human hand taking bitcoin from robotic handgettyThe intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency is reshaping the digital economy in ways that could prove to be revolutionaryor reckless. Will AI-driven crypto tools make investing smarter and more accessible, or just supercharge volatility and market manipulation? Can decentralized AI networks truly empower individuals, or will they concentrate power in the hands of a few? And with regulators still struggling to catch up, whos accountable when AI-powered financial systems make decisions that go off the rails?From AI Oracles now performing live Bitcoin mining of current blockchain blocks to AI-focused tokens designed to power the next generation of AI infrastructure, AI-crypto projects promise speed, automation, and innovation in financial services. But they also raise pressing questions about fairness, oversight, and security. If left unchecked, could this latest wave of technological disruption deepen financial divides, create regulatory blind spots, and introduce new systemic risks?As AI and crypto continue to converge, the implicationsfor markets, consumers, and policymakersare becoming impossible to ignore. Those implications beg the critical questions that necessitate actionable answers.The Promise of AI-Driven CryptocurrenciesAI cryptocurrencies are digital assets that power platforms integrating artificial intelligence with blockchain technology. These projects leverage AI for:Data Analysis & Automation: AI optimizes blockchain operations, from fraud detection to predictive analytics, improving efficiency and security.Decentralized AI Marketplaces: Platforms like SingularityNET allow developers to create, share, and monetize AI services without a centralized authority.Autonomous Financial Agents: AI-driven systems like Fetch.ai execute smart contracts, trade assets, and automate decision-making in decentralized finance (DeFi).AI Model Training & Decentralized Compute Power: Bittensor enables machine learning models to be trained, shared, and deployed on a larger scale by leveraging blockchain-based infrastructure. This decentralization of AI training fosters open collaboration and access to computational resources beyond traditional tech silos.Proponents argue that AI can make blockchain applications more efficient, accessible, and scalable. However, without transparency and accountability, these advancements could pose significant risks to consumers, investors, and the broader economy and super charge the ills and issues of Web 2.0; hyper-centralization, issues of privacy, data security, and more.MORE FOR YOUMost AI todayeven open-source modelsremains centralized, controlled by corporations that decide how models are trained, deployed, and monetized. Decentralized AI (deAI) takes a different approach, using blockchain or peer-to-peer networks to distribute AI development, governance, and access. While AI-driven cryptocurrencies leverage AI to optimize blockchain functions, deAI aims to fundamentally rethink how AI itself is built and controlled. Proponents argue deAI enhances transparency and data privacy, but key questions remain: How do we prevent token-based decision-making from recreating the same power imbalances? And without transparency, who is accountable when things go wrong? As AI and crypto evolve in parallel, these questions will shape the future of both industries.The Reality Check: Questions for Congress, Markets, and the Tech Industry1. Ethical AI in Crypto: Who Controls the Algorithms?AI is only as unbiased as the data it is trained on (read: garbage in, garbage out) and the incentives of those who program it. In the crypto world, where financial rewards drive move fast and break things innovation, ethical considerations are often an afterthought. How can we prevent AI-driven blockchain systems from reinforcing existing biases, excluding marginalized communities, or exacerbating financial inequalities? Should AI algorithms used in DeFi lending or credit scoring be subject to audit and public oversight?2. Accessibility vs. Complexity: Who Benefits from AI in Crypto?The promise of decentralized AI is that it will break down barriers and democratize access to advanced machine-learning tools. Without a concerted, comprehensive and inclusive educational effort, however, highly technical and complex AI-powered crypto projects will likely prove too difficult for the average user to navigate. So the question remains: will this technology truly benefit the broader public, or will it mainly serve institutional investors and tech elites? Are retail buyers (and the professionals who advise them) being sufficiently informed about the risks of AI-driven decision-making in crypto?3. Data Privacy and Security RisksBlockchains time-stamped, transparent and decentralized means of maintaining data is often celebrated as a more secure alternative to traditional financial systems, but AI integration introduces new vulnerabilities. AI models require massive amounts of data, which raises concerns about privacy and security. How do we prevent AI-crypto platforms from collecting and monetizing user data without consent? How do we ensure that decentralized AI systems comply with existing data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA?The Double-Edged Sword for Investors, Innovators, and ConsumersThe integration of AI and cryptocurrency holds immense potential for reshaping the financial landscape, particularly for retail investors, tech innovators, and everyday consumers. However, without proper oversight and safeguards, these advancements could create new risks that outweigh their benefits.Balancing Innovation and ProtectionThe integration of AI and crypto has the potential to drive financial empowerment, expand access to AI tools, and strengthen security. However, without meaningful oversight, it could also fuel market instability, exploitation, and deepen existing inequalities.If left unchecked, these advancements may disproportionately benefit institutional players and insiders while leaving retail investors, independent innovators, and everyday consumers exposed to unforeseen risks. Striking the right balanceone that encourages innovation while safeguarding market participantsis a challenge that policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders must tackle together.The real question is: Will this technology be leveraged to promote financial inclusion and economic opportunity, or will it become yet another mechanism for wealth concentration and systemic risk? Congress, regulators, and industry leaders dont have the luxury of waiting to find out.Clarion Call for Congress: A Regulatory and Ethical ImperativeCongress has, unsurprisingly, been slow to act on crypto regulation, largely leaving enforcement to agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). However, reactive enforcement is no substitute for clear, forward-thinking legislation.Immediate policy questions include:Should AI-powered blockchain projects be classified under existing securities laws, or do they require a new regulatory framework?How should financial regulators handle AI-driven trading and lending algorithms that could introduce systemic risks to digital asset markets?Should Congress mandate AI transparency and ethical auditing standards for blockchain-based AI models?A Crossroads for AI and CryptoThe convergence of AI and cryptocurrency is advancing rapidly, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While these technologies could improve financial access and efficiency, they also raise concerns about transparency, accountability, and systemic risk.With AI-driven finance evolving faster than regulation, policymakers and industry leaders face critical decisions. How they respond will shape whether this transformation leads to a more inclusive financial system or new forms of concentration and instability.

