This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Robots are bringing new life to extinct speciesIn the last few years, paleontologists have developed a new trick for turning back time and studying prehistoric animals: building experimental robotic models of them.In the absence of a living specimen, scientists say, an ambling, flying, swimming, or slithering automaton is the next best thing for studying the behavior of extinct organisms.Here are four examples of robots that are shedding light on creatures of yore.Shi En KimThis subscriber-only story is from an upcoming edition of our print magazine.Subscribe nowto get a copy when it lands on February 26!AI crawler wars threaten to make the web more closed for everyoneShayne Longpre is a PhD Candidate at MIT, where his research focuses on the intersection of AI and policy. He leads the Data Provenance Initiative.We often take the internet for granted. Its an ocean of information at our fingertipsand it simply works. But this system relies on swarms of crawlersbots that roam the web, visit millions of websites every day, and report what they see.Crawlers are endemic. Now representing half of all internet traffic, they will soon outpace human traffic. This unseen subway of the web ferries information from site to site, day and night. And as of late, they serve one more purpose: Companies such as OpenAI use web-crawled data to train their artificial intelligence systems, like ChatGPT.Understandably, websites are now fighting back for fear that this invasive speciesAI crawlerswill help displace them. But theres a problem: This pushback is also threatening the transparency and open borders of the web. Read the full story.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 The US is not experiencing an AI energy crisis yetWe dont know how much energy AI will end up needing. Wedoknow fossil fuels are destroying our planet. (The Atlantic$)+AI is an energy hog. This is what it means for climate change.(MIT Technology Review)2 The US and UK refused to sign an international AI declarationDespite its name, the AI Action Summit seems to have been a lot of talk and not much action. (BBC)+Anthropics CEO decried it as a missed opportunity.(TechCrunch)+JD Vance used his speech at the summit to rail against Europes excessive AI regulations. (AP)+It seems to have workedthe EUs already scrapping some proposed new rules. (Sifted)+And its committing to plow over $200 billion into AI development in a bid to try and compete.(Engadget)3 DOGEs latest target is the Consumer Financial Protection BureauThe fact it was about to start regulating X is inconsequential, apparently. (NPR)+How Musks companies stand to benefit from his position leading DOGE.(NYT$)+Trump is expanding DOGEs power to cut the federal workforce. (WP$)+Privacy advocates and labor unions have filed a lawsuit to try to block DOGEs data access.(The Verge)+What if Trump justrefuses to comply with the law?(New Yorker$)4 Apple is partnering with Alibaba to launch AI features in ChinaIt decided against DeepSeek, citing a lack of experience. (The Information$)+Alibabas Qwen powers the worlds top ten open source large language models. (South China Morning Post)+Four Chinese AI startups to watch beyond DeepSeek.(MIT Technology Review)5 A dairy worker in Nevada has been infected with a new strain of bird fluThis marks the first time this new strain is known to have jumped from birds to cows to a person. (Ars Technica)+How the US is preparing for a potential bird flu pandemic.(MIT Technology Review)6 Wikipedia is increasingly having to defend its US editors from attacksThis is what the erosion of free speech really looks like, by the way. (404 Media)7 Some Temu sellers are using the US Postal Service for freeCounterfeit postage labels are being openly promoted on Chinese social media. (Rest of World)8 How Meta ended up cancelling its commitment to diversityPretty easily, as Zuckerberg never really saw it as a priority to begin with. (The Guardian)9 The Earths inner core is changing shapePretty wild! And its possible that its linked to changes in the magnetic field. (Scientific American$)10 Pakistans rickshaws are at the forefront of its EV revolutionThis makes so much sense, if they can overcome the cost barrier. (Rest of World)Quote of the daySo far, what we are seeing is a lot of cost and a lot of chaos.Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, bemoans the early impact of Trumps tariffs at a conference in New York this week,Business Insiderreports.The big storyThe quest to build wildfire-resistant homesDON BARTLETTI/LOS ANGELES TIMES VIA GETTY IMAGESApril 2023With each devastating wildfire in the US West, officials consider new methods or regulations that might save homes or lives the next time.In the parts of California where the hillsides meet human development, and where the state has suffered recurring seasonal fire tragedies, that search for new means of survival has especially high stakes.Many of these methods are low cost and low tech, but no less innovative. In fact, the hardest part to tackle may not be materials engineering, but social change.Read the full story.Susie CagleWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Thisroundupof Victorian-era content made me giggle. Im going to start using the morbs.+ How to feel more alive. (NYT$)+ Despite what society tells us, all the evidence shows that successdoes not have an age limit.+ Why does Hokusais Great Wavehave such enduring mass appeal?

