New Cybersecurity Laws, Deadly Tornadoes, Pope Encourages Outdoor Interactions: Top Stories of the Week

Daily Podcast on Technology and Science

In recent news, new cybersecurity laws have been implemented in the UK to ban easily guessable password combinations. Under the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure rules, common access phrases such as ‘admin’, ‘12345’, ‘chelsea’, and ‘arsenal’ are now prohibited. The aim of these regulations is to ensure that manufacturers of internet-connected devices adhere to minimum security standards in order to protect users from potential breaches.

Meanwhile, devastating tornadoes have ravaged central US states, resulting in the deaths of at least five people, including a four-month-old baby. Oklahoma has declared a state of emergency in response to the destructive storms.

On a lighter note, the Pope has encouraged young people to put down their smartphones and spend more time outdoors interacting with others. Speaking to a crowd in Venice, the pontiff expressed concern about the negative impact of video games and social media on the younger generation.

In other scientific developments, researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh have discovered a new porous material that can aid in capturing greenhouse gases. Additionally, scientists at Oregon State University have reported on a giant salmon species that existed in the Pacific Ocean millions of years ago, suggesting that their tusk-like teeth may have been used for fighting.

Looking ahead, Britain is reportedly aiming to have a hypersonic cruise missile in service by 2030, capable of flying at five times the speed of sound. And finally, the public is invited to share their London Zoo memories and memorabilia for an upcoming exhibition celebrating the 200th anniversary of the iconic Regent’s Park institution.

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