Canelo-CrawfordCredit: GettyTerence Crawford (41-0, 31 KO) got his guy and likely secured a serious bag in the process.According to Ring Magazine, Canelo Alvarez (62-2-2, 39 KO) and Crawford have an agreement in place to fight on September 13 at a yet-to-be-determined venue in Las Vegas.The fight will be contested at 168 pounds and will be for Canelos super middleweight titles. Since Crawford began working with Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the future Hall-of-Famer has made it clear that he wanted to set up a superfight with the Mexican legend.After making his preference known for more than a year, it appears Canelo is on board for what could produce the largest payday in boxing history. Canelo, 34, is expected to keep with his tradition of fighting in May ahead of his September fight.The prime candidate for the fight in May is William Scull. Following a unanimous decision win over Vladimir Shishkin, Scull became the IBF super middleweight champion. If Canelo fights and defeats Scull, he will once again be the undisputed super middleweight champion.Crawford is the reigning WBA junior middleweight champion at 154 pounds, so he will be moving up two weight classes to face a fellow all-time great in one of the biggest boxing matches in the past 10 years.MORE FOR YOUThe fight is expected to be the main event for an upcoming Riyadh Season event. It seems like the T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand, or even Allegiant Stadium could be the landing place for the fight.Also, based on the precedent Alalshikh and Riyadh Season have established over the past two years, it wouldnt be a shock if the card was stacked with other intriguing fights to guarantee a mega event.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: WBC/WBA/WBO super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez (R) punches ... [+] Edgar Berlanga during the ninth round of a title fight at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIn Canelos last fight, he scored a unanimous decision win over Edgar Berlanga in September 2024. While Canelo has won his last five fights against Berlanga, Jaime Munguia, Jermell Charlo, John Ryder, and Gennady Golovkin, he hasnt scored a KO win since he stopped Caleb Plant in the 11th round in November 2021.Crawford remains undefeated, coming off a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Israil Madrimov in November 2024. If Crawford doesnt take a tune-up fight in May, he will have been out of the ring for nearly a year by the time he fights Canelo.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 03: Terence Crawford (black and gold shorts) and Israil Madrimov ... [+] (white shorts) fight during their WBA World Interim WBO World Super Welterweight Title Contest, at BMO Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images)Matchroom Boxing/Getty ImagesIt will be interesting to see if he elects to wait for Canelo or if he takes a stay-busy fight sometime between April and June.Once again, it appears Alalshikh has succeeded in making a blockbuster fight that probably wouldnt have been made without his input.Whats Next in Boxing?Saturday, February 8, 2025Dereck Chisora vs. Otto WallinLocation: Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester, GBTime: 2:00 PM (ET)Friday, February 14, 2025WBO World Lightweight Championship: (c) Denys Berinchyk vs. Keyshawn DavisXander Zayas vs. Slawa SpomerVito Mielnicki vs. Connor CoyleJared Anderson vs. Marios KolliasAbdullah Mason vs. Manuel JaimesLocation: The Theater at MSG, New York City, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Saturday, February 15, 2025Jack Catterall vs. Arnold BarbozaLocation: Co-Op Live Arena, Manchester, GBTime: Noon (ET)Oscar Duarte vs. Regis PrograisHonda Center, Anaheim, California, USTime: 8 PM (ET)Saturday, February 22, 2025The Ring, WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF Light Heavyweight Championship: (c) Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry BivolIBF Heavyweight Championship: (c) Daniel Dubois vs. Joseph ParkerWBC Lightweight Championship (c) Shakur Stevenson vs. Floyd SchofieldWBC Middleweight Championship (c) Carlos Adames vs. Hamzah SheerazVergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Israil MadrimovJoshua Buatsi vs. Callum SmithZhilei Zhang vs. Agit KabayelLocation: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, SATime: Noon (ET)Monday, February 24, 2025WBC World Bantamweight Championship: (c) Junto Nakatani vs. David Cuellar ContrerasLocation: Ariake Arena, Tokyo, JPTime: 2:00 AM (ET)Saturday, March 1, 2025WBA World Lightweight Championship: (c) Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr.Location: Barclays Center, New York City, USTime: 8:00 PM (ET)Friday, March 7, 2025The Ring Welterweight Championship: (c) Natasha Jonas vs. Lauren PriceLocation: Royal Albert Hall, London, GBTime: 1:00 PM (ET)Saturday, March 15, 2025WBA World Featherweight Championship: (c) Nick Ball vs. TJ DohenyLocation: M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, GBTime: 1:00 PM (ET)Sunday, March 16, 2025Callum Walsh vs. Dean SutherlandLocation: The Theater at MSG, New York City, USTime: 9:00 PM (ET)

