Diplomats say de-escalation talks continue as Trump vows retaliation over US soldier deaths
The US military said it has launched its 10th consecutive round of strikes on Iran to force the reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
Earlier on Monday, Iran’s president said the country is in a “full-scale war” after the US expanded its aerial campaign and Tehran struck Washington’s Gulf allies, even as diplomats said talks to de-escalate were continuing.
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© Photograph: US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP/Getty Images
© Photograph: US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP/Getty Images
© Photograph: US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP/Getty Images
A common culprit behind severe gum disease may also stiffen and narrow the heart's aortic valve, preliminary research suggests. This may help explain links between gum problems and poor heart health.
Scientists have long linked severe gum disease to inflammation throughout the body and a higher risk of heart problems, including coronary artery disease, which can raise the risk of heart attack. Studies have also found that treating gum disease can improve blood-vessel health.
Now, researchers suggest that Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the main bacteria involved in severe gum disease, may also contribute to calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), a condition in which calcium builds up in the heart's aortic valve. The findings were presented in July at a meeting of the American Heart Association in Boston and have not been peer-reviewed yet.
Dr. Elena Aikawa, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who was not involved in the study, said the findings "fit well with our current understanding of calcific aortic valve disease as an active, inflammation-driven disease rather than simply wear and tear of the valve."
Periodontal disease is likely just one contributor among many, rather than the sole cause of CAVD, she added. But the study does identify a biologically plausible pathway linking oral health to heart health that could open new opportunities for prevention and treatment.
CAVD affects millions of people worldwide, and there are no approved drugs that slow or stop its progression. As the disease worsens, people may develop fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain, and in severe cases, they often require valve-replacement surgery.
Meanwhile, prior to the new research, it was known that bacteria and inflammatory signals from the mouth can sometimes enter the bloodstream and affect distant tissues, said Richard Lamont, chair of oral immunology and infectious diseases at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, who was not involved in the study. Over time, these effects can accrue and gradually reshape how the immune system behaves, he said.
P. gingivalis is known to be particularly destructive to gum tissue, causing lots of inflammation, and it's been tied to cardiovascular disease in the past. To see if the bacterium might be directly impacting heart health, researchers at Fuwai Hospital in Beijing looked for P. gingivalis in aortic valve tissue removed during valve-replacement surgery. They compared this diseased tissue to valves that weren't calcified.
The calcified valves contained much higher levels of P. gingivalis DNA and proteins made by the bacterium. "P. gingivalis was about 30 times more abundant in calcified valves than in non-calcified valves," study first author Dr. Chenyang Li, a doctoral candidate at Fuwai Hospital, told Live Science in an email.
To test whether the bacteria might directly contribute to valve damage, Li and colleagues injected live P. gingivalis into the bloodstreams of healthy lab mice. The bacteria reached the animals' aortic valves, triggering inflammation, calcium buildup and narrowing of the valve.
"We were surprised to see valve calcification even in mice without high cholesterol," Li said. "This suggests P. gingivalis may directly contribute to valve disease, beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors."
A comparison group of mice was given antibiotics before the injection and had less bacteria in their aortic valves and slower disease progression. Meanwhile, mice injected with dead P. gingivalis bacteria did not show any changes in their aortic valves.
The researchers traced the changes in the mice's hearts to interleukin-1 beta, a signalling molecule that normally helps the body fight infections. Exposure to P. gingivalis ramped up the production of this molecule, and in turn, the immune signal switched on genes that pushed healthy valve cells to behave more like bone-building cells, which is a hallmark of CAVD. This switch causes the cells to lay down calcium in the surrounding valve tissue.
When the scientists blocked interleukin-1 beta in some mice, the animals developed much less valve calcification even when the bacteria reached the valve. Lamont said that the mouse experiments strengthen the case that there's a biological mechanism directly linking gum and heart diseases. However, he cautioned that mice have very different oral microbiomes than humans, making it difficult to know whether the exact same process occurs in people.
That said, the team also saw the same pattern in human valve cells grown in the lab. Exposure to P. gingivalis increased inflammation and calcium buildup among the cells, while blocking interleukin-1 beta blunted those effects.
