The Downloadis our weekly newsletterthat gives you a daily dose on what’s happening in the worlds of technology.
AI can make cities more efficient
Over the past few decades, cities have become adept at collecting all kinds of data. But this data can only have a limited impact if government officials are not able to communicate or analyze all the information that they have.
Sarah Williams, a professor at MIT of urban planning and technologies, has always been troubled by this dynamic. Williams, who joined MIT in 2012 to teach urban planning and technology, created the Civic Data Design Lab shortly after. She and her colleagues have, over the years made urban planning data more accessible and vivid through stories and striking graphics. Read the complete story. This story comes from the next print issue of MIT Technology Review. It explores power, who has it and who wants to have it. Subscribe & Save 25% and read the story when it is released on Wednesday, June 25.
Karen Hao, AI journalist, talks about the rise of OpenAI and its impact on the world.
Karen Hao, AI journalist, has just released a book called Empire of AI: Nightmares and Dreams in Sam Altman’s OpenAI.
Hao will be joined by Niall Firth, our executive editor, in a Roundtable discussion that is exclusive to subscribers. They will discuss the AI arms race and what it means for us all. Register here to join at 9am ET Monday 30th June.
Special Giveaway : Attendees can receive a free book by Hao. See registration form for details.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
The White House is spreading tasteless deportation jokes
Their digital strategy revolves around boosting their policies for cheap laughter. (WP $)
+ Trump’s immigration raids are an escalation in his deportation methods. The administration is enjoying the outrage over its actions. New Yorkers are taking back their city.New Yorker($)
New York asks companies to disclose when AI is contributing to layoffs.
This is the first official step in measuring AI’s effect on the labor market. (Bloomberg $)
+ People worry that AI will take all the jobs. We’ve been through this before. MIT Technology Review
Regeneron doesn’t buy 23andMe at all
The non-profit controlled its cofounder made a higher offer. (WSJ $)
+ Anne Wojcicki claims to have the backing of Fortune 500 company. How to… delete 23andMe data. MIT Technology Review
RFK Jr. has filled the CDC vaccine committee with allies.
Robert Malone is one of the appointees who has encouraged the public embrace the term “anti-vax”. (The Atlantic $)
+ This is what food and drug regulations might look like under Trump’s administration. MIT Technology Review
Five Americans are ordering animal torture videos
According to the US government, residents have been accused of paying Indonesians to abuse helpless animals. (Ars Technica, )
(Bloomberg )
+ Brain computer interfaces are put to the test. MIT Technology Review
7 The US Navy wants to partner with your startup. TechCrunch (19459031)
plus China stockspiles intercontinental ballistic rockets. Insider ($)
+ Generative artificial intelligence is learning to spy on behalf of the US military. MIT Technology Review
8. The UK is working to develop a chemotherapy-free treatment for leukaemia.
Combining the two targeted drugs seems to work better. The Guardian (19459031)
The Verge (19459031)
Ten Zines are staging an impressive comeback
Many creatives are turning away from social media and embracing good old-fashioned booklets. (Wired$)
Today’s Quote
Being a highly “online person” is a very embarassing thing and should only be reserved for basement losers.”
–Derek Guy aka The Menswear Guy from X explains to Wired (19459031) why he believes a significant portion of the Republican coalition needs to step away their keyboards.
Another thing
Bright leds could spell the death of dark skies.
Scientists know for years that light pollution is increasing and can harm humans and wildlife. Increased exposure to light at nights disrupts sleep patterns and is linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease and other diseases in humans. Wildlife suffers from disruptions to their reproductive cycles and increased danger.
Scientists, policymakers, lighting professionals, and others are all trying to find ways to reduce the light pollution. Many of them recommend installing light-emitting dimmers, or LEDs in outdoor fixtures, such as city streetlights. This is mainly because they can direct light into a specific area.
However, the high initial cost and durability of LEDs means that cities must make the right decision the first time. Otherwise, they could face serious consequences for decades. Read the complete story.
Shel Evergreen
You can still enjoy nice things
This is a place to find comfort, fun, and distraction. (Do you have any ideas? Drop a line (or skeet them at me).
Steve Jobs’ commencement speech is one of the best.
I love this iconic Homerrecreation in Lego.
+ The remains of the Byzantine tomb complex between Aleppo & Damascus have been uncovered.
I want to believe. Check out this bizarre history of alien abductions in America
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