Profolus
@profolus.com
Explainers on business and markets, science and tech, health and medicine, and society and culture. www.profolus.com
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Profolus
@profolus.com
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Donald Trump is One of the Most-Hated U.S. Presidents at the First-Year Mark - Profolus
Donald Trump risks ending the first year of his second term as the most unpopular president in American history.
www.profolus.com
The approval rating of Donald Trump during his first 100 days is historically unprecedented. Even previous U.S. presidents burdened with controversies, including Richard Nixon and Harry Truman, began their terms with stronger levels of national support.
CONSUMER GUIDE: Despite its novelty, in addition to its notable advantages with strong use cases, electrophoretic displays like E-Ink panels used in Amazon Kindle and Kobo devices have several disadvantages that limit its wider applications in consumer electronic devices.
Electrophoretic Display: Advantages and Disadvantages - Profolus
Electrophoretic display or electronic ink is an example of electronic paper technology. This technology has advantages and disadvantages.
www.profolus.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
CONSUMER GUIDE: Despite its novelty, in addition to its notable advantages with strong use cases, electrophoretic displays like E-Ink panels used in Amazon Kindle and Kobo devices have several disadvantages that limit its wider applications in consumer electronic devices.
KONSYSE: Spotify confirmed this week that the recruitment advertisements for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are no longer running on the platform.
Spotify Stopped Running ICE Recruitment Ads in December 2025 — Konsyse
The polarizing partnership of Spotify with the Department of Homeland Security has come to an end.
www.konsyse.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:30 AM
KONSYSE: Spotify confirmed this week that the recruitment advertisements for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement are no longer running on the platform.
Can artificial minds decay like human ones? A new study shows that low-quality data from social media can cause measurable “brain rot” in large language models.
AI Based on LLMs Can Get Brain Rot From Social Media - Profolus
Findings from an experiment revealed that large language models can suffer “brain rot” when trained on viral online junk data.
www.profolus.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Can artificial minds decay like human ones? A new study shows that low-quality data from social media can cause measurable “brain rot” in large language models.
KONSYSE: As protests peaked on 8 January 2026, and following the call of exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations, the Iranian government deployed a "digital iron curtain" to isolate the population.
Iran Authorities Cut Internet and Phone Access Amidst Nationwide Protests — Konsyse
The Iranian government implemented a severe crackdown on communications to stifle the organization of ongoing protests.
www.konsyse.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:30 AM
KONSYSE: As protests peaked on 8 January 2026, and following the call of exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations, the Iranian government deployed a "digital iron curtain" to isolate the population.
The next leap in AI comes with a massive resource bill. Cornell scientists mapped the U.S. energy and water footprint of AI data centers and found a future defined by heavy carbon, stressed water systems, and uneven regional impacts.
AI Data Centers May Strain U.S. Energy and Water By 2030 - Profolus
The applications of AI are expanding. But the data centers powering it demand enormous amounts critical resources.
www.profolus.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM
The next leap in AI comes with a massive resource bill. Cornell scientists mapped the U.S. energy and water footprint of AI data centers and found a future defined by heavy carbon, stressed water systems, and uneven regional impacts.
US jobs data show that the layoff trend across the United States for 2025 was the highest since the pandemic and the fifth-highest total workforce reduction since 1993 outside of major economic recession years.
2025 United States Layoffs: One of the Highest in Recent History - Profolus
Employers in the United States have announced a total of 1.170 million job cuts since January 2025.
www.profolus.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:00 AM
US jobs data show that the layoff trend across the United States for 2025 was the highest since the pandemic and the fifth-highest total workforce reduction since 1993 outside of major economic recession years.
The JY-27 and JYL-1 radars from China, marketed as stealth hunters, were unable to detect 5th-gen U.S. aircraft. The Russian S-300VM, dubbed as the crown jewel of Venezuelan defense, was a mere expensive paperweight.
READ MORE: www.profolus.com/topics/chine...
READ MORE: www.profolus.com/topics/chine...
January 10, 2026 at 2:38 AM
The JY-27 and JYL-1 radars from China, marketed as stealth hunters, were unable to detect 5th-gen U.S. aircraft. The Russian S-300VM, dubbed as the crown jewel of Venezuelan defense, was a mere expensive paperweight.
READ MORE: www.profolus.com/topics/chine...
READ MORE: www.profolus.com/topics/chine...
CONSUMER GUIDE: Despite its novelty, in addition to its notable advantages with strong use cases, electrophoretic displays like E-Ink panels used in Amazon Kindle and Kobo devices have several disadvantages that limit its wider applications in consumer electronic devices.
