It was reported on January 20, 2025, that China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) device conducted a nuclear fusion test lasting up to 1,066 seconds. This is a massive breakthrough in the race to create unlimited energy for the masses. Greenhouse gas emissions have been destroying our planet since the Industrial Revolution. This test could inspire hope for future generations by showing that we can develop the ultimate power source for all of humanity. However, researchers have noted that the process of harnessing nuclear fusion on a large scale is still decades away.
But what is nuclear fusion? It’s the process of two hydrogen atoms combining to create vast amounts of energy. The sun and other stars throughout the universe use this process to create energy and heat for their surrounding planets. It is a self-sustaining process, capable of regenerating itself for billions of years. The fourth state of matter, plasma, is the crucial resource required to sustain and operate for millennia, as it makes up 99% of the known universe.
However, there may be some roadblocks when it comes to nuclear fusion. For starters, the infrastructure to build the fusion reactors will cost billions of dollars and may require partnerships with private companies. If proper funding is secured, the issue of sustaining the infrastructure will be a tall task. When the two atoms fuse, they will heat up to 180,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so the technology will need to be able to endure that heat for long periods of time. In addition, containing radioactive elements is another issue to address when it comes to fusion reactors, especially the large amount of tritium needed to fuel the reactor. Because tritium is made from lithium, the reactor will need hundreds of grams of tritium to operate.
The long-term benefits of nuclear fusion energy could save our planet and steer us away from toxic greenhouse gases. With production and research in mind, the first tests of long-sustaining reactors aren’t going to happen until the 2040 timeframe. Nuclear fusion is no simple task, and more attention should be brought to it as technology progresses and develops. Preventive measures to mitigate long-term damage to the Earth need to remain in place until the large-scale manufacturing of fusion reactors is established within the next 20-30 years. While speaking at a TED Talk, Johan Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, mentioned that we want to avoid certain “tipping points” when it comes to climate change, as any slight increase in temperature could lead to devastating effects by the 22nd century (14:52).
Obviously, we could invest in solar and wind to provide some breathing room when it comes to energy cleanliness and efficiency. Electric vehicles still rely on precious metals and retain some loose connections to fossil fuels, so cleaner uses of energy must be kept in mind. Nuclear fusion technology could be the key to a better future, so why not take the risk?
Imagine, sometime in the near future we could drive cars or fly planes without the worry of dumping enormous amounts of dirty fuel into the air. Fusion could change everyone’s lives for the better! This could lead to an end to conflicts over fuel and energy if nations agree to the use of fusion in our everyday lives. Fusion could assist in cleaning our water of harmful bacteria and chemicals. Both industry and agriculture across the world could benefit significantly from fusion, providing warmth and coolness in extreme environments. Just think about all the possibilities for humans as a collective if we could achieve ultimate energy through fusion.
It won’t be easy or quick, but it could change the world for the better, especially if the right minds and the proper resources are put into such projects related to fusion. The positive outlook on this technology outweighs any negative possibilities if done right. The reactors will be large and consuming, but over time they will shrink and move with ease as technology progresses. It is essential to be mindful of ourselves and understand what we are capable of. We cannot let loose cannons prevail and curb an improved future for this world.
Video game announcements never fail to get me excited. It’s that thrilling time when we mark our calendars and gather with friends, eagerly anticipating the reveal of dazzling new trailers of our favorite games. As the excitement builds to a crescendo with each trailer’s climax, we’re often treated to exclusive goodies–like rare in-game items and coveted physical collectibles from the collector’s edition. But of course, these treasures are only ours if we decide to take the plunge and pre-order the game immediately.
When we see the enticing extra content offered for our favorite games, it’s hard to resist clicking that shiny ‘Pre-Order Game’ button. After all, who wouldn’t want exclusive in-game perks and collectibles for the titles we love? However, in today’s gaming world, pre-ordering may not be the wisest choice—and the reasons go beyond simply saving ourselves from bankruptcy.
