Author: OMN AI

Ultra-processed foods should be regulated like cigarettes because they are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption, a new study argues.Researchers from Harvard University, the University of Michigan and Duke University said UPFs share key traits with tobacco products.They found both are designed to deliver rapid reward responses and maximise consumption.The report, published in Milbank Quarterly, links UPFs to widespread health harms similar to smoking.Researchers criticised “health washing” claims that delay regulation.They urged governments to shift responsibility from individuals to the food industry.Some experts cautioned against direct comparisons but agreed stronger regulation is needed.

SpaceX and xAI Close the Valuation Gap Elon Musk’s business empire has taken on a new shape after SpaceX merged with artificial intelligence venture xAI, pushing the combined group’s valuation to $1.25 trillion (€1.06tn). The deal sharply narrows the gap with Tesla, now valued at about $1.58 trillion (€1.34tn), and marks a shift in where Musk’s wealth is concentrated. On paper, his stake in the space business now outweighs his holdings in the electric carmaker. The merger values SpaceX at $1 trillion (€847bn) and xAI at $250 billion (€212bn). It follows last year’s move in which xAI acquired social media…

Netflix struggled to convince senators that its $82bn takeover of Warner Bros Discovery would benefit consumers, workers, and the entertainment industry. On Tuesday, the Senate antitrust subcommittee, including Democrats and Republicans, raised concerns about competition, rising prices, and the future of cinemas. The Department of Justice now reviews the deal, which would give Netflix control of Warner Bros’ studios and the HBO Max streaming service. Rival bidder Paramount Skydance continues to push its competing offer. Senators’ questions showed bipartisan unease, while the DoJ decides whether to approve or block the merger. Senators question theatre releases and job impact Lawmakers pressed…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints over Mercedes’ 2026 engine legality.He insisted the power unit fully complies with Formula One regulations.Wolff said other manufacturers missed an opportunity and should “get their shit together”.Rivals questioned Mercedes and Red Bull Racing over compression ratios that may rise when engines heat up.FIA discussed the issue but reached no ruling before testing.Wolff said the FIA and its president backed Mercedes’ interpretation.He did not rule out protests after the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix.

Conflicting Details Surround Fatal Attack Libyan media outlets have reported that Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of the former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed near the city of Zintan in western Libya. According to the reports, he was attacked and killed by four individuals, though specific details about how the incident unfolded remain unclear. Advisers Confirm Death, Questions Remain Abdullah Othman, Saif al-Islam’s political adviser, confirmed the death in a brief statement posted on Facebook, offering no further information about the circumstances or the identities of those involved. His French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, told AFP that the attackers have…

“At Last, the Truth Is Coming to Light”Dr. Gerhard Podovsovnik on the Full Senate Hearing of February 3, 2026 Abu Dhabi Times:Dr. Podovsovnik, on February 3, 2026, a full hearing of the U.S. Senate on Nazis and Swiss banks will take place. Why is this hearing historic from your perspective? Dr. Gerhard Podovsovnik:Because, for the first time, what has been known for decades but systematically suppressed is being openly stated at the highest parliamentary level of the United States: Swiss banks collaborated extensively with the Nazi regime.This hearing marks the point at which decades of denial, trivialization, and stonewalling can…

China has banned hidden door handles on electric vehicles over serious safety concerns. The country becomes the first to prohibit the design. Regulators acted as electric vehicles face growing global scrutiny. Several deadly accidents prompted the move. Two fatal crashes in China involved electric cars produced by Xiaomi. Investigators suspected power failures prevented passengers from opening the doors. Mechanical Door Access Now Compulsory The new rules allow sales only for cars with mechanical door releases inside and outside. State media reported full details of the regulations. Authorities want to guarantee access during accidents and power failures. Regulators aim to prevent…

Researchers say recreating cosmic dust could reveal how life’s building blocks reached Earth.At the University of Sydney, PhD candidate Linda Losurdo has produced cosmic dust from scratch in a laboratory.Cosmic dust forms around dying stars and contains CHON molecules essential for life.Scientists debate whether these molecules formed on Earth or arrived via meteorites.Losurdo recreated space conditions using a vacuum, gases, and high-voltage plasma.The artificial dust matches infrared signatures seen in real meteorites.Experts say the method could help explain how organic matter formed across the universe.

President Donald Trump said he plans to reduce U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18%, down from 25%, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil. The move follows months of pressure from Washington, which has argued that India’s purchases of discounted Russian crude help bankroll Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Trump also said India would begin lowering import taxes on U.S. products to zero and commit to buying $500 billion worth of American goods. Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump claimed the agreement would help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, which he said…

Gold and silver prices tumbled sharply as investors rushed to sell positions that had driven metals to record levels. Losses accelerated on Monday following a heavy sell-off on Friday, signaling a sudden reversal in market sentiment. During Asian trading, spot gold fell more than nine percent to around $4,403 per ounce. Silver dropped roughly 15 percent to below $72 per ounce. Both metals had surged earlier this year amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Fed chair nomination eases market anxiety The rally reflected concerns over geopolitics and uncertainty about US monetary policy. Traders also feared political influence on the Federal Reserve. Those…