🌏 Global inequality is actually decreasing
Despite frequent claims of rising inequality, global inequality is actually decreasing. Around the end of the Cold War, global inequality reached its zenith with a Gini index score of 69.4 in 1988. By 2018, this figure had fallen to 60.1, a level last seen at the end of the 19th century.
👩💻 IBM's quantum breakthrough - real-world applications within two years
IBM's quantum computer successfully completes a 'benchmark' experiment. Researchers work around quantum noise to get reliable results. The achievement suggests quantum computers could have practical applications within two years.
🦟 New repellent thwarts 99% of mosquito bites
Israeli scientists have developed an advanced "chemical camouflage" that stops 99 percent of mosquito landings on the treated skin. The new repellent combines indole, a fragrant substance found in flowers, with a cellulose polymer.
🛢️ Significant drop in tanker oil spills
The number of oil spills from tankers has seen a significant decrease. Also the quantity of oil spilled has decreased dramatically.
🦾 AI makes Dr. Doom optimistic
AI is set to increase productivity in the next decade significantly, predicts "Dr. Doom", economist Nouriel Roubini. A recent McKinsey study showcases the potential of generative AI to boost economic output.
🍦 Sweet! Eat ice cream made from air
The ice cream is made from ingredients conjured out of thin air. A feat made possible by Finnish food tech company Solar Foods.
🚀 Now there is a factory in space
Varda Space Industries launched its first in-orbit manufacturing spacecraft on board a SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft is designed to produce pharmaceutical drugs in orbit.
🏭 Global climate emissions no longer on worst-case trajectory
Global CO2 emissions no longer align with the direst predictions and are now veering towards a moderate trajectory. The rapidly accelerating energy transition drives the shift, courtesy of falling clean energy technology costs.
🌍 Successful trials of new meningitis vaccine in Africa
The vaccine has the potential to save up to 250,000 lives annually. NmCV-5, unlike current alternatives, provides protection against five main meningococcal strains, including the dangerous emerging X strain.