Category: 4. Technology

  • steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio’s theater in china

    steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio’s theater in china

    seven slender steel arcs shape Camellia Theater in China

     

    At 2,300 meters above sea level in the highlands of Wuliang Mountain, a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden. The open-air Camellia Theater in Dali, Yunnan, China, emerges from the mists of Fenghuang Mountain as a weightless structure that frames the land and sky. Its purpose is to host cultural performances, quiet contemplation, and everything in between as part of a larger transformation of this historic tea estate into a tea-tourism destination.

     

    Inspired by the form of a camellia flower, the structure was not conceived through formal drawings but emerged on-site through hand-weaving steel bars, an approach developed by the studio in close collaboration with local workers. The initial form, determined in a single day, takes shape through seven slender steel arcs that resemble petals, streamers, or even celestial tassels. ‘They are both petals and streamers,’ the designers explain, ‘like silver tassels shaken down from the sky.’

    all images by Archi-translator Photography and Kong Xiangwei Studio

     

     

    Kong Xiangwei Studio create petal-like canopy for performance

     

    Part of a wider homestay renovation and cultural upgrade of the estate, the Camellia Theater sits on a natural platform recommended by the head of Huilong Village, an already beloved scenic overlook between Fenghuang Mountain and the Lancang River. The architects at Kong Xiangwei Studio opt for an intuitive intervention that blends almost invisibly with its surroundings. ‘The tea garden is a wordless poem,’ they share. ‘Human intervention should be as light as dewdrops on leaves.’

     

    Beneath its delicate, petal-like canopy, the structure curves into the shape of a circular bench that wraps around a central clearing. It avoids disturbing the surrounding tea trees, creating a space that functions as a stage and audience seating. When a singer or storyteller stands in the middle, they’re performing to a crowd, and at the same time they’re enveloped by the landscape itself. 

    slender steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio's camellia-like theater in china
    a delicate steel pavilion, designed by Kong Xiangwei Studio, shimmers above a tea garden

     

     

    the form of the structure reflects local legend

     

    That immersive effect is constantly in flux, thanks to the mountain’s unpredictable microclimate. At times, the theater floats in clear sunlight; at others, it disappears into mist. These conditions are part of the experience. When the sun sets, the sky often fills with glowing cloud formations, transforming the entire scene into a quiet spectacle. Even when there’s no scheduled performance, the environment itself puts on a show.

     

    And seen from the other side of the forest, something interesting happens: the theater’s form, those seven petal-like arcs, begins to resemble a crown. Whether coincidence or subconscious intuition, the image connects to local legend, evoking the mythical queen of Caowang Mountain, weaving folklore into the architectural gesture. 

    slender steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio's camellia-like theater in china
    a weightless structure that frames the land and sky

    slender steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio's camellia-like theater in china
    its purpose is to host cultural performances

    slender steel arcs blossom into kong xiangwei studio's camellia-like theater in china
    inspired by the form of a camellia flower

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  • The Forgotten Version of Mazda’s Rotary Sports Car

    The Forgotten Version of Mazda’s Rotary Sports Car

    Mazda’s sports cars may be few and far between today, with the MX-5 Miata being the only roadster left for a fun track day. But it wasn’t always that way. Powered by a Wankel rotary engine, all three generations of the RX-7 defy normal automotive tradition. Most enthusiasts are aware of the FD RX-7 – the third generation of the brand’s most popular sports car.

    Mazda

    Founded

    January 30, 1920 (as Toyo Cork Kogyo Co)

    Founder

    Jujiro Matsuda

    Headquarters

    Hiroshima, Japan

    Owned By

    Publicly Traded

    Current CEO

    Masahiro Moro

    However, the generation before it is worthy of praise, as well. Dubbed the FC RX-7, the second-gen is often overlooked despite being an exciting, lightweight GT car with both coupe and convertible options. Here is everything you need to know about the Mazda FC RX-7.

    A Brief History Of The RX-7

    Mazda’s beloved rotary sports car was brought into existence for the 1978 model year for its first generation. Designed by Matasaburo Maeda, the RX-7’s first generation was inspired by the Lotus Elan – a British sports coupe with small, lightweight construction and somewhat low power. This model was powered by a twin-rotor rotary engine mounted in the front of the car, but behind the front axle, earning it a “front mid-engine” car moniker. This gave it a 50/50 weight balance, a low center of gravity, and it weighed just 2,500 pounds. So, despite having low horsepower (only about 101 hp), the first-gen was still a blast to drive.

