Time to read: 2 mins No BS Meter: 8/10 30-Second Summary: Cortical Labs has unveiled CL1, the first biological computer that integrates living human neurons with silicon hardware. This “Synthetic Biological Intelligence” system can perform complex processing tasks using stem cell-derived neurons on a specialized chip with a 59-electrode array. Priced at $35,000, units will begin shipping in June 2025 primarily to research institutions. Key Bullet Points: Why It Matters:  This represents a fundamental shift in computing paradigms, blending biology with digital technology. For students in STEM fields, especially those in neuroscience, computer science, or bioengineering, this opens entirely new career paths and research opportunities. The technology could revolutionize drug discovery, personalized medicine, and create more efficient systems in robotics. Action Items: Resources:

Time to Read: 2 minutes No-BS Meter: 9/10 30-Second Summary: SpaceX’s Starship vehicle lost control during its eighth test flight, breaking up over the Bahamas and Dominican Republic after approximately eight minutes in flight. While the Super Heavy booster successfully returned to the launch pad in Texas, Starship lost multiple Raptor engines and began spiraling before communications were lost. The FAA has halted flights into major Florida airports and is requiring SpaceX to conduct a mishap investigation. Key Bullet Points: Why It Matters: This high-profile failure raises questions about SpaceX’s rapid test-and-learn development approach. For engineering and aerospace students, it provides a real-world case study in complex systems failure analysis. The incident also highlights regulatory challenges in commercial spaceflight as SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has recently deployed employees to the FAA, which oversees the company’s flights. Action Items: Resources: