That is at present’s version of The Obtain, our weekday publication that gives a day by day dose of what’s occurring on the earth of expertise.
How getting old clocks will help us perceive why we age—and if we are able to reverse it
Wrinkles and grey hairs apart, it may be troublesome to know the way nicely—or poorly—somebody’s physique is really getting old. An individual who develops age-related illnesses earlier in life, or has different organic modifications related to getting old, could be thought-about “biologically older” than a similar-age one who doesn’t have these modifications. Some 80-year-olds shall be weak and frail, whereas others are match and lively.
Over the previous decade, scientists have been uncovering new strategies of wanting on the hidden methods our our bodies are getting old. And what they’ve discovered is altering our understanding of getting old itself. Learn the complete story.
—Jessica Hamzelou
Can we restore the web?
From addictive algorithms to exploitative apps, information mining to misinformation, the web at present generally is a hazardous place. New books by three influential figures—the mind behind “internet neutrality,” a former Meta government, and the online’s personal inventor—suggest radical approaches to fixing it. However are these luminaries the suitable individuals for the job? Learn the complete story.
—Nathan Smith
Each these tales are from our forthcoming print subject, which is all in regards to the physique. For those who haven’t already, subscribe now to obtain future points as soon as they land. Plus, you’ll additionally obtain a free digital report on nuclear energy.
2025 local weather tech corporations to look at: Cyclic Supplies and its uncommon earth recycling tech
Uncommon earth magnets are important for clear vitality, however solely a tiny fraction of the metals inside them are ever recycled. Cyclic Supplies goals to vary that by opening one of many largest uncommon earth magnet recycling operations exterior of China subsequent 12 months.
By gathering a variety of units and recycling a number of metals, the corporate seeks to beat the financial challenges which have lengthy held again such efforts. Learn the complete story.
—Maddie Stone
Cyclic Supplies is considered one of our 10 local weather tech corporations to look at—our annual checklist of a number of the most promising local weather tech corporations on the planet. Take a look at the remainder of the checklist right here.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to search out you at present’s most enjoyable/essential/scary/fascinating tales about expertise.
1 California’s AI security invoice has been signed into regulation
It holds AI corporations legally accountable if their chatbots fail to guard customers. (TechCrunch)
+ It additionally requires chatbots to remind younger customers that they’re not human. (The Verge)
+ Gavin Newsom additionally green-lit measures for social media warning labels. (The Hill)
2 Satellites are leaking unencrypted information
Together with civilian textual content messages, plus navy and regulation enforcement communications. (Wired $)
+ It’s getting mighty crowded up there too. (House)
3 Protection startups are reviving manufacturing in quiet US cities
The weapons of the long run are being in-built Delaware, Michigan and Ohio. (NYT $)
+ Section two of navy AI has arrived. (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
4 Europe is nervous about changing into an AI “colony”
The bloc is simply too depending on US tech, specialists concern. (FT $)
+ The US is locked in a bind with China. (Remainder of World)
5 Huge chunks of human information are lacking from the online
And AI is poised to make the issue even worse. (Aeon)
+ How AI and Wikipedia have despatched susceptible languages right into a doom spiral. (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
6 How mega batteries are unlocking an vitality revolution
Huge battery models are serving to to shore up grids and lengthen the usage of clear energy. (FT $)
+ This startup desires to make use of the Earth as an enormous battery. (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
7 A brand new chemical detection approach reveals what’s making wildlife in poor health
It’s a small step towards a more healthy future for all animals—together with people. (Knowable Journal)
+ We’re inhaling, consuming, and ingesting poisonous chemical substances. Now we have to determine how they’re affecting us. (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
8 The world is rising extra meals crops than ever earlier than
However starvation nonetheless hasn’t been eradicated. (Vox)
+ Africa fights rising starvation by seeking to meals of the previous. (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
9 Google is beginning to cover sponsored search outcomes
Solely after you’ve seen them first. (The Verge)
+ Is Google taking part in catchup on search with OpenAI? (MIT Expertise Evaluate)
10 Indonesia’s movie business is embracing AI
To the detriment of artists and storyboarders. (Remainder of World)
Quote of the day
“It’s making an attempt to unravel an issue that wasn’t an issue earlier than AI confirmed up, or earlier than large tech confirmed up.”
—Greg Loudon, a licensed beer choose and brewery gross sales supervisor, tells 404 Media why he’s so unimpressed by a outstanding competitors utilizing AI to evaluate the standard of beer.
Yet another factor
The fortunate break behind the primary CRISPR therapy
The world’s first business gene-editing therapy is ready to begin altering the lives of individuals with sickle-cell illness. It’s known as Casgevy, and it was accredited in November 2022 within the UK.
The therapy, which shall be offered within the US by Vertex Prescription drugs, employs CRISPR, which might be simply programmed by scientists to chop DNA at exact places they select.
However the place do you goal CRISPR, and the way did the researchers know what DNA to vary? That’s the lesser-known story of the sickle-cell breakthrough. Learn extra about it.
—Antonio Regalado
We will nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction to brighten up your day. (Acquired any concepts? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)
+ Why it’s best to take into account adopting a “espresso title.”
+ The place does your favourite Star Wars character rank on this final checklist? (Primary is appropriate.)
+ Steve McQueen, you’ll at all times be cool.
+ The compelling argument for adopting an moral weight loss plan.
