From Ars Technica · 40 stories
Google Ads delivered tech support scam freezing Windows and Mac devices
Researchers found Google Ads distributing a tech support scam that froze Windows and Mac screens, instructing users to call a fraudulent call center. The scam aimed to trick users into paying fees, granting remote access, or divulging personal information, affecting users across various high-traffic websites.
Starfish Space to launch first Otter spacecraft for NASA debris inspection mission
Starfish Space will launch its first Otter spacecraft on a Falcon 9 Transporter mission next month, seven years after the company's founding. The mission, named SSPICY, is a NASA-funded demonstration to inspect defunct US-owned satellites in orbit, marking NASA's first commercial debris inspection mission.
Geely unveils new EV battery capable of 10-70% charge in 4.5 minutes
Geely has introduced a new electric vehicle battery that can charge from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes, reaching up to 2.2 MW. This development addresses a key challenge for EV adoption by significantly reducing charging times, potentially influencing future battery technology and infrastructure globally.
NASA advances PRIMA mission as first Probe Explorer space telescope
NASA announced it is moving forward with PRIMA (Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), the first mission in its new Probe Explorer class of space observatories. This initiative aims to balance the cost and scientific output between smaller Explorer missions and multi-billion dollar flagship telescopes, with PRIMA expected to launch in the early 2030s.
Trump Administration's AI-powered Medicare Program Faces Criticism and Legal Questions
The Trump administration launched a pilot program called WISeR in January, using AI to authorize or deny Medicare services, leading to reports of delays, denials, and patient suffering. The Government Accountability Office questioned the program's legality, stating proper procedures were not followed during its setup.
CDC delays COVID-19 vaccine distribution for children through federal programs
The CDC has unexpectedly delayed the distribution of new seasonal COVID-19 shots for children through the federal Vaccine for Children (VFC) program and to some states. This delay impacts over half of US children, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, or Medicaid-eligible, and states that purchase vaccines for all children through VFC contracts.
Ukraine uses combat robots for airborne assaults and mine clearing in counteroffensive
The Ukrainian military is deploying robots for combat airdrops behind Russian lines and for clearing mines ahead of infantry advances. This expanded use of robotics supports Ukraine's counteroffensive, which has liberated territory and reduced human risk in dangerous operations.
NASA Administrator Expresses Concern Over Potential Chinese Exclusion Zones on Lunar South Pole
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman voiced concerns that China might establish exclusion zones at the Moon's South Pole, particularly around the Shackleton Crater. This concern arises as both nations target the same limited, resource-rich lunar real estate for future missions and potential long-term settlements.
Bentley Unveils Torcal, Its First Fully Electric Vehicle
Bentley formally unveiled the Torcal, its first battery electric vehicle, which is smaller than the Bentayga and will slot below it in pricing. The Torcal shares technology with Porsche and offers a standard 810 hp model and a more powerful 875 hp Torcal S.
US Cities Oppose FCC Plan to Override Local Broadband Deployment Rules
US cities and counties are opposing a Trump administration FCC proposal to preempt local rules governing wired broadband network deployment. Local governments argue the plan is illegal, compromises public safety, and that the FCC should instead address internet providers' anti-competitive practices.
Toyota to deploy 400,000 factory robots by 2028, training humanoid robots
Toyota plans to invest $6.42 billion annually to deploy 400,000 robots across its factories by 2028, including humanoid robots like ELEY that are being trained by human workers. The company states this initiative is for human-robot coexistence, not direct human replacement.
Nottingham University Hospitals loses 11 years of maternity record viewing history due to IT error
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) lost 11 years of maternity record viewing history due to a human error during routine IT work. An incorrect database was overwritten, making it impossible to confirm who viewed specific maternity records between September 2011 and November 2022. This incident highlights the critical need for robust IT change management and data protection protocols in healthcare systems.
First paper added to US Climate Collection after federal report termination
The first paper has been added to the US Climate Collection, an initiative by the American Geophysical Union and American Meteorological Society. This collection aims to compile climate research after the US government terminated funding for its National Climate Assessment, providing a resource for future report-writers and policymakers.
German Automotive Industry Faces Job Losses Amid Declining Demand and Tariffs
Germany's automotive industry is experiencing significant challenges, including declining domestic demand, increased foreign competition, and new import tariffs. These factors are leading to potential factory closures and job losses, impacting a key sector of the German economy.
