A new manufacturing process uses lasers to seal paper packaging instead of glue
A new manufacturing process uses lasers to seal paper packaging instead of glue A simple paper envelope made without additional glue or plastic to seal three of its sides. | Image: Fraunhofer IVV Although paper is a more environmentally friendly packaging material than plastic, it’s often contaminated with additives, such as adhesives used to create […]
These retractable studded tires might save our roads, ears, and lungs
These retractable studded tires might save our roads, ears, and lungs If you want to feel truly invincible when driving in the snow, you need a set of studded snow tires. They’re illegal in some places, typically restricted to the frigid months of the year in others. Spring for a set, though, and they’ll see […]
Trump claims he’ll make data centers pay for their own power supply
Trump claims he'll make data centers pay for their own power supply President Donald Trump tried to quell Americans’ concerns about rising electricity costs during his State of the Union speech by claiming that he’s negotiated a “rate payer protection pledge” with major tech companies, which would see them build out or pay for new […]
How an ‘icepocalypse’ raises more questions about Meta’s biggest data center project
How an 'icepocalypse' raises more questions about Meta's biggest data center project Donna Collins lives about 20 miles from where Meta’s biggest data center is being built, in a house her family has lived in for five generations. Construction has thrown the small agricultural community in North Louisiana into the spotlight as a high-profile example […]
Microsoft scrambles to quell fury around its new AI data centers
Microsoft scrambles to quell fury around its new AI data centers It looks like the wave of campaigns against data centers are getting under big tech companies’ skin – and Microsoft is the latest giant to promise to address frustrations on the ground in communities around their data centers. The company announced a five-point plan […]
Data center construction moratorium is gaining steam
Data center construction moratorium is gaining steam A Microsoft data center under construction in Aldie, Virginia, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. | Photo: Getty Images More than 230 groups including Food & Water Watch, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and Greenpeace are demanding a pause on the construction of any new data centers in the […]
Apple announces even more major executive turnover
Apple announces even more major executive turnover Following the recent retirement of former COO Jeff Williams, AI chief John Giannandrea stepping down, and the departure of head of design Alan Dye for Meta, Apple announced Thursday that environmental and policy lead Lisa Jackson is retiring and that Jennifer Newstead will replace Kate Adams as the […]
Data centers in Oregon might be helping to drive an increase in cancer and miscarriages
Data centers in Oregon might be helping to drive an increase in cancer and miscarriages Morrow County, Oregon is home to mega farms and food processing plants. But it’s also home to several Amazon data centers. And now, some experts believe, that combination is leading to an alarmingly high concentration of nitrates in the drinking […]
The new silicon valley (literally)
The new silicon valley (literally) Arizona’s economy was once dominated by the “five C’s”: cotton, cattle, citrus, copper, and climate. But a new C has emerged that could grow to overshadow the rest: chips. New semiconductor manufacturing facilities are springing up across the greater Phoenix area, stretching across blocks of new roads with names like […]
Google updates its weather forecasts with a new AI model
Google updates its weather forecasts with a new AI model An illustration from Google’s new AI weather model. | Image: Google Google debuted a new and improved AI weather model today that will be incorporated into popular products like Search, Gemini, and Pixel phones. The company’s AI-enhanced forecasts have proven themselves to be quite accurate […]