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Mirror Bacteria Research Raises Significant Risks, Scientists Warn

2024-12-13

Synthetic biologists have achieved remarkable breakthroughs, such as creating bacteria with chemically synthesized genomes. However, two synthetic biologists recently joined other scientists in calling for a halt to research that could lead to the creation of "mirror bacteria." These bacteria are composed of the same components as natural cells but with opposite stereochemistry in all biopolymers. Because mirror bacteria might lack natural predators and evade immune systems, they pose a catastrophic risk. The article emphasizes that while scientific research should be open, certain research, like mirror bacteria research, is too risky given the potential for devastating consequences. Therefore, it should be stopped.

(www.the-scientist.com)
Tech synthetic biology mirror bacteria biosafety

MIT Develops Noninvasive Imaging Method for Deeper Tissue Penetration

2024-12-13

MIT researchers have developed a novel noninvasive imaging technique that more than doubles the depth limit of metabolic imaging. Using high-powered lasers and a specialized fiber shaper, the method minimizes light scattering, allowing for clearer and faster imaging of living tissue. This label-free approach avoids tissue preprocessing, providing a more natural representation of cellular structures and functions. The increased depth penetration and speed promise significant advancements in cancer research, tissue engineering, drug discovery, and immunology.

(news.mit.edu)
Tech biomedical imaging laser technology in vivo imaging

Transformer Shortage Crisis: Can New Engineering Solve It?

2024-12-13

A global transformer shortage is delaying renewable energy projects, new home construction, and grid upgrades. The crisis stems from surging electricity demand and strained material supply chains. The article explores solutions, including redesigning transformers to use different materials, extending their lifespan, and creating more standardized, easier-to-manufacture designs. Researchers are also exploring new solid-state transformers for improved efficiency and reliability. While these new technologies are currently more expensive, their potential for enhancing grid resilience and adapting to future energy needs is significant, driving the power industry to accelerate R&D and investment to address this critical shortage.

(spectrum.ieee.org)
2
Tech transformer shortage power grid renewable energy

IBM's Executive Terminal: A Forgotten Chapter in Computing History

2024-12-13

A recently discovered 1968 videotape reveals IBM's previously unknown "Executive Terminal" system. Unlike Engelbart's "Mother of All Demos," which emphasized collaboration, this system created an information "war room" for top IBM executives. Executives used modified television sets to query information specialists, who then compiled information from various terminals and resources, presenting it visually to the executives. This showcases an alternative application of early computing technology within a hierarchical organization, contrasting sharply with the collaborative approach of the "Mother of All Demos." Together, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the early development of computing.

(spectrum.ieee.org)
3
Tech Executive Terminal Computing History

New Study Pinpoints Neanderthal Interbreeding with Modern Humans

2024-12-13

A new analysis of ancient DNA from modern humans in Europe and Asia has precisely determined the timeframe of Neanderthal interbreeding with Homo sapiens. The interbreeding began approximately 50,500 years ago and lasted for about 7,000 years, until Neanderthals began to disappear. This research, using 58 ancient genomes and present-day human genomes, revealed an average interbreeding date of around 47,000 years ago, consistent with archeological evidence. The study also found that East Asians possess about 20% more Neanderthal genes than Europeans and West Asians, potentially due to the presence of mixed genes when modern humans migrated eastward around 47,000 years ago. The findings offer a more complete picture of past human migrations and gene flow, and shed light on the impact of Neanderthal genes on modern human health.

(news.berkeley.edu)
Tech Neanderthals Homo sapiens Gene flow

Microsoft's Recall Feature Leaks Sensitive Information Despite Security Filters

2024-12-12

Microsoft's Recall feature, designed to record computer activity, has a flawed 'sensitive information filter'. Tests revealed it failed to prevent screenshots containing credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive data from being saved. While Microsoft promises improvements, the current security vulnerability raises concerns. The AI-powered filter struggles to reliably identify sensitive information, posing a significant security risk.

(www.tomshardware.com)
Tech security vulnerability

Qubes OS Unveils Secure PDF Conversion Tool

2024-12-12

The Qubes OS team has developed a novel security mechanism for converting untrusted PDFs into trusted ones. Leveraging Qubes' Disposable VMs, the process isolates PDF parsing within a secure container. The PDF is converted to a simple RGB image representation, then back to a PDF. This approach effectively mitigates attacks from malicious PDFs; even if parsing fails, the resulting PDF will only be a corrupted image, posing no system threat. This innovation significantly enhances Qubes OS security, allowing users to handle PDFs from the web or email more safely.

