MAINSTREAM WIRED

6 Best Mesh Wi-Fi Systems (2025), Tested in a Tech Reviewer's Home

A recent review evaluated six top mesh Wi-Fi systems to address common issues like patchy internet and dead zones in homes. The tested systems aim to provide seamless, reliable coverage across multiple rooms, enhancing connectivity for users with large or complex living spaces. The review involved hands-on testing in a real home environment, assessing factors such as signal strength, ease of setup, speed, and overall performance. Each system was analyzed for its ability to maintain stable connections and support multiple devices simultaneously. These mesh networks are designed to replace traditional routers, offering a more efficient way to distribute Wi-Fi signals evenly throughout a property. The findings highlight the importance of choosing a system that matches specific household needs, including size and device density. By improving wireless coverage, these mesh Wi-Fi systems can significantly enhance user experience, supporting activities like streaming, gaming, and remote work without interruption.

7 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Gizmodo

The Ocean Is a Carbon Toilet. Marine Heat Waves Are Clogging It.

Scientists have discovered that marine heat waves in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, particularly off Alaska, are disrupting the ocean’s natural carbon sequestration process. Normally, tiny organisms like phytoplankton absorb carbon dioxide and produce fecal pellets that sink to the seafloor, effectively locking away carbon and regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. However, prolonged heat waves from 2013 to 2015 and 2019 to 2020 altered the composition of phytoplankton and zooplankton, reducing the ocean’s ability to transport carbon to deeper waters. This disruption, described as “clogging the ocean’s carbon toilet,” threatens the ocean’s role in mitigating climate change, as oceans absorb about a quarter of human-generated CO2 emissions. The study, based on a decade of data from autonomous Biogeochemical Argo floats, highlights regional variations but raises concerns about broader impacts of warming seas on marine ecosystems and global climate regulation. The findings underscore the interconnected risks to ocean health, atmospheric carbon levels, and human reliance on marine resources.

7 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM WIRED

16 Best Camera Bags, Slings, Straps, and Backpacks (2025), Tested and Reviewed

The article reviews the top camera bags, slings, straps, and backpacks for 2025, highlighting the Wandrd Prvke V4 as a standout choice. This updated backpack features improved zippered access, enhanced internal organization, and durable materials like P900-denier tarpaulin and ballistic nylon. It comfortably fits essential photography gear, including a Nikon Z6 III with lenses, a Godox V1 flash, and a 16-inch MacBook Pro, with additional compartments for accessories and personal items. The bag offers padded straps and a luggage passthrough for comfort during extended use and travel. The review also praises the Wandrd Rogue Sling V2 as an excellent everyday sling option, emphasizing its compact size and practical design for lighter gear loads. Both products reflect Wandrd’s commitment to functional, durable, and thoughtfully designed camera carrying solutions. These bags cater to photographers seeking reliable, versatile storage that balances protection, accessibility, and comfort, making them relevant for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

8 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM MIT Technology Review

The Download: introducing the 10 climate tech companies to watch for 2025

The MIT Technology Review has released its third annual list highlighting 10 climate tech companies poised to make significant advances by 2025. These firms focus on decarbonizing key sectors such as energy, food production, and goods distribution, addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions amid escalating climate risks. Despite political and funding uncertainties, especially in the US, the list emphasizes ongoing innovation as essential to meeting global climate goals. Bill Gates underscores the challenge, noting that current technologies are insufficient or costly, but expresses optimism about human ingenuity driving future solutions. The initiative aims to spotlight promising companies contributing to emission reductions and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. Separately, efforts to track immigration enforcement activities online face setbacks, with platforms removing crowd-sourced projects monitoring ICE raids, reflecting ongoing tensions around surveillance and civil rights.

8 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM CNET News

Best Carpet Cleaners: I Used Real Life Messes as the Ultimate Test

A comprehensive test compared popular upright carpet cleaners using real-life stains such as chocolate syrup, ketchup, red wine, pet urine, and Sharpie marker on white carpets. The evaluation focused on stain removal effectiveness, odor elimination, ease of use, drying time, and noise levels. The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam was rated best overall, particularly excelling at removing pet odors. The Tineco Carpet One Cruiser stood out for tough stain removal and quiet operation. For budget-conscious buyers, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X offered good value and lightweight design. The Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce was praised for ease of use and fast drying. Testing was conducted in a home environment by a pet and toddler parent, emphasizing practical performance in everyday situations. The findings are timely as the holiday season approaches, helping consumers choose effective carpet cleaners to maintain fresh, clean carpets during gatherings.

8 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM Ars Technica

Elon Musk tries to make Apple and mobile carriers regret choosing Starlink rivals

SpaceX is set to acquire $17 billion worth of spectrum licenses from EchoStar, pending regulatory approval, to enhance Starlink’s satellite service for mobile phones. The deal grants SpaceX rights to 50 MHz of spectrum in the 1.9 and lower 2 GHz bands, enabling phone, text, and broadband services from space, particularly in areas lacking terrestrial coverage. This move challenges existing partnerships between major carriers like AT&T and Verizon and satellite rivals such as AST SpaceMobile. Apple, reportedly reconsidering its deal with Globalstar, may also question its decision to reject SpaceX’s offer. The FCC, influenced by Chairman Brendan Carr, pressured EchoStar to sell its spectrum after SpaceX accused the company of underutilizing it. Carr’s actions have facilitated spectrum acquisitions by SpaceX and AT&T, with Verizon also negotiating purchases. SpaceX plans to launch up to 15,000 new satellites by 2027 and is collaborating with chip manufacturers to integrate necessary technology into phones, aiming to provide widespread mobile connectivity via Starlink.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM CNET News

