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  • Dolby unveils Dolby Vision 2

    Dolby unveils Dolby Vision 2

    Dolby Laboratories gas announced Dolby Vision 2, an evolution of its picture quality innovation. Hisense is the first TV brand to announce it will bring Dolby Vision 2 to its lineup of televisions, such as RGB-MiniLED TVs. This is complemented by the French media company Canal+, which has also announced its commitment to support Dolby Vision 2.

    Dolby Vision 2 is designed specifically to meet the evolving opportunities of modern television experiences, serving as one piece of Dolby’s broader mission to advance picture quality across all entertainment and devices, from the biggest to smallest screens.

    “We’ve reached an inflection point where TV technology has dramatically changed while artists continue to demand even more innovative tools,” said John Couling, Senior Vice President, Entertainment at Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby Vision 2 redefines how we think of Dolby Vision to unleash the full capabilities of modern TVs while giving artists unprecedented opportunities to push their creative boundaries further than ever before.”

    Next-Gen Dolby Image Engine

    Dolby Vision 2 is powered by a redesigned and more powerful image engine. This new engine, when combined with Dolby Vision’s content ecosystem, unlocks even more out of TVs. This is fueled by a content pipeline spanning some of today’s most popular movies and TV shows, weekly live sports broadcasts, and an expanding library of games, all in Dolby Vision.

    Content Intelligence introduces new tools to better bridge the creative suite to the viewer’s living room. This foundation allows Dolby Vision 2 to authentically and automatically optimise TVs to deliver a “more captivating” picture based on what is being watched. And with AI capabilities, Dolby Vision 2 will intelligently adapt to give the best presentation of the content fine-tuned to each device and viewing environment.

    Content Intelligence includes:

    • Precision Black reduces consumer frustration that the image is ‘too dark’ by making it crystal clear and improving clarity in any viewing environment without compromising artistic intent.
    • Light Sense fine-tunes picture quality through advanced ambient light detection and new reference lighting data from the content source to optimise TVs for the ideal viewing experience.
    • Sports and Gaming Optimisation introduce new enhancements such as white point adjustments and motion control designed specifically to address the unique needs of live sports and gaming.

    Building on Content Intelligence, Dolby Vision 2 introduces new tone-mapping that takes advantage of modern TV improvements. With bi-directional tone mapping, creators now have new controls that let them make the most of these enhanced displays. This allows high-performance TVs to deliver higher brightness, sharper contrast, and deeply saturated colours.

    Going Beyond HDR

    Dolby Vision 2 expands the capabilities of Dolby Vision beyond HDR. This includes features such as Authentic Motion, a creative driven motion control tool to make scenes feel more authentically cinematic without unwanted judder on a shot-by-shot basis.

    Dolby Vision 2 will be available in two product tiers from TV manufacturers.

    • Dolby Vision 2 Max delivers the best picture on the highest performing TVs, adding additional premium features designed to utilise the full capabilities of these displays.
    • Dolby Vision 2 brings improved picture quality to mainstream TVs, delivering the core next-generation capabilities made possible through the new Dolby Image Engine and Content Intelligence.

    Hisense will be the first TV brand to introduce Dolby Vision 2 to its lineup. These TVs will be powered by MediaTek Pentonic 800 with MiraVision Pro PQ Engine, the first silicon chip to integrate Dolby Vision 2. Timing and availability will be announced at a later date.

    “This represents exactly the kind of innovation Hisense customers expect from premium television experiences,” said Sonny Ming, GM of Hisense TV Product Marketing. “Dolby Vision 2 jointly with Hisense RGB-MiniLED Technology, can not only deliver dramatically astonishing picture, but also increase the potential of TVs with ultra-wide colour and ultra-high brightness, which haven’t been possible until today.”

    Canal+ is the first media and entertainment group to commit to enhance its lineup – from movies and TV shows to live sport – in Dolby Vision, leveraging the latest innovation to enrich the viewing experience for its subscribers.

