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The country is home to 6% of the planet's life. Did you know that Costa Rica , occupying only 0.03% of the Earth's surface , is home to about 6% of the world's biodiversity? It is the country with the highest biodiversity per square kilometer on the planet. Another surprising fact is that the country abolished its army in 1949 , reinvested military resources in education, health, and environmental conservation, and became one of the most stable, safe, and charming destinations in Latin America. Geographic information and government system Costa Rica is located on the isthmus of Central America , with the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east . It has 4,560,000 inhabitants. It borders Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south . The country is relatively small—about 51,100 km² , comparable to the US state of West Virginia—but extremely diverse geographically, with mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches on both sides of the isthmus. Its capital is San José , located in the central valley where most of the population and economic activity is concentrated. Spanish is the official language, with English widely used in tourist areas and by expatriates. The country is a stable democratic republic with regular elections, consolidated civil liberties, and a vibrant civil society. Since the founding of the Second Republic in 1949, Costa Rica has invested in building democratic institutions, characterized by transparent governance and respect for human rights. International organizations such as Freedom House and The Economist Intelligence Unit consistently rank Costa Rica as one of the freest countries in Latin America in terms of freedom of expression.   Education, health and safety In 1949, Costa Rica made the bold decision to permanently abolish its army, transferring the funds previously allocated to defense to social sectors such as education, public health, and environmental conservation. This allowed for greater social investments that contributed to high literacy rates, health coverage, and quality of life, comparable to those of wealthier economies. Currently, the country has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, reaching 96.1%. The absence of traditional armed forces has been accompanied by the strengthening of civilian police forces to maintain law and order. This, coupled with a strong sense of community and democratic stability, makes Costa Rica one of the safest countries in the region for residents and visitors.   Economy: from GDP to trade balance and key sectors The Costa Rican economy is a mix of services, industry, and agriculture; with a strong emphasis on technology, tourism, and value-added exports . In 2024, Costa Rica's total GDP was approximately US$95.35 billion , representing about 0.09% of the global economy. Costa Rica's GDP per capita reached approximately US$14,800 in 2024 , placing it above the world average and signaling a relatively high standard of living for the region. The historical trade balance has shown moderate deficits, reflecting imports slightly exceeding exports in recent years. Regarding inflation , recent projections indicate that it has remained under control, with variations within moderate ranges, reinforcing the country's macroeconomic stability. Public debt Costa Rica's public debt has shown recent signs of stabilization: at the beginning of 2025, total public debt represented 57.4% of GDP, with 42.8% being domestic debt and 14.6% being external debt. This appears more manageable when analyzed within the Latin American context, given that many countries in the region have significantly higher levels of indebtedness. Several Latin American economies operate with much higher levels of public debt — some exceeding 70%, 80%, or even 90% of GDP — in addition to facing weaker fiscal balances, higher inflation, or lower credit ratings. Costa Rica's debt is not small, but the country's economic stability, institutional soundness, and comparatively moderate debt level make it more manageable than many neighboring economies. The real estate market: a continuous flow of options and opportunities. The real estate market in Costa Rica is accessible to both nationals and foreigners, who can acquire properties under almost the same legal conditions and without significant restrictions, except in areas of strict environmental protection. In cities like San José, modern residential condominiums coexist with preserved green areas, offering the option of urban lifestyles integrated with nature.   Prices vary widely. Unless you're looking for something large and luxurious, the average rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment can range from $250 to $500 . A three-bedroom apartment can cost between $615 and $825 . Properties closer to coastal cities tend to have higher prices. Simpler plots of land and houses in the countryside can cost anywhere from US$30,000 to US$100,000 ; In the San Jose metropolitan area , residential properties in good locations often range from about US$800 to US$3,500 per square meter or more, depending on the view, proximity to services, and development. In tourist areas or more developed areas , beachfront homes, condominiums, or villas can easily reach US$600 per square meter . On the northern coast of Costa Rica - in the luxurious and expensive province of Guanacaste - homes can range from US$900,000 to US$3.6 million in the most exclusive area - the Gulf of Papagayo . Tax burden Costa Rica only taxes income generated within the country . Income earned abroad, such as pensions, investments, and remote work for foreign companies, is not taxed locally , making it highly attractive to foreigners and nationals with international income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0 to 25%. Technologies and exports Costa Rica has established itself as the 10th largest global exporter of medical devices¹ and the 1st country in the world in per capita exports . The country's exports grew by an average of 22% per year between 2020 and 2024. Currently, exports of precision equipment and medical devices represent 48% of all the country's goods exports. Costa Rica has developed advanced technological capabilities , especially in biomedical engineering and embedded software, with the development of embedded software for medical equipment , as in the case of Terumo Blood & Cell Technologies and Research and Development Laboratories, and companies such as Hologic and Boston Scientific. Also noteworthy are the Precision component printing, medical polymer molding, and microelectronics applied to healthcare devices. By expanding its reach far beyond simply being a tourist and environmental destination, Costa Rica has become a global hub for medical technology , with political stability, a highly skilled workforce, an innovation ecosystem, and strong attraction for foreign investment, representing 52% of all new investments in medical devices in Latin America. Costa Rica offers a unique combination of political stability, skilled human talent, access to international markets, and environmental sustainability. The country's geographic location allows for direct connections with the United States and Europe , and its numerous free trade agreements facilitate exports from a single logistics platform. The free trade zone regime also offers attractive tax incentives, as well as top-quality legal, accounting, and real estate services, reducing barriers to entry for new investors and improving profit margins. Costa Rica, therefore, reveals itself to be much more than just its natural charms. It is a country that has managed to harmonize environmental preservation, quality of life, and economic and social development, in a rare model of contemporary balance.   High-TechSociety.com Founder and Publisher: Luiz Cincurá luiz.cincura@high-techsociety.com   Notice:   1. Main types of medical devices produced in Costa Rica: needles, catheters and cannulas (41.5% of sector exports), medical prostheses (14.5%), endoscopy devices, cardiology equipment, orthopedic implants, ophthalmological devices, diagnostic equipment, solutions for advanced surgery.   Sources:   ABC. El mapa de la deuda externa en América Latina. Acesso em: January 16, 2026. CENTER AMERICA 360°. More than 100 medical device companies operate in Costa Rica and generate 60 thousand jobs. Access at: January 15, 2026. COFACE FOR TRADE. Costa Rica. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. COUNTRY ECONOMY. Costa Rica's Trade Balance. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. EMBASSY OF COSTA RICA. Biodiversity and natural resources . Access at: January 15, 2026. FUTURE POLICY. Constitutional Abolition of the Army in Costa Rica. Access at: January 15, 2026. LA REPÚBLICA. Costa Rica consolidates itself as the tenth global exporter of medical devices . Accessed on: January 15, 2026. ODIS. Costa Rica . Accessed on: January 15, 2026. REMAX CENTRAL AMERICA. Real estate market. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. SPECIAL PLACES. Costa Rica. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. STATISTA. Public debt in Latin America - statistics & facts . Accessed on: January 16, 2026. THE REAL TIMES. Costa Rica's Fiscal Path: Balancing Debt, Growth, and Social Demands. Access at: January 16, 2026. TRADING ECONOMICS. GDP per capita of Costa Rica. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. UNITED NATIONS . Country facts about Costa Rica. Accessed on: January 15, 2026. UNESCO. Abolition of the Army in Costa Rica . Access at: January 15, 2026.