Both Aikawa and Lamont said more research is needed to confirm the relationship in humans. The findings give researchers a new pathway to explore for future treatments, raising questions of whether targeting inflammatory signals like interleukin-1 beta could help slow the progression of this widespread heart disease.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
What do you know about the body's hardest-working muscle? Find out with our heart quiz!
Science word of the day: Autotroph
Pronunciation: AW'-tuh-trohf
What it means: Autotrophs are organisms that can feed themselves with inorganic substances such as light (for plants) or methane (certain microbes). Autotrophs were the first single-celled life-forms to colonize the planet, thriving on chemicals bubbling up from the subsurface at deep-sea vents or figuring out how to harness the sun for energy. Heterotrophs (like you, me and all fungi), arrived on the scene later to feast on these DIY-ers.
How to use it in a sentence: Stromatolites, microbial mats built by cyanobacteria, are autotrophs that thrived in ancient shallow seas.
Can you crack our science word of the day puzzle, Chain Word?
© David Coleman/Alamy
4 min read
An aircraft powered by a megawatt-class hybrid-electric engine developed in collaboration with NASA and built by GE Aerospace, demonstrated flight of an innovation that can inform new generations of fuel-saving aircraft power systems.
Mounted to a Saab 340B aircraft, the engine flew at Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom. It was the public debut of a system that has in recent months made historic test flights, becoming the first hybrid electric-powered aircraft to fly above 30,000 feet.
“This achievement reflects what NASA does best in aeronautics: we explore bold possibilities, validate them through rigorous research and testing, and work with industry to turn breakthrough ideas into technologies that bring real value for the American people,” said Laurie Grindle, director of the Aeronautics Division within the agency’s Research and Technology Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington.
The testing leveraged work done through NASA’s former Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project and the agency’s ongoing Subsonic Vehicle Technologies and Tools project – years of collaborative research that included key testing at NASA test facilities.
The engine integrates electric motors, a gas turbine, and energy storage capabilities. It was designed to demonstrate the capacity to power an aircraft around the size of a regional-class jet, reducing fuel burn and costs without sacrificing performance. The unit’s technology and designs are expected to be used to help develop future hybrid systems that could lower airline operating costs.
The demonstration flight came after years of rapid development for the technology. For NASA, it also validates work that stretches back to a time when hybrid aviation propulsion seemed almost beyond the horizon of possibility.
LAURIE A. GRINDLE
Director of the Aeronautics Division within the agency's Research and Technology Mission Directorate
“This is the culmination of more than 15 years of work, and we did that because it’s going to have an impact for aircraft that will help reduce energy use and help U.S. companies and the public,” said Ralph Jansen, aerospace engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. “It’s about having a vision that no one believes can happen and then doing the work to define and execute the research and development needed to make it happen.”
This accomplishment was possible because of the collaborative effort of hundreds of people working on Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration and Subsonic Vehicle Technologies and Tools projects across NASA centers, in conjunction with GE Aerospace and its partner companies.
In recent years, aviation has seen a boom in small aircraft and drones powered by electrical systems drawing from batteries. But large passenger and cargo planes require complex engines capable of supplying massive amounts of power. So more than a decade ago when NASA began contemplating hybrid systems, just the possibility of using electric motors to supplement some energy was a daunting engineering challenge.
NASA spent about seven years performing preliminary research, working with small businesses and other partners to consider technological obstacles and the potential commercial viability of hybrid systems. During that time, the agency addressed several barriers to implementation including the power, thermal, and battery technology, and the integration of the power system, engine, and aircraft.
Through the agency’s Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration award, GE Aerospace and NASA worked with researchers to develop lighter and more efficient power systems and shrink key components – sometimes dramatically.
NASA and GE Aerospace also leveraged agency facilities and resources to further their research. In 2022, GE Aerospace tested an integrated version of its propulsion system at NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed at the agency’s Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Testing allowed the system to operate in conditions simulating 45,000 feet in altitude, the range in which commercial single-aisle aircraft fly.
The team added components, including electric motors, power converters, propellers, and a GE Aerospace commercial engine, followed by more ground tests and eventual flight tests. For the researchers who’d spent years on the concept, seeing the engine powering an aircraft in flight was a major step in a long journey.
“I’ve got to say, I was pretty touched seeing it fly. It was just awesome,” Jansen said. “It’s just like a regular plane, which is probably the best thing of all.”
