Month: December 2025

Researchers Utilize CRISPR to Restore Ancient Gene That Can Avert Disease

slowing the aging process. Utilizing the gene editing technology CRISPR-Cas9, a research group at Georgia State University has reintroduced a revamped version of the ancient enzyme gene uricase into human liver cells. The laboratory experiments yielded promising results, suggesting a future in which humanity could be free from the debilitating joint pain associated with gout. The concept is straightforward yet audacious: to reinstate a fragment of our evolutionary past to address contemporary health challenges.

Currently, the experimentation takes place in petri dishes rather than in human subjects. No treatments have been administered thus far, and human clinical trials have not commenced, but the potential ramifications are significant. The ability to reintroduce previously lost genes signifies that we have a new tool to combat modern diseases and enhance the quality of life.

The ancient gene brought back to life

Perplexity Unveils Upgraded iPad Application featuring Advanced Research Instruments and Native User Interface

### AI-Enhanced Answer Engine Startup Revitalizes iPad App for Students and Professionals

The AI-driven answer engine startup, Perplexity, has introduced a refreshed version of its iPad application, targeting students and professionals who use the iPad for their everyday activities. This update is designed to boost the app’s attractiveness by concentrating on research tools that deliver more extensive citations than conventional search engines.

#### Improved Features for iPad Users

As reported by Bloomberg, the updated iPad app highlights its research features, specifically tailored to meet the demands of students and professionals. The app now makes better use of native iPadOS capabilities, such as split-view functionality, enabling users to multitask more effectively. The design has been revamped with a larger side panel, providing a more cohesive experience with the iPad rather than merely being a modified version for the iPhone.

Perplexity’s choice to refresh its iPad app demonstrates a rising demand from users for specific domain AI-driven research functionalities. The company seeks to grow its paid subscriber base, as many research tools are restricted to those on a paid plan.

#### Emphasis on Non-Desktop Platforms

This enhancement is part of Perplexity’s wider strategy to bolster its presence on non-desktop platforms. Recently, the firm launched Comet, an AI-enabled browser for Android, with an iOS version anticipated to debut shortly. This transition underscores Perplexity’s dedication to addressing the preferences of users who opt for mobile and tablet devices for their research and daily routines.

As the dependency on AI-driven tools continues to increase, Perplexity’s revamped iPad app establishes itself as an essential resource for students and professionals in search of efficient and effective research solutions.

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Apple Unveils Battery-Sole Replacement Procedure for M5 14-Inch MacBook Pro

Apple has streamlined the battery replacement procedure for the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro, permitting users to change the battery without the need to detach other internal parts. This update tackles earlier difficulties pointed out by iFixit, which mentioned that battery replacement was complicated because it involved replacing several components.

Currently, users can buy individual battery modules directly from Apple’s Self Service Repair Store, which also supplies the essential tools for the repair. In addition, Apple has issued a revised repair manual that provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for those who want to carry out the replacement on their own, as well as for independent repair facilities.

The updated battery replacement method only involves taking off the bottom case, making it considerably simpler for users. The individual battery module and the fresh repair manual can be found through the Self Service Repair Store and Apple’s support site, respectively.

For further details, users can view the battery module [here](https://selfservicerepair.com/en-US/macbook-pro-14-inch-m5/battery) and the repair manual

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Developers Condemn Apple’s EU App Store Conditions for Failing to Conform with Recent U.S. Court Limitations

### European Developers Urge Stricter DMA Enforcement

The conversation regarding Apple’s adherence to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has escalated as a group of developers calls on European authorities to implement tougher regulations. The Coalition for App Fairness (CAF), which encompasses prominent firms such as Basecamp, Deezer, Spotify, Tile, and Epic Games, is championing fair treatment for developers in Europe in comparison to their U.S. peers.

#### Overview of the Digital Markets Act

The Digital Markets Act is a regulatory framework set forth by the European Commission designed to promote fair competition within the digital economy. Its purpose is to thwart large tech firms, designated as “gatekeepers,” from engaging in anti-competitive behaviors that could adversely affect smaller developers and consumers.

#### Latest Updates

Recent verdicts from U.S. courts have motivated the CAF to advocate for stricter implementation of the DMA. A notable judgment from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against Apple’s 27% commission on online purchases, indicating that the company should either negotiate a new fee or allow the judiciary to establish a fair policy. This ruling has strengthened the CAF’s claim that Apple’s proposed commission model in Europe is unjust.

#### The Coalition’s Position

The CAF argues that Apple’s two-tier commission model in the EU—featuring App Store fees of up to 20% and extra charges of 5% to 15% on external transactions—places European developers at a disadvantage. They assert that this arrangement is less advantageous than what U.S. developers experience, particularly in light of the recent court ruling that questions Apple’s commission policies.

The CAF maintains that the existing fee structure compels European developers to either bear the costs or transfer them to consumers, thereby reducing their competitiveness. The coalition is urging the European Commission to implement the DMA more stringently, stressing that the law should be enforced consistently and that “free of charge means free of charge.”

