Extreme Weekly #9
Museum Cyber-attack, Supercomputer Vaccination, Oyster Solution, Elephant Scandal & More!
January 26th 2025
We are back for the 9th release, and we have some fun and very strange topics to get right into! Welcome to all the new readers and thank you to all.
Hope you enjoy!
01. Humanoid Robots Are Assembling iPhones In China
Now in a groundbreaking move set to transform modern manufacturing, Shenzhen-based UBTech Robotics has entered into a comprehensive long-term partnership with Foxconn, the primary assembler of Apple's iPhones.
This collaboration aims to integrate UBTech's advanced humanoid robots into Foxconn's production lines, enhancing efficiency and precision in tasks that require intricate handling.
UBTech's Walker S1 robot has already undergone two months of training for logistics operations at Foxconn's factories in Shenzhen's Longhua district. The robot will now be deployed at Foxconn's car manufacturing facility in Zhengzhou, Henan province. Building on this success, UBTech plans to launch an upgraded version, the Walker S2, in the second quarter of this year.
What does this mean for all the existing real-person jobs? Is this going to lead to mass layoffs?
02. UK’s supercomputer Is Helping Develop AI Vaccines
The United Kingdom has announced a significant investment of £225 million ($276.7 million) in a state-of-the-art supercomputer designed to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for vaccine development.
This cutting-edge system aims to expedite the creation of vaccines by simulating complex biological processes and analyzing vast datasets at unprecedented speeds. By leveraging AI, researchers anticipate a more efficient identification of potential vaccine candidates, potentially reducing the time required to bring new vaccines to market.
This initiative underscores the UK's commitment to integrating advanced technology into public health strategies, aiming to enhance preparedness against future pandemics.
03. The Social Media Phenomenon Celebrating the Humble Stick
In an unexpected twist of internet culture, "Stick Nation" has emerged as a vibrant online community where millions are fascinated with sticks… ]
In 2023 when friends Boone Hogg and Logan Jugler discovered an intriguing stick on a Utah trail and decided to create @officialstickreviews on Instagram and TikTok. Their platforms have since attracted nearly 3 million Instagram followers and over 780,000 TikTok fans, with content featuring detailed reviews of unique sticks. The community has developed its own terminology, referring to modified sticks as "modded" and natural ones as "natty." Contributions range from celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda to everyday enthusiasts showcasing sticks resembling snakes, wizard staffs, and more. Hogg and Jugler aim to encourage real-world engagement through events like "Stick Quests" and a community "Travel Log," fostering connections beyond the digital realm.
04. Oyster Blood, A Potential Solution to Antimicrobial Resistance
Australian researchers have identified a protein in the blood of Sydney rock oysters that exhibits potent antibacterial properties. This protein kills bacteria and enhances the efficacy of existing antibiotics by disrupting bacterial biofilms, which are protective layers that make bacteria resistant to treatments.
In laboratory tests, the oyster-derived protein increased antibiotic effectiveness against dangerous respiratory pathogens by up to 32 times. Notably, the protein was non-toxic to human cells, suggesting its potential as a natural treatment for bacterial infections. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in animals and humans.
05. Colorado Supreme Court Rules Elephants Are Not Legal Persons, Sparking Debate on Animal Rights
The Colorado Supreme Court recently ruled that African elephants housed at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs cannot be recognized as legal persons under state law. This decision came after an animal rights organization filed a lawsuit arguing that the confinement of the five elderly elephants violated Colorado’s anti-slavery statutes. The group sought to have the elephants released to a sanctuary, asserting that their cognitive and emotional capabilities warranted personhood-like legal protections.
However, the court concluded that the legal framework surrounding anti-slavery laws was specifically designed to address human rights violations and does not extend to non-human animals. This ruling has reignited debates about the ethical treatment of highly intelligent species like elephants, which are known for their memory, emotional depth, and complex social structures.
06. iPhones with TikTok Installed Fetching Thousands on eBay Amid App Store Ban
In the wake of TikTok's removal from U.S. app stores due to legal restrictions, a unique market has emerged on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Sellers are listing iPhones with TikTok pre-installed at prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, with some listings reaching as high as $50,000.
This trend capitalizes on the app's unavailability for new downloads, as users who had previously installed TikTok can still access it, while new users or those who deleted the app cannot re-download it. The situation mirrors past events, such as the "Flappy Bird" phenomenon in 2014, where devices with the game installed were sold at inflated prices after its removal from app stores. As the future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain, this secondary market highlights the app's significant cultural impact and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain access.
Quizzz
Q1: What unusual method did Oregon officials use in 1970 to dispose of a beached whale?
Q2: In 1932, which country engaged in a military campaign against emus?
Q3: The Dancing Plague of 1518 occurred in which European city?
Q4: What is the Voynich Manuscript known for?
07. David Rush Breaks Table Tennis Ball Bouncing Record – Again!
David Rush, an Idaho man who holds over 250 Guinness World Records, has reclaimed the title for the fastest time to bounce a table tennis ball into five cups.
Completing the challenge in just 2.09 seconds, Rush’s latest feat beats his previous record of 2.03 seconds, which had briefly been surpassed by another challenger. Known for his creative and quirky record attempts, Rush continues to inspire with his dedication to pushing boundaries while promoting STEM education.
08. British Museum Partially Closes After Alleged IT Attack by Former Employee
The British Museum has been forced to partially close its doors following an alleged cyberattack by a former employee. The individual is accused of shutting down portions of the museum's IT network, leading to significant disruptions in operations.
While the museum has not disclosed specific details about the extent of the damage or the motive behind the attack, it has assured the public that efforts are underway to restore systems and ensure security. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities institutions face from internal threats and underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.
Fire Facts
World’s Longest Animal – The siphonophore, a deep-sea creature, can grow up to 150 feet long, making it longer than the blue whale.
Reverse Waterfalls – Strong winds in places like India’s Maharashtra region can blow waterfalls upward, creating a stunning illusion of reverse waterfalls.
The Library of Smells – Osmotheque, a unique library in France, preserves over 4,000 scents, including ancient perfumes recreated from historical recipes.
Space Diamonds – Scientists believe Uranus and Neptune experience “diamond rain,” as extreme pressures inside these planets can crystallize carbon into diamonds.
Octopus Gardens Exist – Off the coast of California, researchers discovered octopus nurseries where hundreds of females cluster together to protect their eggs, a behavior previously unknown.
Quiz Answers
Q1 - Dynamite explosion
Q2 - Australia
Q3 - Strasbourg
Q4 - Containing undeciphered text and mysterious illustrations
lol, how did you do?
Thanks everyone :D