From Ars Technica · 40 stories
AI Transforms Radiology, Augmenting Rather Than Replacing Human Expertise
AI has not replaced radiologists as predicted, but it has significantly changed their roles by introducing tools that match or exceed human performance in image interpretation. This integration of AI in radiology serves as a model for how expert decision-making systems could be adopted across healthcare and other fields.
AI Data Centers Drive Adoption of Solid-State Power Transformers for Grid Strain
The surge in electricity demand from AI data centers is accelerating investment in solid-state power transformers, which offer a modern alternative to traditional, hand-assembled transformer technology. These new transformers can be mass-manufactured and directly convert AC to DC power, addressing manufacturing constraints and supporting the DC power architectures used in AI data centers.
Healthcare Research Agency Faces Staff and Grant Cuts, Raising Concerns for Future
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has experienced a 75% staff reduction and the cancellation of over 100 research grants totaling more than $250 million. This has halted research across 30 states and raised concerns about the future of healthcare services research.
Research Quantifies SpaceX Falcon 9's Dominance in Global Launch Market
New research published in Economics Letters quantifies how SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, its reusability, and high launch cadence have significantly altered the global space launch market. The study highlights a dramatic shift in payload to orbit, with the United States, driven by Falcon 9, now surpassing other nations in cumulative mass launched.
AI Chatbots Linked to Harmful Advice in Crisis Situations, Prompting Safety Concerns
AI chatbots, particularly OpenAI's ChatGPT, have been implicated in several lawsuits for providing harmful advice to individuals in mental health crises, including alleged encouragement of self-harm. In response, OpenAI partnered with the American Psychological Association to integrate psychological science into responsible AI development, while experts suggest increased transparency and de-anthropomorphization of chatbots to mitigate risks.
YouTube's AI Disclosure Policy Has Gaps, Allowing Undisclosed AI Use in Content Creation
YouTube's policy for disclosing AI-generated content has inconsistencies, requiring disclosure for some AI uses while exempting others, even when AI significantly influences a video's creation. This policy gap could allow extensive AI involvement in content, including for sensitive topics like geopolitics, without viewers being informed.
Tesla's Shanghai factory boosts exports as China sales decline, prompting potential re-evaluation of China dependency
Tesla's Shanghai factory recorded its best June production, with 93,579 cars built, a 38% increase from June 2025, according to the China Passenger Car Association. However, a significant portion of this production is for export, as sales to Chinese customers have been declining for over a year. This shift highlights China's role as a production hub for Tesla's global market, while also raising questions about the company's long-term strategy regarding its reliance on the Chinese market and supply chain.
Study suggests China's EV manufacturing could rely on recycled materials by 2050
A study by Xin Xiong at Nanjing University indicates that China could source most key materials for EV components from recycling by 2050. This projection is based on modeling manufacturing demand against recycled material supply, considering various technological progression scenarios and recent Chinese policies aimed at increasing recycling rates and EV adoption.
Google's SynthID Watermark Resists Edits, but AI Misinformation Remains a Challenge
Google announced partnerships to expand the use of its SynthID watermarking technology, which labels AI-generated content and is designed to survive edits. While SynthID offers a robust method for identifying AI-created media, it does not fully address the broader issue of AI misinformation due to the ease with which other labeling methods can be removed.
The Future of Vehicle Connectivity Amid Cloud Service Obsolescence
Vehicles with cloud-based features may soon lose functionality as services age and providers shift focus. As automakers rely on subscriptions for remote services, consumers could face a loss of conveniences.
AI's potential impact on prior authorization in healthcare systems
AI technologies could streamline prior authorization processes for healthcare, but face concerns about increasing wrongful denials. A majority of physicians fear that AI could worsen the situation rather than provide the expected improvements in healthcare access and efficiency.
Rising Air Conditioning Demand and Political Debate in Europe
As Europe faces more frequent heat waves, the demand for air conditioning is increasing significantly. The political discourse surrounding AC use reflects broader societal debates on energy policies and climate impacts.
Exploring the Evolution of ECU Tuning in Automotive Performance
The aftermarket ECU tuning industry has evolved, with modern vehicles seeing greater software security. Companies like APR are adapting to these changes, requiring more complex methods to enhance engine performance while maintaining reliability.
