Web3 is the Future of the Internet as Mummy of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh is “Digitally Unwrapped”
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Web3 will likely be the future of the internet. The Mummy of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh is “digitally unwrapped” using advanced technology. Minimum wage rises in 21 states. International Space Station operations are extended to 2030. Bad weather and Coronavirus lead to thousands of flight cancelations. Here are this week’s stories.
1. Web3 is the Future of the Internet
Numerous new technology trends arose in the last year, from NFTs to the metaverse, but now many believe that a new phase of the internet will emerge, and it will be known as Web3. Web 1.0 was an era of rudimentary, static websites that spanned from 1989 to 2005, and it was the initial stage of development on the World Wide Web. Web 2.0, the current version of the web, is the era of centralization and led to the development of social media and e-commerce. The vast majority of the web is controlled by a few corporations like Alphabet and Meta. Web3 will add blockchains to the internet and allow users to own their presence on the internet. The blockchain, which was created after the 2008 financial crisis, is a system on which cryptocurrencies and NFTs are built. The blockchain records all transactions, and it is impossible to change or hack the system. The system is also decentralized, meaning the blockchain is not controlled by an individual or organization but rather by a distributed network. In Web3, the internet would be run and owned by users rather than large corporations. Users will own websites and applications established on the blockchain, and they will earn their ownership share by assisting in the development and maintenance of such services. It will also allow users to have ownership over their data, and sites and services will rely on blockchain technology to validate user data.
2. Mummy of Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh is “Digitally Unwrapped”
Scientists have used three-dimensional technology to “digitally unwrap” a 3,500-year-old royal mummy of Amenhotep I, who ruled Egypt from roughly 1525 to 1504 BCE. It was discovered fully wrapped in 1881 near Luxor in southern Egypt and is one of the few royal mummies that has not been physically unwrapped in modern times, according to researchers. Scientists used X-ray technology and computerized tomography scanning to observe King Amenhotep I’s mummified body in great detail. They found that he was around 35 at the time of his death, and was in good health with no disease or injuries. However, they were unable to determine the cause of death. His brain was also present, unlike most other mummies, and he was buried with 30 amulets and a belt with golden beads. His remains were damaged, which was likely caused by tomb robbers.
3. Minimum Wage Rises in 21 States
Many states, cities, and counties have increased their minimum wage in the new year. The minimum wage rose on New Year’s Day in 21 states and 35 cities and counties. Increases varied from 22 cents to $1.50. In 33 jurisdictions, the minimum wage has hit or surpassed $15. In New York, California, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, the raises are part of a series of planned increases aimed at reaching a $15 minimum wage in the coming years. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, a rate that has not moved since it began in 2009. Joe Biden and many progressives have advocated for a $15 minimum wage, but critics argue that employers would hire fewer workers. Many private companies have raised their minimum wage to attract workers. Walmart raised its minimum wage to $12 per hour, while Amazon raised its average starting rate to $18.
4. International Space Station Operation Extended to 2030
NASA has announced that the International Space Station (ISS) will continue operations through 2030, which will allow for an uninterrupted transition to a planned commercial space station. The Biden administration committed to a six-year extension despite growing tensions with Russia, its main partner on the space station. There is growing evidence that Russia will invade Ukraine, and the US has threatened sanctions. Last month, Russia also fired a missile to destroy an inactive weather satellite, creating over 1,500 pieces of debris that threatened the space station and multiple other satellites. However, the US still wants to preserve its partnership with Russia regarding the space station. The ISS will continue to conduct research and make new developments in space, and space agencies will continue to collaborate. While the ISS ages, China is building a space station that is scheduled for completion around 2022.
5. Bad Weather and Coronavirus leads to Thousands of Flight Cancelations
A spike in Coronavirus infections and storms in the Midwest are leading to thousands of flight cancelations. On New Year’s Day alone, more than 2,400 U.S. flights and nearly 4,200 worldwide have been canceled, according to tracking service FlightAware. Since Christmas Eve, more than 15,000 US flights have been canceled, and thousands more have been delayed because of a surge in sick calls from crews that tested positive for Coronavirus. The shortages are getting so bad that United Airlines is offering its pilots triple pay to pick up trips for most of January. The CDC also shortened the recommended time that people with Coronavirus should isolate from 10 days to five days if they do not have symptoms. They made this change to improve staffing shortages and because data suggests the majority of transmission occurs 1–2 days before the onset of symptoms and 2–3 days after.
Above were my top stories for the week of January 2nd, 2022. Thank you and see you next week!
