Daily Archives: July 12, 2021

Military leaders warn of an "increased potential" for nuclear war in several parts of the world.Nuclear Escalation

A newly-uncovered military document portends a horrifying future, warning that the risk of nuclear warfare is on the rise.

The document, which was obtained and shared online by the Federation of American Scientists on Tuesday, is the latest edition of a manual meant to offer updates on the state of military activity around the world and guidance on how the United States military ought to proceed. Unfortunately, as The Warzone notes, theres not a whole lot of good news this time around the document highlights not only failed non-proliferation attempts but also active development of new nuclear weaponry around the world alongside increasingly tense situations that are primed for escalation.

In addition to observations like how since 2010 no potential adversary has reduced either the role of nuclear weapons in its national security strategy or the number of nuclear weapons it fields, the document squarely points fingers at Russia, North Korea, and China for continuing to increase their nuclear arsenals while also sounding alarm bells about Irans capacity to become a nuclear power in the future.

Thats not necessarily new, according to The Warzones analysis. But in this most recent edition of the annually-released document, the military now points to those countries specific technological developments and policies rather than issuing a vague warning about nuclear proliferation in general.

Unsurprisingly, the document also presents the United States military as the good guys who want to see a world without nukes. However, in response to the rising threat of annihilation, the document now recommends a flexible position that would allow the US to respond to any threats in kind meaning that, as usual, everybody is contributing to the problem.

READ MORE: Pentagon Warns Of An Increased Potential For Nuclear Conflict In Newly Disclosed Manual [The Warzone]

More on nuclear war: New Russian Weapon Is Designed To Unleash Radioactive Tsunamis

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US Military Document Admits That Risk of Nuclear War Is Growing - Futurism

It just feels like one of those postapocalyptic movies.Postapocalytpic Scenario

A horrifying scenario has unfolded in the wake of the deadly heatwave that has rocked the Pacific Northwest as scientists have discovered that roughly one billion marine animals have died due to high temperatures.

The extreme heat throughout Western US and Canada over the past two weeks have left more than a billion sea creatures dead, according to The New York Times. The heatwave has been directly attributed to tragic sights such as dead mussels that were cooked alive in their shells, dead and dehydrated sea stars, and schools of salmon struggling to swim in overheated rivers.

It just feels like one of those postapocalyptic movies, said Christopher Harley, a marine biologist at the University of British Columbia, to the NYT.

To calculate the deaths, Harley examined a specific region of shoreline for blue mussels. He drew on data about the amount of mussels that have died in that area, as well as the other creatures that live in those mussel beds.

In the end, he was able to estimate that more than a billion sea creatures died due to the heat.

In response, some government organizations have had to physically remove creatures from their waters to cooler environments. For example, the Idaho Fish and Game agency has begun capturing and transporting endangered sockeye salmon from their overheated rivers to hatcheries.

Some other fish arent so lucky, such as the chinook salmon in Californias central valley where the water is expected to get too hot for eggs and young salmon to survive.

Were looking at maybe 90 percent mortality, maybe even higher, this year, said Jonathan Ambrose, a biologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While the toll on the creatures is overwhelming, the impact this is all having on the researchers who have devoted their lives and work to studying and caring for the environment is having dispiriting effects too.

I want to find the positives and there are some, but its pretty overwhelming right now, said Harley. Because if we become too depressed or too overwhelmed, we wont keep trying. And we need to keep trying.

READ MORE: Like in Postapocalyptic Movies: Heat Wave Killed Marine Wildlife en Masse [NYT]

More on heatwave: The Climate Change-Linked Heatwave Has Now Killed Hundreds of People

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Recent Heatwaves Have Killed More Than 1 Billion Sea Creatures - Futurism

Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson has successfully flown to space and safely landed back to Earth.

The 70-year-old billionaire rode aboard the V.S.S. Unity rocket plane on Sunday morning. Unity took off from Spaceport America in New Mexico, and was carried by another plane up, dubbed Mothership Eve, to roughly 50,000 feet before being released. The craft then ignited its rockets and accelerated to an altitude of 50 miles which is the point the US government considers to be the beginning of outer space.

The flight took roughly an hour from take off to touch down. During this time, Branson and his fellow crew members evaluated the experience for future Virgin Galactic customers. They were also able to experience weightlessness for a brief period of time while the craft was at its peak arc above the Earth.

Branson was a part of a crew of six to take part in the inaugural Virgin Galactic flight, according to The New York Times. Joining the mogul were pilots David Mackay and Michael Masucci, as well as three mission specialists who helped evaluate the experience for future astronauts.

The specialists included Beth Moses, chief astronaut instructor; Colin Bennet, lead operations engineer; and Sirisha Bandla, vice president of government affairs and research operations at Virgin Galactic.

