From Ars Technica · 40 stories
Concerns Grow Over SpaceX Crew Dragon's Availability for Future Missions
Industry officials express concerns about the limited availability of SpaceX's Crew Dragon for future astronaut transport. With Boeing's delayed Starliner and NASA's push for private space stations, reliance on Crew Dragon has heightened as future missions approach.
Discovery of WD 1856 b: A planet orbiting a white dwarf
Astronomers have confirmed WD 1856 b as the only known planet that survived a Sun-like star's death, now scrutinized with the James Webb Space Telescope. Findings indicate its proximity and unusual transit behavior challenge existing models of stellar evolution.
New BLM regulations aim to increase grazing while limiting public input
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing new rules to expand livestock grazing on 155 million acres of public lands while reducing public participation in the decision-making process. This overhaul, the first since 1995, could exacerbate environmental concerns regarding overgrazing and limit oversight by non-ranchers.
Google develops constant recalibration method for quantum processors
Google has discovered a method for constant calibration of superconducting qubits during quantum computations. This innovation uses data from error correction processes to adjust settings in real-time, addressing calibration drift in long algorithms.
Drone surveillance leads to $100K fine for illegal fireworks in Sacramento
Sacramento Fire Department imposed a $100,000 fine for illegal fireworks using drones for surveillance. This trend reflects a nationwide shift among first responders to leverage drone technology for public safety during Fourth of July celebrations.
NASA releases draft RFP for private space station proposals
NASA has issued a draft Request for Proposals outlining expectations for U.S. companies developing private space stations, with a focus on avoiding a gap in human presence in low-Earth orbit after the ISS. The urgency is heightened by a projected end date for the ISS in 2030 and previous delays in funding and guidelines for the second phase of this initiative.
Allstate accuses Broadcom of retaliatory audits after ending VMware contracts
Allstate Insurance has alleged that Broadcom initiated audits against it due to Allstate's decision to terminate contracts with VMware and CA Technologies. This conflict follows a lawsuit from VMware claiming Allstate failed to comply with license audits, amidst a growing trend of companies migrating away from VMware after Broadcom's acquisition.
Humanoid robots perform first remote surgeries on live pigs
Humanoid robots successfully conducted gallbladder removals on live pigs, controlled by human surgeons. This development may facilitate remote surgical procedures in resource-limited settings, using more affordable and compact robots.
New trailer for Dune: Part Three released, hints at upcoming story
Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for Dune: Part Three, featuring key storyline hints and Easter eggs for fans. The film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, will adapt the events of Frank Herbert's novel 'Dune: Messiah', taking place 17 years after the previous movie's conclusion.
Ruf unveils new flat-eight B8 engine at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Ruf introduced its new 4.8 L flat-eight B8 engine at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The engine produces over 1,000 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, marking a significant move in Ruf's evolution from Porsche tuner to a standalone manufacturer of original vehicles.
US Space Force includes Impulse Space and Relativity Space in launch bid pool
The US Space Force has added Impulse Space and Relativity Space to its launch competition bidders. Relativity Space is progressing with its Terran R rocket, while Impulse Space's unexpected entry emphasizes the military's demand for high-energy launches amid limited supply.
SpaceX's Starship Alters Dynamics of Payload Launching Industry
SpaceX's Starship, with a capacity of over 100 metric tons, is shifting the space industry's approach to payload launches. The potential of refueling for longer missions is attracting interest from NASA, the military, and satellite manufacturers, suggesting a change in design priorities for rocket and satellite development.
Kalshi fails to overturn New York gambling laws in federal court
Kalshi's request to exempt itself from New York's gambling laws was denied by a federal judge. The decision emphasizes the state's authority to regulate prediction markets, impacting Kalshi's operations.
Australian government disables thousands of functioning SamKnows routers
The ACCC concluded its Measuring Broadband Australia program, resulting in thousands of SamKnows routers being bricked after June 30. This decision raises concerns about unnecessary electronic waste from functioning devices.
Research reveals TikTok users have limited control over FYP content curation
Northwestern University researchers found that TikTok's algorithm inadequately responds to negative user feedback. Despite users expressing disinterest, suggested videos often remain on their For You Page, limiting their perceived control over content curation.
US military shifts focus to cheaper drones after costly losses in Iran
The US military is exploring cost-effective drone options following significant losses of Reaper drones valued at over $1 billion in Iran. This strategy aims to counter adversaries with advanced air defenses while anticipating drone losses in combat.
City Labs launches first commercial nuclear-powered satellite BOHR
City Labs successfully launched the BOHR satellite, marking the first commercial nuclear-powered satellite. This development is significant as it paves the way for future nuclear power applications in space, potentially aiding missions to the Moon and beyond.
Plate tectonics study shows sudden crust formation in ocean rift zone
In 2024, French scientists monitored a major spreading event at the rift between Australian and Antarctic plates. Their findings indicate rapid crust formation over a short time span, challenging previous assumptions about seismic activity during such processes.
US Rare Earths Sold to Asia Amid Slow Domestic Demand
U.S. companies producing rare earths are exporting materials to Japan and South Korea due to low domestic demand. This trend highlights the strategic import reliance amid growing concerns over China's control of critical mineral supplies.
Study finds potential for widespread tick-linked meat allergy in US
A study reveals up to 30% of individuals in some US regions may carry antibodies linked to a meat allergy caused by tick bites. This suggests a larger population at risk than previously estimated, highlighting challenges in diagnosis and awareness of alpha-gal syndrome.