In brief: A unique and critical operation has been unfolding in the waters of the Bay of Lbeck, off the northern coast of Germany. Specialized clearance teams have been meticulously combing the seafloor, not for fish or treasure, but for a far more dangerous catch: discarded naval mines, torpedoes, artillery shells, and aerial bombs from World War II. Throughout September and October 2024, environmental teams deployed advanced underwater vehicles equipped with cameras, powerful lights, and sensors to hunt for submerged explosives from nearly eight decades ago. Experts carefully assessed each item from a floating platform above the underwater munitions dump before using electromagnets on robots or hydraulic excavator arms to safely pack the ordnance into sealed containers.The ongoing operation is part of a groundbreaking project to address the toxic remnants of war that litter the Baltic and North Seas. Experts estimate that approximately 1.6 million tons of arms were discarded in German waters alone, with the majority being conventional weapons. However, thousands of tons of chemical weapons lie on the seabed as well."We're not talking about a few unexploded bombs here," Germany's environment minister, Steffi Lemke, told journalists during a visit to the Bay of Lbeck in October 2024. "We're talking about millions of World War II munitions that were simply disposed of by the Allies to prevent rearmament."Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke visits the pilot project.The disposal of these munitions was a hasty operation carried out under Allied orders at the end of World War II. Governments paid local fishermen to dump boatloads of weaponry at predetermined sites, though many just scattered the ordnance wherever they wished to expedite the process. This dumping primarily occurred between 1945 and 1949.Officials overlooked the environmental impact of these underwater arsenals for decades. Scientists and authorities assumed the toxic chemicals would remain in their rusting shells or quickly disperse if released. However, recent research has revealed that the environmental hazards are far more severe than previously thought. // Related StoriesEdmund Maser, a toxicologist at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, has found evidence of TNT in mussels and fish near dump sites. His research also shows that fish living near sunken warships exhibit significantly higher rates of liver tumors and organ damage. Jacek Bedowski, a leading expert on underwater munitions dumps at the Polish Academy of Sciences, notes that conventional munitions are carcinogenic. In contrast, chemical munitions are mutagenic and disrupt enzyme function, severely impacting marine organisms.The extent of contamination is alarming. Aaron Beck, a marine chemist at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research in Kiel, reported finding explosives in 98 percent of water samples collected during a 2018 research cruise along the German coast. While current levels of chemicals in the water are relatively low, Beck warns that the situation could deteriorate rapidly if left untreated.The 100 million ($105 million US) German government-funded project aims to develop an efficient, scalable system for clearing munitions from the seafloor. Companies like SeaTerra and Eggers Kampfmittelbergung are at the forefront of this effort, testing new technologies and compiling crucial data.Dieter Guldin, an archaeologist turned munitions disposal expert, leads SeaTerra's operations. Along with Eggers Kampfmittelbergung, SeaTerra recovered approximately 16 tons of ammunition during two months of operations in 2024.The project's next phase involves constructing a floating munitions disposal facility capable of incinerating aging explosives near the dump sites. This innovation would eliminate the need for risky and expensive transportation of ordnance to shore-based facilities.The ultimate goal is to develop a fully automated system using remote-controlled underwater vehicles to map, scan, and magnetically image the seabed. Machine learning algorithms would then assist experts in identifying and categorizing the munitions, while robotic arms would safely retrieve and store them for disposal.Image credit: SeaTerra, Eggers Kampfmittelbergung

Its time to go on vacation again in February on HBO and Max, or at least its time to check in with The White Lotus. Season 3 of this darkly funny anthology series will arrive on February 16 with an almost completely new cast. As the story shifts to Thailand, viewers will learn more about the latest group of characters staying at the White Lotus resort and which ones wont be coming home.John Olivers political comedy talk show Last Week Tonightwill also return for its 12th season on February 16, after the season premiere of The White Lotus. And were sure that Oliver will have much to say about the first month of 2025. If you need an alternative to football on Super Bowl Sunday, The Puppy Bowl will be back on Max. For movie lovers, Max has added Speed, Malcolm X, and many other great titles. On February 17, superhero fans can catch Watchmen: Chapter II, the concluding chapter of this animated adaptation that finally restores the original ending from the comic.Recommended VideosThe complete list of whats coming to HBO and Max in February 2025 is below. Our film and TV show recommendations are in bold.RelatedWe also have lists of the best movies on HBO and HBO Max and the best shows on HBO and HBO Max to help you decide what to watch next. If HBO isnt your only go-to streaming service, we have helpful articles on the best new shows to stream, the best movies on Netflix and the best shows on Netflix, as well as the best movies streaming on Amazon and the best shows streaming on Amazon.Need more suggestions?February 142 (2013)Accidentally Brave (2023)Bad Boys (1995)Bad Boys II (2003)Brian Banks (2019)Cabin in the Sky (1949)Cleats & Convos with Deebo Samuel, Episode 114 (B/R)Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)Deepwater Horizon (2016)Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)Dredd (2012)Duplicity (2009)Entertainment (2015)Experimenter (2015)Final Destination (2000)Final Destination 2 (2003)Final Destination 3 (2006)Final Destination 5 (2011)Ivanhoe (1952)Jackie (2016)Jezebel (1938)Jupiters Darling (1955)Just Mercy (2020)King Solomons Mines (1950)Kitty Foyle (1940)Kusama: Infinity (2018)Lady Be Good (1941)Lassie Come Home (1943)Life Partners (2014)Lili (1953)Little Women (1949)Love & Basketball (2000)Mad Money (2008)Malcolm X (1992)Mary of Scotland (1936)Massacre (1934)Mechanic: Resurrection (2016)Mildred Pierce (1945)Mister Roberts (1955)Mr. Church (2016)Mrs. Miniver (1942)Neptunes Daughter (1949)Noma: My Perfect Storm (2015)One Way Passage (1932)Safe in Hell (1931)Shadow on the Wall (1950)Skate Kitchen (2018)Skiptrace (2016)Sleepwalking (2008)Speed (1994)Story of Louis Pasteur (1936)Support the Girls (2018)Take Out (2004)Taxi Driver (1976)The Bank Job (2008)The Color Purple (1985)The Conjuring (2013)The Guilty (2018)The Harvey Girls (1946)The Host (2007)The Last Circus (2011)The Last Days on Mars (2013)The Last Time I Saw Paris (1954)The Life of Emile Zola (1937)The Lost Patrol (1934)The Notebook (2004)The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)The Search (1948)The Tall Target (1951)The Wave (2016)The Window (1949)The Woman in Red (1935)They Were Expendable (1945)Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo (1944)Traitor (2008)Unknown (2011)Vacation from Marriage (1945)Waitress (2007)Watch on the Rhine (1943)We Are the Best! (2014)February 2The Edge with Micah Parsons, Episode 122 (B/R)We Baby Bears, Season 2C (Cartoon Network)February 390 Day Fianc Pillow Talk: Before the 90 Days, Season 7 (TLC)Common Side Effects, Season 1 (Adult Swim)Dog Detectives, Season 1 (Animal Planet)Very Scary Lovers (ID)February 4Celebrity IOU, Season 9 (HGTV)The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper, Season 3 (CNN Originals)February 6Destinations of the Damned with Zak Bagans, Season 1B (Discovery)Izzy Does It, Season 1 (HGTV)The Takedown: American Aryans (Max Original)February 7Lu & The Bally Bunch, Season 1AHow I Left the Opus Dei (El Minuto Heroico: Yo Tambin Dej El Opus Dei) (Max Original)We Live in Time (A24) (2024)February 8Luther Vandross: Never Too Much (CNN Films)February 9Puppy Bowl XXI Kickoff (Animal Planet)Puppy Bowl XXI (Animal Planet)February 11Central Intelligence (2016)Central Intelligence: Extended Edition (2016)Father Stu (2022)February 12Guys Grocery Games, Season 37 (Food Network)February 13Home Sweet Rome, Season 1B (Max Original)February 14Silly Sundays, Season 1AWaitress: The Musical (2023)February 16Have I Got News for You, Season 2 (CNN Originals)Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Season 12 (HBO Original)Love & Marriage: Huntsville, Season 9 (OWN)Pearl: The X-Traordinary Origin Story (2022)The White Lotus, Season 3 (HBO Original)February 1790 Day Fiance, Season 11 (TLC)Evil Lives Here, Season 17 (ID)Tournament of Champions: The Qualifiers (Food Network)Watchmen: Chapter II (2025)February 18We Beat The Dream Team (TNT & HBO Original)February 19Exposed: Naked Crimes, Season 3 (ID)Moonshiners: Master Distiller, Season 7A (Discovery)Renovation Aloha, Season 2 (HGTV)February 20Beas Block, Season 1B (Max Original)February 21Elevation (2024)February 22House Hunters Renovation, Season 18 (HGTV)February 24End of Watch (2012)Homestead Rescue, Season 12 (Discovery)February 25Eyes on the Prize III: We Who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest (HBO Original)Wipeout, Season 2B (TBS)February 27Cyotl: Hero and Beast (Cyotl: Hroe y Bestia), Season 1 (Max Original)February 28Christina on the Coast, Season 6B (HGTV)Morbius (2022)Toad and Friends, Season 1AEditors Recommendations

Theres no need to spend several hundred dollars to replace your old screen take advantage of TV deals to access huge savings. Heres an offer that will get you amazing value: the 55-inch Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV for only $240 from Best Buy, following a $130 discount on its original price of $370. Were not sure how much time is remaining on this bargain though, so if you want to take advantage of it, you better hurry with your purchase!The Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV isnt going to challenge the best TVs in terms of the technology it packs and the features it offers, but for a relatively affordable option, its a solid choice. With 4K Ultra HD resolution, as well as support for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, youll enjoy watching your favorite shows and movies with bright colors, sharp details, and immersive sound. The Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV also looks very sleek with its bezel-less design, which will allow it to match the aesthetic of any room.Almost all TVs these days are smart TVs, according to our 4K TV buying guide, and the Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV is no exception. It runs on Amazons Fire TV platform, which grants easy access to all of the popular streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. The operating system also lets you use voice commands through Amazons Alexa and the included Alexa Voice Remote.RelatedThe 55-inch Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV is already pretty affordable at its sticker price of $370, so its a steal at this fantastic price of $240 from Best Buy. Theres a chance the stocks that are up for sale run out quickly. Before the discount expires, youre going to want to add the 55-inch Toshiba C350 Series 4K TV to your cart and finish the checkout process as soon as possible to make sure you get it for a much lower price than usual.Editors Recommendations

