technology 19 - The Latremie Post

Your asthma inhaler might not be good for the environment

**Your Asthma Inhaler Might Not Be Good for the Environment**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 pm*

A recent study has revealed that inhalers used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Conducted by scientists from the University of California and Harvard University, the research found that these devices produce annual emissions equivalent to those of over half a million petrol-powered cars in the US alone.

The study’s findings were published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* and highlight an often-overlooked environmental impact of common medical treatments.

### Metered-Dose Inhalers: The Biggest Culprit

The research examined global warming pollution from three types of inhalers between 2014 and 2024. It found that metered-dose inhalers (MDIs), which use hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants to deliver medication, are the most damaging. These devices accounted for a staggering 98% of inhaler-related emissions over the decade.

In total, US patients with commercial insurance and government programs such as Medicaid and Medicare produced an estimated 24.9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent during this period—highlighting a significant environmental footprint.

### Eco-Friendly Alternatives Exist but Are Not Widely Used

Unlike metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers (DPIs) and soft mist inhalers do not use propellants. DPIs rely on a patient’s breath to release medicine, while soft mist inhalers convert liquid medication into a fine spray. Both alternatives have a much lower environmental impact.

William Feldman, lead author from UCLA, emphasized that only a small portion of patients actually require metered-dose inhalers for their treatment. Despite this, the adoption of these greener alternatives remains limited.

### Barriers to Adoption: Insurance and Market Challenges

Feldman pointed out that most patients could switch to dry powder or soft mist inhalers. However, insurance coverage and market barriers have slowed their uptake in the United States.

For instance, a dry-powder version of albuterol—the most commonly used inhaler drug—is available but typically not covered by insurance. Additionally, budesonide-formoterol, a drug widely sold in dry powder form across Europe, is not presently available in the US market.

### Calling for Policy and Pricing Reform

Feldman stressed that this research is not about blaming patients but rather a call for policy reform to make lower-emission inhalers more accessible. A related commentary in *JAMA* by Alexander Rabin of the University of Michigan echoed this sentiment, urging insurers and policymakers to ensure that environmentally friendly inhalers are affordable and accessible to everyone.

As awareness grows about the environmental impact of medical devices, policy changes and improved insurance coverage could play critical roles in reducing the carbon footprint of asthma and COPD treatments while maintaining patient care quality.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/asthma-inhalers-pollute-as-much-as-half-a-million-cars/story

Google prepares Gemini 3 AI to take on OpenAI’s GPT-5

**Google Prepares Gemini 3 AI to Take on OpenAI’s GPT-5**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 05:13 PM*

—

**What’s the story?**

Google’s next big artificial intelligence (AI) model, Gemini 3, has been spotted in early tests within the company’s AI Studio. Developers have reported sightings of references to the new model in A/B tests across the platform. Screenshots and code snippets shared on social media reveal “flash-preview” builds being tested, showcasing significant improvements in coding and image generation tasks.

—

**Performance Boost: Gemini 3 Outpacing Claude 4.5 in Early Tests**

The new model, Gemini 3, is already outperforming its competitor Claude 4.5 when it comes to handling vector graphics and producing structured outputs. This was reported by TestingCatalog and several developers on X (formerly Twitter). Adding to the excitement, Google Cloud’s official account teased an upcoming livestream scheduled for October 9, using the hashtag #GeminiAtWork. This event has sparked widespread speculation that Gemini 3 could be officially unveiled to the public then.

—

**AI Showdown: Gemini 3 Could Be Google’s Answer to GPT-5**

Gemini 3 is expected to be Google’s most significant AI update of 2025, featuring enhancements in reasoning, coding accuracy, and creative generation. Industry analysts believe this could be Google’s strongest counter to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Anthropic’s Claude 4.5—both of which have set high standards for AI performance.

A more capable Gemini model could play a crucial role in helping Google reclaim its leadership in generative AI, particularly if it is integrated seamlessly into popular products like Workspace, Chrome, and Android.

