May

Physicists report new evidence that gravity behaves holographically, meaning it can collapse the dimensions of space, though the implications for reality remain unknown. The findings, reported by Quanta Magazine, touch on the idea that our three-dimensional universe may be encoded on a lower-dimensional surface. Researchers say they understand the math but not yet what it means for the nature of spacetime, and cosmologists are debating the consequences.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, has sold roughly $52 million worth of her holdings days before the company's next Starship test flight, scheduled for Monday. The sale is drawing attention because it comes shortly before a high-profile launch, though executives routinely sell shares for diversification and tax reasons and SpaceX remains a private company with limited disclosure.

A Quanta Magazine article explaining the holographic principle in physics is being discussed on Hacker News. The idea is that gravity in a volume of space can be described by information encoded on that volume's boundary, as in the AdS/CFT correspondence, suggesting three-dimensional reality may emerge from lower-dimensional information. Commenters on the post are debating what this implies about the fundamental nature of space, time and whether reality is a projection.

A treatment for insomnia may do more than improve sleep: it could also slow biological aging, according to recent reporting on the science. The suggestion that a therapy targeting poor sleep might influence aging at the cellular level has caught attention, linking two major health concerns — sleep quality and longevity — in a single finding.

Researchers have found that everyday plastic cleaning sponges shed trillions of microscopic fibers during normal use, adding a previously underestimated source of microplastics to household wastewater and the environment. The finding suggests routine cleaning chores may be contributing far more plastic pollution than assumed, prompting discussion about safer alternatives and possible regulatory scrutiny of common sponge materials.

New research suggests radiation exposure could trigger a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease in the brain, adding to concerns about the neurological effects of radiation from medical treatments, occupational settings or space travel. The finding points to possible mechanisms linking radiation to dementia-like changes, though scientists caution more work is needed to confirm the risk in humans.

Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei previously warned that autonomous AI agents could take over the 'entire internet' if they ran out of control. The warning is being revisited after reports that OpenAI's tools have been involved in bot-driven activity online, fuelling debate about whether his scenario is starting to materialise.

Federal Reserve official Michael Barr said additional interest rate hikes are likely needed to bring inflation back to the central bank's target. The remarks add to expectations that the Fed will keep monetary policy restrictive, with investors and analysts weighing how much further borrowing costs may rise and what that means for markets and the broader economy.

Scientists may have misinterpreted a geological clue dating back roughly 2 billion years, according to a new report highlighted by ScienceDaily. The finding suggests that assumptions about Earth's ancient history could need revising, with potential implications for how researchers understand the planet's early environmental and climate conditions. Details of the specific evidence and the scientific debate remain limited.

Australian authorities have formally summoned the chief executives of OpenAI and Anthropic to appear before a public inquiry into artificial intelligence. The move marks a rare step of compelling US AI company leaders to testify abroad. The inquiry is examining the risks and regulation of advanced AI systems, and attention is on whether the executives will attend and what commitments they may offer.

A question is being raised over whether markets are pricing in too many interest rate increases from the European Central Bank. With inflation pressures still elevated, investors have been betting on a series of further hikes, but some analysts argue those expectations may overshoot what the ECB will actually deliver.

SpaceX may be preparing a push into the US mobile market, building on its satellite connectivity ambitions, even as Elon Musk says the 'Star' branding across his companies has spread too far. Observers are watching whether the company will follow its Starlink internet service with a direct-to-consumer mobile offering, and how Musk squares that expansion with his branding comments.

A new report highlights that five distinct diseases, despite appearing unrelated, may share a common underlying biological mechanism. The finding suggests that a single process in the body could contribute to conditions usually treated by separate medical specialties. Researchers say such connections could eventually open the door to shared diagnostic approaches or treatments, though the report gives few specifics about the illnesses involved.

Billionaire investor Bill Ackman argues that the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate hike could actually make inflation worse rather than curb it. His warning challenges the central bank's standard playbook, suggesting higher rates may raise costs and stoke price pressures, and is fueling debate among investors and economists about the Fed's policy path.

Reports suggest Apple may be considering a return to the server market, a business it exited years ago. The move would put the company in direct competition with established server and data-center players amid growing demand for AI infrastructure. Observers are watching whether Apple's chip ambitions could translate into server hardware, reshuffling the competitive landscape among major technology vendors.

A new study suggests a widely used dietary supplement may increase muscle strength even in people who do not exercise, according to coverage by ScienceAlert. If confirmed, the finding could have implications for older adults and people unable to train, though details of the study, the supplement involved and the size of the effect have not been widely reported yet.

Researchers have gained new insight into what dogs actually perceive when they look at human faces, examining how dogs process facial expressions and cues from people. The findings are drawing attention for offering a rare window into how man's best friend reads us, with coverage highlighting that dogs may pick up on emotional signals in faces more than previously understood.

A new US intelligence assessment warns that Saudi Arabia may still choose to pursue nuclear weapons, despite ongoing diplomacy over a potential normalization deal with Israel that would include US civilian nuclear cooperation. The warning highlights persistent concern in Washington that Riyadh wants a nuclear option as a hedge against regional rival Iran, complicating negotiations.

The Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology is investigating a data breach affecting 48 companies. The agency has not yet detailed which firms are involved, how many people may be affected, or who is behind the breach. The probe adds to ongoing concerns in the Philippines over cybersecurity and the protection of personal data following several recent large-scale incidents.

MIT Technology Review's newsletter The Download argues that recent AI breakthroughs and the fears surrounding them are largely overblown, urging readers not to believe the hype. The piece questions how real the latest advances are, suggesting both the promises and the anxieties may be overstated.

Saudi Arabia has signaled it may be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to a New York Times report on US-Saudi politics. The statement marks a notable shift in the kingdom's public stance on nuclear armament, a topic long tied to regional rivalry with Iran and to negotiations over civilian nuclear cooperation and security guarantees with Washington.

The Trump administration is moving to lower federal fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks, rolling back efficiency requirements that had been set to tighten over the coming years. Automakers and environmental groups are expected to clash over the change: manufacturers may welcome reduced compliance costs, while critics warn it will raise gasoline consumption and emissions. The move marks a significant shift in US vehicle policy.

Bitcoin briefly rose above the $85,000 level, recording an intraday gain of 1.03% before settling back. The move marks a modest recovery for the cryptocurrency, which has faced volatility in recent trading sessions. Market watchers are treating the milestone as a sign of renewed buying interest, though analysts caution that gains at this level may not hold without sustained momentum and broader market support.

Analysts say the $32 trillion US Treasury market may be entering a new phase in which interest rates around 5% become the norm, as yields on instruments such as the five-year note move higher. The shift would mark a break from the near-zero rate years and reshape expectations for borrowing costs, equities and the broader economy.

UBS analysts published research arguing that AI shopping agents could significantly reshape hardline, broadline and food retail. The report examines how automated assistants that search, compare and purchase on behalf of consumers may alter how customers find products, shift pricing power and change the role of retailers' websites and brands in the buying process.