Home Blog Page 5

Pixel VPN Update Improves Quick Settings Tile

Google has introduced a minor but practical update to the Pixel VPN by Google, making it easier for users to check their connection status directly from the Quick Settings Tile. The change refines how connection information is displayed, reducing the need to open the full VPN interface. While the update is small in scope, it improves day-to-day usability for Pixel owners who rely on the built-in VPN service.

The rollout accompanies version 2025.12.19.x of the VPN by Google app and includes a server-side component, meaning availability may vary across devices.

Clearer Connection Status at a Glance

Previously, the 2×1 Quick Settings Tile displayed the label “VPN by Google” twice, offering no immediate insight into the connection’s actual state. With the update, the second line now reflects real-time connection status.

Users can now see indicators such as:

Connected, with the tile shown as active and filled within a rounded rectangle.

Paused, displayed in a pill-shaped format.

Connecting…, indicating an ongoing attempt to establish a secure link.

Can’t connect, signaling a failed attempt.

These status messages were previously visible only within the full VPN app interface. By surfacing them in Quick Settings, Google reduces the need to navigate through menus for basic connection checks.

Faster Access and User Experience

The update enhances workflow efficiency, especially for users who prefer the larger 2×1 tile layout. Long-pressing the Quick Settings Tile continues to provide immediate access to the VPN interface, bypassing the manual path through Settings, Network & Internet, and VPN.

That said, many users rely on the smaller 1×1 Quick Settings Tile, which remains unchanged in its layout but still benefits from improved backend status handling.

Availability and Related Updates

The refined Quick Settings Tile is part of VPN by Google version 2025.12.19.x. However, since the change also depends on server-side activation, it is not yet universally available across all Pixel devices.

In related developments, Google issued small patch updates this week for the Pixel Recorder and Screenshots apps. These updates focused on maintenance and performance improvements rather than introducing new features.

Conclusion

The latest Pixel VPN update delivers a modest but meaningful usability improvement by making connection status visible directly within the Quick Settings Tile. While not a feature overhaul, the change streamlines access to key information and reflects Google’s ongoing refinements to the Pixel software experience.

Brain Training Game Tied to Lower Dementia Risk

A large, long-term clinical trial has found that a specific type of brain training video game may reduce the risk of dementia for decades. Participants who completed targeted “speed training” exercises for up to 23 hours over three years had a 25% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias over a 20-year follow-up period. Experts describe the findings as the strongest evidence to date that certain forms of cognitive training can produce lasting, protective changes in the brain.

The results come from an extended analysis of the federally funded Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly, or ACTIVE, trial.

Key Findings from a 20-Year Study

The ACTIVE study enrolled nearly 3,000 adults aged 65 and older with no significant cognitive impairment at baseline. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three training programs: speed training, memory training, or reasoning training. A control group received no cognitive intervention.

All participants initially completed up to 10 training sessions over five weeks. About half in each group later received booster sessions, totaling up to 23 hours of training across three years. Over the next two decades, researchers tracked dementia diagnoses using Medicare records.

Only those who completed speed training and received booster sessions showed a significant benefit. This group experienced a 25% reduction in dementia risk compared with controls. Participants in memory or reasoning training did not demonstrate a protective effect.

Why Speed Training May Work

Speed training focuses on improving how quickly and accurately the brain processes visual information. Exercises require participants to rapidly identify objects on a screen and make decisions, a skill similar to monitoring multiple stimuli while driving.

Researchers believe this form of training may promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and strengthen neural connections. Unlike explicit learning, such as memorizing facts, speed training may rely more heavily on implicit learning systems, which are known to produce durable changes in brain circuitry.

Another factor may be the adaptive nature of the training. The difficulty level adjusted based on participant performance, continually challenging users at progressively higher speeds. This may have engaged broader neural networks and contributed to increased cognitive reserve, the brain’s resilience against age-related decline.

Implications and Practical Considerations

The specific program used in the study has since evolved into an exercise known as “Double Decision,” now available through the BrainHQ platform. Based on the trial’s findings, some experts suggest that adults over 65 may consider incorporating similar speed-based cognitive exercises into their routines.

However, researchers caution that dementia prevention is multifaceted. Cognitive training is not a singular solution, and further research is needed to determine whether starting earlier in life yields similar benefits.

Broader Strategies for Brain Health

Approximately 7 million people in the United States are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, a number projected to nearly double by 2050. Experts estimate that nearly half of dementia cases could be delayed or prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors.

