This Startup Thinks It Can Make Rocket Fuel From Water. Stop Laughing

General Galactic, cofounded by former SpaceX engineers, plans to test its water-based propellant this fall. If successful, it could revolutionize space travel by providing a new method for maneuvering satellites and potentially solving the long-standing problem of finding sustainable fuel sources in space.

Amazon’s Alexa app is so bad I’m using Siri again | The Verge

This article from The Verge discusses how Amazon's redesign of the Alexa app has made the shopping list feature mostly unusable, leading the author to switch to Apple's Reminders app and Siri. The redesign, which puts the generative AI-powered assistant front and center, has introduced more ads, made the list adding process more complicated, and added unnecessary commentary, frustrating the user experience.

A New AI Math Startup Just Cracked 4 Previously Unsolved Problems | WIRED

A new AI math startup, Axiom, has cracked four previously unsolved math problems, showcasing the technology’s advancing reasoning capabilities. Axiom’s AI tool, AxiomProver, found solutions to problems in algebraic geometry, number theory, and syzygies, including a conjecture by mathematicians Dawei Chen and Quentin Gendron. The AI’s ability to develop proofs independently and verify them using a specialized mathematical language called Lean highlights its potential to assist professional mathematicians and potentially solve cybersecurity problems.

This Chinese Startup Wants to Build a New Brain-Computer Interface—No Implant Required | WIRED

Gestala, a Chinese startup, aims to develop a noninvasive brain-computer interface using ultrasound technology. Unlike traditional brain-computer interfaces that rely on invasive implants, Gestala plans to stimulate and eventually read from the brain using focused ultrasound. The company's initial focus is on treating chronic pain by targeting the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region involved in the emotional component of pain. Future plans include expanding to other indications such as depression, stroke rehabilitation, Alzheimer’s disease, and sleep disorders.

Who really invented television? | National Geographic

This National Geographic article explores the complex history of television's invention, highlighting that while Scottish inventor John Logie Baird is often credited, the development was a collaborative effort among multiple inventors across Europe and the United States.

Scientists record coldest ocean temperature ever in Earth's history—and wonder how life survived | National Geographic

Scientists have recorded the coldest ocean temperature ever in Earth's history, estimated to be 5°F (minus 15°C), during the Snowball Earth period about 700 million years ago. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that the oceans were 22°F (12°C) colder than today's coldest ocean temperatures and had salinity more than four times higher, allowing them to avoid freezing. This discovery raises questions about how life could have survived such extreme conditions, with theories suggesting adaptations to limited oxygen and light, survival at hydrothermal vents, or in meltwater ponds on the ice.

‘House burping’ is a cold reality in Germany. Americans are warming to it.

This Washington Post article explores the German practice of 'lüften,' or airing out homes, which has recently gained attention in the U.S. as 'house burping.' The practice, mandated in many German apartment leases, involves opening windows multiple times a day for ventilation. Despite its importance in German culture, it has caused culture shock and even relationship strain for newcomers. The article delves into the science behind lüften, emphasizing its benefits in reducing indoor pollutants, lowering germ buildup, and balancing humidity. It also highlights the contrast between the German emphasis on ventilation and the American preference for climate-controlled environments.

To tackle the e-waste problem, this casing for electronics dissolves in water | CNN

Aquafade is a new, fully water-soluble plastic casing for electronics that dissolves in water in about six hours, facilitating easier recycling of the internal components. It aims to tackle the growing problem of e-waste, which reached 62 million tons in 2022, according to a UN report. Aquafade can be used for various devices, from computers to LED wristbands, and could potentially be applied to other products like luggage and furniture.

What Apple and Google’s Gemini deal means for both companies

Apple and Google have announced a multiyear partnership to integrate Google's Gemini AI models into Apple's Siri, aiming to enhance Siri's personalization and AI capabilities. The partnership emphasizes privacy, with Apple maintaining its industry-leading standards by using Google's technology on its own servers. This collaboration allows Apple to focus on user experience and potentially become a key player in the AI market, while Google gains more users and cements its image as a leading AI provider. However, the deal may raise antitrust concerns, similar to past scrutiny Google faced for its search engine dominance.

