Author: TECH

Orange Romania and deeptech startup .lumen have signed a strategic partnership aimed at improving independent mobility for people with visual impairments. Under the agreement, the partners will provide an integrated mobility package that combines the .lumen assistive device with a smartphone and access to voice and mobile internet services. The solution is intended to support blind users in navigating public spaces independently and more safely, Orange Romania said. The .lumen device is designed to replicate some of the functions of a guide dog by using video cameras, artificial intelligence, and navigation algorithms to analyse the surrounding environment in real time…

The U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) is coming to the end of its benefits-distribution schedule for January – a month in which many recipients have faced a lengthy wait to get their first payment of 2026.Of the just over 70.5 million Americans who claim one of the SSA’s retirement, disability or survivor benefits, only one group of recipients is still to receive its January money.Who is Social Security yet to pay for January 2026?Most beneficiaries of retirement, disability or survivor benefits are paid on one of three Wednesdays: the second, third or fourth in each month. A beneficiary’s chosen Wednesday…

Sam Badmaeva via Unsplash In a medical story that has to be seen to be believed, a Chinese woman whose ear was torn off in an industrial accident had it grafted onto her foot as a way of keeping it viable for later transfer back to her head. And that’s exactly what happened, 5 months after doctors at a Shandong hospital determined that blood vessels and nerves at the sight of the injury were too damaged for immediate reattachment. 自身の耳を足に移植して保存し、再び耳に戻す手術に成功（中国）https://t.co/HYYeUhj1Dc中国で頭に大ケガを負った女性が、自身の耳を足に移植して保存するという手術を受けた。血流を確保し、5か月間足の甲で生かされ続けていた耳は、頭部の傷が癒えた時点で… pic.twitter.com/n5fRcNOoLF— カラパイア (@karapaia) December 23, 2025 In a process called “heterotopic survival,” which involves grafting severed body parts onto different…

The Social Security Administration is making “significant progress” towards a “digital-first” platform that will serve its beneficiaries.Social Security Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano briefed the Social Security Advisory Board on Jan. 7, 2026, highlighting significant customer service improvements over the past year.Those improvements include 65% more calls answered in fiscal year 2025 compared to 2024, a 33% reduction in backlog of disability claims and the completion of $17 billion in Social Security Fairness Act payments five months ahead of schedule, according to the agency.“The American people are experiencing a Social Security Administration that has been transformed through digital innovation and strategic…

When considering overall health, hearing often takes a back seat compared to other senses. Yet, our ears are vital instruments that contribute to communication and quality of life. One aspect of ear health that often goes overlooked is the simple yet crucial practice of ear care. With growing awareness around hearing health, gentle ear care procedures have emerged as a focus for maintaining long-term auditory well-being. Understanding Ear Health The human ear is an intricate system designed to capture sound and maintain balance. When cared for properly, it serves us well throughout our lives. Neglect, on the other hand, can…

A strong habit foundation is built on daily habits that support health, wealth, and security. Simplicity in what you eat, how you manage money, and the steps you take to keep your family safe and create lasting resilience.By practising consistent habits, you can strengthen energy, financial stability, and peace of mind, building a home where everyone can thrive and adapt with confidence.Practical Habits That Build Health, Wealth, and SecurityFocusing on health, wealth, and security helps you build lasting habits. Each area adds a layer of strength to your home. By practising daily routines and setting up safety nets, such as…

Morning all! Irien Joseph here with Friday’s Europe Wire, coming to you from the London newsroom.We lead today with mental and behavioral health, a sector described by Cooper Parry’s Andy Parker as having “long-term” growth rates. Government-led awareness programs, wider adoption of telemedicine and the expansion of digital health tools are all supporting that growth and private equity is leaning in. PE Hub’s Sophie Rose has compiled a listicle highlighting six deals in the sector in the last four months.Next, we dive into what’s getting deals done right now, and what’s hindering them. We have comments from Aon’s Andrea Foti on…

116 years ago today, the great jazz guitarist and composer Django Reinhardt was born. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, the Belgian-born Romani-French musician is known for playing with only two fingers. Reinhardt spent his youth in Romani encampments near Paris, where he played violin, banjo, and guitar. When he was 18 he was terribly burned in an accident that hospitalized him for 18 months and badly damaged the ring and pinky fingers of his left hand. Doctors believed he would never play guitar well again, but he regained his musical mastery by developing…

Persistent mental healthcare access disparities among minoritized youth populations signal gaps separating evidence-based interventions from on-the-ground services needed by historically underserved communities. A number of barriers impact access to services including but not limited to financial/insurance limitations, lack of culturally and linguistically responsive providers, scheduling and transportation difficulties, stigma, and mental health knowledge. Access disparities have a negative impact on minoritized youth life trajectories as untreated mental health problems are related to a higher risk of several adverse outcomes including academic difficulties, juvenile delinquency, family conflict, and/or adult physical health concerns. While substantial research has been conducted to examine barriers…

When planning for retirement, Social Security isn’t just another item on your financial checklist. For women, especially, it’s often the cornerstone of a secure retirement. Edward Jones financial advisor Charlie Holt was in our studio Thursday to speak on the topic. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.