Recommended measures include managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; treating hearing and vision impairments; engaging in regular physical exercise; and maintaining social and cognitive activity. Emerging evidence also suggests that certain vaccinations, such as the shingles vaccine, may be associated with lower dementia risk, though further study is ongoing.

Conclusion

The long-term results of the ACTIVE trial provide compelling evidence that targeted speed-based cognitive training may lower dementia risk in older adults. While not a standalone prevention strategy, structured brain training could become a valuable component of broader efforts to support lifelong cognitive health.

CBO Warns of Persistently High U.S. Deficits

The United States is projected to run large federal budget deficits throughout the coming decade, according to the latest “Budget and Economic Outlook” report released by the Congressional Budget Office. Despite a surge in tariff revenue, the gains are expected to only partially offset revenue losses stemming from last year’s major tax legislation. The result is a fiscal path that keeps annual deficits near $2 trillion and pushes national debt to record levels relative to the size of the economy.

The projections underscore mounting concerns about the long-term sustainability of U.S. fiscal policy, even in the absence of a recession, war or major crisis.

Deficits Near $2 Trillion Annually

The CBO forecasts a federal deficit of $1.9 trillion this year, slightly higher than last year’s $1.8 trillion shortfall. That figure represents 5.8% of gross domestic product, roughly stable compared with the prior year. Over the next several years, deficits are expected to remain close to 6% of GDP before rising further in the early 2030s.

By 2033, the deficit is projected to reach 6.7% of GDP, largely driven by increasing entitlement spending for retirees. According to CBO Director Phillip L. Swagel, the current budget projections indicate that the nation’s fiscal trajectory is “not sustainable.”

Debt on Track for Historic High

The national debt, currently around 100% of GDP, is projected to climb to 120% by 2036. That would exceed the previous historical peak of 106% recorded shortly after World War II. The upward trend reflects structural imbalances between government spending and revenue collection that persist even under baseline economic conditions.

Impact of Tax Law and Tariffs

The CBO estimates that the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” enacted last year as a signature tax reform, will widen cumulative deficits by $4.7 trillion over the next decade. While President Donald Trump’s trade policy is projected to generate approximately $3 trillion in additional tariff revenue, those gains do not fully offset the cost of the tax cuts.

Additionally, lower immigration rates are projected to increase cumulative deficits by roughly $500 billion over ten years, reflecting reduced labor force growth and tax contributions.

Rising Interest Costs

The cost of servicing the national debt is expected to rise sharply. Annual interest expenses are projected to reach $2.1 trillion by 2035, equivalent to 4.6% of GDP and more than double current levels. These projections assume relatively stable interest rates, with a 10-year Treasury yield of 4.3% beginning in 2027. Even modest deviations from that assumption could significantly alter fiscal outcomes.

Economic Growth Outlook

The CBO anticipates economic growth of 2.2% in the first half of this year, supported by the stimulative effects of the tax law and the conclusion of last year’s government shutdown. Growth is then expected to moderate to 1.8% annually in subsequent years.

Productivity gains from artificial intelligence are incorporated into the forecast but are estimated to contribute only 0.1 percentage point of additional annual growth. By 2036, AI-related improvements are projected to increase overall economic output by about 1%.

Conclusion

The latest CBO projections highlight a decade of elevated deficits, rising debt and increasing interest costs. While tariff revenues and near-term economic growth provide partial offsets, structural fiscal imbalances remain. Without policy adjustments, federal debt is poised to reach historic highs, intensifying debate over long-term budget sustainability.

Coffee and Tea Linked to Lower Dementia Risk

Drinking moderate amounts of caffeinated coffee or tea each day may be associated with a lower risk of dementia and slightly better cognitive performance, according to new long-term research. An analysis of health records from more than 130,000 participants followed for up to four decades found that those who regularly consumed two to three cups of caffeinated coffee or one to two cups of caffeinated tea daily had a 15 to 20 percent lower risk of developing dementia compared with non-drinkers.

While the findings suggest a potential protective link, researchers caution that the results do not prove that caffeine directly prevents cognitive decline.

Key Findings from Long-Term Studies

The study drew on data from two major US cohorts: the Nurses’ Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Together, they tracked 131,821 men and women for as long as 43 years, repeatedly assessing dietary habits, dementia diagnoses, cognitive decline and objective brain function test scores.

Participants who consumed the highest amounts of caffeinated coffee showed an 18 percent lower risk of dementia compared with those who drank little or none. Similar results were observed among tea drinkers. The apparent benefit plateaued at moderate levels, with no additional reduction in risk beyond two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea daily. Notably, no significant association was found between decaffeinated coffee and dementia risk.