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI ) represents the idea of systems capable of performing a wide variety of cognitive tasks with human-like performance, going beyond current artificial intelligences, which are specialized in specific functions. Unlike these AIs, AGI would have the ability to learn continuously, transfer knowledge between different domains, and act autonomously, although, in its current stage of evolution, it operates on specific tasks, predominantly in controlled environments and under human supervision. The beginning of a new technological era. In recent interviews, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has highlighted that the move towards AGI could mark the beginning of a new technological era, with direct impacts on the economy, work, and social organization. The debate is no longer limited to the distant future and now involves concrete decisions that need to be made in the present.   Recent advances in AGI Although full AGI has not yet been achieved, recent advances in language models and autonomous agents indicate consistent progress in that direction. These systems already demonstrate the ability to plan, execute complex tasks, and operate with relative independence in digital environments, approaching functions traditionally performed by humans. Potential benefits of AGI The potential benefits of this transformation are significant. Intelligent automation tends to increase productivity, reduce operational costs, and accelerate innovation cycles in areas such as science, technology, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, the progressive reduction in AI development and operating costs favors broader access models, such as tiered subscription plans, allowing students, independent professionals, and small businesses to utilize advanced artificial intelligence tools. Impact on the labor market At the same time, the impact on the labor market remains one of the main challenges. The automation of administrative, analytical, and operational tasks is expected to intensify, requiring an accelerated reconfiguration of professional roles. The risk lies not only in the replacement of activities but also in the speed of this transition, which may exceed the adaptive capacity of workers, companies, and institutions. Added to this is the possibility of concentrating economic gains among those who control infrastructure, data, and AI models. Transformation and adaptability In this scenario, adaptability takes on a strategic role. Governments and institutions need to invest in professional retraining, modernization of educational systems, and encouragement of continuous learning. Economic transition policies, coupled with the democratization of access to artificial intelligence itself, are fundamental to reducing inequalities and expanding the social benefits of technological advancement.   Conclusion The advancement of AGI represents not just another technological leap, but a test of social and institutional maturity. The speed and scope of this transformation demand coordinated responses capable of aligning innovation, inclusion, and governance. The central challenge is not to contain technological progress, but to create the conditions for it to translate into collective gains. In an increasingly AI-driven scenario, the ability to adapt will be as strategic as the technology itself.   Sources: TEAM MAGAZINE. How Sam Altman Is Thinking About AGI and Superintelligence. 2024–2025. FORBES. Sam Altman on Building AGI and Its Economic Impact. 2025. ARS TECHNICA. AI Agents and the Future of Work. 2025 BUILT IN. Artificial General Intelligence and Job Market Impact. 2024–2025. ALGORITHMWATCH. AGI, Accountability and Governance. 2024. AXIOS. AI and the Risk of White-Collar Job Disruption. 2025.

During the World Medical and Medical Technology Fair ( MEDICA 2025), held in Düsseldorf , Germany, INSPITAL , a German manufacturer of high-quality surgical solutions, brought together distributors from 15 countries in an exclusive event to present its latest innovations in surgical technology. The event featured live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and strategic discussions , highlighting modern solutions for operating rooms. INSPITAL GmbH Corporate Video Participants were able to get a close look at equipment such as operating tables, lighting systems, supply units, and suction systems , all developed with a focus on patient safety and efficiency in the surgical center . According to CEO Taha Beser , direct interaction with international partners strengthens the development of new solutions and ensures that modern healthcare remains accessible, safe, and efficient worldwide. With a presence in over 60 countries and more than 400 operating rooms delivered annually , INSPITAL reaffirms its role as a global partner and innovative force in the healthcare sector. SOURCE: OPENPR. Medica 2025 in Düsseldorf: INSPITAL stärkt weltweites Partnernetzwerk mit exklusivem Technologie-Event. Available at: < https://www.openpr.de/ > Accessed on January 2, 2026. Notice: To display subtitles in your native language on YouTube videos, click on settings, then English, click on English again, and then click on "Auto-translate" . Next, scroll down to find and click on your native language.

It has been 20 years since Concorde was retired on October 24, 2003, after its last journey between New York and London.  From its first commercial flight, on 01/21/1976 and for 27 years, Concorde transported almost four million people and carried out 50 thousand supersonic flights. However, high operating costs, high fares and a serious plane crash, among other factors, led to the closure of the first commercial plane to exceed the speed of sound. The (privileged) supersonic passengers were nostalgic for these flights, which were carried out by 14 Concordes. The Concorde flew at 2,200 km/h per hour - almost twice the speed of sound - at an altitude of 18,000 meters. Thus, it was able to fly between Paris and New York in just 3h45min, allowing the passenger, depending on the time zones, to "arrive in New York before leaving Paris".  Despite the long passage of time since the last flight, commercial supersonics will be back. They will be produced by a startup, whose purpose is to reactivate supersonic commercial aviation, in a safer, more economical and more sustainable way. This new technological challenge has as its protagonist the startup Boom Supersonic , a manufacturing company based in Colorado, USA that is developing the “ Overture Supersonic ” aircraft project. The first plane is expected to leave the factory in 2026 and by 2029 Boom Supersonic intends to start supersonic commercial flights. Boom's current timeline targets a first flight in 2027 and certification of the aircraft in 2029, which would have it ready to enter service shortly thereafter. According to the CEO of Boom Supersonic, there is a challenge to be overcome: democratizing access to supersonic commercial aviation, as Concorde flights were elitist. "We set out with a very big and audacious goal of creating the first supersonic plane in which tens of millions of people can fly,"  told Blake Scholl, founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, to CNN. "Supersonic travel, in my opinion, is about bringing the world closer together. Our ultimate vision is supersonic flight for all passengers on all routes."   The Overture's engine will be the Symphony, which was designed with special attention to noise, one of the Concorde's biggest disadvantages: "It must be efficient in supersonic flights, but also silent for takeoff and landing," commented Scholl. The Symphony engine was designed to run entirely on SAF, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a type of aviation fuel whose production methods promise to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80%, according to IATA, the International Air Transport Association. Boom is also committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. All of these sustainability purposes will be assessed in the certification process. The aircraft is being designed to carry between 64 and 80 passengers, at a speed of Mach 1.7 which represents 2,100 km/hour or 1,304 miles/hour, at an altitude of 60,000 feet or 18,000 meters. It is projected that Overture will be able to travel between London and New York in around three and a half hours, cutting travel time in half compared to traditional commercial flights. The Overture Supersonic factory is under construction, starting in January 2023, in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA, at the Piedmont Triad International Airport . With a significant portion of the exterior building constructed, the Overture Superfactory continues to take shape and remains on track for completion in 2024. The factory will include a final assembly line, a testing facility and a customer delivery center. Boom has been building the campus in sections, focusing first on the final assembly line, where it will have the capacity to produce up to 33 Overture aircraft per year, which could grow to 66 per year with the addition of a second line. Overture Superfactory will occupy approximately 150,000 square feet, equivalent to 13,935 m² with an additional 24,000 square feet, equivalent to 2,229 m² of office space. "Our vision for Piedmont Triad International Airport is to become the center of aviation innovation ," said Kevin Baker, Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. "Boom is positioned to define the next century of progress in air travel, and we are proud to see its vision taking shape in our backyard with the Overture Superfactory in the Triad." Boom says it will bring more than 1,750 jobs to North Carolina by 2030, expanding to a total of more than 2,400 jobs by 2032. North Carolina economists estimate the Overture Superfactory will grow the state's economy by at least $32 .3 billion in 20 years. To date, three airlines have placed purchase orders for the Overture Supersonic:  United Airlines, American Airlines and Japan Airlines, with a total of 130 orders. Sources: ABC11. Boom wants supersonic plane travel for everyone - but can it deliver?   