Free as in speech, not as in server space Popular Linux orgs Freedesktop and Alpine Linux are scrambling for new web hosting Donor's shift away from bare-metal servers leaves groups looking for new homes. Kevin Purdy Feb 3, 2025 6:47 pm | 2 Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreIn what is becoming a sadly regular occurrence, two popular free software projects, X.org/Freedesktop.org and Alpine Linux, need to rally some of their millions of users so that they can continue operating.Both services have largely depended on free server resources provided by Equinix (formerly Packet.net) and its Metal division for the past few years. Equinix announced recently that it was sunsetting its bare-metal sales and services, or renting out physically distinct single computers rather than virtualized and shared hardware. As reported by the Phronix blog, both free software organizations have until the end of April to find and fund new hosting, with some fairly demanding bandwidth and development needs.An issue ticket on Freedesktop.org's GitLab repository provides the story and the nitty-gritty needs of that project. Both the X.org foundation (home of the 40-year-old window system) and Freedesktop.org (a shared base of specifications and technology for free software desktops, including Wayland and many more) used Equinix's donated space.Equinix Metal "were very kind and generous with us and even if it's a shame we have to move out on a short notice, all things come to an end," writes Benjamin Tissoires, admin for the project, on the issue page. Tissoires lays out the project's needsmore than 400GB of database storage and close to 100TB of storage dataand a wishlist for new hosting.Among the potential improvements for the next space are a delivery service like Cloudflare or Fastl, "to keep the AI-scrapers away." Freedesktop has "quite a bunch of AI bots literally pumping our entire GitLab instance," Tissoires writes.Having worked "around the clock" to move from Google Cloud Platform after its open source credits there ran out, and now rushing to move off Equinix, Tissoires suggests a new plan: "[H]ave [freedesktop.org] pay for its own servers, and then have sponsors chip in."Popular without most users knowing itAlpine Linux, a small, security-minded distribution used in many containers and embedded devices, also needs a new home quickly. As detailed in its blog, Alpine Linux uses about 800TB of bandwidth each month and also needs continuous integration runners (or separate job agents), as well as a development box. Alpine states it is seeking co-location space and bare-metal servers near the Netherlands, though it will consider virtual machines if bare metal is not feasible.Like X.org/Freedesktop, Alpine is using this moment as a wake-up call. Responding to Ars, Carlo Landmeter, who serves on Alpine's council, noted that Alpine Linux is a kind of open source project "that became popular without most users knowing it." Users are starting to donate, and companies are reaching out to help, but it's still "early days," Landmeter wrote.Every so often, those working at the foundations of open source software experience something that highlights the mismatch between a project's importance and its support and funding. Perhaps some people or some organizations will do the harder work of finding a sustaining future for these projects.Ars has reached out to Equinix and X/Freedesktop and will update this post with responses.Kevin PurdySenior Technology ReporterKevin PurdySenior Technology Reporter Kevin is a senior technology reporter at Ars Technica, covering open-source software, PC gaming, home automation, repairability, e-bikes, and tech history. He has previously worked at Lifehacker, Wirecutter, iFixit, and Carbon Switch. 2 Comments

all eyes on isaacman Concern about SpaceX influence at NASA grows with new appointee Morale at the space agency is absurdly low, sources say. Eric Berger Feb 3, 2025 6:13 pm | 22 SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is ready for launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Credit: SpaceX SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft is ready for launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Credit: SpaceX Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreLike a lot of the rest of the federal government right now, NASA is reeling during the first turbulent days of the Trump administration.The last two weeks have brought a change in leadership in the form of interim administrator Janet Petro, whose ascension was a surprise. Her first act was to tell agency employees to remove diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility contracts and to "report" on anyone who did not carry out this order. Soon, civil servants began receiving emails from the US Office of Personnel Management that some perceived as an effort to push them to resign.Then there are the actions of SpaceX founder Elon Musk. Last week he sowed doubt by claiming NASA had "stranded" astronauts on the space station. (The astronauts are perfectly safe and have a ride home.) Perhaps more importantly, he owns the space agency's most important contractor and, in recent weeks, has become deeply enmeshed in operating the US government through his Department of Government Efficiency. For some NASA employees, whether or not it is true, there is now an uncomfortable sense that they are working for Musk and to dole out contracts to SpaceX.This concern was heightened late Friday when Petro announced that a longtime SpaceX employee named Michael