Possible Biological Explanations

Coffee and tea contain caffeine and polyphenols, compounds believed to support vascular health and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when unstable molecules known as free radicals damage cells and tissues, potentially contributing to brain ageing.

Caffeine has also been linked to improved metabolic health and lower rates of type 2 diabetes, itself a known risk factor for dementia. Researchers suggest these combined effects may contribute to the observed associations between moderate caffeine intake and cognitive outcomes.

Limits of Observational Evidence

Despite the encouraging data, the researchers stress that the study cannot establish causality. Individuals who consume caffeinated beverages may differ in other lifestyle factors that influence brain health. For example, people who avoid caffeine might do so because of sleep problems, which are independently linked to cognitive decline.

Randomized controlled trials lasting decades would provide stronger evidence but are largely impractical. Future research may instead focus on detecting biological changes associated with caffeine consumption through imaging or biomarkers.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

Experts note that caffeine has complex effects. While antioxidants and mild stimulation may enhance alertness and support learning or exercise, caffeine can also raise blood pressure in some individuals, and hypertension is a major contributor to dementia risk. The overall impact likely varies between individuals.

Researchers estimate that up to half of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing established risk factors such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, hearing loss and high blood pressure.

Conclusion

Moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee or tea appears to be associated with a reduced risk of dementia and modestly better cognitive performance over time. However, these findings should be viewed as part of a broader picture of brain health. A balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and control of cardiovascular risk factors remain the most reliable strategies for supporting long-term cognitive function.

Novo Nordisk sues Hims over Wegovy copycat drugs

Novo Nordisk has filed a lawsuit against online telehealth provider Hims & Hers, accusing the company of illegally marketing unapproved and cheaper copies of its Wegovy obesity treatments in the United States. The legal action highlights growing tensions in the fast-expanding weight loss drug market, where branded pharmaceutical companies are clashing with telehealth platforms and compounding providers.

Allegations and legal action

The Danish drugmaker is asking a U.S. court to permanently ban Hims from selling compounded versions of its drugs that allegedly infringe on Novo Nordisk’s patents. The company is also seeking damages, arguing that mass-produced compounded drugs violate patent protections and regulatory standards.

Novo Nordisk’s legal counsel stated that the compounded products are untested and pose potential risks to patients, as their safety, efficacy, and quality are not verified by U.S. regulators. According to the company, the justification for compounding no longer applies now that Wegovy and related products are no longer in shortage.

Hims’ response and market impact

Hims & Hers rejected the lawsuit, calling it an attempt by a major pharmaceutical company to limit consumer choice. The telehealth firm said it provides personalized healthcare and that compounded medications play a crucial role in access and affordability for many patients.

The dispute has had an immediate market impact. Novo Nordisk’s shares rose more than 3% following the announcement, while Hims’ stock fell sharply. Over the weekend, Hims said it would stop offering its copycat obesity pill after facing increased scrutiny from regulators and legal pressure.

Regulatory scrutiny and FDA involvement

The lawsuit comes amid growing attention from U.S. regulators. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced plans to take legal action against Hims related to its compounded obesity pill, including restricting access to key ingredients and referring the matter to the Department of Justice.

Compounded drugs are typically allowed on a case-by-case basis when medically necessary, such as when patients cannot tolerate approved formulations. Novo Nordisk argues that producing large quantities of dosage variations does not meet that standard and constitutes unlawful mass compounding.

Broader competition in the obesity drug market

The case reflects intensifying competition in the obesity and diabetes treatment space. As demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to surge, pharmaceutical companies are working to protect market share against both branded rivals and compounded alternatives. Novo Nordisk estimates that more than one million Americans are currently using compounded GLP-1 drugs, even as branded supplies stabilize.

Conclusion

Novo Nordisk’s lawsuit against Hims & Hers underscores the legal and regulatory battles emerging around obesity treatments. As shortages ease and demand remains high, the outcome of this case could shape how compounded drugs are regulated and how telehealth platforms operate within the pharmaceutical marketplace.

Air Canada halts Cuba flights amid fuel shortage

Air Canada has suspended its flights to Cuba following a severe shortage of aviation fuel on the island, highlighting the growing impact of Cuba’s broader energy crisis on international travel. The suspension affects multiple routes from Canada and comes as fuel supplies linked to Venezuela have been disrupted, worsening economic and infrastructure challenges in Cuba.

Suspension of Air Canada services

The suspension took effect on Monday, with Air Canada confirming that it will first focus on repatriating approximately 3,000 passengers currently in Cuba. According to the airline, aviation fuel will not be commercially available at Cuban airports starting Tuesday and is unlikely to resume before at least March 11, based on a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM).