    With the success of Mazda’s gamble on a new sports car and unconventional powertrain, the brand went on to produce two more generations of the RX-7. The second-gen is called the FC, and the third, which is arguably the most popular, is the FD. The FC vs FD RX-7 debate is a brief one, since most tuners and enthusiasts only know and recognize the third-gen model for its iconic, smooth styling – a vast difference compared to the sharp wedge shade of the FC. The last iteration of the RX-7, the FD, sold until the 1995 model year, before the legendary sports car was retired from production. Today, it’s mentioned in the same breathe as other Japanese greats like the Toyota MkIV Supra and the Nissan R34 GTR, and it’s thrilling to see them all side-by-side.

    2nd-generation: Mazda RX-7 FC

    The FC RX-7 was produced from 1986 to 1991. Overall, it was a huge improvement over the first generation, with nearly double the original’s horsepower, updated styling, and more tech. The FC RX-7’s weight was inflated due to some new features, but not by much. Unladen, the FC RX-7 gained about 350 pounds over the first-gen. With upgrades like leather upholstery and a quieter cabin, the FC was a better grand tourer than the FB while still staying true to its sporty origins.

    Related

    Mazda RX-7 Inspired By Porsche 935 Is JDM Tuning Done Right

    When JDM meets Euro beats, you get a stunning build.

    Mazda FC RX-7: Japan’s Porsche 924

    Modeled After Excellence

    Both the FC RX-7 convertible and coupe were modeled with the goal of openly targeting the Porsche 924 and 944. While some Porsche purists aren’t huge fans of these front-engine sports cars, they’re still incredibly fun and sought-after. When Mazda designed the first RX-7, the FB, it did so by modeling it after a British sports car. In order to stay true to its origins, but still provide upgrades and class to the FC, the brand looked to the Germans. It didn’t exactly copy Porsche’s designs, but Its inspiration is apparent in the FC’s wedge-shaped nose and angular body lines.

    The FC’s steering column was still not adjustable, though, and its gauge cluster still sported orange-on-black dials like the FB. Its belt line was higher, creating a tighter enclosure while keeping adequate visibility all around, and the FC came with bigger wheels than the FB. The soft-top convertible keeps similar body lines to the coupe, but the hardtop two-seater is one of the best-looking coupes from the era.

    The FC RX-7 Was Born To Win

    Mazda Didn’t Come to Mess Around

    FC RX-7 horsepower varies depending on which powertrain you choose – the non-turbo version made 147 hp while adding forced induction boosted the power to 185 hp in stock form. While the FC was released for the 1986 model year, buyers didn’t have the option of a turbocharger until the ’89 model year. The N/A version is still a lightweight, well-balanced sports car, but the one to buy today would be the turbo, simply due to the power output, more speed, and the sweet sound of a turbo whistling under the hood.

    Related

    Mazda’s Rotary Engine Is Ready To Go, It Just Needs Customers

    The Iconic SP only needs one more thing to reach production, and you can help.

    In addition to the 13B engine in the Turbo II, it’s fitted with independent rear suspension, passive rear steering, more precise rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes all around. Like any turbocharged car from this era, there is no anti-lag system – the turbo spools up at around 3,500 RPM, then lunges forward like a proper sports car.

    Mazda RX-7 FC Specs

    Powertrains

    Transmissions

    Horsepower

    Torque

    0–60

    Top Speed

    1986–1991 RX-7

    2.4L R2

    5-speed Manual

    4-speed Automatic

    147 hp

    135 lb-ft

    ~9.1 seconds

    130 mph

    2.4L R2 Turbo

    185 hp

    181 lb-ft

    ~6.3 seconds

    143 mph

    Why The Rotary Engine Is So Revered

    Mazda’s rotary engine may be making a comeback, and we couldn’t be more excited. In general, the FC RX-7 engine is an incredibly smooth rotary with fewer moving parts than a piston engine. There are no reciprocating parts like one would find in a traditional internal combustion engine, which eliminates a significant amount of the typical movement that might wear parts down and be less efficient in conserving energy. It’s also packaged more tightly, giving it a better power-to-weight ratio, and the small, simple design is cheaper to produce. How could we forget, too, that the sound of a rotary is so sweet?

