Norway's Rogfast tunnel, set to become the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel at 16.6 miles and 1,280 feet below sea level, is a testament to ambitious engineering. Meanwhile, flexible data centers that adjust power usage during peak demand could ease grid strain from AI's energy needs. SK Hynix has surpassed Samsung as South Korea's most valuable company, driven by AI's demand for memory chips.
Inside the Rogfast Tunnel
Niall Firth reports from 1,000 feet beneath the North Sea, inside the Rogfast tunnel under Norway's fjords. The project, a 16.6-mile highway reaching 1,280 feet deep, aims to be the world's longest and deepest subsea road tunnel. Firth notes that the endeavor demonstrates that large-scale engineering is still achievable, offering reassurance in an era of perceived stagnation.
Flexible Data Centers for AI
Amos Zeeberg explains that data centers can limit power draw during high-demand periods, avoiding the need for new power plants or grid upgrades. This flexibility, enabled by new software, could make the grid smarter and more efficient for the AI era. The approach leverages existing transmission lines and is not entirely new to grid operators, but the software promises faster and more precise adjustments.
SK Hynix Overtakes Samsung
SK Hynix has become South Korea's most valuable company, surpassing Samsung, and is now the world's most valuable memory chipmaker. The company is a major beneficiary of the AI boom, as demand for memory chips surges. Analysts warn that consumers will bear the costs of this shortage, with device prices expected to rise.
Trump's Shift on Anthropic
President Trump stated he no longer views AI company Anthropic as a national security threat, praising CEO Dario Amodei's response. This marks a reversal from a week earlier, when Trump expressed concerns. The shift could influence Anthropic's IPO prospects, which may depend on midterm election outcomes.
SpaceX Gets Lowest ESG Rating
Index provider MSCI gave SpaceX a triple C ESG rating, the lowest possible, matching Russia's score after its invasion of Ukraine. Elon Musk has previously called ESG metrics the 'Devil Incarnate.' The rating reflects concerns over governance and environmental practices.
Tesla Autopilot Crash
A Tesla Model 3 on Autopilot allegedly crashed into a Texas home, killing a woman. The driver claimed the car was in self-driving mode. Separately, Reuters reported that Tesla's AI trainers lack trust in the company's self-driving technology.
Polymarket Betting Controversy
Polymarket reportedly paid creators to post fake betting videos showing big wins on bets they would have lost. The platform also faces insider-trading fears related to bets on an Iran deal.
Black Holes May Be Gravastars
Physicists propose that black holes might not exist but could be 'gravastars,' exotic objects with different properties. This challenges conventional astrophysics.
Space Rescue Mission
A spacecraft is set to launch this week to lift an observatory into a safer orbit, marking a daring space rescue. The mission highlights the growing amount of debris in space.
Nothing Cancels Budget Phone
Nothing has canceled its next budget phone due to 'RAMageddon,' as memory prices pushed costs too high. The move reflects broader memory chip shortages.
Ultrasonic Espresso
Scientists have invented a method to brew espresso using ultrasonic waves, requiring no hot water. The technique could offer new ways to prepare coffee.
Mobile Money and Gambling in Kenya
A feature on how mobile money has fueled sports betting addiction in Kenya, with many gamblers losing their winnings. The rapid spread of smartphones and mobile money has made betting accessible, leading to widespread losses.