Robot farming startup Iron Ox has started selling its produce in California

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<p id=Companies want to use robotics and AI to revolutionize farming, but first, they have to prove there’s a market for what they’re growing.

Robot farming startup Iron Ox has taken the first step in doing so, announcing today that it’s selling robot-reared leafy greens in a single location in California. The firm, which launched last October, is offering three varieties of greens at the San Carlos branch of Bianchini’s Market, a family-owned grocery store that specializes in local and organic produce.

Iron Ox is one of a number of companies trying to automate the human-intensive work of agriculture. It uses a combination of robotic picking arms, hydroponic vats, and self-driving porters to grow vegetables. But despite its repeated claims…

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Uber customers in Denver can now buy train and bus tickets in the app

Uber has announced that it will begin selling train and bus tickets through its app for its customers in Denver, Colorado. It’s the first step in the ride-hailing giant’s high-stakes quest to become the de facto smartphone app for all modes of transportation, not just cars. It’s Uber’s chance to blunt some of the negative effects its rising popularity has had on public transportation.

Following a staggered rollout, residents of Denver will be able to use Uber’s app to purchase tickets for the Regional Transportation District (RTD), which operates the city’s buses and trains. Purchasing transit tickets via Uber will cost the same amount as through existing options, the company said.

Uber’s app will let users purchase and redeem a range…

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Newly discovered gene mutation reduces fear and anxiety, and increases social interaction

Researchers have discovered of a new type of gene mutation that reduces fear and anxiety, and increases social interaction. The researchers employed gene manipulation technology to remove the P4h-tm gene from the mouse genome and found an unexpected change in mouse behavior. P4h-tm knockout mice showed striking courage and a lack of learned helplessness compared to congenic wild-type mice with a functional P4h-tm gene.

Perseverance toward life goals can fend off depression, anxiety, panic disorders

People who don’t give up on their goals (or who get better over time at not giving up on their goals) and who have a positive outlook appear to have less anxiety and depression and fewer panic attacks, according to a study of thousands of Americans over the course of 18 years. Surprisingly, a sense of control did not have an effect on the mental health of participants across time.