August 2025 - Page 8 of 21 - New york time press

This New York skyscraper had a 1-in-16 chance of collapse. Only one man knew

12 Aug

How a New York skyscraper survived a 1-in-16 collapse risk thanks to one expert

Roger W. WatsonInternational

The story of the Citicorp Center skyscraper, a New York landmark with a hidden and near-fatal design flaw, serves as a powerful testament to the critical role of human integrity and expertise in the world of engineering. For decades, the public was unaware that one of the city’s most recognizable buildings was, in fact, an impending catastrophe waiting for the right storm to strike. This chilling secret was known by only one person, an engineer whose unwavering ethical compass ultimately saved countless lives. The narrative is a compelling blend of design hubris, mathematical precision, and the quiet heroism of a…

12 Aug

I tried to find out if the fossil I bought online was real. Then I realized I was asking the wrong question

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

The adventure started with a straightforward query: Was the fossil I bought on the internet genuine? This question pulled me into a maze of scientific articles, geological resources, and specialist discussions. I soon discovered that the field of paleontology involves intricate authentication methods, and the online market is flooded with counterfeits. My initial investigation was rooted in practicality, aimed at verifying my purchase's worth. Yet, as I explored further, my focus evolved. I understood that the object's true significance lay not in its genuineness but in the narrative it conveyed, whether it was authentic or a brilliant imitation.The digital world…

Mexico’s bat man on saving the ‘most unfairly treated animals on Earth’

12 Aug

Mexico’s bat man: advocating for some of Earth’s most unfairly treated wildlife

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

In the thick jungles and ancient caves of Mexico, a silent transformation is taking place, driven by a man with a mission to alter the public's view of one of the globe's most misunderstood animals: the bat. Rodrigo Medellín, a distinguished ecologist and conservationist, has devoted his life to safeguarding these nocturnal creatures. His fervent advocacy has earned him the endearing nickname "Mexico's Bat Man." Through his steadfast efforts, he is demonstrating that these creatures are not symbols of fear but vital components of their ecosystems, crucial for everything from farming to the health of entire woodlands. His initiative is…

12 Aug

VW offers subscription service to enhance car power monthly

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Volkswagen has reportedly introduced a new monthly subscription service that allows owners to unlock additional horsepower for their vehicles. This move places the automaker at the forefront of a growing industry trend toward on-demand features and software-based upgrades. Rather than offering a one-time purchase for a permanent performance boost, Volkswagen is reportedly testing a model that provides flexibility but also creates a new, recurring revenue stream. The core of this strategy is to monetize features that are already physically present in the vehicle but are locked behind a software paywall.This strategy represents a significant change occurring within the automotive sector,…

Intel shares jump after report of possible US stake in chipmaker

12 Aug

Intel shares climb after rumors of US stake in chipmaker

Roger W. WatsonEconomy

Reports that the United States government may be considering an equity stake in Intel have led to a significant surge in the chipmaker's stock value. This development, if it were to materialize, would represent a major and unconventional form of federal intervention in the semiconductor industry. The speculation has been fueled by a new, more direct approach to supporting domestic technology leaders, particularly as the U.S. seeks to bolster its supply chain resilience and national security in a fiercely competitive global landscape. It suggests a potential shift from simple grants and loans to a more intertwined public-private partnership, with the…

11 Aug

FDA warns about unapproved thyroid pills — then says it’ll ‘ensure access’ to them

Roger W. WatsonHealth

The recent declaration from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning non-approved thyroid treatments has led to a complicated and sometimes inconsistent scenario for both patients and medical professionals. The agency has issued a significant alert about the potential safety hazards linked to these medications, particularly a type of "animal-derived thyroid" (ADT) products. At the same time, the FDA has expressed its plan to "maintain accessibility" to these exact medications, at least for a temporary phase. This dual communication highlights the fragile equilibrium the FDA must maintain between its duty to safeguard public health and its obligation to avoid disrupting…

Will AI make language dubbing easy for film and TV?

11 Aug

The future of language dubbing in film and TV with AI

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The advent of artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally alter the landscape of media localization, particularly in the realm of film and television dubbing. For decades, the process of translating and re-recording dialogue for a global audience has been a laborious and expensive undertaking, dependent on a network of human translators, voice actors, and sound engineers. AI technologies now promise a new paradigm, one where the barriers of time, cost, and access are significantly reduced. This shift could democratize content distribution, allowing creators of all sizes to reach audiences worldwide, but it also introduces complex questions about artistic integrity, employment,…

The real reasons why And Just Like That failed to live up to Sex and the City

11 Aug

The Main Reasons And Just Like That Failed to Capture Sex and the City’s Magic

Roger W. WatsonCulture and Entertainment

The eagerly awaited sequel to the cherished show "Sex and the City," known as "And Just Like That," launched with great excitement but ultimately left lots of viewers feeling disappointed. For a series that once encapsulated a generation's views on relationships, companionship, and fashion, its follow-up struggled to recapture that same appeal. The new installment, which intended to portray the characters' experiences in their 50s, instead seemed disconnected and distant from the core elements that made the original legendary. It starkly contrasted the clever, innovative, and sometimes gritty storytelling that fans had grown to love.A significant factor in the show's…

People moved back to Pompeii after devastating eruption, excavations reveal

11 Aug

Excavations reveal Pompeii was resettled by citizens post-eruption

Roger W. WatsonScience and Technology

Recent excavations in Pompeii have brought to light a fascinating and largely overlooked facet of the ancient city’s past: individuals revisited the site following Mount Vesuvius’s catastrophic eruption in 79 A.D. This fresh evidence questions the traditional view that Pompeii was instantaneously and irreversibly deserted, providing a more complex portrayal of the event’s aftermath. The findings imply that those who lived through the calamity, along with possible treasure seekers, came back to the city engulfed by ash to reclaim possessions, retrieve building supplies, and perhaps pay respects to lost relatives, highlighting a profound emotional bond to the location even amidst…

Subtle signs of multiple sclerosis may appear years before onset

11 Aug

Early indicators of multiple sclerosis may appear years before symptoms

Roger W. WatsonHealth

A growing body of research suggests that individuals may exhibit subtle symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) long before they receive a formal diagnosis. These early, often-overlooked signs are now a key focus for researchers aiming to improve the timeline for detection and treatment. By identifying these preclinical indicators, medical professionals hope to intervene earlier, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and improving long-term patient outcomes. This shift in focus from managing the disease after onset to understanding its earliest phases marks a significant advance in MS research.These early symptoms, sometimes referred to as the prodromal phase, are often non-specific…