Today, Apple introduced the Apple Health Study, which aims to further understand how technology can play a role in improving health and wellbeing.

London-based ecoLogicStudio has launched the Design Apothecary, a biophilic project in Turin, Italy. Located in the historic Ex Mulini Feyles industrial complex, the project represents an evolution in the conversion of industrial heritage into creative hubs and tests a new concept of ecologic domesticity, according to the studio.Image credit: Pepe FotografiaImage credit: Pepe FotografiaThe Design Apothecary centers around a fully functional air-purifying algae garden, consisting of 17 photosynthetic reactors. The reactors support a high-efficiency engineered photosynthesis system that absorbs carbon dioxide at a rate of 250 grams per day, equivalent to the work of four large trees. In addition, the algae garden produces 140 grams of dry algae daily, which is utilized as fertilizer, a protein supplement, and a raw material for 3D printing interior components.Image credit: Pepe FotografiaImage credit: Pepe FotografiaThe idea of a new outpost in Turin comes from our interest in ex...

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The transformation of the 22@ district from a neglected industrial area into a thriving innovation hub has significantly impacted Barcelonas economy, culture and urban environment. As an innovation district an urban area where businesses, research centers and startups coexist to promote collaboration and technological development 22@ is a thriving area that emerged from a revitalization process. One of its greatest achievements is its ability to juxtapose preservation and innovation. The district embraces modern development, while it honors its industrial past with repurposed industrial buildings and preserved smokestacks integrated into contemporary architecture. This balanced symbiosis of heritage and progress has given the neighborhood a distinct identity, attracting international companies and creative startups. Companies like Amazon, Meta and Microsoft have established a presence in the area, fueling job creation and drawing global talent. Additionally, Barcelonas geographical location on the Mediterranean coast, its pleasant year-round climate and its high quality of life have undoubtedly contributed to the success of the 22@ innovation district.From Catalan Manchester to 22@Xavier Badia Castell,Roc Boronat 45-53,CC BY-SA 3.0Poblenous industrial activity was at its height in the late 19th and early 20th century. This Barcelona neighborhood became known as the Catalan Manchester. In the 1960s, the areas industrial activity started shift to other locations outside the city. Most of the remaining industrial structures were abandoned and others were used temporarily as storage facilities, workshops and artist studios.The transformation of the Poblenou neighborhood began with the 1992 Olympics, which brought significant urban improvements, including revitalizing the waterfront. These substantial changes laid the groundwork for further redevelopment.In 2000, the City Council launched an initiative to regenerate 200 hectares of Poblenous underutilized land. Over the past two decades, the former industrial neighborhood has become a vibrant mixed-use district known as 22@, where cultural, scientific and technological activities coexist alongside housing, restaurants, hotels and parks. While the neighborhood has embraced modern development, its industrial heritage remains visible in the preserved structures, repurposed for new business uses and thoughtfully integrated into the contemporary urban fabric.A good example of adaptive reuse is the KNEM project, whose design reimagines an existing jute spinning mill into a new facility to accommodate new office space. The design preserves the original main faade under the Architectural Heritage Protection Plan, juxtaposed with new glass boxes screened behind aluminum screens, evoking the weaving of jute fibers. KNEM Offices is one of many similar projects that breathe new life into the former industrial neighborhood, merging its history with innovative functionality.Smokestacks as Landmarks of Urban TransformationIndustrial Smokestack preserved in Campus de la Comunicaci, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Poblenou (Barcelona) | Photo by Teresa Grau Ros via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.022@ takes its name from the original 22a industrial zoning denomination, which identified manufacturing areas. This denomination was reinterpreted as 22@ to be more in tune with the new development plan with innovative and technological aspirations. The former industrial neighborhood has been transformed into a modern hub for education, research, and business, but its industrial heritage remains.Perhaps the most symbolic feature of this revitalization is the preservation of the industrial smokestacks and their integration into new developments. Once essential for the textile and manufacturing industries in the Poblenou neighborhood, these towering smokestacks were prominent features of Barcelonas skyline. No longer functional, many have been preserved as monuments. As the neighborhoods redevelopment evolves toward a modern and dynamic hub for innovation and technology, the smokestacks are visual anchors to the neighborhoods former industrial activity.Today, the iconic brick smokestacks stand among cutting-edge buildings linking Poblenous industrial past and its new identity as an innovation district. Some developments go beyond the mere preservation efforts, integrating the smokestacks into new buildings and open public spaces to emphasize their relevance in the history and culture of Barcelona and the Catalan region.Innovation, Connectivity, and Urban LifeKNEM Offices by b720 Fermn Vzquez Arquitectos, Barcelona, Spain | Photo by Oriol GmezThe brick towers have served as landmarks that unify the entire 22@ innovation district. Whether they are a distinctive feature of a new building or a monument in a public open space, they knit together a new urban fabric. The neighborhoods transformation promotes innovation and progress, emphasizing a compact development approach that optimizes land use while fostering a mixed-use environment. Residential, commercial, cultural, educational, hospitality and office buildings form an urban setting that supports work and daily life. Furthermore, 22@ reflects pedestrian-friendly urban design, prioritizing public transportation, bicycle lanes and open areas.This emphasis on connectivity goes beyond buildings. Many architectural projects are sometimes tied to communal open spaces, creating a cohesive new urban fabric. Unlike isolated business campuses that are only accessible by car and with little emphasis on quality of life, 22@ supports an environment that integrates work, housing and recreation, reinforcing a sense of community and accessibility.An Experimental Laboratory for the Citys Evolving IdentityTechnology Center Leitat by Picharchitects/Pich-Aguilera. Barcelona, Spain | Photo by Lourdes JansanaThe Torre Glries by Jean Nouvel symbolizes the transformation of the former industrial area into a new innovation district. Also, the Media-TIC building by Enric Ruiz Geli is an experimental architectural landmark embodying principles of innovation and sustainability. Beyond these iconic structures, many remodeled industrial buildings and new constructions balance heritage and innovative design. This combination creates a vibrant mixed-use hub where universities, start-ups, business incubators and accelerators, residential buildings, restaurants, hotels and parks coexist.The area is an experimental laboratory for innovative architecture and urban planning, much like Idelfons Cerds Eixample grid for efficient city expansion in the 19th century. The 1992 Olympics also transformed neglected areas into thriving developments and revitalized the citys coastline a lasting urban planning legacy. 22@ follows in these footsteps by introducing adaptive reuse strategies, implementing sustainable principles and creating innovative open spaces woven into a cohesive urban fabric.Much like the towering brick smokestacks, the neighborhoods modern highrises redefine the citys skyline, signaling a new era of progress, juxtaposing history and progress while shaping the citys evolving identity.Preserving the Past, Building the Presentfrank mller,Central business district of Barcelona,CC BY-SA 2.0The transition from an industrial district to a mixed-use neighborhood highlights Barcelonas ability to blend history with progress. By revitalizing a former industrial area adapting its abandoned structures to accommodate a mix of uses and building new cutting-edge constructions, the district thrives as a dynamic hub for economic development and urban regeneration.However, this transformation was not without challenges. Significant changes to zoning laws were required to allow for a new urban framework, integrating residential, commercial and technological development. It also needed substantial infrastructure improvements that involved the upgrade of existing infrastructure to support the growing residential and business populations. Another challenge involved enhancing the public transportation system to ensure the area is well-connected to the rest of the city.Sustainability has been central to this transformation process, emphasizing compact development and prioritizing a pedestrian-friendly environment with access to public transportation and public spaces. These initiatives have reinforced Barcelonas leading role as a pioneer in urban planning. The 22@ is a testament to the citys forward-thinking approach, prioritizing evolution while honoring its historic legacy. It highlights a vision where the past fuels the future, shaping a unique urban landscape. Brick smokestacks, once vital to the industrial heart of the Poblenou, now stand alongside cutting-edge buildings, transforming the neighborhoods skyline and reinforcing the citys evolving identity.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The post From Smokestacks to Startups: The Evolution of Barcelonas Visionary 22@ District appeared first on Journal.