NASA’s current support for this research is through the Aeronautics Division of its Research and Technology Mission Directorate.
© Nadja Wohlleben/Reuters
© Will Crooks for The New York Times
In a major boost to American domestic manufacturing, the Trump Administration today announced that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is committing an additional $100 billion in investments for advanced semiconductor facilities in the United States. This brings TSMC’s total planned investment to $265 billion — one of the largest foreign direct investments in American history.
The announcement, made jointly by the White House and the Department of Commerce, highlights the success of strategic trade and investment partnerships, particularly the historic U.S.-Taiwan deal signed in January 2026. As a direct result, TSMC will build four additional advanced semiconductor manufacturing and packaging facilities, bringing its U.S. footprint to 12 leading-edge facilities, primarily in Arizona.
Building on Momentum
This latest expansion builds on previous commitments. TSMC’s original plans started at around $65 billion, which were later increased. The new infusion underscores sustained momentum under the current administration’s focus on reshoring critical supply chains.
In a statement, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the job-creating impact, “President Trump’s leadership is driving companies to invest in American manufacturing. TSMC’s announcement of an additional $100 billion investment following our historic deal on trade and investment with Taiwan will create tens of thousands of American jobs and bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”
TSMC Chairman and CEO Dr. C.C. Wei echoed the sentiment, crediting collaboration with the administration and strong U.S. customer demand, “We appreciate the strong collaboration and support of the Trump Administration, Secretary Lutnick and our leading U.S. customers… This is to support the strong multi-year demand from our leading U.S. customers, and we believe this investment will further foster the development of the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem, strengthen the supply chain, and support significant job creation in the United States.”
Economic and Strategic Impact
The investments are expected to generate significant construction and high-tech jobs, along with billions in indirect economic output. Beyond direct facilities, the broader U.S.-Taiwan trade and investment framework is catalyzing an additional $500 billion in Taiwanese investments — $250 billion in direct semiconductor and related enterprises, plus another $250 billion to strengthen the full supply chain in the U.S.
This move addresses long-standing concerns about reliance on overseas production for advanced chips, especially those critical for AI, defense, automotive, and consumer electronics. By expanding domestic capacity with a world-leading foundry like TSMC, the U.S. strengthens its position in the global semiconductor race while creating high-paying opportunities for American workers.
The Trump Administration’s approach, which combines diplomatic deals, incentives for onshoring, and a focus on national security, continues to yield concrete results in rebuilding America’s industrial base.
MacDailyNews Take: With 12 state-of-the-art facilities on track, America is poised to capture a much larger share of advanced chip production. This not only bolsters economic competitiveness, but also enhances supply chain resilience against geopolitical risks.
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Apple TV on Wednesday revealed first look images and the season two premiere date for celebrated German-language dark comedy series “Where’s Wanda?” Produced by UFA Fiction, the eight-episode season stars International Emmy Award nominee Heike Makatsch (“Love Actually”), German Comedy Award winner Axel Stein (“The Vault”), multiple award-winning actress Lea Drinda (“The Gryphon”), Leo Simon, and Nikeata Thompson (“Späti”). Season two will make its global debut on Apple TV with one episode on Wednesday, October 21, followed by a new episode weekly through Wednesday, December 9, 2026.
In season two, the Klatts (Makatsch and Stein) are back! Just as they thought their lives were finally returning to normal, their daughter, Wanda (Drinda), is caught seemingly red-handed standing over a dead body. They will need to do everything in their power to prove her innocence and avoid losing her again, as their investigation to find the real murderer takes them into the criminal underbelly of their sleepy suburban town. But will their quest to protect their family get them all out of trouble, or ultimately lead them further astray? And can they find out the truth of what happened on that fateful day before it’s too late?
Hailing from UFA Fiction, a Fremantle company, “Where’s Wanda?” season two is created, written and executive produced by Royal Television Society nominee Oliver Lansley (“Flack”), alongside multiple award-winning executive producer Nataly Kudiabor (“Arthur’s Law”) and Oliver Ossege (“Helgoland 513”). The series was co-created and based on a story by Zoltan Spirandelli (“Vaya con Dios”) and is directed by critically acclaimed, award-winning filmmakers Tobi Baumann (“Faking Hitler”) and Christian Ditter (“How To Be Single”).