Available at: https://abc11.com/boom-supersonic-airplane-overture/13592668/ > Accessed on: 24.fev.2024. BOOM. Boom Supersonic Reaches Overture Superfactory Milestone. Available at: < https://boomsupersonic.com/press-release/boom-supersonic-reaches-overture-superfactory-milestone > Accessed on: 24.fev.2024. CNN. PRISCO, Jacopo. Boom wants supersonic plane travel for everyone — but can it deliver?  Available at: < https://www.cnn.com/travel/boom-supersonic-ambitions-scn/index.html > Accessed on: 24.Feb.2024. G1 PORTAL. Discover Overture, a supersonic plane project that will have twice the speed of current aircraft . Available at: < https://g1.globo.com/inovacao/noticia/2022/08/17/conheca-o-overture-projeto-de-aviao-supersonico-que-tera-o-dobro-da-velocidade- das-aeronaves-atuais.ghtml > Accessed on: 24.dec.2024>. PRNEWSWIRE. (News provided by Boom Supersonic). Boom Supersonic Reaches Overture Superfactory Milestone . Available at: < https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boom-supersonic-reaches-overture-superfactory-milestone-301933449.html > Accessed on: Feb 26, 2024. FROG. The_ultima_of_concorde (2008).  < http://dn.sapo.pt/2005/12/02/boa_vida/o_ultimo_do_concorde.html > Link discontinued.   TAYLOR, Chris. ACG PIEDMONT TRIAD NETWORK. Boom Supersonic - Building the Supersonic Future . Available at: < https://www.acg.org/piedmont-triad-network/events/boom-supersonic-building-supersonic-future > Access at : 25.Feb.2024. TRADE AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT. Piedmont Triad International Embraces Aerospace Innovation . Available at: < https://www.tradeandindustrydev.com/industry/aerospace-defense/piedmont-triad-international-embraces-aerospace-31970 > Accessed on: 25.feb.2024. VIDEO FROM SPACE. NY to London in 3.5 hours? Meet Boom Supersonic's 'Overture' aircraft.  Available at: < https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KB0ME_6_gSk > Accessed on: 25.Feb.2024.

Starlink is the name of a network of satellites developed by private spaceflight company SpaceX, initially aiming to provide low-cost internet to remote locations. Starlink is ideal for areas where connectivity is unreliable or completely unavailable, but it has expanded the service offering to different locations. Markets served by Starlink satellites In a post published on May 20, 2024 on X (formerly Twitter), the CEO of Space X, Elon Musk, informed that the Starlink is connecting more than 3 million users in 99 countries , through more than 6,000 Starlink satellites in orbit , providing high-speed internet. Starlink satellites are being used not only by residential and business customers, but also by airlines offering in-flight internet services and by cruise ships so passengers can stay connected while at sea, as well as other applications, as per we'll see. Why Starlink's In-flight WiFi is a Game Changer³ - Source: Primal Space Events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods or wildfires destroy or severely damage terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure, leaving affected communities completely isolated from the outside world. With Starlink, first responders can quickly transport and configure user terminals virtually anywhere and get online in a matter of minutes, bypassing the need for any ground-based infrastructure. Satellite visibility A day or two after the launch and deployment of Starlink satellites, no special equipment is needed to see them as they are visible to the naked eye. They appear as a series of pearls or a "train" of bright lights moving across the night sky. If you wish, you can try to find the Starlink satellites visible in your country, using coordinates provided by FindStarlink After launch, until reaching around 440 kilometers above Earth, the Falcon 9 rocket transports and deploys its batch of 60 Starlink satellites, in a “parking orbit”. From there, individual satellites unfold their solar panels and slowly begin to spread across the planet. Each satellite uses its thrusters to gradually rise to a higher altitude, rising into its eventual final orbit about 100 miles above the International Space Station's orbit. They become progressively more difficult to detect because, as the satellites rise, they become dimmer, reflecting less sunlight back to Earth, until they reach their final orbital height of about 550 km. Goals Starlink's central objectives are to solve two major problems of the modern internet: the lack of accessible connections to distant geographic areas and/or without terrestrial communications structure and high latency¹ . Traditional internet services through cables and optical fibers have limitations inherent to the characteristics of the service. Even within a country, it is rare to achieve a direct cabling path from one location to another. Relying on terrestrial cables also leaves many regions poorly connected. The challenge of overcoming high latency, one of Starlink's central objectives, is relevant, due to the enormous impacts it can cause. To get an idea of the losses that can be caused by high latency, let’s look at some examples: For those trying to watch videos, series, films online, high latency can mean crashes or loss of video quality. When browsing social networks, the maximum recommended latency is 50 to 100 ms for good performance. When playing, the maximum oriented latency is 30 ms, to avoid loss of competitiveness. Financial operations, for security reasons, may be canceled if there is a delay in sending information. Banks move billions of dollars in fractions of a second, any delay can lead to big losses for a competitor that operates with a faster connection. Online classes with constant crashes make access to course content unfeasible. E-commerces that take time to load can cause a loss of online sales. Work and video conferences, via high-latency internet, can be impacted by productivity losses or even become unfeasible. Starlink satellites make it possible to access essential online services and resources in rural communities that were often unserved by traditional internet providers. Starlink allows hospitals and field clinics to hold real-time video conferences with doctors and specialists thousands of miles away. Medical images such as X-rays or CT scans can be shared instantly for remote diagnosis. Patients with chronic conditions can have remote check-ins and follow-ups with healthcare professionals. Starlink makes these advanced telehealth applications possible even in extremely remote or resource-limited environments.   Remote teaching is also favored, with the possibility of accessing online classes, research, sharing study materials, now possible for communities isolated due to the lack of terrestrial communications infrastructure or even because they have been hit by destructive events. How it works Customers purchase a terrestrial antenna to access Starlink's internet service. When plugged in, the self-steering antenna quickly scans the sky and locks onto the nearest overhead satellite. Then, it seamlessly maintains that connection as each new Starlink satellite comes into view and the previous one disappears beyond the horizon. Starlink antennas are certified to operate between -22° Fahrenheit (minimum temperature) to 104° Fahrenheit (maximum temperature), which, on the Celsius scale, corresponds to -30° Celsius to 40° Celsius. Elon Musk's Starlink Impact video (By Geoff Aba) ³ Historic January . 