SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " virtual " 1,830 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Falcons introduce quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
Watch: Falcons QB Tua Tagovailoa introduced in virtual press conference
East of Innovation: “They call me robot doctor” — Inside the rise of virtual care in ENC
Programs at ECU Health and CarolinaEast Health System use virtual technology to connect patients with specialists.
Major PlayStation Store Purge - Sony Removes Over 1000 Games
Sony continues to clean up the virtual storefronts.
Kathy Ireland Accuses Business Managers of Looting Her Fortune
The model-turned-entrepreneur and lifelong Santa Barbara resident claims decades-long deception left her virtually broke.
New dispute emerges around Subnautica 2’s early access release
Lawyers for the ousted—and now partially reinstated—leadership team of Unknown Worlds, the studio behind Subnautica 2, are crying foul over news that the game will be released into early access in May. The release announcement earlier this week was made improperly, potentially “damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community,” the lawyers said in a letter sent on Tuesday to Vice Chancellor Lori Will of Delaware’s Court of Chancery. In their letter, the lawyers also floated the idea of asking Will to find Krafton in contempt of the court’s ruling. The letter was sent just one day after Will’s bombshell ruling that publisher Krafton had breached its contract with Unknown Worlds’ executive team, when it fired them last June. The new issue isn’t necessarily the May early access timeframe, but how the news was announced. The letter and Krafton’s response have not been previously reported. A quick recap of prior events: Subnautica 2 is an unreleased, underwater survival adventure and the most-wishlisted game on Steam. Last year, longtime Unknown Worlds CEO Ted Gill, along with studio co-founders Charlie Cleveland and Max McGuire, were fired by Krafton. They swiftly sued, saying the publisher had terminated them to avoid paying out up to $250 million in potential performance-based bonuses. The studio leaders had hoped to earn that with an early access release of the game, which Krafton had blocked. The publisher argued in court that Subnautica 2 wasn’t ready, which the ousted execs disputed. On Monday, Will ruled that Krafton had violated its contract, firing the execs to avoid the performance payouts, and that it had to reinstate Gill and give him full authority over any early access release for Subnautica 2. On Tuesday, IGN reported on a new memo issued that day to Unknown Worlds staff by Steve Papoutsis, the executive Krafton had put in charge of Unknown Worlds after the 2025 firings. In the note, Papoutsis said that Subnautica 2 had passed a key development milestone “last week” and that he and Krafton had determined the game “is ready for Early Access release in May.” This news appeared to catch the lawyers for Gill, Cleveland and McGuire by surprise. On Tuesday night, they sent a letter to Will expressing “serious concerns” about whether it would be possible to forge an agreement with Krafton consistent with the judge’s order. Papoutsis’ memo was a problem, they wrote. He didn’t have the authority to declare anything about Subnautica 2’s release. As of 9am ET on Monday, March 16, the effective date of Will’s order, Papoutsis wasn’t CEO of Unknown Worlds. Gill was. And, per Will’s order, only Gill could make Subnautica 2 release decisions. They continued: Krafton self-servingly announced the launch without any regard to its impact on the game, the team, or the community—let alone this Court’s Opinion. Announcing the release of a game is momentous, and it is typically accompanied by significant marketing activity, fanfare, and community coordination. And most importantly, the announcement is carefully designed to maximize excitement for the game. That entire process was supposed to be driven by Mr. Gill. However, in defiance of the Court’s Opinion, Krafton has now taken that away, further damaging the game and sowing additional confusion among the Subnautica community. The lawyers speculated that Krafton had “intentionally leaked” Papoutsis’ memo and then issued an official statement to confirm the leak. Game File is a reader-supported publication. My reporting is only possible through support from readers like you. To support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe On Wednesday, lawyers for Krafton defended their client in their own letter to vice chancellor Will, saying nothing they did violated her order nor showed contempt: Papoutsis’s message was simply celebrating the UW employees’ efforts toward a past event: Krafton’s pre-Opinion determination that Subnautica 2 was ready for Early Access release. There was nothing improper about conveying the results of the milestone review or thanking the development team for their dedication and talent. They added that Gill could still make his own call about Subnautica 2’s release: In his role as CEO, Gill will be able to assess independently his views on the state of Subnautica 2 and the appropriate release schedule; nothing in Papoutsis’s message alters Gill’s authority or discretion. Vice chancellor Will has not responded to the letters and doesn’t necessarily have to. Both parties were previously ordered by Will to confer this week and submit a proposed judgment consistent with her ruling. The letter from Gill’s attorney’s this week doesn’t indicate whether he would or would not support a May release for Subnautica 2. But it could limit his options. And, if Gill’s lawyers are right, the lack of marketing fanfare around the leak of the May date could dull the launch of the game. Any harm to Subnautica 2’s launch is an extra sensitive issue given the context of the legal dispute: millions of dollars of payouts are on the line, tethered to the scale of the game’s initial performance. In her ruling on Monday, Will noted that there was obvious “bad blood” between Gill’s side and Krafton but that the two would need to work together: “They can—and must—act in good faith to navigate their remaining contractual relationship.” Item 2: A new kind of couch co-op game A highlight of GDC each year is the Alt.Ctrl showcase that features games played with extremely experimental controllers. Perusing this year’s offerings last Friday, I found a game controlled with giant scissors, another with big toothbrushes and one that amounted to dumpster diving. My favorite was Pivot, a co-op game about collectively maneuvering a couch. It was developed by students at the University of Utah’s masters of arts and engineering games program. Players lift and tilt the physical couch in order to control the position of a virtual one. That virtual one is moving through an obstacle course on-screen, while being pursued by a giant skull. Developer Nishant Verma told me at GDC that the couch is made of styrofoam (this became more evident as I watched!) and that the name was a riff on an episode of the sitcom Friends. Item 3: In brief… 🚫 Ubisoft is laying off more than 100 workers at its Red Storm studio, as the North Carolina location known for decades for its Tom Clancy games, ceases in-house game development, VGC reports. 👀 On Monday, Nvidia’s revealed its DLSS 5 AI-driven graphics technology that purports to improve game graphics… and it has been roasted about it by the media and the online gaming public for the remainder of the week. The tech changed the faces of characters in footage from Resident Evil Requiem, Hogwarts Legacy and EA Sports FC, drawing accusations of giving carefully art-directed games the generic look of AI “slop.” Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had said on Monday that “DLSS 5 is the GPT moment for graphics—blending handcrafted rendering with generative AI to deliver a dramatic leap in visual realism while preserving the control artists need for creative expression.” By mid-week, Huang was telling Tom’s Hardware that the new tech’s critics were “completely wrong” because game-makers could still “fine-tune the generative AI” to suit their game’s aesthetics.
Hometown Health: Virginia teacher continues career through virtual academy after MS diagnosis
Suzy Mullins spent years not knowing what was happening to her body
Exclusive: $599 MacBook Neo easily beats $1,119 Dell laptop on Windows 11 benchmarks - yes, macOS may well be the best platform ever for Microsoft's OS
Despite running a mobile CPU and Windows in a virtual machine, the MacBook laptop excelled in single-core CPU performance
Judge mocks White House East Wing ‘alteration’ as a ‘brazen interpretation of the laws of vocabulary’
The Trump administration’s arguments in defense of the massive White House ballroom project on Tuesday found virtually no purchase before a federal judge, who appears ready to rule that the president skirted the law by undertaking construction without congressional approval.
2K flights canceled in single day, turning major airport into virtual ghost town
Winter blizzards slam Upper Midwest, forcing airlines to cancel nearly 2,000 flights Sunday. Chicago O'Hare and Minneapolis airports hit hardest.
Scientists discover AI can make humans more creative
Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a tool that replaces human work, but new research from Swansea University suggests a far more exciting role: creative collaborator. In a large study with more than 800 participants designing virtual cars, researchers found that AI-generated design galleries sparked deeper engagement, longer exploration, and better results.
Researchers Upload Fly’s Brain to Matrix, Let It Control Virtual Body
A company claims to have simulated the neurons of an adult fruit fly's brain and letting it roam inside a Matrix-like virtual environment.
Parallels Desktop creators say MacBook Neo does indeed have enough muscle to run Windows apps
The company’s virtualization software is functional on Apple’s cheapest laptop.
Virtual Health Equity Summit
The Health Access and Strategic Innovation (HASI) department welcomes you to join us for the virtual Health Equity Summit. The event is open to everyone and registration is free.
Parallels Confirms MacBook Neo Can Run Windows in a Virtual Machine
Parallels Desktop virtualization software is compatible with the new MacBook Neo, according to an update from the company – but Windows VM performance will depend on your intended use case. From Parallels' updated knowledge base article: Parallels Desktop runs on MacBook Neo in basic usability testing. The Parallels Engineering team has completed initial testing and confirmed that Parallels Desktop installs and virtual machines operate stably on MacBook Neo.
AHSAA expected to announce winter, spring reclassification today
The AHSAA's Central Board will meet virtually this morning to approve reclassification for the winter and spring sports.
OSBA to Host Fifth Annual Women’s History Month Business Panel
On Tuesday, March 17, the Macon-Bibb County Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) will host its fifth annual Women’s History Month Business Panel in partnership with the Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. The virtual panel will take place from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and is free. Anyone interested can register here. “Over the […]
Tinder tries to lure people back to online dating with IRL events, virtual speed dating
Tinder just got a major revamp as it attempts to re-engange its user base and attract younger daters. This includes in-person events, AI enhancements, and even virtual speed dating.
Parallels shares update on MacBook Neo and running a Windows virtual machine
Last week, Parallels cautioned that its Parallels Desktop for Mac software was not yet tested for MacBook Neo. Following the...
KBE discusses science standards, assessments and student performance during March virtual meeting
(FRANKFORT, KY) – Members of the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) discussed science education in Kentucky, including a closer look at the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Science, how Kentucky’s assessment and accountability systems measure science proficiency, and student performance,
Jaguar Health Presenting March 12 at the Life Sciences Virtual Investor Forum to Provide Updates on Near-Term Catalysts
SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 11, 2026 /Jaguar Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAGX) today announced that Lisa Conte, the company's founder, president and CEO, will present virtually on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at the Life Sciences Investor Forum ...
How AI is about to transform the C-suite for small businesses
Mastercard is rolling out an AI-powered Virtual CFO.
Amazon launches Health AI agent on Amazon website and app with free 24/7 access to virtual care for Prime members
Mental health solutions for the digital age
Ask the digital natives of Gen Z about the source of their biggest mental health challenges, and most will say social media and AI.Several of the nearly 400 guests at the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council at UCLA on March 8, explicitly named the endless stream of content on their phones as serious stressors. “Everybody is addicted to (Tik Tok) as if they were addicted to substances,” said Jantin Asmar, 17, a senior at Virtual Academy in Antelope Valley. “We’re always chasing that dopamine. We’re expecting that dopamine rush and it’s really decaying our interactions with others.” High school student Jantin Asmar was among nearly 400 people who attended the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) Even young teens feel pressure to be on social media constantly, both to consume content and collect “likes,” said 13-year-olds Chloe and Sophia, both students at Brentwood School. “Everyone’s always on, and you miss stuff if you’re not on it,” Chloe said, adding that social media’s emphasis on appearances is leading to eating disorders: “That’s a big thing for our generation.”The incessant influx of images and updates creates expectations that “weigh teenagers down,” said Linda Kou, 16, a junior at San Gabriel High School.Even though digital spaces allow people to connect with others beyond their immediate surroundings, it doesn’t always translate to real-life community, said Kelah Morgan, 17, a senior at Animo South Los Angeles Charter High School. High school students Kelah Morgan, left, and Linda Kou, shared about the challenges presented by social media. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) “Even if you see people saying that they relate to you online, it might be hard to find people in your personal life who you see every day who you feel comfortable enough to say, ‘You see me online, but this is me in real life and what I’m actually going through,’” she said.Solutions for our digital timesThe Gen Z Wellness Summit was intentionally designed as a free, in-person gathering where young people interested in mental health from across the southland could meet in person. “Peer support is the most important element of maintaining our mental health in community,” said Helena Hansen, MD, PhD, director of UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.Keynote speakers at the summit addressed AI, social connection and self-empowerment, while breakout sessions included discussions about eating disorders, dating, substance use, phone detox and breathwork. Here are some of the day’s top takeaways:Beware of FOPO: Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, a psychology professor at Columbia University, said that rather than FOMO, or fear of missing out, we ought to be more aware of FOPO: fear of people’s opinions. “Just think about how much your FOPO might be holding you back in your life,” Dr. Kaufman said. “And just that inner contemplation should be enough for you to change your life, because there’s so many things we don’t go after because we have debilitating FOPO.”We don’t need to feel like we’re the best – or what he called “narcissistic self-esteem” – but it’s helpful to acknowledge our own worth, recognize our good qualities and develop self-belief in the skills and talents we’ve cultivated. When we have that – dignity and self-respect, without needing everyone to like us – FOPO is less of a concern.Self-reflection is most effective in community: “When we try to self-reflect alone, we sometimes ruminate,” said Ira Bedzow, PhD, executive director of the Emory University Purpose Project. “But when we self-reflect with people that we trust … (it) allows us to hold ourselves accountable to different ways of seeing and different ways of hearing and different ways of being.”Opening up about our experiences and listening to others are skills we can develop, Dr. Bedzow said.He invited students to participate in what he called a “fishbowl exercise,” where four students sat in a small circle, surrounded by a dozen or so students forming a larger circle. Those in the inner circle answered such questions as: “What stops you from being you today?” and “What helps you feel most like you?”Within minutes, the group in the small circle (the fishbowl), were sharing intimately about their life challenges as those in the outer circle nodded in understanding.After the exercise, one participant said, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that it wasn’t just me who feels that way.”Another remarked on how “personal” it felt to share face-to-face with others, even strangers.Don’t let AI crush your creativity: Theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming, PhD, has been studying artificial intelligence for more than 20 years. And while she said “it’s reasonable to be concerned” about the fast-growing technology, it can also help humans become better problem-solvers when used strategically.“The smartest thing on the planet today are humans and machines working together creatively,” Dr. Ming said. “What gets more valuable in humans as machines get smarter? Our ability to explore the unknown.“Your unique voice is literally your value to the world … but most of us for most of our lives have been taught to not be unique,” she continued. “Be your own person. Celebrate being different. It is genuinely, measurably, truly valuable.”In a breakout session called “Phone Detox? IYKYK: Living Your Story IRL” led by Don Grant, PhD, students shared their frustrations with AI compromising academic work, art and creativity.“Art is a translation of human experience,” one participant said. “When people use AI, they diminish their own human experience.”Dr. Grant urged them, as “the last generation to remember a world before AI,” to remember the power of imagination and creativity – and to act on it.Remember that social media distorts perceptions: Stuart B. Murray, PhD, PsyD, who directs the Eating Disorders Program and Translational Research in Eating Disorders Program at UCLA, asked the students in his breakout session to take a spontaneous selfie and edit it to conform with society’s beauty standards. All 20 girls in the room immediately got to work, thickening their hair, slimming their faces, plumping their lips.“The pressure to look like what we present on social media can be crippling,” Dr. Murray said. “We now know that social media use is part of a causal pathway into an eating disorder.”Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, he said, with one in three students on college campuses exhibiting clinically meaningful eating-disorder symptoms. More than 4 million people in California will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.Even for those who don’t develop anorexia or bulimia, the ubiquity of modified images online distorts what we consider normal, making us feel worse about ourselves. Remembering that, he and other speakers said, might inspire us to log off occasionally and spend time in the real world with people who love us as we are.
World Cup virtual soccer lets bet365 players stack same-game bets
Bet365 extends virtual sports deal as Inspired adds Bet Builder to Virtual Soccer, targeting more personalized bets for the 2026 World Cup.
Universal Health strikes $835 million Talkspace deal in mental health push
Hospital operator Universal Health Services said on Monday it would acquire virtual healthcare provider Talkspace in a deal valued at $835 million, amid rising demand for behavioral health services.
Galaxy S25 just got more interesting after Samsung confirmed this S26 camera feature
Samsung just confirmed it’s bringing the next-gen Virtual Aperture camera feature from the Galaxy S26 series to last year’s Galaxy S25 phones. Last month, Samsung unveiled the latest Camera and Gallery features that arrived in the new flagship smartphones. At that time, the camera in charge didn’t reveal which new features were being planned for […]
Health Equity in Action: Building Pathways to Care and Community Well-Being
Through a Cone Health cooking class, Antoinette Haynes was connected to the Virtual Primary Care Clinic at Hampton Homes, an initiative of Cone Health’s Center for Health Equity.
Call for Proposals: Teaching Sports and Politics | Deadline: April 5, 2026 -
The American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Teaching and Learning program is pleased to announce a call for proposals for a small cohort of political scientists to participate in a virtual teaching and learning symposium that will meet on Zoom between June 11-18, 2026.
