These scientists used CRISPR to put an alligator gene into catfish

January 19, 2023
Millions of fish are farmed in the US every year, but many of them die from infections. In theory, genetically engineering fish with genes that protect them from disease could reduce waste and help limit the environmental impact of fish farming. A team of scientists have attempted to do just that—by inserting an alligator gene…

Next up for CRISPR: Gene editing for the masses?

January 19, 2023
CRISPR for high cholesterol is one of MIT Technology Review’s 10 Breakthrough Technologies of 2023. Explore the rest of the list here. We know the basics of healthy living by now. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress reduction can help us avoid heart disease—the world’s biggest killer. But what if you could take a vaccine,…

German teens went crazy for this ‘compliments’ app, and now VCs are backing its next phase

January 19, 2023

The teenage market for apps is a tough nut to crack and stay relevant in. Just ask Snapchat. Equally, teens are going through a stage in life where almost every social interaction seems to carry portent of some kind of other. This would explain in part why apps like SendIt, NGL, and Nocapp (some are […]

German teens went crazy for this ‘compliments’ app, and now VCs are backing its next phase by Mike Butcher originally published on TechCrunch

Oro, an open-source B2B ecommerce platform from Magento’s cofounder, raises $13M

January 19, 2023

Oro, an open source ecommerce platform co-created by Magento’s cofounder and former CTO, today announced it has raised $13 million in a strategic growth round of funding. Founded in 2012, Los Angeles-based Oro’s platform constitutes a range of applications, including OroCommerce, its flagship B2B ecommerce platform for building storefronts and marketplaces; OroMarketplace, an end-to-end management […]

Oro, an open-source B2B ecommerce platform from Magento’s cofounder, raises $13M by Paul Sawers originally published on TechCrunch

A lot of fintechs “have to fix their business models,” say VCs who invest in fintechs

January 19, 2023

In recent years, working for, or banking with, a traditional financial institution was decidedly uncool. Far cooler was working for or banking with one of the many fintech startups that seemed to thumb their nose at stodgy bank brands. Then the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates, stocks tanked, and a lot of fintech outfits that […]

A lot of fintechs “have to fix their business models,” say VCs who invest in fintechs by Connie Loizos originally published on TechCrunch

Twitter Blue is now available on Android at the same price as iOS

January 19, 2023

A day after launching an annual Twitter Blue subscription, the social media company made the paid plan available for purchase for Android users today. Users will have to pay $11 per month if they buy the Twitter Blue plan through Android. The pricing is the same as what users on iOS have to pay, but […]

Twitter Blue is now available on Android at the same price as iOS by Ivan Mehta originally published on TechCrunch

India’s PhonePe tops $12 billion valuation in new funding

January 19, 2023

PhonePe’s valuation has surged to $12 billion in a new funding round as the Indian fintech giant readies for life without parent firm Flipkart. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup said it has raised $350 million and anticipates raising up to another $650 million as part of the round. General Atlantic led the first tranche of the investment. […]

India’s PhonePe tops $12 billion valuation in new funding by Manish Singh originally published on TechCrunch

Shein valuation reportedly plummets by a third as it seeks $3B

January 19, 2023

Shein, the fast fashion behemoth that has swept across the world, is raising a significant down round as the startup world braces for a funding crunch. The e-commerce platform known for jaw-dropping outfit prices and savvy TikTok marketing is seeking $3 billion at a valuation of $64 billion, down from the $100 billion price tag […]

Shein valuation reportedly plummets by a third as it seeks $3B by Rita Liao originally published on TechCrunch