IN A NUTSHELL ⚡ China’s CFR-1000 reactor could supply electricity to one million homes, highlighting a major step in nuclear technology. 🔬 Utilizing fast neutrons, the reactor enhances fuel efficiency and supports sustainable energy solutions. 🌊 Innovative use of liquid sodium coolant allows for higher operational temperatures and improved efficiency. 🌍 Global implications arise as
A research team affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a technology that transforms nitrates found in wastewater into ammonia, a vital chemical and promising energy carrier, without carbon emissions. This advancement not only offers a sustainable method for ammonia production but also contributes to wastewater purification efforts.
Apple’s prioritization of shareholder value through massive share buybacks over investing in innovation and R&D may be a strategic misstep that could hinder its future success and allow competitors to gain an edge, particularly in emerging markets like AI
## Questions to inspire discussion.
Innovation and Investment.
🔬 Q: How could Apple’s buyback program have been used differently? A: A: Apple’s $700 billion share buyback over the past decade could have been invested in R&D to develop innovative products like a car, potentially yielding greater long-term value.
🤖 Q: What is Apple’s current stance on AI development? A: Apple’s inaction in AI is notable, with Siri’s performance declining over time, indicating a lack of focus on this crucial technology sector.
Product Development and Market Strategy.
Questions to inspire discussion.
🚗 Q: How will AI6 be used in Tesla vehicles? A: AI6 will be used for FSD inference, with two chips in every car, enabling advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
🤖 Q: What role will AI6 play in Optimus? A: AI6 will enable on-device learning and reinforced learning in Optimus, enhancing its AI capabilities.
🔋 Q: Will AI6 be used in other Tesla products? A: AI6 will be integrated into every edge device produced by Tesla, including Tesla Semi, Mega Pack, and security cameras.
Technical Specifications.
💻 Q: What is the architecture of AI6? A: AI6 will use a cluster model of individual chips with a software layer on top, similar to Dojo 3 for training.
Farmers might be able to get help tending and harvesting crops using a new sensing technology from Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute (RI). Researchers have invented a tool called SonicBoom that can find crops like apples based on the sound they make. The novel technology, still in the early stages of development, may someday be used by farm robots for tasks like pruning vines or locating ripe apples hidden among the leaves.
“Even without a camera, this sensing technology could determine the 3D shape of things just by touching,” said Moonyoung (Mark) Lee, a fifth-year Ph.D. student in robotics.
A paper describing this technology appears in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.
Bruce and John are embracing AI innovation, one hug at a time.
In the latest episode of AI Bros, Bruce Burke and John Lawson III take listeners on a journey through the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, peppered with personal anecdotes and industry insights. Titled “From Purple Rain to AI’s Technology Reign,” this episode is a testament to the dynamic nature of technology and its impact on various sectors.
The conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion about Prince’s iconic “Sign O’ the Times” concert film, which is being re-released in IMAX. Bruce and John reminisce about the legendary artist’s influence and the technological advancements that have allowed his work to be experienced in new formats. This naturally leads into a broader conversation about how industries, including the adult industry, are often at the forefront of adopting new technologies.
As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to the recent release of ChatGPT-5 by OpenAI. Bruce and John explore the mixed reactions from the tech community, highlighting the improvements in reasoning and factual accuracy promised by the new model. They delve into the implications of these advancements for businesses and consumers alike, noting the strategic moves by companies like OpenAI to make AI more accessible and integrated into everyday life.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the economic impact of AI, particularly the rapid creation of wealth in the sector. Bruce shares insights from a report by CB Insights, revealing the unprecedented speed at which AI companies are minting new billionaires. The hosts ponder the sustainability of such rapid growth and the potential for a bubble, offering a thoughtful analysis of the current economic landscape.
Throughout the episode, John and Bruce also touch on the personalization features of AI models, which allow users to tailor interactions to their preferences. They discuss the emotional attachment users develop with AI, drawing parallels to the nostalgia some feel for older versions of technology. This personalization, they argue, offers both enhanced user experiences and potential challenges in managing user expectations.
As the episode draws to a close, Bruce and John reflect on the future of AI and its role in shaping industries and personal lives. They emphasize the importance of embracing innovation and staying informed about technological advancements.
A new software tool developed by Cornell researchers can model a small city’s building energy use within minutes on a standard laptop, then run simulations to help policymakers prioritize the most cost-effective approaches to decarbonization.
Using the City of Ithaca, New York, as a case study, the urban building energy model quickly mapped more than 5,000 residential and commercial buildings and their baseline energy use. Simulated investments in weatherization, electric heat pumps and rooftop solar panels, while also factoring in financial incentives, generated insights that are informing city efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
The tool’s automated workflow, accessibility and accuracy—without advanced computing power—could be particularly valuable for smaller cities that lack resources and expertise dedicated to decarbonization, the researchers said. But they said the new model—now also supporting the county that surrounds Ithaca—could be further scaled up to serve big cities or an entire state.
3D-SLISE is a quasi-solid electrolyte developed at the Institute of Science Tokyo, which enables safe, fast-charging/discharging of 2.35 V lithium-ion batteries to be fabricated under ambient conditions. With energy-efficient manufacturing using raw materials free from flammable organic solvents, the technique eliminates the need for dry rooms or high-temperature processing. Moreover, it also allows direct recovery of active materials through water dispersal—ensuring a sustainable, recyclable approach to battery production.
In today’s era of portable power and clean energy, lithium-ion batteries form the backbone of modern technology—powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. While demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to grow, so do concerns about their safety, environmental impact, and recyclability. Most lithium-ion batteries that rely on flammable organic solvents are energy-intensive to manufacture, and require complicated recycling processes. These issues not only drive up costs but also pose serious safety and environmental risks —highlighting the need for safer and cleaner alternatives.
To address this challenge, a research team from Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), Japan, led by Specially Appointed Professor Yosuke Shiratori and Associate Professor Shintaro Yasui from the Zero-Carbon Energy Research Institute, Science Tokyo, developed a new quasi-solid electrolyte called 3D-Slime Interface Quasi-Solid Electrolyte (3D-SLISE), which can transform battery manufacturing. With a simple borate-water matrix, the electrolyte supports the production of 2.35 V lithium-ion batteries under standard air conditions. The detailed findings of the study were made available in the journal Advanced Materials on July 9, 2025.