Call for Proposals: Teaching Sports and Politics | Deadline: April 5, 2026 -
The American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Teaching and Learning program is pleased to announce a call for proposals for a small cohort of political scientists to participate in a virtual teaching and learning symposium that will meet on Zoom between June 11-18, 2026.
Call for Proposals: Teaching Political Science in an Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) | Deadline: April 5, 2026 -
The American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Teaching and Learning program and the Political Studies Association (PSA) Teaching & Learning Network are pleased to announce a call for proposals for a small cohort of political science/politics instructors to participate in a virtual teaching and learning symposium that will meet on Zoom between June 22-26, 2026.
Call for Proposals: Teaching Political Science in an Age of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) | Deadline: April 5, 2026 -
The American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Teaching and Learning program and the Political Studies Association (PSA) Teaching & Learning Network are pleased to announce a call for proposals for a small cohort of political science/politics instructors to participate in a virtual teaching and learning symposium that will meet on Zoom between June 22-26, 2026.
Nintendo Switch Online's March update to the Classics library is all about Mario, and one new game is particularly surprising
More Virtual Boy and GBA Mario games are being added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription in March 2026.
Nintendo Expands Switch Online's Virtual Boy And GBA Library With Three More Titles
Celebrating MAR10 Day
Harmony Health Foundation Expands Community Oral Health Access with Dentistry.One
Dentistry.One, a virtual-first dental care solution, today announced a new collaboration with Harmony Health Foundation (HHF) to expand access to preventive dental care and oral health education through a saliva-based screening and virtual care program launching in Tennessee and expanding next to Idaho, with additional states to follow.
$15M WOW! Entertainment center opens in Fenton
WOW! Entertainment, a new $15 million entertainment complex, is set to debut in Fenton this weekend, bringing duckpin bowling, virtual reality, miniature golf and a full-service kitchen under one expansive roof.
Story Health by Innovaccer Partners with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute To Launch Virtual Heart Failure Management Program
SAN FRANCISCO, February 24, 2026--Innovaccer Inc., a leading healthcare AI company, today announced a strategic partnership with Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute’s Center for Healthcare Delivery Innovation to expand access to guideline-directed heart failure management across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. By using Story Health, Innovaccer’s virtual specialty care and patient monitoring platform, Allina Health Minneapolis Heart Institute will extend continuous Guideline-Directed Medic
PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
IN THE SPOTLIGHT PRET for impact: Advancing pandemic preparedness in the Democratic People’s Republic of KoreaThe Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) is making significant progress in strengthening pandemic preparedness, with dedicated support from the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO) and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC).Aligned with the WHO Global Influenza Strategy and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework Partnership Contribution High‑Level Implementation Plan III (2024–2030), the country is strengthening its capacity to prepare for and respond to influenza and other respiratory threats. In early 2025, a core team from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) participated in a two‑day virtual workshop, which included a mini‑simulation exercise. The workshop was organized by WHO SEARO in collaboration with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Secretariat at WHO headquarters and the WHO Country Office for the DPRK. Read more A REGIONAL CONSULTATION GUIDES WHO SEARO IN DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PREPPAREDNESS AND RESILIENCE FOR EMERGING THREATS (PRET) INITIATIVE BASED RESPIRATORY PATHOGEN PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESSInfluenza and other respiratory pathogens with pandemic potential continue to pose major public health risks globally. To strengthen regional preparedness and response, Member States of the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR) convened in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to review and provide input on the draft Roadmap and Action Framework for Broad Respiratory Pathogen Pandemic Planning (2026–2031). Supported through the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) funds, the proposed roadmap aims to advance robust, integrated preparedness and response capacities for influenza and other respiratory threats across SEAR. This work is aligned with the Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative and the SEAR Strategic Roadmap on Health Security and Health System Resilience for Emergencies Read moreSRI LANKA’S USE OF ANTIVIRALS TO REDUCE THE SEASONAL INFLUENZA BURDEN Sri Lanka is strengthening its influenza response by placing greater emphasis on rapid testing, timely treatment, and integration with maternal health services. With support from WHO, the country is building a stronger evidence base on the burden of influenza and the value of vaccination, advancing a holistic approach to protect vulnerable populations and enhance pandemic preparedness. To reduce hospitalizations and deaths from seasonal influenza, Sri Lanka is taking proactive steps to expand access to rapid diagnostic testing and ensure prompt initiation of treatment. National clinical guidelines recommend the use of oseltamivir for individuals at high risk of complications, helping prevent severe illness and shorten the duration of infection. This strategy not only saves lives but also supports local pharmaceutical production, contributing to a reliable supply of antivirals for both seasonal outbreaks and future pandemics.Read moreBHUTAN BOOSTS PANDEMIC INFLUENZA READINESS WITH PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS FRAMEWORK PARTNERSHIP CONTRIBUTION SUPPORTED TRAINING AND SIMULATIONSOriginally developed in 2012, the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) has long served as Bhutan’s central framework for managing influenza threats. In 2024, the plan underwent a comprehensive update to reflect evolving global and regional guidance, lessons learned from the COVID‑19 pandemic, and new capacities developed under the PIP Framework. The revised NIPPRP is now more clearly aligned with Bhutan’s broader emergency and disaster risk management structures, ensuring a coordinated, whole‑of‑government approach to pandemic response. As part of efforts to strengthen national pandemic preparedness, Bhutan conducted three national‑level training sessions followed by simulation exercises on influenza pandemic preparedness and response at five sentinel hospitals between April and May 2025, with support from the PIP Partnership Contribution (PC). These activities brought together more than 140 health professionals and key partners from across the country, with a