🚀 New company aims for groundbreaking asteroid mining
AstroForge has secured $40 million in funding for asteroid mining. The company plans two missions: Odin to pass by an asteroid and Vestri to land on one. AstroForge aims to be the first to commercially explore metal-rich asteroids.
🔋 Solar energy and battery storage set to double in the US this year
The US is expected to install twice as much solar energy and battery storage as last year. Growth for solar energy and battery storage is accelerating despite increased adoption. A total of 38 GW new solar energy capacity and 14.7 GW battery storage capacity is expected to be added during 2024.
🦾 AI avatars protect journalists in Venezuela
AI-created news anchors are used to protect journalists in Venezuela. The initiative involves approximately 20 Venezuelan news media and 100 journalists. The digital presenters report on government actions against opposition and media.
⛅ Solar energy cost reduction continues despite temporary obstacles
The cost of solar panels has decreased by about 12 percent per year for several decades. Despite short-term cost increases, the long-term trend points towards continued cost reduction. A potential 8-fold reduction in the total cost of solar energy.
⚡ Baseload Capital to invest $60 million in geothermal energy - IKEA and Bezos among investors
Baseload Capital secures $60 million in a Series B funding round. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that can deliver electricity, heat, and cooling 24 hours a day, all year round.
🎨 New study: AI increases artists' productivity and creativity
Artists using AI tools produce 50 percent more artworks. Artworks created with AI assistance receive 50 percent more appreciation from other users. The study shows that human ability to generate ideas and filter results is crucial for success with AI tools.
🍫 Breakthrough: Chocolate without sugar is no longer a bitter dream
Researchers in Switzerland have developed a method to produce chocolate without added sugar. The entire cocoa fruit is used in the process, which reduces food waste. The method can increase income for cocoa farmers and create jobs in countries of origin.
🥵 Reduced mortality in heat waves
Heat waves cause many deaths globally – but the trend is pointing downward. The number of deaths per capita caused by heat waves decreased by 7.2% per decade globally.
🔥 BurnBot performs controlled burns to reduce the risk of forest fires
BurnBot has developed a robot that performs controlled burns without flames and smoke. The robot reduces the need for personnel and minimizes the risk of fire spreading uncontrollably.