From Ars Technica · 40 stories
Yale student sues university over AI cheating accusation and suspension
A Yale Executive MBA student has filed a 13-count federal lawsuit against the university after being suspended and given a failing grade for alleged AI-assisted cheating on an exam. The student claims the AI detection tool used, GPTZero, is unreliable and biased against non-native English speakers, and that the disciplinary action was politically motivated.
Lawsuit Alleges Comcast Store Manager Punished Low Sales with Pie-in-Face Rituals
A lawsuit filed against Comcast's cable division claims a store manager in Plainville, Connecticut, forced the lowest-performing salesperson each month to endure a cream pie smashed in their face. The lawsuit alleges Comcast was negligent for not preventing these actions, which were supposedly implemented to boost sales and customer survey results.
New Quantum Dot and Diamond Vacancy Qubit Technologies Emerge
Two new developments in quantum computing qubit technology have been announced, involving quantum dots and diamond defects. These advancements offer alternative approaches to qubit scaling, a critical challenge in quantum computation.
Audi unveils 2027 Q9 full-size SUV, designed for the US market
Audi introduced the 2027 Q9, a new full-size SUV positioned as its flagship model, specifically designed to compete in the US market. This release marks Audi's entry into the larger SUV segment, aiming to address a gap in its product lineup for American consumers.
College Microbiology Class Mistakenly Identifies Harmless Bacteria as Deadly Pathogen
A college microbiology class, including students and staff, believed they were exposed to a deadly pathogen, leading 32 individuals to take antibiotics and two to undergo spinal taps. The incident, detailed in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, revealed that the bacteria was actually a harmless strain, despite all lab tests indicating the dangerous pathogen.
Chicxulub Impact Caused Global Wildfires and Superheated Atmosphere, New Study Suggests
A new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences proposes that the Chicxulub asteroid impact created a dust cloud that superheated the upper atmosphere, leading to widespread wildfires and charbroiling organisms. This research offers a specific mechanism for how the impact caused the extinction of three-quarters of Earth's plant and animal species, including dinosaurs.
Trump Administration Exempts SpaceX Starlink Routers from FCC Foreign-Made Ban
The Trump administration granted SpaceX's Starlink an exemption from an FCC ban on foreign-made routers until February 1, 2028. This exemption allows Starlink to continue using routers manufactured outside the US, despite the FCC's updated Covered List targeting national security risks from foreign-made networking products.
Canadian Legislator Reads Apparent LLM Prompt Instruction During Floor Speech
Bill Oliver, a Canadian legislator, read an apparent LLM prompt instruction aloud during a legislative speech, indicating the use of AI-generated text. This incident highlights the increasing presence of AI in public discourse and raises questions about authenticity and oversight in official communications.
FDA-organized committee approves manufacture of peptides despite safety concerns
A committee organized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to remove restrictions on the manufacture of four peptides for human use, with votes on three more scheduled. This decision was made despite a lack of evidence regarding the peptides' safety and effectiveness, and follows actions by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to influence the outcome.
Snake Robots Deployed in Venezuela Earthquake Search and Rescue Operations
Snake robots were used to search for survivors in collapsed buildings following two earthquakes in Venezuela. These robots can navigate tight spaces, extending the visual reach of rescue workers in dangerous environments.
White House OSTP report outlines vision for "new golden age" of science
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a report titled “Science: A New Golden Age,” which proposes major revisions to government-funded science. The report suggests structural problems exist in US government-funded science and advocates for changes, including simplifying regulations and streamlining grant applications. This report is unlikely to significantly impact the scientific community due to its lack of specific reforms and its omission of current administration actions affecting scientific progress.
Ars Technica seeks senior technology reporter with hardware focus
Ars Technica is hiring a senior technology reporter to cover various hardware topics. The position requires experience in technology and writing, with a focus on hands-on hardware and operating systems.
First images of Quest shipwreck released by Royal Canadian Geographic Society
The Royal Canadian Geographic Society has published the first images of the Quest shipwreck, over 60 years after it sank in 1962. This ship was used by Sir Ernest Shackleton on his last expedition, which ultimately failed due to his illness.
