This entrepreneur made billions on crypto. His next frontier is outer space
But drive past cracked airstrips and barbed wire gates, and—with the right security clearance—you may be able to walk up and touch the exterior of the next orbital space station: a 2-ton cylindrical aluminum module built by the startup Vast. Called Haven-1, it currently hangs from a 50-foot-tall steel scaffold while it undergoes extreme pressure testing, one of many complicated engineering milestones it needs to hit before its planned launch in May 2026.
Before engineers can install the module's instrumentation, electronics, and life-support systems, they need to repeatedly pressurize the structure to 2.4 times Earth's atmosphere to test its workmanship. Massive hoses hooked up to a trio of multistory liquid nitrogen tankers inflate the station—an isogrid metal shell that resembles a waffle cone—with nitrogen gas, like a kid's birthday balloon. Observers need to stand at least 236 feet away in case bolts or brackets burst. During a visit in May, workers were welding and reinforcing the steel scaffold to make sure the structure can withstand a grueling and aggressive series of stress tests that will see the cabin inflated and deflated 200 times in a row.
Vast is racing against the clock to launch the world's first commercial space station—independently, in-house, and in record time. It's an audacious effort, made possible by the retirement of an icon: the International Space Station, a fixture of childhood imaginations and of humanity's exploration of space since its first section was launched in 1998. It's now set to be decommissioned in 2030, via a guided crash into the Pacific Ocean, and Vast wants to replace it.
The extended deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is this Friday, June 27, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
This must-have tool can prevent a silent, stealthy disease — every woman over 30 should know about it
It's time to get hip to this bone density and body composition test. Osteoporosis may seem like an old person's problem — the 'silent' condition gradually reduces bone mass and density, making your inner scaffolding weaker, thinner and more prone to fractures. The disease is actually becoming increasingly common among younger people due to poor eating habits, certain underlying health issues and medication use. Advertisement Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a concierge physician in L.A., is particularly worried about women taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which can cause a decrease in bone density along with rapid weight loss. 8 Osteoporosis makes bones weaker, thinner and more prone to fractures. It's becoming more prevalent in younger people. Evgeniy Kalinovskiy – She recommends women undergo a 'baseline' dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan in their early to mid-30s to help predict future health risks. The test measures the strength and quality of bones while also quantifying body fat, lean mass and visceral fat. Advertisement 'It's a favorite in research, clinical medicine and elite athletic programs for this reason,' Gidwani told The Post. Here's everything you need to know about this enlightening technology. How does a DEXA scan work? An X-ray provides detailed images of bone shape and structure, but it cannot accurately measure bone density or forecast fracture risk. Advertisement 8 In a DEXA scan (shown here), a high-energy and a low-energy X-ray beam are directed at your bones as you lie still on a padded table. dizfoto1973 – A DEXA scan harnesses the power of X-rays to reveal a clearer picture of bone strength. The machine directs two X-ray beams, one high-energy and one low-energy, at your bones as you lie still on a padded table. Advertisement The beams are absorbed by bone and soft tissue at different rates. The scanner detects this difference and calculates bone mineral density and body composition with an error rate typically within 1% to 2%. 'The scan is painless, noninvasive and usually takes less than 30 minutes start to finish,' Gidwani said. 'It uses far less radiation than a standard X-ray and is designed to catch bone loss well before it becomes visible or leads to fractures.' 8 Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a concierge physician in L.A., suggests women in their 30s undergo a DEXA scan, especially if they are taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Courtesy of Dr. Pooja Gidwani Gidwani noted that the exam doesn't involve injections or contrast dyes. She advised getting scanned in the morning. These tests are generally not recommended for pregnant women, and calcium supplement users may need to stop taking the tablets 24 hours beforehand. What can a DEXA scan reveal? Advertisement DEXA scans are primarily used to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis and osteopenia, a milder, earlier stage of bone loss. It can also detect nuanced conditions such as: Sarcopenia: low skeletal muscle mass Sarcopenic obesity: low muscle and high fat Osteosarcopenic obesity: low muscle, low bone density and high fat Abnormal visceral fat distribution linked to metabolic disease Unexplained fractures or suspected secondary osteoporosis (due to medications, hormonal disorders, etc.) 8 DEXA scans are primarily used to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis and osteopenia, a milder, earlier stage of bone loss, but they can also detect other concerning conditions. RFBSIP – Advertisement 'It's more reliable than body fat scales and more detailed than MRI for whole-body composition,' Gidwani said of DEXA. 