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Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping were secretly recorded discussing the possibility of living to 150 years through biotechnology and organ transplants during a military parade in Beijing. The conversation highlights ongoing interest among authoritarian leaders in life extension, amid broader scientific and geopolitical developments. The footage was later removed following legal objections from CCTV.
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Tyrese Gibson, actor and singer, was charged with animal cruelty after his four Cane Corso dogs escaped and killed a neighbor’s small dog in Georgia. Despite warnings, the dogs repeatedly roamed free, leading to a fatal attack. Gibson has rehomed the dogs and is cooperating with authorities. The incident highlights ongoing issues with large guard dogs and pet management.
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Google's quantum computer has demonstrated a verifiable algorithm that runs 13,000 times faster than supercomputers, marking a significant step toward practical quantum applications in medicine and materials science. The 'quantum echoes' approach, detailed in Nature, shows promise for future real-world uses, though widespread deployment remains years away.
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Recent studies reveal domestication processes in dogs, cats, and raccoons. Dogs originated twice in Eurasia with ongoing wolf interbreeding. Cats arrived in Europe around 2,000 years ago via North Africa, while urban raccoons show early signs of domestication, including shorter snouts and reduced fear of humans.
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A major climate impact study published in Nature in 2024 has been retracted after scientists identified significant data errors, notably with Uzbekistan's economic data. The original paper estimated a 62% decline in global economic output by 2100, but corrected figures suggest a 23% drop. The authors plan to revise and resubmit.