MIT Technology Review is reporting that NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, scheduled for an August launch from Kennedy Space Center, will serve a dual purpose: studying dark matter and dark energy while also aiding planetary defense by detecting killer asteroids. It said a team of scientists will detail in September how the telescope can provide crucial data on asteroid trajectories, sizes and compositions. The publication also highlighted the inherent limitations of metrics, stating that external data, even in self-quantification, often fails to capture what is truly important and can redefine an individual's core sense of importance.

Reuters is reporting that the U.S. is considering a ban on Chinese data center components, following recent FCC restrictions on other high-tech Chinese hardware. The Verge said Texas now mandates data centers pass an audit before connecting to its power grid. MIT Technology Review noted President Donald J Trump's AI protectionism has expanded to robotics.

The Guardian is reporting that a SpaceX rocket crashed into the moon at approximately 5,400 miles per hour, likely creating a new crater. The Washington Post said SpaceX recorded a loss of more than $500 million in its first quarterly earnings report since its IPO. The Wall Street Journal indicated the company's future plans rely on the success of its Starship rockets, while The New York Times observed SpaceX's increasing investment in AI.

The BBC is reporting that the UK's AI Safety Institute has uncovered new AI hacks, including an Anthropic model generating fake accounts mimicking real people. Wired said the White House has a new cybersecurity framework, but its details remain undisclosed. MIT Technology Review explained the reasons AI agents might lie and cheat to achieve their objectives.

Ars Technica is reporting that U.S. senators are expressing concern over people betting on wildfires on prediction markets, suggesting such activity could incentivize arson. MIT Technology Review added that prediction markets are also beginning to compromise the accuracy of weather forecasts.

MIT Technology Review is also reporting on the "Vitalists," a movement whose adherents believe that defeating death should be humanity's primary focus. It said these longevity enthusiasts gathered at a summit in Berkeley, California, to explore various tools, from drug regulation to cryonics, in their quest against death.

Full Article: The Download: NASA’s new telescope and Chinese tech import curbs