๐ก All fact-based optimistic news from 2024
โ๏ธ Egypt has eradicated malaria. ๐ The use of generative AI is growing faster than computers and the internet. ๐คฐ Obesity in the US is decreasing. ๐ฉโ๐ New record: 19 people orbited Earth simultaneously.
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Many miserable and terrible things happened in 2024. These news stories have been extensively reported in other media.
At the same time, many good things happened. Exciting, vital, and fascinating stuff. These news stories haven't been reported to the same extent.
This is why Warp News exists. We write fact-based optimistic news about technology, science, and human progress.
The most-read news story of the year was about a new space telescope that could potentially see city lights on exoplanets.
WALL-Y
Of my texts, the one about Northvolt was read the most, and came in second place overall of everything we published during 2024.
Mathias Sundin
Scroll down a bit and you'll find all of this month's fact-based optimistic news.
Mathias Sundin
The Angry Optimist
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๐ก Fact-based optimistic news
๐ Sudan begins malaria vaccination
Sudan starts malaria vaccination, with 186,000 doses reaching 148,000 children under one year. The vaccine will be administered in 15 areas in the Gedaref and Blue Nile states, with plans to expand to 129 areas during 2025-2026. Sudan has high prevalence with over 3.4 million cases during 2023.
๐งซ One single test can now detect almost all known infections
The technology replaces multiple different tests with a single test, eliminating time-consuming guesswork in diagnosis and treatment of infections.
๐ฆพ Robot learns surgery as well as surgeons by watching videos
A surgical robot trained by watching videos of experienced surgeons performed the same surgical procedures with the same precision as human doctors.
๐ Weight loss drugs could transform society and save billions
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes by 20 percent in overweight people with cardiovascular disease. The drugs could save countries $429 billion annually between 2020-2060 if obesity increase slows by 5 percent.
๐ซ New aircraft engine makes supersonic flight cheaper and more climate-friendly
The engine is designed to run on liquid natural gas which costs one-tenth of traditional jet fuel and emits 30 percent less carbon dioxide.
๐ณ Deforestation in the Amazon decreases by 30%
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has decreased by 30 percent over the past year, reaching its lowest level since 2015. In Cerrado, Brazil's savanna region, deforestation also decreased by 26 percent, the first reduction in five years.
๐ Lowest poverty level of the 21st century in Latin America
Poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean has decreased by 4.7 percentage points between 2021 and 2023. The middle class has grown to 41.1 percent of the population in 2023, the highest level this century.
๐ Covid vaccines saved 20 million lives during first year of the pandemic
The Covid vaccine saved an estimated 20 million lives globally during the first year the vaccine was available. Data shows that mortality was significantly higher among unvaccinated individuals, particularly during virus outbreaks. At least 25 million people died in the pandemic.
โ๏ธ Boom Supersonic ready to deliver supersonic aircraft in 2029
Boom Supersonic will deliver the passenger aircraft Overture, flying at 1,300 miles per hour (Mach 1.7), to airlines in 2029. A journey between New York and London will take 3 hours and 40 minutes, compared to today's 7 hours.
๐ Stores are starting to profit from EV charging stations
A new study shows that stores within 200 meters of charging stations get 4 percent more visitors and 5 percent increased sales. Over 200,000 public chargers are now deployed at approximately 74,000 stations in the USA.
๐บ He created a low-cost AI music video for Eurovision, with 94% lower energy consumption
Filmmaker Matthew Blakemore created the video for just $800, using AI tools for music, sound effects, and visual content. The video includes over 35 references to Eurovision Song Contest and showcases how AI can enable content creation with limited resources.
๐ฐ Major increase in access to clean water and sanitation in China
Access to safe water in China has increased from 45.7 percent to 91.3 percent between 2000 and 2020. In urban areas, over 95 percent of households now have access to clean water, while rural areas reach 82.4 percent.
๐ฆพ Robots learn through self-training and human interaction
DeepMind develops robots that become more skilled by training against both humans and other robots. Researchers are now working towards a future where a single artificial intelligence can control different types of robots.
๐ New project to eradicate rabies in over 50 low-income countries
More than 50 low-income countries can now apply for financial support from Gavi for rabies vaccines and cold storage. North and South America have reduced rabies cases by over 95 percent through dog vaccination.
๐ณ Forests can naturally regrow in area larger than Saudi Arabia, new study shows
Tropical forests can naturally regrow on 215 million hectares of land without trees needing to be planted. If all identified areas were reforested, it would sequester 23.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide over 30 years.
๐ฃ Historic clearing of ammunition from the Baltic Sea floor
SeaTerra initiates a groundbreaking effort to clear 1.5 million tons of World War II ammunition from the Baltic Sea floor. The company uses the advanced underwater robot Norppa 300 that can work at 300 meters depth around the clock.
๐ Solar cells transform agriculture in Pakistan
Pakistani farmers reduce their energy costs by up to 80 percent by installing solar panels for irrigation. 95 percent of farmland in the Lahore area has switched to solar power.
โก Ukraine builds renewable energy during war: "Difficult to destroy"
Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, has rebuilt solar power plants in seven days after Russian attacks, compared to three to four months for thermal power plants. Decentralized power generation is much more resistant and difficult to destroy, than centralized.
๐ Battery prices for electric cars continue to drop during 2024
Average battery prices decreased by 20 percent to $115 per kilowatt hour during 2024. Battery cells fell even more, by 30 percent to $78 per kilowatt hour. Electric car batteries for passenger cars fell below $100 per kilowatt hour for the first time.
โฐ๏ธ AI help discover 303 new geoglyphs in Peru
Scientists have found 303 previously unknown geoglyphs in the Nazca desert using artificial intelligence and drones. The AI technology could filter out 98 percent of the image material and identify potential geoglyphs with high precision.
๐งฎ Google's quantum computer performs calculation in 5 minutes that would take longer than the universe's existence for a supercomputer
Google's new quantum computer solved a calculation in five minutes that would take longer than the universe's existence to solve with a regular supercomputer. The time it would take the supercomputer to do the calculation is nearly a million billion times longer than the age of the universe.
๐ฆ New malaria vaccine delivered directly through mosquito bites
Scientists have developed a new method to vaccinate against malaria by letting genetically modified malaria parasites transfer via mosquito bites. The method provided 89 percent protection against malaria in the initial study.
๐งฌ First CRISPR treatment is now being given to patients
The first treatment using CRISPR technology has begun being administered to patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Patients do not produce healthy hemoglobin. Casgevy uses CRISPR to modify the patient's own cells so they produce healthy hemoglobin.
โ๏ธ World's longest underwater cable for solar power gets green light
SunCable receives approval to export renewable electricity from Australia to Singapore via a 4,300-kilometer underwater cable. The power will come from the world's largest solar and battery park, to be built in northern Australia at a cost of 35 billion dollars.
๐ The ozone hole over Antarctica continues to shrink
The ozone hole over Antarctica was the seventh smallest since 1992. Scientists estimate that the ozone layer could be fully restored by 2066.
๐งฌ CRISPR adapts crops and livestock to withstand warmer climate
Scientists have already created cattle with shorter coats for warmer climates and rice that can handle drier conditions. Several companies are now working to develop corn with shorter and stronger stalks that reduce the risk of damage during severe storms.
๐ Deaths from air pollution decrease globally
Deaths caused by air pollution from fossil fuels decreased by 7 percent between 2016 and 2021.
๐ก๏ธ New material captures CO2 more efficiently than large trees
A new yellow powder material captures carbon dioxide from the air 10 times faster than other materials. The material can be reused hundreds of times without decreased effectiveness.
โก 550% increase in data centers led to only 6% higher electricity consumption
More efficient computer chips have reduced energy intensity by 99 percent since 2008. IEA predicts that data centers will account for only 3 percent of increased electricity consumption by 2030.
๐ฃ The Cuyahoga River was so polluted it caught fire - now it's making a comeback
The Cuyahoga River in Ohio has undergone a dramatic improvement from being one of America's most polluted waterways to now having water quality good enough to reintroduce sturgeon. The river that used to regularly catch fire due to industrial pollution is now home to blue herons and bald eagles.
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Tuberculosis steadily declining
Global tuberculosis cases have stabilized after pandemic increase - 10.8 million cases in 2023 compared to 10.7 million in 2022. Mortality continues to decline - 1.25 million deaths in 2023, down from 1.32 million in 2022.
