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Just pull a string to turn these tile patterns into useful 3D structures

The algorithm uses a two-step method to find the optimal path through the tile pattern for a string that can be tightened to actuate the structure. It computes the minimum number of... Read more »

The Download: radioactive rhinos, and the rise and rise of peptides

Every year, poachers shoot hundreds of rhinos, fishing crews haul millions of sharks out of protected seas, and smugglers carry countless animals and plants across borders. This illegal activity is incredibly hard... Read more »

Why conservationists are making rhinos radioactive

But establishing these reserves is just one step. Enforcing their protection is another matter. And for many marine reserves—especially those in the Global South—there is no real way to do that, says... Read more »

We’re putting more stuff into space than ever. Here’s what’s up there.

Earth’s a medium-size rock with some water on top, enveloped by gases that keep everything that lives here alive. Just at the edge of that envelope begins a thin but dense layer... Read more »

Peptides are everywhere. Here’s what you need to know.

Matt Kaeberlein, a longevity researcher, first started hearing about peptides a few years ago. “At that point it was mostly functional medicine doctors that were using peptides,” he says, referring to physicians... Read more »

The human work behind humanoid robots is being hidden

The implication—fueled by new demonstrations of humanoid robots putting away dishes or assembling cars—is that mimicking human limbs with single-purpose robot arms is the old way of automation. The new way is... Read more »

The Download: Chicago’s surveillance network, and building better bras

Chicago has tens of thousands of surveillance cameras—up to 45,000, by some estimates.  That’s among the highest numbers per capita in the US. Chicago boasts one of the largest license plate reader... Read more »

Inside Chicago’s surveillance panopticon

The drone identified the suspect vehicle from the mall parking lot using its license plate reader and snapped high-definition photos that were texted to officers on the ground. The suspect was later... Read more »

Exclusive eBook: The great Al hype correction of 2025

2025 was a year of reckoning, including how the heads of the top AI companies made promises they couldn’t keep. In this exclusive subscriber-only eBook, you’ll learn more about why we may... Read more »

The Download: Microsoft’s online reality check, and the worrying rise in measles cases

AI-enabled deception now permeates our online lives. There are the high-profile cases you may easily spot. Other times, it slips quietly into social media feeds and racks up views. It is into... Read more »