    “This partnership with Dolby reflects Canal+’s pioneering spirit of innovation. Our commitment to delivering an unparalleled viewing experience to our subscribers remains unwavering. With the launch of Dolby Vision 2 – across movies, series, and live sports- that experience reaches breathtaking new heights. Dolby has been a valued partner for many years, and we are proud to be the first media and entertainment group to announce the integration of this new experience for our audience,” commented Stéphane Baumier, Chief Technology Officer of Canal+.

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  • Stem Cells Developed From Full-Term Placenta

    Stem Cells Developed From Full-Term Placenta


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    Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth often arise during the late stage of pregnancy. However, researchers have primarily relied on placental cells from early pregnancy to study these conditions, which may not fully reflect the biology of late-stage complications. Now, a research team in Japan has successfully developed human placental stem cells from the smooth chorion (a part of the placenta) taken from full-term pregnancies. These new stem cells, called Ch-TS cells, share the same characteristics as placental stem cells from early pregnancy and can develop into the key cell types essential for proper placental function. This advancement allows scientists to study placental complications using cells from the actual time period when these complications occur, potentially leading to better understanding, earlier detection, and improved treatments for pregnancy-related conditions.

    The research was led by Professor Masatsugu Ema and Assistant Professor Masanaga Muto from the Department of Stem Cells and Human Disease Models at the Research Center for Animal Life Science, Shiga University of Medical Science (Professor Masatsugu Ema is also a Principal Investigator at WPI-ASHBi). The findings were published in the journal Placenta on July 31, 2025.

    Background

    The placenta serves as a lifeline between mother and baby. Through the umbilical cord, it delivers oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby while removing waste from the baby’s blood. Specialized placental cells called trophoblasts transport nutrients from the mother and remodel maternal blood vessels to support the growing baby. When these cells malfunction, serious pregnancy complications can develop, including preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy), fetal growth restriction, and placental abruption (early separation of the placenta from the uterus). These placenta-mediated pregnancy complications are often detected during the late stage of pregnancy, affecting thousands of families worldwide every year.

    Scientists have been working to understand how pregnancy complications develop, but studying the human placenta during pregnancy presents significant technical challenges and ethical concerns. To address this obstacle, researchers have developed laboratory models using stem cells derived from placental tissue that can grow and develop under controlled conditions outside the body. Until now, these valuable research tools, called trophoblast stem cells, have primarily been created from placentas obtained during early pregnancy. Since most complications occur during the late stage of pregnancy, scientists need a more relevant model to study these conditions and improve treatment and prevention strategies.

    Key Findings

    Researchers have long believed that the source of trophoblast stem cells in the placenta might have disappeared during late pregnancy, since deriving these cells from full-term placentas has proven difficult. This study overturns this assumption: scientists successfully isolated trophoblast cells from the smooth chorion, the outermost fetal membrane of full-term placentas, and established stable trophoblast stem cell lines called Ch-TS cells. These laboratory-cultured cells displayed all the key characteristics of human trophoblast cells and could differentiate into the two main cell types essential for healthy placental function: extravillous trophoblasts, which invade and remodel the mother’s uterine tissue, and syncytiotrophoblasts, which facilitate nutrient and oxygen exchange between mother and baby. These findings demonstrate that term smooth chorion trophoblast cells still retain stem cell potential, indicating a striking difference between trophoblasts in the term placenta and those in the term smooth chorion.

    Gene expression analysis confirmed that the characteristics of Ch-TS cells are similar to those of the originally reported trophoblast stem cells, validating their potential as a research tool. At the same time, Ch-TS cells exhibited distinct gene expression patterns compared to other stem cells derived from term placentas using alternative culture methods. Importantly, Ch-TS cells more resemble the originally reported trophoblast stem cells than other term-derived stem cells, highlighting their potential to model human placental development.

