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Oct 22, 2024

Jennifer Doudna on the Brave New World Being Ushered In by Gene Editing

Posted by in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical

The technology’s promise can sound like science fiction—it might help us adapt to a radically different climate, or grow organs for people in need—but experts are also concerned about its potential side effects.

Oct 22, 2024

Data centers could be used as residual power generators as researchers generate 500MWh in a year from a single DC by recycling wasted wind

Posted by in categories: computing, economics, sustainability

HVAC systems common in data centers expel warm air outdoors, creating a consistent, untapped wind resource that can be converted into electricity. In a case study of a Colombian data center, the researchers used vertical axis Tesup V7 wind turbines to capture this man-made waste wind. The turbines, installed atop chillers, were chosen because they minimized size and weight while maximizing electricity generation.

The amount of gross electricity produced annually by six wind turbines was 513.82MWh from artificial airflow, exceeding the energy consumption of the facility’s fans, and providing a surplus of 131.2MWh. The authors suggest this recycled energy can be used for other electrical needs within the data center or be injected into the electrical grid.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also highlighted the economic and environmental benefits. A positive cash flow is achieved by the third year, with an impressive internal rate of return of 50.69%. Environmentally, the system reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 300 metric tons annually.

Oct 22, 2024

Petroleum drilling technology is now making carbon-free power

Posted by in category: energy

A new technique for harvesting geothermal energy being pioneered in Utah has passed a significant milestone: Southern California Edison has contracted for enough of the energy to power 400,000 homes.

Oct 22, 2024

Meet Airwolf: The flying motorcycle capable of speeds over 140 MPH

Posted by in category: transportation

The Airwolf hoverbike is designed to soar with speed, efficiency, and agility. Using individually tilting ducted fan propulsion technology.

Oct 22, 2024

Scientists Are Getting Closer to Finding Evidence of the Fifth Force

Posted by in categories: cosmology, physics

One proposed way of examining if such a force could exist is by closely monitoring asteroid trajectories, and few near-Earth asteroids are as well observed as Bennu. A new study by an international team of scientists analyzes Bennu to try and placing constraints on a possible fifth fundamental force in the search of ultralight dark matter.

Bennu, one of the most dangerous near-Earth objects, has been meticulously tracked by optical and radar astrometric data since it was discovered in 1999. As the destination for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid retrieval mission, additional X-band radiometric and optical navigation tracking data added even more trajectory precision. The idea is that any deviation in the expected trajectory of the asteroid could be the result of an unknown fifth force at work. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Communications Physics.

Oct 22, 2024

Elon Musk sued by “Blade Runner 2049” producers over Robotaxi imagery

Posted by in categories: economics, Elon Musk, robotics/AI

Elon Musk, Tesla and Warner Brothers Discovery are being sued by “Blade Runner 2049” production firm Alcon Entertainment for alleged copyright infringement, which accused them on Monday of “a massive economic theft.”

The big picture: Alcon alleges the defendants used an AI-generated image like the one from “Blade Runner 2049” to promote Tesla’s robotaxi concept at Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio lot in Burbank, California, earlier this month after it denied their request to use “an iconic still” from the 2017 movie at the event.

Zoom in: The production company alleges in the suit, filed on Monday in federal court in Los Angeles, that the event used an image that was reminiscent of a scene involving Ryan Gosling’s character looking into an apocalyptic world in the sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic “Blade Runner.”

Oct 22, 2024

Slack researcher discusses the fear, loathing and excitement surrounding AI in the workplace

Posted by in categories: business, robotics/AI

People with AI are going to replace people without AI.


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Artificial intelligence’s recent rise to the forefront of business has left most office workers wondering how often they should use the technology and whether a computer will eventually replace them.

Those were among the highlights of a recent study conducted by the workplace communications platform Slack. After conducting in-depth interviews with 5,000 desktop workers, Slack concluded there are five types of AI personalities in the workplace: “The Maximalist” who regularly uses AI on their jobs; “The Underground” who covertly uses AI; “The Rebel,” who abhors AI; “The Superfan” who is excited about AI but still hasn’t used it; and “The Observer” who is taking a wait-and-see approach.

Continue reading “Slack researcher discusses the fear, loathing and excitement surrounding AI in the workplace” »

Oct 22, 2024

Supernovas, Mars, and solar sails!

Posted by in category: cosmology

Weekend posting was delayed by our trip to accept an honor from Caltech… but here it is! Almost entirely about space and science!! Stuff I promise you hadn’t heard before.


We just returned from Pasadena, where Caltech — my alma mater — installed me as Distinguished Alumnus. An honor that I sincerely never expected, given the many brilliant minds I knew when I was there. Reflecting on that is humbling — even ‘imposter syndroming’ — though people kindly urged me to think otherwise.

Continue reading “Supernovas, Mars, and solar sails!” »

Oct 22, 2024

Robots Pave the Way: China’s Unmanned Road Resurfacing Milestone

Posted by in categories: drones, robotics/AI

In a remarkable feat of engineering and automation, China has recently completed the world’s first fully unmanned road resurfacing project, covering an impressive 157.79 kilometres of expressway without the involvement of a single human construction worker. This innovative achievement showcases China’s rapid advancements in construction technology and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in infrastructure development.

The Autonomous Fleet

The project utilised a fleet of autonomous road construction vehicles, including drones and robots, to carry out the entire resurfacing process. This cutting-edge approach marks a significant departure from traditional road construction methods, which typically rely heavily on human labour.

Oct 22, 2024

Mercedes-Benz opens EV battery recycling plant

Posted by in category: sustainability

Mercedes has opened a battery recycling factory in Germany to close the loop on its battery supply chain.

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