🐢 Artificial photosynthesis breakthrough + 11 more stories

In the last 2 days ChatGPT read 53885 top news stories. After removing previously covered events, there are 12 articles with a significance score over 5.9.

[5.9] Scientists hail major breakthrough in developing holy grail of renewable energy: artificial photosynthesis — independent.co.uk (+5)

Scientists achieved a breakthrough in artificial photosynthesis, developing a molecule capable of storing solar energy.

The new molecule, designed by the University of Basel, can stably hold four charges from light, enabling fuel-making reactions like water splitting. Unlike previous attempts requiring intense lasers, it functions under dimmer conditions closer to natural sunlight intensity.

This doesn't constitute a fully functional system yet, but it's a significant step toward carbon-neutral fuels. Artificial photosynthesis offers a solution for sectors difficult to electrify, potentially solving renewable intermittency and leveraging existing fuel infrastructure.

[6.0] UN creates artificial intelligence advisory panel — ctvnews.ca (+4)

The UN General Assembly established an AI advisory body to guide countries on the technology's development and impact.

The panel, the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, will provide evidence-based assessments of AI's opportunities and risks.

The UN Secretary-General will appoint 40 members for three-year terms. An annual global dialogue on AI governance is also planned, with the first session in Geneva next year.

[5.7] Android will start blocking sideloaded apps from unverified developers — androidauthority.com (+11)

Google will soon require mandatory developer verification for Android apps, even those sideloaded, effectively limiting user freedom. This change moves Android closer to a closed ecosystem like iOS.

Starting next year, Android will block installations from unknown sources. While Play Store developers already register, this expands to all apps. Google argues this deters malicious actors and increases accountability.

Critics argue the change hinders open-source development and reduces Android's appeal as a general-purpose computing platform. Concerns exist that this is less about security and more about controlling the Android ecosystem.

Highly covered news with significance over 5.5

[6.6] SpaceX’s Starship rocket for Mars mission completes nearly flawless test flight — irishtimes.com (+84)

[6.1] New compounds offer promising path toward world's first broad-spectrum antiviral — medicalxpress.com (+3)

[6.0] Ukraine's sees 'priceless' digital battlefield data trove as key to West's support — reuters.com (+3)

[5.9] Germany approves voluntary military service, opening door to conscription — bbc.com (+36)

[5.8] Bacteria can inherit environmental "memories" for up to 20 generations, study shows — gavi.org (+2)

[5.7] Nvidia revenue jumps 56% on robust AI demand — ft.com [$] (+153)

[5.6] Gemini app now offers free AI image editing — zdnet.com (+35)

[5.5] China used three private companies to hack global telecoms, U.S. says — nbcnews.com (+4)

[5.5] Scientists discover chemical ‘missing link’ that might explain origins of life on Earth — yahoo.com (+4)

Thanks for reading!

— Vadim

You can create a personal RSS feed with premium.