Altenhofen had joined the agency "as a senior advisor to the NASA Administrator." Altenhofen is an accomplished engineer who interned at NASA in 2005 but has spent the last 15 years at SpaceX, most recently as a leader of human spaceflight programs. He certainly brings expertise, but his hiring also raises concerns about SpaceX's influence over NASA operations. Petro did not respond to a request for comment on Monday about potential conflicts of interest and the scope of Altenhofen's involvement.I spent this weekend talking and texting with NASA sources at various centers around the country, and the overriding message is that morale at the agency is "absurdly low." Meetings between civil servants and their leadership, such as an all-hands gathering at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia recently, have been fraught with tension. No one knows what will happen next.Rumors run rampantIn the absence of clear guidance from the Trump administration, rumors have been running rampant about the future of the space agency. They include concerns about the possibility of a 30 percent budget cut, consolidating field centers, potentially moving headquarters out of Washington, DC, taking astronauts off of Artemis II, canceling the Space Launch System rocket, and more. (Although there is a kernel of truth for many of these rumors, no final policy decisions have been made, according to sources.)Beyond the rumors and the uncertainty and unease this engenders, there are very real policy issues that require some sort of resolution in the coming months. Among them are:Deciding the fate of the multi-billion Mars Sample Return plan. Last month, NASA delayed a final decision on this to allow the Trump administration time to consider the plan to return rock samples from Mars to Earth for study. The most likely outcome is cancellation.What to do about the Artemis Program. There is no question the incoming administration is contemplating major changes to NASA's lunar return plans. This may include scrapping all of the existing missions or flying Artemis II and III mostly as is. Another big question is how large NASA's pivot to Mars will be, and how many resources will be pulled away from lunar settlement to send humans to Mars, which is preferred by both Trump and Musk.Should the Lunar Gateway fly or die. NASA has wanted to build a space station around the Moon for more than two decades. The real reason for this, which no one talks about, is a desire to find a home for the flight directors and controllers currently working for the International Space Station program. However, no one likes the odd orbit (near-rectilinear halo orbit) that the station is bound for. So expect Gateway to be moved or canceled outright.What to do with the International Space Station. NASA's current plans call for the end of space station operations by 2030, a sensible date because the station is aging and the partnership with Russia is wearing thin. However, NASA has underfunded a program to develop "commercial" space stations to provide a human presence in low-Earth orbit after the space station is retired. So will the Trump administration fly the ISS longer, accelerate funding for commercial alternatives, or accept a gap?Identify a coherent commercial strategy. There's no question the Trump administration will lean into commercial space. This makes sense, but the agency must also clearly identify in which areas this approach works and which it does not. For example, there is no commercial return on building big space telescopes or interplanetary probes. Commercial space can help by bringing down the cost of launch and satellite components, but NASA must lead on cosmic discovery, rovers on other worlds, and more.Leadership soughtInside the space agency, civil servants have placed their hope on getting an administrator named soon to bring some stability to the agency and begin answering some of these important policy questions. There is a lot of cautious optimism about private astronaut Jared Isaacman, whom Trump has nominated to lead the space agency. The NASA people I have spoken to in recent days have said they hope Senate confirmation of Isaacman as NASA administrator comes soon.Issacman's hearing in the US Senate is unlikely to occur before the second half of February, and some questions remain about him. Isaacman is close to SpaceX, having flown two Dragon missions. He has paid, and possibly still owes, significant money to SpaceX for the Polaris Program of missions he has signed up for. So, there are some financial entanglements.However, over the last five years, Isaacman has become a known commodity in the space community. His nomination has been cheered by most space organizations. Those who have met him have found Isaacman to be earnest and interested in spaceflight and in advancing exploration for allnot as some agent for SpaceX. He is seen as the kind of young, dynamic, pro-space leader with the potential to usher NASA into the 21st century and out of the Apollo era it has been stuck in for decades.Eric BergerSenior Space EditorEric BergerSenior Space Editor Eric Berger is the senior space editor at Ars Technica, covering everything from astronomy to private space to NASA policy, and author of two books: Liftoff, about the rise of SpaceX; and Reentry, on the development of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon. A certified meteorologist, Eric lives in Houston. 22 Comments