Electrophoretic Display: Advantages and Disadvantages - Profolus
Electrophoretic display or electronic ink is an example of electronic paper technology. This technology has advantages and disadvantages.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
CONSUMER GUIDE: Despite its novelty, in addition to its notable advantages with strong use cases, electrophoretic displays like E-Ink panels used in Amazon Kindle and Kobo devices have several disadvantages that limit its wider applications in consumer electronic devices.
KONSYSE: Spotify has officially stopped running ICE recruitment ads. The streaming giant noted that the controversial contract, which sparked several high-profile artist exits, reached its scheduled end on 31 December 2025.
Spotify Stopped Running ICE Recruitment Ads in December 2025 — Konsyse
The polarizing partnership of Spotify with the Department of Homeland Security has come to an end.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
KONSYSE: Spotify has officially stopped running ICE recruitment ads. The streaming giant noted that the controversial contract, which sparked several high-profile artist exits, reached its scheduled end on 31 December 2025.
Researchers find that large language models degrade when fed low-quality text from viral social media content. This suggests that AI systems based on LLMs need clean data diets to stay sharp.
AI Based on LLMs Can Get Brain Rot From Social Media - Profolus
Findings from an experiment revealed that large language models can suffer “brain rot” when trained on viral online junk data.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Researchers find that large language models degrade when fed low-quality text from viral social media content. This suggests that AI systems based on LLMs need clean data diets to stay sharp.
KONSYSE: Iran is plunged into a nationwide communication blackout on the evening of 8 January 2026 as mass anti-government protests spread across the country. The national demonstrations ensued after exiled prince Reza Pahlavi called for the protests to continue.
Iran Authorities Cut Internet and Phone Access Amidst Nationwide Protests — Konsyse
The Iranian government implemented a severe crackdown on communications to stifle the organization of ongoing protests.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
KONSYSE: Iran is plunged into a nationwide communication blackout on the evening of 8 January 2026 as mass anti-government protests spread across the country. The national demonstrations ensued after exiled prince Reza Pahlavi called for the protests to continue.
The choice made today about where and how AI data centers are built will determine whether the technology becomes a sustainable milestone or a major strain on U.S. energy and water systems by 2030.
AI Data Centers May Strain U.S. Energy and Water By 2030 - Profolus
The applications of AI are expanding. But the data centers powering it demand enormous amounts critical resources.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:01 PM
The choice made today about where and how AI data centers are built will determine whether the technology becomes a sustainable milestone or a major strain on U.S. energy and water systems by 2030.
KONSYSE: An Oxford study reveals that the benefits of GLP-1 weight-loss injections may be fleeting. Findings show that individuals who stop the medication typically regain all lost weight in less than two years.
Those Who Took Ozempic and Similar GLP-1 Jabs Gained Weight in Under 2 Years — Konsyse
The benefits of GLP-1 weight-loss injections may be fleeting.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
KONSYSE: An Oxford study reveals that the benefits of GLP-1 weight-loss injections may be fleeting. Findings show that individuals who stop the medication typically regain all lost weight in less than two years.
American workers faced a turbulent labor market as layoffs reach their highest total since the pandemic in 2025. Government roles absorb historic cuts while several companies are correcting their pandemic-era hiring decisions.
2025 United States Layoffs: One of the Highest in Recent History - Profolus
Employers in the United States have announced a total of 1.170 million job cuts since January 2025.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM
American workers faced a turbulent labor market as layoffs reach their highest total since the pandemic in 2025. Government roles absorb historic cuts while several companies are correcting their pandemic-era hiring decisions.
Intended to safeguard youth, age verification laws in states have instead fueled workarounds, privacy hazards, and uneven access to lawful digital content. Researchers suggest that the laws impose heavy costs with limited benefits.
Why Age Verification Laws for Adult Sites May Fail U.S. Constitutional Tests - Profolus
Analyses reveal that age-check mandates may undermine their own goals and create imbalance between burdens and benefits.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM
Intended to safeguard youth, age verification laws in states have instead fueled workarounds, privacy hazards, and uneven access to lawful digital content. Researchers suggest that the laws impose heavy costs with limited benefits.
KONSYSE: It is true that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic offer rapid results. But the rate of weight regain after stopping is nearly 4 times faster than that seen after traditional diet and exercise programs.
Those Who Took Ozempic and Similar GLP-1 Jabs Gained Weight in Under 2 Years — Konsyse
The benefits of GLP-1 weight-loss injections may be fleeting.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 7:00 AM
KONSYSE: It is true that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic offer rapid results. But the rate of weight regain after stopping is nearly 4 times faster than that seen after traditional diet and exercise programs.
CONSUMER GUIDE: The main difference between DDR4 and DDR5 SDRAM is straightforward. The latter is the faster and better SDRAM technology that makes it ideal for modern computing. But the former is relatively more affordable and available.