    It Doesn’t Last As Long As A Piston Engine

    Unfortunately, the Wankel isn’t the most reliable engine of all time. Despite being a thrilling option with unique sound and low weight, the rotary is simply not efficient enough at circulating engine oil to lubricate its rotors. In a typical piston engine, oil is picked up from the oil pan via the oil pump, then pulled through the filter to remove particulates before being injected into various parts of the engine to prevent metal-on-metal contact. A rotary, on the other hand, simply can’t recirculate any oil that enters due to the centrifugal force created by the rotors spinning. The Wankel makes up for this by mixing lubricant into the air-fuel mixture, similar to a two-stroke engine. While this works temporarily, it burns off oil faster than a piston engine would.

    How Much Is The Rotary Engine RX-7 Worth Today?

    Somewhat Affordable

    Buying a JDM FC RX-7 today will set you back anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 for a model in good condition. Of course, pricing depends on where you are in the country, the car’s condition, how many miles the engine racked up over the last three decades or so, and many more factors. While non-turbocharged and earlier model year examples can go for under $10k, the turbocharged variants are still sought after – not as much as the FD, which can bring in six figures, in some cases. Ultra-low-mileage turbo examples have been sold for between $20k and $30k in the last year across various online auction sites, but the FC in general is a somewhat affordable car to buy today.

    Related

    Mazda RX-7 Successor Could Be Here Sooner Than We Think

    Chief designer Masashi Nakayama has said the automaker wants to put the Iconic SP concept into production.

    Summary: The FC RX-7 Is An Underrated Legend

    It Deserves More Recognition

    The RX-7 is one of the coolest, unique sports cars of our time, and the second-generation deserves more recognition for its impact. Not everybody can afford an FD, even if the third-gen has subjectively better styling and factually more power. The RX-7 was introduced in the late seventies with inspiration based on a British sports car, so it only made sense to model the second generation after an equally interesting and capable sports car from Germany. Styling aside, the FC, especially the turbo version, is a bargain for what it’s capable of. You might pay the price when its rotary falls apart, but as long as it’s still running, you won’t regret the driving experience it provides.

    Sources: Mazda

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  • Pokémon Go Eevee Community Day Classic guide

    Pokémon Go Eevee Community Day Classic guide

    Pokémon Go is having an Eevee Community Day Classic event on both July 5 and 6 from 2-5 p.m. in your local time.

    As expected with a Community Day event, Eevee will spawn in huge numbers with a high chance for it to appear shiny. There are also several other bonuses and perks, which we’ve listed out below.

    How do I catch a shiny Eevee in Pokémon Go?

    As per old research by the now-defunct website The Silph Road (via Wayback Machine), Shiny rates on Community Days are about 1 in 24, which means that if you keep playing throughout the three-hour window, you should find quite a few shiny Pokémon.

    Graphic: Julia Lee/Polygon | Source images: Niantic

    If you’re short on time or Poké Balls, you can pop an Incense, then quickly tap each Eevee to check for shiny ones, running from any that aren’t shiny. Notably, any Eevee you’ve already tapped will face where your player is standing, so that should help identify which ones you may have already checked.

    What Community Day move does Eevee’s evolution learn?

    If you evolve Eevee into any of its special evolutions from July 5 at 2 p.m. until July 12 at 10 p.m. in your local time, it will learn the following moves, depending on which evolution you pick:

    • Vaporeon: Scald (charged move)
    • Jolteon: Zap Cannon (charged move)
    • Flareon: Superpower (charged move)
    • Espeon: Shadow Ball (charged move)
    • Umbreon: Psychic (charged move)
    • Leafeon: Bullet Seed (fast move)
    • Glaceon: Water Pulse (charged move)
    • Sylveon: Psyshock (charged move)

    Any Eevee caught or hatched during the event will also know the charged move Last Resort.

    If you miss out on evolving it during this period, you will likely be able to evolve it during a Community Day weekend event in December to get whichever move, but know that since the evolution requirements are lessened during this event, it’s easier to just do it now. If you don’t want to wait, you can use an Elite TM to get the move.

    How do the Eeveelutions do in the Pokémon Go meta?