—

**Developer Advantage: What to Expect from Gemini 3**

Gemini 3 is anticipated to offer faster and more context-aware code generation, providing a significant boost to developers. Another potential highlight is the introduction of an “Agent Mode,” designed for browser-level automation.

If confirmed during the upcoming #GeminiAtWork livestream, this new model could be a game-changer for the tech industry. Following the announcement, a gradual rollout through AI Studio and Google Workspace tools is expected in the coming weeks.

—

Stay tuned for more updates as Google prepares to officially launch Gemini 3 and redefine the future of AI technology.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-gemini-3-ai-set-to-rival-gpt-5-launch-imminent/story

Google prepares Gemini 3 AI to take on OpenAI’s GPT-5

**Google Prepares Gemini 3 AI to Take on OpenAI’s GPT-5**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 05:13 PM*

—

**What’s the story?**

Google’s next major artificial intelligence (AI) model, Gemini 3, has been spotted in early testing phases within the company’s AI Studio. Developers have reported sightings of references to the new model in A/B tests across the platform. Social media shares featuring screenshots and code snippets reveal “flash-preview” builds undergoing trials, showcasing significant improvements in coding and image generation capabilities.

—

**Performance Boost: Gemini 3 Outpacing Claude 4.5**

Early tests indicate that Gemini 3 is already outperforming its competitor Claude 4.5 in handling vector graphics and structured outputs. This information comes from TestingCatalog and multiple developer reports on X. Adding to the excitement, Google Cloud’s official account has teased an October 9 livestream event under the hashtag #GeminiAtWork, sparking strong speculation that Gemini 3 will be officially unveiled during this session.

—

**AI Showdown: Gemini 3 as Google’s Response to GPT-5**

Gemini 3 is anticipated to be Google’s biggest AI update of 2025, featuring advancements in reasoning, coding accuracy, and creative generation. Analysts suggest that this could be Google’s most powerful counter to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Anthropic’s Claude 4.5, both of which have set high standards in AI performance.

A more capable Gemini model could help Google regain its competitive edge in generative AI, particularly if it is integrated into widely used platforms such as Workspace, Chrome, and Android.

—

**Developer Advantage: What to Expect from Gemini 3**

For developers, Gemini 3 promises faster and more context-aware code generation. There are also expectations of a new “Agent Mode,” designed for browser-level automation. This feature could potentially revolutionize workflows in the tech ecosystem.

If Google confirms and launches Gemini 3 during the October 9 #GeminiAtWork livestream, a gradual rollout through AI Studio and Workspace tools is likely to follow in the coming weeks.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on Gemini 3 and the evolving AI landscape as Google prepares to take on the latest challengers in the field.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-gemini-3-ai-set-to-rival-gpt-5-launch-imminent/story

Google prepares Gemini 3 AI to take on OpenAI’s GPT-5

**Google Prepares Gemini 3 AI to Take on OpenAI’s GPT-5**
*By Mudit Dube | Oct 07, 2025, 05:13 PM*

—

**What’s the Story?**

Google’s next big artificial intelligence (AI) model, Gemini 3, has been spotted in early tests within the company’s AI Studio. Developers have reported sightings of references to the new model appearing in A/B tests across the platform. Screenshots and code snippets shared on social media reveal “flash-preview” builds being tested, showing significant improvements in both coding and image generation tasks.

—

**Performance Boost: Gemini 3 Outpaces Claude 4.5 in Early Tests**

Gemini 3 is already outperforming its competitor Claude 4.5 in handling vector graphics and structured outputs, according to reports from TestingCatalog and multiple developers on X. This promising performance comes ahead of an anticipated October 9 livestream teased by Google Cloud’s official account under the hashtag #GeminiAtWork, fueling speculation that Gemini 3 might be officially unveiled at this event.

—

**AI Showdown: Gemini 3 as Google’s Response to GPT-5**

Expected to be Google’s biggest AI update of 2025, Gemini 3 promises advances in reasoning, coding accuracy, and creative generation capabilities. Analysts believe this could be Google’s strongest answer yet to OpenAI’s GPT-5 and Anthropic’s Claude 4.5—both models that have set high standards in AI performance.

