For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the WHO website. <\/p>\n
Alongsidepredictions that the coronavirus pandemiccould trigger the sharpest recession in the US since the Great Depression-- with consumer spending plummeting and unemployment at record highs -- it turns out big tech is doing ok. That was evident this week as companies reported mostly positive quarterly earnings.<\/p>\n
Apple, for example, reported sales and profit growth, even as the pandemic weighs on iPhone demand. And Amazon sales surged even as CEO Jeff Bezos said coronavirus costs could hit $4 billion. Google also beat sales expectations and Facebook and Twitter both saw strong user growth amid the pandemic.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Apple and Google are making progress on the coronavirus tracking tool they plan to release in mid-May. Also, the FDA on Friday made an emergency authorization for health care workers to use a promising drug called remdesivir to treat COVID-19.<\/p>\n
Here are the week's stories you don't want to miss:<\/p>\n
Quantum computing could help companies without billion-dollar budgets design superbatteries, create complex chemicals and understand the universe.<\/p>\n
Deciding whether to trust memes and news stories is hard work.<\/p>\n
Tracking the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 is more complex than following numbers. Memes and social media chatter matter too.<\/p>\n
Never a hit with airlines and now grounded by the coronavirus pandemic, the still-young giant will disappear from the Airbus factory next year.<\/p>\n
The author and illustrator reminds me of patience and working within limits.<\/p>\n
FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel says the agency's report concluding that broadband is being delivered in a \"reasonable and timely way\" is wrong.<\/p>\n
The ventilator uses parts that cost about $400 and can even be 3D-printed.<\/p>\n
Ameelio Letters offers a free letter service to families of people who are incarcerated.<\/p>\n
With its fall detection feature, heart rate notifications, exercise tracking and even the ability to make a call from your wrist, the Apple Watch has made a mark in each one of these stories.<\/p>\n
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