The Digital Frontier
Advancements in 20th century medicine reshaped society and made good health an expectation, not an exception. Now, 21st century breakthroughs may end disease, reverse aging, and restore sight and hearing — perhaps sooner than we think.
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The masterplan to end EV “range anxiety” forever
A look at the history of EV charging and the tech trends that could encourage more people to make the switch to an electric car.
Why happiness is not the best indicator of well-being
Achieving values and pursuing growth is the real secret to a fulfilled life.
T-Minus: 10 space startups to watch
Today’s aerospace industry includes hundreds of startups, all vying to be the next SpaceX. Here are 10 that could actually do it.
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T-Minus: A new rocket explodes, China looks to Mars, and more
Freethink’s weekly countdown of the biggest space news, featuring Space One’s flight failure, China’s plans to collect rocks on Mars, & more.
Startup unveils “world’s first” complete AI software engineer
Cognition Labs has unveiled Devin, an AI software engineer that can build websites from scratch, debug code, and more.
Trapped in routine? Here’s how to “dishabituate” and rediscover joy
Neuroscientist Tali Sharot shares two ways to “dishabituate” yourself from your routine: take a break or make a change.
SpaceX reaches new heights with Starship’s third test flight
Starship’s third test flight was a bigger success than the previous two, but SpaceX’s rocket wasn’t quite able to stick the landing.
Digital twins are an effective new way to control your metabolism
Digital twins: pioneered at NASA, innovated at Tesla, and now available for your own body, in a smartphone app.
The hunger-boredom paradigm explained by scientists
True hunger builds gradually and can be satisfied by any source of food, but emotional eating (including eating out of boredom) is insatiable.
9 ways AI is helping tackle climate change
Existing AI systems include tools that predict weather, track icebergs, and identify pollution, all of which can help fight climate change.
Implantable solar cells could one day help restore vision
Australian researchers are developing tiny implantable solar cells that could be inserted into the eye to help restore vision.
FDA approves first over-the-counter CGM
The FDA-approved Stelo is the first continuous glucose monitor (CGM) available without a prescription in the US.
How cognition changes before dementia hits
Language-processing difficulties are an indicator of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a risk factor for dementia.
World’s first GM banana approved in Australia
Australian regulators have approved a GM banana modified to resist Panama Disease, a devastating fungal infection.
How our “junk DNA” led to humans being tailless
A CRISPR study out of NYU suggests that junk DNA likely led humans to evolve to be tailless millions of years ago.
Why the US has artificial reefs made from sunken ships and voting machines
Not all underwater reefs are made of coral − there are also artificial reefs made of sunken ships, radio towers, and more.
Clinical trials can save more lives, and faster, with AI
The type of AI powering ChatGPT could help accelerate drug development by matching patients with clinical trials and vice versa.
Serotonin plays a key role in patience and impulse control, research says
Evidence suggests that there is in fact a neurological factor to the brain’s ability to control impulses and manage patience.
Cancer vaccine for dogs appears to nearly double survival rate
Yale researchers have developed a cancer vaccine for dogs that appears to increase their 12-month survival rate from 35% to 60%.
3D-printed skin could heal wounds with less scarring
Penn State scientists have 3D-printed skin directly on top of open wounds — an achievement that could improve reconstructive surgery.
Flowers grown floating on polluted waterways can help clean up nutrient runoff and turn a profit
Flowers grown on inexpensive floating platforms can help clean polluted waterways and even make a profit from cut flower sales.
T-Minus: An exploding asteroid, Odie’s final transmission, and more
Freethink’s weekly countdown of the biggest space news, featuring a new DART simulation, the end of Odysseus, and more.
How marine permaculture could revolutionize ocean farming
Marine permaculture could contribute to ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction, as well as empower local communities.
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