    Future Perspectives

    Studying trophoblast stem cells from term placentas offers a powerful platform for investigating the underlying mechanisms behind pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and preterm birth. Because the smooth chorion helps maintain the integrity of fetal membranes, Ch-TS cells could also be used to study complications like premature rupture of membranes.

    Using cells from full-term placentas avoids the ethical concerns associated with early pregnancy tissue, making research more accessible and easier to conduct. The ability to grow trophoblast stem cells from the smooth chorion also enables scientists to create laboratory models of the placenta and fetal membranes, helping researchers better understand pregnancy complications and develop strategies to prevent or treat them. Overall, this advancement opens new doors for pregnancy research and may ultimately lead to improved outcomes for mothers and babies affected by late-pregnancy complications.

    Reference: Hoshiyama T, Muto M, Matsumoto S, et al. Establishment of human trophoblast stem cells from term smooth chorion. Placenta. 2025;169:114-122. doi: 10.1016/j.placenta.2025.07.090

    This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.

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  • “Reprogrammed” Macrophages Help the Body Heal Faster

    “Reprogrammed” Macrophages Help the Body Heal Faster


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    Scientists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered that electrically stimulating “macrophages” – one of the immune system’s key players – can “reprogramme” them in such a way to reduce inflammation and encourage faster, more effective healing in disease and injury.

    This breakthrough uncovers a potentially powerful new therapeutic option, with further work ongoing to delineate the specifics.

    Macrophages are a type of white blood cell with several high-profile roles in our immune system. They patrol around the body, surveying for bugs and viruses, as well as disposing of dead and damaged cells, and stimulating other immune cells – kicking them into gear when and where they are needed.

    However, their actions can also drive local inflammation in the body, which can sometimes get out of control and become problematic, causing more damage to the body than repair. This is present in lots of different diseases, highlighting the need to regulate macrophages for improved patient outcomes. 

    In the new study, just published in the international journal Cell Reports Physical Science, the Trinity team worked with human macrophages isolated from heathy donor blood samples provided via the Irish Blood Transfusion Board, St James’s Hospital. They stimulated these cells using a custom bioreactor to apply electrical currents and measured what happened.

    “We have known for a very long time that the immune system is vital for repairing damage in our body and that macrophages play a central role in fighting infection and guiding tissue repair,” said Dr Sinead O’Rourke, Research Fellow in Trinity’s School of Biochemistry and Immunology, and first author of the research article. 

    “As a result, many scientists are exploring ways to ‘reprogramme’ macrophages to encourage faster, more effective healing in disease and to limit the unwanted side-effects that come with overly aggressive inflammation. And while there is growing evidence that electrical stimulation may help control how different cells behave during wound healing, very little was known about how it affects human macrophages prior to this work.”

    “We are really excited by the findings. Not only does this study show for the first time that electrical stimulation can shift human macrophages to suppress inflammation, we have also demonstrated increased ability of macrophages to repair tissue, supporting electrical stimulation as an exciting new therapy to boost the body’s own repair processes in a huge range of different injury and disease situations.”

    The findings from the interdisciplinary team led by Trinity investigators, Professor Aisling Dunne (School of Biochemistry and Immunology) and Professor Michael Monaghan (School of Engineering) are especially significant given that this work was performed with human blood cells (showing its effectiveness for real patients); electrical stimulation is relatively safe and easy in the scheme of therapeutic options; and the outcomes should be applicable to a wide range of scenarios.

    Corresponding author Prof. Monaghan added: “Among the future steps are to explore more advanced regimes of electrical stimulation to generate more precise and prolonged effects on inflammatory cells and to explore new materials and modalities of delivering electric fields. This concept has yielded compelling effects in vitro and has huge potential in a wide range of inflammatory diseases.”

    Reference: O’Rourke SA, Suku M, Petrousek S, Hoey DA, Dunne A, Monaghan MG. Electromodulation of human monocyte-derived macrophages drives a regenerative phenotype and impedes inflammation. Cell Rep Phys Sci. 2025:102795. doi: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2025.102795

    This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source. Our press release publishing policy can be accessed here.

