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Researchers have engineered a material that is as soft as skin but remarkably strong.

Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) team in South Korea has developed an innovative magnetic composite artificial muscle. This new material can adapt its stiffness, transitioning from soft to rigid, and vice versa.

Interestingly, artificial muscle showcases “an impressive ability to withstand loads comparable to those of automobiles.”

The lightbulb illuminated our world, the airplane connected it, and the iPhone put it in our pockets. Here’s the case for tech-optimism.

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In a world where innovation is often met with skepticism, longterm optimism is the driving force behind technological advancements. History has shown us time and again that even the most groundbreaking innovations—like the lightbulb, the bicycle, and the airplane—started as failures. But those who believed in the potential of these technologies saw past their initial limitations, and it was this belief that transformed the world into the one we have today.

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple, once doubted the first Macintosh’s impact, despite being one of the creators. Time and time again, history has shown us that a forward-looking mindset and a belief in potential can transform even sub-par prototypes into lasting innovations. The optimism that drove Edison, the Wright brothers, and Steve Jobs is the same force that continues to shape our future.

Embracing tech optimism isn’t just about hope; it’s a recognition that progress often comes from persistence and a willingness to look beyond early setbacks. History shows that with a bit of patience and a positive outlook, even imperfect technology can evolve into something impactful.

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere in Europe.

While some are worried about its long-term impact, a team of researchers at the University of Technology in Vienna is working on responsible ways to use AI.

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From industry to healthcare to the media and even the creative arts, artificial intelligence is already having an impact on our daily lives. It’s hailed by advocates as a gift to humanity, but others worry about the long-term effects on society.

Developed and fiercely defended by some, criticised if not openly feared by others, the phrase on everyone’s lips, AI, Artificial Intelligence, generates passionate hopes but also widespread concerns throughout the European Union. Who are the potential winners, and who are the potential losers of this new digital revolution in the making? We travelled to Austria and Estonia to try to find out.

Around 3/4 of European employees have already had practical experience with AI. Artificial Intelligence already develops new virtual reality tools. It helps transcribe medieval manuscripts. It contributes to the design of autonomous vehicles, or futuristic buildings. But its use is also raising concerns in schools and universities, while workers and trade unions fear its effect on certain job categories.

Tesla began rolling out a significant update to its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software on Saturday, shifting the city-streets driving system to a single, end-to-end neural network model in FSD version 12.5.6.3.

Last week, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the company’s FSD technology “is now almost entirely AI.” In early October, Musk had stated that FSD “will soon exceed 10,000 miles between critical interventions, which is a year of driving for most people.”

He has frequently voiced concerns over the Biden administration’s approach to immigration and the economy, and claimed free speech would be at risk with another Democrat presidency.

As one of the president-elect’s most important backers, the tech billionaire donated more than $119m (£92m) to fund a Super PAC aimed at re-electing Trump.

He also spent the last weeks before election day running a get-out-the-vote effort in the battleground states, which included a daily giveaway of $1m to voters in those states.