    For PvE content (raids and gyms), only a few of the Eevee evolutions hold meta relevance. Espeon can hold its weight as a psychic-type attacker with Confusion and Psychic, Glaceon is a decent ice-type attacker with Frost Breath and Avalanche, and Sylveon can also help dish out damage as a fairy-type attacker with Charm and Dazzling Gleam.

    For PvP, the only two Eeveelutions that break through the top #200 barrier (according to PvPoke) are Umbreon in the Ultra League and Sylveon in the Master League. Umbreon will want Snarl with Foul Play and Last Resort and Sylveon will want Charm with Moonblast and Psyshock.

    How do I make the most of Eevee Community Day?

    The following bonuses will be active during Eevee Community Day:

    • 14 hatch distance for eggs placed into Incubators during the event
    • Incense lasts three hours
    • Lure Modules lasts three hours
    • Eevee special photobombs when taking snapshots
    • Evolution requirements for Espeon and Umbreon lowered to 1 km walking (from 10 km)
    • Evolution requirement for Sylveon lowered to seven buddy hearts (from 70 hearts)

    That said, you should definitely put your eggs in incubators and pop an Incense and try to nab a ton of Eevee.

    If you can Mega Evolve Pidgeot, Kangaskhan, Lopunny, or Audino, you’ll score additional Eevee Candy per catch.

    There will also be “Community Day Continued” Timed Research until Saturday, July 12 at 10 p.m. that will reward more Eevee, including ones with special themed backgrounds. This research will keep the increased shiny rate for Eevee, even after the three-hour event is over, so make sure you complete them for extra chances to get a shiny.

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  • Mia San Mia: Thomas Müller and Aleksandar Pavlović on what makes Bayern Munich tick

    Mia San Mia: Thomas Müller and Aleksandar Pavlović on what makes Bayern Munich tick

    For native-born Bavarians Thomas Müller and Aleksandar Pavlović, the Bayern Munich connection is strong. What makes the club so special to them? The pair explored this topic in a February interview for Säbener51.

    “Where do you start? Where do you end?” said Müller in comments captured by @iMiaSanMia. “I think there’s a very special identity in the club. It certainly won’t have been so firmly established around 1900, but something has developed over the decades that you don’t find elsewhere in this form.

    “The success story certainly began with the way Bayern established itself very quickly after promotion in 1965, both domestically and internationally. At that time, it was possible to retain that core of young players, many of them from Munich and Bavaria, that group around Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Gerd Müller. Then came Uli Hoeneß, Paul Breitner. We mustn’t forget Katsche Schwarzenbeck and Bulle Roth — they all became icons. Something grew back then that is still the foundation of Bayern today.”

    Pavlović added: “And of course this unconditional striving for success that emerged with this generation is still an essential and driving part of the club’s DNA today. As a player, you get that from day one. In my eyes, the biggest secret of Bayern’s success is the huge sense of solidarity, this family atmosphere at the club, together with the fans. You can just feel it, even on the pitch. We have this ‘Mia san mia’ inside us.”

    Two players carrying the Bayern torch across the generations. Now Müller is on his way out, his last hurrah coming at any moment as the Bavarians head into the FIFA Club World Cup knockouts.

    As for Pavlović? The journey is just beginning.

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  • Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic event preparation guide: All bonuses, schedule, exclusive moves, wild spawns, and more | Esports News

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic event preparation guide: All bonuses, schedule, exclusive moves, wild spawns, and more | Esports News

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic (Image via Niantic)

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic is just around the corner, and this time, trainers will have a chance to get all the Eeveelutions in their account. The event runs over two days, giving Trainers ample time to catch, evolve, and power up their Eevee squad. You can also complete the Shiny Eevee family if you work hard.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Event Details

    – Start: Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM Local Time – End: Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 5:00 PM Local Time Eevee will be appearing more frequently in the wild, and with exclusive moves available for its evolutions, this is the perfect opportunity to bolster your team.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Event Bonuses

    Make the most of these bonuses during the event:

    Bonus Duration Notes
    Increased Eevee Spawns 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (both days) Higher chance to encounter Shiny Eevee
    1/4 Hatch Distance 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (both days) Eggs hatch four times faster
    3-hour Incense 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (both days) Excludes Daily Adventure Incense
    3-hour Lures 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (both days) Excludes Golden Lure Modules