Trailers may paint a stunning picture, but the final release of a game often strays from those glossy promises. Without the benefit of professional reviews, we’re left guessing whether a new game will be worth the investment—or even functional at launch. Video game marketing tends to sell a dream, capitalizing on gamers’ fear of missing out (FOMO) by hyping up gameplay and features to nudge us into spending extra. Unfortunately, hyped-up titles can sometimes arrive riddled with game-breaking bugs, missing promised features, or stripped of key content. Paying full price (and then some) for a chaotic, unfinished game is enough to sour anyone’s mood—and erode trust between gamers and the company behind it.
With most games now available online—often at discounted prices—spending extra just to play a game a few days early feels unnecessary. In the “old” days of physical copies and limited print runs, pre-orders helped gauge demand and ensure players didn’t miss out. However, with ever-improving internet technology and the rise of digital storefronts like Steam, pre-ordering has largely lost its relevance for consumers. Plus, digital games frequently go on sale, making it hard to justify paying more to play early, aside from giving in to a fleeting sense of FOMO.
Remember those enticing pre-order bonuses? They often turn out to be far less valuable than they seem. In the end, many of us just want the game itself, and the flashy extras like cosmetic items can quickly fade into obscurity. Physical rewards, on the other hand, may not live up to expectations—if they even make it to us at all. Take the infamous Fallout 76 debacle as an example. Bethesda Softworks promised a high-quality canvas bag as part of their $200 game collection, but after numerous delays, the bag arrived six months late and was made of cheap nylon instead of the promised canvas. The resulting backlash severely damaged the goodwill fans once had toward Bethesda—a reputation they’re still struggling to repair.
Although pre-ordering games remains a widespread practice, it has lost much of its practicality. With game quality often uncertain at launch, and titles readily available for purchase after release, there’s little incentive to commit early. The so-called pre-order bonuses rarely justify the additional cost, especially when new games are already priced at $60—a hefty investment on its own. Paying even more to secure a pre-order feels increasingly like a waste of money.
With countless new games launching daily across various platforms, we’re certainly not short on options to explore. So, rather than shelling out for yet another Call of Duty Collector’s Deluxe Master Edition for the umpteenth time, why not shake things up a bit? Allow me to recommend something refreshing: a charming little game called Balatro. It might just be the unexpected gem you didn’t know you needed!
If those who hold the knowledge hold the power, should we be concerned when the world’s greatest powers compete for dominance in artificial intelligence?
By Paulo Cabral on February 2025
Whoever controls the Artificial Intelligence industry and manages to consolidate the most widely used language model and the standardization of today’s networks will undoubtedly be the most powerful. Since this industry has no cooperation or spirit of development, what is left then? What exists is an uphill battle supported by billions of dollars, whose sole objective is to consolidate the most standardized AI ecosystem possible. For this, it depends on the innovations and developments in technology, business, health, education, finance, and government.
While OpenAI, Nvidia, Google, and some of the main AI companies have built a discourse around the high cost and computing power needed to consolidate this technology, China has come to break everything with DeepSeek: it was created with a fraction of the money and a minimal part of the technology of ChatGPT, in addition to being open source and free to the world.
Round 1
DeepSeek marked the beginning of a technological cold war between China and the United States. Both nations are racing to develop general Artificial Intelligence that not only surpasses human intelligence but can also tackle humanity’s most pressing questions and problems. However, this pursuit comes with a significant risk: the possibility of the technology becoming uncontrollable.
What unfolds next is a significant conflict: OpenAI, Nvidia, and other leading technology companies attribute the chaos to DeepSeek. Taiwan, with its burgeoning microchip and processor industry, emerges as the crown jewel in this new historical chapter. The United States responds by blocking DeepSeek and any associated AI, imposing sanctions on countries that utilize or integrate the technology. Indeed, it triggers a domino effect.
Many are asking: why all the panic? The answer lies in the potential implications: if China has indeed discovered a more cost-effective and efficient method for developing artificial intelligence, Silicon Valley’s massive investments in hardware and supercomputers might be rendered obsolete. This scenario spells trouble for the American economy.
