🌞 Solar Power's New Giants, China’s Science Supremacy and Microsoft Security Woes
Happy Day! Wrap up with our curated highlights, featuring the most significant discoveries and updates in the realms of technology and AI.
Today’s pick
Solar Power’s Giants Are Providing More Energy Than Big Oil
China has become a scientific superpower
Congress seeks answers from Microsoft boss after a 'cascade' of security errors
Google patches exploited Android zero-day on Pixel devices
Unigrid wants to make batteries cheaper and safer using sodium
Let’s dive in
Solar Power’s Giants Are Providing More Energy Than Big Oil
By David Fickling via Bloomberg
Seven Chinese companies are emerging as dominant players in 21st-century energy, surpassing the influence of Big Oil's Seven Sisters from the 20th century.
Firms like Tongwei Co., Longi Green Energy Technology Co., and Trina Solar Co. are leading the solar energy revolution, outpacing traditional oil giants like Exxon Mobil and Shell.
The shift highlights a significant transformation in global energy dynamics, with solar power's increasing prominence over conventional oil sources.
𝕏: This is INSANE: Seven Chinese solar companies most people haven’t heard of are ALREADY providing more energy for the global economy than Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP and the other Seven Sisters who once dominated oil production - David Fickling (@davidfickling)
China has become a scientific superpower
The Economist
China has emerged as a scientific superpower, showcasing significant advancements in agricultural biotechnology.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the world's largest research organization, is leading innovative breakthroughs in crop genetics, enhancing yields and resilience.
China's scientific efforts are transforming global agriculture, with genetically modified crops like giant rice and improved maize becoming key examples of their impact.
𝕏: Rare for me - maybe even unprecedented - to praise the Economist but this might be the seminal article on the current status of China's scientific might. - Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand)
The best way to reach new readers is through word of mouth. If you click THIS LINK in your inbox, it’ll create an easy-to-send pre-written email you can just fire off to some friends.
Congress seeks answers from Microsoft boss after a 'cascade' of security errors
By Joseph Menn via Washington Post
Microsoft faced intense scrutiny from Congress over multiple security lapses that allowed hackers to access federal officials' email accounts.
The House Homeland Security Committee grilled Brad Smith, highlighting concerns over Microsoft's ability to maintain security as a dominant government contractor.
Criticisms included the company's handling of a major breach involving Chinese hackers and concerns over a new feature, Recall, which could potentially expose sensitive user data to electronic intruders.
𝕏: Today, I appeared in front of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security to discuss Microsoft's commitment and ongoing work to strengthen cybersecurity protection. - Brad Smith (@BradSmi)
Google patches exploited Android zero-day on Pixel devices
By Sergiu Gatlan via BleepingComputer
Google has patched a high-severity zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-32896, affecting Pixel devices, which was actively exploited in targeted attacks.
The June update addressed a total of 50 security issues, including critical vulnerabilities, to enhance the overall security of Pixel smartphones.
Users are encouraged to update their devices to mitigate the risk of exploitation and protect against potential security threats
Unigrid wants to make batteries cheaper and safer using sodium
By Tim De Chant via TechCrunch
Unigrid is developing sodium-ion batteries to offer a cheaper and safer alternative to lithium-ion, utilizing abundant materials and new chemistry.
The company aims to provide cost-effective energy storage solutions for buildings and small vehicles, particularly in regions with high temperatures where lithium-ion batteries are prone to overheating.
Unigrid has raised $12 million in Series A funding to accelerate production and hopes to bring these batteries to market within the next five years.
𝕏: A second start-up Unigrid from @LESC_Public has completed its A series. So proud of Dr. Darren Tan, an alum and CEO who is leading this incredible journey! - Ying Shirley Meng (@YingShirleyMeng)
Trending in AI
Luma AI debuts ‘Dream Machine’ for realistic video generation, heating up AI media race
OpenAI appoints Retired U.S. Army General Paul M. Nakasone to Board of Directors
Thanks for reading to the bottom and soaking in our Newslit Daily fueled with highlights for your morning.
I hope you found it interesting and, needless to say, if you have any questions or feedback let me know by hitting reply.
Take care and see you on Monday!
P.S. Want to advertise with us? We’d love to hear from you.
How was today’s email?
🫤 Not Great | 🙂 Good | 🤩 Amazing