Multibillion-dollar carpet empire has toxic legacy

DALTON, Ga. (AP) — A new investigation shows how chemicals used for decades to make carpets stain resistant have contaminated swaths of the South. As carpet executives in northwest Georgia grappled with the health and environmental risks of PFAS, known widely as forever chemicals, they coordinated privately with the local public water utility, effectively shielding their companies from oversight. Carpet makers kept using PFAS even after scientists linked it to human health threats, including certain cancers. Major carpet companies point out their chemical suppliers hid the risks for years, and say they’ve complied with all regulations and have stopped using PFAS.

Experts doubt Musk’s vow to put solar-powered data centers in space

NEW YORK (AP) — Elon Musk is bringing the same revolutionary thinking that helped him upend the car industry to the data center business with promises this week to put up to a million new satellites in the sky. But it won’t be easy. Experts say it’s not clear how Musk will keep these orbiting AI supercomputers from overheating, fix glitches on gear in the sky, and stop space debris from punching a hole in his ambitious plans. To help him reach his goals, Musk combined SpaceX with his AI business on Monday and is planning massive IPO later in the year.

Experimental cholesterol-lowering pill may offer new option for millions

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new kind of pill sharply reduced cholesterol in people at high risk of heart attacks despite taking statins. It’s still experimental but new research published Wednesday suggests Merck’s pill could eventually offer an easier-to-use option for millions. Statins are the mainstay cholesterol-lowering treatment but many need additional drugs, too. Merck is expected to seek approval to sell the new pill, called enlicitide, this year. It blocks cholesterol in a way that today can be done only with injected medicines.

NASA delays astronauts’ lunar trip after hydrogen leaks mar fueling test

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s long-awaited moonshot with astronauts is off until at least March because of leaking hydrogen fuel. The space agency announced the news Tuesday following a critical fueling test of its giant moon rocket in Florida. Hydrogen seeped from the base of the rocket during Monday’s dress rehearsal, which went into overtime Tuesday because of all the problems. Officials say the delay will allow the launch team to conduct another practice countdown before committing four astronauts to humanity’s first moonshot in more than half a century. With their launch now off until at least March 6, the three Americans and one Canadian can now emerge from quarantine.