This week brings both good and bad news. On February 6th, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, went offline after 25 years. It was the last functioning particle collider in the U.S., and one of just two heavy-ion colliders globally, alongside the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
The upside is that this shutdown clears the way for the upcoming Electron-Ion Collider (EIC). Set to launch in the mid-2030s, the EIC will use the same tunnel as the RHIC and repurpose much of its equipment to focus on electron collisions. This transition marks an exciting shift in particle physics.
In tech news, Waymo’s chief safety officer, Dr. Mauricio Peña, revealed a crucial detail during a U.S. Senate hearing. He stated that when their self-driving cars face tricky situations, they can call a human “remote assistance operator” for guidance. These operators, based in the U.S. and even the Philippines, help make decisions without driving the car from afar. Senator Ed Markey raised concerns about how this remote human intervention could affect safety on American roads.
On the cryptocurrency front, Bitcoin recently dipped below $63,000 for the first time in over a year. As of now, it sits just below $71,000. CNN’s David Goldman attributes this drop to global uncertainties and rapidly advancing AI tech, though he notes it’s unclear how AI directly impacts Bitcoin’s value. Interestingly, the cryptocurrency surged after Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises regarding digital currencies. With those meta-changes yet to see traction, the enthusiasm for Bitcoin seems to be fading.
Meanwhile, in software updates, Microsoft plans to phase out the 3D Viewer tool, which allowed users to explore 3D files. This feature, once believed to be pivotal for mixed reality, will no longer be downloadable as of February. However, users can still access it if it’s already installed. Thankfully, Microsoft recommends a slick web-based alternative for 3D viewing.
For space enthusiasts, NASA’s latest findings from the Curiosity rover suggest intriguing possibilities about organic compounds on Mars. Researchers have determined that not all identified molecules can be attributed to non-biological processes. While this doesn’t mean active life exists on Mars now, it highlights that some signs may point to past life, as the timeline for organic matter breakdown remains unclear.
In the satellite realm, mathematician John Cook stirred up discussions with his analysis on low-Earth orbit satellites. He calculated that with around 12,500 satellites, each has about 100 million cubic kilometers to roam. Though this estimation assumes an even distribution—a likely oversimplification—it underscores just how vast space really is.
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