“As dentists, we see the direct consequences fluoride removal has on our patients and it’s a real tragedy when policymakers’ decisions hurt vulnerable kids and adults in the long term,” Brett Kessler, president of the American Dental Association, said in a statement earlier this month. “Blindly calling for a ban on fluoridated water hurts people, costs money, and will ultimately harm our economy.”

While Florida's bill doesn't specifically reference fluoride, it will require the mineral and some other additives be removed from water sources across the state, said bill sponsor Republican state Rep. Kaylee Tuck.

“Anything that relates to water quality, removing contaminants, things like that, we're not touching that," Tuck said. "It's anything that has to do with health. So fluoride, vitamins, whatever else it is.”

Some local officials in Florida have already voted to remove the mineral from their community water systems, ahead of state lawmakers' push to ban fluoride.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Tuesday she is “deeply disappointed” by the passage of the bill, adding that it disregards “the overwhelming consensus of dentists, doctors and medical experts and will end a practice that has been in place for decades to protect our health.”

Levine Cava said that ending fluoridation, which is a safe and cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay, will have “long-lasting health consequences, especially for our most vulnerable families.”

The mayor said the decision should be left to local communities.

About one-third of community water systems, serving more than 60% of the U.S. population, fluoridated their water, according to a 2022 analysis by the CDC.

US GDP Shrinks 0.3% in First Quarter

The U.S. economy shrank 0.3% from January through March, its first drop in three years. It was slowed by a surge in imports as companies in the United States tried to bring in foreign goods before President Donald Trump imposed massive tariffs.

The January-March expansion of U.S. gross domestic product was the slowest in almost three years and was down from 2.4% in the last three months of 2024.

Imports shaved 5 percentage points off first-quarter growth. Consumer spending also slowed sharply.

After a Year of Turmoil, The Washington Post Is Taking Note of Its Journalism Again
After a brutal year of headlines about The Washington Post, executive editor Matt Murray sounded almost relieved to be talking about journalism.

In an interview, he was touting "100 scoops in 100 days" about the Post's coverage of the Trump administration's first weeks. What sounds like a publicist's confection has truth behind it, with reporters putting their heads down and working, notably on stories involving the federal workforce and spending cuts.

Most stories about the Post in the past few months have been negative, including publisher Will Lewis' botched reorganization that led to former executive editor Sally Buzbee's resignation last June, owner Jeff Bezos asserting himself over the opinion section, and defections among journalists worried about the outlet's direction.

Adam Taylor and John Hudson have dug into proposed cuts at the State Department. Maria Sacchetti and Artur Galocha showed how half of the people the White House reported as immigration enforcement arrests were already behind bars. Jacob Bogage wrote about a Trump appointee asking the IRS to review an audit of conservative personality Mike Lindell.

It's grunt work, developing sources and stories that build upon other stories, many involving federal workers — the industry that the city is built upon.

The Post hasn't yet earned its own Truth Social post about its reporting since President Donald Trump's return, but the White House labeled one of its stories about health funding "fake news." Tulsi Gabbard, national intelligence director, cited a Post story about Israel and Iran among her reasons to seek out internal leakers.

The work has also calmed fears about whether owner Bezos' newfound friendliness with Trump would impact news coverage. Last fall, Bezos ordered a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris spiked, triggering an exodus of angry subscribers. He was a prominently visible guest at Trump's second inauguration and soon after said the Post's opinion pages should focus primarily on personal liberties and the free market.

That change in direction led to the resignations of editorial page editor David Shipley and two long-time Post columnists, Ruth Marcus and Eugene Robinson.

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Trump Tells Musk: Stay as Long as You Want
During his full meeting with members of his Cabinet, President Donald Trump on Wednesday praised tech billionaire and Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk and told him that he is invited to stay as long as you want in his role with the government.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday during his full meeting with members of his Cabinet, praised tech billionaire and Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk and told him that he is "invited to stay as long as you want" in his role with the government.

