Scientists at the University of Queensland have made a significant breakthrough in aluminium-ion batteries, overcoming a major technical hurdle that could make them a more abundant, affordable, and sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The team discovered that pre-cycling, a process where the battery is charged and discharged in a controlled way before regular use, can…
technologies on The Soothsayer / page 14
General Motors has announced a significant shift in its autonomous driving strategy, ending its funding for Cruise, a self-driving car startup it acquired in 2016. The move will see Cruise absorbed into GM, with its technology being combined with the automaker’s own efforts to develop driver assistance features and fully autonomous personal vehicles. The decision…
A groundbreaking discovery in Kenya has shed new light on the lives of our ancient ancestors. The fossilized footprints of two ancient species, Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei, have been found at the Koobi Fora site, dating back 1.5 million years. This remarkable find provides the first direct evidence of different archaic human species coexisting…
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield recently backed down from plans to impose time limits on health insurance payments for anesthesia care in certain states. This decision highlights the crucial role anesthesiologists play in ensuring patient safety during surgical procedures. Anesthesiologists not only administer anesthesia but also monitor vital signs, pain levels, and deliver medication as…
China’s market regulator has launched an antitrust investigation into Nvidia’s acquisition of Mellanox, a move that comes amid escalating tensions between the US and China over key technologies, including artificial intelligence and semiconductors. The probe is seen as a retaliatory measure by China following Washington’s restrictions on semiconductor manufacturers, including Nvidia, from selling their most…
A recent study by the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) collaboration has confirmed the existence of a “cooling break” in the energy spectrum of cosmic ray electrons and positrons at around 1 TeV. The research, published in Physical Review Letters, suggests that the origins of these particles are still hotly debated, with possible explanations including…
Archaeologists have unearthed clay cylinders in Syria, dated to 4,400 years ago, inscribed with the earliest known alphabetic writing system. The discovery, made in the Umm el-Marra tomb, has sparked excitement among scholars, who believe it may rekindle the idea of the location of the earliest alphabet. The symbols, which correspond to sounds, are similar…
China has banned exports of critical minerals gallium, germanium, and antimony to the US, citing national security concerns. This move comes after Washington’s latest crackdown on China’s chip sector, and several Chinese industry groups have advised their members to avoid US-made semiconductors. The ban is expected to have significant implications for the global supply chain…
This year saw significant advancements in space exploration, with numerous missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Japan’s SLIM spacecraft successfully landed on the moon, while China’s Chang’e 6 mission retrieved samples from the lunar far side. NASA’s Perseverance rover made a groundbreaking discovery on Mars, and the Europa Clipper spacecraft launched on a mission…
A Delaware judge has upheld a decision to deny Tesla CEO Elon Musk a multibillion-dollar pay package, rejecting the company’s argument to reverse the previous ruling. The judge found that Tesla’s board was too close to Musk and had not sufficiently protected shareholders’ interests. The decision comes after Tesla shareholders voted to reinstate the compensation…