Today's edition of The Download is the weekday newsletter that gives you a daily dose from the world of technology.
How James Webb Space Telescope broke down the universe
Researchers gathered eagerly to examine the images that were sent back by the James Webb Space Telescope in July 2013. JWST is a NASA-led NASA collaboration between Canada, the US and Europe. It can see objects 100 times fainter that the Hubble Space Telescope. These images provided the first evidence of carbon dioxide in the atmospheres of planets outside the solar system.
It was almost immediately after the start of full operation that incredible views from all over the universe began to pour down. These included images of distant galaxies at dawn of time and stunning landscapes of nebulae – the dust-filled birthplaces for stars.
JWST continues to deliver data for astronomers around the world, and is still sending it down months later. It is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the distant universe and exoplanets. Read the complete story.
–Jonathan O'Callaghan
The James Webb Space Telescope is one of MIT Technology Review’s 10 Breakthrough Technology for 2023. Check out the rest of this list and vote in our poll for our final 11th technology.
What Mexico's geoengineering restrictions will mean for the future field
What happened: A US startup called Make Sunsets claimed that it had launched two weather balloons with a small amount of sulfur dioxide into space last month. The Mexican government now plans to ban such experiments.
Why it is important:Scientists think that spraying enough sulfur dioxide or other reflective particles in the stratosphere might be capable of reducing some degree of global warming. It is highly controversial due to unknown side effects and difficult questions about how to manage a temperature-tweaking device.
Next: This startup didn't ask for approval before it launched its balloon. Mexico is now threatening to ban future solar geoengineering experiments. This could be the first nation, if it's not the first to do so. You can read the entire story.
–James Temple
Next: What is geoengineering and why should you care about it? We're likely to hear more about geoengineering as the dangers and possibilities of climate change increase. Here are the implications.
The must-read
I've combed the internet to find you today's most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Germany is under increasing pressure to send tanks to Ukraine
Ukraine needs them desperately, but Germany is afraid of Russia. (Vox)
+ NATO allies are becoming increasingly frustrated. (FT $)
+ Germany's foreign minister would not stop Poland sending theirs. (BBC)
+ The tanks could be released to help win a victory for Ukraine (Economist $).
2 Many marched to mark 50 years of Roe V Wade
Protestors demonstrated in 46 US states. (NYT $)
+ Lessons from the Roe verdict leak for future leakers (The Intercept)
+ The future medical abortion will be decided in court. (Vox)
+ The cognitive dissonance that comes with watching Roe's end unfold online. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Crypto's pseudobanks are dying
They may even take some people's savings and life savings with them. (WSJ $)
+ FTX's Sam Bankman Fried is certain that things aren't quiet. (Slate $)
+ Crypto exchange Gemini investors are becoming increasingly worried. (FT $)
4 The hack stole confidential files from the US police.
They also took tactical raid plans and a suspect file. (TechCrunch)
5 Donald Trump is said to be leaving his social media platform
He plans to get back to Twitter as the Republican primary heats-up in June. (Rolling Stone $).
6 Ultrasound tech doesn't just apply to pregnancy scans
AI and other advancements have made it a powerful diagnostic tool. (New Yorker $).
7 Livestreaming: This is Big Tech's greatest challenge
Moderation is fiendishly difficult. (FT $)
8 How Wikipedia edits alter how we see the world
It's hugely influential, for better or worse. (The Atlantic $).
9 Japan's sushi making robots are growing
However, don't expect them unaided to slice fish. (The Guardian)
+ The robot is powered by mouse muscles that were grown in a laboratory. (Inverse)
10 NASA is very creative right now
These wild projects could change the way we view space. (Wired $)
+ Why we cannot stop anthromorphizing space robots. (Insider $)
+ What's next for space. (MIT Technology Review)
Quote for the Day
"I have never heard of anyone who said, 'I'm going wait until the economy improves before I deal with a rats that's running around my kitchen.'"
Rentokil's CEO, Andy Ransom, tells Financial Times that Rentokil has begun using facial recognition technology for monitoring rats. He is confident that the company can withstand an economic downturn.
The big story
Tech's new labor movement draws on lessons from a century ago
[TAG1]
June 2021
In 2020, while the world was struggling to deal with the pandemic in its entirety, workers at Amazon's fulfillment center in Bessemer (Alabama) were being forced to work harder and for longer hours. They felt dehumanized and desired dignity, not higher wages.
Workers wanted to join the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union, however Amazon waged war against the campaign and eventually a vote was passed in favor keeping the status quo. Other workers in the country were also agitating.
The Bessemer fight and Amazon organizing in general reflect a new interest among tech workers to organize. Today's workers are fighting the richest companies in the world. The bottom line for both sides is power, not money. You can read the entire story.
–Sarah Jaffe
You can still enjoy nice things
This is a place to find comfort, joy and distraction during these crazy times. (Have any suggestions? Drop me a note or send me a tweet. )
+ Snow monkeys love to fish.
+ Kate Bush, the legendary singer and actress, has sent messages to her fans by using invisible ink from her paperback book.
+ Get immersed in the shortlists for this year's Sony World Photography Awards.
+ Sorry, Times New Roman lovers (thanks Melissa!)
+ San Francisco's back baby!
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By: Rhiannon Williams
Title: The Download: amazing space, and geoengineering restrictions
Sourced From: www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/23/1067184/download-amazing-space-geoengineering-restrictions/
Published Date: Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:10:00 +0000
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