NASA aims to build a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2030 — a 100-kilowatt power source designed to keep a lunar base operational through the moon’s two-week nights when solar energy isn’t available. If successful, it could be a game-changer for establishing a permanent human presence beyond Earth.

The mission faces significant challenges: safely moving and operating a reactor in space, cooling it without an atmosphere, and ensuring dependable performance in one of the most extreme environments. But if NASA manages to pull it off, the benefits are huge — continuous energy for science, exploration, and eventually industry on the lunar surface.

This project is more than just engineering. It’s a strategic race. China and Russia are working on similar technology, and whoever wins first could set the rules for the next chapter of space exploration. For the U.S., the lunar reactor isn’t just about power — it’s about demonstrating leadership in humanity’s venture into deep space.

Delta Airlines is working to redefine the meaning of flying — but not everyone will agree with the change. The airline is repositioning itself as a “lifestyle airline," emphasizing luxury branding and amenities aimed at attracting business travelers. This is a strategic move: premium ticket sales already make up about a third of Delta’s revenue, and the airline sees its future profitability in serving that high-paying group. However, this strategy raises concerns for the rest of us. For average travelers who want dependable, affordable transportation, the “lifestyle” branding can seem like an excuse for higher fares and extra fees. These fees are already transforming the industry in ways that frustrate passengers — from checked baggage and seat assignments to early boarding privileges, these charges have generated billions in additional revenue for U.S. carriers. Delta’s shift could highlight a growing divide in the flying experience, where business travelers enjoy curated perks while regular passengers pay more for less. It’s a risky move toward exclusivity that could change not only Delta’s image but also the expectations — and frustrations — of flying in America.

The redesigned 2025 Nissan Murano arrives with plenty of promise, but my time behind the wheel left me questioning whether this SUV can truly live up to its flagship expectations. At first glance, the Murano’s styling is a triumph — sleek lines and modern touches that echo the design language of Nissan’s well-received Ariya EV. From the curb, it looks like a vehicle ready to compete at the top of its segment.

But once on the road, the cracks begin to show. The new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, struggled to deliver the kind of responsive power drivers need in real-world conditions. Whether merging onto the highway or passing at speed, the hesitation was noticeable — and disappointing for a vehicle positioned as a premium SUV.

The interior design also missed key marks. A high cargo floor compromised practicality, while poorly placed climate-control vents made the cabin less comfortable than it should be. These may sound like small details, but together they chip away at the Murano’s overall appeal.

Perhaps the most baffling decision was Nissan’s choice not to offer a mild hybrid variant. With fuel economy figures stuck at 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, the absence of even a basic hybrid option feels like a major missed opportunity — especially at a time when buyers are increasingly demanding better efficiency without sacrificing convenience.

The 2025 Murano may look the part, but in execution, it struggles to deliver a truly competitive driving experience. For Nissan, this refresh feels like a step sideways rather than forward.

Volvo is making a bold move that reflects where American car buyers are putting their money. The Swedish automaker has announced a strategic shift away from EVs, wagons, and sedans in the U.S. market, focusing instead on its successful lineup of mild and plug-in hybrid crossovers.

It’s a practical decision that highlights a growing trend: while EVs grab headlines, it’s hybrids that are quietly winning the hearts — and wallets — of many American drivers. Hybrids offer a balance that’s hard to ignore, providing longer driving ranges, easy recharging at traditional gas stations, and lower purchase prices compared to full EVs. For consumers seeking better efficiency without the worry of charging infrastructure, hybrids give the best of both worlds.

The shift also marks the end of an era for Volvo’s more traditional models. Enthusiasts might mourn the loss of the luxurious S90 sedan and the brand’s long legacy of wagons, which once defined Volvo’s identity. But in a market dominated by SUVs and crossovers, these vehicles simply aren’t resonating with buyers like they used to. Volvo’s move is less about abandoning its heritage and more about doubling down on where the demand really is.