focus on operationalizing the updated NIPPRP and enhancing readiness at key frontline facilities. Read moreSTRENGTHENING INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE: WHO BRINGS TOGETHER INFLUENZA EXPERTS FROM SOUTH-EAST ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONSThe World Health Organization (WHO) convened the 18th Bi‑regional Meeting of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and Influenza Surveillance for the WHO South‑East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9–11 September 2025. Hosted by the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), the meeting brought together representatives from Member States, Territories, and Areas across both regions, alongside experts from the WHO Collaborating Centres for Reference and Research on Influenza in Australia and Japan, the WHO Collaborating Centre for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals in the United States, quadripartite partners (WOAH and FAO), and other technical counterparts. The consultation provided a platform to review progress, share experiences, and outline priorities for strengthening influenza and respiratory pathogen surveillance across the two WHO regions.Read moreNETWORKS AND TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIPSSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC READINES: SOUTH-EAST ASIA ADVANCES UNITY STUDIES UNDER THE PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVEThe WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies initiative, also known as Unity Studies, provides a standardized, globally coordinated framework to support these efforts. Originally developed for influenza and adapted during COVID-19, Unity Studies enable countries to conduct rapid, nationally led investigations and studies to assess transmissibility, severity, susceptibility, and intervention effectiveness. To better prepare for future influenza pandemics, WHO has recently launched a network of sites which will be ready to conduct these investigations and studies rapidly in the event of a pandemic, or epidemic of an emerging or re-emerging respiratory pathogen. The WHO South-East Asia Region now hosts six sites of WHO GISRS Unity Studies across the five countries including Sri Lanka, strengthening regional capacity for early pandemic investigations. From 13–16 July 2025 in Colombo, the Global Public Health Summit offered an opportunity to advance this agenda. Read moreSTRENGTHENING PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS THROUGH UNITY STUDIES: REAL-WORLD APPLICATIONS FROM INDIA IN WHO’S SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION As countries continue to strengthen their pandemic preparedness through investments in resilient health systems during the interpandemic period, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) Investigations & Studies Global Initiative, Global Initiative, commonly known as Unity Studies, remains a vital framework for respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness. These standardized epidemiological protocols enable countries to rapidly generate high‑quality data on transmissibility, infection severity, population immunity, and the effectiveness of public health interventions. To highlight how Unity Studies protocols are being adapted and applied in national settings, WHO Headquarters, together with WHO Regional Offices, including the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), hosted a global webinar. The session showcased case studies from India and the United Kingdom (UK), demonstrating innovative approaches to respiratory virus surveillance and pandemic readiness. Read moreSTRENGTHENING REGIONAL INFLUENZA SURVEILLANCE AND PREPAREDNESS: WHO SEARO HOSTS HIGH-LEVEL WEBINAR AMID RISING H5 THREATS In response to the increasing detection of avian influenza A(H5) cases in humans globally and within the WHO South‑East Asia Region, the WHO Regional Office for South‑East Asia (SEARO) convened a regional webinar on 25 July 2025 to review preparedness mechanisms, strengthen surveillance pathways, and promote timely reporting of unusual respiratory events. The virtual session brought together more than 50 participants from Ministries of Health, National Influenza Centres (NICs), National IHR Focal Points (NFPs), WHO Headquarters, WHO Country Offices across the Region, and WHO Collaborating Centres (CCs) for influenza. The webinar provided an opportunity to share situational updates, discuss surveillance gaps, and reinforce coordination mechanisms critical for early detection and rapid response to avian influenza threats. Read moreOther Key PIP Updates (July-December 2025)MEMBER STATES:Bangladesh drafted and conducted a series of Core Group Meetings in 2025 to review and update the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan for Respiratory Pathogens. In addition, the country carried out Rapid Response Team (RRT) trainings on seasonal and avian influenza and other re‑emerging infectious diseases. Bangladesh also updated its epidemiological data‑training programme for physicians at sentinel surveillance sites, using a revised epidemiological data‑collection tool.Bhutan revised and updated its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NIPPRP) in 2025 and developed a national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for influenza outbreak management. DPR Korea conducted a nationwide simulation exercise in July 2025 to support the update of its National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (2019). This followed a PRET‑based virtual orientation and mini‑simulation exercise held in May 2025 by SEARO and the WHO PRET Secretariat. The comprehensive exercise, conducted across central and provincial levels, assessed strengths and gaps in pandemic influenza preparedness and response. The feedback gathered has been incorporated into the revised draft plan to address identified weaknesses and strengthen overall readiness.India conducted a targeted nationwide online re‑orientation training on review and updates to the influenza portal for all State Surveillance Officers (SSOs) and relevant officials using the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). The training emphasized correct marking and reporting of influenza samples as “unsubtypable” or “not subtyped” where applicable, to ensure accurate national surveillance.Maldives conducted simulation exercises in three atolls based on its existing National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP). The country plans to conduct similar exercises in three additional atolls after updating the NPPRP in 2026. In addition, Maldives conducted training on FluID and FluMart as part of a broader data‑management training package for Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency officials, aimed at improving routine reporting to WHO platforms and the DHIS2 system.In Myanmar, technical support was provided to the National Influenza Centre (NIC) through dedicated human‑resource support (January–December 2025) to sustain data management and laboratory detection capacity for influenza and other emerging and re‑emerging respiratory viruses. This support also included strengthening genomic sequencing capacity.Nepal conducted a consultative workshop on the National Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan (NPPRP) in July 2025. The workshop engaged key stakeholders from multiple sectors to review lessons from past pandemic responses, assess current mechanisms, and