"You really have sacrificed a lot," Trump told Musk during the meeting, shown live on Newsmax. "You've been treated very unfairly … the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you, and this whole room can say that very strongly. You've really been a tremendous help."

Musk added, "I think this could be the greatest administration since the founding of the country."

Musk, whose companies include Tesla, the social media site X and SpaceX, alluded to the acts of vandalism his Tesla dealerships have faced, telling Trump, "Well, they did like to burn my cars, which is not great."

Trump reassured him that he has the support of the administration but acknowledged that Musk "wants to get back home to his cars."

"You've done an incredible job," he told Musk. "$150 billion …" he started, with Musk correcting him with a figure of $169 billion in cuts to spending in the government.

"A lot of stuff is being worked on," Trump continued. "That number could be doubled and even tripled. A lot of things are being worked on that we don't count yet because it's not quite there."

Musk also told the Cabinet that it has been an honor to work with its members as well.

He has scaled back his presence in Washington in recent days and is expected to leave his role with the administration in part because of time constraints on his status as a special government employee and also as Tesla sales have taken a sharp drop amid protests over his role within Trump's team.

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The Rise of Robots: A Future Filled with Possibilities

In an engaging dialogue from the show Futurazza, hosts Brian and Randy Kirk dive into the intriguing world of robotics. The conversation begins with the light-hearted notion that "the robots are coming," not to steal our riches, but rather to rescue humanity, posing an optimistic view of what future robots might bring.

The Evolving Perception of Robots

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Kirk's fascination with robotics is palpable. He humorously describes his interactions with robots, suggesting that they would eventually recognize his presence and adapt to human-like forms of communication, like playful banter. This sociability of robots could raise a pertinent question: will they ever truly understand the weirdness of human interaction or even replicate it? However, the discourse shifts quickly from humor to reality as the conversation navigates the rapid advancements in robotics that are already observable.

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Both hosts acknowledge that Tesla is at the forefront of robot technology. Tesla's ambitious plans indicate a significant increase in their production capabilities, aiming for thousands of humanoid robots by as early as 2025, and ramping up to a million units annually by 2030. Kirk emphasizes that these projections are rooted in statements from Elon Musk and other executives, indicating a structured timeline that could reshape industries including manufacturing and, potentially, everyday life.

Forecasting the Future: Robots in Our Lives

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A weighty aspect of this discussion revolves around the potential uses of robots in our daily lives. The conversation shifts to practical applications, with both hosts speculating on what functions these robots could take on in various settings—from factories to homes. Kirk cites everyday tasks that people wish could be automated, like folding laundry or preparing meals, challenging the idea that robots will face limitations due to the current simplicity of homemaking tasks.

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While some casual functions may seem easily fulfilled, the hosts also explore deeper, more complex expectations society might have of robotic helpers, especially concerning caregiving roles. Brian comically muses about the possibility of robots eventually babysitting children, provoking laughter while addressing a critical societal apprehension regarding safety and reliability.

The Technological Leap: Progress and Limitations

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Despite a positive outlook on future robotic functionalities, there's an undercurrent of skepticism regarding readiness and capabilities. Kirk speculates on the learning curve involved in enabling humanoid robots to undertake intricate tasks that require dexterity and nuance, such as cooking or managing household chores. He references the extensive amount of training and mimicry capabilities that robots may require, which suggests that the practical deployment of advanced humanoid robots in homes will take time.

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The hosts contemplate various scenarios in which these robots could operate, from home assistance to advanced caregiving. There's a clear recognition that the robotic evolution will likely progress faster than many anticipate, with Kirk predicting a timeline for robots being suitable for domestic life sooner than Elon Musk's three-year horizon suggests. This points to both excitement and caution regarding the path ahead, balancing technological advancements with societal readiness.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

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The conversation between Brian and Randy encapsulates the vibrant hopes and ethical considerations surrounding the integration of robots into everyday life. As they humorously speculate on ideal functions, they reveal two critical aspects: the accelerated pace of innovation and the inherent uncertainties about public acceptance.