#### Closing Thoughts

The CAF’s call for stricter enforcement of the DMA underscores the persistent fight for equity within the app ecosystem. As the European Commission reviews Apple’s proposed adjustments, the decision will have profound ramifications for developers throughout the region. The coalition’s initiatives reflect an increasing demand for fair treatment within the digital marketplace, ensuring that all developers have an equal opportunity to thrive.

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watchOS 26 Improves Apple Watch’s Most Liked Face with Two Significant Enhancements

# Apple Watch Photos Face Upgrades in watchOS 26

The Apple Watch remains a top selection for smartwatch enthusiasts, with one of its distinguishing attributes being the customizable watch faces. Among the numerous choices, the Photos watch face has persistently been a favorite, as evidenced by Apple’s own data. With the arrival of watchOS 26, this cherished watch face has gained two significant upgrades that enhance the user experience even further.

## Summary of watchOS 26

Debuting in the autumn, watchOS 26 is a major update that not only brings four entirely new watch faces but also extends the always-on seconds feature to a variety of existing faces. This update underlines Apple’s dedication to boosting the personalization and utility of the Apple Watch.

## Fame of the Photos Watch Face

The Photos watch face is acknowledged as the most favored option among Apple Watch users. Its charm lies in the ability to display cherished memories through photographs, enabling users to carry a slice of their life on their wrist. Apple has consistently enhanced this watch face through the years, positioning it as a central feature of updates.

## New Improvements in watchOS 26

In watchOS 26, Apple has rolled out two major enhancements to the Photos watch face:

1. **Featured Photos Option**: This new functionality allows users to designate ‘Featured’ as a source for their photos. Similar to the Featured images featured in the iPhone’s Photos app, this choice offers a curated collection of high-quality images. Users are no longer restricted to certain categories like ‘Nature’ or ‘Cities’ and can enjoy a wider selection of images without needing to pick individual albums.

2. **Liquid Glass Time**: This upgrade introduces a new ‘Glass’ color option for the time display on the Photos face. The Liquid Glass effect enables more of the underlying photos to be visible, crafting a more integrated and visually appealing appearance. Users can still opt for solid colors if they wish, but this new choice enhances the customization of the watch face.

## Final Thoughts

The upgrades to the Photos watch face in watchOS 26 exemplify Apple’s insight into user preferences and its continuous drive to enhance the Apple Watch experience. With the introduction of the Featured photos option and the Liquid Glass time display, users can revel in a more personalized and attractive watch face. As Apple keeps innovating, the Photos watch face stands as a symbol of the fusion of technology and personal expression that the Apple Watch represents.

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X Contests Operation Bluebird’s Efforts to Obtain the Twitter Trademark

**Twitter Persists, Even in X’s Revised Terms of Service**

In a recent turn of events, X Corp. has revised its Terms of Service following a trademark petition asserting that the company had forsaken the Twitter name. This revision seems to be a tactical decision to strengthen its legal position concerning the Twitter brand amidst challenges posed by a Virginia-based startup, Operation Bluebird.

Operation Bluebird has submitted a petition to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to annul several of X’s trademarks, contending that the company has essentially abandoned the Twitter and Tweet brands. The petition claims, “The TWITTER and TWEET brands have been eliminated from X Corp.’s products, services, and marketing, effectively discarding the historic brand, with no desire to resume use of the mark.” This claim emphasizes the considerable branding change that has taken place since Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter and the subsequent transformation into X.

Experts consulted by Ars Technica have indicated that Operation Bluebird may have a legitimate case, considering the evident absence of the Twitter brand in X’s present activities. The lack of a response from X at the time of the initial report suggested a possible lapse in addressing the trademark issues.

Nevertheless, X has now initiated measures to bolster its claim over the Twitter trademark. The revised Terms of Service clearly specify that users do not possess the right to utilize the X or Twitter names, trademarks, logos, or any associated branding features without explicit written permission from the company. This legal clarification is intended to affirm X’s ownership and usage rights regarding the Twitter brand, potentially complicating Operation Bluebird’s initiatives.

The resolution of this trademark dispute will eventually be determined by the USPTO, which will evaluate the legitimacy of Operation Bluebird’s claims against X’s updated legal declarations. The situation provokes questions about the future of the Twitter brand and whether X ought to keep its trademark rights.

As the legal processes proceed, the tech community and users are left to contemplate the repercussions of this trademark conflict. Should X lose the Twitter trademark, it could signal a major transformation in branding and identity for the platform previously recognized as Twitter.

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LightBuddy: An Innovative Mac Application for Ring Light Management Offering Color Customization, HDR, and Multiple Monitor Compatibility

### What Occurs When Apple Sherlocks Your App Concept? You Create It Regardless.

#### Before Sherlocking

In the rapid realm of app creation, the phrase “sherlocked” has come to represent the situation where bigger corporations, such as Apple, take on and merge features originally conceived by independent developers. This article delves into the experience of developer Gui Rambo, who encountered this situation personally.