Most dubious uses of AI at CES 2026

This article from The Verge explores the questionable uses of AI at CES 2026, highlighting gadgets like smart hair clippers, AI-upgraded pharmacotherapy, and AI-enabled microwaves that don't quite live up to the 'intelligence' in 'artificial intelligence'.

The Newest Health Trend Is Tracking Your Pee

This article explores the emerging trend of using smart sensors to track urine for health monitoring, featuring products like Vivoo's smart toilet, Withings U-Scan, and Kohler Dekoda. It highlights the benefits of urine analysis for hydration, ketone levels, and kidney stones, while also discussing the privacy concerns and costs associated with these devices.

This asteroid is spilling secrets about the origin of life on Earth

This National Geographic article discusses the scientific value of asteroid samples returned to Earth by missions like OSIRIS-REx and Hayabusa2. These samples, particularly from asteroids Bennu and Ryugu, contain minerals formed in water and a variety of organic compounds, including amino acids and sugars, which are crucial for life. The article explores the possibility that these organic molecules, and possibly even water, were delivered to Earth from asteroids, offering new insights into the origins of life on our planet. Additionally, the samples have revealed details about the early solar system's dynamics and the conditions that may have led to the formation of life.

Chewing gum has a mysterious effect on the brain

This article explores the mysterious effects of chewing gum on the brain, tracing its history from ancient times to modern science. It highlights how gum has been marketed for its supposed mental health benefits and how modern studies have shown mixed results. The article delves into theories about why chewing gum might improve attention and reduce stress, suggesting that it could be due to increased blood flow, muscle tension, or repetitive motions. Despite its lack of nutritional value, chewing gum remains popular, possibly due to its soothing and repetitive nature.

Lego announces Smart Brick, the ‘most significant evolution’ in 50 years

This article from The Verge announces Lego's new Smart Brick, a tiny computer that fits inside a classic 2x4 Lego brick, marking the most significant evolution in 50 years. The Smart Bricks will be available starting March 1st, 2026, in Lego Star Wars sets, featuring lights, sounds, sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. The first sets include Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter, Luke’s Red Five X-Wing, and Darth Vader’s Throne Room Duel & A-Wing, with prices ranging from $70 to $160.

Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as mayor on a Quran, a first in New York City history

Incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will make history by taking his oath of office on a centuries-old Quran, marking the first time a mayor uses Islam’s holy text for this ceremony. This event underscores a series of historic firsts for the city, including the first Muslim, first South Asian, and first African-born mayor. The Quran he will use is part of the New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and symbolizes the diversity and reach of the city’s Muslim community.

6 Scary Predictions for AI in 2026

This Wired article presents six predictions for AI in 2026, including potential layoffs in the AI industry, China and Russia spreading disinformation to slow US data center construction, increased demonstrations of AI-powered robots at tech conferences, a potential stock market dip as AI companies reset, surveillance software being used to train AI agents, and the rise of always-on AI gadgets raising privacy concerns.

Americans Are Increasingly Convinced That Aliens Have Visited Earth

A recent poll reveals that nearly half of Americans now believe aliens have visited Earth, with a significant drop in uncertainty. Factors contributing to this shift include increased media coverage, popular culture's embrace of alien themes, and social media fostering communities around alien theories.

The TikTok US sale is finally happening

TikTok has finalized a deal to sell its US business to a consortium of American investors, including Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, to satisfy the divest-or-ban law. The joint venture will be 50% held by the new investors, 30.1% by existing ByteDance affiliates, and 19.9% by ByteDance. The transaction aims to ensure US data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance, with Oracle as the trusted security partner.