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The future holds immense potential for robots to augment human capabilities, yet the hosts remind us that the ultimate success of this technological leap will depend on thoughtful deployment and genuine human trust in these creations. As society stands on the precipice of this robotic revolution, it remains to be seen how quickly we can adapt and embrace them as integral members of our daily lives. The dialogue speaks to a keen curiosity and optimism about the many roles robots could play—a sentiment that continues to find resonance as this fascinating field develops.

The Florida measure now goes to the desk of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose administration has advocated against the fluoridation of community water systems, arguing high levels could pose a risk to children’s intellectual development.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by replacing minerals lost during normal wear and tear, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The addition of low levels of fluoride to drinking water is considered among the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

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The Future of Air Travel: A Technology-Driven Transformation

The landscape of air travel has undergone significant changes over the decades, particularly regarding security protocols and passenger experience. With advancements in technology, it's becoming increasingly common to board a flight with just a smartphone and an identifying document, moving away from traditional methods. This article explores the future of air travel, emphasizing the integration of facial recognition technology and the shift towards a more seamless travel experience.

The Evolution of Boarding Processes

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Imagine a world where you can board an airplane without paper, lines, or even a physical passport. This vision is not far off, as organizations like the United Nations plan to transition completely to a system where facial recognition and smartphones are the primary tools for air travel. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, the future passenger will download a digital credential directly to their smartphone, which will automatically update in case of delays, facilitating smooth navigation through the airport.

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Air travel is on the brink of a digital revolution. As outlined by the International Air Transport Association, the number of passengers is projected to double by 2040, reaching an astonishing eight billion annually. The aviation sector is betting heavily on digitization to manage this expected surge without overwhelming airport infrastructures.

Implementations and Trials Worldwide

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Countries like Finland and Singapore are already experimenting with biometric systems to enhance the travel experience. In Amsterdam, Schiphol Airport has utilized facial recognition technology since 2019 for select flights, and Ryanair has committed to phasing out paper boarding passes by the end of the year. These advancements not only aim to streamline processes but also bolster security—potentially reducing identity fraud and assisting in the fight against human trafficking.

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Despite the promising benefits, the shift towards biometric systems raises concerns regarding privacy and mass surveillance. Experts warn that the same technology designed for efficiency could be misused for control, leading to unnecessary monitoring of individuals. In response, industry stakeholders argue that their systems anonymously purge passenger data seconds after use and emphasize that the biometric process will be optional, allowing each country to opt-in to the digital credential scheme.

The Intersection of Technology and Personal Data

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In a related technological development, Brazil's state data agency, known as DataPrev, recently announced that it is working on a project allowing citizens to sell their personal information to companies for monetary compensation. This initiative, introduced by DataPrev's executive president Rodrigo Assunção at the Web Summit Rio, aims to give individuals greater control over their data. The proposal is still in the study phase, reflecting ongoing discussions about privacy in a digital age.

As technology continues to evolve, so does the conversation surrounding personal data management and citizen rights. With events like the Web Summit Rio highlighting these vital discussions, the intersection of technology and personal privacy remains at the forefront of public discourse.

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Conclusion: The Road Ahead

The transformation of air travel is undoubtedly on the horizon, characterized by increased convenience, enhanced security, and, potentially, new challenges regarding personal privacy. The rapid advancement of technology will lead to smarter airports and streamlined processes, ensuring that passengers enjoy hassle-free travel experiences. However, as we embrace these innovations, it is essential to remain vigilant against the potential for misuse of technology and to advocate for personal data rights in an increasingly digital world.

The future of air travel promises significant changes, and as these developments unfold, society will need to navigate the delicate balance between technological benefits and privacy concerns.

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The Fascinating yet Worrisome World of Human-Level AI

The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) reaching a level comparable to human intelligence is both captivating and alarming. As we delve into this report, we examine whether we are indeed approaching such a monumental milestone.

Despite the optimism expressed by leaders in technology firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, there is a rising skepticism among specialists regarding the proximity of AI to achieving human-like intelligence. Researchers have indicated that current AI models do not think like humans; instead, they operate based on vast sets of practical rules without forming genuine world models that encompass cause and effect.