US Fish and Wildlife Service reinterprets Endangered Species Act, limiting protections
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has issued an internal memo directing staff to reinterpret the Endangered Species Act (ESA), narrowing the definition of "take" to only prohibit actions specifically intended to target an animal. This change means accidental deaths or habitat modifications that injure animals will no longer be prohibited, a move conservationists fear will significantly weaken the ESA.
NASA Administrator Emphasizes Selective International Partnerships for Lunar Race
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that NASA will be more selective in international partnerships due to the competition for lunar resources and real estate. The focus is on the Moon's south pole, which contains water ice and areas with continuous sunlight, crucial for future lunar bases and Mars missions.
Google Infiltrated TeamPCP Hacking Group During Supply Chain Attacks
Google's threat intelligence group revealed an undercover researcher infiltrated the TeamPCP hacking group, which tainted hundreds of open-source programs and breached over a thousand companies. This infiltration allowed Google to monitor the group's activities, warn targets, and assist law enforcement.
US Government Website Briefly Used Chinese AI Model Despite FBI Warnings
A US government website, the Federal Register, briefly deployed an AI search tool from Alibaba's Qwen model, which was subsequently removed. This occurred despite the FBI previously identifying Alibaba as one of six Chinese firms allegedly involved in "industrial-scale distillation" of US frontier AI models, raising concerns about national security and intellectual property.
RFK Jr. appoints 8 new members to US Preventive Services Task Force, raising concerns
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced eight new members for the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a federal panel that makes recommendations on preventive medicine services. The appointments are seen as a departure from previous selections, with several new members sharing Kennedy's ideology and some having criticized COVID-19 vaccines or gender-affirming care, raising concerns about the panel's independence and scientific rigor.
EPA Sued Over Repeal of Power Plant Climate Regulations
Environmental and public health groups have sued the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its decision to repeal climate regulations for power plants. The lawsuit argues the repeal conflicts with the Clean Air Act and removes protections against industrial climate pollution.
Apple Reportedly Developing AI Server with M-series Ultra Chips for 2029 Release
Apple is reportedly developing an AI server utilizing its M-series Ultra chips, with a projected release in 2029. This move would re-enter Apple into the server market after nearly two decades, capitalizing on the current demand for Apple hardware among AI developers.
Epstein Victims Sue for Notification on Child Sex Images Held by Estate
Survivors of child sex abuse are suing Jeffrey Epstein's estate and its executors, alleging the Justice Department failed to notify victims whose images were found in Epstein's collection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The lawsuit seeks a court order to compel the estate to identify and notify individuals depicted in the recovered images, many of whom may not have had direct contact with Epstein.
Valve Integrates FEX and Box64 Compatibility Layers into SteamOS for Steam Frame
Valve is incorporating FEX and Box64 compatibility layers into SteamOS for the Steam Frame headset, enabling x86 game emulation on Arm chipsets. This expansion allows more Windows-based games to run on Linux-based SteamOS, paving the way for SteamOS on other Arm devices.
California May Suspend Net Neutrality Law for Federal Broadband Funds
California is considering suspending its state net neutrality law for Internet service providers receiving federal broadband grants. This decision is driven by a Trump administration requirement that states waive net neutrality enforcement to access $1.86 billion in Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program funds.
Stanford Researchers Replace Mouse Cortex with Human Brain Organoid Cells
Researchers at Stanford University replaced a significant portion of a mouse's brain with human brain organoid cells to study human diseases in a more natural context. This method addresses limitations of isolated organoids by integrating them into a living system, which could improve models for diseases affecting brain communication.
Researchers Develop Method to Identify Lead-Based Ink in Herculaneum Scrolls
A research team created contemporary charred papyrus scrolls to validate a screening method for identifying lead-based ink in the ancient Herculaneum scrolls. This method helps prioritize which fragile 2,000-year-old scrolls are most promising for digital deciphering, potentially revealing more ancient texts.
NASA's Roman Space Telescope Fuel Expected to Last 22 Years, Doubling Initial Estimates
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has enough fuel for at least 22 years of operation, significantly exceeding the initial five-year estimate. This extended lifespan is due to a precise launch and efficient course correction, allowing the telescope to conduct science operations for a longer duration.
