Astronomers are drawing attention to a Christmas Tree-shaped cluster of stars glowing inside one of the Milky Way’s most active stellar nurseries.
Known as the Cosmic Christmas Tree, the cluster sits within NGC 2264, roughly 2,700…

Astronomers are drawing attention to a Christmas Tree-shaped cluster of stars glowing inside one of the Milky Way’s most active stellar nurseries.
Known as the Cosmic Christmas Tree, the cluster sits within NGC 2264, roughly 2,700…
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,…

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.”
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.”
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.”

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…
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…

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…

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…

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…

New York City-based Shannon River Fund Management added 968,161 shares of FormFactor in the third quarter.
The move increased its exposure by an estimated $35.26 million.
As of September 30, the fund reported holding 968,161 FORM shares valued at $35.26 million.
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:
NASDAQ:PEGA: $79.59 million (12.8% of AUM)
NASDAQ:TSEM: $69.56 million (11.2% of AUM)
NASDAQ:IDCC: $61.70 million (9.9% of AUM)
NASDAQ:WIX: $58.63 million (9.4% of AUM)
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% |
FormFactor, Inc. provides probe cards, analytical probes, probe stations, metrology systems, thermal systems, and cryogenic systems, primarily serving the semiconductor industry.
The company generates revenue by designing, manufacturing, and selling advanced testing and measurement solutions used throughout the semiconductor manufacturing and research lifecycle.
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.

Shoppers at Sylvia Park, Auckland, on Boxing Day 2025.
Photo: Ke-Xin Li / RNZ
Bargain hunters have started their Boxing Day shopping early to avoid crowds and traffic.
Auckland woman Lara finished her shopping at Sylvia Park shortly…