    Note: While most bonuses last three hours, 1/4 Hatch Distance remains active until 10:00 PM each day.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Event Features

    Exclusive Moves for Eevee Evolutions During the Eevee Community

    Evolve Eevee between the event start and Saturday, July 12, at 10:00 PM local time to get these special attacks:

    Evolution Exclusive Move
    Eevee Last Resort (Charged Attack)
    Vaporeon Scald (Charged Attack)
    Jolteon Zap Cannon (Charged Attack)
    Flareon Superpower (Charged Attack)
    Espeon Shadow Ball (Charged Attack)
    Umbreon Psychic (Charged Attack)
    Leafeon Bullet Seed (Fast Attack)
    Glaceon Water Pulse (Charged Attack)
    Sylveon Psyshock (Charged Attack)

    Limited-Time Evolution Requirements

    Some Eevee evolutions will have easier requirements during the event: – Espeon & Umbreon: Evolve after walking only 1 km (instead of 10 km). – Sylveon: Evolve after earning 7 hearts (instead of 70).

    Additional Features

    – Photobombs: Snap an AR photo for a surprise Eevee appearance. – PokéStop Showcases: Compete in Showcases featuring Eevee.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Wild Spawns

    Eevee will be appearing much more frequently in the wild, with an increased Shiny rate. Besides Eevee, you will also come across normal wild spawns. You should avoid the other spawns if you want to maximize your odds of getting Shiny Eevee during the event to complete the Shiny Eevee family.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Research Opportunities

    Field Research Tasks

    Complete these tasks for rewards:

    Task Rewards
    Catch 3 Eevees Stardust, Great Balls, or extra Eevee encounters

    Special Background Encounters: Some Field Research tasks may reward Eevee with Might and Mastery-themed backgrounds: – Win a 5★ or higher raid – Trade a Pokemon – Complete a Party Challenge

    Paid Special Research

    Eevee Community Day Classic Tips: Max Hatch Bonuses & Shiny Evolutions!

    For $1.99, unlock the Eevee Community Day Classic Special Research, offering: – 1 Premium Battle Pass – 1 Rare Candy XL – Encounters with Eevee & its evolutions – 3 Delightful Days-themed Eevee encounters Available from July 5 (2:00 PM) to July 6 (5:00 PM) local time.

    Free Timed Research

    Log in during the event to get Timed Research featuring: – Delightful Days-themed Eevee encounter – Higher Shiny odds Complete tasks by July 12, 10:00 PM local time to claim rewards.

    Pokemon GO Eevee Community Day Classic Sales & Bundles

    Ultra Community Day Box (Web Store Exclusive) – Price: $1.99 – Contents: – 2 Rare Candies – 1 Special Research Ticket Available starting January 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM PDT. With Eevee spawning everywhere, you’ll want to stock up on Poké Balls beforehand—you won’t want to run out mid-hunt. If you’ve been waiting to evolve certain Eeveelutions, now’s the time! Walk your Eevees while the evolution requirements are lowered—just 1 km for Espeon and Umbreon, and only 7 hearts for Sylveon. And don’t forget to hit up PokéStops—you’ll find Showcases to compete in and Field Research tasks that can reward special Eevee encounters with unique backgrounds.


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  • What’s new in Android’s July 2025 Google System Updates

    What’s new in Android’s July 2025 Google System Updates

    The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.

    The following first-party apps comprise the “Google System”:

    A feature appearing in the changelog does not mean it’s widely available. Some capabilities take months to fully launch.


    Android System Intelligence powers features like At a Glance, Live Caption, Now Playing, Smart Reply, and more. As of Android 16 QPR1 Beta 2.1, going to the Play Store listing does not offer the usual “Update” button like other apps.

    Advertisement – scroll for more content

    The latest version for devices on the beta appears to be B.0.playstore.pixel9.738427685. (On Android 16, it’s B.7.playstore.pixel9.778505170.)

    Android System Intelligence V.31 / B.9 (2025-07-04)

    • [Phone] Refactoring and bugfixes.

    Private Compute Services V.31 / B.9 (2025-07-01)

    • [Phone] Internal infrastructure and maintenance changes.

