This was published in Nature, so it passes my smell test. WOW! “We present BrainNet which, to our knowledge, is the first multi-person non-invasive direct brain-to-brain interface for collaborative problem solving.” | learn more
Molecular storage, data writ small
The worldwide demand for data storage far outpaces our ability to store it. Researchers are turning to molecular storage, modeled on DNA, for a potential solution. “As an initial demonstration of feasibility, 400 kilobits of information in both text and image format were recorded and recovered with better than 99% accuracy at write speeds of 8 bits/s and read rates of 20 bits/s.” | learn more
Two centuries of rapid global population growth will come to an end
From Our World in Data: “Global population has increased rapidly – particularly over the past 100 years. But this growth is temporary: we take a look at population growth over the past few centuries and what we can expect for the future, drawing on the latest UN Population Prospect projections. It maps the transition from rapid growth to a new equilibrium.” | learn more
Fuel cell system converts atmospheric CO2 into usable electric current
Is this too good to be true? Anyone know a good chemist who can weigh in? “Korean and US engineers devise hybrid sodium-carbon dioxide fuel cell that eliminates carbon dioxide and produces electricity and hydrogen.” | learn more
Underlying force driving changes in commerce, education and politics
This essay by David Perell is long and interesting, and worth reading even if politics bores you. “I’ll show how the shift from information scarcity to information abundance is transforming commerce, education, and politics. The structure of each industry was shaped by the information-scarce, Mass Media environment.” | learn more
Test-tube mosquitoes might help us beat malaria
From the desk of Bill Gates: “It’s Mosquito Week again on the Gates Notes. This year I’m exploring some of the science behind malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases. You can read below about how gene editing could play a key role in eradicating malaria.” | learn more
Bill Gates wants to talk about soil
“Nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture. Bill Gates highlights several companies who are developing creative solutions to fight climate change caused by agriculture.” Included in his list is Cambridge Crops, which I have the good fortune to be a tiny investor in. | learn more
The short history of global living conditions
These five charts tell a story that too many don’t yet know. It’s the same story that Hans Rosling told up until his death. It’s the story of the world getting better – way better – over the decades and centuries. | learn more
Why don’t we have exoskeletons for the elderly yet?
It would be great if the aging process didn’t break down human bodies, but that’s not our world today. So, what will it take to mechanically assist elderly to prevent injuries from falls, etc? | learn more
Reasons for optimism.
Union Square Ventures partner Albert Wegner shares reasons for being an optimist in the face of a lot of global troubles in this 23-minute video from a conference. | learn more