Blog

  • Here’s What Mark Zuckerberg Is Offering Top AI Talent

    Here’s What Mark Zuckerberg Is Offering Top AI Talent

    As Mark Zuckerberg staffs up Meta’s new superintelligence lab, he’s offered top tier research talent pay packages of up to $300 million over four years, with more than $100 million in total compensation for the first year, WIRED has learned.

    Meta has made at least 10 staggeringly high offers to OpenAI staffers, sources say. One high ranking researcher was pitched on the role of chief scientist but turned it down, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations. While the pay package includes equity, in the first year the stock vests immediately, sources say.

    “That’s about how much it would take for me to go work at Meta,” says one OpenAI staffer who spoke with WIRED on the condition of anonymity as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the company. Other employees said that they were weighing the money against the potential impact they could have at Meta in comparison to OpenAI. Several believed their impact would be greater at OpenAI.

    “These statements are untrue – the size and structure of these compensation packages have been misrepresented all over the place,” says Meta spokesperson Andy Stone. “Some people have chosen to greatly exaggerate what’s happening for their own purposes.”

    A senior engineer who spoke to WIRED confirmed their pay was around $850,000 per year at Meta—an impressive sum that pales in comparison to the packages currently on offer. Those in the pay band above this engineer (E7’s, in Meta terms) make on average $1.54 million a year, according to user data submitted on Levels.FYI.

    Andrew Bosworth, chief technology officer at Meta, said that not everyone is getting a $100 million offer during a Q&A with employees last week. “Look, you guys, the market’s hot. It’s not that hot. Okay? So it’s just a lie,” he said. “We have a small number of leadership roles that we’re hiring for, and those people do command a premium.” He added that the $100 million is not a sign-on bonus, but “all these different things” and noted OpenAI is countering the offers.

    As a point of comparison, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, received $79.1 million in total compensation in 2024, most of it in stock, according to a financial filing by the company. Dara Khosrowshahi, the CEO of Uber, made roughly $39.4 million (again, mostly in stock) the same year.

    On Monday, Mark Zuckerberg sent a note to Meta staff introducing the new superintelligence team. Alexandr Wang, formerly the CEO of Scale AI, is now Meta’s chief AI officer, Zuckerberg said. He’s joined by Nat Friedman who previously led GitHub. Together, Wang and Friedman will colead an organization Zuckerberg dubbed the Meta Superintelligence Labs. The company did not name a chief scientist or a chief research officer as part of the announcement. Neither Wang nor Friedman are thought of as researchers, at least in the traditional sense. None of the OpenAI staffers who left for Meta received the $300 million offer, according to a source with knowledge of the contracts.

    Continue Reading

  • Focus remains on the ECB Forum and US jobs

    Focus remains on the ECB Forum and US jobs

    The Greenback dipped to new multi-year troughs before attempting a mild rebound on Tuesday, as investors continued to assess the participation of Chief Powell at the ECB Forum, while fresh tensions emerged on the trade front in anticipation of the July 9 tariffs deadline.

    Here’s what to watch on Wednesday, July 2:

    The US Dollar Index (DXY) added to the ongoing lower leg and receded to new multi-year lows in the sub-97.00 neighbourhood. The usual weekly MBA Mortgage Applications are due, followed by Challenger Job Cuts, the ADP Employment Change report, and the EIA’s weekly report on US crude oil stockpiles.

    EUR/USD halted its multi-day positive streak shortly after reaching fresh yearly peaks above the 1.1800 level. The ECB Forum on Central Banking will precede the release of the EMU’s Unemployment Rate.

    GBP/USD resumed its decline soon after hitting new YTD tops near 1.3790, just to end the day with humble gains in the low 1.3700s. Next on tap across the Channel will be the BoE’s DMP Survey and Credit Conditions Survey, seconded by the final S&P Global Services PMI, all due on July 3.

    USD/JPY remained on the back foot and retreated to the 142.70 region, or four-week lows. Next on the Japanese docket will be the weekly Foreign Bond Investment figures on July 3.

    Following its risk-related peers, AUD/USD hit new tops just below the 0.6600 barrier before succumbing to some modest downside pressure. The Ai Group survey is due alongside Building Permits, Retail Sales and Private House Approvals.

    WTI prices maintained their multi-day erratic performance on Tuesday, always around the $65.00 mark per barrel as traders remained prudent ahead of the OPEC+ meeting and rising expectations surrounding the trade front.

