This is the current issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily snapshot of happenings in the tech arena.
The story of how a pair of ski enthusiasts created the internet’s top weather application
The ultimate snow-forecasting app for skiing isn’t a government-sponsored service or a renowned brand. It’s OpenSnow, a startup harnessing government data, its own AI algorithms, and years of mountain experience to provide the most accurate forecasts available.
The app has become particularly important this winter, one of the most unusual seasons on record. It’s even turned its meteorologists into microcelebrities, as they process extensive data to prepare “Daily Snow” updates for various locations worldwide.
We visited the Tahoe region to learn how two broke ski enthusiasts transformed into contemporary snow deities. Read the complete article.
—Rachel Levin
Here’s why certain individuals opt for cryonics to preserve their bodies and brains post-mortem
—Jessica Hamzelou
This week I covered unusual studies centered around L. Stephen Coles’s frozen brain.
Coles, a scientist researching aging, showed interest in cryonics—the prolonged preservation of human bodies and brains with the hope of revival in the future. It’s a hope many share.
In recent years, I’ve interviewed individuals who manage cryonics labs, investigate cryopreservation, or merely wish to be cryogenically preserved. Each recognizes the minuscule likelihood of reanimation. So what motivates them?
This piece comes from The Checkup, our weekly newsletter on biotechnology. Subscribe to receive it every Thursday directly in your inbox.
What lies ahead for space exploration?
Be it the race to discover life on Mars, efforts to dodge catastrophic asteroids, or the ambition to establish a lasting lunar presence for astronauts, scientific initiatives in space reveal much about the future of humanity.
To explore advancements and upcoming prospects, our features editor Amanda Silverman chatted with Robin George Andrews, a recognized science journalist and author, on Wednesday. Missed their discussion? No worries—you can watch the video here. To access it, you will need to be a subscriber, but subscriptions are currently at a discounted rate. Get yours if you haven’t yet!
The must-reads
I’ve searched the internet to bring you today’s most entertaining/important/fear-inducing/captivating stories regarding technology.
1 The Pentagon’s prohibition on Anthropic has been put on hold
A judge has suspended its classification as a supply chain concern. (CBS News)
+ The government was accused of attempting to “chill public debate.” (BBC)
+ Sam Altman stated he endeavored to “rescue” Anthropic during the incident. (Axios)
2 Elon Musk has been unsuccessful in his lawsuit over an ad boycott on X
A judge criticized the “fishing expedition.” (Ars Technica)
+ Ad revenue plunged by over 50% as advertisers deserted X after Musk took over. (BBC)
3 OpenAI has paused plans for an erotic chatbot “indefinitely”
Concerns were raised by staff and investors. (The Information $)
+ The company is executing a significant strategic shift. (FT $)
+ AI companions signify the final phase of digital dependence. (MIT Technology Review)
4 A helium deficit is beginning to affect tech supply chains
The issue originates from the conflict in the Middle East. (Reuters)
+ The age of affordable helium has ended. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Trump’s latest science advisors: 12 technology executives and just one academic
The group includes at least nine billionaires. (Nature)
+ David Sacks will be stepping down as Trump’s crypto and AI advisor. (TechCrunch)
6 Anthropic is considering an IPO as soon as October
It’s in competition with OpenAI for an initial public offering. (Bloomberg $)
7 Wikipedia has prohibited all AI-generated content
Issues related to LLMs became overwhelming for editors. (404 Media)
+ Here’s what we’ve misunderstood about AI’s truth dilemma. (MIT Technology Review)
8 OpenAI’s advertising trial brought in $100 million in just under two months
Over 600 advertisers are participating in the trial. (CNBC)
+ Advertisements will be featured on ChatGPT free and Go shortly. (Reuters)
9 An Irish community is providing children with a phone-free upbringing
The policy is effective because almost everyone is on board. (NYT $)
10 Interacting with obsequious AI diminishes your kindness
Recent studies indicate it promotes “rude behavior.” (Nature)
Quote of the day
“I’m not certain if it’s ‘murder,’ but it appears to be an attempt to undermine Anthropic.”
—Judge Rita Lin rules in favor of Anthropic against the Pentagon’s ban, The Verge reports.
One More Thing
This cutting-edge space living environment is engineered to self-assemble in orbit
As more individuals venture beyond Earth, the International Space Station can only accommodate 11 occupants at any given time.
Aurelia Institute, an architectural research lab in Cambridge, MA, is devising a solution: a habitat that launches in compact stacks of flat tiles—and assembles itself in space.
The idea may seem implausible, yet it has already garnered support from NASA. Explore the full story.
—Sarah Ward
We can still have enjoyable things
A space for comfort, enjoyment, and diversion to brighten your day. (Have suggestions? Send me a message.)
+ These optical illusions are sure to challenge your mind.
+ The web design museum beautifully illustrates the development of the internet.
+ Zara Picken’s modern illustrations offer a fresh glimpse into the mid-20th century.
+ Discover our planet’s interconnections through the digital Knowledge Garden.