A more capable Gemini model could help Google regain its foothold in the generative AI space, particularly if it is integrated into popular products like Workspace, Chrome, and Android.

—

**Developer Advantage: What to Expect from Gemini 3**

Gemini 3 is likely to offer faster, context-aware code generation tailored for developers. Additionally, it may introduce an “Agent Mode” for browser-level automation—a feature that could revolutionize workflows if confirmed.

Should Google launch Gemini 3 during the upcoming #GeminiAtWork livestream on October 9, a gradual rollout is expected through AI Studio and Workspace tools in the following weeks.

—

Stay tuned for more updates on Gemini 3 and the evolving AI landscape.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/google-gemini-3-ai-set-to-rival-gpt-5-launch-imminent/story

Pi Network sheds $18B in six months: ‘That’s basically a rug pull’

**Key Takeaways**

– Pi Network’s token, PI, has plunged over 90%, erasing nearly $18 billion in market capitalization and fueling fresh rug pull claims.
– Without addressing community concerns and supply growth issues, PI could remain under downward pressure in the coming months.

—

**Why Is Pi Network Facing Rug Pull Claims Again?**

Since its debut in March, the Pi Network [PI] price has crashed over 90%, reigniting allegations that the project might be a rug pull. At launch, the price soared to $2.79, pushing the market capitalization to approximately $18 billion amid a wave of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). However, the price has since slipped below $1 and plunged further to around $0.26, wiping out more than $16 billion in market cap over the past six months.

A pseudonymous crypto market commentator known as Mr Spock weighed in on the situation, stating, “Pi crashed over 90% from its highest position, that’s basically a rug pull.”

—

**Hype and Speculative Interest Fade**

Back in May, Pi Network faced similar rug pull accusations after the team allegedly established a $100 million venture fund amid more than six years of unmet expectations and broken promises. Many community members believed that this fund—partly sourced from internal revenue and mining activities—was diverted for external purposes rather than being reinvested into the ecosystem.

This backlash contributed to the token’s inability to rebound in May, dragging the price down below $0.50. Despite the sour market sentiment, data from Pi Scan indicated some continued accumulation of PI tokens. Over the past 24 hours alone, a net flow of $112.3 million was recorded, meaning more PI tokens flowed out of exchanges than into them, which suggests buying activity.

—

**Derivatives Data Show Collapse in Speculative Interest**

Despite signs of accumulation, speculative interest has sharply declined. While there has been some improvement in the futures market demand, overall speculative interest dropped by more than 10 times. According to Glassnode, PI’s Open Interest (OI)—the total value of open contracts in the derivatives market—plummeted from nearly $120 million to about $20 million.

This sustained bearish pressure reflects the community’s growing frustration and feeling of being sidelined by the Pi Network team.

—

**Inflationary Pressure Weighs on Price**

Another major factor dragging down PI’s price is inflationary pressure. Since May, the circulating supply of PI tokens has surged by over 1 billion tokens, exacerbating downward price pressure.

—

**What’s Next for PI?**

Unless the Pi Network team addresses community concerns and carefully manages token supply growth, PI could continue to face heavy downward pressure. Rebuilding trust and stabilizing the token economy will be critical to any future recovery efforts.

—

*Stay tuned for updates on Pi Network and other cryptocurrency developments.*
https://ambcrypto.com/pi-network-sheds-18b-in-six-months-thats-basically-a-rug-pull

OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 arrives on October 16: What to expect

**OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 Arrives on October 16: What to Expect**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 06, 2025, 05:33 PM*

OnePlus has officially announced the launch date for its latest user interface, OxygenOS 16, in India. The new software, based on Android 16, is set to debut on October 16. The company teased the update through a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features integrated into the new UI.

### Redesigned Elements and AI-Powered Features

OxygenOS 16 will bring a variety of redesigned elements designed to enhance the user experience on OnePlus devices. A significant focus of this update is on AI-powered capabilities. Among the exciting new features is the ability for users to query an AI chatbot about items visible on their phone’s display or within the camera viewfinder.