Surgeons discover 10-inch tapeworm during hernia surgery
Surgeons found a living 10-inch tapeworm in a man's abdomen while repairing an inguinal hernia. The 71-year-old patient reported this had happened to him previously, highlighting potential implications for parasitic infections in asymptomatic patients.
Statue of Liberty artifacts launched in space during 1985 shuttle flight
In April 1985, the Space Shuttle Discovery carried two miniaturized Statue of Liberty replicas into space, each made of copper from the original statue's restoration. One statue is now displayed while the other was melted down for commemorative seals, exemplifying Americana in space.
Summer of Ludd festival highlights Gen Z's anti-Big Tech sentiment
The Summer of Ludd festival in New York City focuses on Gen Z's discontent with technology, featuring performances, workshops, and discussions promoting offline activities. It encourages community engagement while critiquing data reliance and the impact of technology on social interactions.
Superworms proposed as an alternative to beetles for cleaning skeletal remains
Research indicates that larvae of superworms could effectively clean skeletal remains while reducing infestation risks associated with beetles. This method may offer a safer and environmentally friendly alternative to existing cleaning techniques for museums and forensic studies.
New study reaffirms no link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found no association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting claims made by political figures. Analyzing over 700,000 mother-child pairs, researchers confirmed that acetaminophen is safe, highlighting misconceptions that could negatively impact public health.
June science roundup highlights unique soccer research and other findings
A recent research roundup features key studies, including one on soccer's scissors feint. Japanese scientists analyzed this dribbling technique using high-speed cameras, revealing insights into player movements and speed regulation.
Trump's National Design Studio struggles to redesign .gov websites with AI
President Trump's National Design Studio (NDS) is tasked with redesigning 27,000 .gov websites but has met significant challenges. The initiative, which relies heavily on AI, has faced criticism for lack of progress, compliance issues, and cutbacks to previous digital services.
Sony removes access to 551 titles from PlayStation UK libraries due to licensing
Sony has informed PlayStation UK customers they will lose streaming access to 551 titles from StudioCanal due to content licensing agreements. Customers will no longer be able to view previously purchased movies and shows starting September 1.
Man diagnosed with brain cancer actually had tapeworm larvae in brain
A 60-year-old man in Spain was initially suspected of having brain cancer but was later found to have tapeworm larvae. This misdiagnosis highlights the need for thorough diagnostic testing in unusual cases, especially when symptoms mimic more common conditions like cancer.
FCC accused of concealing Chairman Carr's DOGE-related communications
An advocacy group claims the FCC is hiding Chairman Carr's communications about DOGE and Elon Musk. They filed a lawsuit alleging bad faith in responding to a public records request regarding potential conflicts of interest at the agency.
Netflix mandates unique email addresses for each user profile
Netflix now requires that every user profile under a subscription be linked to a unique email address. This change, effective since June 15, 2026, aims to streamline user access and settings management, allowing easier login and personal configuration for secondary account users.
Notion to Shut Down Notion Mail as Users Prefer AI Agents for Email Management
Notion announced it will discontinue Notion Mail on September 22, 2025, due to low usage. The company found that over half of Notion Mail users rely on AI agents instead of traditional inbox management.
Every Electric offers free battery program for NYC residents to power AC units during peak demand
Every Electric, a New York City startup, provides free household batteries to approximately 1,000 residents, allowing them to power window air conditioners during peak demand periods while participating in utility demand response programs. This initiative enables users to maintain comfort and earn money without impacting the grid during high energy use times. The company, founded by former Columbia University researchers, pivoted from sodium-ion battery chemistry to deploying residential batteries as a virtual power plant.
Microsoft Faces Scrutiny Over Data Center Community Investments and Tax Breaks
Microsoft is facing questions from communities regarding its local investments for new data centers, with critics pointing to a disparity between the company's "good neighbor" promises and the substantial state-level tax breaks it receives. The company has been vague about specific local investment amounts, while states like Georgia and Indiana forgo significant tax revenue to attract data center development.
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Updates Include NACS Port and Rear Wiper
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5, specifically the AWD Limited trim, features an 84 kWh battery pack, a NACS charging port, and a rear windshield wiper as part of a lifecycle refresh. These updates address previous criticisms and enhance charging compatibility, but the AWD version has reduced range compared to the RWD model.