Some months ago, Rambo had an inventive concept: instead of starting with a blank Safari page or depending on a physical ring light for video conferencing, why not harness the Mac’s screen to create a ring-light effect? He imagined a feature that would not only brighten the user but also dim the surrounding space when the cursor neared the ring-light effect, facilitating smooth interaction. However, he was uncertain about the feasibility of the idea and chose to set it aside.

Fast forward to 2025, and Apple declared the launch of macOS 26.2, which featured a new function called the Edge Effect. This function reflected Rambo’s initial idea by dimming areas around the cursor, confirming his original thought. Motivated by this news, Rambo opted to revive his initiative.

#### LightBuddy

Today, Rambo is excited to unveil **LightBuddy**, a groundbreaking application that delivers the ring-light effect straight to the Mac’s display. Upon activation, LightBuddy applies a gentle distortion and dimming effect, ensuring that the light does not disrupt cursor movement at the screen’s edges.

LightBuddy provides numerous customization features, including:

– **HDR Capability**: For HDR-compatible displays, users can turn on HDR lighting and modify its intensity.
– **Color Selections**: In addition to standard blue and amber temperature adjustments, users can pick any color for the illumination.
– **Multi-display Functionality**: Users with several displays can establish separate settings for each screen.

LightBuddy is neatly positioned in the Mac’s menu bar and displays animations inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic.

Beyond its vast customization options, LightBuddy holds a notable edge over Apple’s native Edge Effect: it is usable on any Mac running macOS 14 or newer, including Intel Macs, whereas Apple’s version is restricted to Apple Silicon Macs.

While primarily crafted for Apple displays, LightBuddy can also operate on third-party monitors, such as LG’s UltraFine, though performance may differ.

Rambo is dedicated to further improving LightBuddy, with proposals to introduce keyboard shortcuts, Shortcuts integration, Night Mode, and True Tone support for color temperature adjustments.

LightBuddy is up for grabs at $4.99. For those curious about the development journey and insights into Rambo’s story, he offers additional information on his

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Apple Music Renames ‘Favorites Mix’ Playlist to ‘Your Essentials’

### Apple Music Renames “Favorites Mix” to “Your Essentials”

If you woke up today eagerly searching for the weekly update of your “Favorites Mix” in Apple Music, you might have felt let down when you couldn’t locate it. However, it appears that Apple is simply renaming the “Favorites Mix.” It’s now referred to as “Your Essentials” in your Apple Music library.

The “Your Essentials” playlist will continue to be refreshed every Tuesday, just like the former “Favorites Mix.” Apple mentions that the rationale behind this playlist remains unchanged: “The songs you can’t live without. The more you engage with Apple Music, the more vital they become.”

Apple probably renamed “Favorites Mix” to eliminate confusion with the “Favorite Songs” playlist, which includes tracks you’ve manually liked on Apple Music. Now, users have their “Favorite Songs” playlist that they have direct control over, in addition to the algorithmically-curated “Your Essentials” playlist that is updated weekly.

It’s a minor shift, but one that has led to some misunderstanding on social media. Your Apple Music “Favorites Mix” is still available; it just goes by a different name.

### Conclusion

The change from “Favorites Mix” to “Your Essentials” illustrates Apple Music’s persistent efforts to improve user experience and clarity within its system. As users get used to this modification, they can continue to relish personalized music suggestions that adapt to their listening behaviors.

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“Affordable Intelligent Home Enhancements for Reducing Expenses”

We may earn a commission from purchases made through links.

The phrase “smart home” is widely used in 2025, and it signifies various things to different people. For some, it represents an ordinary home equipped with an advanced security system. For others, it means equipping every device with internet connectivity for maximum ease. Regardless of your perspective, it’s apparent that the market is flooded with technology claiming to simplify your life and reduce monthly expenses.

Indeed, there are numerous options available. Adding to this is the troubling fact that certain smart home brands have been found to invade users’ privacy via cameras (notably the Amazon-owned Ring) instead of reducing costs, making the selection of suitable devices increasingly challenging. This is precisely the reason we scoured the web to identify eight top-notch smart home upgrades that will help you save money without compromising home security.

Smart bulbs

When smart bulbs initially

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How to Properly Clean the Trackpad of Your Laptop

safely wipe down your MacBook’s display and surfaces, but there’s one section that often presents a bit more challenge when it comes to eliminating grime and dirt: The trackpad.

If you’re not using an external mouse with your device, that small square is working overtime. It gathers fingerprints, soaks up every bit of skin oil your hands can produce, and ultimately becomes a dirty spot you’d prefer to ignore. In severe situations, this accumulation might even disrupt your laptop’s haptics or gesture controls, deceiving it into believing you’re swiping or tapping when you’re actually not.

The bright side? Tidying up your trackpad doesn’t necessitate a specialized kit or a visit to the Apple Store. All you truly require is a microfiber cloth and a small container of 70% isopropyl alcohol. Alternatively, you can utilize 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes, 75% ethyl alcohol wipes, or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. Just ensure you never use bleach, aerosol sprays, or abrasive materials.

Maintaining your trackpad is simple