A new report shows that tech billionaire Elon Musks companies have sucked at least $38 billion out of the federal governments coffers. The report, published by the Washington Post, makes the case that Musks corporate empire would not exist were it not for a flood of taxpayer money from the very government that the billionaire is currently attempting to dismantle. The Posts analysis found that the $38 billion comes from a dearth of subsidies, contracts, loans, and tax credits that went to Musks companies over the years (primarily Tesla and SpaceX). However, the $38 billion figure may actually be underselling how much Musks companies have benefited from the government. The Post notes: The total amount is probably larger: This analysis includes only publicly available contracts, omitting classified defense and intelligence work for the federal government. SpaceX has been developing spy satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office, the Pentagons spy satellite division, according to the Reuters news agency. The Wall Street Journal reported that contract was worth $1.8 billion, citing company documents. The Post found nearly a dozen other local grants, reimbursements and tax credits where the specific amount of money is not public. The news that Musk is a huge beneficiary of public money should shock no one, although it is particularly ironic given the fact that the billionaire and his minions are currently helping the Trump administration to undermine federal benefits for millions of middle- and low-income Americans. Indeed, Musks DOGE has quietly been helping the Trump administration to attack the Social Security Administration, the bedrock of Americas welfare system, and the agency responsible for administering retirement benefits to some 73 million Americans. In recent weeks, DOGE has been helping to terminate leases for SSA offices across the country, leading to planned closures in locations like Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, and others. A report from The American Prospect alleges that the acting commissioner of the SSA, the Trump-appointed Leland Dudek, recently asked for a plan of action that would reduce the agencys workforce by a whopping 50 percenta move that, if implemented, would surely hobble the programs overall operational capacity. As of last year, the SSA was already said to be suffering from staffing shortages, and further downsizing of the agency would surely make it dysfunctional and, ironically (as far as DOGE is concerned), highly inefficient. Dudek also has an odd connection to DOGE: the Washington Post reports that, prior to being named SSA head, he was under investigation at the agency for sharing unauthorized access to information with Musks DOGE team. Amidst the probe into his activities, Trump suddenly elevated Dudek from his role as a mid-level bureaucrat at an anti-fraud unit to the agencys top spot. Dudek replaced Michelle King, the previous acting commissioner of the SSA, who stepped down last week after refusing to grant DOGE access to Social Security recipient information, CNN previously reported. Dudek is merely the interim commissioner, however, and will ultimately be replaced by Frank Bisignano, the former chief operating officer of JPMorgan Chase, and the current CEO of Fiserv, a payment processor.The Prospect further notes that layoffs at the SSA have been formally officiated via an email from the General Services Administration that confirmed the SSA wouldlike other federal agenciesbe undergoing a reduction in force. Trump set the stage for massive layoffs at federal agencies with a simple DOGE-related executive order he passed a few weeks back. The apparent targeting of the SSA has kicked off rampant speculation within and around the agency concerning the long-term longevity of the agency: Sources have speculated to theProspectthat the terminations are being done piecemeal to avoid headlines of tens of thousands of jobs lost. The plan is to fire 50 percent of the workers in little buckets so nobody knows what theyre doing, they said. Not touching Social Security is not the reality of this administration, said a source familiar with the discussions at SSA in a message obtained by the Prospect. Looking for government to fail and be replaced by private industry appears to be the goal. On his platform, X, Musk has spread misinformation about the Social Security program that made the program appear dysfunctional and fraud-riddled. Indeed, Musk recently made the claim that America was paying out retirement benefits to tens of millions of dead peoplea claim that Commissioner Dudek was forced to admit was blatantly untrue. Musk has previously gestured at the need to cut spending on Americans benefits and has shared misinformation online about Social Security that demonized the program.The Trump administrations apparent attack on Social Security has also been reified in the recently formulated federal budget proposal offered by the GOP-controlled Congress. The recently passed House budgetary blueprint reportedly proposes nixing taxes on Social Security payments. A recent analysis claims that eliminating said taxes would spike the national debt by 7 percent over the next few decades, and would have a short-term positive effect for wealthy seniors while largely abandoning younger generations. Other analyses show it would spur budgetary shortfalls for the program, endangering it overall. GOP voters have begun to express their discontent at their lawmakers embrace of Musk and DOGE. Multiple Republican town halls have descended into chaos in recent weeks, as constituents have shown up to boo and heckle their congressmen over their support of the billionaire. However, many of those congressmen have met much of that criticism with a shrug. One such legislator, Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-California), dismissed his constituents concerns: Its easy to be critical, but the people voted for change in November, and thats exactly what theyre getting.

