That is right this moment’s version of The Obtain, our weekday publication that gives a each day dose of what’s occurring on the planet of know-how.
A brand new gene remedy primarily based on antibody cells is about to be examined in people
In the course of the covid-19 pandemic, antibodies performed a front-and-center function. We used dwelling checks to search for them, and we took vaccines so our our bodies would make extra.Much less consideration was paid to B cells, the immune-system cells that truly make antibodies, churning out as many as 10,000 a second—and which, after an an infection, can persist for years inside your bone marrow.
Now a biotechnology firm primarily based in Seattle says the US Meals and Drug Administration has agreed to let it transfer ahead with the primary research in people of a brand new kind of gene remedy, utilizing genetically engineered B cells. The corporate, Immusoft, plans to harness B cells to deal with a uncommon inherited illness known as MPS-1. If it’s profitable, it might overhaul how we deal with comparable situations sooner or later. Learn the total story.
—Antonio Regalado
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to search out you right this moment’s most enjoyable/necessary/scary/fascinating tales about know-how.
1 The US has blocked the sale of AI chips to China and Russia
It’s a part of the US’s technique to make use of export controls to remain on the forefront of technological improvement. (Protocol)
+ Contained in the software program that may develop into the subsequent battle entrance within the US-China chip battle. (MIT Know-how Evaluate)
2 Crypto firms will want a license to function in California
Unsurprisingly, the crypto business isn’t blissful about it. (CoinDesk)
+ Crypto trade Binance is making an aggressive play for merchants. (FT $)
three Individuals suppose misinformation is a serious international risk
Second solely to local weather change. (NYT $)
four North Korea’s hackers pepper their malware with popular culture references
It’s as much as consultants in South Korea to decipher and block the threats. (Bloomberg $)
5 Catastrophe consultants are busier than ever
When a catastrophe strikes, third events cope with the countless pink tape—and enterprise is booming. (The Verge)
6 eSports present Venezuela’s players with a route out of poverty
Most of the nation’s kids grew up with out the web or electrical energy. (Remainder of World)
7 Contained in the fierce debate over psychedelic remedy
Specialists fear that hype might destroy all of the cautious progress the sector has made. (Wired $)
+ Psychedelics are having a second and ladies could possibly be those to learn. (MIT Know-how Evaluate)
eight Sorry, however e-bikes are actually ugly 
It’s partly as a result of we are able to’t agree on what we wish to use them for. (The Atlantic $)
+ New electrical automobiles have to be protected, in addition to inexperienced. (Slate $)
+ Recycling automotive elements is a pleasant thought, but it surely appears fairly far off. (NYT $)
9 An AI paintings received a state artwork truthful
Inevitably, there’s been a backlash. (Motherboard)
+ The darkish secret behind these cute AI-generated animal photographs. (MIT Know-how Evaluate)
10 Japan is attempting to section out floppy disks 
Nevertheless it’s assembly stiff resistance from bureaucrats. (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“The US facet ought to instantly cease its wrongdoing.”
—A press release from Beijing requires the US to reverse proscribing the sale of AI chips to the nation, based on the BBC.
The massive story
El Paso was “drought-proof.” Local weather change is pushing its limits.
December 2021
El Paso has lengthy been a mannequin for water conservation. It’s executed all the fitting issues—it’s launched applications to influence residents to make use of much less water and deployed technological techniques, together with desalination and wastewater recycling, so as to add to its water sources. A former president of the water utility as soon as famously declared El Paso “drought-proof.”
Now, although, even El Paso’s cautious plans are being challenged by intense droughts. Because the stress ratchets up, El Paso, and locations prefer it, drive us to ask simply how far adaptation can go. Learn the total story.
—Casey Crownhart
We are able to nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction in these bizarre occasions. (Received any concepts? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)
+ Whoever that is, they’re an egg-cooking maestro.
+ The Wildlife Photographer of the 12 months awards by no means fail to amaze (thanks Niall!)
+ Nobody loved the Home windows 95 launch celebration greater than Steve Ballmer.
+ Why are truffles so bizarre lately?
+ New footage of the Titanic is the best high quality to this point—and it’s critically spooky.