    Gold prices rose markedly and revisited the $3,360 zone per troy ounce, or multi-day highs, following the increasing caution around the US trade policy and the vacillating Greenback. Silver prices extended Monday’s uptick to two-day highs around $36.60 per ounce.

    Continue Reading

  • Mark Zuckerberg’s costly AI talent push has not cost Meta stock yet. Here’s why

    Mark Zuckerberg’s costly AI talent push has not cost Meta stock yet. Here’s why

    Continue Reading

  • Java House To Serve as Primary Sponsor of Laguna Seca Race

    Java House To Serve as Primary Sponsor of Laguna Seca Race

    Java House, the innovative, Indianapolis-based cold brew coffee brand, has been named title sponsor of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES event this month at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

    The Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, which will take place July 25-27 at the iconic road course, marks the only visit to Northern California for North America’s premier open-wheel series. This is Java House’s first event title sponsorship.

    “We are delighted to welcome Java House as a sponsor for our INDYCAR event weekend,” said Mel Harder, president and general manager of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. “Cars and coffee are a classic combination, and we’re excited to share this fantastic coffee with our guests.”

    Race fans can enjoy samples of Java House’s full line of beverages, including its Amazingly Smooth cold brew coffees, lattes, teas, hydration drinks and more, throughout the race weekend. Java House products also will be integrated throughout all hospitality areas, including premium luxury suites and club style pavilions. The fun won’t stop at the track, as Java House Cold Brew Espresso Martinis will be served at select restaurants in the Monterey area leading up to and during the race.

    In addition to its support of the Monterey event, Java House serves as a primary sponsor on Alexander Rossi’s No. 20 and Christian Rasmussen’s No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing (ECR) Chevrolets throughout the 2025 season.

    “We are thrilled for Java House to become the title sponsor of the Grand Prix of Monterey,” said Ted Gelov, owner and CEO of Heartland Food Products Group. “INDYCAR has been an outstanding platform to grow our brand and connect with a passionate fan base. This partnership continues our commitment to expanding Java House’s presence on a national stage – with more big things to come in 2025 and beyond.”

    For more information or to purchase tickets for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, visit www.weathertechraceway.com. Learn more about Java House at javahouse.com.


    Continue Reading

  • Solar System Science Program (ROSES C.2)

    Solar System Science Program (ROSES C.2)

    We are seeking virtual panelists and/or external (email) reviewers for the Solar System Science Program. Signing up does not commit you to serve, nor is NASA obligated to ask/invite you. If you are a funded team member on a proposal to a given panel, then you will not be able to serve on that review panel. You may be able to serve on another panel or provide external reviews.

    Here are the rules:

    • All items with an asterisk* require a response before submission.
    • Type in 1) your contact information and 2) things that may be a conflict of interest and/or clarify your expertise.
    • Otherwise just click the buttons.

    In the overall comments box note any additional information about 1) your expertise that could be useful for review assignments, and 2) potential conflicts of interest that you may have beyond your listed institutional employer/affiliation. Thank you!

    Have you ever served on a NASA panel?(Required)
    Name:(Required)







    Please select decadal survey topics most relevant to your expertise.
    Please select disciplines most relevant to your expertise.
    Please select research categories most relevant to your expertise.












    Please select target bodies most relevant to your expertise.

    Continue Reading

  • Cardiac MRI shows heart damage caused by air pollution

    Cardiac MRI shows heart damage caused by air pollution

    Cardiac MRI shows the effects of air pollution on the heart — and the findings aren’t good, according to a study published July 1 in Radiology.

    The research adds to growing evidence that air pollution is a cardiovascular risk factor, contributing to residual risk not accounted for by typical clinical predictors such as smoking or hypertension, the RSNA noted in a statement.

    “Even modest increases in air pollution levels appear to have measurable effects on the heart,” said senior author Kate Hanneman, MD, of the University of Toronto in Canada. “Our study suggests that air quality may play a significant role in changes to heart structure, potentially setting the stage for future cardiovascular disease.”

    Heart disease is the main cause of death around the world, the investigators noted. Although prior work has indicated that poor air quality contributes to cardiovascular disease, changes in the heart resulting from exposure to air pollution have remained unclear, they explained, observing that fine particulate matter in the air may contribute to diffuse myocardial fibrosis, a form of scarring in the heart muscle that can precede heart failure. (“Fine particulate matter” can include vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions and wildfire smoke, and particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.)

