Researchers have created a portable device that allows estimating the moment the body begins to use fat as an energy source by analyzing the individual's breath. This device works by detecting the concentration of acetone released by the body, a marker linked to the metabolic state known as ketosis.
The study was conducted by a team supervised by Andreas Güntner and was published in the scientific journal Device last Wednesday, the 22nd. Tests were carried out with 12 participants, who were subjected to various physical activity conditions and dietary patterns. The results obtained showed a good correspondence between the equipment readings and conventional laboratory methods.
The new instrument operates by identifying the presence of acetone in the air exhaled from the lungs. This substance is generated when the organism begins to metabolize fat for energy, analogous to ketone bodies measured in blood tests. To ensure greater accuracy outside of laboratory environments, scientists implemented a system that minimizes the influence of contaminants and humidity present in the breath.
The equipment also features a complementary application that assists the user during the test. In addition to verifying that the exhalation intensity is correct, the application indicates the ideal time for collecting the air sample, allowing the device to generate results closer to those obtained in blood tests for ketosis detection.
This device, named Nutrion, shares a concept with Lumen, a previous device used to monitor metabolism. However, the fundamental distinction lies in the fact that Nutrion measures acetone in the breath, while Lumen uses carbon dioxide as an indicator. According to the researchers, frequent metabolic measurements can bring significant benefits to various areas of health, including monitoring the effectiveness of treatments with GLP-1 class medications and adjusting metabolic strategies focused on athletic performance.
At the APEC High-Level Forum on AI, representatives from political circles, international organizations, and industry experts held discussions. The main topic was how to make artificial intelligence technologies more accessible, inclusive, and beneficial for the entire population.
Forum participants questioned how artificial intelligence can expand opportunities for a larger number of people and create new possibilities for all segments of society. Experts shared their views on ways to achieve this goal.
SpaceX successfully launched its next-generation Starship rocket using the Super Heavy V3 booster. The launch took place on July 24, 2026, from the Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas.
During this 13th test flight, the Starship rocket took off from Texas and deployed the first 20 upgraded Starlink satellites into a suborbital trajectory. This is one of several testing goals, as the company aims to begin regular operation of the rocket by the end of the current year.
The approximately 122-meter high Starship system launched around 6:50 PM Eastern Time (10:50 PM GMT) from the Starbase facility. The Super Heavy first stage propelled the Starship upper stage onto a suborbital trajectory. The mission, expected to last about an hour, will conclude with Starship re-entering Earth's atmosphere and landing in the Indian Ocean.
Approximately 10 minutes into the flight, when Starship reached a speed of 26,400 kilometers per hour, the Super Heavy booster returned to Earth and landed in the Gulf of Mexico stronger than expected, according to SpaceX. Nevertheless, it ignited more engines than during the unsuccessful return in May, which occurred during the previous test flight.
Twenty minutes into the flight, Starship began deploying 20 Starlink V3 satellites, releasing them one by one using a payload deployment system resembling a 'Pez'. During the flight over the darkened Earth, at an altitude of 190 kilometers, a camera mounted on the rocket and broadcast live by SpaceX captured thunderstorms with lightning flashes.
This test flight is the thirteenth for SpaceX since 2023 and involves a new version of the rocket that is critical to the company's plans. These plans include expanding the Starlink network, landing humans on the Moon for NASA, and subsequently placing thousands of artificial intelligence satellites into orbit.
The Starlink satellites, which are the new V3 version with enhanced bandwidth capabilities, will temporarily connect to the existing SpaceX Starlink network of about 10,000 satellites in orbit after deploying solar panels and antennas. Although these satellites are the first launched by Starship, they will follow a suborbital trajectory through Earth's atmosphere and burn up.
Some of these satellites are equipped with cameras and spotlights that will record the Starship's heat shield during intense atmospheric friction at the end of the mission. This will provide SpaceX with vital data to assess the rocket's survivability upon returning from space. SpaceX plans to use Starship by the end of 2026 to launch thousands of Starlink V3 satellites, which will allow for the expansion of the constellation's capacity for direct connection to mobile devices, such as cell phones, unlike the current network that only works with Starlink branded discs.
A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Li Jian, stated on Friday that China is prepared to cooperate with the United States to implement important mutual agreements reached by the heads of both states in the field of artificial intelligence.
Speaking at a regular press briefing, Li emphasized that diplomacy at the level of state leaders plays an indispensable strategic guiding role in relations between China and the United States.
These statements were made after he was asked about reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had said that the two leaders would discuss issues related to AI during their meeting.
