undefined 17, 2024
Earth to get a temporary mini-moon named 2024 PT5
Asteroid 2024 ON recently passed by Earth safely. Another asteroid, 2024 PT5, measuring 33 feet, is approaching and will be temporarily captured by Earth's gravity in a horseshoe-shaped orbit for over 56 days. It's not a true moon as it won't complete a full revolution around Earth. Discovered on August 7, 2024 PT5 will orbit from September 29 to November 25 before continuing its cosmic path. This event offers a rare opportunity for scientists to study such near-Earth objects.
'All good here': a message from Titan submersible that changes investigation
A two-week hearing began on Monday to investigate the Titan submersible's implosion, which killed all five aboard, including adventurer Hamish Harding and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush. The crew's final message was "all good here" before losing contact. The submersible lost communication during its descent to the Titanic wreck on June 18, 2023, and was found 300 meters from the wreck. The hearing aims to uncover facts and prevent future tragedies, with key witnesses, including former OceanGate staff, scheduled to testify.
Amazon is making its employees come back to the office five days a week
Starting January 2, 2025, Amazon employees will be required to return to the office five days per week, according to CEO Andy Jassy. Employees have been working in the office three days a week since May 2023. While exceptions will be made for emergencies and approved remote work, regular two-day remote work will no longer be standard. Amazon also plans to increase the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by Q1 2025, aiming to flatten the organizational structure.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison surpasses Jeff Bezos to become world’s second-richest person
Oracle founder and CEO Larry Ellison briefly became the world's second-richest person on September 16, surpassing Amazon's Jeff Bezos, though Bezos soon reclaimed the spot. Ellison's net worth rose to around $206 billion after a surge in Oracle stock, which closed up 5.1%. Oracle's strong earnings and increased revenue projections contributed to this rise. The company plans to build data centers to meet the growing demand for computing power due to AI. Ellison also discussed AI's role in enhancing mass surveillance by law enforcement.
Meta bans Russian state media outlets over ‘foreign interference activity’
Meta announced a ban on Russian state media networks, including RT and Rossiya Segodnya, for using deceptive tactics to evade detection on its platforms. This ban applies globally to all Meta apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The move follows the US filing money-laundering charges against two RT employees and imposing new sanctions, accusing RT of acting as an arm of Russian intelligence. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited RT's involvement in disinformation campaigns and efforts to influence elections and global events.
SpaceX crew returns to Earth after historic mission
SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew returned to Earth after five days in orbit, completing the first commercial spacewalk. The Dragon capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, with SpaceX confirming the safe landing. The mission, funded and led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, reached a record altitude of 1,400 km, the highest since the Apollo missions. The crew performed over 40 experiments and tested new spacesuits during the spacewalk. The mission is the first of three planned Polaris missions, with the next involving the manned flight of SpaceX's Starship.
Why children perceive time slower than adults
Children perceive time differently from adults, feeling it moves slower due to emotional states and lack of understanding of linear time. Studies show their judgment is linked to their activities and feelings, like finding action-packed moments longer. Adults, who understand clocks and calendars, experience time differently, influenced by emotions and routines. Engaging in new activities and breaking routines can help adults recapture a sense of time similar to childhood, where days felt longer and fuller.
How Intel lost the Sony PlayStation business
Intel lost a bid to design and manufacture Sony's PlayStation 6 chip to AMD, missing out on a potential $30 billion deal. The contract would have been significant for Intel’s contract manufacturing business, which has struggled to attract major clients. Compatibility with PlayStation 5 and profit-sharing disputes were factors in Intel’s loss. Sony consoles usually sell over 100 million units, providing steady business. Intel, facing challenges and losses, sees this as a setback in its turnaround plan.
Why Scrum is stressing you out
Programming has become more stressful since the 90s and early 2000s. Unlike the occasional crunch time back then, today's constant pressure may stem from the shift to sprints—1-2 week cycles that never let up. Unlike genuine deadlines in waterfall methods, sprints create a continuous loop of artificial deadlines, leaving no room to breathe or collect oneself. To alleviate this, developers need more autonomy and control over their craft, possibly by building ethical organizations or transitioning to freelance work.
3,200-year-old ancient Egyptian barracks contains sword inscribed with 'Ramesses II'
Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered a 3,200-year-old military barracks filled with artifacts, including a bronze sword inscribed with the name of Ramesses II. The site features storerooms, ovens, pottery with animal bones, and cow burials, indicating cows were likely used for food. The barracks, located along a military road in the northwest Nile Delta, would have been strategic for controlling access to Egypt. This find offers insights into Egypt's military logistics and strategy under Ramesses II, with well-preserved weaponry and inscriptions revealing its significance.