    With Hanneman, a team led by Jacques Du Plessis, MD, also of the University of Toronto, explored the relationship between long-term exposure to fine particulate matter with 2.5-µm or smaller aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5) and the extent of diffuse myocardial fibrosis quantified with cardiac MRI native T1 mapping z scores (used to assess myocardial tissue characteristics; score expressed as zero, positive, and negative, with positive scores indicating potential abnormality).

    The study included a total of 694 patients who underwent cardiac MRI between January 2018 and December 2022. Of these, 493 had dilated cardiomyopathy and 201 had normal findings. Du Plessis’ team quantified diffuse myocardial fibrosis and assessed patients’ residence-specific ambient PM2.5 concentration (the mean of daily exposure concentration in the year before cardiac MR imaging using measurements from the nearest air quality monitoring station).

    The group reported the following:

    • In multivariable models, each 1-µg/m3 increase in one-year mean PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 0.3 higher native T1 z score in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (p < 0.001) and 0.27 higher native T1 z score in controls (p = 0.02).
       
    • For absolute values, each 1-µg/m3 increase in one-year mean PM2.5 exposure was associated with 9.1 msec higher native T1 at 1.5-tesla imaging (p = 0.01) and 12.1 msec higher native T1 at 3-tesla imaging (p < 0.001). (An elevated native T1 typically indicates abnormal changes in the myocardial tissue composition.)
       
    • The largest effect sizes for the association of PM2.5 exposure with native T1 z scores were in women (p < 0.001), smokers (p = 0.04), and patients with hypertension (p = 0.004).

    Images from cardiac MRI native T1 mapping show that higher long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution is associated with higher extent of myocardial fibrosis. Images and caption courtesy of the RSNA.

    Overall, higher long-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution was connected to higher levels of myocardial fibrosis in both the patients with cardiomyopathy and the controls, suggesting that “myocardial fibrosis may be an underlying mechanism by which air pollution leads to cardiovascular complications,” the authors wrote.  

    How can clinicians gauge a patient’s cardiac health in relation to poor air quality? Neighborhood data can help, according to Hanneman.

    “A simple way to estimate someone’s exposure to air pollution is by looking at air quality data for the neighborhood they live in — information that is publicly available in many areas,” she told AuntMinnie. “Some health providers may ask about environmental exposures during routine visits. For people who want a more detailed assessment, portable air monitors are available that provide real-time air quality data.”

    In any case, the effects of air pollution on lung health can be mitigated both on individual and societal levels, Hanneman noted.

    “On a personal level, people can take steps like limiting outdoor activity on days when air quality is poor and using indoor air purifiers to reduce exposure,” she said. “On a broader scale, public health efforts include improving air quality standards, reducing emissions from traffic and industry, and addressing sources such as wildfire smoke to improve air quality for everyone.”

    In an accompanying commentary, Davis Vigneault, MD, DPhil, of Stanford University emphasized the role radiology can play in tackling the problem of air pollution exposure and heart disease risk.

    “The study … suggests several interesting avenues for future research, including the investigation of particulate pollution components, related co-pollutants, and at-risk subgroups,” he noted. “Moreover, [the] work sets an important example of how imaging research may be used beyond the diagnosis of an individual patient to guide public policy interventions to improve health outcomes more broadly.”

    The complete study can be found here.

    Continue Reading

  • Komatsu scores $440 million electric mining equipment sale

    Komatsu scores $440 million electric mining equipment sale

    Barrick Mining Corp. and Komatsu have formalized a $440 million deal that will see the Japanese construction giant begin delivering electric and electrified mining equipment assets to the company’s Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan.

    When Komatsu announced its 400-ton PC4000-11E hydraulic mining excavator last year, you knew it was only a matter of time before the world’s largest mining operations — keen to decarbonize — would come knocking.

    “The Reko Diq project represents a long-term investment in our future and that of mining in Pakistan, and our partnership with Komatsu is an important part of that vision,” explains Mark Bristow, Barrick president and CEO. “Komatsu equipment has proven its performance and reliability at our operations worldwide, and we are confident in its ability to support our goals at Reko Diq. We look forward to building on this strong relationship as we develop one of the world’s newest greenfield assets.”

