The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a new rule to allow commercial supersonic flights over US land if the planes are quiet enough. This could end a 53-year ban by requiring that the sonic booms are much quieter than before, based on new technology from companies like Boom Supersonic.
Key Facts
The FAA’s ban on overland supersonic commercial flights started in 1973 due to loud sonic booms causing disturbances.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2025 to repeal the ban to encourage supersonic travel.
The proposed rule sets a noise limit for sonic booms at 0.11 pounds per square foot to reduce disruption on the ground.
Boom Supersonic demonstrated a quieter supersonic flight with its XB-1 aircraft using special flight techniques.
Concorde’s sonic boom had a noise level of 1.94 pounds per square foot, much louder than the new proposed limit.
Some experts criticize the new standard, saying it measures pressure but not how loud or annoying the boom sounds to people.
NASA is testing the X-59 Quesst, designed to produce a soft "sonic thump" like a car door closing, which could influence future rules.
The FAA aims to finalize the new rule by mid-2027 and may introduce further regulations later this year.
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A live discussion focused on the impact of the recent New Glenn rocket explosion on NASA’s plans to land humans on the Moon with the Artemis IV mission. Experts expressed doubts about the timeline for Blue Origin’s new and more powerful 9×4 rocket variant, suggesting NASA may need to rely mainly on SpaceX’s Starship to achieve lunar goals this decade.
Key Facts
The New Glenn rocket by Blue Origin exploded in late May, causing setbacks for the space industry.
Blue Origin’s planned 9×4 rocket has nine engines on the first stage and four on the upper stage, making it more powerful than the variant that exploded.
Blue Origin has not announced an official date for the 9×4 rocket’s first flight, but some sources suggest late 2027 or early 2028.
Experts doubt Blue Origin will meet these targets; some think development might slip into the 2030s.
NASA’s Artemis IV mission aims to land humans on the Moon this decade, requiring reliable rockets.
SpaceX’s Starship currently has proven launch capabilities and infrastructure, making it a likely primary vehicle for lunar missions.
Experts recommend focusing on Starship rather than waiting for new Blue Origin rockets due to timing and complexity issues.
Panelists also answered viewer questions during the live event hosted by Ars Technica.
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Plex has introduced a new five-year subscription pass for $250, a change from their previous lifetime pass pricing. They also raised the cost of lifetime access to $750 to reflect the software’s ongoing value and support future development.
Key Facts
Plex started in 2012 selling lifetime access for $75.
Lifetime Plex Pass price increased to $120 in 2014, then to $250 in March 2025.
As of now, $250 buys a five-year subscription instead of lifetime access.
Lifetime Plex Pass price jumped to $750 recently.
Plex has raised $87.6 million in funding but is not yet profitable.
The company aims to increase recurring revenue via subscriptions for steady cash flow.
Plex has broadened beyond media server software to include movie rentals, ad-supported streaming, social features, and data monetization.
Since 2022, more users use Plex’s streaming service than the original media server capabilities.
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Experts say the best way to save energy and money on air conditioning is to raise the thermostat a few degrees while you are away. Turning off the AC completely for long periods can save energy but may cause problems like mold in humid areas and more wear on the system.
Key Facts
Setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees higher for about 8 hours a day can save up to 10% annually on cooling costs.
Turning off the AC for short trips (like 15 minutes) does not save energy.
For workdays around 8 hours long, turning off the AC or raising the thermostat saves energy and money.
In dry climates, letting the house warm up more by increasing the thermostat is effective.
In humid climates, turning off the AC can cause moisture buildup and mold problems.
Raising the thermostat by 1 degree Fahrenheit can reduce cooling costs by about 3%.
Frequently turning the AC off and on may cause wear and require more repairs.
Comfort level, AC type, building insulation, and local climate affect the best AC use strategy.
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Researchers at the University of Minnesota created an artificial cell called "SpudCell" that can enclose genetic material, import new materials from outside, and divide a few times to create offspring. The system uses parts from viruses and purified proteins to copy DNA and make proteins inside the cell-like membranes.
Key Facts
SpudCells are simple artificial cells enclosed by membranes that can take in new materials.
The cells contain genetic material spread across seven circular DNA molecules.
DNA replication is powered by a system from the Phi29 virus, which infects bacteria.
RNA production comes from a viral gene called T7 RNA polymerase, which the SpudCells can make themselves.
