Visual 06: The HeLa Cell Line
For 70 years, the cells of Henrietta Lacks have been used without her consent. HeLa cells are special because they can divide indefinitely. The data visual above highlights some of the many medical breakthroughs achieved through the HeLa cell line. “The Mother of Modern Medicine,” is inspired by Kadir Nelson’s painting of the same title.
Amazon and Big Pharma Link Up to Launch AION Labs
The world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies have teamed up to back AION Labs, a biotech innovation space. Official partners include AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Merck, Teva, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the Israel Biotech Fund.
WhatsApp to Switch Off
This May, WhatsApp will introduce a new privacy policy. If a user rejects their terms of service, the company will turn off functionality. WhatsApp users will be unable to send and receive messages. Any account will be considered “inactive” if a user does not accept the company’s new terms by May 15.
Is Apple Launching a Search Engine?
Apple may be launching its own search engine. Right now, Google pays Apple $8-12 billion per year to be the default search engine on all iPhones.
GGD Top Pick: The UNDONE Space Xplorer Watch
The UNDONE Space Xplorer watch is now officially sold out. Inspired by SpaceX‘s Dragon V2, only 300 pieces were produced.
Meet Pepper
Pepper is the world’s first social humanoid robot. Developed by SoftBank Robotics, Pepper recognizes faces and has conversations with humans.
A New Coronavirus Vaccine Has Been Developed
U.S. biotech firm Moderna has developed a coronavirus vaccine known as mRNA-1273. Official testing for mRNA-1273 might began as early as April.
Apple Invents a Device That Lets You Control Objects in Virtual Reality
Apple has invented a device that lets users move objects in virtual and mixed realities. According to the application filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple calls the invention a “Computer Systems with Finger Devices.”
Food Delivery Drones Take Flight in China
Food delivery drones will start flying this summer thanks to Ele.me, an online meal company owned by Alibaba. After placing an order through its app, Ele.me will use a drone to fly the meal over to you in 20 minutes or less.
A Zero Waste NYC in 2030
Designing Waste: Strategies for a Zero Waste City, a new exhibit at the Center of Architecture in Manhattan reveals just how the city could stop exporting the garbage of its 8 million residents by the year 2030.