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  • Microsoft Warns Stop Using Google Chrome—Windows Users Change Browser

    Microsoft Warns Stop Using Google Chrome—Windows Users Change Browser

    Between 50 and 100 million Windows users have switched browsers in recent weeks, just as Microsoft reveals its new warning to stop using Google Chrome. The problem is that this switch has not gone as planned — for Microsoft at least.

    ForbesIf You See This Warning, Your Facebook Is Being HackedBy Zak Doffman

    Microsoft’s latest campaign against Chrome generated plenty of headlines (1,2,3), with most complaining the tactics crossed a line. Pre-release Windows software targets heavy Chrome users with a push to the Edge. Now it seems Windows users have voted with their feet — or rather their keyboards. Chrome has just hit new heights.

    Until July, Chrome’s desktop market share had been flat for some time, hoovering at around 65%, per Statcounter’s representative data. Not any more. Google’s browser is now even more dominant, increasing its share to more than 70%. Edge, meanwhile, has lost around 10% of its own much smaller share, now down to under 12%.

    “Browse securely now,” Microsoft warns Windows users installing Google Chrome, adding that “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome with the added trust of Microsoft.” A rethink could now be required, as the campaign has not even maintained Edge’s existing market share. The question now is what happens when Gemini and Copilot are fully integrated to fend off new pureplay AI offerings.

    This new data caps a good few days for Google on the Chrome front, with a U.S. federal antitrust ruling that enables the search giant to keep Chrome in-house. The browser is a money machine at the heart of Google’s search and ad empire, a shop window between its huge user base and the data- and ad-driven web it dominates.

    ForbesGoogle Issues Critical Update For All 2.5 Billion Gmail UsersBy Zak Doffman

    For Windows users, nothing has come close to unseating Chrome’s de facto default status in the Windows ecosystem or even denting its market share. And my sources at Google shrug off Microsoft’s attempts, given the stickiness of their product. Even so, for Chrome to add as many new users as implied by this data is a major surprise.

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  • Blaze Your Path Through a Flaming Volcano in the Guardian Tales World 22 Update, Available Now

    iOS Download | Android Download |  Website

    Amsterdam, The Netherlands — September 2, 2025 | Kakao Games is excited to reveal that the World 22 update is now live in Guardian Tales, introducing players to the blazing-hot new world of Mount Volver.

    The World 22 update sees players venturing into the blazing heart of Mount Volver, the birthplace of Flame Dragons, in search of the Eternal Flame – the key to reclaiming Kanterbury Castle.  Joined by Girgas, son of the Flame Dragon King, players will face fiery trials ruled by the Dragon King and her three divine avatars.

    Alongside the new lava-filled location, Guardian Tales World 22 is adding a brand new playable character to the game. Kahlor was the first avatar of the Flame Dragon King, and was entrusted with the king’s final will to protect all of Mount Volver. A melee Warrior of the Fire Element who can wield two-handed swords, Khalor comes equipped with a special Flame Control ability, and an exclusive weapon, Volcanic Fury.

    To celebrate the launch of World 22, Guardian Tales players will be able to take part in the latest 50 Free Summons event. Running from 2 – 15 September, this event allows players 10 free summons a day, up to 50 summons total.

    Guardian Tales will be hosting a series of additional community events revolving around World 22 to be held via the official social media channels (X, Facebook and Discord) where even more rewards will be up for grabs.

    For more on this exciting update, check out the website or download Guardian Tales on iOS or Android.

    About Guardian Tales 

    Guardian Tales is a new game from Kong Studios that unites charming pixel art graphics and action-adventure dungeon crawling linked together by a journey travelling a rich diversity of worlds, inspired by the history of gaming.

    About Kong Studios

    Kong Studios, Inc. is a startup headquartered in Silicon Valley of the U.S. The studio focuses on developing games with unique and new gameplay perspectives. The studio has so far released Dungeon Link and is now working on Guardian Tales for worldwide service.