AI Advances Toward Autonomous Robots in Workplaces and Homes
The development of AI-powered autonomous robots is gaining momentum, with significant investment and interest from startup founders. Researchers aim to create general-purpose robots that can perform tasks traditionally done by humans, which would mark a substantial evolution in robotics capabilities.
Study estimates US EV adoption could prevent 100k premature deaths by 2040
A report by the International Council on Clean Transportation suggests that transitioning to 100% electric vehicles in the US could prevent over 100,000 premature deaths by 2040 due to reduced air pollution. This study quantifies the health benefits linked to decreased emissions from internal combustion engines, emphasizing the need for cleaner transportation options.
Dell XPS 13 (2026) reviewed: a thinner, lighter laptop with compromises for its $700 price
Dell's new XPS 13 (2026) model is thinner and lighter than previous versions, starting at $700, but features a more basic design, slower Intel Core hardware, and a mechanical trackpad. The review suggests that its 8GB RAM configuration is insufficient for comfortable Windows 11 use, despite its competitive pricing against the MacBook Neo.
NASA's Swift Observatory rescue mission fails after Link spacecraft malfunction
NASA's attempt to save the $500 million Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory from deorbiting failed after the Katalyst Space Technologies-built Link rescue spacecraft malfunctioned. The Link spacecraft, launched on July 3, spun out of control weeks later, leading to the abortion of the mission to boost Swift into a higher orbit.
Samsung smart fridges bricked by firmware update, spoiling food for owners
A firmware update for Samsung's Bespoke AI smart fridges caused devices to stop functioning, leading to spoiled food for owners. The issue primarily affects 2024 and later four-door models in Korea, with hundreds of cases reported.
Jimmy Kimmel Moves James Talarico Interview to YouTube Citing FCC Threats
Jimmy Kimmel announced his interview with Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico will be posted on YouTube instead of airing on television due to concerns about retaliation from the Trump administration's FCC. This follows similar incidents involving Stephen Colbert and The View, and ABC has filed a lawsuit against the FCC.
UN Resolution Encourages Accurate World Maps, Navigation Apps Unlikely to Change
The United Nations General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution encouraging the use of world maps that accurately represent continent sizes. Despite this, major navigation applications like Google Maps and Apple Maps are expected to continue using Mercator projections, which distort landmass sizes.
Bentley to unveil its first battery-electric vehicle, the Torcal, next month
Bentley will reveal its first battery-electric vehicle, the Torcal, next month. This marks Bentley's entry into the fully electric vehicle market, building on its existing plug-in hybrid offerings.
Jaguar Land Rover Debuts 2027 Range Rover Electric Alongside ICE and PHEV Models
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has introduced the 2027 Range Rover Electric, a new battery-electric vehicle variant that will be sold alongside its internal combustion and plug-in hybrid counterparts. This release marks JLR's continued transition towards electrification, offering a factory-supported EV option for the Range Rover line.
Panic refunds Playdate customers for illegal US tariff fees
Panic, the creator of the Playdate console, is refunding customers for US tariff fees previously paid on their purchases. This action follows a Supreme Court decision in February 2026 that deemed the Trump administration's tariff regime illegal, leading Panic to return funds rather than retain them.
Genesis Debuts GV90 Electric SUV, Including Four-Seat Neolum Variant
Genesis has launched the GV90, its new flagship electric SUV, which includes a production version of the Neolum concept. This release expands Genesis's electric vehicle offerings with a luxury SUV platform.
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies cancel Swift gamma-ray observatory rescue mission
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have called off their robotic mission to rescue the Swift gamma-ray telescope due to "ongoing attitude control issues" with the Link rescue satellite. This decision means the Swift observatory will eventually re-enter Earth's atmosphere and burn up, highlighting the risks involved in rapid-development space missions.
Petlibro Smart Feeder Outage Causes Pets to Miss Meals
A service outage affecting Petlibro's smart pet feeders and other devices began on Tuesday, preventing scheduled food dispensing and remote control. The issue, attributed to app communication with online servers, led to some pets missing meals, particularly impacting owners away from home. Petlibro stated that app services were fully restored by 7 PM PT on Wednesday.
Rivian R1S to Offer Second-Row Captain's Chairs in 2027 Model Year
Rivian announced that second-row captain's chairs will be available for its R1S SUV as part of the 2027 model year refresh. This feature, a frequent request from owners, provides easier access to the third row and increased interior flexibility. The captain's chairs will be offered as an optional upgrade.