'Its precision makes it ideal for tracking changes over time, especially during weight loss, strength training or hormone transitions like perimenopause and menopause.' Should I get a DEXA scan if I'm otherwise healthy? Bone mass tends to peak around age 30. The bone remodeling process continues, but the breakdown of old bone starts to slightly outpace the formation of new bone. Advertisement Genetics and personal habits such as diet, exercise, cigarette use and alcohol consumption influence bone health. Hormonal shifts — particularly a decrease in estrogen — can accelerate bone breakdown. 'Estrogen levels can begin to fluctuate in the mid-to-late 30s,' Gidwani explained, 'due to a range of factors, including early or natural perimenopausal transition, chronic stress, postpartum recovery, disrupted ovulatory cycles, low body fat, overtraining or preexisting gynecological or endocrine conditions like PCOS or hypothalamic amenorrhea.' 8 Hormonal shifts — particularly a decline in estrogen — can accelerate bone breakdown. Estrogen levels decrease in menopause. Valerii Honcharuk – Advertisement Women are also at risk of early bone density decline if they have a family history of early osteoporosis, a lack of strength training, insufficient calcium, protein or vitamin D intake, disordered eating, sedentary behavior or rapid weight loss. GLP-1 drugs, which suppress appetite, can cause speedy slimdowns. 'While GLP-1s can be incredibly helpful when done right, they can also lead to unintended losses in lean muscle and bone density if not paired with proper nutrition and resistance training,' said Gidwani, who treats women on GLP-1s and focuses on hormone health and longevity. 'In women in their 30s and 40s using GLP-1s,' she added, 'DEXA is especially valuable for detecting early loss of muscle or bone, often long before symptoms or complications arise.' 8 The loss of bone mass can accompany rapid weight loss with GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Wild Awake – Gidwani said she's seen female patients as young as 32 show low bone density on scans. For men, Gidwani suggests that those with a family history of osteopenia/osteoporosis, a history of fractures, long-term steroid use, low muscle mass, very low testosterone or long-term GLP-1 use consider a DEXA scan earlier than the standard guideline of age 70. Where can I get a DEXA scan? Hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, women's health or endocrinology clinics and increasingly, wellness and fitness centers offer DEXA scans. 'Companies like BodySpec and DexaFit specialize in mobile or consumer-accessible DEXA scanning, often used for fitness tracking,' Gidwani said. 'Just be sure to confirm whether the scan is being done for diagnostic purposes (bone density) or wellness (body composition).' DEXA costs vary widely, from $40 to $300 or more out of pocket, depending on the facility, the extent of the scan and the specific reason for it. 8 Dismissing bone health in youth can lead to significant problems later in life. zinkevych – Scans are typically covered by insurance for women over the age of 65, men older than 70, postmenopausal women with risk factors, people with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that increase fracture risk. 'Hopefully, as awareness around early bone loss and changes in body composition increases (especially in the context of GLP-1 use and hormonal shifts in younger women),' Gidwani said, 'screening guidelines will begin to reflect this need for earlier, proactive intervention.' What are the treatment options for low bone density? If a scan reveals low bone density, the first step is to identify the cause. 8 Strength training stimulates bone growth and slows bone loss. Microgen – Gidwani said a treatment plan typically includes: Strength training to improve bone and muscle Increased protein intake — aim for at least 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight, especially if you're on GLP-1s or losing weight. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation Hormone therapy, particularly for perimenopausal and postpartum patients Fall prevention and balance training Lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and addressing nutritional deficiencies In moderate to severe cases, medications like bisphosphonates and denosumab slow bone breakdown while teriparatide stimulates the formation of new bone. 'In your 30s or 40s, the most impactful strategy is prevention,' Gidwani said, 'identifying early losses, tailoring lifestyle interventions and checking progress over time with repeat DEXA scans.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Popular weight-loss drugs linked to sudden vision loss, research suggests
New research has discovered certain weight-loss medications could be associated with an increased risk of serious eye conditions, and even vision loss. Two studies, published in JAMA, analyzed how semaglutide and tirzepatide — which include popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound — impacted eye health in Americans with type 2 diabetes over a two-year period. One study found a modest risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN) – a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden vision loss due to lack of blood flow – in association with semaglutide and tirzepatide. Popular Weight-loss Medication Could Relieve Painful Arthritis Symptoms, Doctors Report Out of more than 159,000 study participants with type 2 diabetes, 35 developed NAION, compared to 19 people in the comparison group. The Ohio-based researchers also noted an increased risk of developing "other optic nerve disorders," identified