Tech
Joe Biden’s record on science and tech: Investments and regulation for vaccines, broadband, microchips and AI
The Biden administration’s focus on science and technology has led to substantial investments in semiconductor manufacturing and clean energy, aiming to enhance U.S. competitiveness and innovation while addressing public health challenges.
Last Updated on January 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Mark Zachary Taylor, Georgia Institute of Technology
In evaluating the outgoing Biden administration, much news has focused on inflation, immigration or Hunter’s laptop. But as an expert on national competitiveness in science and technology, I have a somewhat different emphasis. My research shows that U.S. prosperity and security depend heavily on the country’s ability to produce cutting-edge science and tech.
So, how did the Biden administration perform along these lines?
Advancing pandemic science and tech
President Joe Biden’s immediate challenge after inauguration was to end the COVID-19 pandemic and then shift the economy back to normal operations.
First, he threw the weight of his administration behind vaccine production and distribution. Thanks to President Donald Trump’s Operation Warp Speed, inoculations had begun mid-December 2020. But there had been no national rollout, and no plans existed for one. When Biden took office, only about 5% of Americans had been vaccinated.
The Biden administration collaborated with private retail chains to build up cold storage and distribution capacity. To ensure adequate vaccine supply, Biden worked to support the major pharmaceutical manufacturers. And throughout, Biden conducted a public relations campaign to inform, educate and motivate Americans to get vaccinated.
Within the first 10 weeks of Biden’s presidency, one-third of the U.S. population had received at least one dose, half by the end of May, and over 70% by year’s end. And as Americans got vaccinated, travel bans were lifted, schools came back into session, and business gradually returned to normal.
A later study found that Biden’s vaccination program prevented more than 3.2 million American deaths and 18.5 million hospitalizations, and saved US$1.15 trillion in medical costs and lost economic output.
In the wake of the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden signed two bills with direct and widespread impacts on science and technology. Previous administrations had promised infrastructure investments, but Biden delivered. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed with bipartisan support during late 2021, provided $1.2 trillion for infrastructure of all types.
Rather than just rebuilding, the act prioritized technological upgrades: clean water, clean energy, rural high-speed internet, modernization of public transit and airports, and electric grid reliability.
In August 2022, Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act, totaling $739 billion in tax credits and direct expenditures. This was the largest climate change legislation in U.S. history. It implemented a vast panoply of subsidies and incentives to develop and distribute the science and tech necessary for clean and renewable energy, environmental conservation and to address climate change.
Science and tech marquees and sleepers
Some Biden administration science and technology achievements have been fairly obvious. For example, Biden successfully pushed for increased federal research and development funding. Federal R&D dollars jumped by 25% from 2021 to 2024. Recipients included the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, NASA and the Department of Defense. In addition, Biden oversaw investment in emerging technologies, such as AI, and their responsible governance.
Biden also retained or raised Trump’s tariffs and continued his predecessor’s skepticism of new free-trade agreements, thereby cementing a protectionist turn in American trade policy. Biden’s addition was to add protectionist industrial policy – subsidies for domestic manufacturing and innovation, as well as “buy-American” mandates.
Other accomplishments have been more under the radar. For example, within the National Science Foundation, Biden created a Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships to improve U.S. economic competitiveness. Its tasks are to speed the development of breakthrough technologies, to accelerate their transition into the marketplace, and to reskill and upskill American workers into high-quality jobs with better wages.
Biden implemented policies aimed at strengthening and improving federal scientific integrity to help citizens feel they can trust federally funded science and its use. He also advanced new measures to improve research security, aimed at keeping federally funded research from being improperly obtained by foreign entities.
The CHIPS & Science Act
The jewel in the crown of Biden’s science and tech agenda was the bipartisan Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, meant to strengthen U.S. manufacturing capabilities in advanced semiconductor chips. It has awarded about $40 billion to American chip producers, prompting an additional $450 billion in private investment in over 90 new manufacturing projects across 28 states.
Directed at everything from advanced packaging to memory chips, the CHIPS Act’s subsidies have reduced the private costs of domestic semiconductor production. CHIPS also pushes for these new manufacturing jobs to go to American workers at good pay. Whereas the U.S. manufactured few of the most advanced chips just two years ago, the industry expects the United States to possess 28% of global capacity by 2032.
Less well known are the “science” parts of the CHIPS Act. For example, it invested half a billion dollars in dozens of regional innovation and technology hubs across the country. These hubs focus on a broad range of strategic sectors, including critical materials, sustainable polymers, precision medicine and medical devices. Over 30 tech hubs have already been designated, such as the Elevate Quantum Tech Hub in Denver and the Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub.