Of course, the true beginning of outer space is a hotly debated topic. Its even resulted in a hilariously aggressive infographic from Blue Origin arguing that the Krmn Line a point roughly 62 miles in altitude is the true beginning of outer space.

Branson said that the flight was an experience of a lifetime during the Unitys descent and hes no doubt right. Regardless of what you think of the whole billionaires-going-into-space trend, its pretty cool that we get to see space tourism finally take off (literally) after decades of work and research. This undoubtedly is a huge step forward for a new era of space travel and exploration.

Watch the full flight below:

More on billionaire space race:Blue Origin Is Officially Feuding with Virgin Galactic

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BREAKING: Richard Branson Successfully Flies to Space on Virgin Rocket - Futurism

Jeff Bezos space company, Blue Origin, is reportedly falling out of favor with one of its largest customers.

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) is planning to use two of Blue Origins BE-4 rocket engines to build its Vulcan rocket, a two-stage, heavy-lift launch vehicle thats currently under development.

Its an agreement that dates back almost seven years. But the engine is now years behind schedule, as Ars Technicas Eric Berger reports, to the dismay of ULAs leadership.

There is great concern about this engine development, an industry insider told Berger. Its much more than [ULA CEO] Tory Bruno is showing publicly. There is great concern that Blue is not putting enough attention and priority on the engine.

Bruno is still publicly optimistic, claiming back in December that Vulcan still has a chance to launch some time this year but a 2022 launch is far more likely, Berger argues. A hot fire test of the rocket, including flight engines, was scheduled for this summer but has yet to take place.

The CEO, however, has been unusually patient with Blue Origin and hasnt publicly griped about the delays.

It does no good to throw Blue Origin under the bus, an unnamed source told Berger.

ULAs current tried-and-true Atlas V rocket uses Russian rocket engines and as US-Russia relations have soured over the years, the rocket became increasingly unpopular among lawmakers.

So the SpaceX competitor had to go out looking for an alternative. In 2014, ULA chose Blue Origins BE-4 over rocket developer Aerojet Rocketdynes AR1.

Aerojet may not be entirely out of the race, Berger reports. In fact, ULA co-owner Lockheed is looking to acquire the rocket maker.

But reversing its decision to go with the BE-4 could prove extremely difficult. Even the AR-1 wont be fired up until late last year, according to CNBC. The two engines also use different sources of fuel, requiring extensive modifications.

So for now, ULA is stuck while its waiting for Blue Origin to finalize its BE-4 engine. Even Bezoss flight to the edge of space later this month wont be much of a distraction.

READ MORE: Increasingly, the ULA-Blue Origin marriage is an unhappy one [Ars Technica]

More on ULA: Elon Musk Offers to Bring a Few Spare Engines to Rocket Competitor

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There's Reportedly Massive Drama Inside Jeff Bezos' Wannabe Space Company - Futurism

Tomorrowland is a true testament to Walt Disneys passion for space travel and sustaining the future of the world. Located in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom, Guests take an intergalactic tour through the thrilling Space Mountain attraction, learn about the onward movement of the 20th century with Walt Disneys Carousel of Progress and sit back and relax while enjoying an aerial view of Tomorrowland on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover.

While Guests take in this futuristic land, many Disney fans walk by one impressive detail that makes this Disney Park so special, the Tomorrowland palm trees!

Have you ever noticed Floridas palm trees in Tomorrowland look a bit different? These metal trees were put here for a specific reason, and Disneys attention to detail is quite impressive in Tomorrowland.

Located right in front of Space Mountain and Tomorrowland Light and Power Company, these future-forward palm trees actually have a backstory, which brings us back to Tomorrowlands gift shop.

Related:Guide to Disney Animal Kingdom Tree of Life

Paying homage to the topic of energy in Tomorrowland, Tomorrowland Light and Power Company invented these metal Palm Trees called Power Palms to store energy from the sun. Notice the coconuts? These globes that hang from the trees are meant to store and power the entire area of Tomorrowland!

Once the globes are completely charged with energy, the Light and Power Company removes and harvests the coconuts and the palm leaves are folded up. Guests will notice one of the trees is actually folded up, and the globes have been removed to keep with the storyline.

As World of Walt points out, These globes dont actually store energy but are a fantastic backstory that Disney created and keeps with the theme of Tomorrowland. Check out the image below, can you spot the tree that has been harvested, while other trees in the background still have their coconuts?

Guests who visit Magic Kingdom can find Tomorrowland just next to the hub and right side of Cinderella Castle. For those who are unaware, Here is a list of attractions that are currently in Tomorrowland.

One of the most anticipated attractions coming to Tomorrowland is TRON Lightcycle / Run. Construction is coming along and looking more and more like Shanghai Disneylands version. You can see the latest images of Tron here.

One of the reasons I adore Disney so much is the attention to detail and innovative ideas that Disney Imagineers create throughout each land.