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Recent studies have highlighted that today’s technologies act more as extensive collections of shortcuts for problem-solving rather than showcasing the flexible reasoning that characterizes human thought. These AI systems primarily memorize specific solutions and lack the ability to comprehend contexts or adapt to new situations. The structural limitations of these models underline the necessity for large volumes of data and processing power. Moreover, these constraints may signify a stagnation in the progress of contemporary AI capabilities, despite decades of optimistic forecasts.

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Although the long-awaited development of general artificial intelligence remains on the horizon, ongoing efforts to understand these limitations promise to fuel the advancement of more reliable and efficient systems in the future.

Competition in the AI Landscape

Switching gears, we turn our attention to the burgeoning competition in the AI market. The technology sector has welcomed new players, such as the AI from Perplexity, which has recently launched new features available through WhatsApp. Interested users can access the Perplexity AI using the specified number displayed on screens. It's important for users in Brazil to change their country setting to the United States when adding this contact on the app.

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Once users send a message—whether a textual query or a request for image generation—they can engage with the AI. After the initial query, it becomes possible to save the Perplexity contact for future interactions. However, unlike Meta's AI, which is tied to WhatsApp, users cannot summon Perplexity directly within chats.

During testing of the Perplexity AI, users posed various queries, including asking for predictions about the favorite team to win the 2025 Brasileirão. The AI provided a prompt response accompanied by sources, although responses regarding predictions were not without their share of disagreement.

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Additionally, users requested the AI to generate an image of a puppy wearing boots. While the AI initially appeared to process the request for several minutes, it yielded no result. After a second prompt using slightly altered wording, the image generation was successful, albeit after a delay. In our continued testing, we also requested an image of a kitten lying in a hammock, which similarly took some time to produce.

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To understand the reasons behind these delays, an inquiry was made regarding the slow image generation process. Perplexity explained that such tasks involve heavy processing on their servers, and concurrent usage by many individuals could contribute to sluggish response times. Other factors impacting speed included user internet issues or having a full cache in their browser when accessing the AI via the web. Thankfully, Perplexity has promised to roll out more features for WhatsApp users soon.

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As we navigate through the rapid advancements and challenges within the AI realm, it is essential to maintain an informed perspective on both the possibilities and limitations that lie ahead. The journey toward true human-level intelligence, intertwined with emerging competition, remains a fascinating narrative to follow.

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Innovative Drone Design Inspired by Nature

In a remarkable development from the South Korean Pohang University of Science and Technology, researchers have unveiled a new drone whose design is based on the remarkable capabilities of the flying squirrel. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance aerial efficiency and maneuverability, showcasing nature's profound influence on engineering and design.

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The drone features extendable wings that facilitate sudden deceleration and direction changes without compromising flight coordination. When not in use, the drone adopts a conventional design, complete with a central body and four arms equipped with propellers. The standout innovation lies in its wings, crafted from silicone and strategically positioned between its front and rear arms. Additionally, it incorporates a tail-like apparatus that adds to its dynamic capabilities.

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The initial prototype of this flying squirrel-inspired drone was created in 2023. The research team integrated an artificial intelligence system to synchronize the propellers and wings effectively. Upon detecting the need for abrupt deceleration, the drone's articulated mechanism extends its wings and adjusts its rear end to slow down, enabling it to either hover in place or descend smoothly. In a study published by the team, it was revealed that their AI technology achieved a success rate of 90.5% while navigating an obstacle course designed to simulate forested environments. In contrast, drones lacking wings only achieved a success rate of 9.5%, while those with fixed wings performed at 19%.

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This innovative drone exemplifies how technology continues to draw inspiration from the natural world, leading to remarkable solutions in aerial robotics.

The Benefits of Pet Ownership Supported by Science

Beyond technological advancements, the positive impact of pet ownership on human health has garnered significant scientific attention. A recent study published in the Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice journal highlights how pets can serve as powerful companions, enhancing well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness.

