Source
Published
The article features a poem titled "The Attraction of Blackberries" by Paul Jones, a renowned poet and member of the NC State Computer Science Hall of Fame. Jones has authored two poetry collections with Redhawk Publications. The poem is part of the March 2026 issue and explores themes related to energy and technology.
The Pentagon is accelerating the development of a Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) to shoot down cruise missiles, part of the $17.9 billion Golden Dome missile-defense initiative. The system aims to integrate high-energy laser subsystems for testing in naval environments, with a focus on cruise missile defense. The Pentagon is pursuing a containerized laser architecture capable of scaling beyond 300 kilowatts, a significant escalation in power. The JLWS initiative reflects the military's growing emphasis on directed-energy systems and could lead to a fully functional weapon system in the near future.
The exclusive eBook delves into R3 Bio, a startup proposing brainless human clones as backup bodies for longevity. The startup's ethically charged vision raises concerns about cloning ethics. The eBook, available only to subscribers, explores the controversial pursuit of human longevity through cloning. Antonio Regalado's work sheds light on the startup's startling concept and its potential implications.
Meta, led by Zuckerberg, plans to power its AI data centers with sunlight beamed from space using solar-collecting satellites in geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles above Earth. The company has reserved 1 Gigawatt of orbital solar energy and 100 Gigawatt-hours of long-duration storage to address the increasing energy demands of its AI infrastructure. This move is part of Meta's strategy to secure long-term energy supplies for its expanding AI operations, with a first orbital demonstration planned for 2028 and potential commercial delivery by 2030. The partnerships with Overview Energy and Noon Energy aim to tackle the challenges of intermittency and long-duration energy storage in renewable energy systems.
Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland have developed a nanoscale device that generates continuous electricity from evaporating water, aided by heat and sunlight. This technology, known as a hydrovoltaic device, can work with ordinary ion-containing water like tap water or seawater. The device consists of three layers that harness evaporation, heat, and sunlight to produce stable electrical output. While the power output is small compared to commercial solar panels, the device shows promise for battery-free sensors, wearable electronics, and IoT devices in environments with natural water, warmth, and sunlight. The design allows for independent optimization of each stage and potential scalability in the future.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our cookie policy.