Drivers more likely to be distracted while using partial automation tech
New research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that drivers using partial automation systems, like Tesla's Autopilot and Volvo's Pilot Assist, are more prone to distractions such as phone use or eating. Studies showed drivers often skirt rules meant to limit distractions. IIHS found that drivers adapted by engaging in distracting activities, highlighting the need for better safeguards to ensure attentive driving. Tesla's Autopilot study involved 14 drivers and 12,000 miles with frequent attention warnings, while Volvo's Pilot Assist study found 30% distraction time among 29 drivers.
Stretchable Arduinos embedded in soft robots
Woodman et al. developed a method to convert rigid electronic circuits into soft, stretchable forms for embedding in soft robots. By patterning liquid metal onto tacky films, they created stretchable versions of Arduino Pro Minis and other commercial circuits. These were integrated into soft robots, pneumatic sensors, and wearable sleeves, demonstrating continued operation under strain. This approach addresses challenges of embedding computing in soft robots, offering a flexible solution without the rigidity or limitations of traditional methods.
More mpox jabs ordered as UK anticipates new strain of virus
The UK has ordered 150,000 additional doses of mpox vaccine in response to a new, potentially deadlier strain (Clade 1b) causing outbreaks in Africa and isolated cases in Europe and Asia. While no cases of Clade 1b have been identified in the UK and the risk remains low, the WHO has declared mpox a public health emergency. The UK Health Security Agency is preparing by enhancing vaccination, testing, and clinical protocols. Scenarios for Clade 1b’s impact range from manageable outbreaks to more severe cases, with current vaccine stocks insufficient for a nationwide program if needed.
Why do we forget things we were just thinking about?
Ever walked into a room and forgotten why, or lost track of what you were about to say? This often happens due to the limits of our working memory, which holds information for only seconds or minutes. Working memory can handle just 4-7 "chunks" of information at a time, and unimportant details are quickly erased to make room for new data. If you lose track of a thought, it may be due to juggling multiple ideas or distractions. To improve memory, avoid multitasking and recreate the context of forgotten thoughts.
Source: interestingengineering
Lavaforming: Using volcanic eruptions for sustainable building materials
Architect Arnhildur Pálmadóttir is exploring the use of lava as a sustainable construction material through her "Lavaforming" project. Scheduled for Biennale Architettura 2025, her concept involves directing molten lava via boreholes or 3D printing to quickly build city foundations. This innovative idea could reduce carbon emissions and speed up construction, though it’s still in the conceptual phase and faces challenges in safe extraction and processing.
When physicists strove for peace: past lessons for our uncertain times
After Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) condemned the war and reaffirmed its commitment to global scientific collaboration for peace. The history of IUPAP reveals how science can bridge geopolitical divides, from its post-WWI founding to its role during the Cold War. Despite challenges, including political disputes and shifting alliances, IUPAP's efforts in science diplomacy illustrate the ongoing need for scientists to actively nurture internationalism and cooperation.
Trump is hawking tokens for a crypto project he still hasn’t explained
During a lengthy announcement on X, Donald Trump introduced World Liberty Financial, his new decentralized finance project aimed at promoting stablecoins and decentralized finance. The project, described by Trump’s associates as a way to support underserved and unbanked communities, will sell governance tokens (WLFI) to accredited investors. Details were sparse, and Trump, who appeared unfamiliar with cryptocurrency specifics, focused on broader themes of financial inclusion and the hostile regulatory environment. The project also features involvement from Trump’s family and associates.
Flappy Bird returning in 2025 after decade-long hiatus
Flappy Bird is set to return to iOS and Android in 2025 with new characters and game modes. After being removed in 2014 due to its addictive nature, the game is making a comeback thanks to the Flappy Bird Foundation, which acquired the trademark. The updated version will feature characters like Trixy the three-eyed bird and Tekno the robot bird, along with new modes including basketball and competitive play. The return marks a decade after its original success and aims to offer a refreshed experience for fans.
Astronauts reveal what life is like on ISS, and how they deal with 'space smell'
In June, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return from the ISS was delayed to 2025 due to safety concerns with their spacecraft. They live with nine others in tight quarters. Days are highly scheduled, with work, exercise, and minimal washing. Food is tricky, with floating grease balls. Despite challenges, astronauts find space profoundly rewarding, appreciating the view of Earth and the sense of interconnectedness.
The internet is worse than it used to be. How did we get here, and can we go back?
The internet has changed significantly, feeling less fun and more commercialized. Over-commercialization and tech giants like Google and Meta drive sensationalism and create filter bubbles. AI amplifies this with realistic scams and misleading content. Despite the chaos, some nostalgic elements remain: a space for knowledge sharing and genuine connections. To regain control, users can support alternative platforms and advocate for privacy and decentralization, while staying vigilant against online threats and misinformation.