Nintendo might be getting ready for a new Direct, this time around focusing on third-party releases for the Switch. According to Jeff Grubb, a Nintendo Direct is planned for some time in February. Since this would be well before the planned April 2 Nintendo Direct revolving around the Switch 2, it likely has more to do with planned releases for the original Switch.I heard that there would be a Nintendo Direct this month, said Grubb in a recent episode of his Game Mess podcast. And again, it wasnt much to go on, but it was something. A pretty reliable source said yeah there would be one this month. I asked again, and they said yes again.Grubb went on to talk about how this likely wont be a huge Direct that fans of first-party Nintendo games should start looking forward to, however. Rather, this will likely be a smaller-scale Direct aimed at showcasing third-party titles or indie games.Does that mean that theres a big, huge Direct that everyone should get excited about, that has all the answers for everything? Probably not, he said. But I think theres going to be something a mini Direct, a partner showcase, something along those lines.Again, this could fall through. Its strange times with Switch 2 coming out, and they already have a Direct announced for that, so who knows exactly what this looks like. But yeah, I think something probably does happen.Grubb brings up Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as one of the big questions that need answering, since Nintendo itself has been relatively quiet about the game. The companys president, Shuntaro Furukawa, did recently reaffirm the fact that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is still aiming for a 2025 launch in a recent investor call, however.Furukawa stated that Nintendo still plans on releasing attractive software as soon as we can deliver it for the original Switch. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has so far been announced for the Switch. The fact that the Nintendo Switch 2 will feature backwards compatibility for Switch games also means that it will be playable on the upcoming console as well.The Switch itself is still a big market for Nintendo, with the company having revealed earlier this month that more than 150 million units of the console have been sold. 4.82 million of those units were in the three month period preceding the earnings report. In the same period, 53.7 million units of software were also sold.More details on the Switch 2 are expected to be revealed in April. In the meantime, there are also several rumours about games coming to the new console, including Microsofts revival of the Fable series.

