Latest Tech News

Stay updated with the latest in technology, AI, cybersecurity, and more

Filtered by: water Clear Filter

11 Things I'll Never Put in the Dishwasher Again (and Neither Should You)

Whether you're breaking in a brand-new dishwasher or you've been riding the sudsy automation wave for years, the temptation is real: Just toss it all in and let the machine handle the mess. After all, it's summer -- you've got better things to do than stand over the sink scrubbing spoons. But before you go loading up the racks with wild abandon, it's worth hitting pause. Not everything is built to survive your dishwasher's steamy rinse cycle or turbo-charged dry. In fact, plenty of common kitch

Take the tediousness out of pool care with the Beatbot AquaSense 2 series

Summer is in full swing, and jumping in your pool to stay cool during those sweltering days sounds ideal. Of course, keeping your outdoor pool open for the entire season also means hours and hours of tedious maintenance and cleaning. That’s where Beatbot steps in! With the Aquasense 2 series of automatic robot pool cleaners handling the chore of pool care, you’ll now be able to enjoy more time in the water than outside of it. Here’s everything you need to know. Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra – The

Americans Are Being Told to Stop Drinking Coffee in the Summer Heat. I Reached Out to Experts for the Tea

In response to heat waves across the US, NWS Las Vegas, the National Weather Service for southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona and southeastern California, posted an extreme heat warning on X. The warning cautioned residents not to drink caffeine because it speeds up dehydration, which can contribute to heat stroke and exhaustion. NWS Las Vegas's post quickly made headlines. These headlines said that Americans were being "warned not to drink coffee in three states" because it was "lethal in a m

The Hidden Engineering of Liquid Dampers in Skyscrapers

[Note that this article is a transcript of the video embedded above.] There’s a new trend in high-rise building design. Maybe you’ve seen this in your city. The best lots are all taken, so developers are stretching the limits to make use of space that isn’t always ideal for skyscrapers. They’re not necessarily taller than buildings of the past, but they are a lot more slender. “Pencil tower” is the term generally used to describe buildings that have a slenderness ratio of more than around 10 to

US critical infrastructure exposed as feds warn of possible attacks from Iran

Hackers working on behalf of the Iranian government are likely to target industrial control systems used at water treatment plants and other critical infrastructure to retaliate against recent military strikes by Israel and the US, federal government agencies are warning. One cybersecurity company says many US-based targets aren't adequately protected against the threat. “Based on the current geopolitical environment, Iranian-affiliated cyber actors may target US devices and networks for near-t

People Are Being Warned Not to Drink Coffee in the Heat. I Asked Experts if That's an Exaggeration

The summer has just begun, and many areas across the US are already experiencing sweltering temperatures. In response, NWS Las Vegas, the National Weather Service covering southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern California, posted an extreme heat warning graphic on X, cautioning residents not to drink caffeine because it speeds up dehydration, contributing to heat stroke and exhaustion. NWS Las Vegas's graphic soon made headlines, in which Americans were "warned not to drink cof

People Are Being Warned Not to Drink Coffee in the Heat. I Asked Experts If That's an Exaggeration

The summer has just begun, and many areas across the US are already experiencing sweltering temperatures. In response, NWS Las Vegas, the National Weather Service covering southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern California, posted an extreme heat warning graphic on X, cautioning residents not to drink caffeine because it speeds up dehydration, contributing to heat stroke and exhaustion. NWS Las Vegas's graphic soon made headlines, in which Americans were "warned not to drink cof

How urea forms spontaneously

Urea is one of the most important industrial chemicals produced worldwide. It is used as a fertiliser, for the production of synthetic resins and explosives and as a fuel additive for cleaning car exhaust gases. Urea is also believed to be a potential key building block for the formation of biological molecules such as RNA and DNA in connection with the question of the origin of life (see ETH News from 28 June 2023). Until now, the origin of urea itself on Early Earth has not been conclusively c

Amazon Is Building a Gigantic Computing Facility to Match the Human Brain

But to what end? Fields of Data Indiana's newest cash crop isn't soybeans or corn; it's AI data centers — lots and lots of AI data centers. The New York Times reports that Amazon is building a vast complex of AI infrastructure facilities on top of 1,200 acres of former cropland, all meant for startup Anthropic's project to build an AI model that is as powerful, complex — and, just possibly, as intelligent — as the human brain. To that end, Amazon has constructed seven data centers on site, w

How vulnerable is critical infrastructure to cyberattack in the US?

is a senior science reporter covering energy and the environment with more than a decade of experience. She is also the host of Hell or High Water: When Disaster Hits Home , a podcast from Vox Media and Audible Originals. Our water, health, and energy systems are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattack. Now, when tensions escalate — like when the US bombed nuclear facilities in Iran this month — the safety of these systems becomes of paramount concern. If conflict erupts, we can expect it to be