2015: SpaceX satellite internet proposal ² announced. February 2018: SpaceX launched its first two Starlink prototypes, called Tintin-A and Tintin-B. The test helped demonstrate the basic concept and refine the satellite's design. May 23, 2019: The first 60 Starlink satellites were launched into low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX rocket and successfully reached an operational altitude of 340 miles (550 kilometers) above Earth. October.2020: Starlink standard internet service launched. Jan.2021: Laser terminals, or laser crosses, have been added to a batch of Starlink satellites, which allows the satellites to transfer information to each other. May.2021: 100th consecutive launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, carrying Starlink satellites for launch into space. June.2021: More than 1,500 active satellites, making Starlink satellites the largest constellation of satellites around the Earth, more than half of all active satellites that circled our planet. Aug.2022: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert announced an agreement between the two companies in August 2022 and plan to provide the service to T-Mobile customers after the satellite launches Starlink V2 complete. February 27, 2023: SpaceX began launching an updated version of Starlink, called V2 mini. The V2 mini serves as a precursor version of the fully designed V2. The complete Starlink V2 satellites will be launched on the Starship rocket on a date yet to be confirmed. When they do, the larger V2 satellites will have a greater data capacity than their predecessors and the ability to deliver services directly to cellular devices. May 2024: The milestone of 6,078 Starlink satellites in orbit is reached. To reach that number, for the past few years, every two weeks a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has lifted off and transported a new batch of about 60 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. July 3, 2024: Falcon 9 launch to transport 20 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Space Force Station Cape Canaveral, Florida.   Starlink has been active in initiatives that go beyond business, in humanitarian aid in contexts of destruction, resulting from the action of nature and/or human action. In response to emergencies, the Starlink website states: “By not having the limitations of traditional terrestrial infrastructure, Starlink can be quickly deployed to assist emergency teams in disaster situations. The Starlink team is proud to support and prioritize its service to emergency responders around the world and will continue to increase that support as we expand our coverage areas . ”   Humanitarian action in support of emergency situations Starlink's role in helping Ukraine Starlink has been a vital piece of Ukraine's communications infrastructure. Ukrainian government authorities publicly requested Starlink terminals on February 26, 2022, and two days later on February 28. 2022, the first Starlink equipment arrived. In early April 2022, SpaceX and the United States Agency for International Development ( USAID ), announced the delivery of approximately 5,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine, with SpaceX directly supplying more than 3,000 of them. The number has grown considerably since then, to 25,000, according to the company's founder and CEO, Elon Musk. Starlink's role in helping Florida, United States After Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida in 2022, Starlink was able to quickly deploy terminals to restore internet to emergency responders in the hardest-hit areas, such as Fort Myers Beach . Similarly, Starlink has provided Internet access to support emergency response efforts following natural disasters in Tonga, Samoa and other Pacific islands hit by tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Starlink's role in helping Tonga, Samoa and other Pacific islands As of February 2022, at least 50 Starlink terminals have been shipped to Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. The aim was to give its residents free access to the Internet, especially in remote villages. Tonga needed the terminals after suffering a massive volcano eruption and tsunami in January, as did Samoa and other Pacific islands that were also hit and assisted by Starlink. At the time, SpaceX said the terminals will allow communications to flow in some of the regions with the worst effects resulting from the eruption. Starlink's role in helping the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil The floods in Rio Grande do Sul , Brazil, resulting from intense rain between April 27 and May 5, 2024, caused a situation of sudden and unimaginable drama, with deaths, homelessness, total loss and damage to homes, commercial establishments, automobiles, stoppages of various activities, among other enormous difficulties. This has required gigantic relief efforts, assistance, donations and mobilizations aimed at recovering material losses, which will be slow, due to the enormity of the damage caused, as 85% of the cities in the State were affected. Businessman Elon Musk decided to donate 1,000 Starlink antennas to the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The donation included the provision of data services, free of charge, until the region recovers. The first batch was received at the Air Base in the city of Canoas-RS, on May 11, 2024 and the second and final batch was delivered the following day, at the same Air Base. In a statement, the Government of Rio Grande do Sul announced that the Starlink antennas will help “reestablish communication at the main points of Civil Defense, Public Security, health units, schools and essential public services during the period that the calamity continues” . Elon Musk's Starlink: How Is It Helping Humanity? ³ Source : youtube.com/@Cosmoknowledge Questions and clarifications As seen, undoubtedly, the existence of the Starlink satellite megaconstellation provides extraordinary benefits to humanity, however, there are questions. Astronomers have long complained about satellites affecting their ability to explore space through observations using ground-based telescopes due to sunlight reflecting off orbiting machinery. In response, Patricia Cooper, vice president of satellite government affairs at SpaceX, informed astronomers at a January 2020 meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Honolulu that “SpaceX is absolutely committed to finding a path forward so that our Starlink project does not impede the value of the research you are all carrying out.” SpaceX has taken steps in this regard. For example, recently launched Starlink satellites have visors designed to reduce the glare of sunlight on their structure. There are also questions about the disposal of old satellites and the risk of satellite collisions with spacecraft. In February 2022, SpaceX published a statement on its website that sets out why it believes that Starlink will never litter Earth's orbit with space debris or cause orbital collisions with other satellites. SpaceX claims it is a leader in satellite safety and has stated that a NASA program has already reviewed the anti-collision avoidance system for Starlink satellites. Each Starlink satellite is built with an anti-collision avoidance system capable of maneuvering the satellite. “If there is a 1/100,000 probability of collision (10x lower than the industry standard of 1/10,000) for a conjunction, the satellites will plan avoidance maneuvers,” the company said. SpaceX has teams of satellite operators to coordinate and respond to requests from other satellite companies, 24/7. The satellites were also tested for high reliability. SpaceX has launched more than 2,000 satellites for the first-generation Starlink network, with a failure rate of “just 1% after orbit raising.” According to satellite tracker and astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell, 358 Starlink satellites were deorbited. There were no reports of its wreckage reaching the ground. “To be clear, SpaceX satellites are designed and built to completely terminate during atmospheric re-entry, during end-of-life disposal, and they do that,” wrote David Goldstein, SpaceX principal engineer, in a letter sent to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the United States Congress, on October 9, 2023. All Starlink satellites operate in a “self-cleaning” low Earth orbit below 600 kilometers, meaning the satellites will naturally deorbit in five to six years and disintegrate in the atmosphere, generating no debris. “SpaceX is striving to be the most open and transparent satellite operator in the world,” the company added , “and we encourage other operators to join us in sharing orbital data and keeping the public and governments up to date with detailed information about operations and practices.” Additionally, the company said it is already openly sharing information about Starlink orbits with the FCC , the Federal Communications Commission, the US telecommunications and broadcasting regulator, and Space-Track.org , a public website. “Ultimately, space sustainability is a technical challenge that can be effectively managed with appropriate risk assessment, information exchange, and appropriate implementation of technology and operational controls,” SpaceX said. Starlink Mini: new launch of Starlink in the United States Available only in Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama, SpaceX has launched early sales of the Starlink Mini in the United States in June 2024, for a limited number of invited customers, for US$599. According to PCMag, in the United States, customers will also need to pay US$30 per month to receive internet via the portable antenna, as an add-on to their existing home service plan, which can currently cost US$90 or US$120. a month. Starlink Mini is a portable satellite dish that has built-in Wi-Fi that has the ability to transmit multiple 4K video streams simultaneously. The new antenna weighs 1.10 kg (2.43 lb), dimensions 289x259 mm (11.4x9.8 inches), with a size close to an Apple MacBook. This compares favorably to the regular Starlink satellite dish, which is larger: 51x30 cm (22.2x11.9 inches). The best part about the Starlink Mini antenna is that it has a built-in Wi-Fi router, so you won't need a separate router that attaches to your current Starlink antenna. SpaceX's Starlink Mini: Internet Anywhere! !