Additionally, OxygenOS 16 will introduce a “Circle to Search” functionality, allowing users to interact more intuitively with on-screen content. These AI enhancements aim to make everyday tasks smoother and more personalized.

### Device Compatibility and Rollout

The upcoming OnePlus 15 smartphone is expected to be the first device to come pre-installed with OxygenOS 16. For existing OnePlus users, the update will likely roll out over-the-air (OTA) to compatible older models, although the exact list of supported devices has not been fully detailed.

### Integration of Google’s Gemini AI Models

OnePlus has confirmed the integration of Google’s Gemini AI models into OxygenOS 16. This integration brings advanced on-device generative AI capabilities, enabling OnePlus devices to perform complex AI tasks without relying heavily on cloud processing.

For example, during demonstrations, a user interacted with the Google AI chatbot to plan a five-day trip to Paris, with the AI pulling relevant data from the Mind Space app to provide a personalized itinerary. This showcases the potential of the new AI-driven features to offer highly tailored and context-aware assistance.

### Conclusion

With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus is making a significant push into AI-enhanced user experiences, combining redesigned UI elements with powerful on-device AI tools powered by Google’s Gemini models. The update’s rollout starting October 16 marks an exciting development for OnePlus users eager to explore the next generation of mobile software.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oneplus-oxygenos-16-launches-in-india-on-october-16/story

OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 arrives on October 16: What to expect

**OnePlus’s OxygenOS 16 Arrives on October 16: What to Expect**

*By Mudit Dube | Oct 06, 2025, 05:33 PM*

OnePlus has officially announced the launch of its latest user interface, OxygenOS 16, in India. Based on Android 16, the new software is set to debut on October 16. The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), teasing advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features that will be integrated into the new UI.

### Redesigned Elements and AI-Powered Features

OxygenOS 16 will bring a host of redesigned elements to OnePlus devices, incorporating a range of AI-powered functionalities. Users can expect tools that allow querying an AI chatbot about items displayed on their phone’s screen or seen through the camera viewfinder. The update will also introduce a “Circle to search” feature, alongside several other capabilities designed to enhance user experience.

### Device Compatibility

The upcoming OnePlus 15 is likely to be the first smartphone to come pre-installed with OxygenOS 16. For older OnePlus models, the update may be rolled out over-the-air (OTA) depending on device compatibility.

### AI Integration with Google’s Gemini Models

OnePlus has confirmed that its Android 16-based OxygenOS 16 will integrate Google’s Gemini AI models, enabling powerful on-device generative AI tasks. During demonstrations, OnePlus showcased how users can ask the Google AI chatbot to plan a five-day trip to Paris, utilizing relevant information from the Mind Space app. This example highlights how personalized and advanced the new AI features will be.

With OxygenOS 16, OnePlus aims to offer a smarter and more intuitive user experience, pushing the boundaries of AI integration on mobile devices. Stay tuned for the official rollout starting October 16.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/oneplus-oxygenos-16-launches-in-india-on-october-16/story

MAGGIE PAGANO: Cash is still king, right? Wrong

If you have heard reports of a rather sweaty woman in gym gear running around the streets of Saffron Walden brandishing a crisp £50 note and cursing under her breath, that was me.

After the gym, I had stopped off at the health food shop to stock up on a few things, giving the assistant the £50 tucked into my leggings. The assistant refused my money.

“But surely it’s legal tender,” I cried, “you can’t refuse it!”

She didn’t budge, saying that head office had told them not to take £50 notes because of fakes.

Off I went to the butcher’s shop opposite, where I know the staff, asking if they could break the note. Same again—no £50 notes accepted. But they suggested I try a bank.

Not such a bad idea. However, my bank, Barclays, closed long ago and now there are only two banks left in town.

So, I ran to Nationwide, where there was a long queue. Explaining the problem, I asked the waiting customers if I could ask the cashier to change the note. They all said yes, of course.

One gentleman took one look at my Queen’s-headed note and said with great confidence that it wasn’t a fake. That felt like a small victory.

There was so much chatter that the cashier stepped out to take a look at the offending note. He agreed it was genuine. Yeah, another victory.