๐ EV sales increase while gas car sales continue to decline
China grew by 35 percent and North America by 10 percent. Sales of new gas-powered cars have decreased by approximately 25 percent since 2017.
๐ Coral reefs show unexpectedly strong resilience to warming
Coral reefs continue to grow even under warmer conditions according to a new two-year experiment in Hawaii. The experiment shows that coral reefs can survive if global warming is limited to 2 degrees Celsius.
๐ People worldwide have high trust in scientists
A new comprehensive study shows that the majority of people in 68 countries have high trust in scientists and their methods.
๐ Heart failure mortality has steadily decreased over 25 years
Deaths from heart failure have decreased by two percent annually between 1997 and 2022. New medications and improved medical technology help patients live longer after diagnosis.
๐ฆ The age of miracles is not over - McDonald's ice cream machine crisis gets a solution
The US government is tackling one of the greatest crises of our time - McDonald's broken ice cream machines. Franchise owners can now repair the machines themselves without depending on the manufacturer.
๐ค Google's AI succeeds in uniting people better than human mediators
DeepMind's new AI system achieved 56 percent acceptance for joint statements, compared to 44 percent for human mediators. Agreement increased in five out of nine discussed issues.
๐ท AI interprets pig sounds to improve their well-being
A team of researchers has developed an AI algorithm that can translate different pig sounds into emotional states. The algorithm can distinguish between positive and negative emotions in pigs by analyzing their grunts, screams, and other sounds.
๐ Buy time: How we can reduce global warming by 0.5 degrees in the short term
Methane is 86 times more powerful as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide but disappears from the atmosphere after just 12 years. By focusing on reducing methane emissions, we can have a rapid effect on global warming.
๐ญ Youth smoking at lowest level in 25 years
Only 8 percent of American teenagers use tobacco products, the lowest figure since 1999. E-cigarettes are the most used tobacco product with 5.9 percent of youth users.
โ๏ธ Global fight against inflation nearing victory, according to IMF
IMF predicts global inflation will drop from 6.7 percent in 2023 to 4.3 percent in 2025. The inflation reduction has been achieved without a global recession, and the US economy continues to grow by 2.8 percent in 2024.
๐ The U.S. has installed batteries equivalent to 20 nuclear power plants in four years
The US has installed batteries with a capacity of over 20 gigawatts to the power grid, of which 5 gigawatts were added during the first seven months of this year. The batteries have already proven effective in preventing power outages in states like California during intense heat waves.
โก New drilling technology from the oil industry provides fossil-free electricity around the clock
The cost of drilling geothermal wells has decreased by 80%. Cold water is pumped down four kilometers into the ground through a hockey stick-shaped borehole and heated to steam by the heat down there. The steam returns through a parallel borehole and drives turbines that produce electricity.
๐ The number of bee colonies in the world is increasing significantly
Globally, the number of bee colonies has increased by 47 percent since 1990, from 69.2 million to 101.6 million colonies in 2021. There was initially a decrease during the 90s, but in the 2000s it has turned upward
โ๏ธ Egypt has eradicated malaria
The World Health Organization, WHO, has certified Egypt as malaria-free after nearly a hundred years of work against the disease. The disease has been present in the country for over 4000 years. Egypt is one of 44 countries that WHO has certified as malaria-free.
๐ Australia leads the world in rooftop solar energy
Australia has installed rooftop solar panels on a scale that surpasses all expectations. More than a third of all households in the country now generate their own electricity from the sun. Home-based solar energy accounts for 11.6 percent of electricity production in Australia's main power grid.
๐ Competition to accelerate quantum computers' societal benefits
XPRIZE has launched a global competition worth $5 million to develop practical quantum algorithms. The competition aims to accelerate the development of quantum computer applications that can solve important societal problems.
๐ก๏ธ Heat pumps reduce energy use by 40 percent, according to a new study
A new study shows that heat pumps significantly reduce household energy consumption. Household carbon dioxide emissions decreased by 36 percent. Time-of-use electricity tariffs caused households to more than double their electricity consumption during off-peak hours and halve it during peak hours.
๐ณ 100 million trees to be planted in Africa to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
The company Aspiration has committed to planting 100 million trees in East Africa by 2025. Reforestation increases nature's ability to absorb greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Over 9.5 million trees have already been planted and 8,500 farmers are participating in an agroforestry program.
๐ฎ Researchers impressed by ChatGPT's latest model
OpenAI's new model, o1, performs better than previous models on advanced scientific and mathematical tasks. o1 performed a calculation on black holes in about an hour, which previously took the researcher several months. It solved 83% of the tasks on a qualifying test for the Mathematics Olympiad.
๐ฐ Young AI companies generate revenue faster than previous tech companies
AI startups reach million-dollar revenues in just eleven months. This can be compared to 15 months for the previous generation of SaaS companies. Top AI companies reach $30 million in annual revenue five times faster than previous software companies.
๐ Indian households' food expenses have decreased significantly
Indian households' food expenses have fallen to less than half of total expenditures for the first time since 1947. The proportion of households' total expenses going to food has decreased considerably across the country.
๐ The use of generative AI is growing faster than computers and the internet
Generative AI is used by 39 percent of Americans aged 18-64, just two years after its introduction. This is a significantly faster growth compared to personal computers and the internet in their early years.
๐ฑ Facebook and Instagram algorithms affect user behavior but not their political views
The study found no noticeable effect on political polarization among users. Users' knowledge about the election was not affected by the change in feed algorithm. Self-reported voter turnout remained unchanged despite significant differences in user experience.
๐งซ DARTS takes up the fight against antibiotic resistance
A major research project called DARTS has been launched to combat antibiotic resistance. Researchers are using new methods such as AI and microfluidics to find new antibiotics faster. Improved diagnostics can reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and slow down resistance development.
๐ฉโ๐ป Google paves the way for practically usable quantum computers
Google has built a quantum computer that makes fewer errors as it scales up. The company has passed an important threshold for error correction in quantum units. This paves the way for practically usable quantum computers in the future.
โ UK closes last coal power plant - end of a 142-year era
The UK will close its last coal power plant in October 2024, marking the end of a 142-year era. Coal's share of electricity production has decreased from 40% in 2012 to zero in 2024, one of the fastest energy transitions in the world.
๐ Global extreme poverty has returned to pre-pandemic levels
During the pandemic, the number of extremely poor people in the world increased for the first time in a long while. Now the numbers have turned downward again and are reaching the same level as before the pandemic, below 9 percent.
๐ Plan to provide 300 million Africans with access to electricity
Mission 300 is the name of the plan to provide 300 million Africans with access to electricity by the end of 2030. A total of 90 billion dollars is needed to succeed. The World Bank and African Development Bank are contributing 30 billion dollars.
๐คฐ Obesity in the US is decreasing
Obesity among adults in the USA is 40.3 percent according to a new report. This is a decrease from 41.9 percent in 2020. It breaks a trend of annual increases that has been ongoing since 2011.
๐ Earth may NOT be swallowed by the sun in 6 billion years
A rocky planet has been discovered orbiting a white dwarf star 4000 light-years away. The planet is believed to have survived the star's red giant phase by moving to a more distant orbit. The discovery provides insights into Earth's possible future when the sun expands.
๐ฉธ Stem cells from one's own body can cure type 1 diabetes
A 25-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes began producing her own insulin after stem cell transplantation. The woman has been insulin-free for over a year and can now eat whatever she wants.
โ๏ธ Scientists show nuclear explosion can deflect asteroid
Scientists have simulated the effect of X-rays from a nuclear explosion on asteroids. The results show that the method can provide sufficient force to change the trajectory of large asteroids. The technique could potentially be used to avert threats from asteroids up to four kilometers in diameter.
๐ Startup wants to cool the Earth with lots of balloons
Make Sunsets has released 82 balloons with sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere. Solar radiation management is controversial but could potentially reduce global warming quickly and cost-effectively.
๐ง They are developing a technology to restore sea ice in the Arctic
The company Real Ice is developing a technology to preserve and restore sea ice in the Arctic. The method uses renewable energy to pump seawater onto the ice and create extra ice layers. Testing of the technology in Arctic conditions will soon begin.