³ - Source: Enlighten Hub Based on a speed test screenshot shared by Musk, Starlink Mini offers 100 Mbps download speed and 11.5 Mbps upload speed with 23 ms latency. This beats some landline and mobile phone connections while being good enough for streaming and surfing the net. The integrated Wi-Fi router supports WiFi 5 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) and also has an Ethernet port with “Starlink Plug”. The Starlink Mini antenna has only two connectors: a DC pipe for the power supply external connector and an RJ45 network connector. If you need to extend coverage to a wider area, you'll be happy to know that the Starlink Mini antenna is mesh compatible with Starlink satellites, allowing you to wirelessly pair it with another Starlink router. The antenna comes with a power supply, but the specifications also suggest that it can be powered via USB-C PD, as long as the supply can supply 20V at 5A. Starlink Innovations The traditional satellite-connected Internet, which predated Starlink, works using large spacecraft that orbit 23,236 miles (35,686 km) above a specific point on Earth. But at this distance, there are often significant delays in sending and receiving data. By being closer to our planet and networks together, at a final orbital height of around 550 km, Starlink satellites operate with an advantage over traditional satellites. Starlink satellites were designed to transport large amounts of information quickly to any point on Earth, even over oceans and in extremely hard-to-reach places where fiber optic cables would be expensive to lay. Instead of sending internet signals through electrical cables, which must be physically laid down to reach distant places, satellite internet works by sending information through the vacuum of space, where it travels 47% faster than fiber optic cables, it said. o Business Insider. According to Mark Handley, a computer networking researcher at University College London, who studied Starlink, in an interview with Business Insider, each Starlink satellite is linked to four others, using lasers . No other internet-providing satellite does this, and that's what would make them special: they can beam data onto the Earth's surface at nearly the speed of light, bypassing the limitations of fiber optics. Laser technology has been integrated into Starlink satellites that have been sent into space starting in 2021. SpaceX hopes this move could allow satellite internet coverage to reach areas where ground stations cannot be built, explained Gwynne Shotwell , president and chief operating officer of SpaceX, on August 24, 2021, during the 36th Annual Space Symposium, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States. “This is the most exciting new network we’ve seen in a long time. Starlink satellites, in operation, can affect the lives of potentially everyone," said Mark Handley. For The Clarus Networks Group (2024), “[...] Its unique combination of global coverage, resiliency, high bandwidth, low latency and portable deployment capabilities is unmatched by any previous satellite internet system. Starlink empowers humanitarian workers, emergency teams and relief agencies to maintain vital connectivity and enable powerful applications like telehealth, remote education and real-time coordination – even after infrastructure-crippling disasters. Perhaps most importantly, Starlink represents a major step toward bridging the digital divide that has left so many underserved communities isolated from the immense opportunities of the internet age. By making broadband Internet accessible globally, Starlink can be the common thread that unlocks economic development, educational resources, financial inclusion and overall socioeconomic progress for those who need it most. The humanitarian impact of this technology is truly limitless as we work to create a more connected, resilient and equitable world."   By Luiz Cincurá luiz.cincura@high-techsociety.com   Grades: 1.Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, commonly referred to as SpaceX, was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. It is an American spacecraft manufacturer, launch services provider, and satellite communications company headquartered in Hawthorne, California.   2.Also known as “ping”, latency is the time difference between the start of an event and the moment its effects become noticeable. In communications, latency is the time it takes for data to be transferred from one location to another. The greater the latency, the greater the delay in transmitting data and information. The lower the latency, the faster the data is transferred. 3. To display subtitles in your native language on YouTube videos, click on settings, English, click on English again and then click on auto translate . Next Scroll down until you find and click on your native language.   Sources: ASTRONOMY. BETZ, Eric. How do spaceX's Starlink satellites actually work? Available at: < https://www.astronomy.com/space-exploration/how-do-spacexs-starlink-satellites-actually-work/?utm_source=pocket_list > Accessed on: 29.jun.2024. SELF-EVOLUTION. AGATIE, Cristian. SpaceX To Launch Starlink Mini Portable Dish With Integrated Wi-Fi Router Soon . Available at: < https://www.autoevolution.com/news/spacex-to-launch-starlink-mini-portable-dish-with-integrated-wi-fi-router-soon-235510.html > Accessed at: 12 .Jul.2024. BUSINESSINSIDER. MOSHER, Dave. Elon Musk just revealed new details about Starlink, a plan to surround Earth with 12,000 high-speed internet satellites. Here's how it might work. Available at: < https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-starlink-satellite-internet-how-it-works-2019-5#cables-have-a-speed-limit-too-light-moves-through- the-vacuum-of-space-about-47-faster-than-it-can-through-solid-fiber-optic-glass-8 '> Accessed on: 29.jun.2024. CDN STAR. The Impact of Milliseconds on Connectivity: How Latency Affects the User Experience. Available at: < https://cdnstar.com.br/o-impacto-dos-miliseconds-na-conectividade-como-a-latencia-afeta-a-experiencia-do-usuario/ > Accessed on: 07.July. 2024. DIGITALTRENDS. TORBET, Georgina. Musk says Starlink satellite internet now enabled in Ukraine. Available at: < https://www.digitaltrends.com/space/spacex-starlink-ukraine/ > Accessed on: 29.jun.2024. DIGITALTRENDS. MOGG, Trevor. Elon Musk suggests Starlink now has 250K customers. Available at: < https://www.digitaltrends.com/space/elon-musk-starlink-250k-customers/ > Accessed on: 05.July.2024. PEOPLE'S GAZETTE. SESTREN, Gabriel. Starlink: satellite internet antennas donated by Musk arrive in RS. Available at: < https://www.gazetadopovo.com.br/brasil/starlink-antenas-internet-via-satelite-doadas-elon-musk-chegam-rs/?#success=true > Accessed on: 29.jun .2024. PCMAG. KAN, Michel. SpaceX: Here's Why Starlink Poses No Orbital Hazard. Available at: < https://www.pcmag.com/news/spacex-heres-why-starlink-poses-no-orbital-hazard > Accessed on: 29.jun.2024. SPACE.COM . PULTAROVA, Teresa; HOWELL, Elisabeth . Includes contributions by DOBRIJEVIC, Daisy; MANN, Adam.. Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy. Available at: < https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites.html?utm_source=pocket_shared > Accessed on: 28.jun.2024. SPACE.COM . GOHD, Chelsea. SpaceX paused Starlink launches to give its internet satellites lasers. Available at: < https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-internet-satellites-lasers-launch > Accessed on: 02.July.2024. SPACENEWS. RAINBOW, Jason. SpaceX slams FAA report on falling space debris Danger. Available at: < https://spacenews.com/spacex-slams-faa-report-on-falling-space-debris-danger/ > Accessed on: 04.July.2024. THE CLARUS NETWORK GROUP. The Power Of Starlink For Humanitarian Efforts . Available at: < https://www.clarus-networks.com/2024/05/28/the-power-of-starlink-for-humanitarian-efforts/ > Accessed on: 19.Jul.2024. THE REGISTER. ROBINSON, Dan. Starlink stuffs the internet into a backpack by invitation only . Available at: < https://www.theregister.com/2024/06/21/starlink_mini_invitation/ > Accessed on: 12.Jul.2024. USAID. Safeguards Internet Access in Ukraine through Public-Private-Partnership with SpaceX. Available at: < https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/apr-05-2022-usaid-safeguards-internet-access-ukraine-through-public-private-partnership-spacex > Access at : 04.Jul.2024. WIKIPEDIA. Latency. Available at: < https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lat%C3%AAncia > Accessed on: 30.jun.2024. YAHOO! TECH. MOGG, Trevor. SpaceX's Starlink internet service reaches milestone . Available at: < https://www.yahoo.com/tech/spacex-reaches-milestone-starlink-internet-032052994.html?utm_source=pocket_list&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9nZXRwb2NrZXQuY29tLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAHo7L4_jPm2FoIRZ J-U3lFZjagbmLXFEc2PGzPpkckXs1TELoHilTQVvi8fxGmvWxfttT1bs9tJMM28swv5Iv6FAcPr8zv-AdYotP-Gz-j74Y_mEI9tjITK_bmJnUvGvhztJyYLZFJfUnV5sQxAT3_jQfgae_ E7RQ368ZXf1j2ai> Access at : 29.jun.2024.

