The Trump administration has fired all 22 members of the National Science Board, the oversight body for the $9 billion National Science Foundation, marking a significant blow to American science. This move, coupled with proposed budget cuts and a controversial nominee for NSF director, raises serious concerns about the future of vital research.
Uber aims to transform its vast network of human drivers into a sensor grid, collecting crucial real-world data for autonomous vehicle companies and AI models. This strategic pivot addresses the data bottleneck in AV development, positioning Uber as a key data provider for the industry.
The world's largest digital rights conference, RightsCon, has been canceled for 2026 due to alleged pressure from the Chinese government over the participation of Taiwanese civil society groups. This incident highlights growing concerns about Beijing's influence on international forums and digital freedoms.
Apple reported its best March quarter ever with record revenues, yet outgoing CEO Tim Cook warned of significant challenges ahead due to an escalating memory chip shortage. This supply crunch, driven by the AI industry's demand, threatens to impact future business and potentially lead to iPhone price increases.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed Pakistan as the official mediator in potential talks with the United States, while also highlighting strengthened strategic cooperation with Russia across political, security, and economic fronts.
Craig Venter, the 'maverick' scientist renowned for leading the race to decode the human genome and pioneering the whole-genome shotgun sequencing method, has died at 79. His transformative work reshaped genomics and synthetic biology, leaving an indelible mark on scientific understanding.
Hamas's rejection of a disarmament plan for Gaza sparks renewed fears of conflict, as international mediators and Israeli officials push for weapon surrender while residents prioritize peace and return home. Experts debate the likelihood of disarmament, with some warning of military options and others ruling out Hamas giving up its arms.
Researchers used Quantinuum's H2 quantum computer to simulate digital quantum magnetism, successfully suppressing errors to observe thermalization and emergent hydrodynamics, challenging classical simulation limits. This demonstrates digital quantum computers' power in studying continuous-time dynamics.
Elon Musk faced intense cross-examination regarding his alleged attempts to control and financially squeeze OpenAI in 2017, including halting funding and trying to poach key researchers while still on its board.
Apple has been ordered to continue allowing developers to link to external payment options without commission, following a procedural win for Epic Games in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The decision reverses Apple's temporary pause on these changes, pushing the long-running legal battle closer to the Supreme Court.
Nature journal has issued an author correction for a pivotal paper on quantum error correction, addressing specific errors in Figure 3a. This swift amendment highlights the rigorous standards of scientific publishing in complex fields like quantum computing.
Microsoft and OpenAI have renegotiated their foundational partnership, resolving a significant legal cloud over OpenAI's $50 billion deal with Amazon. The new terms grant Microsoft a non-exclusive license through 2032 while allowing OpenAI to serve products across any cloud provider.
Motif Neurotech has received FDA approval to begin human trials for its blueberry-sized brain implant, designed to treat severe, treatment-resistant depression by delivering targeted electrical stimulation to the brain's central executive network. This innovative device offers the potential for at-home therapeutic stimulation, aiming to improve daily function and quality of life for millions of adults.
Meta has signed an agreement with Overview Energy to power its AI data centers at night using solar energy beamed from a constellation of satellites in space. This innovative solution aims to address the massive energy demands of AI models and enhance renewable energy utilization.
A groundbreaking self-driving chemistry laboratory, costing only US$5,000, promises to revolutionize chemical research by automating and accelerating crucial experiments. This innovation significantly speeds up the optimization of product synthesis.
After 15 years, Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple CEO in September, with John Ternus set to take over. Experts reflect on Cook's legacy of operational mastery and the robust services business he built, while also examining the global economic and AI-driven challenges awaiting Ternus.
Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has unveiled V4, its new flagship open-source model, promising competitive performance and an exceptionally long context window at a fraction of the cost of leading alternatives. This release marks a significant step for developers seeking advanced AI capabilities without prohibitive expenses.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that would have imposed the country's first statewide moratorium on new data centers, citing the need for an exemption for a locally supported project. The decision sparks debate over balancing economic development with environmental and energy concerns.
A new study suggests that even if fusion power becomes a reality, it might not come cheap, challenging assumptions about its future affordability and the pace of cost reduction.
The Trump administration has reportedly dismissed the entire National Science Board, an advisory body crucial to the National Science Foundation, amidst existing turmoil in federal science funding. This move has drawn sharp criticism, with concerns raised about the politicization of science and its impact on American innovation.
X has launched its stand-alone messaging app, XChat, on iOS, allowing users to connect with contacts for messaging, calls, and file sharing. This move signifies a shift from Elon Musk's original 'everything app' vision to a suite of specialized applications.
X-energy's stock soared 27% on its Nasdaq debut, closing at an $11.5 billion valuation, signaling renewed investor confidence in nuclear power. This surge is largely driven by the immense energy demands of AI-powered data centers.
Bob Iger, former Disney CEO, is rejoining Thrive Capital as a strategic advisor, just one month after his second departure from the entertainment giant. He will bring his extensive leadership experience to the prominent venture capital firm, which manages over $50 billion in assets and holds stakes in companies like OpenAI and SpaceX.
A growing number of countries are implementing strict regulations or outright bans on social media for children and teens, led by Australia, to combat cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health issues. This global shift, however, raises debates about privacy and the effectiveness of such governmental interventions.