The CHIPS Act also aims to broaden participation in science. It does so by improving the tracking and funding of research and STEM education to hitherto underrepresented Americans – by district, occupation, ethnicity, gender, institution and socioeconomic background. It also attempts to extend the impact of federally funded research to tackle global challenges, such as supply chain disruptions, resource waste and energy security.
Missed opportunities and future possibilities
Despite these achievements, the Biden administration has faced criticism on the science and tech front. Some critics allege that U.S. research security is still not properly defending American science and technology against theft or counterfeit by rivals.
Others insist that federal R&D spending remains too low. In particular, they call for more investment in U.S. research infrastructure – such as up-to-date laboratories and data systems – and emerging technologies.
The administration’s government-centered approach to AI has also drawn criticism as stifling and wrong-headed.
Personally, I am agnostic on these issues, but they are legitimate concerns. In my opinion, science and technology investments take considerable time to pan out, so early judgments of Biden’s success or failure are probably premature.
Nevertheless, the next administration has its work cut out for it. International cooperation will likely be key. The most vexing global problems require science and technology advances that are beyond the ability of any single country. The challenge is for the United States to collaborate in ways that complement American competitiveness.
National priorities will likely include the development of productive and ethical AI that helps the U.S. to be more competitive, as well as a new quantum computing industry. Neuroscience and “healthspan” research also hold considerable promise for improving U.S. competitiveness while transforming Americans’ life satisfaction.
Keeping the whole American science and technology enterprise rigorous will require two elements from the federal government: more resources and a competitive environment. American greatness will depend on President-elect Trump’s ability to deliver them.
Mark Zachary Taylor, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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News
Jay Leno Test Drives the Slate Truck as Startup Pushes Toward 2026 Launch
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is gaining attention after Jay Leno test drove the prototype on Jay Leno’s Garage. Here’s the latest update on pricing, features, reservations, and the planned 2026 production launch.
Testing the Slate Truck
The affordable electric pickup from Slate Auto is continuing to gain attention as the startup moves closer to production. One of the most visible recent developments came when legendary car collector and TV host Jay Leno featured the truck on his popular YouTube series Jay Leno’s Garage.
The episode offered one of the most detailed looks yet at the upcoming Slate Truck, including a real-world test drive, design insights, and a closer look at the company’s philosophy behind building what could become one of America’s most affordable electric vehicles.
Watch the Jay Leno Test Drive
What Jay Leno Revealed About the Slate Truck
During the episode, Leno drove a pre-production prototype of the truck while engineers from Slate Auto explained the design approach.
Unlike many modern EVs packed with luxury features, the Slate Truck is intentionally simple.
Key highlights from the test drive include:
A Focus on Simplicity and Repairability
One of the most notable ideas behind the truck is that it is designed to be easy to repair and modify. Instead of relying on proprietary parts or complex electronics, the vehicle uses a more straightforward architecture that could allow owners or independent mechanics to work on it.
This approach contrasts with many EVs that require dealership service or specialized tools.
Modular Body Panels and Customization
The Slate Truck is built around a modular platform with removable exterior panels and optional accessory kits.
According to the company, owners will be able to customize the vehicle with:
Different body panel styles Accessory racks and cargo options A potential conversion kit that can transform the pickup into a small SUV
The idea is to allow the vehicle to evolve with the owner’s needs over time.
Minimalist Interior
Inside the prototype shown to Leno, the truck features a very basic interior layout.
Instead of a large infotainment system, the vehicle relies heavily on smartphone integration and simpler controls to keep costs down. This minimalist philosophy is part of the company’s effort to build a lower-cost EV.
Pricing and the “Affordable EV” Promise
When the truck was first revealed in 2025, Slate Auto suggested the vehicle could cost under $20,000 after incentives.
However, with changes to federal EV incentives and updated pricing expectations, analysts now estimate the truck will likely start around the mid-$20,000 range.
Even at that price, the vehicle could still become one of the most affordable electric trucks available in the United States.
Production Plans in Indiana
The company plans to manufacture the truck in Warsaw, Indiana, where a large former industrial facility is being converted into an EV factory.
Production targets include:
Production start: Late 2026 Early deliveries: Possibly 2027 Potential capacity: Up to about 150,000 vehicles per year once fully ramped
Strong early interest has also been reported, with more than 100,000 reservations placed for the truck shortly after its reveal.
A Different Kind of Electric Truck
The Slate Truck is entering a market where most electric pickups—such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T—sit at much higher price points.