(blog.invisiblethings.org)
Tech secure PDF conversion disposable VMs

Google Unveils Android XR: A New Platform for Headsets and Glasses

2024-12-12

Google, in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, announced Android XR, a platform designed to extend reality for exploration, connection, and creation. Leveraging AI advancements, Android XR enables headsets and glasses to understand user intent and context, facilitating more natural interactions. The first device, codenamed Project Moohan and built by Samsung, will launch next year and features integration with Gemini AI, pre-installed apps like YouTube and Google TV, and seamless transitions between virtual and real environments. Future plans include support for glasses offering everyday assistance.

(blog.google)
Tech Extended Reality Artificial Intelligence

Cambridge Blockchain Network Sustainability Index: Bitcoin Mining Map Reveals Energy Consumption Patterns

2024-12-12

The Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance (CCAF) released a mining map visualizing global Bitcoin mining energy consumption as part of the Cambridge Blockchain Network Sustainability Index. The map shows the share of Bitcoin mining hashrate by country and region, revealing a seasonal migration pattern of Chinese miners between ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ seasons to leverage cheaper hydropower. However, this migration pattern likely ended after the Chinese government crackdown on the mining industry in June 2021. The research is based on geolocation mining facility data collected in partnership with several Bitcoin mining pools and acknowledges contributions from BTC.com, Poolin, ViaBTC, and Foundry.

(ccaf.io)
Tech Bitcoin mining energy consumption sustainability

Oasis Security Research Team Discovers Microsoft Azure MFA Bypass

2024-12-12

Oasis Security's research team discovered a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Azure's Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) implementation. Attackers could bypass MFA to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, including Outlook, OneDrive, Teams, and Azure Cloud. The vulnerability exploited the lack of rate limiting, allowing rapid session creation and code enumeration to exhaust the possibilities of a 6-digit code without alerts. Microsoft has since implemented a stricter rate limit to address the issue. This highlights the importance of enabling MFA and monitoring failed attempts.

(www.oasis.security)
Tech Azure Security MFA Vulnerability Authentication Bypass

French Anti-Piracy Battle Escalates: DNS Provider Quad9 Blocks Pirate Sites Globally

2024-12-12

In an escalating fight against online sports piracy, French media giant Canal+ secured court orders forcing DNS providers Quad9 and Vercara to block access to pirate streaming sites in France. Quad9, deeming this an absurd application of copyright law, plans to appeal but has globally blocked the domains for now. This action sparks a global debate about copyright and net neutrality, with Quad9 seeking public support for its appeal to maintain an open internet.

(torrentfreak.com)
Tech copyright net neutrality DNS blocking

Middle Schooler Discovers New Compound in Goose Poop

2024-12-12

A middle school student, participating in a research program with a local university, discovered a novel compound, orfamide N, in a goose poop sample collected from a park. While not responsible for the initial observed antibiotic activity of the bacteria, orfamide N inhibited the growth of human melanoma and ovarian cancer cells in lab tests. This research demonstrates the success of combining educational outreach with natural product discovery, highlighting the importance of university-community partnerships. The project provided invaluable hands-on experience for the student, showcasing the potential of young scientists.

(phys.org)
Tech scientific discovery middle school research new compound

Quantus: Revolutionizing Fintech with a Cutting-Edge Quantitative Trading Platform

2024-12-12

Quantus is an advanced quantitative trading platform designed to provide professional traders and institutional investors with efficient and reliable trading solutions. It integrates powerful data analytics tools, flexible backtesting capabilities, and a low-latency execution system, enabling users to better capitalize on market opportunities and enhance investment returns. With its robust technology and user-friendly interface, Quantus is quickly becoming a rising star in the fintech landscape.

(quantus.finance)
Tech quantitative trading fintech trading platform

Mullvad VPN App's 2024 Security Audit Report Released

2024-12-12

Mullvad VPN has released the report for its 2024 third-party security audit of its VPN app. The audit uncovered six vulnerabilities, ranging in severity from low to high, all of which have been addressed. Three high-severity vulnerabilities involved signal handlers and a virtual IP address leak and have been fixed in the latest version. The audit also noted some non-security issues that Mullvad is actively working to resolve. Overall, the Mullvad VPN app is deemed highly secure, but users are still advised to upgrade to the latest version.

(mullvad.net)
Tech VPN security security audit vulnerability fixes

$800 Emotional Support Robot for Kids Bricked, No Refunds

2024-12-12

Embodied, the maker of the $800 Moxie robot for kids, is shutting down, leaving thousands of children without their robotic companions. The company blamed a failed funding round for its closure, and announced that Moxie's cloud connectivity will be severed, rendering the robots inoperable. While Embodied expressed some willingness to refund recent purchases, they offer no guarantees, leaving many parents facing significant financial losses alongside their children's emotional distress. This incident highlights concerns about the lack of long-term support for smart devices and the potential for significant consumer disappointment.

(arstechnica.com)
Tech robot children refund
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