Best Family Phone Plans for 2025

Experts evaluated family phone plans from major U.S. carriers to identify the best options for 2025, focusing on value, features, and suitability for multiple users. T-Mobile’s Essentials plan stands out for affordability, offering three lines at $90 with 50GB of high-speed 5G data per line, unlimited calls and texts in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the ability to add up to six lines. However, data speeds in Canada and Mexico slow to 2G, and hotspot use is limited to 3G speeds. Verizon’s Unlimited Welcome plan, priced at $120 for three lines, is noted for its perks and reliable coverage, making it a strong choice for families seeking premium features. T-Mobile’s Experience More plan is a runner-up, offering four lines at $170 with enhanced benefits. AT&T’s family plans were not recommended. The analysis highlights the importance of matching plan features to family needs while considering network performance and cost.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM WIRED

How to Get Your Kids Into STEM Even When Its Future Is Uncertain

The article addresses the growing uncertainty surrounding STEM education and careers, particularly for students entering college in 2025. Factors contributing to this uncertainty include reduced funding for scientific research due to political shifts and the rise of artificial intelligence, which some believe may overshadow human contributions to breakthroughs. Despite these challenges, STEM remains a valuable and engaging field. The piece emphasizes that understanding the nature of science—as a process of building and refining models to explain the world—is crucial for students. Science involves exploration and continuous learning, with room for mistakes and revisions, making it a dynamic and rewarding pursuit. Additionally, a STEM education equips students with versatile skills applicable beyond traditional scientific careers, offering diverse job opportunities. The article encourages viewing STEM not just as a degree but as training to become an explorer and problem-solver in various fields, highlighting its enduring relevance and potential.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM WIRED

Autism Is Not a Single Condition and Has No Single Cause, Scientists Conclude

A recent study published in Nature reveals that autism is not a single condition but encompasses multiple distinct profiles with different biological and developmental origins. Researchers analyzed individuals diagnosed at different ages and found minimal overlap between those identified in early childhood and those diagnosed during adolescence or adulthood. Early-diagnosed children often exhibit behavioral difficulties related to social interaction from a young age, while later-diagnosed individuals tend to develop social and behavioral challenges during adolescence, alongside a higher risk of mental health issues such as depression. Genetic analysis showed that the profiles of later-diagnosed individuals share similarities with conditions like ADHD and PTSD, differing from the genetic markers associated with early childhood autism. The findings suggest that diagnosis timing reflects underlying genetic differences rather than randomness. Experts emphasize that recognizing autism as a spectrum of conditions could improve diagnosis and treatment approaches, highlighting the need to explore how genetics and social factors influence mental health outcomes in those diagnosed later.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM MIT Technology Review

2025 Climate Tech Companies to Watch: HiNa Battery Technology and its effort to commercialize salt cells

HiNa Battery Technology, based in Beijing, is advancing sodium-ion battery technology as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, addressing supply chain risks linked to lithium’s limited geographic availability. Founded in 2017 by Chen, a prominent Chinese battery researcher, and his students, HiNa aims to commercialize sodium-ion cells, which use sodium extracted from abundant sea salt. The company began mass production last year, launching two products: a cube-shaped battery for commercial energy storage and a cylindrical battery for electric mopeds and small vehicles. These batteries offer advantages such as faster charging and better performance in cold climates but currently have lower energy density than lithium-ion batteries, limiting their use in electric cars. HiNa continues to improve energy density through innovations in battery materials and design. Its cube-shaped battery now reaches 165 watt-hours per kilogram, about 80% of mainstream lithium iron phosphate batteries. HiNa’s efforts could diversify the battery market and support the growing demand for sustainable energy storage globally.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM MIT Technology Review

2025 Climate Tech Companies to Watch

The MIT Technology Review has released its third annual list of promising climate technology companies for 2025, highlighting firms making significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The list includes companies from various countries and sectors, such as HiNa Technology in Beijing, which focuses on sodium-ion batteries, and Pairwise Technology in Durham, specializing in gene-edited crops. Other notable companies include Cemvision Technology in Stockholm, developing low-emissions cement, and Traton Technology in Munich, which produces electric vehicles. The list also features firms working on critical minerals recycling, nuclear fission, wind turbines, geothermal energy, and battery recycling, reflecting a broad approach to decarbonizing the economy. This initiative aims to spotlight innovations that can help address the urgent climate crisis despite shifting political and funding landscapes, particularly in the US. By showcasing these companies, the project emphasizes the importance of technological ingenuity in combating climate change and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy and sustainable production methods.

9 hours ago

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MAINSTREAM MIT Technology Review

Bill Gates: Our best weapon against climate change is ingenuity

Bill Gates emphasizes that the world is unlikely to meet the 2015 Paris Agreement’s climate goals primarily due to a lack of sufficient technological tools and the high costs of existing solutions. Despite progress in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and storage, significant innovation is still needed to achieve net-zero emissions. Gates remains optimistic, highlighting human ingenuity and recent breakthroughs that have already lowered the global emissions forecast for 2040 by 40%. He points to his two decades of involvement in climate efforts, including co-founding Breakthrough Energy, which supports over 150 clean energy companies. These innovations are poised to transform global economies, affecting energy, manufacturing, transportation, and food production. Gates warns that government funding cuts for climate innovation risk slowing progress, underscoring the need for focused investment in high-impact solutions. The climate tech ecosystem, though largely US-based, has become a resilient global movement driving essential advancements.

9 hours ago

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