    Big spending, bigger savings

    The equipment package includes haulers, electric rope shovels, mining excavators, and electric wheel loaders
    P&H 4100XPC AC electric rope shovel and haul truck, via Komatsu.

    The new electric drives featured in the 409 ton Komatsu PC4000-11E (at top) and Komatsu-owned P&H grid-connected electric rope shovel (above) are designed to reduce job site emissions by up to 95%. And, when paired the Komatsu Trolley Truck Assist System, the company says its new hydraulic excavator can offer a 50% savings in the total cost of ownership compared to a similar, conventional Tier 4 diesel drive equipment.

    Advertisement – scroll for more content

    That 50% number? It’s not just a projection – It’s backed by real-world data. Komatsu says customers using the PC4000-11E in pilot programs have already realized 47% savings in total cost of ownership.

    The fully automatic cable drum is designed for easier operation of the electrically driven excavator in backhoe configuration. The automatic winding of the cable makes maneuvering in the pit significantly easier and saves time. Simplified electric machine control enables fast troubleshooting and maintenance of the electrical system and contributes significantly to increasing the overall availability of the machine and helping our customers work toward achieving the highest safety standards.

    KOMATSU

    “We see ourselves as partners to our customers, supporting and collaborating with them on their journey toward a more sustainable and efficient mining operation,” explains Peter Buhles, Vice President Sales and Service, Komatsu Germany GmbH – Mining Division. “We are looking forward to meeting everyone in person at our booth and showcasing our latest technical solutions for hydraulic mining excavators.”

    Barrick Mining’s order includes an undisclosed mix of assets that includes a number of ultra-class haul trucks, mining excavators, rope shovels, and wheel loaders. Barrick will begin receiving the first examples of its new Komatsu mining machinery at its Pakistani operations in early 2026.

    Electrek’s Take

    Komatsu supports Barrick’s Middle East mining project with $440 million in equipment
    980E electric haul truck; via Komatsu.

    With billions of dollars on the line and pressure to reduce carbon emissions coming from all sides, it should come as no surprise that the race is on to bring practical, electric, and even autonomous heavy mining equipment to market. At CES 2024, electric equipment from Hyundai, Bobcat, Volvo CE, Caterpillar, and others garnered lots of attention with their innovative concepts, and analysts like IDTechEx estimate that a single 150-ton haul truck can use over $850,000 worth of fuel in a single year.

    Meanwhile, big electric locomotives like the Fortescue Infinity Train can, in certain use cases with high amounts of regenerative braking, operate without any significant cost to recharge. At that point, the reduced maintenance and downtime of BEVs compared to diesel vehicles becomes icing on the TCO cake.

    SOURCE | IMAGES: Barrick Mining, via Heavy Equipment Guide.

    If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

    Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

    Continue Reading

  • Nothing releases its first over-the-ear headphones, the $299 Headphone (1)

    Nothing releases its first over-the-ear headphones, the $299 Headphone (1)

    London-based smartphone maker Nothing has launched its first over-the-ear headphones, the Headphone (1). The new device follows Nothing’s first step into audio hardware with last year’s debut of the Ear 2 open-ear headphones.

    The new Headphone (1) headphones were designed in collaboration with British audio brand KEF and feature the sleek, transparent design that Nothing has become known for. The device itself is a bit bulky, even for an over-the-ear headphone, but it provides adequate adaptive noise cancelling and transparent modes.

    This model also offers adaptive bass enhancement, which came across when listening to a variety of music genres. 

    In addition, the headphones offer immersive spatial audio. This creates a 3-D listening experience that, paired with the dynamic head tracking, creates a more lifelike audio experience.

    A highlight is the tactile buttons. Nothing stepped away from sensors in favor of a simple button to trigger your AI assistant or ChatGPT, if you have the Nothing X app, and a volume roller that can also be pressed to play, pause, and turn on and off noise canceling.

    Plus, the roller has a very satisfying click when you turn it up or down. 

    The headphones were a bit heavy and tended to slide around while wearing them to do some household chores, but were otherwise perfectly comfortable for a long wear time.

    The company claims a long battery life with up to 80 hours of listening, 35 hours if you have noise cancelling turned on, and a quick charge time. 

    The Headphone (1) will be available for preorder in the U.S., U.K., and elsewhere starting on July 4, 2025, for $299.