Proteins needed to translate RNA into other proteins were purified and added to the system by researchers.
A gene in SpudCells produces pore proteins to allow small molecules and ions to pass through the membrane.
SpudCells can divide and create a few generations of offspring but lose some DNA molecules after several divisions.
This work may help understand how life first formed and what minimal living cells could look like.
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The Court of Justice of the European Union has confirmed a $4.7 billion fine against Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android phone market. The fine is related to Google making its search engine and Chrome browser the default options on many Android devices, which the EU says limits competition.
Key Facts
In 2018, Google was fined 4.34 billion euros (about $4.9 billion) by the EU for abusing its Android market monopoly.
A lower court later reduced the fine to 4.1 billion euros ($4.7 billion), which Google must now pay.
The EU's complaint focuses on Google bundling its search engine and Chrome browser as default apps on Android phones.
This affects devices from companies like Samsung and Xiaomi, making Google's apps automatically used.
Google argues there is plenty of competition because users can install alternative apps and search services.
Europe has a history of similar cases, like forcing Microsoft to offer browser choices in Windows.
Google has made some changes, like adding ballot screens and supporting third-party app stores, largely due to legal pressure.
The EU is using new laws, such as the Digital Markets Act, to increase oversight of big tech companies including Google.
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Hot weather is making it harder for data centers to operate efficiently. These centers use a lot of electricity and water to stay cool, which can strain local power grids and harm air quality in nearby neighborhoods.
Key Facts
Data centers generate a lot of heat and need energy to keep servers cool during hot weather.
Cooling methods include energy-heavy air conditioning and water-using evaporation systems.
Increased electricity demand from data centers adds pressure to local power grids.
Backup diesel generators used by data centers can pollute the air with fumes.
Neighborhoods near data centers, like Lowell, Massachusetts, face higher health and environmental risks.
Many affected communities are low-income and have been historically excluded from decision-making.
The fast growth of AI-related data centers raises questions about their environmental impact.
Experts say heat waves are particularly challenging for keeping data centers running safely.
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Major AI companies like SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic plan to go public with very high valuations soon, testing if their market value holds up under financial review. These companies depend on a few large tech firms for computing power and cloud services, creating a closely linked business environment. Experts debate whether this setup will lead to healthy collaboration or too much control by a few big players.
Key Facts
SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic are all expected to launch public stock offerings soon, valued at around a trillion dollars.
These AI firms rely on big tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia for infrastructure and investment.
The close ties between AI startups and large platform providers create a network similar to a keiretsu, a term for tightly connected companies.
Some experts worry this concentration of power may replicate social problems from past tech eras.
Others believe the main advantage will go to companies that effectively use AI tools to improve specific tasks.
There are two main development paths debated: creating narrow, practical automation now or investing in long-term general-purpose humanoid robots.
Humanoid robots training often involves recording human work to build datasets for future AI.
Increased automation may encourage bringing simple manufacturing closer to customers, speeding up production and lowering costs.
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Privacy advocates have asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to continue overseeing Elon Musk’s social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. They warn that ending the FTC’s audits could put Americans’ personal data and privacy at risk because of X’s new data practices and AI developments.
Key Facts
The FTC originally ordered X to undergo audits after Twitter shared users’ contact information wrongly for advertising.
X’s owner, Elon Musk, wants the FTC to stop these audits, saying the platform has changed after rebranding and now follows European privacy rules.
Fifteen privacy groups disagree and say X’s request to end oversight should be denied to protect user data.
Advocates highlight a recent lawsuit involving X’s chatbot Grok related to harmful content, raising privacy concerns.
In 2023, about 2.8 billion records leaked from X, showing risks to user data security.
Musk was reported to have instructed staff to act against the FTC order and gave journalists open access to internal data.
X is collecting user posts for AI training without clear, direct consent from users, which worries privacy experts.
Cambridge Analytica’s former data misuse case is compared to how X uses data for AI and behavioral modeling.
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A 56-year-old woman developed serious symptoms like numbness, memory problems, and heart palpitations after a hip replacement surgery. Doctors discovered that cobalt poisoning from her metal hip implant caused her illness when ceramic parts in the artificial joint broke, exposing metal surfaces that released cobalt into her body.
Key Facts
The woman had a hip replacement 20 years ago after a car accident injury.
