Read the latest articles from Futurism (Page 968)

In 2024, China may launch a robotic space probe to gather and return samples from a nearby asteroid. The mission aims to learn how asteroids form.
Off-World

China Is Planning a Mission to Deep Space

In coming years, China will launch a probe to collect asteroid samples.

By Dan Robitzski

A new theory suggests that a type of exoplanet two to four times the size of Earth ("sub-Neptunes") is likely to be a water world, not a gas dwarf.
Exoplanets

Exoplanet “Water Worlds” Could Hold Unfathomably Deep Alien Oceans

“Unfathomable. Bottomless. Very Deep.”

By Victor Tangermann

Google employees have announced a sit-in to protest what they believe were retaliatory acts by the company following a November walkout.
Future Society

Google Employees Plan Sit-in to Protest “Culture of Retaliation”

"From being told to go on sick leave when you're not sick, to having your reports taken away, we're sick of retaliation."

By Kristin Houser

Facebook probably didn't get the reaction it expected when it unveiled updates to its dating service: instead of clapping, the crowd sighed and groaned.
Future Society

Facebook’s New Dating Feature Prompted Audible Groans

Facebook execs made a big announcement onstage. Audience members cringed.

By Dan Robitzski

A new study suggests that the Moon formed after a Mars-sized object known as Theia slammed into a magma-covered young Earth.
Science & Energy

New Theory: The Moon Formed From Magma Blasted Away From Earth

It would explain why the Moon's composition is so much like Earth's.

By Kristin Houser

A team of researchers from Germany and Canada are proposing to turn old air conditioning units into devices that can turn harmful CO2 into fuel.
Climate Change

Retrofitted Air Conditioners Could Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Fuel

These scientists think your old AC unit is part of the solution to combating climate change.

By Victor Tangermann

Scientists may have uncovered a way to reverse the developmental disorder Angelman syndrome, but the treatment would involve gene-hacking fetal brains.
Brain

Injecting Fetal Brains With CRISPR Could Cure Genetic Conditions

But attempting the treatment on humans comes with new ethical problems.

By Dan Robitzski

A memo obtained by the Orlando Sentinel seems to confirm that the video showing an explosion during a test of SpaceX's astronaut capsule is authentic.
SpaceX

Internal Memo Confirms SpaceX Explosion Video Is Real

It sounds like authorities are furious the video was made public.

By Jon Christian

The black hole V404 Cygni was caught shooting plasma jets in rapidly changing directions — all while its gravitational pull dragged the fabric of spacetime.
Science & Energy

Bizarre Black Hole “Drags” Spacetime, Blasts Wobbling Plasma Jets

"We were gobsmacked by what we saw in this system — it was completely unexpected."

By Kristin Houser

Bird just began a monthly subscription service in San Francisco and Barcelona, where people get their own scooter for a month instead of hunting one down.
Advanced Transport

Bird Announces Monthly Scooter Subscription Service

The new business model may reduce how many scooters are left sitting around on sidewalks.

By Dan Robitzski

Burger King plans to test Impossible Whoppers, burgers containing plant-based patties created by Impossible Foods, in markets across the U.S.
Future Society

Burger King Will Sell Meatless Whoppers Across US This Year

It took less than a month for BK to realize Americans like the meatless burger.

By Kristin Houser

A new AI algorithm can create photorealistic images of people's bodies from scratch. It could automate models out of a job, but also be misused to mislead.
Artificial Intelligence

Amazing AI Generates Entire Bodies of People Who Don’t Exist

The algorithm whips up photorealistic models and outfits from scratch.

By Dan Robitzski

Two Chinese launch startups have successfully tested and demonstrated rockets that set the groundwork for future reusable launch vehicle technology.
SpaceX

Watch Out SpaceX: Chinese Startups Are Testing Reusable Rockets

Commercial space companies are cropping up left and right in China.

By Victor Tangermann

Startup Prometheus is developing a machine that pulls carbon out of the atmosphere and transforms it into usable gasoline.
Pollution

This Startup’s Making Tech to Convert Air Pollution Into Gasoline

It already has the funding. Now it needs to lock down the tech.

By Kristin Houser

It's about to be Winter on Pluto. When it is, scientists predict that Pluto's entire atmosphere will condense into a layer of frost.
Off-World

In 11 Years, Pluto’s Atmosphere Will Be Completely Frozen Solid

Hell has nothing on Pluto when it freezes over.

By Dan Robitzski

Plans for a SpaceX resupply mission to the International Space Station had to be delayed thanks to a problem with one of the station's eight power units.
SpaceX

Space Station Power Outage Delays SpaceX Delivery

"There are no immediate concerns for the crew or the station."

By Victor Tangermann

A tool called Clear My Record has automated the process of removing cannabis convictions from criminal records in California.
Future Society

Calif. Uses Algorithm to Scrub Thousands of Cannabis Convictions

The process used to take months. The algorithm does it in minutes.

By Kristin Houser

Chinese ride-hailing startup Shenma Zhuanche bought billboards in New York City's Times Square to shame Tesla over faulty cars.
Tesla

A Chinese Startup Got 3 Times Square Billboards to Diss Tesla

"Three Billboards" has nothing on this.

By Dan Robitzski

In a recent study, a group of researchers argue that flying cars could actually end up reducing emissions over electric cars back on the ground.
Advanced Transport

Study: Flying Cars Could End Up Being Greener Than Electric Cars

But they won't be here in time.

By Victor Tangermann

In 2029, the asteroid 99942 Apophis will fly past Earth close enough to look like a shooting star. NASA is planning ahead to learn as much as possible.
Off-World

When This Asteroid Zips by Earth, Scientists May Hitch a Ride

In 2029, Apophis will sail closer to Earth than some orbital satellites.

By Dan Robitzski