Apple TV+ confirms return date for award-winning animated series ‘Stillwater’

Stillwater is one of the highest-rated Apple TV+ shows for kids, and it has snatched quite a few awards since it premiered in 2020. And after a two-year hiatus since the end of last season, Apple has officially confirmed the show’s return date for season 4. Stillwater returns for season 4 on August 1 For those unfamiliar, Stillwater is Apple’s gentle, mindfulness-focused animated series based on Jon J Muth’s bestselling Zen book collection. The show follows three siblings, Karl, Addy, and Mic

It's Tempting, But Please Don't Put These 11 Things in Your Dishwasher

Whether you're the proud new owner of your first dishwasher or something of an automated cleaning aficionado, it's tempting to toss everything in there. With the summer months now here, you've more fun things to do than handwash things, right? But it's important to take a moment and consider whether the dishwasher's fierce cycles and scalding hot water are suited to all of your cookware, glassware and utensils. Putting the wrong items into even the best dishwasher can cause havoc, often wrecking

VA Tech scientists are building a better fog harp

A fog harp prototype collects water vapor. Credit: Virginia Tech A fog harp prototype collects water vapor. Credit: Virginia Tech Arid coastal regions that are also prone to fog are prime locations for fog-harvesting devices as a water source, especially during prolonged droughts. But the standard technology is prone to clogging. Scientists at Virginia Tech have created an improved version of their earlier "fog harp" alternative design to address that issue, according to a new paper published i

Survive This Summer's Heat Wave With These Must-Have Cooling Products

Hot weather is here, and this week's heat wave has been stifling. It's important to stay safe when having fun in the sun this summer. So, if you're planning to spend time outside, be sure you're prepared with the essentials to keep cool. Here are 10 items you can use to survive this year's heat waves and summer highs. 1. Electrolyte powder When you spend lots of time in the heat, your body actively loses water and electrolytes -- minerals found in the body that have a charge -- through sweat.

Best 6 Soda Makers (2025): Drinkmate, SodaStream, Aerflo

Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Soda? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron Photograph: Matthew Korfhage Bubbling up your own water is convenient, it saves space, and it's by far the most eco-friendly option, versus stacking up cases of sparkling bottles in your fridge. But it's probably not cheaper. Aside from the initial cost of the machine, you'll need to continue to replenish CO 2 canisters. These can run anywhere from $20 to $30 for a 60-liter canister, depending on the brand, which adds

9 Best Cat Water Fountains, WIRED Tested and Reviewed (2025)

Others We Tested Petkit Eversweet Max for $80: This tech-y automatic fountain can be either cordless or battery-powered (lasting up to 83 days), and the drinking bowl is made of stainless steel, but the reservoir is plastic. Because of the shape of the basin with the chunky battery and reservoir bowl, it’s a little awkward to clean. The app logs every time a pet drinks and compares it over time to determine whether your cat’s drinking habits have changed. The app also keeps track of when the fi

8 Best Water Leak Detectors (2025), Tested and Reviewed

Other Leak Detectors We Like Photograph: Simon Hill First Alert L1 Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector for $64: This large flood sensor, branded First Alert, works with First Alert or Resideo apps and accessories. It sends push notifications and emails to alert you to any leak and sports a 100-decibel alarm that you can stop with the side button. The sensor was relatively slow to alert in all my tests, and the push notifications only came through when my phone was connected to Wi-Fi. The 5-fo

Should you use your robot vacuum with recycled water? My results after a week of testing

ZDNET's key takeaways The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is available for $1,900. This device features a unique innovation: a trademarked WaterRecycle station that distills wastewater and dehumidifies your home so you never have to refill the clean water tank. The full device is one-of-a-kind, so its settings and setup take some getting used to, and it can sometimes take a long time to finish a task while the water distills. $1,899.99 at Amazon The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on s

Topics: 3i robot s10 ultra water

I tested a robot vacuum that mops with recycled water and the results surprised me

ZDNET's key takeaways The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is available for $1,900. This device features a unique innovation: a trademarked WaterRecycle station that distills wastewater and dehumidifies your home so you never have to refill the clean water tank. The full device is one-of-a-kind, so its settings and setup take some getting used to, and it can sometimes take a long time to finish a task while the water distills. $1,899.99 at Amazon The 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on s

Topics: 3i robot s10 ultra water

US warns of Iranian cyberattacks and propaganda in wake of airstrikes

TL;DR: The Iranian government has been behind several cyberattacks on US organizations over the years. Now, the Department of Homeland Security has warned of an increased threat of both cyberattacks and physical attacks from the nation following US strikes on its nuclear facilities over the weekend. Homeland Security has warned that low-level cyberattacks against US networks by pro-Iranian hacktivists and cyber actors affiliated with the Iranian government are likely. The advisory adds that th

2B people don't have safe drinking water: what does this mean for them?