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Researchers focused on two demographic groups particularly susceptible to social isolation: the elderly and international students. Conducted by a team of Australian scientists, the study revealed that interactions with pets not only fostered social connections but also improved mental health and cognitive functioning among participants.

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For the study, the researchers gathered a diverse group of individuals: ten international students with an average age of 22, six elderly residents from care homes aged around 83, and three management staff from these facilities. Over 18 weeks, participants engaged in weekly activities that involved pet interaction, including both family pets and robotic animals. Participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-study, reflecting on their feelings of loneliness, social connections, well-being, and mental health.

The study found that pets played a pivotal role in breaking the ice and encouraging communication among participants. The emotional benefits were palpable, as participants reported enhanced moods and improved interpersonal connections.

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In conclusion, not only does pet ownership enrich the lives of animals, but it also provides significant emotional and mental health benefits for their human companions. This research affirms that fostering human-animal relationships can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life.

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Busy Tuesday in the Tech Market

Tuesday was a bustling day in the technology market, with various developments making headlines. In this week's column, we delve into significant announcements, featuring thoughts from Roberto Peninelli, a physicist from USP and a columnist at Olhar Digital.

Meta's Major Announcements

One of the highlights was Meta's Lhama conference, focused on artificial intelligence for developers. During the event, the company introduced the Lhama API, a platform allowing developers to utilize Lhama models to create their own technologies and services. Mark Zuckerberg himself participated in the conference, emphasizing the significance of this announcement.

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Pena explained that Meta's approach with Lhama stands out as it provides open-source access to its code. This is different from other companies that keep their code under wraps and only offer cloud access via APIs. The Lhama API facilitates developers in creating applications without needing advanced hardware or extensive setups. It allows for easy testing of models via a cloud interface, which Pena found to be a smart move that can significantly benefit developers.

While the API is currently in a testing phase, its potential for broad acceptance among developers seems promising. However, the full impact and utility of the tool remains to be seen as it progresses and more developers gain access.

The Maiden AI App from Meta

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In addition to the Lhama API, Meta launched an independent AI app, expanding its capabilities into platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. Although initial attempts to integrate AI into platforms faced criticism for not being robust enough, the new app appears to have drawn inspiration from user-demand and competitor success, notably ChatGPT.

The AI app features a user-friendly interface allowing functionalities similar to those of ChatGPT. Users can now save conversation histories and customize the AI's memory settings, keeping track of relevant information. While the app incorporates multimodal capabilities and advanced voice features, some limitations, such as internet navigation, still exist.

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An interesting new integration with Rayban glasses allowing users to film while interacting with the AI app raises questions on practical functionality. Whether these developments are merely marketing strategies or will yield practical benefits remains to be seen.

NVIDIA's Physical AI Concept

Shifting gears, the conversation turned towards NVIDIA and its innovative concept of "Physical AI." This system aims to empower humanoid robots and other devices to perform intricate real-world tasks with improved autonomy and accuracy.

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Pena noted that while robots have previously learned through physical environments, they lacked the conversational abilities provided by language models. By merging language comprehension with physical understanding, NVIDIA is setting the stage for next-generation robots that can interact more naturally and effectively in physical tasks.

This transition provides a compelling analogy, likening understanding physical relationships to a person blind from birth attempting to comprehend visual concepts. By equipping AI models with a more comprehensive understanding of the physical world, NVIDIA might be revolutionizing how robots function and interact in daily scenarios, bringing us closer to futuristic assistant concepts like those seen in "The Jetsons."

Conclusion

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Overall, this week's discussion highlighted the rapid advancements in technology driven by major players like Meta and NVIDIA. As the landscape evolves with new tools and capabilities, it promises exciting opportunities and challenges ahead.

Roberto Peninelli's insights shed light on the implications of these announcements, establishing a platform for further exploration in the upcoming weeks. The tech world is indeed in a constant state of flux, and staying informed will be paramount for developers and consumers alike.

Look Ahead

As we look forward to more developments, we invite readers to stay tuned for next week’s topics, as the exploration of technology and innovation continues to unfold.