Here is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter delivering a daily update on the happenings in the tech world.
Fuel costs are skyrocketing. Plastics might be next.
As the ongoing conflict in Iran persists, one of the most noticeable global economic repercussions has been the rise in fossil-fuel prices. However, looking forward, additional effects could be imminent for plastics.
Plastics, derived from petrochemicals, are beginning to feel the supply chain repercussions from the unrest. Americans will likely experience these ripples.
Explore the complete article to understand the unpredictable effects.
—Casey Crownhart
This piece comes from The Spark, our weekly newsletter focused on climate. Register to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.
The crucial reads
I’ve scoured the internet to bring you today’s most interesting/important/scary/fascinating tech stories.
1 SpaceX has initiated an IPO
It’s anticipated to be the largest ever, aiming for a $1.75 trillion valuation. (NYT $)
+ This would make Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire. (Al Jazeera)
+ Yet, the IPO may rely on the success of Moon missions. (LA Times $)
+ The conflicts of interest are considerable. (The Next Web)
+ Meanwhile, competitors are emerging to challenge SpaceX. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Artemis II is en route to the Moon
NASA successfully launched the four astronauts on its rocket yesterday. (Axios)
+ The lunar mission may infringe international law. (The Verge)
+ However, the potential advancements in science are enormous. (Nature)
+ Participate in our discussion on the new era of space exploration. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Iran has targeted Amazon’s cloud services in Bahrain once more
It pledged to strike at US firms as recently as yesterday. (FT $)
+ Additional targets include Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Nvidia. (CNBC)
+ AWS data centers in Bahrain were also attacked last month. (Reuters $)
4 OpenAI was clandestinely behind a child safety advocacy group
It advocated for age verification standards for AI. (The San Francisco Standard $)
+ OpenAI had supported the legislation as a compromise strategy. (WSJ $)
+ Coincidentally, Sam Altman leads a company providing age verification solutions.(Engadget)
5 Anthropic is racing to mitigate the Claude Code leak
It’s working to eliminate 8,000 instances of the exposed code from GitHub. (Gizmodo)
+ An executive attributed the leak to “process errors.” (Bloomberg $)
+ Here’s what it reveals about Anthropic’s strategies. (Ars Technica)
+ AI is facilitating online crimes—and it may worsen significantly. (MIT Technology Review)
6 A new Russian “super-app” seeks to imitate China’s WeChat
And offer the Kremlin enhanced surveillance capabilities. (WSJ $)
7 The AI boom in America is leaving the rest of the globe behind
And it’s consolidating power and wealth among a few companies. (Rest of World)
8 Chinese semiconductor manufacturers have captured nearly half of the domestic market
Nvidia’s dominance is quickly fading. (Reuters $)
9 The first quantum computer capable of breaking encryption is on the horizon
New studies reveal how this could take place. (New Scientist)
10 The world’s oldest tortoise has been caught up in a crypto scam
Reports of Jonathan’s demise at merely 194 years old are thankfully inaccurate. (Guardian)
Quote of the day
“Starlink is the only factor that makes this valuation justifiable.”
—Shay Boloor, chief market strategist at Futurum Equities, explains to Reuters why SpaceX is so optimistic about its IPO.
One More Thing
These companies are producing food from nothing
Dried cells—it’s what’s for dinner. At least that’s what a new wave of biotech startups, equipped with carbon-consuming bacteria and ample funding, are aspiring to convince us.
Their assertions appear almost too incredible to believe: they claim they can generate food from thin air. Yet, this is precisely how specific soil-dwelling bacteria function.
Startups are imitating this process to transform abundant carbon dioxide into nutritious “air protein.” They envision it could significantly reduce farming emissions—and even revolutionize agriculture entirely. Discover the complete article.
—Claire L. Evans
We can still enjoy nice things
A haven for comfort, enjoyment, and diversion to brighten your day. (Have any suggestions? Send me a message.)
+ Want more Artemis II excitement? This site immerses you in the mission.
+ Here’s a captivating look into the recording flaws that enhanced songs.
+ Good news: the rare Nightjar bird is making a resurgence.
+ Lastly, a master chef has concocted clam chowder donuts.