Space Companies Diversify Beyond Launch Services Due to Low Margins
Most US rocket companies, excluding United Launch Alliance, are diversifying their services beyond rocket launches. This shift is driven by the low-margin nature of the launch business, as evidenced by SpaceX's financial statements showing only a small percentage of revenue from launch services.
AI Data Center Water Consumption: A Growing Concern Amidst Rapid Expansion
The rapid expansion of AI data centers is increasing water consumption, leading to local protests in some regions. While overall data center water use is currently small compared to other industries, the growth of AI could exacerbate water stress in drought-prone areas.
Xtracycle's Swoop ASM e-bike features Shimano's automatic transmission system
Xtracycle's new Swoop ASM cargo e-bike incorporates Shimano's automatic transmission system, allowing the bike to shift gears electronically. While the system's intelligence in determining optimal gears is noted, its actual shifting execution is described as less smooth, though the feature can be disabled. This integration represents an advancement in e-bike technology, offering a new user experience for cargo bike riders.
Mummified Remains Pose Health Risks Due to Toxic Substances and Microbial Growth
A paper in the International Journal of Cultural Property highlights that mummified human and animal remains can contain toxic preservation materials and dormant microorganisms, posing health hazards to collectors. These risks include exposure to heavy metals and inhalation of fungal spores that can cause respiratory issues and infection. The findings suggest that the "mummy's curse" may have a scientific basis in microbial growth.
Rising Temperatures Increase Danger of Pesticides for Farmworkers
Research indicates that increasing temperatures exacerbate the harmful effects of pesticides on farmworkers, making them more vulnerable to exposure and toxicity. This issue is compounded by the likelihood of increased pesticide use due to climate change, posing a significant health risk to a vulnerable population.
Utility-Scale Solar and Batteries Dominate New US Power Plants in First Half of Year
The US saw 368 utility-scale power plants begin operation from January to June, with solar and battery storage projects making up the majority. While large wind and natural gas plants also came online, the overall trend indicates a significant increase in solar and battery installations.
Study suggests animal feces fueled Cambrian Explosion by distributing ocean nutrients
A recent study by paleontologist Julien Kimming and paleobiologist Russell Bicknell proposes that the evolution of animal digestive systems and subsequent fecal matter played a crucial role in the Cambrian Explosion. They suggest that the first animal feces distributed essential nutrients to deeper ocean parts, thereby supporting the diversification and growth of marine life.
New Study Analyzes Extreme Heat by the Hour, Revealing Accelerated Increase
Researchers at Sun Yat-sen University developed a new method to track extreme heat by the hour, rather than daily averages. This hourly analysis shows a significant increase in extreme heat events over recent decades and projects a substantial rise in the future under various emissions scenarios.
Former Google employee Claire Stapleton releases memoir on company culture and 2018 walkout
Claire Stapleton, a former Google communications specialist and organizer of the 2018 Google walkout, has released a memoir titled "Don’t Be Evil: Bad Bosses, Fake Promises, and My Escape from Big Tech." The book details her experiences at Google, from an enthusiastic start to her disillusionment and eventual resignation, which she claims was retaliation for her activism.
Peer Review System Faces Strain as Publication Volume Increases
The academic peer review system is struggling to keep pace with the increasing volume of research publications, leading to issues like inadequate reviews and delayed publication. This strain on the volunteer-based system impacts researchers' ability to disseminate their work effectively and raises concerns about the quality control of scientific literature.
Concorde 001 Prototype Flew to Observe 1973 Total Solar Eclipse for 74 Minutes
In 1973, a group of eight scientists used the Concorde F-WTSS 001 prototype to observe a total solar eclipse for 74 minutes, setting a new world record for eclipse observation duration. This feat was possible because the Concorde could fly at more than twice the speed of sound, matching the speed of the Moon's shadow near the equator. The event demonstrates a unique application of supersonic aircraft for scientific research.
The pre-Google web featured diverse search methods beyond dominant engines
Before Google's dominance, the internet relied on various discovery methods like directories and Usenet, alongside early search engines such as AltaVista and Lycos. This period highlights a different web ecosystem where human curation and community discussions played a significant role in information discovery.