Following its global debut, “Where’s Wanda?” has been hailed as an “electrifying,” “standout” series keeping “viewers on the edge of their seats” with “a unique blend of dark comedy and suspense,” and featuring “immensely likable, and often affecting performances” by its “talented cast.” Season one achieved a rare perfect 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans applaud the “beautiful” show as the “kind of gem Apple only seems capable of creating” and “a compelling new addition” to Apple TV’s “expanding international offerings.”
Apple TV offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honored with 850 wins and 3,737 award nominations and counting including multi-Emmy Award-winning and history-making comedies “The Studio” and “Ted Lasso,” global cultural phenomenon “Severance,” Apple’s most-viewed drama “Pluribus,” Academy Award Best Picture winner “CODA” and Academy Award winner “F1,” the highest-grossing sports feature of all time.
MacDailyNews Note: Apple TV is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $12.99 per month with a seven-day free trial for new subscribers. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 4K or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV for free.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its Producer Price Index (PPI) data for June 2026 today, showing a 0.3% decline in the index for final demand on a seasonally adjusted basis. This marks a reversal from the 0.6% rise in May and the stronger 1.1% increase in April. U.S. inflation is coming down.
On a year-over-year basis, producer prices rose 5.5% through June, down from the recent peak of 6.5% in May. This moderation comes amid cooling energy prices and could provide some relief to businesses and consumers facing persistent inflationary pressures.
Key Breakdowns from the June Report
• Goods prices led the decline, falling 1.4% in June — the largest drop since July 2022. Energy prices plunged 6.4%, with gasoline down 12.0%, diesel fuel, jet fuel, and crude petroleum also posting notable decreases.
• Food prices for final demand edged down 0.6%.
• Goods less foods and energy (a core measure) actually rose modestly by 0.2%.
• Services prices increased 0.2%, supported by gains in trade services margins (up 0.4%), including a sharp 13.0% jump in fuels and lubricants retailing. Transportation and warehousing services dipped slightly by 0.1%.
The index for final demand less foods, energy, and trade services — often watched as a core gauge — rose just 0.1% in June after a stronger 0.8% gain in May. Year-over-year, this core measure increased 5.1%.
What’s Driving the Decline?
The drop aligns with falling global oil prices in recent weeks, which have rippled through the supply chain. Energy categories, which had fueled earlier PPI gains (notably from Middle East tensions boosting costs earlier in the year), reversed course. This pullback in wholesale prices could eventually feed into lower consumer prices in the coming months, though services inflation remains sticky.
Implications for the Federal Reserve and Markets
This softer-than-expected PPI reading arrives on the same day as other inflation data and comes as the Fed monitors progress toward its 2% target. While headline producer inflation has cooled from its recent highs, the year-over-year figure remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic norms. Policymakers will likely view the energy-driven decline positively, but persistent services and core pressures suggest caution on rate cuts.
For businesses, lower input costs (especially energy) could help margins. Consumers may see relief at the pump and eventually in goods prices, though everyday services like healthcare, housing-related costs, and certain retail margins continue to trend upward.
Looking Ahead
The June PPI data suggests inflation is not accelerating, but the path to sustainably lower levels remains uneven. Markets will now turn to upcoming CPI releases and other indicators for a fuller picture. Keep an eye on energy markets — any rebound in oil prices could quickly reverse these gains.
Combined with yesterday’s CPI data decline (see below), the PPI data supports a story of disinflation under the Trump administration. This is likely helpful to Republicans heading into the midterm elections, as voters generally reward perceived economic competence.
U.S. CPI data (July 14, 2026) showed a notable decline:
• Monthly change: -0.4% (biggest monthly drop since April 2020)
• Annual inflation rate: 3.5% (down from 4.2% in May)
• Core CPI (excluding food & energy): Unchanged (0.0%) in June, down from +0.2% in May
• Core annual rate: 2.6% (down from 2.9% in May)
This is net positive for Apple’s long-term outlook. Tech giants like Apple tend to be among the biggest winners when inflation cools enough for the Fed to cut rates without triggering a recession. Wall Street will likely view this data favorably for growth stocks like AAPL.
