QLN 29 (145) - BCI Potential, Chrome Privacy, Forests Decline, First Space Factory, e-Euro Launch & Optical Fibre Speed Record

This newsletter has?6?cover stories,?27?articles,?5?videos &?1?quote

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SMALL TALK

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Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are ushering in a new revolution

Despite being paralyzed from the neck down, Dennis DeGray possesses remarkable skills in controlling a computer mouse using his brain. Over the past five years, he actively participated in clinical trials where surgeons implanted small silicon probes into the brains of over 20 paralyzed individuals. These BCIs allowed participants to manipulate robot arms to grasp objects and navigate flight simulators. While this technology has proven therapeutic and restorative for individuals like DeGray, there is a growing concern about its use for elective enhancement. Entrepreneurs, including Elon Musk, are heavily investing in brain implant projects that raise ethical questions for medical researchers to navigate.

3 Billion Chrome Users Are About to See This Privacy Sandbox

In the upcoming release of Google Chrome version 115, users will encounter a pop-up that marks the initial phase of Google's ambitious Privacy Sandbox project, set to revolutionize ad privacy. The prompt, labeled "Enhanced ad privacy in Chrome," signals the first step in Google's intricate strategy to eliminate third-party cookies. While some users have already encountered the prompt, it will gradually roll out to a larger audience starting in mid-July and will reach all browsers over the following weeks.

We are witnessing an alarming decline in Earth’s forests

In the past ten years, numerous companies and almost all major countries have pledged to put an end to forest destruction, recognizing its devastating impact on wildlife communities and its contribution to carbon dioxide pollution. A pivotal climate conference held in Glasgow in 2021 resulted in a momentous commitment. 145 countries, including Brazil, China, and Indonesia, vowed to "halt and reverse" forest loss within the next decade. This pledge marked an unprecedented level of global dedication to combating deforestation. However, despite these efforts, deforestation continues to persist.

World's first space factory is now in orbit

Varda, a California startup, recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of its inaugural satellite. This satellite serves as a captivating space-based pharmaceutical factory and also functions as a hypersonic test apparatus during its cost-effective Mach 25 re-entry phase. The decision to manufacture in space stems from the absence of gravity, which eliminates phenomena like convection currents. According to a Varda pamphlet, this unique environment enables the production of finely tuned particle size distributions, more structured crystals, and novel forms. These advancements have the potential to enhance bioavailability, extend shelf-life, generate new intellectual property, and introduce alternative routes of administration.

Meet the EU’s answer to crypto: the?e-euro

Several countries, including Sweden, China, and India, have initiated pilot programs to develop their respective central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). These digital currencies, namely the e-krona, e-yuan, and e-rupee, are introduced by their central banks within the financial sector. However, the objectives, scale, and progress of these initiatives vary significantly among the countries. In a similar vein, the European Union is currently contemplating the launch of its own digital currency, tentatively named the e-euro. The purpose and specific details of the e-euro are still under consideration by EU authorities. Meanwhile, the United States is exploring the?potential repercussions?of establishing its own digital currency.

Researchers set a new speed record for an optical fiber

A group of researchers from Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, and Italy has established a remarkable speed record for a commonly used optical fiber in the industry. They achieved a data transfer rate of 1.7 Petabits over a 67km stretch of fiber, equivalent to the combined speed of 17 million NBN broadband internet connections. The fiber utilized in the experiment consists of 19 cores, with each core capable of transmitting a signal. Importantly, the fiber adheres to global standards for size, allowing for its seamless adoption without significant infrastructure changes. Moreover, this fiber design necessitates less digital processing, resulting in significantly reduced power consumption per transmitted bit.

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key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will

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Christian D. Larson

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