AI-powered transcription tool quickly transforms speech into text without relying on the internet. Advances in productivity technologies have expanded the possibilities for those who need to record information in a practical and efficient way, whether at work, in studies, or in daily life. Amid so many voice-to-text solutions, many still rely on a constant internet connection or require expensive subscriptions, which can limit access and raise privacy concerns. In this context, Superwhisper stands out as a modern, lightweight, and efficient alternative for transcribing audio to text. What is Superwhisper? Superwhisper is a voice-to-text app that uses artificial intelligence to transform speech into writing with a high level of accuracy. Developed by the team responsible for the project itself, the software was initially released for macOS and quickly won over users who were looking for a more advanced solution than the native dictation of the operating systems. Unlike many online tools, Superwhisper was designed to run locally on your computer, prioritizing performance, privacy, and data control. AI technology and offline functionality According to specialized platforms, Superwhisper uses technology based on Whisper/whisper.cpp, allowing the transcription process to occur entirely offline . The app supports over 100 languages , making it a versatile solution for users in different regions of the world. This approach eliminates the need to send audio to external servers, which represents a significant advantage in terms of privacy and information security. Key features of Superwhisper: Near real-time speech-to-text transcription, automatic punctuation and fluent writing, good tolerance to ambient noise, local processing without cloud usage, clipboard integration allowing text to be used in any application. These features make Superwhisper widely used by students, journalists, lawyers, doctors, content creators, and professionals who need to quickly record ideas, meetings, interviews, or lectures. Compatibility and available platforms Currently, Superwhisper is available for macOS, Windows, and iOS . This compatibility broadens the app's reach and caters to different user profiles, from freelancers to corporate teams.   Price and subscription model Superwhisper adopts a freemium model. The free version offers basic transcription features, while the Pro plan includes access to more advanced AI models, greater usability, and priority support. The paid plan starts at just under $10 per month. Is Superwhisper worth using? Superwhisper has established itself as one of the best offline text-to-voice applications currently available. With advanced technology, a focus on privacy, support for multiple languages, and a good cost-benefit ratio, the tool proves ideal for those who want to write faster, more accurately, and without relying on the internet. Sources: APPLE. Superwhisper App . Official Superwhisper app page on the App Store. Available at: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/superwhisper/id6471464415 . Accessed on: January 2, 2026. SUPERWHISPER. Voice Models . Official documentation on the voice models used by Superwhisper. Available at: https://superwhisper.com/docs/models/voice . Accessed on: January 2, 2026. SUPERWHISPER. Voice to Text . Official documentation for the Superwhisper application. Available at: https://superwhisper.com/docs/modes/voice . Accessed on: January 2, 2026. TOOLIFY. Superwhisper: AI-powered offline voice-to-text app . Information page about Superwhisper. Available at: https://www.toolify.ai/pt/tool/superwhisper . Accessed on: January 2, 2026. TOOLMESH. Superwhisper – Offline voice transcription . Superwhisper tool description page. Available at: https://toolmesh.ai/tools/superwhisper . Accessed on: January 2, 2026.

André Rieu performed two open-air concerts in Malta on August 29 and 30, 2025, in a square located in the city of Floriana , next to the city's historic walls, a location frequently used for large musical and cultural events. With an estimated population of 540,000, Malta is a parliamentary democratic republic. It holds regular elections and respects civil liberties and political rights, generally being considered one of the consolidated democracies of the European Union . Floriana (Malta) and Maastricht (Netherlands) are the only places where Rieu performs open-air concerts in a special format, due to the audience's receptiveness and the visual experience these locations offer. According to information available on the website of musician and conductor André Rieu, he will perform. 78 concerts in 2026 . Rieu is the founder of the Johann Strauss Orchestra and has succeeded in making classical music accessible to a wide audience, inspiring millions of people with waltzes and music from operas, films, musicals, operettas, and traditional melodies. His charisma, warm personality, and lively orchestra have made him a world-renowned artist. Sources: ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA. Geography, history, population, political system and society of Malta . Jan.2026. FREEDOM HOUSE. Political rights, civil liberties, freedom of expression and democratic status of Malta. Jan. 2026. ANDRE RIEU'S WEBSITE. André Rieu and his Johann Stauss Orchestra . Available at: < https://www.andrerieu.com/en > Accessed on January 1, 2026.