    About Kakao Games

    Kakao Games (CEO Sang-Woo Han) is the gaming subsidiary of Kakao, specializing in both publishing and development across a wide range of genres, from casual to hardcore titles on PC and mobile. Since its KOSDAQ listing in September 2020, Kakao Games has successfully developed and launched popular titles such as Odin: Valhalla Rising, Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Eversoul, Guardian Tales, and Kakao Battlegrounds, with multiple global releases on the horizon. Kakao Games remains committed to expanding its portfolio and exploring new opportunities in the evolving gaming landscape.

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  • US conducts ‘kinetic strike’ against drug boat from Venezuela, killing 11, Trump says | US foreign policy

    US conducts ‘kinetic strike’ against drug boat from Venezuela, killing 11, Trump says | US foreign policy

    The US military has killed 11 drug traffickers from Venezuela during a “a kinetic strike” in the Caribbean Sea, the US president, Donald Trump, has claimed amid growing tensions between Washington and Caracas.

    Trump trailed the announcement during an address at the White House on Tuesday afternoon, telling reporters the US had “just, over the last few minutes, literally shot out … a drug-carrying boat”.

    “And there’s more where that came from. We have a lot of drugs pouring into our country,” the US president added.

    Later, Trump used his social media platform, Truth Social, to offer further details of the operation, which he said had taken place on Tuesday morning.

    “The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in international waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United ​States,” he wrote, alongside footage of the attack.

    “The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No US Forces were harmed in this strike … Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!”

    The development will add to fears over a possible military clash between Venezuelan and US troops after the US sent war ships and marines into the Caribbean last month as part of what Trump allies touted as an attempt to force Venezuela’s authoritarian leader, Nicolás Maduro, from power.

    Officially, Trump’s naval buildup is part of US efforts to combat Latin American drug traffickers, including a Venezuelan group called the Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) which Trump officials accuse Maduro of leading.

    In August the US announced a $50m reward for Maduro’s capture – twice the bounty once offered for Osama bin Laden. In July, Trump signed a secret directive greenlighting military force against Latin American cartels considered terrorist organizations, including the Venezuelan group.

    Republican party hawks and Trump allies have celebrated those moves as proof the White House is determined to end Maduro’s 12-year rule. “Your days are seriously numbered,” Trump’s former national security adviser Michael Flynn, declared recently, encouraging Maduro to flee to Moscow.

    Maduro’s allies have also claimed that a regime-change operation is afoot, with Maduro himself this week warning that White House hardliners were seeking to lead Trump into “a terrible war” that would harm the entire region.

    “Mr President Donald Trump, you need to take care because Marco Rubio wants to stain your hands with blood – with South American, Caribbean blood [and] Venezuelan blood. They want to lead you into a bloodbath … with a massacre against the people of Venezuela,” Maduro said.

    But many experts are skeptical the US is planning a military intervention. “The idea of there being an invasion, I don’t believe to be true,” James Story, the US’s top diplomat for Venezuela from 2018 to 2023, said last week. He said Trump generally opposed “meddling militarily in the affairs of other countries”.

    Geoff Ramsey, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, agreed: “This is not a deployment focused on regime change. This may be an attempt to signal to disaffected elements of the military in Venezuela that now is the time to rise up against Maduro. But we’ve seen that approach be tried and ​fail repeatedly over ​the last 25 years.”

    Ramsey said the tough talk belied the fact that Trump had actually relaxed its stance towards Venezuela. Sanctions had been softened in recent weeks. The Trump administration was “actively coordinating with ​the Maduro regime on deportation flights”, about two of which are landing at Venezuela’s main international airport each week.

    ​Ramsey believed that the military mobilization was partly an attempt “to throw some red meat to a part of Trump’s base that has been dissatisfied with the reality of sanctions relief” and what it perceived as his soft policy towards Maduro.