Rather than competing on luxury or performance, the Slate Truck is aiming to fill a different niche: a practical, customizable, and relatively affordable electric work vehicle.
If the company can deliver on its promises, it could open the door to a new category of budget-friendly EVs.
For now, the test drive on Jay Leno’s Garage provides one of the clearest glimpses yet at how the truck might perform in the real world.
Related Coverage on STM Daily News
- Automotive News and Innovation – STM Daily News
- Boom Supersonic and the Overture: The Return of Commercial Supersonic Travel
- The Evolution of Public Transportation in Los Angeles
- Technology News and Emerging Innovations
Further Reading and Information
- Slate Auto Official Website
- Watch the Slate Truck Test Drive on Jay Leno’s Garage
- Car and Driver: First Look at the Slate Truck
- TechCrunch: Slate Auto Leadership Changes Ahead of Launch
- InsideEVs: Latest Electric Vehicle News
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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The Unfavorable Semicircle Mystery: The YouTube Channel That Uploaded Tens of Thousands of Cryptic Videos
In 2015, the YouTube channel Unfavorable Semicircle gained attention for its enigmatic and abundant video uploads, totaling over 70,000 before its deletion in 2016. Theories about its purpose vary, from automated content generation to digital art experimentation, leaving its intent unresolved.
In the vast digital landscape of the internet, strange phenomena occasionally emerge that leave investigators, tech enthusiasts, and everyday viewers scratching their heads. One of the most puzzling cases appeared in 2015, when a mysterious YouTube channel called Unfavorable Semicircle began uploading an astonishing number of cryptic videos.
Within months, the channel had published tens of thousands of bizarre clips, many of which seemed random, incomprehensible, and visually chaotic. But as internet detectives began analyzing the content more closely, they discovered that these videos might not have been random at all.
The Sudden Appearance of an Internet Mystery
The Unfavorable Semicircle channel reportedly appeared in March 2015, with its first uploads arriving in early April.
Almost immediately, the channel began publishing videos at an incredible pace. Observers estimated that the account uploaded thousands of videos per week, sometimes multiple videos per minute. By the time the channel disappeared in early 2016, researchers believed it had uploaded well over 70,000 videos, possibly far more.
The scale alone made the project seem impossible for a human to manage manually.
Strange Visuals and Cryptic Titles
Most of the videos shared similar characteristics:
- Extremely short or very long runtime
- Abstract visuals such as flashing colors, static, or distorted imagery
- Little or no audio, or heavily distorted sounds
- Titles made of random characters, symbols, or numbers
To casual viewers, the videos looked like pure digital noise. However, online investigators suspected something more deliberate was happening.
Hidden Images Discovered
The mystery deepened when researchers began extracting individual frames from some videos.
When thousands of frames from certain clips were stitched together, the results sometimes formed coherent images. One of the most famous examples involved a video titled “LOCK.” While the footage appeared chaotic at first, combining the frames revealed a recognizable composite image.
This discovery suggested the videos were carefully constructed rather than random uploads.
Theories About the Channel’s Purpose
Because the creator never explained the project, several theories emerged across Reddit, YouTube, and internet forums.
Automated Experiment
Many believe the channel was created using automated software that generated and uploaded content at scale.
Alternate Reality Game (ARG)
Some viewers suspected the channel might be part of a hidden puzzle or digital scavenger hunt.
Encrypted Communication
Others compared the channel to Cold War “numbers stations,” suggesting the videos could contain coded messages.
Digital Art Project
Another theory suggests the channel was an experimental art project exploring algorithms, data, and visual noise.
Despite years of investigation, no single explanation has been confirmed.
Why the Channel Disappeared
In February 2016, YouTube removed the channel, reportedly due to spam or automated activity violations.
By that time, the channel had already become a minor internet legend. Fortunately, some researchers managed to archive a large portion of the videos before they disappeared.
Even today, archived clips continue to circulate online as investigators attempt to decode them.
Other Mysterious YouTube Channels
The Unfavorable Semicircle mystery is not the only strange case on YouTube.
One well-known example is Webdriver Torso, a channel that uploaded hundreds of thousands of videos showing red and blue rectangles with simple beeping sounds. Internet speculation ran wild before Google eventually confirmed it was an internal YouTube testing account.
Another example is AETBX, which posts distorted visuals and unusual audio that some viewers believe contain hidden patterns or encoded information.
These cases highlight how automation, experimentation, and creativity can sometimes blur the line between technology and mystery.
A Digital Mystery That Remains Unsolved
Nearly a decade later, the true purpose behind Unfavorable Semicircle remains unknown.