gather critical inputs for strengthening national preparedness. Key recommendations included revising the 2019 NPPRP and developing an updated Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan aligned with emerging risks, national priorities, and relevant international frameworks. Nepal also held a two day workshop dedicated to advancing the National Action Plan for Genomic Surveillance, aimed at reinforcing the country’s capacities for early detection and monitoring of emerging respiratory pathogens.Sri Lanka received the final report from WHO on the feasibility assessment for conducting an Influenza Burden of Disease (BoD) study in the country. The assessment, conducted from 28 April to 9 May 2025, included a desk review of existing data sources, document review, visits to sentinel surveillance sites, and key informant interviews. The study identified critical data sources required for a future BoD assessment, as well as their availability and quality. Officials from the Epidemiology Unit, the National Influenza Centre (NIC), and SARI/ILI sentinel hospitals across the country participated in the assessment.Timor Leste conducted on‑the‑job training and monitoring activities at two sentinel surveillance sites to strengthen surveillance and laboratory capacity for the detection of SARI, ILI, ARI, and other respiratory infections. REGIONAL OFFICE:SEARO conducted a Member States Consultation on the first draft of the Regional Roadmap and Strategic Action Framework for implementing WHO’s PRET‑based broad respiratory pathogen pandemic planning for 2026–2031. The consultation took place on 29–30 October 2025 during the final two days of the Regional PIP PC Annual Review and PRET Meeting in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Participants included representatives from Member States, WHO Country Offices, WHO SEARO, WHO Headquarters, partner agencies, and invited multidisciplinary technical experts. They reviewed the draft and provided detailed feedback, which has since been incorporated into a revised version. The consultation helped shape a shared regional vision for robust, PRET‑aligned pandemic preparedness, building on country‑level progress, addressing existing gaps and challenges, and aligning with global and regional health security frameworks. The publication is planned for release during the SEAR regional committee in 2026.SEARO documented the evolution of the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Planning process in the Region, tracing its development from its origins as a planning tool for responding to avian influenza outbreaks in 2006, through the experiences of the 2009 and 2019 pandemics, to the current status. The document outlines the way forward for respiratory pathogen pandemic planning across all 10 SEAR countries, aligning future national plans with WHO’s PRET Framework for broad respiratory pathogen pandemic preparedness.The Infectious Hazard Management (IHM) Unit has drafted the WHO South‑East Asia Regional Guidance on Influenza Prevention and Control, aligned with the Global Influenza Strategy and other regional initiatives. The draft is currently under review. Although this technical product was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (MoPH‑DPRK), SEARO is finalizing it for use not only in DPRK but also across all Member States in the Region.The Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit, in collaboration with WHE/SEARO, completed a regional landscape analysis on key barriers, challenges, and opportunities for the introduction of seasonal influenza vaccination in WHO South‑East Asia Regional (SEAR) countries.Additionally, the Immunization and Vaccine Development (IVD) Unit has completed a regional landscape analysis of influenza vaccine procurement systems across the WHO South‑East Asia Region (SEAR).KEY MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONSMEETINGS:Six-month progress review of the implementation of the PIP-PC workplans in SEAR, focusing on Outputs 1 and 2 for the period January to June 2025, and held virtually across three sessions on 4, 8, and 10 July 2025. Read moreAnnual Regional Meeting (Hybrid) on Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Partnership Contribution (PC) and WHO’s Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Implementation in SEAR in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 27 to 30 October 2025. Read more18th Bi-regional Meeting (Virtual) of National Influenza Centres (NICs) and influenza surveillance in WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific Regions from 9 to 11 September 2025. Read morePUBLICATIONSImplications of influenza A virus surveillance in Southeast Asian Region countries: a scoping review of approaches for the surveillance of swine influenza viruses at human-swine interfaces. Read moreAnnual South-East Asia regional meeting on operational planning for implementation of global influenza strategy and preparedness for respiratory viruses in 2025 Report on annual review meeting of implementation of pandemic influenza preparedness (PIP) partnership Contribution (PC) Fund in South-East Asia Region and the simulation exercise on PRET Status of influenza in who south-East Asia Region
Science & Medicine: Exercise is medicine for people with Parkinson's disease
Exercise can improve function and slow disease progression in people with Parkinson's disease, but why? A UT Health San Antonio researcher is studying patients who exercise and play virtual reality games to see if she can figure out the answer.
Rome Health Launches Virtual Nursing Program
Rome Health has launched a virtual nursing program on its 2 East Medical–Surgical Unit to connect experienced nurses with patients using new technology.
Meta's metaverse leaves virtual reality
Meta said it's shifting focus for Horizons Worlds to be "almost exclusively mobile" and that it will separate its Quest VR platform from the virtual world.
Nintendo turned its biggest flop into an expensive, uncomfortable novelty
Make sure to take breaks.
Nintendo's Virtual Boy for Switch is a wonderful way to experience a buried relic, but I'm not keen on its need for both a subscription and a purchase
Is the Virtual Boy for Nintendo Switch Online worth the outlay? Yes and no.
Mental health patients in Maidstone to get virtual reality holidays
The hi-tech trial is being set up at a unit which specifically cares for older women with dementia.
Vikings’ Top Cut Candidate Is Coming into Focus
Sitting $40 million over the salary cap in mid-February, the Minnesota Vikings are virtually guaranteed to release a handful of […]
'Can You Use Labo VR Goggles For Virtual Boy Games On Switch?' & Other Nintendo Classics VB Questions Answered
(Yes, you can, with a Switch 1)
Nintendo's Virtual Boy app is now available to download
You'll need one of the Virtual Boy add-on accessories to play the launch games.
Virtual Health Care Not Just for Mental Health, Study Finds
A new study of Medicare patients across the country has found that nearly half of telehealth visits are for non-mental health conditions, often chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. The results provide a crucial foundation to help make quality care accessible to all.
The Entertainment Tech Company Behind the NBA All-Star Game, plus Adele & Beyoncé Concerts, Expands to Atlanta
Disguise brings its virtual production and experiential entertainment technology to Atlanta with a new 8,000-square-foot Experience Center in West Midtown.