Lumintu House / Realrich Architecture WorkshopSave this picture! KIE ArchArchitects: Realrich Architecture WorkshopAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:898 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2022 PhotographsPhotographs:ManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: Daikin, Hayward, Himalaya Abadi, Hydro, Impack Pratama Industri, Jayaboard, Mapei, Mortar Utama, Onna, PT. Kali Jaya Putra, PT. Maruni Daya Sakti, Quadra, Schneider Electric Home, Solahart, Toto, UD. Jaya Raya, Westpex, Wisma Sehati, YKK AP Lead Architect: Realrich Sjarief More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!"I want an experimental house that will push the creativity," said Rubianto, the client. Our studio, RAW Architecture (Realrich Architecture Workshop) then set a benchmark of how the home should be comfortable in a tropical climate. The temperature is 27 degrees Celsius by a series of openable steel fins on the west and south. In the middle of the house, we designed an active fan and wind tunnel to lower humidity and provide an air-stacking effect inside the house.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!For thermal protection, the fins outside are extended as a 3.5 m canopy on the ground floor providing a shaded space similar to sitting under a tree. This design also protects the surrounding plants from excessive sunlight and forms a soft, seamless transition, reflecting the philosophy of "Lumintu." And curve forms on a facade.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The house consists of a living room, dining room, guest room on the ground floor with 3 bedrooms on the upper floor, gymnastics, and home office. The service with separate access is located at the back of the home and the mezzanine level is integrated with gymnastics.Save this picture!Skilled craftsmen who collaborate inside the architecture studio play a crucial role in the construction, meticulously bending each steel component one by one. The concrete catenary opening and surface feel is also shaped as part of metaphor's of Plato's cave and structure to hold large glass.Save this picture!The spacious, 11 m span column-free main area on the ground floor integrates seamlessly with the outdoor space and inner courtyard expanding the feeling of openness, facilitating natural airflow with a wind tunnel and ceiling fan offering views of the tropical landscape from within the house.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The house also features an air gap between the roof and the floor below. This gap allows hot air trapped between the floor plates and the ceiling to escape, creating effective cross-ventilation between ceilings. High ceilings and skylights optimize natural lighting, while ventilated openings are covered with mesh to prevent insects from entering the building. Lumintu House also has a rooftop garden for private dining and a light canopy that provides insulation for the spaces below. Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialWoodMaterials and TagsPublished on February 27, 2025Cite: "Lumintu House / Realrich Architecture Workshop" 26 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027248/lumintu-house-realrich-architecture-workshop&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The search for water on the moon is about to take a massive leap into new territory as NASAs Lunar Trailblazer orbiter and the latest Intuitive Machines lunar lander get ready to launch. These missions riding together on the same SpaceX Falcon9 rocket both aim to answer key questions about the presence of water on the moon, which has become a top priority in space exploration.The launch is scheduled for the evening of the Feb. 26, 2025 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. While the Lunar Trailblazer will continually orbit the moon as it charts sources of water from afar, the Intuitive Machines lander (named Athena) will touch down on the moons south pole and deploy an instrument to drill through the surface and measure water ice and gases.Mapping Water on the MoonFollowing its launch, the Lunar Trailblazer which is a small satellite will take a path assisted by the gravity of Earth, the moon, and the sun, called a low-energy transfer. Four to seven months later, it will enter the moons orbit and spend the next two years scanning the lunar landscape for signs of water.The satellite will use two instruments to make measurements: the High-resolution Volatiles and Minerals Moon Mapper (HVM3) and the Lunar Thermal Mapper (LTM). The HVM3 instrument, a shortwave infrared imaging spectrometer, will determine the form, abundance, and locations of water on the moons surface by detecting wavelengths of reflected sunlight. Meanwhile, LTM, a mid-infrared imager, will measure the moons surface temperature in the same regions HVM3 is concentrated on.The collaborative effort of the two instruments will generate detailed maps during different times of the day, which could reveal potential changes in the amount of water from day to night. Scientists hope to use this information to better understand how the lunar water cycle works in an airless environment.Drilling for AnswersTaking a different trajectory, the IM-2 mission is expected to land on the lunar south pole around March 6 after spending approximately one week in transit to the moon, according to NASA.As part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, IM-2 will carry several technologies to conduct tests on the moon. The most prominent of these payloads is PRIME-1, a NASA investigation with two instruments that will aid the search for water: TRIDENT (The Regolith and Ice Drill for Exploring New Terrain), a drill that can extract lunar soil, and MSOLO, a mass spectrometer that will examine the soil samples for water ice.Why Is Lunar Water So Important?The pursuit of water on the moon has accelerated ever since water molecules were discovered in lunar soil by the Indian Space Research Organization's Chandrayaan-1 probe in 2008. In the following years, space agencies raced to uncover additional evidence of lunar water, which comes in the form of water ice embedded within the soil.Water ice is thought to primarily occur in the permanently shadowed polar regions of the Moon, but in 2020, water molecules were detected in a sunlit portion of the Moon by the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), a joint project between NASA and the German Aerospace Center.Scientists have sought to understand what exactly caused the existence of water ice on the moon. Multiple theories have been raised, from comet impacts to solar wind interacting with the moon to produce hydrogen atoms that combine with existing oxygen atoms under the lunar surface.This mystery hasnt been solved quite yet, but the Lunar Trailblazer and IM-2 missions may bring scientists one step closer to the answers theyre chasing. The outcome of the missions could also spark hope for future space missions, as the presence of lunar water ice may eventually translate to drinking water, breathable air, and fuel for astronauts. Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:NASA. Lunar Trailblazer FactsNASA Jet Propulsion Labrotory. NASA Sets Coverage for Intuitive Machines Next Commercial Moon LaunchJack Knudson is an assistant editor at Discover with a strong interest in environmental science and history. Before joining Discover in 2023, he studied journalism at the Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University and previously interned at Recycling Today magazine.