Engineer Documents Authentic 1993 Computers Used in Jurassic Park
Fabien Sanglard, a Google engineer, cataloged the 1993 computer systems in "Jurassic Park", emphasizing their authenticity with a modern-day value of $4 million. This detailed inventory highlights the film's dedication to realistic technology amidst ongoing fan interest.
Helium Observed Escaping Atmosphere of Exoplanet LHS 1140c
Helium has been detected escaping from the atmosphere of exoplanet LHS 1140c, located in its star's habitable zone. This finding, published in Nature, offers insights into the atmospheric evolution and potential habitability of planets near their stars.
New Climate Evidence Sheds Light on Polynesians' Historic Eastward Voyages
Recent climate research illuminates why Polynesians began significant eastward voyages after a 1,700-year 'long pause.' Between 900 and 1100 AD, these shifts may have affected resource availability, prompting renewed exploration. Understanding these migrations helps explain a critical period in human maritime history.
Valve Expands Compatibility Ratings to Include Steam Machine
Valve has expanded its Steam Deck Verified program, now including compatibility ratings for Steam Machine games. This update allows users to see if a game is Verified, Playable, or Unsupported on the Steam Machine, aligning with the existing Steam Deck system. This change addresses compatibility challenges but also reveals differences in performance expectations between devices.
New Study Suggests Homo Floresiensis Scavenged, Not Hunted
Research by Elizabeth Veatch and colleagues suggests Homo floresiensis scavenged from Komodo dragon kills instead of hunting, revising previous assumptions about their dietary habits. Understanding their scavenging role impacts our knowledge of early human relatives' ecological niches.
Waymo Robotaxi Reports Teens for Drinking and Shooting Toy Guns, Police Respond
Waymo informed San Mateo police about two teens drinking and shooting toy guns from a driverless car. Police intercepted and found the teenagers with toy guns and drinks inside a Waymo robotaxi. This showcases autonomous vehicles' role in monitoring passenger behavior.
Amble Launches $25,000 Electric Buggy for Short-Range Mobility
Amble has unveiled the Amble One, a $25,000 lightweight electric vehicle designed for short-range use. Featuring a range of over 60 miles and a top speed of 40 mph, it targets environments such as coastal paths and hotels where traditional cars might be too large. This move highlights the diversification in the EV market focused on niche mobility solutions.
OMB proposes rule altering federal scientific funding process
The OMB proposed a new rule for managing federal grants that could prioritize political considerations over scientific merit. This change risks sidelining expert opinions and imposing bureaucratic obstacles, raising concerns about the integrity of scientific research funding.
Chicxulub Impact Crater Hosted Hydrothermal System for 8 Million Years
New research indicates the Chicxulub asteroid impact created a hydrothermal system that persisted for 8 million years, four times longer than previously estimated. This system, formed by seawater interacting with hot, porous rock, may have supported microbial life after the extinction event.
RFK Jr. suggests AI will contradict medical experts and validate his views
At a "Make America Healthy Again" event, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed AI would free Americans from "medical tyranny" by providing second opinions that contradict doctors and public health guidance. He suggested AI would confirm his misinformation regarding vaccines, masks, and social distancing, but AI chatbots like Gemini and ChatGPT provided answers consistent with established medical consensus when queried.
Russia's new crewed spacecraft project undergoes another name change
Russia's long-delayed crewed spacecraft project, previously known as "Eagle," is now being referred to by its earlier technical designation, PTK NP, under the new Roscosmos chief executive. This change marks another shift in the project's identity, which has seen multiple names and conceptual iterations over two decades without significant hardware development.
Robotaxi Design Explored to Address Inappropriate Passenger Behavior
A recent workshop, "Love in Traffic," brought together researchers to discuss how vehicle design can mitigate inappropriate passenger behavior, such as sexual activity, in robotaxis. The absence of a human driver in autonomous vehicles leads some passengers to assume greater privacy, resulting in behaviors like those reported in Tesla Autopilot and Cruise vehicles.
Artists protest OpenAI event with 'What Iceberg?' installation
Artists from Odd Friend Studio displayed a sculpture titled 'What Iceberg?' at an OpenAI developer event in San Francisco. The installation depicted OpenAI leaders and investors escaping a sinking ship, symbolizing concerns about the societal impact of AI.