Although these trees may be overlooked by many theme park goers, and as many Guests prefer to enjoy attractions and themed Disney dining, I cant help but stop and enjoy the little things that make Disney Parks so magical!

Whats your favorite part of Tomorrowland? Should Disney take this backstory and invent the real thing? Let us know in the comments below!

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One Futuristic Tomorrowland Detail You May Have Missed! Inside the Magic - Inside the Magic

One thing that all Apple fanatics are wondering all the time is what will the Apple car look like? This electric car is probably the most anticipated automotive design in a long time! Though we may not know much about it, one thing is for sure -its going to be unlike anything weve ever seen before. As we wait for the release of this innovative automotive, here are some of the best Apple Car concepts weve come across! These inspirational concepts will have you itching to see the real deal on the road very soon!

Meet the Apple One, a sophisticated-looking SUV created in the image of the company behind the iPhone. Peiserts Concept One embodies all the good aspects of Apple (and a few unsavory ones) into a design thats meant for the entire family. Its a luxury car, but it isnt a sedan. Instead, the Apple One is a one-for-all sort of SUV that accommodates 4 or more people pretty spaciously. Its proportions (and especially that headlight) feel slightly like a cross between theTesla Cybertruckand the Rivian SUV. The design is mildly angular but doesnt come with any edgy surfaces or straight lines. Instead, everything curves rather organically a feature also seen in the continuous curves found on Apple products.

The Apple iV (iVehicle, or iVan) minivan would come with a clean, no-nonsense design language best associated with the brand, along with the glowing Apple logo once seen on the companys MacBooks. Available in the three colors often associated with the brands image (white, space gray, jet black), the iV looks large enough to seat well over 4 people, but the presence of only two doors would indicate a seating pattern thats different from that commonly found in minivans. Look carefully and theres a green dot beneath the Apple logo on the front as well as the back, possibly indicating the presence of self-driving sensors.

While you might want to dismiss this as the future of the Apple Car, still the design looks interesting if ever there was a low rung variant of the Apple car like the iPhone 12 Mini. While it might not turn any eyeballs, still it is an interesting take, mashing up the Honda E with the retro iMac G3. It has the G3 split-color design draped in Platinum Pearl White front and a transparent Bondi blue black-end. Sure nostalgia is the dominating emotion here, but pitting it against a Tesla Model 3 wont be a good idea.

According to some sources, the Apple Car will not have any drivers seat or even driving controls which could be a bummer for motorheads who love the feel of controlling their machine. What the Apple Car will look like is anybodys guess but to give a close idea of what it may be like, Ali Cams Apple Car 2076 is a good reference point to take home some inspiration. Adopting Apples sharp design aesthetics, the car looks like a mouse shaped like a car at first glance, but then you realize its actually a minimal car concept. Loaded with advanced driving systems Ali envisions the blueprint far in the distant future the year 2076 to be precise. The choice of year apparently is the 100the anniversary of Apple ever since it was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne.

Being the first car that was offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and a full EV the Hyundai Ioniq is the inspiration for this render mashed up with the Magic Mouse in a render that looks so future-forward and balanced for a compact EV design. The Apple logo is prominent even on the panoramic windshield, and the front grill. But would anything like this take shape of the Apple Car?

Dare I say, I like this Apple more than any post-Jobs release?! Despite being an exploration in automotive design and not tech gadgetry, its minimalism and purity look quintessentially Apple and it feels like something straight out of the brands heyday. Little is known about the conceptual specs except that its electric (of course) but put our pre-order in! We think Jobs might just approve of this one.

Since Apple and Kia were in the limelight a few months ago for their speculated collaboration, it didnt see the light of day. This amalgam was destined to be here with the quirky-looking Kia Soul EV crossover SUV morphing partly into an iMac Pro which is a powerful machine to own. That said, the machine is going to be discontinued from the Apple family. Leasefetcher imagines the Apple Car could have the iMacs Space Grey skin, highlighted by the tall profile of the windscreens on the back and the rear.

Designer Ashish Gogtes take on the Apple Car seamlessly integrates into the existing Apple ecosystem a feature that current Apple users value the most. Ashish likes to call it the iCar, and the vehicle has an upright stance like the Apple Mouse 2. Modularity is at the core of this concept Apple car wherein the front and the rear wheel assembly is swappable with a different one. Furthermore, the driving assembly has the battery integrated into the design to keep the modularity aspect at the forefront. We can even swap the drivetrain with a more powerful version or any future updated chassis that Apple designs. This brings a practical scalability aspect to the concept car, which is, in a way, intriguing.

