Dávka - Your daily dose of Slovak news
♥ Support DávkaNewsletter
Last refreshed: 06/06/2026 10:36 · 51 articles added
Stories are refreshed at 05:30, 10:30, 15:30, and 21:30 UTC.

Science & Tech

View all463 stories
Science & Tech

Košice scientist returns from Antarctica with hundreds of biological samples for medical research

A scientist from Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice has returned from a research expedition to Antarctica carrying nearly 400 unique samples of mosses and lichens. Doc. RNDr. Michal Goga, PhD., collected the biological specimens during his Antarctic expedition for extensive laboratory analysis that could take several years to complete. The research aims to identify compounds in the Antarctic plant materials that could be useful for medical applications, agriculture, and biotechnology development. The university-based study represents a significant contribution to Slovakia's polar research efforts and could lead to discoveries of new bioactive substances from one of Earth's most extreme environments.

Košice Dnes
|
Science & Tech

Students from Five Countries Present Environmental Innovation Projects at Senica Conference

Students from secondary and elementary schools across five countries showcased ecological innovation projects at a conference in Senica, western Slovakia. The international event brought together young innovators from the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, and Slovakia to present their environmentally-focused initiatives. The conference represents part of broader educational efforts to engage students in developing sustainable solutions and environmental awareness across Central European schools.

TASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

ChatGPT Creators Seek Legal Immunity for Potential Global AI Catastrophes

The developers of ChatGPT are requesting legal immunity protection in case their artificial intelligence technology causes global catastrophes. The request raises questions about the potential risks of rapidly advancing AI systems and the responsibility of technology companies for unintended consequences. The development comes as AI technology increasingly impacts various industries, with concerns growing about job displacement in fields like graphic design and broader societal changes as artificial intelligence capabilities expand.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

AI Threatens Smaller IT Companies as Demand for Quick-Fix Specialists Declines

Slovakia's information technology sector is undergoing a significant shift as artificial intelligence reduces demand for certain types of IT specialists, according to industry expert Ján Ružarovský. The technology executive warns that companies no longer need as many quick-fix IT professionals, with smaller firms facing the greatest risk from this technological disruption. The changing landscape reflects broader automation trends affecting the Slovak tech industry, where traditional IT support roles are being transformed by AI-powered solutions that can handle routine technical tasks previously requiring human specialists.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Poland Introduces Modern Nature Monitoring System in Tatra Mountains

Polish authorities have implemented a new modern monitoring system in the Tatra Mountains to improve territorial management and environmental protection planning. The advanced system aims to enhance the oversight of the mountainous region, which forms part of the transboundary Tatra National Park shared between Poland and Slovakia. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to better protect the sensitive alpine ecosystem through improved data collection and analysis capabilities for conservation measures.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Earth Day Report Shows Planet Losing Conditions Necessary for Civilization

A comprehensive environmental assessment released for Earth Day reveals that Earth is losing the fundamental conditions necessary to sustain human civilization. The report, published by Slovak daily Denník N as part of their environmental news coverage, presents ten charts documenting the planet's deteriorating state across multiple indicators. The analysis concludes that current data shows no indication of improvement in key environmental metrics that support human society. Earth Day has been observed since 1970 as an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection. This year's assessment underscores the mounting challenges facing the planet's ability to maintain the ecological stability that has allowed human civilization to flourish. The report includes guidance from psychologists on how to process the disturbing environmental data and its implications for the future.

Dennik N
|
Science & Tech

Weekly Science Podcast Explores Chimpanzee Warfare Research

Slovak media outlet SME has released a new episode of its weekly science podcast 'Zoom,' focusing on research into whether chimpanzees engage in warfare against each other. The podcast examines current scientific findings about aggressive behavior and territorial conflicts among chimpanzee communities, exploring the parallels between primate and human conflict patterns.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Scientists Find Uncivil Political Discourse Poses Threat to Democracy

Scientists have determined that the rude and uncivil tone of political debates represents a threat to democratic institutions. The research also highlighted the importance of longer and more detailed media contributions to public discourse. The findings suggest that the quality and tone of political communication play a crucial role in maintaining healthy democratic processes, with implications for how political debates are conducted and how media covers political issues.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Apple Leadership Transition: John Ternus Set to Replace Tim Cook as CEO

Apple is preparing for a major leadership transition as John Ternus, the company's senior vice president of hardware engineering, is positioned to succeed Tim Cook as chief executive officer. Ternus has been critical of some of Apple's recent expensive ventures, including the company's abandoned car project and its Vision Pro headset. The potential change comes as Apple has transformed under Cook's leadership from an innovative technology company into a trillion-dollar corporate giant. Industry observers suggest Ternus may seek to return the company to its innovative roots, potentially steering away from some of the costly projects that have defined Cook's tenure. The leadership transition reflects broader questions about Apple's future direction as it faces increased competition and pressure to maintain its position as a leading technology innovator.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Samsung Launches New Galaxy A57 Smartphone with Bold Pricing Strategy

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy A57 smartphone, positioning it as a mass-market device while adopting what the company describes as an ambitious pricing approach. The Galaxy A57 represents Samsung's latest refresh of one of its most popular smartphone models, targeting mainstream consumers. The device has undergone testing to evaluate its features and market positioning in the competitive mid-range smartphone segment.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Chemical compound resembling DNA precursor discovered on Mars