Everyone knows that maintaining a clean kitchen is essential for safe food preparation. Failing to properly sanitize utensils after use can lead to foodborne illnesses from bacterial growth. Alongside dish sponges, cutting boards particularly those used for raw meat are hotspots for bacteria.Instead of relying solely on human-devised cleaning methods to combat bacterial buildup, researchers turned to nature for solutions. They found inspiration in the antimicrobial properties of shark skin and cicada wings.Scientists from the Hopkirk Research Institute, the Food Safety Science and Research Centre, and Applied Technologies Group in New Zealand collaborated on a study that used lasers to create antibacterial surfaces. By mimicking the micro- and nanostructures of shark skin and cicada wings, they developed a novel approach to preventing bacterial adhesion. Their findings were published in the Journal of Laser Applications.Keeping Food Surfaces CleanThe study focused on Brochothrix thermosphacta and Escherichia coli (E. coli), two common meat-borne bacteria. These microbes can contaminate food, causing spoilage, off-odors, and illnesses such as gastroenteritis, which lead to diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.Monitoring bacterial growth on kitchen surfaces is crucial not only in commercial settings but also at home. Once bacteria accumulate, they can form biofilms that are difficult to remove even from stainless steel and when using commercial antibacterial cleaners.Excessive use of antibacterial cleaning products can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin and lead to irritation of the eyes, throat, and skin. Additionally, prolonged exposure has been linked to headaches and potential long-term respiratory issues.Read More: How to Avoid Food-Borne IllnessBiomimicry in the Lab (and the Kitchen)To address this challenge, researchers examined how nature has evolved to resist bacterial colonization.With billions of years of evolutionary refinement, nature serves as a vast research and development laboratory. Scientists, engineers, and designers have long drawn inspiration from biological organisms and processes to drive innovation. This approach, known as biomimicry, applies natures strategies to solve human design challenges across fields such as architecture, medicine, communication, and energy.Biomimicry has already influenced many everyday products. Raincoats take inspiration from the water-repellent properties of duck feathers, while sleeping bags and insulated jackets mimic how birds use down feathers to retain warmth. Japans Shinkansen bullet trains were modeled after the streamlined beak of the kingfisher to reduce noise and improve efficiency.The micro- and nanoscale textures of shark skin and cicada wings have previously driven technological advancements due to their superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, antifogging, and antimicrobial properties. These innovations have led to improvements in medical devices, fabrics, and wind turbine coatings.Laser Surface TexturingThe research team successfully created textured surfaces that replicate the micro- and nanoscale patterns found in shark skin and cicada wings. These surfaces inhibit bacterial attachment, growth, and proliferation by using ultrafast lasers to modify the metal at a microscopic level.By designing textures that correspond to the specific shapes of bacterial cells, researchers can make it significantly harder for microbes to adhere to surfaces. Additionally, they are developing machine learning models to help manufacturers optimize and automate laser surface texturing.Compared to some conventional approaches, laser surface texturing does not introduce non-native materials or require chemical etchants or sensitizers on treated surfaces, said study author Sebastiampillai Raymond in a press release. This could lower barriers to introducing new technology into a regulated environment and eliminates any risk of potential chemical contamination from the coating.By harnessing the power of biomimicry and laser technology, researchers are paving the way for safer, more hygienic kitchen surfaceswithout the need for chemical additives.Read More: Sustainable Architecture Takes Cues from NatureArticle SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Advanced Materials Interfaces: Molecular and Topographical Organization: Influence on Cicada Wing Wettability and Bactericidal PropertiesBioinspiration & Biomimetics: Characterization of shark skin properties and biomimetic replicationJournal of Laser Applications: Antibacterial effectiveness of laser surface textured metal on meat-borne bacteriaHaving worked as a biomedical research assistant in labs across three countries, Jenny excels at translating complex scientific concepts ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the latest in nutrition into engaging, accessible content. Her interests extend to topics such as human evolution, psychology, and quirky animal stories. When shes not immersed in a popular science book, youll find her catching waves or cruising around Vancouver Island on her longboard.