Here is a topic that, as a father and grandfather, I find deeply troubling: Silicon Valley's increasing obsession with genetic "optimization," where wealthy parents pay up to $50,000 to screen embryos specifically for high IQ potential. This trend highlights Silicon Valley's intense focus on intelligence as the ultimate measure of human value and raises serious questions about creating genetic castes within society. As genetic technologies progress, what starts with screening could develop into active modification, potentially leading to a world where only the wealthy can afford children with enhanced cognitive abilities. We must ask ourselves: does this path genuinely improve humanity, or does it fundamentally threaten the values of equality and human dignity?

Waymo, the pioneering autonomous vehicle company backed by Alphabet, is accelerating its push into some of America’s most complex and unpredictable cities. The company has announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Washington, D.C. next year, while simultaneously testing autonomous operations with safety drivers in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Unlike its current markets in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, and Atlanta — where the climate is generally more forgiving — these northeastern cities present a whole new set of challenges. Harsh winters bring snow and ice that can confuse sensors, while dense cityscapes with narrow streets, constant roadwork, jaywalking pedestrians, delivery trucks, and swarms of e-bikes create environments that demand split-second decision-making. Add in long, dark nights and unpredictable weather shifts, and the road ahead becomes even tougher for self-driving systems.

If Waymo can prove its technology in these conditions, it could mark a major milestone in the journey toward truly reliable autonomous mobility. Success would signal that self-driving cars aren’t just a novelty for the sunny Southwest — they can thrive in the messy, chaotic reality of urban America. The coming trials will be a decisive test for both Waymo and the future of autonomous driving.

China's first-ever World Humanoid Robot Olympics showcased both the impressive advances and current limitations of robotics technology. Over 280 teams from 16 countries competed in events ranging from sprinting to practical tasks like sorting medicine. While some robots impressed with speeds reaching 10 mph, others stumbled or took comically long times to complete simple tasks. But don't be fooled by these awkward early performances - this competition represents a watershed moment in robotics development, allowing researchers to stress-test designs and learn from failures. China has declared its intention to lead the world in humanoid robots by 2027, and after seeing the global competition up close, they may achieve that goal sooner than we expect.

Automobile design is at a crossroads as Hyundai announces plans to eliminate physical buttons in favor of Tesla-style touchscreens beginning with 2026 models. Their new "Pleos Connect" system promises smartphone-like functionality with multiple apps running simultaneously on a central display. But should we sacrifice the tactile feedback and muscle memory that physical buttons provide? When you're navigating rush-hour traffic, do you want to hunt through menus just to adjust your heat? This shift prioritizes manufacturing efficiency and aesthetic minimalism over what many consider essential safety features - the ability to control vital functions without taking your eyes off the road. Listen in to learn more.

The rise of next-generation geothermal energy as a practical, clean power source is creating excitement in the energy industry. Unlike traditional geothermal, which depends on specific locations, new technologies like Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and Advanced Closed Loop systems can access the Earth's heat almost anywhere by drilling 10,000-26,000 feet below the surface. A Department of Energy report indicates these innovations could potentially generate 5,500 gigawatts of capacity—140 times more than traditional geothermal. What's especially interesting is that oil and gas companies, with their deep expertise in drilling and geology, are ideally suited to lead this shift to clean energy production.

Ford Motor Company is making a $5 billion bet on what they're calling their "Model T moment." Just as Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with the assembly line in 1913, the company now aims to transform EV production with a completely reimagined manufacturing approach. By dividing production into three simultaneous segments—front sections, rear sections, and batteries—Ford believes they can significantly reduce costs to offer electric vehicles at around $30,000. According to Ford President Jim Farley, this competitive pricing strategy is essential for survival against Chinese manufacturers who have already mastered producing affordable, well-equipped EVs. When Farley test-drove a Chinese EV last year, he was so impressed he didn't want to return it—a wake-up call that drove this aggressive new strategy.