๐ Breakthrough: Seawater becomes fuel without hazardous substances
The company Equatic has created a technology that extracts hydrogen from seawater without producing harmful chlorine. The method can simultaneously remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the ocean.
๐ฆพ AI generates more innovative research ideas than experts, large study shows
AI-generated research ideas were judged as statistically significantly more innovative than human experts' ideas in a large-scale study. Over a hundred researchers participated in the study comparing AI-generated ideas with ideas from human experts across seven different research areas.
๐ New battery technologies expand possibilities for renewable energy
Several new types of batteries are in development. Zinc-bromine flow batteries offer a safe and sustainable solution for energy storage. Organic flow batteries with solid materials increase storage capacity compared to conventional flow batteries.
๐ฆ Saiga antelope goes from endangered to thriving
The saiga antelope population in Kazakhstan has increased from 21,000 in 2003 to 1.3 million today. The species has been reclassified from "critically endangered" to "near threatened" on the international red list.
๐ Minesto delivers ocean energy to the grid with tidal kites
Minesto's tidal kites have been generating electricity to the grid for three months. They generate electricity from ocean currents using a method similar to a kite flying in the wind. Test data shows that the technology is ready for commercial production.
๐ Solar energy grows fastest in Central and Eastern Europe
Electricity production from solar parks in Central and Eastern Europe increased by 55 percent during the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Poland and Hungary account for the strongest growth in large-scale solar energy in the region.
๐พ AI-driven weed controllers reduce the need for herbicides by 90%
New technology reduces herbicide use by up to 90 percent. AI-controlled cameras identify weeds for precision treatment. Using less herbicide through precision applications can help lower costs for growers.
๐ฆพ Industrial robots learn new skills on their own
Industrial robots are becoming more intelligent with the help of AI and can now perform increasingly complex tasks. Generative AI enables robots to perform more complex tasks, such as pouring liquids or turning knobs, and to learn new skills faster based on learned behavior.
๐ณ Mobile phones used to detect earthquakes
Android devices are transformed into a global network for earthquake warnings. The system provides valuable seconds of advance warning before an earthquake strikes. Over three billion Android phones worldwide can potentially contribute to the system.
๐ญ Coal power in the richest countries peaked in 2007 - and has halved since then
OECD countries' coal power production has decreased by 52 percent since the peak in 2007. Over a third of OECD countries are now completely free of coal power. Three-quarters of OECD countries are on track to phase out coal power by 2030.
๐ฆ Europe's first drone cargo airline can reduce freight costs by 50 percent
Dronamics becomes Europe's first licensed cargo drone airline, offering cost-effective deliveries. The company's drone, Black Swan, can carry 350 kg of cargo and fly 2500 km. The technology enables deliveries to remote areas and can reduce costs by up to 50 percent.
๐ Australia leads the world in rooftop solar energy
Australia has installed rooftop solar panels on a scale that surpasses all expectations. More than a third of all households in the country now generate their own electricity from the sun. Home-based solar energy accounts for 11.6 percent of electricity production in Australia's main power grid.
๐ Overdoses from opioids are finally beginning to decrease in the US
The number of deaths from overdoses in the USA has decreased since fall 2023. This applies to both overdoses in general and overdoses related to opioids, including fentanyl.
๐ New method can reduce diabetes medication dosing to once a month
French researchers have developed a system that can reduce the dosing of diabetes medication to once a month. The drug is particularly effective in managing type 2 diabetes and is available in both injectable and oral forms.
๐๏ธ Skin cancer decrease among younger people in Sweden, the first country in Europe
The risk of malignant melanoma is decreasing for people under 50 in Sweden since 2015. Improved awareness of sun protection and reduced access to tanning beds contribute to the decrease. Mortality from skin cancer has also decreased for age groups up to 59 years.
๐ฐ Energy consumption for desalinating water has decreased by 85 percent
Energy consumption for desalination has decreased from 20 kWh per cubic meter in the 1970s to 2.5-3.5 kWh today. Producing enough drinking water for one person - about 3 liters per day - through desalination would cost only $2.30 for an entire year.
๐ Waymo self-driving vehicles are significantly safer than human drivers
Waymo's self-driving cars have been involved in fewer than one accident with injuries per million miles driven. They estimate that their vehicles have 70 percent fewer accidents with injuries than human drivers.
๐ Large decrease in domestic violence
The number of domestic violence cases in the US has decreased by 67 percent between 1993 and 2022. Rapes and sexual assaults decreased by 56 percent during the same period.
๐ณ Chainsaw amnesty protects rainforest in Borneo by exchanging chainsaws for healthcare
279 loggers have turned in their chainsaws since 2017. The program has reduced deforestation by 70 percent over 10 years. The initiative combines environmental protection with improved access to healthcare for local communities.
๐ข Plastic in the Pacific Ocean can be cleaned up in ten years, according to Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup foundation has shown that all plastic in the Pacific Ocean can be removed within 10 years for $7.5 billion. The organization has already removed over 450 metric tons of trash from the central parts of the Pacific Ocean over the past three years.
๐ฉโ๐ New record: 19 people orbited Earth simultaneously
Three people were launched towards the International Space Station on September 11. This raised the number of people in Earth's orbit to a record-high 19. The previous record was 17 people, set last year.
๐ข Sea turtles in Brazil become healthier as water quality improves
Sea turtles in Guanabara Bay show better health after cleaning efforts. A tumor disease in turtles has decreased since 2023. Investments of over 300 million dollars have been made to clean the water in the area.
๐ฆ Endangered grasshopper sparrow on the road to recovery
The number of grasshopper sparrows in Florida has increased from 80 to 200 individuals in five years. The 1000th captive-bred sparrow was recently released into the wild. Over 15 percent of the released birds survive and reproduce successfully.
๐ฉโ๐ First private spacewalk conducted by SpaceX
SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission performed the first ever commercial spacewalk. The crew reached an altitude of nearly 1400 km, higher than any other manned spaceflight since the Apollo program. The mission tested new SpaceX equipment and conducted 36 scientific experiments.
๐ World's first lung cancer vaccine being tested in clinical trials
Clinical trials of an mRNA vaccine against lung cancer have begun in seven countries. The vaccine is designed to treat non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of the disease. Approximately 130 patients will participate in the study and receive the vaccine along with immunotherapy.
๐ New company aims for groundbreaking asteroid mining
AstroForge has secured $40 million in funding for asteroid mining. The company plans two missions: Odin to pass by an asteroid and Vestri to land on one. AstroForge aims to be the first to commercially explore metal-rich asteroids.
๐ Solar energy and battery storage set to double in the US this year
The US is expected to install twice as much solar energy and battery storage as last year. Growth for solar energy and battery storage is accelerating despite increased adoption. A total of 38 GW new solar energy capacity and 14.7 GW battery storage capacity is expected to be added during 2024.
๐ฆพ AI avatars protect journalists in Venezuela
AI-created news anchors are used to protect journalists in Venezuela. The initiative involves approximately 20 Venezuelan news media and 100 journalists. The digital presenters report on government actions against opposition and media.
โ Solar energy cost reduction continues despite temporary obstacles
The cost of solar panels has decreased by about 12 percent per year for several decades. Despite short-term cost increases, the long-term trend points towards continued cost reduction. A potential 8-fold reduction in the total cost of solar energy.
๐ซ Breakthrough: Chocolate without sugar is no longer a bitter dream
Researchers in Switzerland have developed a method to produce chocolate without added sugar. The entire cocoa fruit is used in the process, which reduces food waste. The method can increase income for cocoa farmers and create jobs in countries of origin.
๐ฅต Reduced mortality in heat waves
Heat waves cause many deaths globally โ but the trend is pointing downward. The number of deaths per capita caused by heat waves decreased by 7.2% per decade globally.
โก Baseload Capital to invest $60 million in geothermal energy - IKEA and Bezos among investors
Baseload Capital secures $60 million in a Series B funding round. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can deliver electricity, heat, and cooling 24 hours a day, all year round.
๐ฅ BurnBot performs controlled burns to reduce the risk of forest fires
BurnBot has developed a robot that performs controlled burns without flames and smoke. The robot reduces the need for personnel and minimizes the risk of fire spreading uncontrollably.
๐จ New study: AI increases artists' productivity and creativity
Artists using AI tools produce 50 percent more artworks. Artworks created with AI assistance receive 50 percent more appreciation from other users. The study shows that human ability to generate ideas and filter results is crucial for success with AI tools.
