Tech and Science Daily | The Standard

Water companies are being urged to clean up potentially harmful ‘forever chemicals’ in drinking water.High levels of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been discovered in UK water sources and while industry body Water UK says it’s still safe to drink - they are calling for a ban on the chemicals to avoid future problems.Also in this episode, The Bionic Awards are coming to London. Entries are now open for the inaugural event to be held in Shoreditch next year. We speak to founder of the awards and London Standard tech editor Alex Pell along with AI filmmaker Diane Laidlow of Afro Futcha, about the importance of recognising AI creativity.Plus…A new £1.9million study will look at whether AI can help doctors make better decisions around how to treat prostate cancerNew research shows skipping breakfast might leave you feeling hungry but won’t impact your thinking skillsThe Microsoft glitch that’s waited 10 years for a fixA new sustainable tub for Cadbury’s Heroes and a change to the chocolate line-up

Behavioural scientist Coltan Scrivner, from the Recreational Fear Lab, explains the science behind our fascination with fear.In this episode:What is morbid curiosity?How our bodies react to horrorWhy are we drawn to shows like Terrifier 2 and Netflix’s Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer StoryDo we lack empathy if we like scary films?Recurring themes in horror movies and why they’re usedThe morbid films a behavioural scientist watches…Can horror have a bad impact on our mental health, or is it beneficial?For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk

U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to restart nuclear weapons testing for the first time since 1992, citing the need to stay on an “equal basis” with Russia and China.Virgin is to take on the Channel Tunnel, challenging thirty years of Eurostar dominance.Ahead of the release of Small Achievable Goals on ITVX on November 1st, we join Canadian actress and writer, Meredith MacNeill, who stars as Kris in the show. Meredith talks about bringing menopause to the screen with humour and honesty.The Government confirms £55bn boost for science and tech research and development.Also in this episode:MAX conference: Adobe unveils a series of new AI-powered toolsMediterranean diet can help tackle IBS symptoms, trial findsAstronomers have made an unexpected discovery at the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS — one of only three ever observedDictionary.com has chosen “6‑7” as its 2025 Word of the Year 

Nvidia is poised to reach a $5 trillion dollar market value after its shares jumped 5% following a string of announcements at its annual GPU Technology Conference.Hurricane Melissa has hit Cuba after ferocious winds caused power outages and catastrophic damage across Jamaica.And why looking at art in galleries can provide immediate stress relief, with Dr Tony Woods from King's College London.Also in this episode:OpenAI completes shift to becoming for-profitMorning-after pill is now available for free in pharmacies across EnglandScientists conclude how corals rebuild themselves on the reefThree big cats have specialist CT scans to solve medical mystery

All main global operations are understood to be impacted, with the UK among those to see office roles axed.Storm hunters fly into Hurricane Melissa as Jamaica braces for 'storm of the century'.To hear our chat with Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman, click here. From December, Meta, TikTok, and Snapchat will start blocking users under the age of 16 in Australia.And, why the British Library's 'Secret Maps' exhibition is so significant now, with Nick Dykes, Curator of Modern Map Collections. Plus, why Taylor Swift may even draw a crowd.Also in this episode:Turkey hit by a magnitude 6.1 earthquakeSuffolk on alert following a new bird flu outbreakCRISPR-engineered pig kidney keeps man alive for nine months

Hurricane Melissa is now Category 5, meaning it is the strongest storm to hit Jamaica since 1988.As of 5 a.m. EDT on Monday, maximum sustained winds of 160 mph were recorded.How destructive is Storm Melissa going to be? How much rainfall is expected to hit Jamaica, and has climate change played a role in its intensity?We speak to Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman, from the Met Office.Also in this episode:Is the US finally closer to a TikTok deal?Rapid blood test for children ‘could spot sepsis and save lives’Microsoft reveals its latest AI-powered tools to search the webWhy “hangxiety” is very much real, according to science

From 2am on October 26th, the clock change will mark the end of British Summer Time (BST) and the start of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).But when did the tradition begin? To find out more, we speak to the Curator of Time at Royal Museums Greenwich, Dr Emily Akkermans.Sir Keir Starmer has said digital IDs will “cut the faff”, in a bid to reverse scepticism for the scheme.To learn more about the government's proposed digital ID's, listen here.Plus, a biology teacher has become the first patient in the UK to receive a “gamechanger” therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS).Also in this episode:-OpenAI will be able to store data on British soil for the first time under a new Government deal-For the first time, questions about menopause will be included in NHS health checks-Amazon have unveiled 'Amelia', their AI-powered AR glasses for their delivery drivers

We're joined by Swizz Beatz, a GRAMMY-winning producer who’s worked with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes.He’s also the co-founder of The Dean Collection, established with his wife, Alicia Keys.Swizz has announced a new global partnership with Qatar Airways - launching the Creative 100, a platform celebrating and connecting the world’s most visionary creatives.He also tells us about redesigning aeroplanes, why he's not afraid of artificial intelligence, and the one piece of tech he can’t live without when he's creating.

OpenAI has unveiled its new AI-powered web browser, ChatGPT Atlas, now available for Mac users and coming soon to Windows, iOS and Android.The browser lets you chat with ChatGPT while you surf the web, summarise pages, and even perform actions like booking flights — all designed to make browsing more interactive and personalised.Eurostar unveils its first-ever double-decker electric trains, set to run between London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam by 2031.Plus, a tiny eye implant helps people with advanced macular degeneration regain sight in a world-first trial.We speak to the trial’s lead investigator Mr Mahi Muqit, a consultant vitreoretinal surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.Also in this episode:The Jaguar Land Rover cyberattack is now estimated to be the most economically damaging hack in UK historyElon Musk fires back at NASA’s chief as tensions rise in the new space raceStorm Benjamin set to batter the UK with 70mph winds and heavy rain later this weekMasked thieves pull off a daring daylight robbery at the Louvre, stealing royal jewels worth €88 millionAnd a glossy ibis is spotted in a new part of Scotland for the first time, as climate change shifts migration patterns