in 93 patients. Read On The Fox News App Although the second study did not observe a "statistically significant difference" in NAION in GLP-1 drug users, there was a small increase in diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can damage the retina. Diabetic Patients Taking Glp-1s May Face Increased Risk Of Eye Disease, Study Suggests While individuals with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1s showed a modestly increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, the researchers concluded that fewer patients experienced sight-threatening complications from the disease. "These findings suggest that all patients with type 2 diabetes treated with GLP-1 RAs, regardless of preexisting diabetic retinopathy, should be regularly screened and monitored for potential complications," the study authors concluded. Sue Decotiis, M.D., a medical weight loss doctor in New York City, said she believes more studies are required to confirm the association between these drugs and vision loss, as these studies report some conflicting results. "NAION is a rare condition of the optic nerve that, although serious, has not really been shown to be increased by these studies," Decotiis, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. "We need more studies for certain." Diabetic patients already face a high incidence of eye disease related to blood flow and nerve damage, the expert noted. "Eye complications are often directly related to the degree or lack thereof of diabetes control." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter In most cases, GLP-1 drugs reduce the severity of type 2 diabetes, therefore reducing the incidence of eye diseases, Decotiis noted. These drugs have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, like hypertension, and to improve circulation, which can improve eye health. For diabetics who are starting a GLP-1, Decotiis recommends having an exam done by an ophthalmologist and scheduling follow-up exams throughout treatment. "We should take precaution with methodical ophthalmic care for diabetics on these drugs," Decotiis said. "However, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water." For more Health articles, visit Novo Nordisk, maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, provided the following statement when contacted by Fox News Digital. "Patient safety is a top priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports about adverse events from the use of our medicines very seriously. NAION is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy) as per the approved labels in the U.S." "Novo Nordisk, on its part, has conducted an analysis across randomized controlled clinical trials with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including a blinded ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm NAION diagnoses. Our current assessment is that these data do not suggest a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAION events."Original article source: Popular weight-loss drugs linked to sudden vision loss, research suggests Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Alligator Bioscience to Host Virtual R&D Day on 19 August 2025
LUND, SE / / August 14, 2025 / Alligator Bioscience (Nasdaq Stockholm:ATORX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs, today announces that it will host a virtual R&D Day on Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 4 p.m. CEST. The event will provide an in-depth update on Alligator's R&D pipeline, with a primary focus on its lead candidate mitazalimab, ahead of the upcoming TO 13 warrant exercise period (1-15 September 2025). During the event, members of Alligator's executive management and R&D leadership will: Provide update on mitazalimab clinical data, as well biomarker findings and Phase 3 readiness. Discuss ongoing and planned investigator-initiated trials (IITs) exploring mitazalimab in additional indications and clinical settings. Provide a brief update on the pipeline program HLX22. Outline key R&D milestones over the next 6-12 months. The R&D Day will be held as a live Teams webinar and will include a Q&A session. All participants will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance, via ir@ or during the event. Event detailsDate: Tuesday, 19 August 2025Time: 4-5 p.m. CESTFormat: Virtual Teams webinarRegistration: Please use this link to register A replay of the event will be made available on Alligator's website after the webinar. For further information, please contact: Søren Bregenholt, CEOE-mail: +46 (0) 46 540 82 00 The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 1:00 p.m. CEST on 14 August 2025. About Alligator Bioscience Alligator is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-directed immuno-oncology antibody drugs focused on the CD40 receptor. This validated approach promotes priming of tumor-specific T cells and reversing the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment, with significant potential benefits for cancer patients across multiple types of cancer. The Company's lead drug candidate mitazalimab is currently in preparation for Phase 3 development, and has previously presented unprecedented survival data at 24-months follow up in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer patients in the Phase 2 trial OPTIMIZE-1. Alligator is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (ATORX) and headquartered in Lund, Sweden. For more information, please visit Attachments Alligator Bioscience to host virtual R&D Day on 19 August 2025 SOURCE: Alligator Bioscience View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
