Have humans reached their maximum IQ? Intelligence is starting to plateau for the first time June 2, 2015 Over the last century, humans have become much, much cleverer. In fact, new research by the University of Vienna shows how across the world, the average IQ has risen by 30 points during that time. Why this has happened is not entirely clear, but the researchers say it's a combination of better food quality and [...]
Sit-stand desks and walkabouts: Experts say we should all be on our feet for four hours of the working day June 2, 2015 If you spend all day sitting in front of the computer at work, only to go home and sit on a sofa for a few more hours, it's time to reassess your lifestyle. People should aim to be on their feet for four hours of the working day, Public Health England has said – in [...]
Bad weather forces Solar Impulse 2 to take a break in Japan June 1, 2015 Solar Impulse 2 has had to take a short break from its round-the-world flight due to dangerous weather conditions. The fully solar-powered plane is landing at Nagoya airport in Japan before making its way across the Pacific ocean. The pilot was just 36 hours into a journey expected to take six days when the emergency [...]
Confirmed: Intel is buying Altera for $16.7bn June 1, 2015 Intel is buying Altera in an all-cash deal valued at around $16.7bn (£11bn), offering $54 per share, confirming earlier reports of an acquisition. “Intel’s growth strategy is to expand our core assets into profitable, complementary market segments,” said Intel chief Brian Krzanich. “With this acquisition, we will harness the power of Moore’s Law to make the [...]
On the path to curing cancer: Scientists say immunotherapy could open a “new era” of treatment June 1, 2015 For decades, chemotherapy has been the main treatment used to prolong the lives of cancer sufferers, but scientists believe a new kind of treatment could completely transform how we tackle the disease. Immunotherapy, which involves harnessing the body's own immune system to attack cancerous cells in the same way it would attack a virus, [...]
Windows 10 release date: Free update launches 29 July to suceed Windows 8 June 1, 2015 Microsoft will release the latest incarnation of its operating system (OS) at the end of July, it revealed today. Windows 10 (not Windows 9, despite it following Windows 8, the current version), will be available from 29 July as a free upgrade. The OS will be free to anyone currently using Windows 7 onwards, and [...]
Plus500 share price rises as Playtech buys trading platform for £460m June 1, 2015 Playtech has snapped up trading platform Plus500 for £460m, adding the spreadbetting platform to its online betting and gaming software business. Unperturbed by Plus500's recent headaches, which have seen UK customers' accounts frozen and its market value fall, Playtech chief Mor Weizer said the acquisition will help his company expand its wider offering. Plus500's share [...]
UK tech startups will create 20,000 jobs this year as VC investment rockets June 1, 2015 Rocketing venture capital investment is set to boost hiring at tech startups in Britain, with the creation of 20,000 jobs expected this year. Tech startups across the country are currently advertising 12,000 positions, 40 per cent growth in the last six months and 80 per cent on last year. London and the south east, home [...]
Police request people’s emails, texts and other communications data every two minutes June 1, 2015 Police forces across the UK are requesting access to people's private emails, texts, web searches and phone data every two minutes new research reveals. More than 700,000 requests were made over the last three years, with the Metropolitan Police making the most – 177,287 – under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (Ripa). Of those requests, [...]
Umotif Digital Health looks for more investors: Startup firm that helps Parkinson’s sufferers seeks to fuel growth May 31, 2015 A Digital health startup firm that helps patients connect with their doctors is looking to raise up to £2m from investors to help spur growth. Umotif Digital Health, which offers an app for people who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease and other illnesses, launched about three years ago in London and helps patients with their condition, [...]