castrol, a global leader in lubricants, alongside Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets. Stonepeak is acquiring a majority controlling interest in Castrol from BP p.l.c. (“bp”) (NYSE: BP) (LON: BP). The transaction values Castrol at an enterprise value of approximately US$10.1 billion. CPP Investments will invest up to US$1.05 billion in support of the transaction. Castrol is one of the largest lubricants providers globally and serves consumer automotive customers, as well as commercial and industrial end markets. As an embedded part of the large and diversified global finished lubricants market, Castrol works closely with its customers and consumers to develop and supply highly engineered lubricants for specific applications. Castrol manufactures and markets engine oils, industrial fluids, and greases through approximately 20 blending plants and more than 100 third-party facilities and warehouses worldwide across 150 countries. Applications have included servicing the first jet airline, the Concorde, space missions for over 60 years, and many professional auto and bike racing teams, establishing Castrol’s historic and trusted brand identity. Castrol’s products are recognized globally for their high performance, premium quality, and use of cutting-edge technology, and are supported by a global workforce of thousands of skilled professionals. “Castrol is a high‑quality, global business at the heart of the energy and industrial economy. Its cutting-edge innovations and premium brand position it well for a growing role in emerging applications, from electric vehicles to data centres,” said Bill Rogers, Managing Director, Head of Sustainable Energies, CPP Investments. “Our investment alongside Stonepeak aligns with our strategy of backing businesses that are essential to the energy system. We believe Castrol’s strong market position and diversified growth opportunities will deliver attractive risk‑adjusted returns for the CPP Fund.” “Lubricants are a mission-critical product, which are essential to the safe and efficient functioning of virtually every vehicle, machine, and industrial process in the world,” said Anthony Borreca, Senior Managing Director and Co-Head of Energy at Stonepeak. “Castrol’s 126-year heritage has created a leading market position, an iconic brand, and a portfolio of differentiated products that deliver meaningful value to its customers. We are excited to work alongside Castrol’s talented employees, coupled with bp’s continued guidance as a minority interest holder, as we support the business’s continued growth.” The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. In addition to the announcement today, an announcement in respect of a mandatory tender offer (“MTO”) to the public shareholders of Castrol India Limited, in accordance with the Indian takeover code was published by UBS Securities India Private Limited as manager in respect of the MTO. The MTO will be proceeded with only upon completion of the Castrol transaction. The relevant details have been included in the Public Announcement on the Securities and Exchange Board of India website. About CPP Investments Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments™) is a professional investment management organization that manages the Canada Pension Plan Fund in the best interest of the more than 22 million contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build diversified portfolios of assets, we make investments around the world in public equities, private equities, real estate, infrastructure, fixed income and alternative strategies including in partnership with funds. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York City, San Francisco, São Paulo and Sydney, CPP Investments is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm’s length from governments. At September 30, 2025, the Fund totalled C$777.5 billion. For more information, please visit www.cppinvestments.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram or on X @CPPInvestments.
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