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

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  • MSI Claw A8 gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC up for pre-order in China – TweakTown

    1. MSI Claw A8 gaming handheld powered by AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme SoC up for pre-order in China  TweakTown
    2. MSI Claw A8 Reportedly Launches This Month In China For Under $999  Wccftech
    3. New MSI Claw 8 Ryzen Edition receives surprise release before new Asus ROG Ally with global launch incoming  Notebookcheck
    4. I love the MSI Claw A8, but its price proves PC handhelds are officially going off the rails — here’s why  Tom’s Guide
    5. MSI Claw A8 with Ryzen Z2 Extreme now available for preorder in China  VideoCardz.com

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  • AI helps find hidden sperm, leads to pregnancy after 18 years

    AI helps find hidden sperm, leads to pregnancy after 18 years

    A couple is expecting their first child after 18 years of failed fertility treatments, thanks to an AI-powered system that detected three hidden sperm cells in a man previously diagnosed with azoospermia.

    Known as STAR, short for Sperm Tracking and Recovery, the method was developed by Dr. Zev Williams and his team at the Columbia University Fertility Center. It uses high-powered imaging and artificial intelligence, originally designed to spot distant stars, to find rare sperm in semen samples once deemed hopeless.

    “We’re using the same technologies that are used to search for life in the universe to help create new life right here on earth,” Williams said.

    Hunting sperm with AI

    Up to 10% of infertile men have azoospermia, a condition where sperm is undetectable even under a microscope. Traditional solutions involve either using donor sperm or undergoing painful surgery to extract tissue from the testes.

    Williams’ team spent five years adapting astronomical AI tools to find sperm instead of stars. The STAR system connects to a microscope using high-speed cameras and scans a semen sample at extreme resolution, capturing more than 8 million images in under an hour. AI then isolates viable sperm without harming them.

    “A patient provided a sample, and highly skilled technicians looked for two days through that sample to try to find sperm,” Williams told CTV News. “They didn’t find any. We brought it to the AI-based STAR System. In one hour, it found 44 sperm.”

    Embryologists then extract the detected sperm using a gentle, non-damaging process, avoiding methods like centrifugation that can ruin fragile cells. Once recovered, the sperm can be used immediately for IVF or frozen for future attempts.

    Breakthrough after years of loss

    The first successful pregnancy using STAR occurred earlier this year. Rosie, 38, and her husband, both using pseudonyms, had nearly given up hope after years of failed IVF attempts across multiple countries.

    “There really was nothing else out there,” Rosie told Time Magazine. “Especially because I am running quite a few years ahead of where we should be [for fertility].”

    In March, the STAR system identified three viable sperm in her husband’s sample. Doctors fertilized her eggs within two hours and implanted embryos shortly after. She is now five months pregnant.

    “It took me two days to believe I was actually pregnant,” she told CTV News. “I still wake up in the morning and can’t believe if this is true or not.”

    Skepticism and next steps

    While the results are promising, some experts urge caution. Dr. Robert Brannigan of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine told The Washington Post the method needs more data before becoming standard care.

    Dr. Gianpiero Palermo, a pioneer of sperm-injection IVF, raised concerns about STAR’s limits. “In my opinion, this approach is faulty because inevitably some men will have no spermatozoa,” he said.

    Still, Williams remains optimistic. “With our method, many men who were told they had no chance at a biological child now have that chance,” he said.

    The STAR system is currently available only at Columbia University, with costs for sperm recovery estimated at under $3,000.

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  • Rogério Nogueira – Executive Vice President – Commercial and Development

    Before holding this position, he was Vale´s Director of Business and Product Development. Rogério joined Vale in 2013 and has previously occupied the positions of Marketing & Strategic Planning Director and of Controller & Investor Relations Director.   

    Prior to joining Vale, Rogério worked for BHP Billiton having held the positions of Vice-President Iron Ore Americas and Vice-President West-Africa Iron Ore. He was Executive Director of Tupy Fundições, the world’s leader in casted and machined engine blocks and heads to the global automotive industry. He was also an Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company, associated with both the São Paulo and Cleveland Offices.  

    Rogério holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin and both a Bachelor´s and a Master of Science degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Minas Gerais (UFMG).  

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  • Galaxy Watch 8 prices, full specs, and included bands leak

    Galaxy Watch 8 prices, full specs, and included bands leak

    We know a lot about the Galaxy Watch 8 series already, but a new leak is now baring all, with full specs and details around all three new smartwatches, including the higher prices.