While Assassins Creed Shadows will have two protagonists, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, creative director Jonathan Dumont has revealed that players wont be missing out on much if they choose to focus on only one of them. In a recent interview with Screenrant, Dumont said that the game will not be locking off content depending on the players choice in protagonists.I dont think youre missing out on things too much, said Dumont. I think its more on your preference to [say], Okay, Ill see how the game will adapt a little bit to the character if you choose one over the other.'He goes on to mention, however, that each protagonist will have storylines exclusive to them that cant be taken on by the other character. These storylines are more personal to the character, so it makes sense why Yasuke cant partake on Naoes personal quest, for example.They get individual introductions and then they get their own questline also. Lets say [for] Naoe, a personal questline cannot be played by Yasuke and those are two distinct things. But the core of the game can be pick your character and the game adapts.Dumont did reiterate, however, that Assassins Creed Shadows isnt developed with the idea that players would need to split their time equally between both protagonists. Rather, players are free to choose to pick between the quick and sneaky Naoe and the strong and slow Yasuke as their main protagonist.Were not imposing players try to split the time, Dumont said. If you prefer one character for any reason, you can play maybe, I dont know, Im not going to put a percentage, but quite a bit of the game using one of them.But if you want to balance it out I play quite a bit balanced out and what happens is, I play with one for three, four, five hours, and then I switch, and then I just play two, three hours. Usually I play stealth and then I [say], All right, let me destroy some camps and stuff all right for a while. And then I just change like that.This falls in line with Dumonts other statements about the games two protagonist, where he compared the two in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Dumont had also spoken about how Ubisofts previous work with dual protagonists in Assassins Creed Syndicate had helped with the two protagonists in Assassins Creed Shadows.Assassins Creed Shadows is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on March 20. For more details about how Yasuke will be different from Naoe, check out why he wont have access to classic assassin abilities like Eagle Vision. Developers of the game have also revealed in the past how there wont be a point of entry every 50 meters, instead giving players the freedom to explore the world at their own pace.PC players interested in Assassins Creed Shadows can check out the PC requirements, as well as celebrate the fact that technologies like DLSS 3.7, as well as ultrawide monitors will be supported in the title.

Image credit: OAASudbury-based architect and master lecturer at Laurentian Universitys McEwen School of Architecture (MSoA), Ted Wilson, has been named the new president for the governing Council of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA).Wilson was acclaimed to the one-year position at the OAA Council meeting in Toronto on January 23, 2025.He has worked with various Canadian architecture practices, including AECOM Canada Architects Ltd., where he co-ordinated engineering with LGA Architectural Partners for the design of MSoA, where he now teaches. For the OAA, Wilson previously served as senior vice president and treasurer, and has chaired association committees related to governance, finance, and sustainable design.I first ran for Council to engage in larger thinking about architects, the public interest, and where the profession can continue to be effectively guided by a regulator, said Wilson. Now as president, Im eager to keep listening, to use data as a resource, and to be mindful and respectful in engagement. I know this is a long run and want to take the time to do it well. The public and the profession deserve it.Wilson has always been passionate about architecture and is a graduate of the University of Waterloo. His dream of becoming an architect dates back to childhood, as he was inspired by seeing the design work of his friends father.I went to Expo 67 and was amazed at how architecture from all over the world could be brought together in one beautiful place, said Wilson. As an Architect, the joy is in seeing the light in someones eyes as they watch you draw their concept with them. The challenges are found in those walls along the run of a project that you need to find a way to push through.The OAA regulates the practice of architecture in Ontario, and protects the public interest. This includes licensing architects and licensed technologists, establishing and enforcing standards for professional practice, and ensuring ongoing education for the profession.Among Wilsons primary goals are fulfilling the OAAs current Strategic Plan, continuing work to modernize the Architects Act, supporting interns on the path to licensure, and strengthening relations with the 14 Local Architectural Societies across Ontario.The post Sudbury architect named new OAA president appeared first on Canadian Architect.

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