Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchHistorian Jill Lepore says Silicon Valley misreads science fiction and undermines democracyOn the latest episode of Equity, we spoke to Jill Lepore about "government by machines" and why Elon Musk is a bad science fiction reader. (opens original source in a new tab)Anthony Ha·9 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)AxiosAOC is keeping two very big options open for 2028Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) left the door open Sunday to either running for president in 2028 or challenging fellow New Yorker and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.Why it matters: Ocasio-Cortez is emerging as a leading potential heir to the movement built by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/01/aoc-liberal-democrats-2 (opens original source in a new tab)Andrew Pantazi·9 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)CoinDeskBitcoin investors pour $853 million into spot ETFs. BlackRock’s IBIT claims the bulkBitcoin ETFs recorded $853.54 million in net inflows last week, the strongest since mid-April, with BlackRock’s IBIT taking the bulk. (opens original source in a new tab)Omkar Godbole·9 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchThis ‘adversarial’ pattern can prevent surveillance cameras from detecting youA security researcher has designed an algorithm that can create computer-generated patterns capable of hiding people, faces, and vehicles from detection by surveillance cameras. (opens original source in a new tab)Zack Whittaker·9 August 2026
Startups (opens original source in a new tab)TechCrunchThis former notorious red-light district is now one of the world’s top AI hubsMore than 20 years ago, King's Cross was one of the seediest area's in London. Now it's sprouting something new. (opens original source in a new tab)Dominic-Madori Davis·9 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)CoinDeskCrypto is going through a massive dot-com style shakeout as over 100 projects fold in 2026An industry-wide reckoning is weeding out unsustainable startups, leaving behind only the protocols with real cash flow and actual users. (opens original source in a new tab)Oliver Knight·9 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)ScienceDailyFrequent cannabis users wake up with their “stress hormone” already elevatedFrequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting their daily stress rhythms could be disrupted. Researchers say the finding raises questions about whether using cannabis for stress relief might, over time, interfere with the very system that helps the body handle stress. (opens original source in a new tab)9 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)The Robot ReportAnalog Devices returns as strategic sponsor to aid MassRobotics startupsAnalog Devices Inc. is supporting MassRobotics startups with Analog Garage and participating in events including RoboBusiness. The post Analog Devices returns as strategic sponsor to aid MassRobotics startups appeared first on The Robot Report. (opens original source in a new tab)The Robot Report Staff·9 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)ScienceDailyFor decades, we were told to choose low-fat dairy. New research says otherwiseFull-fat dairy may be healthier than conventional advice has suggested. In a 12-week study, adults who ate three servings a day showed no meaningful increases in weight, body fat, cholesterol, or insulin resistance. They also experienced improved blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D. The findings suggest dairy’s complex structure may matter more than its saturated fat content alone. (opens original source in a new tab)9 August 2026
(opens original source in a new tab)South China Morning PostHow China’s brands are thriving in the US despite rising geopolitical tensionsThe Cry Me an Ocean plush toys sat as forlornly as their name implied inside the Stoneridge Shopping Centre in the San Francisco suburb of Pleasanton. The Chinese brand Pop Mart had placed a “Robo Shop” vending machine stuffed with the small dolls on a walkway inside the mall, but passers-by barely gave them a second glance. A few shoppers said they vaguely recalled hearing the brand’s name somewhere, and one even name-checked Pop Mart’s viral Labubu figurines. But not a single person scanned... (opens original source in a new tab)Ralph Jennings·9 August 2026
Industry News (opens original source in a new tab)ScienceDaily60,000-year-old ostrich eggshell engravings reveal a surprisingly sophisticated human mindMore than 60,000 years ago, humans in southern Africa were engraving ostrich eggshells with intricate geometric patterns that appear far more organized than previously realized. Researchers found recurring grids, parallel lines, right angles, and repeated shapes, suggesting the designs followed deliberate rules rather than being improvised. The engravers may even have planned entire patterns in their minds before carving them. (opens original source in a new tab)9 August 2026