    Dealabs reports that Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 series – comprised of Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra (2025) – will include a few key upgrades, such as jumping to 64GB of storage across the higher end models, as well as seeing the Exynos W1000 chipset used across the board. The base Galaxy Watch 8 will stick at 32GB of storage, while Classic and Ultra will be doubled to 64GB.

    The report goes on to detail the full specs, as embedded below, and also notes that Galaxy Watch 8 (which comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes) will have a silicone band, Watch 8 Classic will have a “Premium Hybrid Strap,” and Watch Ultra (2025) will have an “Extreme Sport Bracelet.” In other words, Classic will have a partially leather, partially silicone or rubber design, while Watch Ultra will have the same band as last year’s model, though in a new color. Another notable detail is that Galaxy Watch 8 Classic doesn’t have LTE on all variants like the Ultra does.

    Features Galaxy Watch 8 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)
    OS One UI 8.0 Watch One UI 8.0 Watch One UI 8.0 Watch
    Dial size 40 mm / 44 m 46 mm 47 mm
    Dimensions 40mm: 40.4 x 42.7 x 8.6mm
    44mm: 43.7 x 46 x 8.6mm
    46.7 x 46 x 10.6 mm 47.4 x 47.1 x 12.1 mm
    Weight 40 mm: 30 g
    44 mm: 34 g
    63.5 g 60.5 g
    Materials Aluminum Armor
    Sapphire Glass
    Stainless steel
    Sapphire glass
    Titanium
    Sapphire Glass
    Screen 40mm: 1.34″ (438×438)
    44mm: 1.47″ (480×480)

    327 ppi, Super AMOLED, 3000 nits

    1.34″ (438×438), 327 ppi, Super AMOLED, 3000 nits 1.47″ (480×480), 327 ppi, Super AMOLED, 3000 nits
    Battery 40mm: 325mAh
    44mm: 435mAh
    445 mAh 590mAh
    Memory RAM: 2 GB / Storage: 32 GB RAM: 2 GB / Storage: 64 GB RAM: 2 GB / Storage: 64 GB
    Processor Exynos W1000 (5 core, 3nm) Exynos W1000 (5 core, 3nm) Exynos W1000 (5 core, 3nm)
    Sensors Accelerometer
    Altimeter
    Gyroscope
    Light sensor
    Geomagnetic
    sensor PPG (Photoplethysmographic)
    sensor ECG (Electrical Cardiac) sensor
    BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor
    Accelerometer
    Altimeter
    Gyroscope
    Light sensor
    Geomagnetic
    sensor PPG (Photoplethysmographic)
    sensor ECG (Electrical Cardiac) sensor
    BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor
    Accelerometer
    Altimeter
    Gyroscope
    Light sensor
    Geomagnetic
    sensor PPG (Photoplethysmographic)
    sensor ECG (Electrical Cardiac) sensor
    BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) sensor
    Bracelets included Silicone sports bracelet (S/M) Premium Hybrid Strap (S/M/L) Extreme Sport Bracelet (S/M/L)

    Meanwhile, the report also backs up prior rumors of price changes by revealing the pricing in France. Galaxy Watch 8 will apparently see a price hike just shy of 20%. Watch 8 Classic will also be around 20% more expensive compared to the larger Watch 6 Classic, while Watch Ultra (2025) will be the same price as its predecessor.

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    Pricing breaks down as follows:

    • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8:
      • 40 mm : €379.99 (Bluetooth), €429.99 (Bluetooth + 4G)
      • 44 mm : €409.99 (Bluetooth), €459.99 (Bluetooth + 4G)
    • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic : €529.99 (Bluetooth), €579.99 (Bluetooth + 4G)
    • Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) : €699.99

    The report also suggests a July 23 release date for these smartwatches.

    Reservations are open for all of Samsung’s devices, including the Watch 8 series, ahead of next week’s Unpacked event.


    Samsung has reservations open now for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7, as well as Galaxy Watch 8 series, with a $50 credit when you pre-order and up to $1,150+ in savings. Reservations are free, and there’s no obligation to actually buy a device if you sign up, but there’s no other time you can get that $50 credit (which can go towards Galaxy Watch 8), 3x reward points, and other perks.


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