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Solar sails and photon propulsion represent major advances in the field of space exploration. These technologies offer a new approach to deep space travel by harnessing the momentum of sunlight and powerful lasers. It promises to achieve incredible speeds without the limitations of traditional propellant systems. However, the path to realizing its full potential is fraught with technical challenges. What breakthroughs will be needed to turn these concepts into viable solutions for interstellar missions? From science fiction to science fact: The evolution of light-driven propulsion The concept of propulsion by light has moved from the realm of science fiction to…
The Algae4IBD project is unlocking the potential of algae to develop sustainable bioactive ingredients for inflammatory bowel disease and pain. The EU-funded Algae4IBD project, coordinated by Dr. Dorit Avni from the MIGAL Galilee Institute, is pioneering the use of algal biodiversity and biotechnology to discover and develop sustainable bioactive ingredients for inflammatory bowel diseases. The project applies marine biotechnology to new functional food and therapeutic candidates by bridging advanced bioscreening, sustainable cultivation, and industrial applications. Algae4IBD exemplifies how ocean-derived resources can support a circular bioeconomy and future gut health innovations. Algae: a sustainable resource for gut health innovation Inflammatory bowel…
The NanoIC pilot line has the ambition to become the world’s professional R&D pilot line beyond semiconductor technology. It aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in the global semiconductor ecosystem and support the vision of the European Chip Act to drive innovation in key markets such as computing, communications, mobility, energy and health. The NanoIC pilot line serves as an important bridge between cutting-edge research and commercial applications, playing a central role in strengthening Europe’s position at the forefront of semiconductor innovation and competitiveness. A robust lab-to-factory conduit is essential to bridging the gap between research innovation and commercialization in the…
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Thursday released details of a backdoor called BRICKSTORM that state-sponsored attackers from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) are using to maintain compromised systems for extended periods of time. “BRICKSTORM is an advanced backdoor for VMware vSphere and Windows environments,” the agency said. “BRICKSTORM enables cyber attackers to maintain stealth access and provides initiation, persistence, and secure command and control capabilities.” A custom implant written in Golang essentially gives a malicious attacker interactive shell access on the system, allowing them to browse, upload, download, create, delete, and manipulate files. The malware…
Advances in exhaust gas sampling have enabled comparative evaluation of PFAS detection and analysis methods. For decades, waste incineration has been considered a reliable way to deal with problematic materials, such as those containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). High-temperature combustion was expected to destroy these so-called “eternal chemicals.” But persistent questions remain. Are PFAS really destroyed, or do some survive and escape down the smokestack? Until recently, I had no idea the answer. Measuring PFAS in exhaust gases was long considered technically impossible. The temperature, chemistry, and diversity of PFAS have created a blind spot in environmental monitoring. However,…
December 5, 2025Ravi LakshmananVulnerability/Network Security A command injection vulnerability in Array Networks AG series secure access gateways has been exploited since August 2025, according to an alert issued by JPCERT/CC this week. This vulnerability, which does not have a CVE identifier, was resolved by the company on May 11, 2025. The vulnerability is rooted in Array’s DesktopDirect, a remote desktop access solution that allows users to securely access their work computers from anywhere. JPCERT/CC states, “If this vulnerability is exploited, an attacker may be able to execute arbitrary commands.” “This vulnerability affects systems that have the ‘DesktopDirect’ feature, which provides…
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked Waymo for more information about its self-driving system and its operations after the Austin School District reported that its robotaxis had illegally passed school buses 19 times this year. In a letter sent to Waymo on Dec. 3, regulators asked for more information about its fifth-generation self-driving system and operations. The letter was first reported by Reuters. The letter comes two months after the agency launched an investigation into Waymo over how its robotaxis operate around stopped school buses. The agency’s Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) launched an initial investigation into the Alphabet…
Micro1’s rapid growth over the past two years has placed it among the fastest-scaling AI companies. The three-year-old startup, which helps AI labs recruit and manage human experts to train data, started the year with approximately $7 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR). The company’s ARR currently exceeds $100 million, founder and CEO Ali Ansari told TechCrunch. This number is also more than double the revenue Micro1 reported in September, when it announced a $35 million Series A at a valuation of $500 million. Ansari, 24, said Micro1 works with major AI labs, including Microsoft, as well as Fortune 100…
Apple’s leadership shakeup continues. Days after announcing the resignation of AI chief John Gianandrea and design executive Alan Dye’s firing from Meta, the iPhone maker announced the news that two more executives are leaving the company. Kate Adams, who has served as Apple’s general counsel since 2017, will retire in the second half of next year, and Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, will retire at the end of January 2026. The company also announced the hiring of Jennifer Newsted, who will take over the role from Adams and become general counsel, reporting directly to…
Just outside the gates of China’s 4,000-year-old city, archaeologists have discovered a pit filled with 80 skulls of human sacrifice victims. Now, new research has revealed surprising facts about the victims. Nine out of ten were men.In the study, published Nov. 26 in the journal Nature, researchers analyzed DNA collected from human bones found in the ancient city of Shimao and its satellite cities to uncover the social and kinship structure of this Neolithic society.The ancient stone-walled city of Shimao was first discovered in Shaanxi province in 2018. Inhabited between approximately 2300 and 1800 BC, Shimao was approximately 1.5 square…