    Ramsey described the region where the vessel was attacked as “a target-rich environment” when it came to drug traffickers. “There are plenty of go-fast boats transporting cocaine through the southern Caribbean, and I think ultimately Washington is more interested in signalling than in actually engaging in any kind of military action inside Venezuela territory.” Trump said those killed in Tuesday’s operation were members of the Tren de Aragua, Venezuela’s most notorious crime group.

    This article was amended on 3 September 2025. An earlier version had referred only to “Ramsey” when Geoff Ramsey, senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, was meant.

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  • DLA Piper advises GMH Group on the acquisition of two business units of Buderus Edelstahl GmbH

    DLA Piper has advised GMH Group, one of Germany’s leading steel producers and processors, on the acquisition of two business units of Buderus Edelstahl GmbH.

    The transaction comprises the acquisition of the hot rolling mill for large, rolled steel dimensions and machining and heat treatment facilities from Buderus Edelstahl GmbH in Wetzlar. With this step, GMH Group is strengthening its position in the field of high-quality forged parts and is expanding its rolled steel portfolio as well as its processing and heat treatment capacities. The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the usual regulatory approvals.

    GMH Group, based in Georgsmarienhütte, comprises more than 15 medium-sized production companies of the steel, forging and casting industries and approximately 6,000 employees. GMH Group is considered a pioneer in green steel and offers services ranging from scrap recycling to steel production and processing to the manufacture of ready-to-install components for customers worldwide.

    Buderus Edelstahl GmbH, based in Wetzlar, is a manufacturer of high-quality special steels and belongs to Mutares SE & Co. KGaA. It specializes in tool steel, engineering steel, open-die forgings, die forgings, hot strip, cold strip, and rolled semi-finished products.

    A cross-border and multidisciplinary DLA Piper team from offices in Germany was led by counsel Dr Mirjam Rüve and associate Jerome Bieler, as well as partner Dr Nils Krause (all Corporate/M&A).

    They were supported by partners Dr Henriette Norda (Employment), Dr Justus Herrlinger (Lit&Reg), Guido Kleve (Lit&Reg), Dr Burkhard Führmeyer (IPT), Counsels Jörn Manhart (Employment/Pensions) and Moritz Mursa (Real Estate), Senior Associates Dr Katharina Fischer (Employment, Hamburg), Louisa Arlette Maier-Witt (Lit&Reg, Hamburg), Hauke Tammert (Lit&Reg), Marisa Machacek (IPT), Dr Betina Fischer (Commercial), as well as Associates Benedikt Mail (Corporate) and Tina Popp (Real Estate).

    The international team also included DLA Piper Vienna: Partner Marc Lager and Counsel Florian Prischl (both Lit&Reg), and DLA Piper Bucharest: Partner Alina Lacatus, Counsel Razvan Pele (Lit&Reg) and Associate Cristi Porojanu (Corporate).

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  • Cardi B settles 7-year dispute with security guard

    Cardi B settles 7-year dispute with security guard

    The whole situation began at a at a Beverly Hills OB-GYN clinic where Emani accused Cardi B of scratching her face. He also accused her of using racial slurs while the rapper was secretly pregnant. However, after less than an hour of deliberations, the 12-member Los Angeles Superior Court jury found that he had failed to prove her claims. While the rapper continuously maintained throughout the trial that Emani was the actual aggressor. She also claimed that he tried to invade her privacy by filming her. While she admitted to a “heated verbal exchange,” she denied any physical contact. Even the testimony from the witnesses also confirmed that they saw no physical activity as such.

    Following this verdict, Cardi B issued a strong warning to anyone considering targeting her with false accusations. “The next person to try to do a frivolous lawsuit against me, I’m going countersue, and you’re going to pay.” She also doubled down on her innocence, declaring, “I will say it on my deathbed. I did not touch that woman. I did not touch that girl.” The rapper further added, “I’m not that celeb that you sue and you think is going to settle. I’m not gonna settle. Especially when I’m super completely innocent”.