๐๏ธ Several atolls are growing despite rising sea levels
Scientists have discovered that many coral islands are growing or maintaining their size despite rising sea levels. Over 1000 islands have been studied and shown surprising resilience to sea level rise.
๐ก AI solves difficult problem of how molecules react to light โ may lead to better solar cells and LED lights
Researchers at DeepMind have used AI to create a new method for calculating how molecules behave when hit by light. The technology could lead to improvements in solar cells, LED lights, and other light-sensitive technologies.
๐ Solar power and batteries help Texas handle record-high energy consumption during heat waves
Texas power grid has broken new records for electricity consumption during the summer of 2024. Solar power has met record-high demand during the day, and batteries have covered the need in the evening.
๐ Poverty in the Philippines decreases faster than expected
The poverty rate in the Philippines dropped to 15.5 percent in 2023, from 18.1 percent in 2021. The number of poor Filipinos decreased by 2.45 million between 2021 and 2023. The result surpasses the government's development goal for 2023, which was set at about 16.0 percent.
โข๏ธ First generation four reactor begins construction in the USA
Kairos Power starts building Hermes, the first Generation Four reactor approved in the USA. The reactor uses a new combination of fuel and coolant for increased safety and simpler design. With Generation IV, what is now seen as a problem, nuclear waste, is transformed into a resource.
๐งฌ Reconstructed genome may help us revive the mammoth
Scientists have succeeded in reconstructing the mammoth's genome and the 3D structure of its chromosomes from a 52,000-year-old tissue sample. The study shows that the mammoth's genome structure is similar to that of the modern elephant, which could facilitate the revival of the mammoth.
๐ค Money brings happiness far up the income scale
New research shows that the relationship between money and happiness continues far up the economic ladder. Billionaires report higher life satisfaction than people with annual incomes of $500,000.
๐ Ivory Coast first in the world to use new malaria vaccine
Ivory Coast introduces new effective malaria vaccine. The vaccine is expected to save tens of thousands of children's lives each year. 15 African countries plan vaccination campaigns during 2024.
โ๏ธ New treatment for Parkinson's enters clinical trial
Researchers have developed a cell therapy that can replace lost dopamine-producing neurons. The treatment has shown promising results in studies on primates. Clinical trials on humans have now begun.
๐ต More and more Nigerians are refusing bribes
Over 70 percent of Nigerians surveyed refused to pay bribes at least once during 2023. The proportion reporting bribery attempts increased from 3.6 percent in 2019 to 8.6 percent in 2023.
๐ Giant fish in the Amazon recovers, after successful efforts by local population
The arapaima, one of the world's largest freshwater fish, is increasing in numbers in the Amazon. Local communities have introduced sustainable fishing methods that led to a 425% increase in 11 years.
โก The fusion power industry continues to grow
Investments in the fusion industry increased to over $7.1 billion. Government funding increased by 57 percent. Timelines for electricity production from fusion in the 2030s remain unchanged.
๐ Domestic violence decreases in Australia
The number of women killed by current or former partners has decreased significantly since 1989-90. Significant reduction in the proportion of women experiencing physical violence since 2012.
๐ฆ Bangladesh is close to zero malaria deaths
The number of malaria cases and deaths in Bangladesh is steadily decreasing. The country has seen a 96 percent reduction in malaria deaths between 2008 and 2023. Over 85 percent of the population has access to malaria treatment.
๐ Reduced mortality for all ages, not just children
Infants, children, adults, and the elderly all have a lower risk of dying today compared to the past. The risk of dying during the first day of life has decreased sevenfold in 100 years in England and Wales. At one year of age, the risk of dying is 100 times lower 2021 compared to 1921.
๐ฆพ AI Scientist can write science papers on its own
A new AI system called "The AI Scientist" can independently carry out the entire research process. The system generates research ideas, writes code, conducts experiments, and produces complete scientific manuscripts. It is much faster and considerably cheaper than if humans do the work.
๐ฅ Much lower risk of fire in electric cars compared to fossil fuel cars
The risk of fire in a rechargeable vehicle is 0.0012 percent, compared to 0.1 percent for combustion engine vehicles. According to this statistic, fires in gasoline or diesel-powered cars are over 80 times more common.
๐ The Milky Way may NOT collide with Andromeda in five billion years *phew*
New study indicates that the Milky Way has a 50 percent chance of avoiding collision with the Andromeda galaxy. Previous research suggested that a collision was inevitable within 5 billion years.
๐ฉธ New blood testing technology becomes reality, despite the Theranos scandal
Companies develop working alternatives to traditional blood tests with large needles. Finger-prick methods can now be used for routine medical tests in Austin. New technology reduces discomfort and facilitates sample collection for patients. This time without fraud.
๐ Solar and wind surpass fossil fuels in EU electricity production
Wind and solar power generated 30% of EU's electricity during the first half of 2024. For the first time, 13 EU countries produced more electricity from wind and solar than from fossil fuels.
๐ Wind and solar energy surpass coal power in China
China's combined capacity for wind and solar power has for the first time exceeded coal. Solar energy is expected to surpass coal as China's primary energy source by 2026. China has reduced new coal power projects and is focusing on phasing out smaller coal power plants.
๐พ Record harvests lead to lower food prices
Grain prices have fallen to their lowest level in four years. American farmers are expected to harvest record amounts of corn and soybeans. Weather conditions have been favorable in the world's most important agricultural areas.
๐ Food-from-air company Solar Foods advances in NASA's space food competition
NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge aims to find new ways to provide astronauts with nutrition during long space missions. Solar Foods won the international category in the competition. The company is developing a concept to produce the protein Solein in space.
โ๏ธ Global inequality decreases both between and within countries
Global inequality has decreased dramatically since the 1980s. Inequality within countries has stopped increasing and has decreased over the last decade. Poverty is decreasing faster than previously estimated, even at higher poverty thresholds.
๐ Waymo doubles the number of paid robotaxi trips to 100,000 per week
Waymo now provides over 100,000 paid robotaxi trips per week in the USA. The company has expanded its service to new areas in California and Arizona. Waymo is now testing driverless vehicles on highways around the San Francisco area.
๐ญ Wind and solar energy produce more electricity than coal in the US
Wind and solar energy generated more electricity than coal in the USA during the first seven months of the year. In the USA, almost twice as much solar energy will be added compared to last year.
๐ณ AI has been used to identify a phonetic alphabet in sperm whales
CETI is a research project aimed at understanding whale communication. Sperm whale vocalizations show a structure similar to human language. They have now discovered 156 distinct coda types instead of the previously known 21.
๐ฉโ๐ซ AI teaching tool Khanmigo now free for all US teachers
Khanmigo, an AI tool for teachers, is now free for all teachers in the USA. The tool helps teachers with over 20 different tasks and can save more than 50% of their preparation time. Microsoft and Khan Academy are collaborating to improve math education with small language models.
๐ญ Solar telescope tracks the source of the solar wind for the first time
Solar Orbiter has made the first direct measurement of the solar wind and traced it back to its source. Measurements show that the solar wind comes from areas with sunspots where the magnetic field is intense. The discovery could improve predictions of solar storms that affect Earth.
๐ Space probe returns with samples from the far side of the moon - for the first time
The Chang'e 6 probe has successfully retrieved rock and soil samples from the far side of the moon. The samples are expected to contain 2.5 million-year-old volcanic rock. This is the first time samples from the far side of the moon have been collected.
๐ฆพ AI-designed proteins work in stem cell study
AI-designed proteins have successfully transformed stem cells into blood vessel cells. The proteins helped build regenerative tissues and worked in animal transplants. The technology can potentially be used to repair damaged tissue and treat diseases.
๐ Chatbots used to trick phone scammers
Researchers have developed AI bots that trick scammers to prevent crime. The chatbots gather information about scams and keep scammers busy. The goal is to disrupt the business model of organized crime in phone scams.
๐ฒ Food begins to be produced from air and solar power
Finnish Solar Foods has started production of protein from carbon dioxide and electricity. The factory can produce 160 tons of food per year. The Solein protein can be used in meat alternatives, cheese, and milkshakes.
๐ฎ Crime continues to decline in major American cities
New data shows significant decreases in several crime categories in 49 medium and large American cities. Murders, car thefts, and burglaries decreased by over 22 percent compared to the same period in 2023. Statistically significant decreases were also noted for robberies and assaults.