On October 21, 2025 , OpenAI launched ChatGPT Atlas in the United States , a web browser that integrates ChatGPT directly as an intelligent assistant at the heart of the browsing experience, proposing a new form of interaction that goes beyond the traditional search for links and clicks. Atlas is not just another AI-powered browser; it combines conventional navigation with proactive, contextual assistance through natural language commands, allowing users to request tasks such as comparing prices, planning trips, organizing itineraries, or automating workflows , all without leaving the browser window. From a commercial standpoint, this development is part of OpenAI's strategy to expand its product ecosystem with strong integration of language models into everyday web use. How Atlas works and why it's different. Atlas was designed with ChatGPT at the core of the browser —that is, instead of being an extension or side tool, artificial intelligence is integrated into every tab and interaction flow. This integration enables real-time contextual responses based on the content of visited pages. It features Agent Mode , which can perform tasks for you on open websites (such as comparing products, filling out forms, or planning events), requiring user confirmation before action. With its optional browsing memory , ChatGPT can remember preferences or activities to contextualize subsequent responses. macOS: the system where Atlas debuted The initial release of Atlas was for macOS , the operating system found on Apple computers , equivalent to Microsoft's Windows or Linux on other devices. macOS was developed by Apple and runs exclusively on computers such as MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Studio . This first phase prioritizes performance and integration with the Apple hardware ecosystem. Versions for Windows (PC), iOS (iPhone/iPad), and Android are under development and will be released in subsequent phases. Availability Since its launch, Atlas has been available to macOS users in various regions around the world, provided the device supports the browser installation and the user has a ChatGPT account. Although OpenAI does not limit specific countries in the official announcement, the availability of advanced features — such as Agent Mode — may vary depending on account service policies and subscription plans (Plus, Pro, or Business), and functionality is being expanded as Atlas moves out of the initial launch phase. Cost and plans The Atlas browser can be downloaded for free from the official OpenAI website: https://chatgpt.com/atlas . Basic browser usage is free, but advanced features , such as Agent Mode , require subscriptions to the ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Business plans. What does ChatGPT Atlas represent for users, the market, and the digital industry? ChatGPT Atlas represents an evolution of the web experience. For users , it means less manual effort and a smoother experience in browsing and solving complex tasks without switching tools. For businesses and online platforms , it opens doors to new interaction models that may require APIs or specific integration to support intelligent agents. For the digital industry, it places AI at the center of everyday internet use , not just as an assistant or search tool, but as an active part of task execution. This move also sparks direct competition with traditional (ad-centric) browsers like Google Chrome, pressuring competitors to rethink how AI can be integrated into browsing. Despite its great potential, experts have drawn attention to security and privacy concerns. AI agents that have access to visited content can interact with websites and present risks of prompt manipulation attacks or exploitation of web interfaces. Atlas is not just another AI-powered browser. It signals a structural shift in how we use the web: from manual searching to execution assisted by intelligent agents. It's still too early to talk about replacing traditional browsers, but the trend is clear: the central question is no longer whether this model will evolve, but when it will become reliable, scalable, and sustainable.   Sources: OpenAI . Introducing ChatGPT Atlas . 2025. OpenAI Help Center . Getting started with Atlas . 2025. Economic Times . Atlas: OpenAI launches ChatGPT-powered browser in challenge to Google . 2025. Travel Daily News . OpenAI launches AI browser capable of booking travel directly . 2025. The Verge . The browser wars enter the AI era . 2025. Synarion IT Blog . ChatGPT Atlas Browser Guide . 2025.. ITPro . OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas and the risks of agent-based browsing . 2025. Zhiding AI . OpenAI Atlas and the future of agent-based browsing . 2025.

The idea of growing a new tooth in adults — something that until recently seemed like science fiction — is becoming a real possibility thanks to a clinical study conducted in Japan . Japanese flag, Mount Fuji, and cherry blossoms. Unlike reptiles and fish, which generally replace their prey regularly, it is widely accepted that humans and most other mammals develop only two sets of teeth. According to the research, hidden beneath our gums are the dormant buds of a third generation. The research, which has officially entered the human testing phase, promises to usher in a new era in regenerative dentistry, offering a biological alternative to dental implants. Instead of replacing the lost tooth with artificial materials, the goal is to stimulate the body itself to produce a new tooth, as if we were regaining the natural ability to "replace" teeth throughout life. The study is being conducted at Kyoto University Hospital , one of Japan's most respected medical centers, known for its strong performance in advanced clinical research. The project is being led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi , an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and head of Oral Surgery at the Medical Research Institute Kitano Hospital in Osaka. Takahashi is internationally recognized as one of the pioneers of dental regeneration , and his research group has been investigating the biological mechanisms that control tooth development for years. The central innovation of the study is the drug TRG-035 , a monoclonal antibody administered intravenously . It works by blocking the USAG-1 protein, which acts as a natural "brake" on the growth of additional teeth. Before moving on to human trials, researchers conducted extensive tests on mice and ferrets to test the efficacy and safety of TRG-035. Tests have shown that by inhibiting this protein, dormant tooth buds can be activated, resulting in the growth of a new, complete tooth—with root, enamel, and functional structure. These encouraging results led to the creation of a Japanese biotechnology startup dedicated to transforming the discovery into a clinical treatment. Clinical trials began in October 2024 , following ethical approval in Japan, although the exact date of the approval has not been publicly disclosed. The current phase, called phase I , involves 30 adult men between 30 and 64 years old , all with at least one missing tooth. The objective of this phase is not to prove efficacy, but rather to evaluate the safety of the medication, its tolerability, and the appropriate dosage. To date, there are no reports of people who have regenerated teeth — this will be investigated in subsequent phases, should phase I confirm that the treatment is safe. Preclinical results are quite promising. In animals, TRG-035 induced the growth of functional teeth without serious side effects. The consistency of the results, coupled with the fact that similar antibodies are already safely used in osteoporosis treatments, reinforces the researchers' confidence in continuing the study. Drug to regrow teeth may be on market by 2030 | NewsNation Live International experts, such as Professor Angray Kang of Queen Mary University of London, state that the Japanese group is "leading the way" and that the approach is "plausible and promising," but it is not a "short race," as it involves successive "ultramarathons." Chengfei Zhang , a clinical professor of endodontics at the University of Hong Kong, commented that the method is "innovative and has potential," but urged caution, citing that results from animal studies do not always directly apply to humans. He also questioned whether the newly grown teeth could match the functionality and appearance of natural teeth. A confident Takahashi argues that the location of a new tooth in the mouth can be controlled, if not precisely determined, by the injection site of the medication. And if it grows in the wrong place, it can be moved through orthodontics or transplantation, he said. It is not yet known how long it will take for a new tooth to appear in humans after administration of the drug. In animals, the process took weeks to months, but in humans—whose tooth formation is slower—a longer interval is expected, possibly from several months to more than a year. Potential risks, such as interference with bone signaling pathways or tooth growth in unexpected positions, remain under evaluation, although none of this has been observed in animal models so far. The total investment in the project has not been disclosed by international sources, but it is known that the development involves a partnership between Japanese universities and a biotechnology startup, indicating mixed public and private funding. To date, there are no formal partnerships with foreign companies or research centers from other countries, although international interest is growing. The state of the art is clear: Japan is currently the only country with an active clinical trial for tooth regeneration using antibodies. The United States, Europe, and China are following the progress, but do not yet have equivalent clinical studies. If the next phases confirm safety and efficacy, the treatment could usher in a new era in dentistry, offering a biological alternative to dental implants and benefiting millions of people with tooth loss or congenital conditions. The Japanese study on the “third set of teeth” represents one of the most exciting frontiers in regenerative medicine. Although still in its early stages and far from becoming a publicly available treatment, it already demonstrates the potential to radically transform how we treat tooth loss. Science still needs to answer many questions, but the path opened by Dr. Takahashi and his team presents the world with an unprecedented possibility: recovering lost teeth not with prostheses, but with human biology itself. By Luiz Cincurá. Notice: To display subtitles in your native language on YouTube videos, click on settings, then English, click on English again, and then click on auto-translate . Next Scroll down to find and click on your native language. Sources: CLEVELAND 13 NEWS. PORTIER, Lauren. Japanese Scientists Begin Human Trials for Tooth Regrowth Drug with Goal of 2030 Release. Available at: < https://www.cleveland13news.com/ > Accessed on: December 21, 2025. LUMINANCE DENTAIRE. GABEV, Angel. Japanese Scientists Begin Human Trials for Tooth Regrowth Drug. Available at : < https://luminancedentaire.ca/ > Accessed on: December 21, 2025. MEDICAL XPRESS . A news report about the start of clinical trials and details of the study with TRG‑035. Available at: < https://medicalxpress.com/ > Accessed on: 21.dec.2025.