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  • Stocks Find Footing as Traders Track Bond Rout: Markets Wrap

    Stocks Find Footing as Traders Track Bond Rout: Markets Wrap


    This content was published on

    (Bloomberg) — Stocks chalked up a modest rebound as traders tracked the selloff in long-dated bonds, fueled by anxiety over inflation and mounting government debt. Gold hit a fresh all-time high.

    European stocks rose 0.3% after suffering their steepest loss in a month in the previous session. Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 0.5% as Alphabet Inc. rallied in extended trading on Tuesday, buoyed by a ruling that Google won’t be forced to sell its Chrome browser. Contracts on the S&P 500 climbed 0.3% after two days of losses.

    While equities found firmer footing, the bond selloff deepened. The yield on 30-year Treasuries climbed three basis points, coming within a whisker of the 5% threshold. Japanese debt joined the rout, with 20-year yields hitting the highest since 1999. UK gilts weakened further, while euro-area bonds proved more resilient.

    The fragility of bonds underscores the strain from heavy public spending, which demands ever-rising bond issuance, and a broader erosion of confidence in sovereign credit. That uncertainty has spilled into equities, where traders are grappling with stretched valuations after a record rally, alongside persistent concerns over monetary policy and inflation.

    “I don’t see this movement as a threat to the rising trend of stock markets,” said Roland Kaloyan, head of equity strategy at Societe Generale SA. “We don’t see yields rising much further than their current levels. That being said, this bond selloff means that there will be an even greater focus on Friday’s US job data and their impact on the Fed’s easing policy.”

    Gold’s latest record comes as growing expectations for US interest-rate cuts bolster the metal’s attractiveness. The drop in bond and equities has also strengthened its appeal as a haven. Bullion climbed as much as 0.4% to hit 3,546.96 an ounce before paring gains.

    “President Trump’s continued efforts to erode the Fed’s policy independence are also shaking confidence, in turn helping hard assets such as gold,” wrote Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone Group Ltd. “The bull case remains intact.”

    Corporate News:

    Alphabet Inc.’s Google will be required to share online search data with rivals while avoiding harsher penalties, including the forced sale of its Chrome business, a judge ruled in the biggest US antitrust case in almost three decades. Alphabet shares rose in after-hours trading. The US has revoked Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s authorization to freely ship essential gear to its main Chinese chipmaking base, potentially curtailing its production capabilities at that older-generation facility. TSMC shares retreated in Taiwan. Apple Inc.’s lead artificial intelligence researcher for robotics has departed the company to join Meta Platforms Inc.’s competing effort, part of an exodus of AI talent from the iPhone maker. A group of Thames Water’s senior creditors has submitted a new operational plan to the UK regulator as part of its bid to rescue and take over the ailing utility. Hong Kong is probing allegations of insider dealing that involve at least two individuals at the stock exchange and the city’s financial regulator as well as brokers and social media influencers. Some of the main moves in markets:

    Stocks

    The Stoxx Europe 600 rose 0.3% as of 9:05 a.m. London time S&P 500 futures rose 0.3% Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.5% Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1% The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 0.8% The MSCI Emerging Markets Index was little changed Currencies

    The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index was little changed The euro was little changed at $1.1641 The Japanese yen fell 0.2% to 148.71 per dollar The offshore yuan was little changed at 7.1456 per dollar The British pound fell 0.1% to $1.3374 Cryptocurrencies

    Bitcoin fell 0.2% to $111,212.14 Ether was little changed at $4,318.2 Bonds

    The yield on 10-year Treasuries advanced three basis points to 4.29% Germany’s 10-year yield declined one basis point to 2.77% Britain’s 10-year yield advanced two basis points to 4.82% Commodities

    Brent crude fell 0.5% to $68.82 a barrel Spot gold rose 0.1% to $3,537.23 an ounce This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation.

    ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.