Scientists have discovered a chemical compound on Mars that resembles a precursor to DNA found on Earth. The finding adds to growing evidence that the Red Planet may have once harbored conditions suitable for life. However, researchers say that confirming whether Mars actually hosted microbial life in the past will require bringing Martian samples back to Earth for detailed laboratory analysis. The discovery represents another significant step in the ongoing search for signs of past or present life on Mars, though definitive proof remains elusive without more sophisticated testing capabilities than current Mars missions can provide.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Slovak Construction Industry Eyes Digital Revolution by 2045 with Automation and Green Building Focus

Slovakia's construction sector is undergoing significant transformation as industry leaders anticipate major changes by 2045, with digitalization, robotics, and environmental sustainability driving the evolution. The sector is embracing digital modeling technologies that provide precise construction planning, while robotic automation is streamlining traditional building processes. Ecological technologies are becoming central to new developments as the industry shifts toward energy-efficient housing that meets Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. This transformation reflects broader European Union directives pushing member states toward sustainable construction practices and carbon-neutral building standards. The changes are expected to revolutionize how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated in Slovakia over the next two decades.

Aktuality
|
Science & Tech

Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO after 15 years, successor named

Tim Cook will step down as Apple's chief executive officer on September 1, ending his 15-year tenure at the helm of the world's most valuable technology company. John Ternus, a longtime Apple executive and hardware expert, will succeed Cook as CEO. Ternus has worked at Apple for 25 years and has spent the last five years overseeing technology development for the company's flagship iPhone, iPad, and Mac product lines. The leadership transition represents a major change at the top of Apple, which has become synonymous with Cook's management style since he took over from company founder Steve Jobs in 2011.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

Slovakia's Raškovský Luh Nature Reserve Marks 40 Years of Environmental Protection

Raškovský Luh, a small but ecologically significant nature reserve in eastern Slovakia, is celebrating four decades of conservation protection. The area serves as a crucial refuge for rare plant and animal species, highlighting its importance despite its modest size. The reserve represents Slovakia's commitment to protecting biodiversity hotspots that provide essential habitat for endangered flora and fauna in the region.

Korzár
|
Science & Tech

Slovak Post Upgrades Digital Identity Verification System at All Branches

Slovak Post has enhanced its digital identity verification services, becoming the first institution in Slovakia to introduce electronic identity verification through eID documents using visual control technology one year ago. The postal service has now upgraded the system across all branch locations, installing technological equipment at every service counter that allows rapid and secure customer identity verification without manual data entry. Customers can now verify their identity using either the mobile eID application or chip-enabled identity cards. The upgrade represents the latest step in Slovak Post's broader digitalization initiative, streamlining services while improving security and efficiency at postal locations nationwide.

Košice Dnes
|
Science & Tech

Slovak robotics expert says Japan embraces robots due to religion and comics culture

A Slovak robotics expert has highlighted Japan's unique cultural openness to robotics technology, attributing this acceptance to the country's religious traditions and popular comic culture. The expert noted that Japanese society demonstrates greater receptivity to robotic integration compared to other cultures. However, the specialist observed that Japanese approaches to artificial intelligence development tend to be less flexible than those adopted by Europeans, suggesting different methodological preferences in advancing AI technology between the regions.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Blue Origin Rocket Places Satellite in Wrong Orbit, Forcing Destruction

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket successfully launched and recovered its first stage but failed to deliver a satellite to its intended orbit, forcing the destruction of the BlueBird 7 satellite. The rocket launched around 1:25 PM Central European Time, and its first stage successfully landed on the Jacklyn platform in the Atlantic Ocean about ten minutes later. Despite the successful recovery of the reusable first stage, the mission was deemed a failure due to the orbital insertion error, marking another setback for the commercial space company's satellite deployment operations.

SMEAktualityTASR/Teraz
|
Science & Tech

New Episode of BrickMic Podcast Features Discussion on FLL Training and Programming

A new episode of the BrickMic podcast has been released, featuring a guest discussion that covers topics ranging from First Lego League training and programming to connections with Billund, Denmark. The podcast appears to focus on robotics education and the LEGO community, with the guest sharing experiences across these technical and educational domains.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Blue Origin Plans First Booster Reuse in Upcoming Launch

Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing to reuse a rocket booster for the first time in an upcoming launch. The company aims to demonstrate that its booster technology can be successfully recovered and flown again, following the model pioneered by SpaceX. A successful reuse mission could significantly accelerate Blue Origin's launch schedule while reducing costs for future flights, marking a crucial milestone in the company's efforts to compete in the commercial space industry.

SME
|
Science & Tech

Slovak Flora and Fauna Set National Records with Unique Species from Spindle Trees to Summer Oaks

Slovakia's natural heritage includes living organisms that achieve parameters far exceeding normal averages, representing some of the country's most remarkable biological specimens. The nation's flora and fauna contain more than ten unique record-holders, ranging from exceptional spindle trees to massive summer oaks. These natural treasures highlight the exceptional biodiversity found within Slovakia's varied ecosystems, showcasing species that have grown to extraordinary sizes or developed distinctive characteristics that set them apart from typical specimens of their kind.

Aktuality
|