On October 29, 2025, at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Israel, a silent medical procedure marked one of the most significant advances in modern ophthalmology: the first successful transplant of a fully 3D bioprinted cornea , created entirely from human cells grown in a laboratory. The patient, legally blind in one eye, regained her vision after receiving the PB-001 implant, developed by the Israeli-American company Precise Bio , which specializes in regenerative medicine and tissue biofabrication. The achievement was no accident. According to Precise Bio, the transplant is the result of more than a decade of multidisciplinary research involving cell biology, biomaterials, and 3D bioprinting — an effort that began in the 2010s, when the company was founded by Aryeh Batt and renowned researcher Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the United States. The company does not disclose total investment figures, but describes the project as the result of "years of scientific and clinical development," supported by its own biofabrication infrastructure installed at the Sheba Medical Center , near Tel Aviv. The innovation stems from a principle that could redefine the future of transplants: a single donated human cornea can generate up to 300 bioprinted implants , thanks to cell expansion and layer-by-layer printing that recreates the transparent structure of corneal tissue. The process is carried out in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) environment, where corneal cells are isolated, cultured, and organized into a precise three-dimensional architecture capable of integrating with the human eye and restoring optical function. The transplant performed in Haifa is part of a phase 1 clinical trial , which plans to include between 10 and 15 patients with endothelial corneal diseases. The initial objective is to evaluate safety, tolerability, and early signs of efficacy. Preliminary results are expected to be released in the second half of 2026. So far, only one patient has received the implant, but the clinical response has been considered positive by surgeons. Biologically Printed Cornea – Implanted in a Woman Suffering From Blindness. Source: Rambam HCC Ophthalmologist Michael Mimouni , director of the Rambam Cornea Unit and responsible for the surgery, described the moment as "a historic milestone" and "a glimpse into a future where no one will have to live in darkness for lack of donor tissue." The statement echoes a global problem: it is estimated that for every 70 people who need a corneal transplant, only one donor cornea is available—a deficit affecting more than 13 million patients worldwide. The international reaction was immediate. In the United States, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center classified the procedure as "a turning point for regenerative ophthalmology" and highlighted that the PB-001 is the first functional bioprinted corneal implant ever used in a human being. In Asia, publications such as the Times of India emphasized that the advance could usher in an era of "ready-to-use" implants, with consistent quality and the possibility of prolonged cryopreservation, overcoming the logistical and biological limitations of traditional human corneas. Europe is also following the trend. Researchers in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany are developing alternative models of bioprinted corneas, some self-adhesive and based on collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrogels, but none have yet reached clinical application in humans—which reinforces the pioneering role of Israel. Despite the enthusiasm, experts remain cautious. It is still unknown how long the bioprinted implant will remain functional, since donated human corneas can last up to three decades. There is also no consolidated data on the risks of rejection or long-term complications. The patient treated in Israel recovered her vision after the procedure, but the exact time between the surgery and the visual improvement was not detailed by international sources. Even so, the symbolic and scientific impact is undeniable. As Aryeh Batt, CEO of Precise Bio, stated , “imagine a world where a single donor cornea can give rise to hundreds of lab-grown implants, transforming scarcity into abundance.” If clinical results confirm the potential observed in the first transplant, the 3D bioprinted cornea could usher in a new era—not just for Israel, but for global medicine.   Sources: North Carolina Biotechnology Center (USA). Neal, Kathy. First 3D-bioprinted corneal transplant marks early milestone for Triad's Precise Bio . Available at: < https://www.ncbiotech.org/ > Accessed on December 19, 2025. VoxelMatters. (UK). Wakefield, Edward. Israeli surgeons implant world's first 3D bioprinted cornea. Available at: < https://www.voxelmatters.com/ > Accessed on: December 19, 2025. Rambam Health Care Campus (Israel) – Institutional statement regarding transplantation. Available at: https://www.rambamhcc.com/ Accessed on December 19, 2025. Times of India. How world's first 3D printed cornea restored a 70-year-old's vision . Available at: < https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ > Accessed on December 19, 2025.

A microscopic photograph of a spider's silk tappers reveals one of nature's most sophisticated biological systems. These are microscopic structures, individually invisible to the naked eye, although the spinnerets that house them can be observed in some species. Source: Microscopic images @microscopicture The silk taps (or spinnerets ) are located on the spider's abdomen and function as highly specialized microvalves. Each one is connected to distinct glands, responsible for producing different types of silk with specific physicochemical properties. Depending on the need—web construction, prey capture, locomotion, egg protection, or escape—the spider selects and combines these silks with remarkable precision. From a scientific point of view, what makes this structure especially fascinating is that the silk doesn't come out ready-made : it's released in a liquid state and, as it passes through the microscopic channels of the taps, it undergoes controlled changes in pH, ions, and molecular alignment. This process transforms the liquid protein into an extremely strong and elastic solid thread . Scientific curiosity A single spider can produce up to seven different types of silk , and the diameter of the threads released by the taps can be less than 1 micrometer . This natural engineering has inspired research in areas such as biomaterials, regenerative medicine, surgical sutures, high-performance textile fibers, and aerospace engineering . Sources: FOELIX, RF Biology of Spiders . 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2011. (A classic and widely used work on the anatomy, physiology, and behavior of spiders, including a detailed description of spinnerets and types of silk). VOLLRATH, F.; KNIGHT, DP Liquid crystalline spinning of spider silk . Nature , v. 410, p. 541–548, 2001. (Seminal study explaining the transformation of liquid silk into solid fiber as it passes through taps). VOLLRATH, F.; PORTER, D. Spider silk as a model biomaterial . Applied Physics A , v. 82, p. 205–212, 2006. (Analyzes the mechanical properties of silk and its relevance to biomaterials). SAHNI, V.; BLACKLEDGE, TA; DHINOJWALA, A. Viscoelastic solids explain spider web stickiness . Nature Communications , v. 1, 2010. (Discusses the functional diversity of silks produced by spiders). HAYASHI, CY; SHETTY, AC; LEWIS, RV. Molecular and mechanical characterization of aciniform silk . Biomacromolecules , v. 5, n. 3, p. 1065–1073, 2004. (Discusses different types of silk produced by specific glands)