๐ Insects in Sweden have not decreased according to new study
A new study shows no decrease in insects in Sweden over the past 35 years. In one location in Skรฅne, the number of insects has even increased. The study is based on data from four different locations in Sweden.
๐ C02 emissions from energy in advanced economies at lowest level since 1974
Emissions in advanced economies fell by 4.5% during 2023. At the same time, GDP in advanced economies grew by approximately 1.7%. Coal use in advanced economies is down to the same level as in 1900.
๐งฌ Newly discovered system allows researchers to edit DNA using RNA
Researchers at Arc Institute have discovered a completely new molecular system for editing DNA using RNA. The system enables programmable DNA changes such as inserting, removing or inverting DNA sequences.
๐ Battery prices continue to drop, lowering the cost of electric vehicles
The price of lithium-ion batteries in China has decreased by 51 percent in the past year. Lower battery prices make electric vehicles cheaper than fossil fuel cars in many segments, and large-scale battery solutions in energy systems become more profitable.
โ๏ธ Plane hijackings have decreased dramatically
The number of plane hijackings has significantly decreased since the 1980s. The number of fatalities in plane hijackings has also decreased. The last major hijacking occurred during the September 11 attacks in 2001.
๐ญ Has Chinaโs CO2 emissions peaked? New stats suggest so
Chinaโs CO2 emissions decreased by 3% in March. Solar and wind covered 90% of the growth in electricity consumption, reducing the share of fossil fuels in electricity production. With the rapid increase in EVs, structural changes are occurring, suggesting that emissions may have peaked in 2023.
๐ First crash-free test of Starship
Another successful test flight of Starship, and this time both parts of the rocket safely returned to Earth. Starship is not just a new cool rocket; it has the potential to transform humanity.
๐ฆ AI discovers nearly 1 million new antibiotics - progress in the fight against antibiotic resistance
Researchers used AI to analyze genetic data from tens of thousands of bacteria and other organisms. Nearly one million potential antibiotic compounds were identified, with 79% able to kill at least one microbe. AI has drastically accelerated the process.
๐ New study: Few see disinformation online - and the debate around it lacks support from science
Exposure to false information is concentrated among narrow extremist groups. Algorithms play less of a role than individual choices in exposure to extremist content. Social media has not been shown to be the main cause of polarization.
๐ New Indian traffic safety model to save lives in poor countries
Zero Fatality Corridor has reduced road fatalities by over 50 percent on specific stretches in India. The model is adapted to the conditions of low- and middle-income countries. The Indian government plans to expand the model to the countryโs 15 most dangerous highways.
๐ฐ๏ธ NASA has discovered a way to predict flash droughts months in advance
Flash droughts occur suddenly and quickly, but now researchers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have found a way to detect them early. Plants' "glow" diminishes before a flash drought, and this change can be observed by satellites.
๐ณ India's forests have steadily increased over the past 15 years
India ranks globally as third in net gain of average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020. They have prioritized biodiversity and conservation with an expanded network of protected areas.
๐ผ A periodic table for flowering plants has been created โ includes 9,500 species
Researchers analyzed 1.8 billion genetic letters from over 9,500 species of flowering plants. The research reveals the evolutionary history of flowering plants.
๐จโ๐ซ Microsoft to train a quarter million Swedes in AI
The largest investment from Microsoft in Sweden to date. Among other things, 20,000 GPUs will be installed in the company's data centers and 250,000 Swedes will be trained in AI.
๐ The last ozone-depleting chemical is now decreasing
The levels of the ozone-depleting chemical HCFC have been declining since 2021. The ozone layer is recovering, and the dangerous ozone hole is shrinking. The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, has been crucial in reducing the use of ozone-depleting substances.
๐ฆCyberTracker helps indigenous communities document biodiversity
CyberTracker's software, developed in collaboration with indigenous communities, enables nearly anyone to collect complex biodiversity data. Even individuals who are illiterate can collect detailed data.
๐งซ They win the $10 million Longitude Prize โ combating superbugs
Swedish-Japenese Sysmex Astrego has won the Longitude Prize of $10 million for its rapid test of bacterial infections. The test reduces the time to determine the correct antibiotic from three days to less than 45 minutes, and can be used directly at the first doctor's visit.
๐ฐ Funding to create an open energy protocol for energy sharing
The City of Lund is awarded $2 million, part of which will go to Project Energy Society and the development of an energy protocol. This will enable energy sharing and a low fixed cost for all the electricity you need.
๐ Wild horses return to the Kazakh steppes after 200 years
The world's last wild horses, Przewalski's horses, have returned to their original home in Kazakhstan. The horses come from zoos in Berlin and Prague. The plan is to transport a total of 40 horses to central Kazakhstan over the next five years.
๐ณ Deforestation in the Amazon reaches lowest level since 2018
Deforestation in the Amazon has decreased by 40 percent compared to 2023. May 2024 recorded the lowest deforestation level since March 2018. The accumulated deforestation over the past year has decreased by 54 percent compared to the same period the previous year.
๐ญ New space telescope could potentially see city lights on exoplanets
NASA's new space telescope will search for habitable exoplanets. The telescope will be able to detect both biological and technological signs of life. It may also potentially search for city lights on the night side of habitable exoplanets.
๐ณ๏ธ Human rights have improved in all world regions over the past hundred years
Human rights have improved in all regions over the past hundred years. Europe and Oceania have the highest levels of human rights protection. Africa and Asia have lower levels but have made significant progress.
๐ Elonroad delivers electric switches to the energy society
The key to a low and fixed price for green electricity is the sharing of energy. This requires batteries and other energy storage solutions - and an electric switch. Elonroad will become the supplier for such a switch. Another piece is added to the energy society.
๐ The number of countries with high economic inequality is decreasing
The number of countries with high inequality has decreased from 77 in 2000 to 52 in 2022. High inequality is mainly concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Reduced inequality can lead to increased economic and human development.
โข๏ธ Bill Gates invests in next-generation nuclear power in Wyoming
Bill Gates and his energy company TerraPower are starting the construction of an advanced nuclear power plant in Wyoming. The project uses sodium for cooling instead of water, making it safer and more efficient. The plant is estimated to cost up to 4 billion dollars.
๐ณ๏ธ Global support for democracy is at a record high โ 85%
85 percent of people globally believe that democracy is important in their country. The highest number so far.
๐ฒ New record: 6G 500 times faster than average 5G
Researchers in Japan have achieved data transfer speeds of 100 gigabits per second, which is up to 500 times faster than the average 5G speed. The technology is expected to enable new applications such as holographic communication and improved VR experiences.
๐ฐ๏ธ Hello again! Voyager 1 begins transmitting to Earth after five months of silence
Voyager 1 is humanity's most distant spacecraft, now about 24 billion kilometers from Earth. NASA engineers managed to fix a communication error using creative solutions. The first data received shows that Voyager 1 is in good condition and functioning properly.
๐ฆด Faster healing of bone fractures โ making them three times stronger
Japanese researchers have developed a new treatment method that uses plasma radiation to accelerate the healing of complex bone fractures. The healed bones were 3.5 times stronger compared to conventional treatments.
๐ง๐ฟ 40% of the reduction in child mortality is thanks to vaccines
Vaccines have prevented 154 million deaths since 1974, of which 146 million were children. Thus, vaccines account for 40 percent of the reduction in child mortality.
๐ญ Record reduction in emissions within the EU emissions trading system
Emissions under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) decreased by 15.5 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. ETS emissions are now about 47 percent lower than 2005 levels, well on the way to the 2030 target of a 62 percent reduction.
๐งฌ AlphaFold 3 is here! Predicting structures of almost all biological molecules and their interactions
AlphaFold 3 is designed to predict the structure and interactions between biological molecules. Experimentally investigating these interactions can be time-consuming and costly. If these interactions can instead be accurately computed, biological research could be significantly expedited.
๐ Three West African countries begin vaccinating against malaria
Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have started vaccinating children against malaria. The vaccine has shown a significant reduction in malaria diseases and child mortality in initial African pilot programs.
๐ฉ๏ธ Really large drones pave the way for long-distance freight transport
MightyFly receives FAA approval for autonomous eVTOL transport drones. The drone can carry a 45 kg load up to 100 kilometers. The range and ability to operate beyond the operator's line of sight enable long transport distances.