The Weather Channel raises streaming subscription prices up to $20
The Weather Channel has announced a price increase for its streaming subscription service, with monthly fees rising from $3 to $5, marking a 66.7% increase. This change affects users of the dedicated smart TV app available across various platforms and aligns the pricing with earlier ambitions for a larger streaming service that never launched.
Lola Cars to Use Eco-Friendly Materials for New T70S Race Car Series
Lola Cars is unveiling a new series of T70S race cars utilizing eco-friendly materials. The company aims to reduce carbon and pollution costs through innovative material sourcing, such as extracting magnesium from seawater using solar power.
Study reveals dragonfly flight tactics resemble fighter pilot maneuvers
Research shows male dragonflies engage in tactical aerial behavior similar to fighter pilots during territory defense. This insight could inform the development of more efficient drones using simple visual navigation instead of complex computations.
New catalog identifies pathogens posing highest pandemic risks
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have published a catalog detailing 239 RNA viruses that infect humans, highlighting the ones with the greatest risk for disease transmission and pandemic potential. This work aims to improve pandemic preparedness by focusing on viruses that can spread between humans rather than just zoonotic viruses.
ULA's Last Atlas V Rockets Limited to Boeing's Starliner Missions
United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket concluded a significant chapter with its final flight for Amazon Leo. ULA has six remaining Atlas V rockets reserved for Boeing's Starliner, though uncertain utilization raises questions about future missions.
Kremlin-linked drones suspected in European airspace incursions from shadow fleet
The International Institute for Strategic Studies reports drone flights over Europe may be coordinated by the Kremlin using Russian-linked commercial ships. These incidents, impacting NATO member countries, highlight vulnerabilities in European air defenses against low-cost drone incursions.
NRC proposes changes to radiation exposure regulations
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission proposed new rules that modify terminology in radiation exposure regulations. These changes aim to address vagueness in existing standards without altering the scientific foundation, potentially easing regulatory burdens on the nuclear industry.
British Grand Prix marred by automated software error during race
The British Grand Prix saw an erroneous on-screen message indicating a late-race restart after a safety car, disappointing viewers and commentators. The unexpected end to an entertaining race underscored ongoing reliability issues within F1 this season, affecting team strategies and fan expectations.
Hayabusa2 and Tianwen-2 successfully engage with asteroids
Japan's Hayabusa2 completed a flyby of asteroid Torifune, and China's Tianwen-2 arrived at its target. Both missions represent significant advancements in asteroid exploration and sample return efforts from different nations.
Czinger 21C: A Hybrid Hypercar with Record-Setting Performance
The Czinger 21C, a hybrid hypercar, features a bespoke twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, producing 1,250 hp. It boasts impressive performance metrics including a 0-60 mph time of 1.92 seconds and a top speed of 253 mph, positioning it alongside other hypercars in its price range.
Asteroid impacts linked to Earth’s early continental crust formation
Geologists propose that asteroid bombardments sustained high temperatures in Earth’s early crust, facilitating the formation of continents. This theory challenges existing notions of plate tectonics versus mantle plume activity during the Hadean eon, where evidence remains scarce.
Research on smell loss increases following COVID-19 pandemic
Anosmia and other smell disorders have gained attention post-COVID-19, with research highlighting their prevalence and impact on quality of life and brain health. Millions reported smell loss during the pandemic, increasing awareness and scientific inquiry into these conditions.
Perseverance rover detects organic carbon on Martian surface
NASA's Perseverance rover has detected complex macromolecular carbon on the Martian surface, potentially indicating a biological origin. This shallow detection at Bright Angel may require sample return missions to determine its source.
Smithsonian Launches VR Astronomical Experience in Multiple Cities
The Smithsonian debuted 'Starstruck: An Immersive Experience,' a 40-minute VR tour of the universe. The experience will expand to several U.S. cities later this year, utilizing advanced HTC headsets for enhanced immersion.
FAA proposes new rule for supersonic flights over US cities with noise limits
The FAA has proposed a new rule allowing commercial supersonic flights over US cities if sonic boom impacts are minimized. This change, driven by a push for supersonic air travel, would replace a 1973 ban with a new noise-based certification standard.
Plex introduces five-year membership for $250 as lifetime pass price increases to $750
Plex launched a five-year Plex Pass for $250, while the price for Lifetime Passes increased to $750. This move reflects Plex's shift toward subscription-based revenue to support long-term development and reduce reliance on advertising.
Uganda confirms Marburg case amid ongoing Ebola outbreak
Ugandan health authorities confirmed a case of Marburg virus disease in a deceased child during the ongoing Ebola outbreak. The case introduces additional challenges for managing both diseases, which share transmission characteristics.
Woman experiences severe metal poisoning after hip replacement failure
A 56-year-old woman developed severe neurological symptoms due to metal poisoning after her hip replacement began failing. The case highlights the potential risks associated with long-term use of artificial joints, particularly when revisions are required.
T-Mobile sues Broadcom over VMware license support dispute
T-Mobile is suing Broadcom for not honoring support for its VMware perpetual licenses following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware and the shift to subscription models. The lawsuit highlights T-Mobile's migration of tens of thousands of virtual machines and over 1,000 applications from VMware, raising significant concerns regarding software licensing and support obligations in the industry.
US home battery installations reach record 673 MW amid rising electricity costs
In early 2026, US home battery installations surged to a record 673 megawatts, driven by state incentives and rising electricity costs. This trend indicates a shift towards energy independence for homeowners while potentially providing more flexibility for the power grid.