Author: OMN AI

Researchers argue ultra-processed foods resemble cigarettes more than healthy food and need stricter regulation.Scientists from Harvard University, University of Michigan and Duke University led the study.They say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.The products exploit reward pathways, similar to how cigarettes deliver nicotine.The findings appeared in the Milbank Quarterly on 3 February.Researchers criticised marketing claims like “low fat” as misleading health washing.They urged regulation to shift blame from individuals to the food industry.Experts said lessons from tobacco control could reduce diet-related disease.

SpaceX Soars as Tesla Faces Headwinds Elon Musk’s SpaceX has surged to a $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn) valuation after merging with his artificial intelligence venture xAI, bringing it closer to Tesla’s market value and shifting the balance of his business empire. Tesla currently stands at approximately $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn), just 26% higher than the combined SpaceX-xAI. On paper, this means Musk now derives a larger share of his wealth from space and AI than from electric vehicles. Tesla has struggled in early 2026, with shares down roughly 6% after reporting a 16% drop in vehicle deliveries in January and a 3%…

More than half of Americans plan to travel more in 2025 than in the previous year, highlighting strong domestic tourism demand. The trend reflects growing interest in vacations, short trips, and leisure experiences across the United States. Travel experts say that rising consumer confidence, flexible work arrangements, and improved accessibility are driving Americans to plan more trips. From weekend getaways to longer vacations, travelers are seeking experiences that offer relaxation, entertainment, and cultural value. Domestic destinations remain popular for U.S. travelers, including theme parks, natural landmarks, and major cities. Sites such as Central Park in New York and Universal Studios…

Netflix came under intense scrutiny in Washington over its $82bn (£61bn) bid for Warner Bros Discovery. Lawmakers questioned whether the merger would benefit consumers or workers. Senators from both parties expressed concern during a high-profile antitrust hearing. Senators fear reduced competition and rising costs Members of the Senate antitrust subcommittee warned the deal could weaken competition across entertainment markets. Several senators said consumers might face higher subscription prices. Others raised concerns about the long-term future of cinemas. The Department of Justice is reviewing the proposed merger. Approval would give Netflix control of Warner Bros film and television studios. The deal…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine and told competitors to “focus on themselves”.He insisted the power unit fully complies with regulations and said rivals missed an opportunity.The dispute centres on engine compression ratios and alleged gains from thermal expansion.FIA discussed the issue with manufacturers but reached no resolution.Mercedes-AMG Petronas and Red Bull Racing maintain their engines are legal.Wolff did not rule out protests after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Fatal Attack Reported Libyan media have confirmed that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed near the western city of Zintan. Reports indicate that four individuals were involved in the attack, though specific details about the incident have not yet emerged. Uncertainty Over Perpetrators Abdullah Othman, Gaddafi’s political adviser, confirmed the death on Facebook without revealing further information or naming those responsible. His French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told AFP that the identities of the attackers remain unknown. Ceccaldi added that a close associate had warned of security problems about ten days prior to the…

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles because of safety concerns. The move makes China the first country to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face growing scrutiny worldwide. Several deadly incidents increased pressure on safety authorities. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars produced by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures blocked passengers from opening the doors. Safety Rules Target Emergency Situations The new regulations allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported details of the decision. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators…

Scientists say cosmic dust may hold clues to how life began on Earth.University of Sydney researcher Linda Losurdo has recreated cosmic dust in a laboratory from scratch.Cosmic dust forms around dying stars and later reaches Earth as meteorites.The dust contains CHON molecules, key chemical building blocks of life.Losurdo used plasma physics to mimic star-like conditions inside a vacuum tube.The artificial dust matches infrared signatures seen in real meteorites.Researchers hope the work explains how organic matter arrived on early Earth.The study appears in the Astrophysical Journal of the American Astronomical Society.

Tariff Cuts and Trade Promises President Donald Trump revealed on Monday that tariffs on Indian goods will drop from 25% to 18% after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly agreed to reduce reliance on Russian oil. Trump also said India would begin eliminating import taxes on U.S. products and commit to purchasing $500 billion in American goods. Trump framed the move as a step toward ending the war in Ukraine, claiming that it would cut off funding for Russia’s invasion. Modi responded positively on X, calling the tariff reduction “delightful” and praising Trump’s leadership, though he did not confirm any…

Gold and silver prices fell hard as investors unwound positions built during months of market anxiety. Losses deepened on Monday after a violent reversal erased much of January’s gains. The move signalled a sharp shift in sentiment across global markets. In Asian trading on Monday, spot gold dropped more than nine percent to about $4,403 per ounce. Silver slid roughly 15 percent to below $72 per ounce. Investors had driven both metals to record highs earlier this year. Investor fears ease after central bank nomination Earlier rallies reflected deep concern about geopolitics and monetary policy stability. Investors also questioned the…