The crisis
Recently, a seismic event disrupted international markets and reshaped the geopolitical landscape of artificial intelligence. A Chinese company announced the development of an AI model for a mere US$6 million, capable of rivaling American giants such as ChatGPT, Meta, and Google—companies that have each invested over US$1 billion in their respective AI advancements. To add to the upheaval, DeepSeek made its model open source, enabling anyone to modify and adapt it freely.
The White House has swiftly responded to the news, with spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt announcing that the National Security Council is assessing the strategic implications of DeepSeek. For President Donald Trump’s administration, the emergence of this new Chinese competitor is a “wake-up call” for American industry. In a speech to Republican congressmen, President Trump emphasized the urgent need for the U.S. to reclaim its leadership and supremacy in the sector.
Experts have likened the rise of DeepSeek to a “Sputnik moment,” referencing the profound impact the launch of the first Soviet satellite had on the U.S. during the Cold War space race (1947-1991). The fact that a supposedly small Chinese startup managed to develop an efficient AI model without the vast resources available to large American companies has raised doubts among investors about the true technological advantage of the U.S. Consequently, this development has significantly affected the market value of American tech giants.
A global risk factor
Some global consequences have already been observed. The Australian government has banned the use of the Chinese AI model in government devices, citing an “unacceptable risk” to national security. Similarly, other government institutions in various countries, including Taiwan, Italy, and even the U.S. Navy, have restricted the installation and use of this technology.
Countries are increasingly concerned about information leaks and security breaches, which have already taken place. It is essential to understand what personal data is collected, the sources of this data, the purposes for its use, the legal basis for processing it, and whether the data is stored on servers in China. DeepSeek is under suspicion for using user data to train its AI and for lacking a defined legal basis, thereby violating principles of transparency and information obligations.
In light of China’s technological advancements and censorship, the West appears to face two options: the first, a purely technological approach accompanied by censorship; and the second, a technological path grounded in values, allowing for the free circulation of different versions in the West, including participation from China, but still accepting censorship.
Round 2
This would be an uneven struggle, a kind of “cultural battle,” waged differently in the West and China. Historical experiences with communist countries show that they do not easily yield on ideological and cultural grounds, viewing the defense of their principles as a dam that must not crack, because eventually it will break—but it always does. What will the West accept in this new scenario?
One of the primary concerns regarding DeepSeek is the potential use of AI for state control and surveillance. Developed in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, the technology is backed by a robust digital surveillance system aimed at sustaining the power of the communist regime. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the collection and storage of data by the AI, as the company’s privacy policy explicitly states that user information is stored on servers in China, under the jurisdiction of the Xi Jinping regime.
Although DeepSeek is open source, there are concerns about censorship mechanisms built into the technology. While Western models, such as ChatGPT, are criticized only for ideological biases and restrictions on certain topics, DeepSeek has even stricter prior censorship, which filters out information that goes against the interests of the Beijing regime (such as topics about the Tiananmen Square Massacre, Taiwan independence, and criticisms and nicknames made of that communist dictator).
Are the costs worth it?
Financial firms have warned that the emergence of DeepSeek could trigger a reassessment of billion-dollar investments in AI. In the short term, markets should brace for a period of volatility as investors reevaluate the value of AI-related companies, including giants such as Nvidia.
In 2024, U.S. companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta spent hundreds of billions of dollars developing new AI models. Now, investors are questioning whether these high costs are still justifiable in the face of supposedly cheaper competitors.
