Time Names the 200 Best Inventions of 2024

Time magazine has named the 200 best inventions of 2024. Another 50 were highlighted as 'deserving special mention.' The list includes a 'smart' toilet with artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, small artificial satellites, a phone case with a lip balm holder, a transparent TV, an automatic baby rocker, a non-stick frying pan without chemical coating, and many more useful inventions.

Guy Learned Japanese Through Porn

A guy learned Japanese thanks to porn - he had to watch 4500 adult videos for that. He decided to test his knowledge and passed the test with an impressive N2 result. This is quite a high level that allows him to understand complex topics, speak fluently and read news.

In Colombia, Prisoners Learn IT

In Colombia, prisoners in jails are being taught IT. One local prison has started offering courses from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, so inmates can learn programming. The training lasts 12 weeks, and afterward, the newly-minted specialists have a graduation ceremony and receive the necessary certificates.

Luxury Travel Train Eastern & Oriental Express

The luxury travel train Eastern & Oriental Express operates between Malaysia and Singapore. It consists of 15 carriages, including one with SPA treatments from Dior and an open one as a viewing platform. Food is prepared by the famous Taiwanese chef André Chiang, and in the evenings, there are parties with live music. The journey lasts 4 days and 3 nights, with ticket prices starting at $4150.

Japanese Invent Standing Sleeping Capsules

The Japanese have invented office capsules for sleeping in a standing position. They are called Giraffenap, which translates to 'Giraffe Sleep'. The construction is designed specifically so that employees do not sleep all day, but pop in for a nap of just half an hour to an hour. Inside this device, there is a pillow and platforms for the buttocks, calves, and feet.

NASA's 'Parker' Probe Plunges into Sun's Atmosphere

NASA's 'Parker' probe has plunged into the Sun's atmosphere. On December 24, it approached the star at a record distance of 6 million km, reaching a mind-boggling speed of 690,000 km/h - 192 km/s. After this, the device fell silent but later re-established contact and was in full working order.

Former Aston Martin and Nissan Chief Criticizes European Automakers

The former head of Aston Martin and Nissan, Andy Palmer, has called on European automakers to copy the Chinese if they want to catch up with them. Furthermore, he criticized manufacturers for their too slow transition to electric vehicles, stating that 'hybrids are a road to hell' that slows down 'adaptation to the new reality'. Incidentally, Palmer led the development of the Nissan Leaf, which became the first mass-produced electric car.

Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH Declares Bankruptcy

German plastics manufacturer Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik GmbH, best known as the supplier of the three-pointed star badges for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has declared bankruptcy. Originally, Gerhardi was founded in 1796 as a producer of metal goods. In the 20th century, it became the main supplier of grilles, handles, and chrome trims for Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Later, the brand shifted its focus to manufacturing plastic products and continued to supply the German automaker.

Asteroid Named Santa Claus Approaches Earth

An asteroid named Santa Claus and the size of a 10-story building approached Earth. The impact would be equivalent to 12 million tons of TNT and would level an area of 1200 kilometers. But let's breathe easy: scientists report that everything is fine. The asteroid is currently very far away, about 18 times farther from Earth than the Moon.

Beijing Firm Announces Supersonic Jet Project

The Beijing firm Space Transportation has announced a project for a plane that can fly from New York to London in 2 hours. The Yunxing will accelerate to 4900 km/h, which is twice the speed of the legendary Concorde. Testing is set to begin in 2027.

Hong Kong Scientists Develop Artificial Neuron

Scientists from Hong Kong have created an artificial neuron using laser technology that mimics the complex functions of biological neurons. It processes signals at a speed of 10 gigabaud, which is a billion times faster than biological neurons. The discovery could be a breakthrough in the development of AI.

Russia and the USA Agree on ISS Completion Deadlines

Russia and the USA have agreed on timelines for the completion of work on the ISS. 'Roskosmos' plans to use it until 2028, after which it will start sending cosmonauts to a domestic station, which should be launched by then. NASA will remain until 2030 and will then transition to private enterprises. After this, the ISS will be deorbited and sunk in the Pacific Ocean - SpaceX by Elon Musk will be responsible for this.

US Neuroscientists Create VR Helmet for Mice

Neurobiologists from the USA have developed a VR helmet for mice to study how their brains work. During the experiments, the rodent stands on a spherical treadmill with its head fixed, and is shown virtual walks while eye movements, neural activity, and more are tracked.

AI Designs Functional Scramjet Engine in Dubai

In Dubai, AI designed a functional scramjet engine from scratch in 3 weeks. The startup LEAP 71 3D-printed a prototype, which ran for 11 seconds in a fire test, generating a thrust of 5 kN.

Elon Musk on the Future of Artificial Intelligence

Elon Musk believes that artificial intelligence could become smarter than humans by the end of 2025. "And the probability that AI will surpass the intelligence of all humans combined by 2030 is 100%," he stated.

Electronic Cigarettes in India with Phone Features

In India, electronic cigarettes with phone features have been released. The Smart Kit 25000 from the startup Organic Era is equipped with a touchscreen that allows users to calculate with a calculator, set alarms, play music, even play games, and make phone calls.

Christopher Nolan to Film Homer’s ‘Odyssey’

Christopher Nolan will direct a film based on Homer’s ancient Greek poem, the ‘Odyssey’. The movie will star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, and Charlize Theron, with filming for the “mythical action film” set to begin in early 2025. Nolan’s previous film — ‘Oppenheimer’ — grossed nearly $1 billion worldwide, and among his other successful works are the ‘Dark Knight’ trilogy, ‘Inception’, ‘Interstellar’, and ‘Dunkirk’.

Honda and Nissan Begin Merger Process

Honda and Nissan have officially begun the merger process. The new holding will become the third-largest car brand in the world. Only Toyota and Volkswagen are larger. The main reason, according to the companies, is the growth of Chinese automakers, which "will take over the industry" if potential against them is not "increased." The merger will be completed in 2026: Mitsubishi may also join them.

Moon Complex Project with Artificial Gravity

Scientists from Kyoto and the construction company Kajima have proposed a project for a moon complex with artificial gravity. The Lunar Glass complex is a rotating glass structure with a height of 400 meters and a diameter of 200 meters, and it will have a capacity of 10,000 people. The space building will start being constructed from 2025.

"Anora" - Best Film of 2024

"Anora" is the best film of 2024 according to Rotten Tomatoes. The film garnered 43 awards, becoming the most honored film of 2024, surpassing "Brutalist" and "Wicked" in terms of awards. The film tells the story of a stripper from Brooklyn who meets her "prince" - a Russian oligarch. Ultimately, the "Cinderella story" turns into a farce.