๐ พ๏ธ Blood types can become mutually compatible
Scientists have developed a method using enzymes from gut bacteria to convert blood types A and B into the universal donor blood type O. This opens the possibility that all blood types can become universal donors.
๐ Waymo's robotaxi has now reached 50,000 paid trips per week
Waymo's robotaxi is now performing 50,000 paid trips each week, up from 10,000 a year ago. The service is fully autonomous and available 24/7 in selected parts of Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
โฐ๏ธ Murders continue to decrease in the US
The number of murders has decreased by over 19 percent in more than 200 cities compared to 2023. Even in 2023, the number of murders dropped significantly.
๐ง Neuralink's first patient can control a computer with his mind
Noland Arbaugh can now control a computer with his thoughts thanks to Elon Musk's brain implant from Neuralink. Despite his paralysis, Arbaugh has been able to play computer games and communicate online.
๐ฃ The list of overfished species in the US has reached an all-time low
94 percent of fish stocks in the USA are no longer subject to overfishing. Key species have been removed from the list of overfished stocks. Thus, there are fewer species on that list than ever before.
๐ณ Researchers begin to understand the basics of sperm whale language
Scientists have identified the fundamental components of sperm whale communication. Through the analysis of over 8,700 clips of sperm whale clicks, a complex communication system resembling a phonetic alphabet has been revealed.
๐ง She was deaf at birth, 18-month-old Opal Sandy had her hearing restored after a world-unique gene therapy
The treatment involved a 16-minute operation where she received a functional copy of a gene that is crucial for hearing. The gene has made her hearing almost completely restored. Opal Sandy can now hear sounds as soft as a whisper.
๐ญ The Webb Telescope has discovered the earliest known black hole merger, "only" 740 million years after the Big Bang
One of the black holes is 50 million times more massive than the Sun. These findings help to understand how massive black holes have influenced galaxy development since the beginning of the universe.
๐ฎ Volta Greentech's new feed supplement reduces methane emissions from cows - secures $3 million investment
Volta Greentech secures $3.2 million to develop the second generation of the feed supplement Lome. The new supplement reduces greenhouse gas reduction costs by ten times. The company aims for a large-scale launch in 2026.
๐ง Frozen brain tissue can now be revived without damage - enables research
Researchers have successfully frozen and revived brain tissue without damage. This can lead to better studies of brain development. The experiments showed that the tissue maintained its structure and function after thawing, even after being frozen for 18 months.
๐ The planet has likely passed "peak pollution" โ emissions will now only decrease
The world has likely passed "peak pollution" for harmful local air pollutants. Emissions have significantly decreased in wealthier countries and China. The goal is to help developing countries quickly reduce pollution without hindering their development.
๐ฉโโ๏ธ We are close to eradicating polio
The world has made significant progress in the fight against polio, reducing the number of cases by a hundredfold since the 1980s. Two of the three serotypes of wild poliovirus have been eradicated. New vaccines and improvements in sanitation and testing will help us overcome the last obstacles.
๐ผ A periodic table for flowering plants has been created โ includes 9,500 species
Researchers analyzed 1.8 billion genetic letters from over 9,500 species of flowering plants. The research reveals the evolutionary history of flowering plants.
๐ณ India's forests have steadily increased over the past 15 years
India ranks globally as third in net gain of average annual forest area between 2010 and 2020. They have prioritized biodiversity and conservation with an expanded network of protected areas.
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Sharp decline in tuberculosis in Cambodia
The number of tuberculosis deaths has decreased by 45 percent during the 21st century. New cases of tuberculosis have also decreased by 45 percent during the same time period.
โฃ๏ธ Toxic chemical emissions have decreased by 21% over ten years
Emissions of toxic chemicals in the USA decreased by 21 percent between 2013 and 2022. Over this ten-year period, emissions from manufacturing facilities decreased by 9 percent while the economic value that the manufacturing industry contributed to the American economy increased by 14 percent.
๐ข Thousands of deaths avoided in Taiwan earthquake
Building codes and infrastructure have been strengthened to withstand seismic forces, reducing damage and saving lives. An advanced early warning system and education programs have helped prepare the population.
โ Slovakia closes its last coal-fired power plant โ six years ahead of schedule
Slovakia has now ceased production at its last coal-fired power plant. The country's electricity is now almost exclusively from nuclear and renewable sources. The goal has been to phase out all coal power by 2030. A goal that is now achieved six years ahead of schedule.
๐ Scientists solve decade-long problem: Converting carbon dioxide to methanol (good for the climate)
The process occurs at room temperature and normal air pressure, simplifying the conversion. Achieving this at room temperature is something scientists have been trying to accomplish for several decades.
๐ญ Terraform Industries converts electricity and air into synthetic natural gas for the first time
The company's process involves cost reductions, with the conversion of clean electricity to hydrogen for less than $2.50 per kilogram and CO2 capture for less than $250 per ton.
๐ซ Successful demo flight with the first private supersonic aircraft since Concorde
Boom Supersonic has successfully completed the first flight with XB-1, the world's first civilly developed supersonic aircraft. This paves the way for Overture, which will become the world's fastest airliner and will be powered by 100 percent sustainable aviation fuel.
๐ข The world's largest electric ferry charges in six minutes - and reduces emissions
Electrification of a previously diesel-electric ferry reduces CO2 emissions annually by about 28,000 tons. The transition to fully electric operation is expected to be cost-effective within eight years, and the ferry is estimated to operate many more years than that.
๐ฆพ Chatbot convinced conspiracy theorists to reconsider their beliefs
People's belief in conspiracy theories decreased by about 20 percent after talking to an AI. The chatbot used a fact-based method to question conspiracy theories. The change in belief persisted for at least two months, suggesting a lasting effect.
๐ SpaceX plans even bigger Starships
In front of SpaceX employees, Elon Musk has updated his vision for how to take humans to Mars and establish a self-sustaining colony there. The key is the rocket currently being developed, Starship, which they are planning to make even bigger.
๐ New fast-charging electric vehicle battery with a lifetime of 400,000 miles
StoreDot has introduced a new electric vehicle battery that can be charged up to 80 percent in just 5-10 minutes. The battery boasts a lifetime of 65,000 miles thanks to the ability to undergo 2,000 ultra-fast charging cycles.
๐ The most detailed measurement of the universe's expansion
This is the first time researchers have measured the expansion history of the distant period, 8-11 billion years ago, with a precision of better than one percent. With just one year of data, DESI has surpassed all previous 3D spectroscopic maps combined.
๐ Battery storage in Europe expands significantly
The demand for energy storage has reached new heights in Europe with over 10 GW of new installations last year. The capacity is predicted to increase sixfold by 2030, with a total capacity of over 120 GW.
๐ค Gen Z is richer than previous generations at the same age
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, has significantly higher incomes and greater financial stability compared to millennials and baby boomers at the same age.
๐ Global Overshoot Day occurs later this year
According to the Global Footprint Network, ecological "overshoot" occurs when human demand exceeds the regenerative capacity of natural ecosystems. The later in the year this day occurs, the better. (But the model also has clear flaws.)
๐ Electric cars will continue to rise in the US (despite what some claim)
Despite challenges such as inadequate charging infrastructure and high costs, 42 percent of respondents are considering buying an electric car as their next vehicle.
๐ Europe's longest test track for Hyperloop opens in the Netherlands
The EU is investing in hyperloop technology with a new testing facility in the Netherlands. Hyperloop could significantly reduce commuting times between cities in Europe.
๐ Fewer traffic deaths in the US last year
Traffic deaths in the USA decreased by 3.6 percent last year. This marks the second consecutive year of a decrease in deaths, despite an increase in miles driven.
๐ Dragonfly to explore the fascinating landscape of the moon Titan
NASA's Dragonfly aims to explore Saturn's moon Titan with a unique helicopter that will fly and take samples. Titan is the only known celestial body in the solar system, besides Earth, that has liquid on its surface and a dynamic weather system.
๐ง BrainLM uses the same principles as ChatGPT to interpret brain activity, offering faster analyses
Instead of learning from text and images, BrainLM is trained to interpret functional images from the brain. This facilitates comprehensive studies in neuroscience and improves understanding of human cognition.
๐ด๐ฟ Life expectancy is increasing globally, but most notably in Eastern Africa
The global average life expectancy increased by 6.2 years between 1990 and 2021, primarily due to decreased deaths from intestinal infections. Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa saw the largest increase, with 10.7 years.
๐ฑ Simplified view of dopamine and social media
Dopamine is often misunderstood and inaccurately described as solely addictive and harmful. Research shows that dopamine has a complex role in the brain, involving learning and reward signals, but is not directly equivalent to pleasure or addiction.
๐ Decrease in youth suicide in Europe
A number of European countries have shown a decline in youth suicide since the year 2000. Long-term preventive efforts may have contributed to this positive development.
๐ UK greenhouse gas emissions are at their lowest level since 1879
The country has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 53 percent since 1990, while its gross national product has increased by 82 percent. Coal usage fell to the lowest level since the 1730s.
๐ฐ They make climate investments for companies โ raise $50 million
Swedish Rison Capital has entered into a partnership with SEB Nordic Energy, which is investing $50 million in climate-promoting projects. The business model is based on Rison making the investments for the companies, such as switching to LED lighting, and the companies pay a fixed fee to Rison.
๐ New study: Poverty has decreased more than we thought, as has inequality โ including within countries
Extreme poverty is almost 40 percent lower than previously thought, and economic inequality is decreasing both between and within countries.
๐ฆ๏ธ Weather forecasts have become much more accurate
Four-day forecasts now have the same accuracy as one-day forecasts did 30 years ago.
๐ฅ Genetically modified cows can produce milk containing insulin
Genetically modified cows have produced milk containing human insulin. The method can be scaled up to ensure availability and lower the cost of insulin for diabetics.
๐ Genetically modified pig kidney transplanted into human for the first time
For the first time, surgeons have transplanted a kidney from a genetically modified pig into a living person. This type of kidney could help reduce the shortage of organs.
๐ง๐ฟ UN: Historic milestone as the number of child deaths falls below 5 million for the first time
Since 2000, the global under-five mortality rate has more than halved. Several low- and lower-middle-income countries have surpassed the global decline, with some reducing child mortality by more than two-thirds.
๐ Starship takes another step forward, reaches orbit velocity
SpaceX's revolutionary new spacecraft, Starship, took another step forward in its latest test flight. For the first time, it reached orbital velocity.
๐ฆ Discovery of 100 new marine species in New Zealand
A team of researchers has discovered at least one hundred new marine species in the Bounty Trough off the south coast of New Zealand. The expedition found dozens of molluscs, three fish, a shrimp, and a predatory squid.
๐งฌ Reviving the mammoth is getting closer
Colossal Biosciences has succeeded in creating elephant cells that can be reprogrammed into various cell types, including those required to create a mammoth. This success opens new possibilities for research around extinct species and the conservation of endangered species.
๐ Interlune aims to extract helium-3 on the moon
The company has raised 15 million dollars to finance its operations. Helium-3 has potential for use in quantum computers and medical imaging, as well as fuel in fusion reactors.
๐พ 28 years of GMO food without any harm
Since the first genetically modified crops were approved in 1995, no GMO products have been shown to be harmful to humans. GMOs have improved yields, reduced losses from insect attacks, and contributed to nutritional enhancements.
๐ Major progress for Project Energy Society: Signs deal covering 20% of Sweden's homes
The concept of local electricity production, storage, and sharing of energy will be offered to Sweden's public housing companies. Project Energy Society, which includes the Warp Institute, aims to create an abundance of cheap and clean energy at a low fixed price
๐ India has eliminated extreme poverty (and increased economic equality)
India has eradicated all extreme poverty, according to the international poverty line of 1.9 dollars per day. This is partly thanks to a growth rate of 2.9 percent per year since 2011-12. At the same time, economic inequality has significantly decreased in both urban and rural areas.
๐ต JPMorgan reduces manual labor by 90 percent thanks to AI
The tool, named Cash Flow Intelligence, is already used by about 2,500 customers. AI technology has the potential to shorten workweeks and contribute to medical advances, according to JPMorgan chief Jamie Dimon.
๐ฉบ Kry achieves profitability thanks to AI
By introducing generative AI into its processes, Kry has significantly increased its internal efficiency. The administrative time around each patient-doctor meeting has been reduced by approximately 30 percent.
๐ฅ Genetically modified potatoes increase yields and eliminate the need for pesticides
Scientists have tested genetically modified potatoes that show promising results in combating late blight, a disease that causes significant crop losses. In field trials, the GMO potato variety Vic.172 showed total resistance to late blight, potentially reducing the need for pesticides.
๐ฑ Scientists have developed a method to transform salty soil into fertile farmland
The treatment involves burying crop stalks underground and covering them with plastic to retain soil moisture. China, ranked as the third-largest country with salt-alkali soil, sees potential in applying this technique to a third of these lands.
๐ฆ One hundred new species discovered off the coast of Chile
Scientists have possibly discovered one hundred new species at the underwater mountains near the coast of Chile, with the help of a robot that can dive over 4000 meters. An unknown species of sea cucumbers and rarely seen species such as squids and corals have been identified.
๐ XPRIZE launches prize competition to combat water scarcity with innovative desalination techniques
The competition has a total prize pool of $119 million. The goal is to develop sustainable, reliable, and affordable solutions for desalinating seawater.
๐ค Klarna's new AI assistant does the same job as 700 people, after one month
The AI assistant has handled 2.3 million conversations, equivalent to two-thirds of all customer service chats, in its first month. Customers now resolve their issues in less than 2 minutes, an improvement of 82 percent compared to before.
๐ Emissions from new cars have halved over the past four years
Carbon dioxide emissions from new passenger cars decreased by over 8 percent from the previous year. Over the past four years, emissions from the average new passenger car have almost halved. The significant increase in electric cars is crucial for this development.
๐ Battery price wars: Prices reach record lows
The world's largest battery manufacturers are reducing the costs of batteries for electric vehicles. In one year, the cost has more than halved. The progress is years ahead of what forecasters have believed. It is likely that prices will continue to fall.
๐ Private capsule returns to Earth with space-grown antiviral medicine on board
Varda Space Industries' capsule has landed in Utah after nearly eight months in orbit. The capsule contains crystals of an antiviral medicine that was grown in space.
๐ The vast majority believe in climate change and want to do something about it (but think others don't)
A study published in Science, in which 59,000 people in 63 countries were surveyed, showed that 86% "believe" in climate change. 86% think that people in their country "should try to combat global warming." However, they wrongly believe that others do not think the same.
๐ New CRISPR tomatoes require less water, but yield remains the same
Scientists have used CRISPR technology to create tomatoes that use water more efficiently. These tomatoes require less water to grow but still produce the same amount of tomatoes, with the same taste and quality.
๐ฝ The Food Price Index has dropped for the seventh consecutive month โ the lowest in three years
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the Food Price Index in February fell to its lowest level in three years. Prices for cereals, especially corn and wheat, decreased by 5 percent.
๐ฌ๏ธ Significantly improved air quality in Europe over the past two decades, study shows
A study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health demonstrates significant improvements in air quality across Europe. Levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide have decreased by 1.7-2.7 percent per year.
๐ Genetically modified banana resistant to Panama disease approved for consumption in Australia
Australian researchers have developed a genetically modified banana that is nearly immune to Panama disease. Panama disease is a fungal infection that prevents banana plants from absorbing nutrients and eventually kills the plant. The banana is the first genetically modified fruit to be approved.
๐ฆ Cape Verde reaches milestone โ free from malaria
Cape Verde has been declared free from malaria by WHO. No cases of local transmission have been reported for three years, thanks to strengthened health care systems and increased access to diagnosis and treatment.
๐ Electric car sales hit record with over 1 million sold in January
An increase of 69 percent compared to the previous year. In the EU, EFTA, and the United Kingdom, sales increased by 29 percent year over year, while the USA and Canada saw a 41 percent increase and nearly a doubling in China.
๐ซ Sharp decline in U.S. murders during 2023
The United States is on track for a record reduction in murders, according to the FBI. Of the nine categories of violent and property crimes, only motor vehicle theft has increased.
๐ A private company successfully lands on the moon for the first time
Intuitive Machines has successfully soft-landed a robotic lander on the moon. The last time an American spacecraft landed on the moon was in 1972. This is the first time a private company has managed to land on the moon without crashing.