Apple’s Latest Attempt to Launch the New Siri Runs Into Snags
Apple Inc.’s long-planned upgrade to the Siri virtual assistant has run into snags during testing in recent weeks, potentially pushing back the release of several highly anticipated functions.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Awarded $100,000 to Strengthen Regional Emergency Preparedness through Virtual Learning Networks - NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today announced it was awarded $100,000 to support the development and implementation of an Extension for Community
Healthy Habits Challenge
The Healthy Habits Challenge is an annual challenge held in March. The Healthy Habits Challenge is a month-long program that can be completed virtuall...
Apple's AI Health Coach Project May Need a Wellness Check
The company's ambitious plans to introduce a virtual health coach may be going back to the drawing board, according to a report.
FOMO Pay Taps BNY to Deliver Institutional-Grade Business Account Solution for Cross-Border Payments
FOMO Pay, a leading Singapore-headquartered payment institution, today announced a strategic collaboration with BNY (NYSE: BK), a global financial services company, to enhance its cross-border payment and collection capabilities. Through this joint effort, FOMO Pay will utilise BNY's Virtual Reference Number solution to enable its corporate clients to collect and send payments directly within the U.S. domestic banking system.
Virtual Enterprise Conference showcases future business leaders as high school students compete
Apple Is Scaling Back Plans for New AI-Based Health Coach Service
Apple Inc. is scaling back plans for a virtual health coach, according to people with knowledge of the matter, part of an effort to rethink how the company approaches the burgeoning market for wellness services.
The Virtual Console is (sort of) back on the Switch 2
Hamster Corp.'s new "Console Archives" does what Nintendon't.
Hamster's 'Console Archives' Is The Closest We'll Get To Virtual Console In 2026
Cool Boarders and Ninja Gaiden II launch today
Leading sports investment firm Arctos acquired by private equity giant KKR
The acquisition gives KKR a range of ownership across virtually every major pro sports league.
Nintendo's Virtual Boy Classics will be playable on Labo VR headsets
Nintendo's Virtual Boy Classics pack will be playable via Labo VR headsets, in addition to dedicated accessories released by the company.
Carbon Health files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief with more than $100M in debt
Primary care company Carbon Health filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy relief in Texas. | The company, which offers both in-person care at nearly 100 clinics and virtual care services, said Monday it reached a restructuring agreement with its existing lenders that establishes a "clear path to recapitalization and new ownership."
After 30 Years, Virtual Boy Gets Its Chance To Shine
When looking back on classic gaming, there’s plenty of room for debate. What was the best Atari game? Which was the superior 16-bit console, the Genesis or the Super NES? Would the N64 have b…
The Switch 2's Virtual Boy is a tribute to Nintendo's wackiest console
For 2026, the Virtual Boy is being reborn as an add-on for the Switch 2 and it's still as weird and eccentric as ever. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Women's health clinic Midi Health closes $100M series D as it aims to scale a national healthcare company
Virtual women's health clinic Midi Health banked a $100 million series D round, hitting "unicorn" status. | Midi Health has grown rapidly in the past five years with a clinician network that spans 500 providers across 50 states serving more than 230,000 patients.
As a Virtual Boy owner I can confirm the Switch 2's NSO offering is alarmingly accurate and an essential history lesson
Nintendo's Virtual Boy is coming to Switch, and we've tested it and compared to experience with the real thing.
Game companies see share prices plummet following the launch of Google's very limited virtual world generator, Project Genie
Gaming companies saw share prices plummet this week after Google rolled out Project Genie 3, an AI tool that lets users…
Google’s Project Genie Experiment Causes Video Game Stocks to Suddenly Crash as Investors Believe Games Will Be Made Solely with AI
The public release of Google's Project Genie experiment, capable of creating virtual worlds from a prompt, caused video game stocks to crash.
LG joins the rest of the world, accepts that people don’t want 8K TVs
With virtually no content and limited benefits, 8K TVs were doomed.
New guidance aims to guide UTI treatment in age of virtual health care
The guidelines will help clinicians determine whether patients seeking care via telehealth and virtual visits need urine tests or empiric antibiotics.
Video game stocks nosedive as Google's 'Project Genie' allows virtual world creation
Video game stocks plunge after Google’s Project Genie reveal.
Defining Lung Health Through the Lifespan
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute is hosting the virtual workshop "Defining Lung Health Through the Lifespan" on March 4–5, 2026.
Give Your Problems (and Passwords) to Moltbot, Then Watch It Go
A viral new virtual assistant formerly known as Clawdbot is complex and brings security risks—but some early adopters say it feels like the future.
Another government shutdown? ICE debate jeopardizes spending deal.
The killing of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents upended a federal spending deal at the last minute, virtually guaranteeing a partial shutdown.
Tlaib, health advocates sound alarm as EPA works to loosen pollution standard
Opponents of the EPA's actions join virtual press conference Tuesday.
Two Cancelled Virtual Boy Games Coming To NSO In 2026, Including F-Zero Spin-Off
Alongside an Intelligent Systems top-down adventure
Nintendo Announces Launch Line-Up For Switch Online Virtual Boy
Two previously unreleased games are also coming in 2026
NOCD acquires Rebound Health
The move signals virtual behavioral health companies are starting to adopt the platform approach that has become popular in other digital health segments.
NOCD acquires Rebound Health
The move signals virtual behavioral health companies are starting to adopt the platform approach that has become popular in other digital health segments.
Mayor declares remote learning day a success
City officials said close to 80% of students with virtual classes logged in to the system Monday.
How safe are spit hoods — and do they actually work?