Was it a sophisticated experiment? A piece of algorithmic art? Or simply an automated test that accidentally captured the internet’s imagination?
Whatever the explanation, the channel stands as a reminder that even in a world filled with billions of videos and endless information, the internet can still produce mysteries that challenge our understanding of technology.
Why Internet Mysteries Still Fascinate Us
Stories like Unfavorable Semicircle capture attention because they combine technology, creativity, and the unknown. They invite people from around the world to collaborate, analyze patterns, and search for meaning hidden in the noise.
And sometimes, the most intriguing part of the mystery is that the answer may never fully be known.
Related Coverage & Further Reading
- Atlas Obscura – The Unsettling Mystery of the Creepiest Channel on YouTube
- Her Campus – Top 5 Most Obscure Internet Mysteries
- Medium – Unfavorable Semicircle: The YouTube Mystery No One Can Solve
- Gazette Review – Top 10 Strangest YouTube Channels Ever
- Decoding the Unknown – Unfavorable Semicircle YouTube Mystery Archive
- Wikipedia – Unfavorable Semicircle
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Entertainment
Byron Allen’s Starz Stake Signals Bigger Moves in the Streaming Industry
Byron Allen’s Starz: Byron Allen has acquired a 10.7% stake in Starz Entertainment for approximately $25 million, signaling his long-term media strategy amidst industry consolidation. This investment positions him influentially in the evolving streaming market despite intense competition.
Byron Allen’s Starz investment
Media entrepreneur Byron Allen has taken another step toward expanding his growing media empire. Through his family office, Allen recently acquired a 10.7% stake in Starz Entertainment, purchasing the shares from a fund managed by former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
The transaction, valued at approximately $25 million, gives Allen a significant minority position in the premium cable and streaming platform. While the investment itself may seem modest compared to the billion-dollar deals common in Hollywood, analysts say the move could signal a larger strategy unfolding in the rapidly evolving streaming industry.
Why the Starz Deal Matters
The shares were sold by Mnuchin’s Liberty 77 Capital fund, which previously invested in the company when Starz was still connected to its former parent, Lionsgate.
In 2025, Lionsgate completed a corporate restructuring that separated its operations into two distinct companies:
- Lionsgate Studios – responsible for film and television production
- Starz – focused on premium cable and streaming services
Following the spin-off, Starz became an independent publicly traded company. As a result, investors are still determining the platform’s long-term value in an increasingly crowded streaming marketplace.
A Streaming Platform With Loyal Audiences
Despite facing intense competition from larger platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, Starz continues to maintain a strong subscriber base and recognizable content franchises.
- Outlander – historical drama series
- The Power franchise created by Courtney A. Kemp and executive produced by 50 Cent
Byron Allen’s Long-Term Media Strategy
Allen’s investment strategy has long focused on owning media distribution and infrastructure rather than simply producing content.
- The Weather Channel
- Dozens of local television stations across the United States
- Multiple niche cable networks and digital platforms
Over the past several years, Allen has also pursued larger acquisitions, reportedly exploring deals involving companies such as Paramount Global and BET Media Group. While those deals did not materialize, they signaled his ambition to expand Allen Media Group into a major force in global media ownership.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Consolidation
Allen’s investment arrives during a time of significant disruption in the entertainment business. Traditional cable television continues to decline as audiences migrate toward streaming platforms. At the same time, major studios and media companies are struggling to make streaming services consistently profitable.
Industry observers believe these pressures could lead to a new wave of consolidation across Hollywood and the streaming sector. Smaller platforms like Starz could become attractive acquisition targets for larger companies seeking additional subscribers and content libraries.
A Potential Hidden Opportunity
For now, Allen’s 10.7% stake does not give him control of Starz. However, it does provide influence as one of the company’s larger shareholders and leaves open the possibility of increasing his ownership in the future.
If consolidation accelerates and streaming platforms begin merging or forming partnerships, assets like Starz could become significantly more valuable. For Byron Allen—whose career began as a stand-up comedian before evolving into one of the most prominent independent media owners in America—the investment may represent another calculated step in a decades-long strategy built around media ownership and long-term growth.
Related Coverage
- Byron Allen Acquires Stake in Starz – Hollywood Reporter
- Starz Spin-Off from Lionsgate: What It Means for Streaming – Variety
- Byron Allen’s Media Acquisitions: Building a Modern Empire – Forbes
- Starz in the Streaming Wars: How It Compares – CNBC
- Why Byron Allen is Betting on Streaming Platforms – Deadline
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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