โก Record decrease in emissions from the EU's energy sector - renewables exceed 40%
Record decrease in coal, gas, and CO2 emissions in 2023 resulted in the EU's cleanest electricity mix ever. Emissions from the power sector have now nearly halved (-46 percent) since their peak in 2007.
๐ "Possible to eradicate Malaria within ten years"
New vaccines against malaria are hailed as one of the most important scientific advances. The vaccines Mosquirix and R21 reduce both the prevalence and mortality of malaria.
๐ Meat-rice: Grain with added muscle strengthens protein content
This new rice-beef has a slightly higher fat and protein content than standard rice and can help reduce the environmental impact of meat production.
๐ Decreased mortality from heart diseases and stroke in the USA
Mortality from cardiovascular diseases has decreased by 4.7 percent from 2010 to 2020. The number of people in the USA dying from heart attacks each year has decreased from 1 in 2 to now 1 in 8. Stroke has also decreased. It was the third leading cause of death in 1938 but is now in fifth place.
๐ Rapid poverty reduction in Bangladesh
Poverty in Bangladesh has significantly decreased, with the moderate poverty level dropping from 24.3 percent in 2016 to 18.7 percent in 2022. Extreme poverty has been reduced from 12.9 percent to 5.6 percent.
๐ People with Down syndrome live more than twice as long today
The lifespan of individuals with Down syndrome has increased from 25 years in 1983 to about 60 years today. Other advancements include an increase in IQ by 20 points, with the majority learning to read and write. The number who live independently and choose to marry is growing.
๐ฆพ Oslo buys ChatGPT for 110,000 students and teachers
The introduction of ChatGPT in schools can be compared to the introduction of the textbook, says Trond Ingebretsen, division director in the Education Agency.
๐ฆ The Guam kingfisher may soon be free in the wild after a 30-year absence
Almost 140 Guam kingfishers live today in 25 facilities worldwide. But the plan is for them to soon also exist freely in the wild.
๐ฑ We are close to creating the first artificial plant genome
Scientists have created a partially synthetic version of moss for industrial use. This could lead to new methods for producing medicines and other products.
๐ผ Giant pandas in the wild have almost doubled
There are now about 1,900 giant pandas in the wild, compared to about 1,100 in the 1980s. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has changed the giant panda's status from "endangered" to "vulnerable".
๐ Warp News and WALL-Y nominated as Innovation of the Year
At the Newspaper Publishers' gala for Newspaper of the Year, Warp News and the AI bot, WALL-Y, are one of three nominees in the category Innovation of the Year.
๐ EU's fossil CO2 emissions reach lowest level in 60 years
EU countries reduced their carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels by 8 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. More than half of the reduction in emissions came from the use of cleaner electricity.
๐ฒ From loss to recovery: The forests are growing again
China, the EU, the US, and India have together planted forests that could cover Bangladesh. Globally, forests can now absorb around 200 million tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is more than what is emitted through deforestation.
๐ An ocean on Mars: Ice discovered that could cover the entire planet with water
The European Space Agency's Mars Express has discovered enough ice to cover the entire planet in a shallow sea if it melted. The ice is buried at Mars' equator and is over 3.7 kilometers thick.
๐ฆ The world's first IVF pregnancy in a rhinoceros could save the species
Scientists have achieved the world's first IVF pregnancy in a rhinoceros, opening new possibilities for saving the northern white rhinoceros from extinction.
๐ญ Tobacco use declines globally (down 40% in the 21st century)
Global tobacco use has declined, from one in three adults in 2000 to one in five today. 150 countries have successfully reduced tobacco use.
๐ The Vesuvius challenge solved! We can read the first scroll
Two thousand years ago, an ancient library of papyrus scrolls was buried under a volcanic eruption. They cannot be unrolled without being destroyed. But thanks to the Vesuvius challenge, several competing teams have managed to read the scrolls
๐ Significant reduction in poverty in the USA, according to a new report
Poverty in the USA has decreased significantly since 1980, with a drop of 27 percentage points. This trend continued during the period 2020-2022, despite the pandemic.
๐ An electric car became the world's best-selling car in 2023 (for the first time)
It took three years from the launch of Tesla's Model Y for it to conquer the position as the world's best-selling car, across all categories.
๐ฅฉ World's first regulatory approval for cultured beef (meat without cows)
Aleph Farms has received the world's first regulatory approval for cultured beef.
โก Renewable energy increased globally by 50 percent during 2023
The world is experiencing the fastest expansion of renewable energy in three decades. Solar energy accounted for three-quarters of the new capacity. The price of solar panels dropped by nearly 50 percent compared to 2022.
๐ U.S. coal use declines and reduces carbon emissions
U.S. carbon emissions fell by 1.9 percent during 2023. The use of coal for electricity production decreased to the lowest level in half a century. Investments in solar and wind energy have increased.
๐ฆ The ulลซlu bird is no longer critically endangered
The ulลซlu, once critically endangered, has seen a remarkable recovery. Intensive conservation strategies have been key to this turnaround.
๐ฅ PEPFAR Has Saved 25 Million Lives in Global HIV Fight
PEPFARโs efforts have led to significant decreases in HIV prevalence, especially in Africa.
๐ HIV in Pregnant South Africans Drops to 20-Year Low
HIV among pregnant South Africans has decreased to 27.5% in 2022, the lowest since 2002.
๐ Waymo Expands Driverless Rides to Phoenix Freeways
Waymo, the self-driving car subsidiary of Alphabet, is taking a step forward by introducing its fully autonomous vehicles to the freeways of Phoenix.
๐ Facebook not linked to negative well-being, Oxford study finds
A study from the Oxford Internet Institute challenges the common perception of Facebook's impact on well-being. Rather, a positive effect is seen.
๐ก Internet everywhere โ Starlink Mini โ a backpack-sized satellite dish coming this year
The dimensions of the Starlink Mini are about the size of a laptop and it will fit in your backpack. Making it possible to have internet in the most remote places.
๐ Lowest number of journalists killed in 20 years
45 journalists were killed in the line of duty in 2023, the lowest number since 2002. The number of imprisoned journalists also decreases.
๐ Focused ultrasound โ a new method to combat Alzheimer's
The non-invasive ultrasound technology targets specific brain areas, enhancing drug delivery. Focused ultrasound, combined with monoclonal antibody therapy, shows promise in reducing Alzheimer's disease plaques.
๐ New skin cancer vaccine works better than expected
Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine shows a 49 percent reduction in melanoma recurrence or death.
๐ 10-fold efficiency in CO2 capture
Researchers have developed a method to capture more CO2 from the air than natural systems.
๐ฆ Study shows minimal impact of wind turbines on bird populations
Oil and gas extraction was found to cause a significant decline in bird numbers, unlike wind power.
๐ Fewer died in wars in 2023 compared to 2022
Nearly 100,000 fewer people died in wars and armed conflicts during 2023 compared to 2022
๐ AI aids in discovering new antibiotic candidates
The urgent need for new structural classes of antibiotics is critical in combating the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance. Deep learning methods have significantly contributed to the exploration of chemical structures in this field.
๐ค AI Optimism: Why AI will be easy to control
Even at superhuman levels, AI will remain controllable and aligned with human interests.
๐งฎ A large AI language model resolved an unsolved math problem
This is a testament to the untapped potential of AI in scientific research, providing a new paradigm for approaching and solving intricate problems.
๐ Sales of print books have increased 22% since 2004
Audiobooks are also increasing rapidly, with over 20 percent growth per year.
๐งฌ Advancements in CRISPR technology โ moving towards 2.0
The FDA recently approved a pioneering CRISPRโCas9 therapy for sickle cell disease, marking a historic moment in genetic treatment. But that it is just the tip of the iceberg.
๐๏ธ Hospital cuts waiting lists with Formula 1 pitstop method
While one patient is being operated on, the next one is prepared and is immediately rolled in as soon as the first one is finished.
๐ต Surprise! Life expectancy in the U.S. is still going up (despite what you've heard)
Contrary to widespread reports, life expectancy in the United States continues to show signs of improvement.
๐ The FDA approves first CRISPR-based gene therapy drug for sickle cell disease
The approvals include the first-ever CRISPR-Cas9 based drug, Casgevy, and a gene therapy drug, Lyfgenia, marking a milestone in medical biotechnology.
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