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  • Colon cancer doctor shares five life-saving lessons: Symptoms and risks you should know |

    Colon cancer doctor shares five life-saving lessons: Symptoms and risks you should know |

    Dr. Karen Zaghiyan, a prominent colorectal surgeon at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, recently shared vital advice on bowel cancer in a widely viewed Instagram video. She offers straightforward guidance for anyone concerned about or diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Dr. Zaghiyan stresses the life-saving importance of early screening, particularly colonoscopies, and urges patients to seek second opinions to ensure accurate diagnoses. She warns against unverified remedies and emphasizes taking prompt, informed action when symptoms arise. Her advice highlights how timely medical decisions can dramatically improve outcomes, highlighting the critical role of awareness, professional consultation, and early intervention in combating colorectal cancer.

    5 hard truths about colon cancer

    1. Get a colonoscopy early

    Dr. Zaghiyan stresses that everyone should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, even if they feel healthy or have no family history. Colonoscopies allow doctors to visually inspect the entire colon and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer. Unlike at-home stool tests, which can miss a significant number of polyps, colonoscopies are more than 95% effective at detecting and preventing colorectal cancer. Proper preparation, including dietary adjustments and the use of laxatives, is essential for an accurate examination. Patients should also plan for post-procedure transport due to sedation. Starting screenings early can dramatically increase the chances of detecting cancer at a curable stage.

    2. Take screening and diagnosis seriously

    Early detection is critical in improving survival rates for colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Zaghiyan notes that patients diagnosed at stage one have around a 90% chance of surviving at least five years, while those diagnosed at stage four have only a 10% five-year survival rate. Symptoms like rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored. Delaying medical attention or dismissing these signs as minor issues can allow the disease to progress, making treatment far more complicated and reducing the likelihood of a positive outcome. Taking diagnosis and screening seriously can be the difference between life and death.

    3. Seek second opinions

    Dr. Zaghiyan strongly recommends getting a second opinion for any diagnosis or if symptoms are concerning. Misdiagnoses are not uncommon, and consulting multiple experts ensures that patients receive the most accurate assessment and treatment plan. For instance, rectal bleeding might be incorrectly attributed to hemorrhoids without proper examination. Patients should feel empowered to ask questions, challenge their care plans, and consult additional specialists if necessary. Taking the extra step to verify your diagnosis can prevent mistakes and provide access to the latest treatment options, potentially saving lives.

    4. Avoid unverified remedies

    Online advice and alternative treatments can be misleading or harmful. Dr. Zaghiyan warns against trusting unproven cures, such as extreme diets, supplements, or home remedies promoted online. Instead, patients should rely on evidence-based medical treatments and consult registered cancer dietitians to safely complement conventional therapy. For those seeking innovative approaches, enrolling in clinical trials with rigorous oversight is far safer than following anecdotal or unverified claims. Sticking to verified medical advice increases the likelihood of successful treatment and minimizes unnecessary risk.

    5. Act timely and follow medical guidance

    Delaying treatment is one of the most dangerous decisions a patient can make. Dr. Zaghiyan emphasizes that once concerning symptoms appear or a diagnosis is confirmed, timely action can mean the difference between curable and advanced disease. Following your doctor’s recommendations without unnecessary delay, adhering to medication schedules, and attending follow-up appointments is crucial. Patients should avoid waiting to “see if it goes away” and instead act promptly, as early intervention substantially increases survival chances.

    Symptoms and risks of colon cancer

    Colorectal cancer often develops silently, showing few or no symptoms in its early stages. Being aware of both warning signs and risk factors is crucial, as early detection can dramatically improve survival rates. Individuals should pay attention to changes in their digestive health and seek prompt medical evaluation if they notice unusual patterns or persistent discomfort.Common symptoms:

    • Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
    • Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing stools)
    • Abdominal pain, cramping, or bloating
    • Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
    • Frequent or urgent bowel movements

    Risk factors:

    • Age over 45
    • Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps
    • Personal history of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease)
    • Obesity, smoking, or high consumption of processed foods
    • Sedentary lifestyle

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine or treatment.


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