This performance-laden render truly demonstrates the future aesthetics of the Apple Car since it is an amalgam of one of the most iconic supercars of all time the Nissan GT-R and the best ever iPhone that one can own the iPhone 12 Pro. The Nissan GT-R is undoubtedly one of the best aesthetically inviting designs that Apple could take some cues. Leasefetcher emphasis the adoption of the Nissan Ultimate Silver color along with the flowing shape extenuated by the iPhone 12 Pro button-styled door handles. The LED headlights are inspired by the camera module and the grille takes shape of the edges of the smartphone.

There have been so many concept iCars around, Im guessing Apple is just as tired as I am. Not many designers focus on the driving experience though. Just the outer body. Designer Matias Papalini imagined the dashboard complete with an interactive wide touchscreen. The steering wheel is completely detachable and can dock into the dashboard to enter driving mode. Unplug the wheel and youre in auto-pilot mode. Not just that, you can watch movies in an almost-cinemascope style experience! The dashboard, however, is just half the magic. Your steering wheel has functionality that allows you to manipulate content on your dashboard. Not just that, you can dock your iPhone in your steering wheel for more convenient access.

Read more:
Futuristic Apple Car Concepts that are like the iPhone 12 Pro Max of smart electric vehicles! - Yanko Design

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), in partnership with a Bengaluru based start-up, would soon get the approval to develop a futuristic High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS).

Sources told The Hans India that HAL is already working on its design and would take around three to four years to develop HAPS before being inducted.

"The approval will come and it will take a minimum of 3-4 years to develop HAPS before it is inducted. HAL is already working on its design. It is a giant leap in technology. It will weigh more than 500 kg, will be solar energised and can fly at 70,000 feet and stay there for months," sources said.

The plan to develop the High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) was revealed during Aero India. The solar-powered unmanned aircraft HAPS operates in the stratosphere at an altitude of 70,000 feet.

They are designed to bridge the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and conventional satellites. They could coordinate in strike missions providing communication to the troops with live video feeds and images.

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Defence PSU HAL To Develop Futuristic High Altitude Pseudo Satellite To Assist Armed Forces In Strike Missions - Swarajya

A horrifying new trend is emerging in the face of climate change: more areas are growing so hot and humid that people are simply dying.

In fact, these heat and humidity conditions becoming far more common than experts previously assumed, according to research published in the journal Science Advances last May. In the study, scientists identified over 7,000 examples of these deadly wet bulb conditions in between 1979 and 2019 and the data shows that theyve been steadily increasing in frequency over the years.

Even if theyre in perfect health, even if theyre sitting in the shade, even if theyre wearing clothes that make it easy in principle to sweat, even if they have an endless supply of water, study coauthor and a Columbia University environmental scientist Radley Horton told Motherboard. If theres enough moisture in the air, its thermodynamically impossible to prevent the body from overheating.

With enough heat and humidity, all of your sweat just stays on your skin rather than cooling you off by evaporating. That means that the body is stuck at such an elevated temperature that it starts to shut down a growing hazard for laborers, people without air conditioning, or those in regions hit by the deadly, infrastructure-destroying heat waves.

Scientists have found that wet bulb conditions in which temperatures exceed 88 degrees Fahrenheit 95 degrees for seemingly certain doom under high humidity are on the rise in South Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and multiple chunks of the United States.

Thats bad news on its own, but its also caught experts off guard. Scientists predicted an onslaught of wet bulb scenarios in the coming decades, Motherboard reports, and the fact that theyre already happening with alarming frequency is troubling news for our chances of preventing the worst impacts of climate change.

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Places Are Increasingly Getting So Hot That People Just Die - Futurism

Police in India recently broke up a massive ring of scammers who injected thousands of people with fake COVID-19 vaccines and collected the profits from the worthless shots.

The scammers injected about 2,500 victims with salt water instead of the coronavirus vaccines they promised, making off with about $28,000, CNN reports. The scammers ran over a dozen fake vaccination sites in and around Mumbai as they took advantage of a terrified public that trusted them to keep them safe.

Shockingly, genuine health care workers appear to have participated in the scheme.

We have arrested doctors, senior Mumbai police official Vishal Thakur told CNN. They were using a hospital which was producing the fake certificates, vials, syringes.

The scam became apparent after victims grew suspicious of their total lack of side effects as well as the cash payments they had to make for the shots once the government began to provide vaccines for free and injections became more common, according to a June lawsuit. But by then there were already over 2,000 victims, CNN notes.

So far, 14 people involved in the elaborate scam have been arrested on charges ranging from criminal conspiracy to culpable homicide, Thakur told CNN. Most of the fake injections were administered in late May and early June, when India was in the throes of a horrific surge in coronavirus cases and deaths during which hundreds of thousands of cases were being confirmed every day.

As that surge eased up and Indias healthcare system pulled back from the brink of being utterly overwhelmed, the government was able to focus on its centralized vaccination program and scammers took the opportunity to prey on the vulnerable population.

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Scammers Inject Thousands of People With Fake Vaccines - Futurism