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News
Welcome to Starbase: Texas has a new city home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX
Elon Musk’s vision has materialized with the official incorporation of Starbase, Texas—a new city centered around SpaceX’s launch site. Approved by a 212–6 vote, Starbase spans 1.5 square miles near the Mexico border and is home to SpaceX’s rocket production and testing facilities. The city aims to foster a close-knit community of SpaceX employees and supporters.
Eric Schmidt apparently bought Relativity Space to put data centers in orbit
Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, bought Relativity Space to build data centers in orbit. He wants to use rockets to launch solar-powered centers to handle the huge energy needs of AI by 2030. Though promising, this idea faces big technical and cost challenges.
Nvidia is Working on China-Tailored Chips Again After U.S. Export Ban
The Information reports that Nvidia is adjusting the design of its AI chips so they can be sold in China.
OpenAI is changing how it’s run to better match its growing role in AI development. CEO Sam Altman is back on the board, and three new board members have joined to bring more experience and oversight. The company is also improving its safety and security processes.
Warren Buffett, 94, announced he will step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, after leading the company for 60 years. He cited age-related challenges as the reason for his decision. Greg Abel, 62, Berkshire’s vice chairman, will take over as CEO, while Buffett remains as board chairman. Buffett expressed full confidence in Abel, stating that he believes the company’s future is bright under his leadership.
World First: Japan Claims New Drone Can Induce Lightning Strikes
Japan’s NTT Corporation has developed the world’s first drone capable of inducing and surviving lightning strikes. Equipped with a conductive wire and a lightning-resistant Faraday cage, the drone can trigger lightning by altering the surrounding electric field. In a December 2024 test, the drone ascended 300 meters and successfully attracted a lightning strike, enduring the event with minimal damage.
After 856 ‘Snake Bites’, Man’s Blood Could Unlock Universal Antivenom
After surviving 856 snake bites, a man’s blood might hold the secret to a universal antivenom. Scientists found that his blood contains special antibodies that can fight venom from many snake species. This discovery could lead to better treatments for snakebite victims worldwide.
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Reads
Inside Apple’s Ireland testing labs – How your iPhone survives sandstorms, saunas & salt water
Apple has a secretive testing lab in Ireland where iPhones go through extreme conditions like sandstorms, saunas, and saltwater to make sure they’re tough enough for daily use. Engineers there drop, bend, freeze, and even drown the devices to test their strength. The goal is to improve durability and spot design problems before launch.
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Fun
Generating physically stable and buildable LEGO designs from text