At-home STD tests offer new options for screening and treatment

WASHINGTON (AP) – New options for testing and treating some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases are becoming available, a trend that experts hope will keep downward pressure on U.S. infection rates.

Gmail adds new AI features, turning it into a personal assistant

More artificial intelligence is being implanted into Gmail as Google tries to turn the world’s most popular email service into a personal assistant that can improve writing, summarize far-flung information buried in inboxes and deliver daily to-do lists.

Mattel adds an autistic Barbie devoted to showcasing diversity and inclusion

NEW YORK (AP) – Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with Down syndrome, a blind Barbie, a Barbie and a Ken with vitiligo, and other models the toymaker added to make its fashion dolls more inclusive.

Buddhist Monks Captivate Americans While Walking For Peace

A group of Buddhist monks and their rescue dog are striding single file down country roads and highways across the South, captivating Americans nationwide and inspiring droves of locals to greet them along their route. In their flowing saffron and ocher robes, the men are walking for peace. It’s a meditative tradition more common in South Asian countries.

Strength training is crucial after menopause

When Sarah Baldassaro turned 50, she took stock of her health and began working with a fitness coach on strength training, a type of exercise that’s crucial for women in midlife.

Mobility exercises are an important part of fitness as we age

As they age, it’s not uncommon for many people to let out a muted groan when getting out of bed in the morning.

Malaysia, Indonesia become first to block Musk's Grok over AI deepfakes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) – Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images.

Google teams up with Walmart to enable shopping within Gemini AI chatbot

NEW YORK (AP) – Google said Sunday that it is expanding the shopping features in its AI chatbot by teaming up with Walmart, Shopify, Wayfair and other big retailers to turn the Gemini app into a virtual merchant as well as an assistant.

In a Frozen Chinese City, an Annual Ode to Ice Rises

HARBIN, China (AP) – Each January, an odd and beautiful thing happens in the frigid northeastern Chinese city of Harbin.