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Jan 04 2026CRIME

Why Do Prisoners Use New Drugs?

Prisons are tough places. People inside often turn to new drugs, called NPS, for different reasons. These drugs are not just about getting high. They help prisoners deal with their tough surroundings and emotions. But why do they use these drugs? That's what a study in Poland tried to figure out. L

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Jan 04 2026TECHNOLOGY

China and the U. S. Battle for AI Supremacy

China and the United States are locked in a fierce competition to lead the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution. Both countries are pouring massive resources into AI research and development, but their approaches couldn't be more different. China is taking a top-down approach, with the governmen

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Jan 03 2026TECHNOLOGY

A New Eye in the Sky: Italy's Latest Earth-Watcher Takes Flight

SpaceX kicked off the year 2026 with a bang, sending an Italian satellite into space. The launch happened on January 2nd from California. A Falcon 9 rocket did the job, lifting off at 9:09 p. m. EST. The rocket's first part came back to Earth safely, sticking the landing about 8. 5 minutes after tak

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Jan 03 2026SCIENCE

Boosting Wolfberry Health with Fungal Friends

Wolfberry, also known as goji berry, is a superstar in the plant world. It's packed with nutrients and has amazing medicinal benefits. But there's a big problem: root rot disease. This nasty issue can really mess up the plant's growth and quality. Scientists have found a cool solution to this proble

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Jan 03 2026SCIENCE

Mount Hamilton's Weather Worries: Protecting a Piece of Astronomy History

Up on Mount Hamilton, a historic telescope is in trouble. A fierce storm on Christmas morning tore open the dome housing the Great Refractor telescope. This telescope, built way back in the 1880s, is a big deal in astronomy. It's still a star attraction, drawing crowds to peek through its lens. But

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Jan 03 2026POLITICS

When Ambition Meets Infrastructure: The Chinese City Leaders' Dilemma

In China, city leaders often prioritize eye-catching projects over practical ones. These projects, known as Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), involve collaborations between the government and private companies to construct infrastructure like roads, schools, and hospitals. However, the focus is no

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Jan 02 2026TECHNOLOGY

Pebble's Comeback: A Smarter, Thinner Smartwatch

Pebble is back, and this time, they've learned from their past mistakes. The company, known for its smartwatches, has just launched the Pebble Round 2. It's a new version of their old model, the Pebble Time Round. The first one had some problems. It was thin and had a nice round screen, but the batt

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Jan 02 2026SCIENCE

Space's Big Steps and Hidden Gems in 2026

Space is becoming a bigger part of our daily lives. Rockets are being reused more often, and satellites are now fully operational. People can connect directly to devices from space, and regular folks are going to space, not just government astronauts. Governments are also planning big space projects

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Jan 02 2026TECHNOLOGY

Ancient Silk Weaving Machine: A Hidden Tech Marvel

A long time ago, in the Western Han dynasty, a clever machine was made to weave silk. This machine, called ti hua ji, could make fancy patterns. It was found by accident in 2012. People think it might be the world's first computer. This machine is like a computer because it can follow instructions.

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Jan 02 2026ENVIRONMENT

Virginia and Beyond: Climate and Energy Shifts in 2026

Virginia is stepping up its game to tackle rising energy costs. The incoming governor has plans to make electricity bills easier on the wallet. She wants to boost battery storage and energy efficiency to avoid expensive new power lines. Meanwhile, the state's offshore wind project hit a snag when th

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