Adding to the crisis, OpenAI has announced an investigation into whether the Chinese startup trained its new chatbot using the artificial intelligence model previously created by the Silicon Valley-based company. In an official statement, OpenAI revealed that in recent months, it has detected several attempts by Chinese entities to extract large volumes of data from its AI tools2. “It is vitally important that we work closely with the U.S. government to better protect our most capable models from efforts by rivals and competitors to seize American technology,” the document reads. It also directly accuses China-based companies of “constantly attempting to distill the models of leading U.S. AI companies”
The winner is…
In this way, the rivalry between the United States and China in the domain of AI reflects a new technological cold war, in which both nations seek to consolidate their supremacy in this strategic field. Trump’s recent policies and DeepSeek’s advances illustrate the intensification of this contest, with significant implications for the future of technology and the global economy.
The AI race is a battle for influence and power. AI has the potential to transform economies, military strategies, and even global narratives. Unlike the nuclear arms race, there is no clear end. The crucial question is not simply who will win, but how this competition will shape our future. Will it inspire unprecedented innovation and collaboration, or deepen existing divisions? The AI race is on now, and its outcome will define the 21st century.
Learn more: DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT
While DeepSeek and ChatGPT both represent state-of-the-art AI language models, they take different approaches to solving similar problems. Let’s break down their key differences in a way that matters.
Model Architecture
At their core, the intelligences work differently. DeepSeek activates only a subset of its parameters for each request, increasing efficiency and optimizing performance and resource usage by dynamically adapting to different types of queries. In contrast, ChatGPT uses a traditional transformer model, which is more consistent but potentially less efficient.
Performance Strengths
DeepSeek has demonstrated impressive capabilities in technical tasks. ChatGPT, however, demonstrates a greater ability to understand context and provide more nuanced responses across a wider range of topics.
Accessibility and Cost
DeepSeek takes an open-source approach, meaning it is freely available and can be modified by the community. ChatGPT operates on a freemium model, offering basic features for free but requiring a subscription for advanced features.
Customization and Ease of Use
DeepSeek offers more extensive customization options. However, this comes with a steeper learning curve and requires some technical knowledge. ChatGPT prioritizes ease of use, offering a more polished experience that is accessible to those beginning their data science journey.
Development Philosophy
DeepSeek’s development approach emphasizes efficiency, having been built using innovative training methods and less powerful hardware. This demonstrates how clever engineering can sometimes overcome resource constraints. ChatGPT, powered by substantial computational resources, takes a more traditional approach to its capabilities.
Writing Assistance
ChatGPT excels at producing engaging, conversational content with rich context—perfect for explaining complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders. DeepSeek, on the other hand, shines in technical writing scenarios, producing precise, formal documentation that is particularly valuable for data design documentation and technical specifications.
Coding and Technical Consultations
ChatGPT offers comprehensive code assistance, providing detailed explanations alongside code suggestions. DeepSeek takes a more direct approach, with faster code generation, useful when one needs efficient solutions to specific coding challenges.
Brainstorming and Creativity
ChatGPT excels at generating multiple approaches to a problem, helping one explore multiple analytical possibilities. DeepSeek typically offers fewer but more developed solutions, delving deeper into a single approach.
Learning and Research
ChatGPT provides comprehensive, tutorial-style explanations that work well for learning new concepts. DeepSeek focuses more on accuracy and conciseness.
Cost and Efficiency
DeepSeek stands out for its cost-effectiveness, using energy-efficient hardware and edge implementations to keep operating costs low. Since it’s free to use, it’s a great resource if one is working on a budget. ChatGPT’s subscription model, while more expensive, offers consistent performance and advanced features that can be valuable for professional data work.
Privacy and Ethical Concerns
ChatGPT adheres to Western data protection standards, making it a safer option for projects that require strict data privacy compliance. DeepSeek’s data storage practices and content moderation policies may raise concerns for certain types of projects, especially those involving sensitive information or requiring unrestricted analytical discussions.
In my previous articles, I’ve discussed the continued advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in recent times, with large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT becoming part of our lives, along with the focus on AI integration by governments. The usage has become so widespread that students are encouraged to ask softwares like Claude or ChatGPT for help with interview preparation and specific questions.
