US Nuclear Reactors Reach Milestone, China Approves Nvidia AI Chips

Four microreactors in the United States reached criticality by July 4, marking a significant milestone for nuclear technology. This achievement fulfilled a goal established last year by the Trump administration, which aimed for three new microreactors to achieve criticality by the nation's 250th birthday.

Criticality is a technical milestone indicating a reactor can sustain a chain reaction. This development is viewed as a positive sign for nuclear technologies, especially given the rising need for electricity and emissions-free energy sources. However, achieving criticality does not mean a reactor is prepared to provide electricity to the grid.

In other technology news, China intends to allow its top artificial intelligence firms, such as Alibaba, ByteDance, and DeepSeek, to acquire Nvidia H200 chips. This decision comes after China had previously withheld approval for these purchases, despite authorization from the United States.

NATO is reportedly constructing a network designed to deter Russian attackers. This system will incorporate sensors, drones, satellites, and artificial intelligence for detection purposes.

Researchers are also exploring new methods to combat future El Niño events, including proposals to dim the sun. This approach would involve deflecting solar energy to cool the ocean and mitigate associated risks, although potential unexpected consequences are a consideration.

Additionally, Meta is pursuing a patent for an AI device intended to record users and analyze their emotions, ostensibly to customize workout plans based on mood. As Moore’s Law slows, chipmakers are innovating by stacking transistors vertically to continue advancing chip technology, a method IBM is reportedly adopting. A study also indicated that Ivy League students suspected of AI cheating experienced a drop in in-person scores from 96% to 48%. Furthermore, a new study suggests that parents' phone addictions can negatively impact bonds with their children, potentially leading to insecure attachment and increased anxiety.

A judge has approved Elon Musk's $1.5 million Twitter settlement with the SEC, despite the judge expressing "serious misgivings" and "red flags" regarding the agreement. Musk had been accused of circumventing stock disclosure rules. In space technology, shoebox-sized "detector satellites," or cubesats, are being developed to detect nuclear bombs in space by sensing their radiation, amid suspicions that Russia is developing space-based nuclear weapons.

Finally, a World Cup match featuring Argentina's comeback against Egypt led to a new record for Google Search traffic.

According to MIT Technology Review, these developments span critical areas of technology, energy, defense, and social impact.