Today’s topics

• Trusting an AI-designed rocket engine?

• AI-generated radio “presenters”

• Sam Altman's crypto project

  and more…

Stocks fell sharply on Wednesday, the S&P 500 dropped 0.92%, closing at 5,797.42, while the 30-stock Dow plunged 409.94 points, or 0.96%, finishing the session at 42,514.95, marking its worst performance since early September. The Nasdaq Composite also suffered, losing 1.6% to end at 18,276.65.

Norway's sovereign wealth fund reports $76 billion profit amid falling interest rates. Norway's massive sovereign wealth fund posted a $76.3 billion profit for the third quarter, driven by a stock market surge as interest rates declined. The fund achieved a 4.4% return, slightly below its benchmark by 0.1 percentage points, but still reflecting the impact of favorable market conditions.

Sam Altman's crypto project rebrands as "World" to focus on human verification. Sam Altman's cryptocurrency initiative, originally known as “Worldcoin,” has rebranded to “World,” shifting its focus to verifying human users amid the rise of AI and bots. The project, which initially aimed to provide a universal basic income through biometric iris scans, now emphasizes the need for a reliable system to distinguish humans from automated entities. With this change, Tools For Humanity, the company managing the initiative, is adapting its strategy in a world increasingly influenced by AI technologies.

Ethereum's groundbreaking shift: making blockchain accessible on smartwatches. Ethereum co-founder has introduced "The Verge," a transformative phase in the blockchain's roadmap aimed at drastically reducing hardware requirements for transaction verification. In a blog post on October 23, it was highlighted that this innovation would enable devices as small as smartwatches to participate in the verification process, a feat previously thought impossible. The Verge combines two key advancements: stateless clients and cryptographic SNARKs (Succinct Non-interactive Arguments of Knowledge), paving the way for a more accessible and efficient blockchain experience.

South Korea Unveils 'Flying Shopping Cart' Drone Prototype

Researchers in South Korea have developed a drone that functions as a "flying shopping cart," capable of transporting goods over uneven terrain, including stairs. Created by a team at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, the drone uses multiple flexible rotors that self-correct to maintain stability during flight. Equipped with a cargo platform, it can be guided by a person using gentle force, offering a futuristic solution for delivering goods in challenging environments.

AI-designed 20,000HP rocket engine created in just two weeks. Dubai-based engineering firm LEAP71 used their AI-driven Large Computational Engineering Model, Noyron RP, to design a 20,000HP rocket engine in just two weeks. The engine was 3D printed out of copper and successfully test-fired, showcasing the power of AI in engineering. Trusting an AI-designed rocket engine? Given the complexity and precision involved, it might actually be safer than relying on human intuition—after all, there's a lot less room for error when machines are doing the math!

Polish radio station sparks controversy with AI-generated “presenters”. OFF Radio Krakow has stirred debate after replacing its journalists with AI-generated avatars in a bid to attract younger listeners. The station, based in southern Poland, relaunched with what it claims is the country's first experiment featuring virtual presenters created by AI. These avatars discuss cultural, art, and social issues, including topics relevant to LGBTQ+ communities. The move has raised questions about the role of AI in media and journalism.

World’s First Comprehensive Universe Map

The powerful Euclid telescope has produced a dazzling mosaic capturing millions of stars and galaxies, marking the first step in creating the largest and most precise 3D map of the universe. Launched by the European Space Agency in July 2023, this mission aims to unravel the mysteries of the "dark side" of the cosmos. The initial map, composed of 208 gigapixels from 260 observations taken between March 25 and April 8, represents just a small portion of the extensive survey Euclid will conduct, which will measure the shape, distance, and motion of billions of galaxies.

Placenta Grafts Restore Woman's Face After Explosion

After a devastating propane explosion in 2021 left Marcella Townsend's face severely burned, doctors turned to placenta-derived grafts to aid her recovery. The same properties that support life during pregnancy also promote incredible healing for burns and wounds. Townsend calls the treatment “the best thing they could have done, ever.” Yet, despite their remarkable benefits, many placentas are still discarded after childbirth, raising questions about untapped medical potential.

Hong Kong introduces red-glow street lights to protect distracted pedestrians. Smartphone distractions have become such a hazard in Hong Kong that officials are piloting eerie red-glow street lights to stop pedestrians from wandering into traffic. The lights, projected onto crosswalks and sidewalks, aim to catch the attention of people looking down at their phones.

TikTok of the day: watch here

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