DDR4 vs DDR5 SDRAM: What is the Difference? - Profolus
A thorough comparison of DDR4 and DDR5 SDRAM technologies is essential for consumers mindful of their budgets and use-case situations.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:30 AM
CONSUMER GUIDE: The main difference between DDR4 and DDR5 SDRAM is straightforward. The latter is the faster and better SDRAM technology that makes it ideal for modern computing. But the former is relatively more affordable and available.
KONSYSE: Despite the use of U.S. military force in Venezuela and the removal of a head of state, the resolution committee of Polymarket ruled that the criteria for the USD 10.5 million betting market had not been met.
Wager Platform Polymarket Refuses to Pay Venezuela Invasion Bets — Konsyse
The platform argued the U.S. operation in Venezuela was a limited law-enforcement action and not an invasion.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM
KONSYSE: Despite the use of U.S. military force in Venezuela and the removal of a head of state, the resolution committee of Polymarket ruled that the criteria for the USD 10.5 million betting market had not been met.
When Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, went dark, the outcome was already decided, as a meticulously rehearsed U.S. operation unfolded with surgical speed and overwhelming coordination.
Absolute Resolve: How the U.S. Planned and Executed the Maduro Capture - Profolus
A meticulously rehearsed U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro unfolded with surgical speed and overwhelming coordination.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:30 AM
When Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela, went dark, the outcome was already decided, as a meticulously rehearsed U.S. operation unfolded with surgical speed and overwhelming coordination.
KONSYSE: As protests peaked on 8 January 2026, and following the call of exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations, the Iranian government deployed a "digital iron curtain" to isolate the population.
Iran Authorities Cut Internet and Phone Access Amidst Nationwide Protests — Konsyse
The Iranian government implemented a severe crackdown on communications to stifle the organization of ongoing protests.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:15 AM
KONSYSE: As protests peaked on 8 January 2026, and following the call of exiled prince Reza Pahlavi for mass demonstrations, the Iranian government deployed a "digital iron curtain" to isolate the population.
KONSYSE: In a daring maritime operation on 7 January 2026, personnel from the U.S. Navy SEALs and Coast Guard from the USCGC Munro successfully boarded the Marinera in the frigid waters between Iceland and Scotland.
U.S. Captured Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker in the Atlantic — Konsyse
The capture of the Marinera was the climax of a grueling two-week pursuit that spanned the Atlantic Ocean.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 5:00 AM
KONSYSE: In a daring maritime operation on 7 January 2026, personnel from the U.S. Navy SEALs and Coast Guard from the USCGC Munro successfully boarded the Marinera in the frigid waters between Iceland and Scotland.
Using WeChat in policing underscores a growing alignment between commercial tech platforms and governmental goals. This raises questions about data exposure, public accountability, and the future of digital governance in China.
WeChat Has Become a Policing and Surveillance Tool in China - Profolus
WeChat now operates as a central gateway for modern law enforcement and public security in China.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:30 AM
Using WeChat in policing underscores a growing alignment between commercial tech platforms and governmental goals. This raises questions about data exposure, public accountability, and the future of digital governance in China.
KONSYSE: Trump has announced a federal ban on large institutional investors buying single-family homes. The move is designed to stop Wall Street from outbidding families and to protect the American Dream of homeownership.
Trump Moves to Ban Mega Investors from Buying Single-Family Homes — Konsyse
U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to bar large-scale institutional investors from the single-family housing market.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:00 AM
KONSYSE: Trump has announced a federal ban on large institutional investors buying single-family homes. The move is designed to stop Wall Street from outbidding families and to protect the American Dream of homeownership.
The surprise strike by the United States government at the capital of Venezuela on 3 January 2026 served as a brutal real-world test for Chinese and Russian military hardware and defense technologies.
Chinese and Russian Tech Failed the Air Defense System of Venezuela - Profolus
The air defense system of Venezuela failed to fire a single shot nor detect and intercept assaulting aircraft during the January 3 U.S. strike.
www.profolus.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:30 AM
The surprise strike by the United States government at the capital of Venezuela on 3 January 2026 served as a brutal real-world test for Chinese and Russian military hardware and defense technologies.
KONSYSE: In 2025, the U.S. retail industry faced a flood of closures, with over 8100 stores shutting down—a 12 percent increase from the previous year.
Retail Apocalypse: These U.S. Retailers Closed Their Doors For Good in 2025 — Konsyse
2025 was a brutal year for brick-and-mortar retail in the United States.
www.konsyse.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:00 AM
KONSYSE: In 2025, the U.S. retail industry faced a flood of closures, with over 8100 stores shutting down—a 12 percent increase from the previous year.