Kanzi, one of three captive bonobos whose mental abilities were tested in the studyApe InitiativeBonobos are quick to help a person who doesnt know what they know, a sign that they can deduce the mental states of others.The capacity to think about what others are thinking, known as theory of mind, is an essential skill that allows humans to navigate their social worlds. It enables us to recognise that someone may hold different beliefs or perspectives to our own, underpinning our ability to understand and help others appropriately. AdvertisementThe question of whether our closest living relatives also have theory of mind has been hotly debated for decades. Despite some mixed results, non-human great apes seem to have some aspects of this capacity, suggesting it is more evolutionarily ancient than once thought. For example, wild chimpanzees that see a nearby snake, albeit a fake one, seem to call out to alert group members they know havent already seen it.But we have been missing clear evidence from controlled settings that primates can track a perspective that differs from their own and then act upon it, says Luke Townrow at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland.To investigate this, Townrow and Christopher Krupenye, also at Johns Hopkins University, tested if three male bonobos at the Ape Initiative research centre in Iowa could identify ignorance in someone they were trying to cooperate with, and then gesture to them to help solve the task. Unmissable news about our planet delivered straight to your inbox every month.Sign up to newsletterOn a table between the bonobo and an experimenter were three upturned plastic cups. A second researcher placed a barrier between the experimenter and the cups, then hid a treat, like a juicy grape, under one of them.In one version of the experiment, the knowledge condition, a window in the barrier allowed the experimenter to watch where the treat was placed. In the ignorance condition, their view was completely blocked. If the experimenter found the food, they would give it to the bonobo, providing a motivation for the apes to share what they knew.Townrow and Krupenye looked at whether the ape pointed at the cup, and how quickly they pointed, after the barrier had been removed over 24 trials for each condition.They found that, on average, the bonobos took 1.5 seconds less time to point and pointed in approximately 20 per cent more trials in the ignorance condition. This shows that they can actually take action when they realise that somebody has a different perspective from their own, says Krupenye. It appears that bonobos understand features of what others are thinking that researchers have historically assumed they didnt comprehend, he adds.This simple yet powerful research gives experimental support to existing findings from wild apes, says Zanna Clay at Durham University, UK. However, she warns that the findings may not apply to all bonobos because the study animals were raised in human-oriented environments. But that doesnt detract from the results demonstrating that a capacity is there, she adds.Indeed, finding this capacity in these three bonobos indicates that the potential exists within their biology and, very likely then, the biology of our common ancestor as well, says Krupenye.It suggests that our ancient human relatives likely also had these abilities and could use them to bolster cooperation and coordination with one another, says Laura Lewis at the University of California, Berkeley. By understanding when someone may be ignorant, especially about evolutionarily critical information like the location of food, our ancestors could have used these capacities to communicate and coordinate more effectively with their social partners.Journal reference:PNAS DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2412450122Topics:

John Malkovich stars in "Opus," former journalist Mark Anthony Green's directorial debut.Malkovich plays a legendary pop star who reemerges after years out of the spotlight.The actor tells BI he has no idea why Green thought of him for the role.John Malkovich knows he isn't exactly the first person you'd think of to play a gyrating glam-rock icon decked out in a metallic suit and chunky heeled boots. But he was director Mark Anthony Green's first and only choice to play Alfred Moretti, the reclusive yet beloved fictional pop star at the center of his new film "Opus.""I wasn't sure why Mark Anthony thought of me," Malkovich told BI at the red carpet premiere of "Opus" at the Sundance Film Festival. "I wouldn't picture myself as a pop star, particularly."The satirical horror movie is a warning about the cult of celebrity, taken to the extreme. It stars Ayo Edebiri as Ariel Ecton, a scrappy young music journalist who's invited to Moretti's compound as he prepares to release a new album after 30 years in seclusion.Malkovich's eccentric artist has seemingly nefarious plans for the group he's invited to his estate, which also includes Ariel's dismissive editor Stan (Murray Bartlett), a talk-show host (Juliette Lewis), and an influencer (Stephanie Suganami). Malkovich plays Moretti in "Opus." A24 In addition to the hip-thrusting and occasional lap dancing, Malkovich also sings some of the film's original songs. Green tapped Grammy-winning artist and producer Nile Rodgers and Rodgers' frequent collaborator The-Dream to write three songs for the film, and a vocal producer who worked with Rihanna to help Malkovich record them."I'm a baritone at best. I hadn't really sung, except in an opera, for 40 years. We started with the ballad, and the engineer said, 'You've got it, just go up an octave, you can do it.' And it was an octave I hadn't sung in since I wanted to be in a boys choir at age 11," Malkovich said in in the film's press notes. "So it was quite challenging."