64 ounces might sound like a giant water bottle and youre right. Its a lot of liquid. But, Ive been using a huge water bottle for years now and Ill never go back. Right now, Amazon has the black 64-ounce Hydro Flask Wide Mouth water bottle for just $29. Thats 54 percent off of its regular $65 price tag. I have never seen it this cheap, even on shopping holidays like Black Friday. This will likely sell out before it ends, so grab one. Hydro Flask Wide Mouth vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle $29.61 (was $65)Hydro Flask This is the classic Hydro Flask, with its wide-mouth opening thats compabitble with flat and straw lids. I prefer the redesigned straw lid, though it does require regular cleaning if you dont want it to get full of scum. Its very durable, keeps drinks cold for days on end (if you use enough ice), and comes in a black color thats great for covering with stickers. Bring it to the gym. Keep it on your desk at work so the guy from HR can walk by and say, Whoa, somebodys thirsty! 40 oz. HYDRO FLASK Wide Mouth vacuum insulated stainless steel $28 (was $50)Hydro Flask If youre not ready for the 64-ounce monster of a water bottle, you can get a 40-ounce version in an awesome polished metal finish for just $28. I like this colorway a lot, so if you were thinking about buying me a gift for the anniversary of the first deal post Ive ever written, this would be a good one (hint hint).

Nature, Published online: 27 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00597-zTwo US probes launched today, one laden with a drill and a hopper looking for lunar water.

Nature, Published online: 26 February 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00306-wGenomic sequencing has revealed that individual strains of life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Candida auris fungi reside on human skin and can be commonly transmitted between residents of nursing homes.

Jos Molfino, the creator of the gorgeous short film made with Houdini that took us on a journey through a deep-sea world, has revealed the outcome of his recent exploration of Houdini 20.5s new Copernicus context.To set up this mesmerizing animation of liquid blobs shifting in a constantly evolving pattern, the artist followed a tutorial on recreating a similar effect in TouchDesigner by paketa12:If youre looking to get started with COPs, the 2D and 3D GPU image processing framework with nodes that provide real-time image manipulation within a 3D space, we highly recommend checking out theHoudini HIVE presentations from industry experts and Matt Estelas CG Wiki entry, along withStormzs introductory videos:Have a look at some of Joss recent Houdini creations below and follow him on X/Twitter for more:Also,join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Mesmerizing Lava Lamp Patterns Made With Houdinis COPs appeared first on CG SHARES.

Your parkour dreams are about to come true with the STORROR Parkour Pro simulator by Hole in the Sleeve Game Studios, about to be released in Early Access sometime in Q1 2025. To fuel your anticipation, here are some 8-people multiplayer tests developer David Aniebonam shared on LinkedIn.Jumping around high buildings looks super fun with friends, competing in who performs cooler moves.STORROR promises a true to the sport and the culture experience with realistic elements and tons of adrenaline. The dynamic world powered by Unreal Engine 5 is filled with challenges, missions, and a love for parkour. Elements are performed smoothly thanks to the games advanced animation system that combines motion-captured animations from the best parkour athletes with physics-driven movement.No two moves are the same, and with hundreds of unique parkour animations, you can jump, climb, vault, flip, slide, swing, stride and so much more, with the most complete set of parkour mechanics in any game ever, right at your fingertips. Wishlist STORROR Parkour Pro on Steam and join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Check Out Multiplayer Tests for Parkour Simulator STORROR Before Its Release appeared first on CG SHARES.

Razer BlackWidow V4 X Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Minecraft Edition $170 See at Amazon (Temporarily Out of Stock) See at Razer Razer Kraken V4 X Wired Gaming Headset - Minecraft Edition $100 See at Amazon (Temporarily Out of Stock) See at Razer Razer Cobra Wired Gaming Mouse - Minecraft Edition $60 See at Amazon (Temporarily Out of Stock) See at Razer Razer Gigantus V2 Cloth Gaming Mouse Pad (Medium) - Minecraft Edition $30 See at Amazon Razer just launched a new line of official Minecraft edition PC accessories, including new versions of the Razer BlackWidow V4 X mechanical keyboard, Kraken V4 X wired headset, Cobra wired mouse, and Gigantus V2 mouse pad. All four peripherals feature exclusive Minecraft-inspired color schemes and even come bundled with codes to unlock in-game items. See all Razer x Minecraft Accessories at Amazon While all four Razer x Minecraft items are available now, some are temporarily out of stock at Amazon. The good news is you can still add them to your cart and place them on backorder, and your order will ship once they're restocked. They're also available directly from Razer's online store and may also be in stock. Be sure to check all the links below to see if they're available.Continue Reading at GameSpot