The ceramic liner in her hip implant shattered, causing metal parts to rub directly together.
This metal-on-metal contact released cobalt, a toxic metal, into her bloodstream.
Her symptoms included tingling numbness in limbs, memory issues, irritability, and heart palpitations.
Blood tests showed elevated cobalt levels and other abnormal findings.
Her hip implant was replaced about three months before the symptoms worsened.
Cobalt poisoning from failing metal implants is rare but serious.
The case was reported in the New England Journal of Medicine for medical awareness.
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Meta has started charging a monthly fee of $19.99 for users to access the "Conversation Focus" feature on its smart glasses for more than three hours per month. This feature uses the glasses’ microphones to help users hear people they are talking to more clearly, and other AI features remain free to use.
Key Facts
Meta’s "Conversation Focus" helps amplify voices during conversations using smart glasses.
Users get three free hours per month to use this feature before needing to pay $19.99 monthly.
Without a subscription, users must wait for their free hours to reset each calendar month.
The subscription is aimed at "power users" who want extra access and benefits, including premium support.
Other AI features like live translation and voice assistant remain free for all users.
The subscription service is currently not available in the UK.
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are popular and priced around £269 in the UK and $299 in the US.
The glasses have faced criticism over privacy concerns and accusations of secret filming.
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Google’s electricity use rose by 37% in 2025 due to increased AI data center construction and operations. Despite using much more power, the company reduced its operational carbon emissions by 2% by buying large amounts of renewable energy.
Key Facts
Google’s electricity consumption grew by 37% in 2025, the largest increase ever for the company.
Since 2019, Google’s electricity use has increased by over 250%.
Data centers used more than 42 million megawatt-hours in 2025, similar to the power used by countries like New Zealand.
Google has purchased renewable energy equal to 100% of its electricity use for nine years straight.
Operational carbon emissions decreased by 2% in 2025 despite the electricity usage increase.
Supply chain emissions rose 25%, mainly due to suppliers in Asia-Pacific relying on non-clean energy grids.
Google is focusing on matching energy use with clean energy every hour and location, not just annually.
The company invests in various clean energy technologies, including nuclear, fusion, geothermal, energy storage, and natural gas with carbon capture.
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The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has proposed a new rule that would change how the U.S. government awards scientific research grants. This rule would give political officials more control over funding decisions and could allow grants to be canceled based on political priorities instead of scientific merit. The public has until July 13 to give feedback on the proposal.
Key Facts
The OMB proposal would make political priorities the main factor in deciding which scientific projects get funded.
Scientific experts’ opinions and peer reviews would have less influence under the new rule.
Grants could be canceled at any time based on vague political criteria like “national interest” or alignment with government policies.
The proposal would require political appointees to approve spending for conferences and publishing research.
The OMB says the rule aims to improve transparency and prevent waste of federal funds.
Critics warn the rule could harm long-term scientific projects and U.S. leadership in research.
The American Association for Cancer Research calls the proposal a major threat to the National Institutes of Health.
The public comment period for the proposal ends on Monday, July 13.
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Europe's top court confirmed a €4.1 billion fine against Google for using its Android system to block rival companies. The court dismissed Google's appeal against the fine, which stems from rules that forced manufacturers to pre-install Google apps and blocked alternative Android versions.
Key Facts
The European Commission first fined Google €4.3 billion in 2018 for anti-competitive practices using Android.
The fine was later reduced to €4.1 billion in 2022 before the court upheld it in the recent ruling.
Google required device makers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome to access its Play Store.
Google paid big manufacturers and networks to exclusively pre-install Google Search.
Google prevented makers from selling devices with modified Android versions by threatening to withhold app permissions.
Android users can still download other browsers and search engines if they want.
This is the largest fine ever imposed on Google by the European Commission.
Google has faced several other big fines in Europe for favoring its services unfairly in shopping and ads.
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Rhythm Heaven Groove is the newest game in the Rhythm Heaven series, featuring many short music-based challenges that test players’ timing with simple controls. It includes new mini-games, a multiplayer mode for up to four players, and a rhythm-based light role-playing game mode called Beatspell, but some issues with input delay remain.
Key Facts
Rhythm Heaven Groove (called Rhythm Paradise Groove in some regions) is the latest entry in a rhythm game series last updated in 2015.
The game offers many short mini-games where players follow musical beats using a few buttons.