Walmart-owned Sam's Club has a "treasure trove" of purchasing data.CEO Chris Nicholas told BI this data is powering the company's big push into experiential retail.Nicholas has named Diana Marshall to be his new chief experience officer, or CXO a relatively rare title in retail.When Sam's Club CEO Chris Nicholas saw the news that his company had unseated perennial winner Costco as the top-rated retailer for customer satisfaction, he was understandably pleased but he didn't bask in the feeling for long."There's more to do," he told Business Insider in an interview. "Nothing happens by accident."The jump in Sam's Club's score leapfrogging Costco's similarly strong rating follows a busy year in which the Walmart-owned warehouse club rolled out new futuristic tech intended to make shopping easier and more enjoyable.It was one year ago that the company announced its AI-powered exit gateways that are doing away with one of the biggest frustrations of shopping at a warehouse club: receipt checks at the exit. And in October, Sam's Club opened its first location without traditional checkout lanes.It's a bold bet as some other retailers, like Amazon, pulled back from using AI-powered "Just Walk Out" cashierless tech at its Fresh stores in favor of smart carts, and others, including Target, have put new limits on self-service options at many locations.For Sam's Club, it's part of a longer-term strategy to give it a high-tech edge in the historically low-tech warehouse retail segment. The company says more than half of customers at locations with the AI scan-and-go option use the tech, and it's helped the shoppers get out the door 23% faster."This is all a result of working really hard at the inputs and then the outputs heal themselves," Nicholas said. "Because we're building digital products for our associates as well as for our members, it means you create connected experiences that allow people to self-solve and work together on having a delightful experience."One advantage that warehouse clubs, in general, have over their traditional retail counterparts is much more detailed information about shoppers' purchase histories, as a membership is required for every purchase. (General retailers can still piece together a profile using payment or loyalty cards, of course.)At Sam's Club, however, member profiles are augmented by massive amounts of digital data, plus additional insights from the 50,000-strong Members Mark community of shoppers that share feedback on products and services."It's certainly true that we've had this treasure trove of data, and we've been on this journey the last couple of years to really hone it so that we understand and can use this data more specifically," Nicholas said.Although Sam's Club doesn't publicly report detailed financial results, one consistent bright spot in Walmart's earnings in recent years has been the growth of revenue from memberships and from retail media.In addition, Nicholas notes that much of the tech investment expenses for Sam's Club are borne by Walmart's deeper pockets, since the club has often served as an innovation lab for the world's largest retailer.With all of this data, Nicholas says he decided to put one person in charge of turning it into a more effective flywheel for the business."The faster the flywheel spins, the more that virtuous circle helps you open up even a deeper gap versus everybody else," he said.In this spirit, Sam's Club has appointed Diana Marshall, who was previously chief growth officer, as its new chief experience officer. Marshall will report directly to Nicholas.CXO is a title that Constellation Research founder Ray Wang told BI is more typically found reporting to the CEO at tech, hospitality, travel, or financial services companies than at retailers. Sam's Club said it consulted with Wang on the strategy."We see chief experience officers, in general, playing a bigger and bigger role because you're basically differentiating on time and experience," Wang said. "If they are saving time, they'll pay a premium. If they get a better experience, they'll pay a premium."Nicholas said that Sam's Club is committed to the long-standing warehouse club business model of earning most of its profits from membership income. That means any revenues say, from the expected $100 billion retail media advertising market will be reinvested in the business in the form of better technology, higher wages, and lower prices."I think we can create these unexpected, unforgettable, connected experiences from members, and I believe genuinely that that's going to redefine what the future of retail looks like," he said.