Research on the use of spit hoods in real-world scenarios, like when someone is under arrest or being restrained in a medical setting, is virtually nonexistent.
How YouTuber MrBeast's burger venture imploded, sparked lawsuits
MrBeast Burger is at the center of a bitter legal battle between Jimmy Donaldson and his business partner, Virtual Dining Concepts.
Rural Health CIOs Will Win By Ignoring Shiny Tech
Rural hospital CIOs: skip shiny AI. Strengthen the basics—virtual specialty care, reliable connectivity, and shared cybersecurity/IT ops—to expand access and stay viable.
Parkview Health explains how to easily prevent cervical cancer
Dr. Brzezinska says that virtually anyone sexually active is at risk for getting an HPV infection. Though mostly seen on the cervix, HPV can cause other cancers as well, even for men.
A bulletproof Mercedes sold at bankruptcy auction. Here's how.
How do you auction off an armor-plated Mercedes-Benz? Here's a behind-the-scenes look at a virtual bidding war where no one bothers to kick the tires.
Gov. Stein, health leaders host town hall on new rural health program
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, alongside state health leaders, will hold a virtual town hall Friday to discuss the new Rural Health Transformation Program.
What does it means to navigate an increasingly turbulent entertainment industry? Creative studio and concert professionals provide the answers by Jake Bourke
If you bake in a bakery, where do you make art?” Vico Sharabani is the founder and COO of The-Artery, a multidisciplinary creative studio where their wheelhouse is versatility and experimentation. Their extensive portfolio encompasses feature films, premium television, experiential installations, virtual production, and live events, establishing a proven track record of delivering high-quality production [...]Read More... from What does it means to navigate an increasingly turbulent entertainment industry? Creative studio and concert professionals provide the answers
Gov. Stein to discuss rural health improvements at virtual town hall
Governor Josh Stein, along with other state officials, will host a virtual town hall on Friday, Jan. 16, to discuss North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation
TBICoE Education Series: Performance Nutrition After TBI
This TBICoE virtual training examines the critical role of nutrition, supplementation, and gut health in optimizing recovery and performance following TBI. Participants will learn how specific diets and evidence-based supplements can help heal the brain, lower inflammation, and improve thinking and energy.
Dolphins conducting two virtual interviews on Thursday
The Miami Dolphins continue their work to finding their next head coach with two virtual interviews on Thursday.
Samsung reportedly ‘rushing’ Galaxy S26+ that’s virtually unchanged
New reports have surfaced, indicating that the Galaxy S26+ will come with a 6.66-inch display – the mirror image of...
Windows 11 Update KB5074109 Critical Security Fixes and Major Bugs for AVD and Gaming
Analyze Windows 11 update KB5074109. Covers 114 security patches and battery improvements, but also critical bugs affecting Azure Virtual and gaming.
Scientists found the brain rhythm that makes your body feel like yours
A new study reveals that alpha brain waves help the brain decide what belongs to your body. Faster rhythms allow the brain to match sight and touch more precisely, strengthening the feeling that a body part is truly yours. Slower rhythms blur that timing, making it harder to separate self from surroundings. The findings could improve prosthetic design and immersive virtual experiences.
Classroom grants bring science to life for local students
Virtually tracing the blood vessels through the chambers of a sheep’s heart and following the path of air through the lungs allowed seventh graders at Berry Creek Middle School to move beyond just reading about...
Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services - Global Center on Adaptation
Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services GCA Webinar Series on Adaptation Insights Zoom VIRTUAL 22 January 2026, 15:00 CET Register here nbs-for-infrastructure Share this post: Source: Background Climate change poses unprecedented threats to health systems globally, particularly in vulnerable regions across Africa and beyond. The cascading impacts of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and shifting disease patterns are disrupting healthcare delivery and access, infrastructure integrity, and supply chains essential for maintaining public health. Event DescriptionThe Climate-Resilient Health Systems for Sustained Value Chains, Healthcare Access and Services webinar will convene a panel discussion on the upcoming Climate Adaptation Insights on Health report and engage key stakeholders across government, development partners, private sector, and civil society in understanding the critical intersections between climate change adaptation and health system strengthening. By sharing insights on systemic vulnerabilities, interdependencies across the health system and supporting systems, and innovative adaptation approaches, this event will catalyze dialogue and action toward building climate-resilient health systems that can sustain healthcare access and services under changing climate conditions. The webinar will bring together participants from healthcare practitioners, multilateral development banks, international health organizations, climate finance institutions, research institutions, and civil society organizations globally. nbs-for-infrastructure Share this post:
Scaling virtual health: developing a roadmap for success
Heath providers, governments and agencies need to discuss how we can work together to develop and implement a practical roadmap to scale virtual health.
UK’s suite of student mental health resources includes new virtual therapy option
With the start of the new year and spring semester, Student Well-Being in the Office for Student Success is continuing its ongoing efforts to expand student access to a variety of mental health services.
Can changing your environment improve your health? Author explains at library event
Julia Hotz brings global research on social prescribing to Cuyahoga County Public Library's free virtual program exploring alternative treatments.
Aquaculture training course to cover best practices and business strategies
KINGSTON, R.I. – Jan. 8, 2026 – For the second year, Rhode Island Sea Grant will offer an intermediate-level aquaculture training course titled “Beyond the Basics for Businesses and Practitioners.” The 12-session course will be held virtually and at the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Institute on the Narragansett Bay Campus on Tuesdays from 6-8 […]
College Station virtual golf facility combines indoor entertainment with international charity work
A father-son team has opened a virtual golf facility that channels all concession profits toward providing water filters for families in western Kenya.
Unregulated gambling on politics: What could go wrong?
Prediction markets like Polymarket and Kalshi are becoming a regular fixture in American politics. Sure seems a lot like betting to me.