MacDailyNews Note: Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Indexes release for June 2026. All figures are seasonally adjusted unless noted.
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On August 6, the most authentic NFL video game comes to Apple devices with Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition. Designed specifically for Apple Arcade, this all-new release in the massively popular franchise lets fans live out their gridiron dreams, offering an immersive season-based experience featuring current NFL teams and realistic simulation gameplay. Arcade also welcomes NFL Retro Bowl ’27 and Retro Bowl College+, adding to the blockbuster catalog of hit sports games on the service including Football Manager 26 Touch, Mini Football Legends, NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition, NFL Retro Bowl ’26, PGA TOUR Pro Golf, Skate City: New York, and more.
“From the pitch to the court to the gridiron, Apple Arcade delivers an unmatched lineup of sports games for every kind of fan,” said Alex Rofman, Apple’s senior director of Apple Arcade, in a statement. “I’ve been a longtime Madden NFL player and adding this legendary franchise to our catalog is a dream come true. Just in time for the new season, our Arcade community can now dive into an authentic NFL experience alongside other massive sports hits like NFL Retro Bowl, NBA 2K, and Football Manager, all in one place.”
“Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition is a chance to bring the most authentic NFL experience to a new audience of football fans, letting them play and compete as the league’s most elite players, or take control as GM and shape a franchise,” said Evan Dexter, EA’s vice president of Franchise Strategy and Marketing, in a statement. “Apple Arcade is the perfect home for Madden as a premium platform that matches the complete, no-compromise experience we’ve built. Whether you’re playing on your iPhone on the go or on Apple TV with friends and family, the future of football is now in your hands.”
Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition delivers the pure football experience players seek, a complete Madden NFL game free from ads or in-app purchases. Players can dive into fan-favorite Franchise and Quick Play modes featuring dynamic player ratings built on real-world NFL performances. Powered by a weekly story engine, Franchise mode puts players in the GM seat to navigate season-shifting narratives, win over fan bases, and build a championship team. With seamless controller support across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV, Madden NFL 27 Arcade Edition brings players closer to the action exactly how they want to play, wherever they are.
Sports fans looking for even more football action can tackle Retro Bowl College+ on August 6. In this beloved spinoff of the hit Retro Bowl 8-bit game, players can make a name for themselves as a winning head coach for one of 250 college teams.
On September 3, NFL Retro Bowl ’27 kicks off a brand-new season. The hit pixel-art game is raising the stakes with a thrilling new Gauntlet Mode. Starting with limited resources, armchair GMs must survive a grueling 15-game win streak with the highest score among other players. Along the way, they must choose between safe matchups or high-risk opponents, and the rewards of real NFL stars or powerful perks. Player XP and abilities carry over after a loss, with every run fueling a relentless climb toward an epic winner-takes-all showdown against a bitter division nemesis and weekly leaderboard supremacy.
With a constant stream of new releases and updates to current favorites, Apple Arcade ensures that players always have something to look forward to. Sports fans keep winning. The latest update to NBA 2K26 Arcade Edition is out now, adding two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey as the newest Paragon player, along with the 2016-2024 Era to The Association mode. Also available now in PGA TOUR Pro Golf is an all-new course, Bear’s Best Atlanta, and on July 16, NFL Retro Bowl ’26 introduces a new set of Apple Games Historic Super Bowl challenges, where players can tackle some of the biggest matchups in Super Bowl history.
Players can also check out new free introductory experiences on the App Store for select Arcade games without a subscription, including PowerWash Simulator, Mini Motorways, Cooking Mama: Cuisine!, and Play-Doh World.
Apple Arcade is available for $6.99 per month with a one-month free trial. Customers who purchase a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV receive three months of Apple Arcade for free. Apple Arcade is part of Apple One’s Individual ($19.95), Family ($25.95), and Premier ($37.95) plans, with a one-month free trial. Arcade Originals are playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. App Store Greats are available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro. An Apple Arcade subscription gives a family of up to six unlimited access to all the games in its catalog. Availability for the 200+ games across devices varies based on hardware and software compatibility. Some content may not be available in all areas.
MacDailyNews Take: It’d be awesome if you could pay off the refs and players to fix NBA games just like in real life!
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