California threatens Tesla with 30-day suspension of sales license for deceptive self-driving claims

The California Department of Motor Vehicles has given Tesla 90 days to modify the marketing of its driver-assistance technology, warning that the electric carmaker could face a temporary ban on vehicle sales in the state if it fails to comply. The DMV's action stems from a ruling that terms such as 'Autopilot' and 'Full Self-Driving' in Tesla's advertising could be misleading to consumers. The agency's order centers on Tesla's continued use of the term 'Autopilot', directing the company to either make the technology fully autonomous or stop using the label. The DMV is requiring Tesla to confirm that it has complied with the order. The ban on sales would last 30 days. Tesla shares briefly fell about 2 percent after the DMV announcement.

Nasdaq proposed expanding trading hours to 23 hours each weekday, up from 16

Wells Fargo analysts criticize Nasdaq's proposal to extend trading hours to 23 hours daily, calling it 'the worst thing in the world' and akin to gambling. The Nasdaq plans to expand trading hours to 23 hours each weekday, up from 16, with the intention to compete with foreign markets. Wells Fargo argues that this move accelerates trading volume at the market open and close, which is counterproductive.

I work in AI security at Google. There are some things I would never tell chatbots.

Harsh Varshney, a Google AI security engineer, shares four key tips for protecting your data and identity when interacting with AI chatbots. He advises treating AI chatbots like a public postcard, being mindful of which 'room' you're in (public vs. enterprise), regularly deleting your chat history, and using well-known AI tools with clear privacy policies.

The biggest scientific breakthroughs of the last 25 years—and a few to watch

This National Geographic article highlights the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the last 25 years, including the completion of the Human Genome Project, the development of CRISPR gene-editing, and the discovery of the Higgs boson. It also touches on advancements in medicine, astronomy, and climate science. The article concludes by discussing potential future discoveries and the importance of sustained scientific research.

AI Bathroom Monitors? Welcome To America’s New Surveillance High Schools

How Roomba invented the home robot — and lost the future

iRobot, the company behind the Roomba robot vacuum, filed for bankruptcy after losing its market dominance to Chinese competitors. Despite its early success and innovation in home robotics, iRobot faced challenges from government regulation, failed acquisition by Amazon, and failure to innovate quickly enough. The company's vision for a Jetsons-style smart home was ahead of its time, but it couldn't keep up with the rapid advancements in technology and changing consumer needs.

This Startup Wants to Build Self-Driving Car Software—Super Fast

This Wired article explores how HyprLabs, a startup led by autonomous vehicle veteran Tim Kentley-Klay, is developing a new approach to autonomous vehicle software. HyprLabs' Hyprdrive software aims to achieve high levels of safety and efficiency with minimal data and human supervision, using a technique called 'run-time learning'. The startup has collected only 4,000 hours of driving data, a fraction of what competitors like Waymo have accumulated, but claims this approach allows for faster and more cost-effective development.

AI Toys for Kids Talk About Sex, Drugs, and Chinese Propaganda

This article discusses various security and privacy issues, including AI toys for kids that talk about sensitive topics, a proposal for US tourists to submit social media data for entry, South Korean CEOs resigning due to cyberattacks, and an Atlanta man being arrested for deleting smartphone data before a CBP search.

Squeeze inside a fusion reactor with a Nat Geo photographer

National Geographic Explorer Paolo Verzone provides a rare glimpse inside the Wendelstein 7-X, a stellarator fusion reactor in Germany. This experimental reactor, the largest of its kind, aims to achieve nuclear fusion by heating plasma to extreme temperatures and containing it with superconducting magnets. The Wendelstein 7-X has set a record for maintaining super-heated plasma for 43 seconds, showcasing its potential for future fusion power.

NASA caught a view of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS from Mars

NASA released new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, captured by various space missions, revealing it as a comet rather than alien technology. The comet, first spotted in July, transformed into a bright body as it approached the sun. Despite conspiracy theories, NASA confirmed it is a comet, offering a rare opportunity to study ancient solar systems. Several Mars missions and other space probes captured images of the comet, providing insights into its composition and origins. The comet's journey through the solar system has been meticulously tracked, with the James Webb Space Telescope set to observe it until it exits the solar system.