Two billion people don’t have safe drinking water: what does this really mean for them? For billions, it can mean hours spent collecting water. For almost a million, it means dying from disease. In the time it would take me to write the next sentence, I could get up, walk to the kitchen, and pour myself a glass of clean water. I’ve never had to worry about whether that water would make me sick. Almost six billion other people in the world share this reality. They have safe drinking water in th

A shark scientist reflects on Jaws at 50

If you've been in the ocean, there's been a shark not that far from you, and it knew you were there, and you probably had no idea it was there and had a pleasant day in the water. The sharks that do bite people, they take a little bite and they go, what is that? And swim away. That can be real bad if it hits a major artery or if you're far from shore. Again, I don't want to minimize the real harm. But it is not a shark hunting you because it has a taste for human flesh. They don't have hands. Th

Does the Internet Have an Environmental Impact? Yes, Actually. And It’s Getting Bigger

Diagnosing the environmental sustainability of the internet might seem, at first, like trying to figure out where the molecules of water in your morning cup of coffee originated. Water is constantly evolving, cycling through our environments and often carrying the secrets of the places it last passed through. The internet, in all its complexity, appears to operate in a similar fashion. Every time we log online, we step foot into an incredibly intricate stream of data, often cycled, reused and e

No Kings, Just Water

It was a lovely day for a protest until the cops decided to riot. Millions took to the streets on Saturday for No Kings Day, nationwide protests in cities big and small, timed to provide counter-programming for Donald Trump’s own military parade in Washington D.C.—an embarrassing spectacle that coincided with the president’s 79th birthday. Los Angeles, the second largest city in the country, had its own No Kings protest downtown that saw tens of thousands turn out. And it was incredible to witn

AI threatens to raid the water reserves of Europe's driest regions

U.S. giants Microsoft and Amazon are investing billions to snatch up land in the increasingly water-stressed territory with the aim of building data centers, which typically use many millions of liters of water a year. The Spanish and regional governments are ecstatic. The country’s former digital minister celebrated Amazon’s decision to move in last year, boasting that Spain is “at the forefront of technology innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Europe.” It goes hand-in-hand with the Euro

Best Meat Thermometers for 2025

James Bricknell/CNET The most important part of any thermometer testing is accuracy. We weight this criteria most heavily when compiling entries to the best list, and it is the most scientific of the tests. We use a medical-grade thermometer as our baseline for accuracy and test the meat probe variance to that temperature. Ice water testing Testing the accuracy of a thermometer usually involves a cup, some ice cubes, and water. Due to the nature of water it can be a liquid and a solid at 32F

The Best Water Filter Pitcher for 2025

As mentioned earlier in this article, there are quite a variety of contaminants worth removing from your tap water. The team here at our lab settled on three primary tests to benchmark the efficacy of these filters: TDS, pH and chlorine. Before we began the actual testing process, each pitcher was removed from the packaging, cleaned and then prepared per the manufacturer's instructions. This is very important, as most of these filters utilize activated carbon filtration, which will deposit sedim

The Hidden Cost of the Internet: Why the Web's Environmental Impact Matters Now More Than Ever

Diagnosing the environmental sustainability of the internet might seem, at first, like trying to figure out where the molecules of water in your morning cup of coffee originated. Water is constantly evolving, cycling through our environments and often carrying the secrets of the places it last passed through. The internet, in all its complexity, appears to operate in a similar fashion. Every time we log online, we step foot into an incredibly intricate stream of data, often cycled, reused and e

HomeKit Weekly: Protect your wood floors with a HomeKit-enabled water leak sensor from FIBARO

Water damage is one of my biggest fears as a homeowner. With hardwood floors throughout my house, even a small leak could turn into a massive repair bill and a huge inconvenience. A slow drip from a sink can quickly become thousands of dollars in damage for your floors and cabinets. Thankfully, with a HomeKit-enabled flood sensor from FIBARO, you can catch leaks early and avoid a major headache. The FIBARO water leak sensor is one of my oldest HomeKit devices I am using, but it still works great

These VA Tech scientists are building a better fog harp

A fog harp prototype collects water vapor. Credit: Virginia Tech A fog harp prototype collects water vapor. Credit: Virginia Tech Arid coastal regions that are also prone to fog are prime locations for fog-harvesting devices as a water source, especially during prolonged droughts. But the standard technology is prone to clogging. Scientists at Virginia Tech have created an improved version of their earlier "fog harp" alternative design to address that issue, according to a new paper published i