undefined 16, 2024
SpaceX rocket booster makes successful landing after it is caught by 'chopsticks'
SpaceX successfully caught its Super Heavy booster rocket using robotic arms after launching the reusable Starship spacecraft. The booster, which returned to Earth after separating at 46 miles altitude, was grabbed by the "Mechazilla" tower in Texas. This marks a major breakthrough as rocket boosters were previously considered expendable. The FAA approved the launch, and the Starship second stage continued into space, splashing down in the Indian Ocean. This is the booster’s first successful return attempt.
Hurricane Milton's 5th category could become the new normal
Hurricane Milton hit Florida's west coast as a Category 3 storm on October 9, bringing 120 mph winds, tornadoes, and 28-foot waves. It made landfall near Sarasota and weakened to a Category 1 as it moved across the state. Rapidly intensifying from a tropical depression to a Category 5 in two days, Milton set records for storm strength, fueled by climate change and warmer ocean temperatures. Experts warn that such intense hurricanes are becoming more frequent and propose expanding the storm rating scale.
Apple just announced a new, faster iPad Mini
Apple has quietly announced a new iPad Mini, the first update since 2021, starting at $499. The new model, available for pre-order, features an A17 Pro chip with a 30% faster CPU and 25% faster GPU. It also supports the Apple Pencil Pro and offers 128GB of base storage. While the design remains largely unchanged, new purple and blue colors are available. The focus is on AI improvements, with faster performance across the board, including hardware-accelerated ray tracing for better gaming.
Source: interestingengineering
Optimus or Decepticon? Tesla robots remotely operated by humans
At Tesla’s “We, Robot” event, the Optimus humanoid robots showcased lifelike movements, performing tasks like pouring drinks and interacting with guests. CEO Elon Musk claimed Optimus could become Tesla's biggest product, potentially priced at $20,000 to $30,000. However, the robots were revealed to be remotely controlled by human operators, raising doubts about their autonomy and market readiness. While entertaining, the event highlighted that Tesla's AI and robotics still have a long way to go.
Source: interestingengineering
237-million-year-old mysterious fossil discovery could rewrite dinosaur history
Brazilian researchers have discovered a 237-million-year-old reptile fossil, **Gondwanax paraisensi**, potentially linked to the evolution of dinosaurs. This small, dog-sized silesaurid reveals unique anatomical features, including three sacral vertebrae, suggesting diverse locomotor strategies. Found in Paraiso do Sul, Brazil, this species enhances our understanding of bird-line archosaurs. Published in *Gondwana Research*, the study highlights the significance of silesaurids in exploring the origins of early dinosaurs during the Triassic period.
Amazon’s new Kindle family includes the first color Kindle
Amazon has announced four new Kindle e-readers. The Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition is the first color Kindle, waterproof, with fast page turns, wireless charging, and an 8-week battery, priced at $279.99 and shipping on October 30. The Kindle Scribe is an e-reader and note-taker with a 300ppi screen, offering a paper-like experience for $399.99, available on December 4. The Kindle Paperwhite, the fastest Kindle yet, features a larger 7-inch screen and starts at $159.99. An entry-level Kindle weighs 5.6 ounces and costs $109.99. More details are expected soon.
Is there life on Jupiter’s moon Europa? NASA launches mission to find hints
NASA has launched the Europa Clipper mission to investigate whether Jupiter's moon Europa could harbor life. A SpaceX rocket lifted off from Florida carrying the $5 billion spacecraft, which will reach Jupiter in 2030. It aims to study the moon's icy crust and a potential subsurface ocean that may contain the necessary ingredients for life. The mission will perform 49 flybys, deploying instruments to analyze Europa's geology and possible plumes of water. Clipper's findings could expand our understanding of habitable environments in icy worlds.
Ghostly white giant worms appear to be reproducing under the seafloor where tectonic plates meet
Giant tube worms have been discovered breeding beneath the seafloor at hydrothermal vents near the Galápagos Islands, challenging previous beliefs that only microbes inhabited these environments. A study published in *Nature Communications* reported excavating these worms from shallow cavities at a depth of 8,250 feet. Researchers found adult worms, including species reaching over 19 inches long, indicating reproduction occurs below the seafloor. The study suggests larvae may enter the ocean crust via cracks and settle at the vents, supporting a previously unknown dispersal mechanism.
Elon Musk unveils two-door robotaxi with no steering wheel
Elon Musk has unveiled Tesla’s Cybercab, a fully autonomous robotaxi, set to revolutionize personal transport, though it won't launch before 2026. The Cybercab and a 20-seater Robovan were revealed at an event in California, both lacking traditional controls. Musk emphasized advancements in Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology, which has faced reliability concerns. The Cybercab is expected to cost under $30,000, with autonomous features coming to Model 3 and Model Y vehicles next year in Texas and California. Musk's push for robotaxis comes amid challenges in selling Tesla's existing electric vehicles.