Judge Overturns DOE Orders to Keep Coal Plants Open, Citing Lack of Emergency
A DC Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled against the Department of Energy's (DOE) emergency declarations used to keep a Michigan coal plant operational, stating the declarations were contrary to the Federal Power Act. This decision sets a precedent that could affect other coal plants previously ordered to remain open by the DOE.
Oracle proposes 2 GW renewable energy investment amid Project Jupiter data center opposition
Oracle announced a plan to invest in 2 gigawatts of renewable energy projects in New Mexico. This announcement comes as Oracle and OpenAI's Project Jupiter data center faces local opposition and lawsuits over environmental concerns related to its natural gas-powered fuel cells.
NASA initiates bidding process for US Space Academy campus, targeting 2028 first class
NASA released a Request for Information (RFI) outlining plans for a United States Space Academy, inviting states to bid on hosting the new institution. The academy aims to train future space leaders, with a groundbreaking planned by next year and the first class starting in temporary facilities in 2028.
New Interferometer Tests Quantum Mechanics and Gravity Interaction on Single Atoms
Researchers led by Ron Folman have developed an interferometer capable of testing the interaction between quantum mechanics and Einstein's theory of gravity by observing a single atom in free fall. This experiment addresses a long-standing theoretical problem regarding how free fall affects a quantum wave, potentially revealing contradictions between the two fundamental theories.
ESA's Envision Venus Mission Proceeds Without NASA Radar Instrument
The European Space Agency (ESA) will continue its Envision mission to Venus independently after NASA withdrew its commitment to provide a key radar instrument. This change occurred due to NASA's budget constraints, which necessitated cuts to international mission partnerships.
Spirit Airlines' Data Sale to Google Raises IP Concerns for Startup Springshot
Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy auction of operational data to Google is facing opposition from Springshot, a startup whose platform was used by Spirit. Springshot claims the sale likely includes its proprietary data and intellectual property, setting a potentially harmful precedent for startups in bankruptcy proceedings.
The Exploration Company Secures $450M Series C, Largest for a European Space Firm
The Exploration Company, led by Hèlene Huby, announced a $450 million Series C funding round, marking the largest Series C for a European space company and potentially the largest for a female-led company in Europe. This funding positions the company as a significant player in the European space sector, which faces challenges in competing with US and Chinese commercial ventures.
Lawsuit alleges Amazon denied pregnant workers bathroom breaks and seating accommodations
Four former Amazon warehouse employees filed a class-action lawsuit alleging Amazon discriminated against pregnant workers by denying accommodations like bathroom breaks and seating. The lawsuit claims Amazon unlawfully terminated the employees after they took medically necessary breaks, and it is backed by the 2022 Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
NOAA Prioritizes Commercial Fishing Over Conservation, Raising Environmental Concerns
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced new priorities that emphasize commercial fishing interests, drawing criticism from environmental groups who state these changes will harm marine ecosystems and endangered species. These reforms align with a presidential executive order to boost American seafood competitiveness.
Man sues OpenAI, alleging ChatGPT interactions fueled delusional spiral and suicide attempt
A California man is suing OpenAI, claiming that conversations with ChatGPT exacerbated his religious delusions, leading him to believe he was Jesus and subsequently attempt suicide. The lawsuit highlights concerns about the potential for AI chatbots to negatively influence vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental health conditions.
NIH to Fund Department of Defense Research for Medical Countermeasures
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD) signed a decade-long agreement for NIH to fund DoD research on medical countermeasures against pandemic influenza, CBRN threats, and emerging infectious diseases. This arrangement is notable due to existing budget disparities and the NIH's prior rejection of some project types, with funding coming from the NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) budget.
Court blocks Trump FCC order on political ad rates for parties and fundraising committees
A federal appeals court blocked a Trump administration FCC decision that would have allowed political parties and joint fundraising committees to receive the lowest advertising rates on broadcast television. The court ruled that only individual candidates are entitled to these "lowest unit charge" rates under US law, preventing a potential increase in political ads from these groups.
FCC seeks dismissal of Disney lawsuit over ABC license review, watchdogs fear settlement
The FCC requested a court dismiss Disney's lawsuit challenging an early license review for ABC's broadcast stations, which Disney claims is retaliation for critical speech. Watchdog groups are attempting to intervene, concerned Disney might settle with the FCC in a way that does not serve public interest.