Recently, high school and college students have adopted ChatGPT to help with their homework. Statistics support this trend, showing that the number of teens admitting to using ChatGPT for homework help has doubled since 2023. Today, students have utilized ChatGPT in various ways, such as simplifying menial tasks, summarizing readings, answering basic questions, generating ideas, and looking up basic information. From the student experience, ChatGPT in its current form is only useful for simpler tasks, while more complicated tasks like solving math problems are still beyond AI’s capabilities.
While the capabilities of ChatGPT today are considered basic, its potential to do more is undeniable, as its usage in the modern classroom may become the norm.
Although some students today are reportedly using ChatGPT responsibly, there are fears that some may use ChatGPT to complete their schoolwork without putting in any effort, such as asking the AI to generate whole essays or answer complete quizzes. This has been reportedby various news outlets, where high school and college students are using ChatGPT to complete their assignments instead of merely using it for information gathering. Understandably, teachers are worried that students may not learn anything, therefore, risking their future by relying on AI.
Despite these concerns, the usage of ChatGPT for education has the support of many who maintain the idea that ChatGPT is used by students to supplement their learning and not for plagiarism. Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary of the United Kingdom, has expressed his support for the student use of ChatGPT. He believes that with proper oversight, ChatGPT use in the classroom should be encouraged, as he believes it can help improve learning by providing students with challenges.
The conversation about ChatGPT usage in helping students with homework has supporters and detractors. Supporters maintain that students are only using ChatGPT to help with smaller, menial tasks; detractors fear that it may be misused to generate assignments without student effort.
Overall, ChatGPT has made more repetitive tasks like searching for information more manageable for people including students; making it tempting to rely on it for everything. However, being reliant on it may end up backfiring, as students may leave school incapable of learning new information without the help of ChatGPT. Hence, despite the positive factors of AI, actions must be taken to ensure it is used responsibly in the classroom in order to prevent students from becoming dependent on it. Students must be reminded that AI should remain a tool that assists with smaller tasks, not a shortcut to a simpler life.
by Pierre Young, Editor-in-Chief of the Metropolitan Student Newsletter, published 7/5/2023
Courtesy of Version 1
Call of Duty E-Sports is back! The Major V series kicks off in person in the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin, featuring 12 different teams from Atlanta, Boston, Florida, London, Los Angeles, New York, Texas, Seattle, Toronto, and Vegas. Personally, my favorite team, Minnesota Rokkr, will be competing against Boston Breach and London Royal Ravens.
Minnesota Rokkr was created by the company Version 1, which has a partnership with the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings’ headquarters are located in Eagan, next to their training camp. I had the opportunity to speak with Cassie Batinich, the Director of Communications, to cover the story of the home series weekend. This was the first home series I attended since 2020, before the pandemic hit, and I was excited to finally have a Minnesota e-sports team in the Twin Cities competing against other cities and countries.
The home series took place at the Palace Theater in Downtown St. Paul on May 6th 2023, a small venue known for hosting concerts and events. I was granted media and VIP credentials, allowing me to witness the matches up close and personal, in front of numerous fans. The first match between Rokkr and London ended with Rokkr sweeping them off the floor, securing a crushing 3-0 victory. The second match against Boston was disappointing, as Boston took the victory with a score of 3-1. However, despite the loss, fans remained proud of Rokkr.
Courtesy of Pierre Young – Editor in Chief
During the event, there were giveaways for Nintendo Switch consoles and controllers, which was exciting to see fellow gaming and e-sports enthusiasts enjoying. The VIP section provided a fantastic experience, offering front-row views for capturing videos and photos of exhilarating moments that drove the fans wild. Additionally, the open bar at the venue served complimentary drinks to VIP credential holders, allowing them to save money.
Despite the team’s loss, the meet and greet portion of the event was incredible. I had the opportunity to meet the players for the first time and experienced their warm welcome. It was a reminder that these players are regular human beings who simply love video games as much as their fans do. The event solidified my pride as both a gamer and an e-sports fan, inspiring me to aspire to open my own e-sports venue one day that caters to both youth and adults.