“But are you a Nationwide customer?” he asked.

It felt like a trick question — and it was. Nationwide does not change money if you are not a customer.

As you can imagine, by then I was ready to raise an Essex peasants’ revolt against shops that don’t take money and banks that don’t change banknotes.

As luck would have it, one of the kind ladies in the queue opened her wallet, checked her cash, and offered to change my £50.

My first call is to the Bank of England.

**Can vendors refuse to take cash?**

Yes, says the press officer, they can. Even though cash is legal tender, it’s a concept with a narrow technical definition in law related to contracts, and no one is obliged to accept it in exchange for goods.

But why is cash usage shrinking so fast?

Is it because vendors find cash messy to deal with? Are business owners being forced by payment giants to go digital so they can be charged more? Or do people simply prefer using cards or, increasingly, mobile payment apps?

Probably a bit of each — chicken and egg.

Whatever the reason, cash is under the kibosh.

It made up just 9 per cent of payments last year, compared to being used for half of all transactions a decade ago. It is predicted to fall to 4 per cent over the next ten years.

Yet here’s the thing: what happens in emergencies?

Imagine if a cyber hack or indeed cyber warfare brings down the banks? Or if there are blackouts, as happened in Spain and Portugal recently? Or other crises, such as another lockdown or war?

Being resilient is why countries such as Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands have warned their citizens to always keep cash in reserve. They are also introducing new legislation ensuring vendors must accept cash.

The European Central Bank (ECB) is also alert to the dangers.

All households have been advised by the ECB to store cash at home in case digital systems fail — because they will.

In contrast, the Bank of England does not have the mandate to give such warnings; that’s up to the Government.

Interesting, though, that its Governor, Andrew Bailey, told a recent Citizens’ Panel in Wolverhampton that he always carries cash with him in case of emergencies.

Does that include any £50 notes, I wonder?
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/comment/article-15164391/MAGGIE-PAGANO-Cash-king-right-Wrong.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

‘Mirai’ OTT version to feature multiple deleted scenes: Report

The hit Telugu film *Mirai* is all set for its OTT premiere on October 10.

Fans can catch the much-awaited release exclusively on JioHotstar.

Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy *Mirai* from the comfort of your home!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/mirai-ott-version-to-include-deleted-scenes/story

Shubhanshu Shukla appointed brand ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’

**Shubhanshu Shukla Appointed Brand Ambassador of ‘Viksit Bharat Buildathon’**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 05, 2025, 06:41 PM*

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS), has been officially appointed as the brand ambassador for the “Viksit Bharat Buildathon.” This nationwide innovation movement targets students from classes 6 to 12, encouraging them to create innovative solutions that drive India’s development.

**A Nationwide Innovation Movement for Students**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” is set to be the largest school hackathon in India. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission, over one crore students from approximately 1.5 lakh schools across the country are expected to participate.

This extensive initiative invites young minds to ideate, design, and develop prototypes focusing on four vital themes:

– **Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)**
– **Swadeshi (Indigenous Products)**
– **Vocal for Local (Promoting Local Products)**
– **Samriddhi (Prosperity)**

Through these themes, the Buildathon aims to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills while fostering a spirit of national pride and self-sufficiency among students.

**Shubhanshu Shukla’s Role and Vision**

Group Captain Shukla, a 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer and test pilot, completed his maiden space voyage with the Axiom-4 mission, becoming only the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 flight.

Recently, Shukla met with School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar to discuss the vision for the Buildathon, emphasizing the importance of empowering young innovators to contribute toward building a developed India.

**Event Timeline and Participation Details**

The “Viksit Bharat Buildathon” was officially launched on September 23, with registrations open until October 6. The live hackathon event is scheduled for October 13, and winners will be announced in December.

Students from classes 6 to 12 are encouraged to form teams and participate actively, developing creative ideas and prototypes that tackle real-life challenges aligned with the four national themes.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this exciting journey toward innovation and progress. Register before the deadline and help build a Viksit Bharat!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/space-traveler-becomes-viksit-bharat-buildathon-brand-ambassador/story