Air Canada typically operates around 16 weekly flights to four Cuban destinations from Toronto and Montreal. All of these services will remain on hold during the fuel shortage. The airline stated it will continue to monitor the situation before deciding when to restart operations.

Fuel dependency and geopolitical pressures

Cuba relies heavily on Venezuela for its jet fuel supply. However, deliveries have been limited since mid-December, after the United States blocked Venezuelan exports. The confiscation of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers by the Trump administration has further intensified Cuba’s fuel shortages, contributing to rolling blackouts and widespread disruptions.

President Donald Trump has also warned of potential tariffs against countries that supply oil to Cuba, stating that such measures could target any nation that directly or indirectly provides fuel to the island. These actions have added pressure to Cuba’s already fragile energy system.

Other airlines and official response

Other Canadian carriers, including WestJet and Air Transat, have not yet suspended flights to Cuba. Their continued operations suggest that the situation remains fluid and could evolve depending on fuel availability and political developments.

Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, recently stated that the country has the sovereign right to import fuel from any willing exporter without external interference, criticizing unilateral U.S. measures affecting energy supplies.

Conclusion

Air Canada’s decision to suspend flights underscores how Cuba’s fuel and electricity crisis is spilling into international air travel. While temporary in nature, the disruption reflects deeper geopolitical and economic challenges that could continue to affect tourism, transportation, and daily life on the island in the months ahead.

Measles exposure feared at National March for Life in D.C.

Health officials trace confirmed cases to major January events

Health authorities in Washington, D.C. are warning that confirmed cases of measles may have spread during this year’s National March for Life rally and associated concert, which drew thousands of participants to the nation’s capital in late January.

The DC Department of Health said it was notified of multiple confirmed measles cases involving individuals who were contagious while visiting several locations across the District. Officials are now working to identify and notify people who may have been exposed.

Potential exposure across transit hubs and public venues

According to DC Health, possible exposure sites between January 21 and February 2 include major transportation hubs such as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Union Station, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train, and multiple stations within the Washington Metro system.

Infected individuals also reportedly visited the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and Catholic University. Children’s National Hospital issued a public notice after a confirmed measles case from Virginia visited its emergency department while contagious on February 2.

Largest U.S. measles outbreak in decades

The warnings come amid the largest measles outbreak in the United States in decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 733 confirmed cases across 20 states so far this year. According to the agency, 95% of cases involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

South Carolina remains a major hotspot. Since October 2025, the state has reported 920 confirmed cases, with the outbreak centered in Spartanburg. Health officials there continue to warn of potential exposures in public locations, including retail stores and government offices.

Vaccination urged as global scrutiny grows

Federal health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. Speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz emphasized that measles immunization guidance has not changed, despite recent rollbacks in recommendations for other vaccines.

International health authorities are also monitoring the situation closely. The World Health Organization’s Pan American Health Organization has invited the United States to an April review of its measles elimination status, warning the country could lose its designation as having eradicated the disease.

DC Health advises anyone who may have been exposed and is not fully vaccinated, or who has a weakened immune system, to contact their health care provider or the health department immediately.

YouTube Music rolls out Premium paywall for lyrics

Lyrics now locked behind paid subscriptions

YouTube Music has begun a wide rollout of a Premium paywall for song lyrics, following several months of testing. Users now need either a YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium subscription to view full lyrics within the app.

When the change is active on an account, the lyrics tab in the Now Playing screen displays a notice stating how many free views remain, along with a prompt to “Unlock lyrics with Premium.” Once the free limit is reached, only the first few lines of lyrics are visible, while the rest are blurred and cannot be scrolled.

Five free lyric views before lockout

Under the new system, users are allowed up to five free lyric views before the paywall takes effect. After that point, full lyrics become inaccessible without a paid subscription, marking a significant shift from YouTube Music’s previous approach, where lyrics were freely available.

The rollout appears to be global, suggesting that Google is moving ahead decisively with monetizing a feature that many users consider essential.

Pricing and subscription options

In the United States, YouTube Music Premium costs $10.99 per month and includes ad-free listening, background playback, offline downloads, and AI-powered features such as Ask Music. The broader YouTube Premium subscription costs $13.99 per month and extends those benefits to the main YouTube app.

Part of a broader monetization push

The lyrics paywall aligns with Google’s broader strategy to grow subscription revenue. Earlier this week, the company reported more than 325 million paid subscriptions across its consumer services, driven largely by strong adoption of Google One and YouTube Premium.