    Continue Reading

  • Top 5 all-time Dallas Mavericks scoring leaders

    Top 5 all-time Dallas Mavericks scoring leaders

    Dirk Nowitzki was an all-time shooter for a power forward, using height, post-up skill and a soft touch to become the Mavericks’ all-time scoring leader.

    1. Dirk Nowitzki – 31,560 Points

    Dirk came to the Mavericks in 1999 and quickly became.a featured player in Dallas. Over 20 NBA seasons, he averaged 20.7 PPG, winning Most Valuable Player in 2007. Nowitzki was named to an all-NBA team each year between 2002 and 2012. A silky smooth shooter with the strength to back it up, Dirk was one of the great post players of his generation, developing a signature one-legged fadeaway jumper to great effect. He led the Mavericks to the 2011 NBA Championship, cementing his place in franchise lore before being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.

    2. Rolando Blackman – 16,643 Points

    Blackman was drafted ninth overall by the Mavericks in the 1981 draft, sliding into the league as a sweet-shooting guard. Over 10 seasons in Dallas, Blackman averaged 19.7 PPG, making four All-Star teams and helping lead the Mavericks to six playoff berths.

    3. Mark Aguirre – 13,390 Points

    A star growing up in Chicago, Aguirre was drafted by the Mavericks No. 1 overall in the 1981 NBA Draft. In seven-plus seasons in Dallas, he peaked at 29.5 PPG in 1983-84 – the third-highest single-season scoring average in Mavs history. He was a three-time All-Star in Dallas before being traded to the Detroit Pistons for Adrian Dantley in 1989.

    4. Derek Harper – 12,597 Points

    Harper, a tough-minded, physical point guard, made two All-Defensive Second Teams with the Mavericks, receiving Defensive Player of the Year votes three times. He also averaged 16+ PPG from 1987-1993, peaking at 19.7 PPG in 1991, and took Dallas to its first conference finals berth in 1988.

    4. Michael Finley – 12,389 Points

    Finley, an athletic all-around swingman, was an iron man in Dallas, averaging 39.7 MPG while putting up 19.8 PPG. A two-time All-Star and former dunk contest participant, Finley was acquired from Phoenix in the Jason Kidd trade, then grew into a supporting player for Nowitzki before moving on to the San Antonio Spurs in 2006.

    Continue Reading

  • Gird your loins! The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially in production: Everything we know so far

    Gird your loins! The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially in production: Everything we know so far

    Last month, as per an ET report, we shared that the Devil Wears Prada sequel was projected to go into production, in July — and come July 1, it’s happened!

    The Devil Wears Prada 2 is official in production!(Photos: X)

    The Devil Wears Prada 2, has officially commenced filming, as per a Variety report. While Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt were always on board since the announcement, set to step into their iconic characters of Miranda Priestly and Emily Charlton, confirmation when it came to Anne Hathaway returning as Andrea Sachs was left in the lurch.

    Well, the holy trinity is coming together (phew) — and so is Nigel! In addition to Meryl, Emily and Anne, Stanley Tucci too will be returning for the sequel to reprise his role of Nigel. Now someone whose NOT returning? Adrien Grenier, who played Nate, Andrea’s boyfriend. Now Miranda may or may not be the devil, but Nate? He definitely was.

    While the 2006 release followed the templated expectations of the time — of the lead finding herself in simpler things as opposed to the glitz and the glam, the cult status of the film over nearly two decades has made one thing very, very clear. If anybody was holding Andy back from realising her true potential, it was her boyfriend, with his selfish demands and judgmental disposition. Now while there’s no gate for Adrien, there definitely is tons of it for Nate, and the OG fans of the film will only be more than happy to not deal with his negativity.

    Finally, the Devil Wears Prada sequel has also welcomed a new cast member aboard. Kenneth Branagh, well known for having played Detective Poirot, and even better known for his Academy Award, BAFTA, Emmy and Golden Globe wins, will be playing Miranda’s husband in the part 2.

    David Frankel, the OG director of the film, is also returning for the sequel in tow with writer Aline Brosh McKenna. 20th Century Studios, via their very chic intimation, announced that The Devil Wears Prada 2 would be in production right through summer.

    Now as the film gets ready for its May 1 release next year, we always have the OG to stream on OTT.

    Continue Reading