What is shadowbanning? All you need to know
Shadowbanning is when a user is unknowingly blocked from social media, making their posts invisible to others. This practice is reported across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, despite companies denying its use. It can harm charities by reducing their reach and fundraising ability. Users can check for shadowbans on Instagram's 'Account Status' and by analyzing engagement on TikTok. Violations of community guidelines often lead to shadowbanning, with marginalized groups reportedly affected more.
Secret tomb containing remains of 12 skeletons discovered at Petra site in Jordan
Archaeologists have uncovered a secret tomb beneath the Treasury monument in Petra, Jordan, revealing 12 ancient skeletons and grave offerings. This discovery, made using remote sensing technology, follows similar finds made over two decades ago nearby. The Treasury, carved by the Nabataean people around 2,000 years ago, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tomb’s walls date back to the mid-1st century BC to early 2nd century AD, offering valuable insights into the Nabataeans' history. The excavation was featured on Discovery Channel's *Expedition Unknown*.
Meta must face US state lawsuits over teen social media addiction
A federal judge in California ruled that Meta must face lawsuits from U.S. states claiming its Facebook and Instagram platforms contribute to mental health issues in teens due to their addictive nature. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss the claims, allowing the states' lawsuits to proceed, though some limitations were imposed based on federal law protections. The ruling enables further evidence gathering and potential trials, as states seek accountability and damages for the alleged harms caused by the platforms.
Why there's a rush of African satellite launches
On August 16, Senegal launched its first satellite, GaindeSAT-1A, marking a significant step towards technological independence. This CubeSat aims to enhance earth observation and telecommunications. As satellite launch costs decline, more African countries are joining the space race, with 17 nations now having over 60 satellites in orbit. While many African programs rely on foreign technology, local development is growing, enabling better monitoring of climate and agricultural issues. Experts emphasize the importance of owning satellite technology for addressing regional challenges.
UK considering EU-style common charging cable
The UK government is exploring a mandate for a common charging cable for all new electronic devices, following the EU's 2022 law requiring USB-C chargers to reduce electronic waste. Although the UK initially dismissed similar regulations, a recent call for evidence seeks public input on the benefits of standardization. While many devices now utilize USB-C, variations like micro-USB persist. Consumer groups highlight the environmental impact of discarded cables, with over 600 million unused cables reported in the UK. Some warn that the EU's directive may increase discarded lightning cables in the future.
The deep-sea 'emergency service' that keeps the internet running
Ninety-nine percent of global digital communications rely on subsea cables. When these cables break, as in the 1929 Newfoundland earthquake, it can disrupt internet access. Today, 1.4 million km of cables handle most digital data. Most faults are due to human activities, not natural hazards. Repair ships can respond within 10-12 days, and modern repairs take one to two weeks, with redundancy ensuring minimal impact on users during outages.
The endless downfall of a crypto power couple
Ryan Salame, a wealthy former cryptocurrency executive, and Michelle Bond, a crypto policy expert, fell in love through an unlikely connection: Sam Bankman-Fried, the FTX founder. Once an influential couple in crypto politics, their lives unraveled after Salame pleaded guilty to campaign finance fraud and was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison. Bond faces similar charges. They married recently, but their future is uncertain as they grapple with the fallout from FTX's collapse and legal issues.
Why the Baltic region is the most vulnerable to subsea sabotage
The Baltic Sea faces rising threats from Russian espionage aimed at subsea cables, crucial for global internet connectivity. A joint investigation revealed 50 suspected Russian spy ships in the region, prompting NATO to enhance security measures. The Baltic states, soon to disconnect from Russia's energy grid, are increasingly concerned about potential sabotage as they bolster their defenses. Recent incidents raise alarms about vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for coordinated strategies among NATO allies to protect these critical infrastructures.
Google's Chrome browser starts disabling uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin may stop functioning on Chrome as the browser phases out "Manifest V2" extensions. Developer Raymond Hill confirmed users are receiving notifications that the ad blocker is no longer supported. This transition, part of Google’s push for the more secure Manifest V3 framework, has frustrated users, with some considering alternatives like Brave or Firefox. Google insists that ad blockers can still be developed under Manifest V3.
Brazil to regulate stablecoins in 2025, says central bank chief
Brazil's central bank chief, Roberto Campos Neto, announced that stablecoins and asset tokenization will likely be regulated next year. In remarks for Uqbar, he noted that stablecoins, which are pegged to real-world assets like the U.S. dollar, experience less price volatility than cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Campos Neto previously highlighted concerns that the growing demand for stablecoins in Brazil is linked to tax evasion and illicit activities.