In 2025, YouTube generated more than $60 billion in revenue from advertising and subscriptions combined, highlighting the platform’s increasing reliance on paid features to sustain growth.

Eli Lilly to acquire Orna Therapeutics in $2.4B deal

In vivo CAR-T and circular RNA at the core of the agreement

Eli Lilly and Company has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Orna Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on engineering immune cells directly inside the human body. The transaction could be worth up to $2.4 billion in cash, including an upfront payment and additional milestone-based payments tied to clinical development progress.

The acquisition reflects Lilly’s strategic push into next-generation genetic medicines and cell therapies, particularly for patients with autoimmune diseases who currently have limited treatment options.

Orna’s circular RNA platform explained

Orna Therapeutics is developing a new class of therapeutics based on fully engineered circular RNA combined with proprietary lipid nanoparticle delivery systems. Unlike traditional messenger RNA approaches, circular RNA is designed to produce more durable and sustained protein expression within the body.

This technology enables the body itself to generate therapeutic cell responses, potentially eliminating the need for complex and costly ex vivo cell manufacturing. Preclinical and early experimental data suggest this approach could unlock treatments that are not feasible with current RNA or cell therapy platforms.

Focus on autoimmune diseases with in vivo CAR-T

Orna’s lead program, ORN-252, is a clinical trial-ready CD19-targeting in vivo CAR-T therapy designed to treat B cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Early autologous CAR-T studies have already demonstrated the promise of cell therapy in autoimmune conditions, but widespread adoption has been limited by logistical and financial barriers.

By enabling CAR-T generation directly inside the patient, Orna’s platform aims to dramatically simplify delivery while expanding access to a broader patient population.

Strategic rationale for Lilly

Lilly views the acquisition as an opportunity to potentially establish an entirely new class of genetic medicines. According to company leadership, integrating Orna’s circular RNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies could accelerate the development of scalable, patient-centric therapies across immunology and beyond.

Following the close of the transaction, Lilly will determine the accounting treatment under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and the deal will be reflected in its financial results and guidance.

Transaction details and outlook

Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to Lilly, while Lazard is acting as financial advisor to Orna Therapeutics. Goodwin Procter LLP is providing legal counsel to Orna.

While the companies expressed optimism about the potential of the combined technologies, the transaction remains subject to the inherent risks of drug research, development, and commercialization, with no guarantee of future commercial success.

Brain training game linked to lower dementia risk

Long-term study shows lasting protective effects

A large, long-term study has found that playing a specific type of brain training video game may help protect against dementia for decades. Researchers say the findings provide the strongest evidence so far that targeted cognitive training can create durable changes in the brain and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The research, published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, followed participants from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) trial for up to 20 years. Participants who completed up to 23 hours of a cognitive exercise known as speed training over a three-year period had a 25% lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who received no training.

Details of the ACTIVE trial

The ACTIVE study is a large randomized controlled trial funded by the National Institutes of Health that enrolled nearly 3,000 adults aged 65 and older who had no significant cognitive impairment at the start. Participants were drawn from six geographic regions, with women making up the majority and roughly a quarter of the group representing minority populations.

Study volunteers were assigned to one of three cognitive training programs, speed training, memory training, or reasoning training, or to a control group that received no training. Initial training consisted of up to 10 sessions over five weeks, with about half of participants in each group later receiving booster sessions over three years.

Only those who completed speed training with booster sessions showed a significant reduction in dementia risk. Memory and reasoning training did not demonstrate a protective effect.

Why speed training may work

Speed training focuses on improving how quickly and accurately the brain processes visual information. Participants were asked to rapidly identify objects on a screen and make decisions, a process similar to the visual demands of driving. Researchers believe this type of training relies on implicit learning, which builds unconscious skills and habits and may lead to long-lasting neural changes.

Experts say this form of training may enhance neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, the brain’s ability to resist damage from aging or disease. Unlike other training types, speed training is adaptive, meaning the difficulty increases as performance improves, which may further strengthen its impact.

Implications for brain health

The speed training used in the study is now available through the BrainHQ platform as an exercise called “Double Decision.” Researchers currently recommend it primarily for adults over 65, though it is possible that starting earlier in life could also provide benefits. More research is needed to determine its effectiveness in younger age groups.

While the findings are encouraging, experts stress that dementia prevention requires a multifaceted approach. Lifestyle factors such as regular exercise, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, addressing hearing and vision loss, staying mentally and socially engaged, and keeping up with vaccinations may all contribute to long-term brain health.