New challenges are combined with some references to older games in the series.
It supports up to four players playing together in multiplayer mode.
Beatspell is a side mode that mixes rhythm gameplay with simple role-playing game elements.
The game faces input timing problems, especially when played on a TV, with a recommendation to use handheld mode for better accuracy.
The game is developed by Nintendo and shows the company investing in this genre despite being cautious during its current console era.
The gameplay is considered easier than past entries, with fewer difficult stages requiring retries.
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This article gives advice on managing your electronic devices and digital tools before going on a summer trip. It explains when to unplug devices to save energy and how new tech features like adding a digital passport to your iPhone can help with travel.
Key Facts
Many household devices use a small amount of electricity even when turned off, called standby or phantom power.
Standby power can add up to about 10% of a home’s electric bill and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Experts recommend unplugging nonessential devices before leaving home to save energy.
Essential devices like refrigerators, freezers, security systems, and some smart home gear should stay plugged in.
Unplugging most modern gadgets usually saves less money than people expect; energy-efficient devices and settings are more effective.
Apple now lets users add their U.S. passport info to their iPhone’s Apple Wallet for easier airport ID checks at over 250 U.S. airports.
This digital ID cannot be used for international travel or border crossing.
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In South Korea, people are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create video messages featuring digital versions of their deceased loved ones. A tech company called Vaice makes these videos from photos and voice samples, helping families remember and communicate with those who have passed away.
Key Facts
Lee Geon Hui hired Vaice to create an AI video of his late grandfather sending a message to his father.
The AI video showed the grandfather expressing love and apologies to his son.
Vaice serves about 300 customers monthly, mostly people in their 40s and 50s wanting videos of their late parents.
Customers provide photos and short voice recordings of the deceased to create the digital likeness.
A 3-5 minute AI video costs about 600,000 South Korean won (around $390).
Many people use these videos during family memorials or important holidays.
Clients often write the scripts themselves, including messages of love and regrets.
Experts mention the emotional and ethical complexities of using AI to recreate deceased persons.
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New research highlights that about 70% of adults feel they spend too much time on their phones. Experts like Mario Lacovou and Dr. Megan Moreno talk about signs of phone addiction and ways people can reduce their screen use.
Key Facts
Around 70% of adults say they spend excessive time using their phones.
Phone addiction can be addressed through therapy, according to expert Mario Lacovou.
Dr. Megan Moreno explains how to recognize warning signs of phone addiction.
There are recommended methods to cut down on screen time.
Excessive phone use is gaining attention as a public health concern.
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Experts warn that vehicle tracking systems in cars may not effectively help owners recover stolen vehicles. A car owner found that despite having live location data and video proof, tracking services and legal rules limited his ability to locate and retrieve his stolen car.
Key Facts
Experts say connected car tracking features do not always match what consumers expect.
Ian Fogg’s car was stolen, and although Kia could see its live location, he could not recover it.
UK law restricts using live tracking data for stolen cars to protect privacy.
Thieves hacked the car’s entertainment system to disconnect the owner’s phone tracking.
An Apple Airtag helped track the car briefly but was discarded by thieves after it made noise.
Kia requires a form to request vehicle location data, which can take 1-2 days to provide.
Police cannot force companies to share vehicle location data without special government permission.
Kia offers a premium security tracking service in the US, but not in the UK or Europe.
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An investigation found that AI-generated summaries of Tripadvisor hotel reviews often soften or ignore serious complaints like food poisoning and harassment. Tripadvisor said it is working to improve the AI tool and encourages users to read full guest reviews for detailed information.
Key Facts
AI summaries on Tripadvisor sometimes describe hotels with serious problems as having good service and cleanliness.
One hotel in Cape Verde linked to food poisoning was called “spotless” by the AI, despite many guest complaints and a lawsuit.
A Dominican Republic hotel with water shortages and illness reports was praised for “abundant” amenities by the AI.
A Turkish hotel with reported sexual harassment cases was described as having “friendly” service by the AI summary.
Tripadvisor said it suppresses AI summaries when serious safety issues are reported, like deaths or assaults.
The company is reviewing and refining its AI tool to better match user feedback.
Experts warn that AI tends to soften harsh criticisms, missing important warnings from guests.
Users are advised to read detailed guest reviews, especially low-rated ones, to make safe travel choices.
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