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Category: Tech

Making Apple Watch Work with Android: An Open-Source Odyssey

2024-12-18

The author details their journey to connect an Apple Watch to an Android phone, bypassing Apple's walled garden. This involved using open-source apps, interoperable protocols, and third-party services, even requiring a secondary, home-based iPhone for initial setup. The author overcame challenges with notifications, calendar syncing, and contact integration, sharing their code on GitHub. This project highlights the power of open-source and the author's commitment to tech freedom, offering a compelling counterpoint to the closed ecosystems of tech giants.

(abishekmuthian.com)
Tech

Metformin's Secret Revealed: Mitochondria Hold the Key

2024-12-18

A new study unveils the precise mechanism of action for metformin, a widely used drug for Type 2 diabetes. Researchers discovered that metformin lowers blood sugar by interfering with mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. Specifically, it blocks mitochondrial complex I, a crucial part of the cell's energy-producing machinery. This research, published in Science Advances, used genetically engineered mice to demonstrate that metformin targets disease-contributing cells without significantly harming healthy ones. This provides a deeper understanding of how this 'wonder drug' works.

(news.northwestern.edu)
Tech metformin mitochondria diabetes

Pea Protein Foam: Revolutionizing Plant-Based Baking

2024-12-18

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have developed a plant-based protein foam made from legumes like peas and lentils. This foam can be used in baking to create light and airy baked goods, offering a healthy vegan alternative to egg whites. The process involves extracting pea protein and optimizing its foaming properties using high-pressure homogenization. The resulting foam closely matches the quality of animal-derived protein foams. While discerning palates might detect subtle differences, this innovation represents a significant breakthrough for plant-based baking, reflecting the growing demand for healthy and sustainable food options.

(phys.org)
Tech plant-based protein baking

MIT Rocket Team Recovers Data from Crashed Rocket

2024-12-18

In Spring 2020, the MIT Rocket team launched rockets at the FAR site in the Mojave desert. A second-stage rocket crashed without deploying its parachutes, burying itself 3 meters underground. Despite significant damage to the avionics, the team successfully recovered data from a damaged flash chip. Using a salt solution to create temporary electrical contact, they were able to read the flash memory and determine the cause of the crash.

(dontvacuum.me)
Tech rocket crash data recovery flash chip

USDA Strengthens Food Safety Measures After Deadly Listeria Outbreaks

2024-12-18

Following two deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreaks linked to Boar's Head deli meats and Yu Shang ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, resulting in dozens of illnesses and multiple deaths, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has finally acted. Despite prior knowledge of deficiencies at the Boar's Head facility, FSIS failed to intervene until after the outbreak. The agency announced stronger measures, including expanded testing, improved inspector training, and enhanced facility oversight, to prevent future incidents. This highlights vulnerabilities in food safety regulation and the critical need for prompt and effective intervention.

(efoodalert.com)
Tech food safety Listeria outbreak

W54: The Pocket-Sized Nuke of the Cold War

2024-12-18

The W54, also known as the Mark 54 or B54, was the smallest nuclear weapon ever deployed by the United States. Its remarkably compact design, boasting a yield ranging from 10 to 1,000 tons of TNT, made it suitable for various applications, including the AIM-26 Falcon air-to-air missile, the Davy Crockett recoilless rifle, and the Special Atomic Demolition Munition (SADM) system. Developed in the late 1950s, the W54's creation presented significant engineering challenges, particularly concerning its environmental sensing device. A later variant, the W72, was integrated into the AGM-62 Walleye guided bomb and remained in service until 1979.

(en.wikipedia.org)
Tech nuclear weapon cold war

Intel CEO Gelsinger Out: The Fall of a Giant?

2024-12-18

This article analyzes the departure of Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. Gelsinger, once seen as a savior for the struggling tech giant, failed to turn Intel's fortunes around during his three-year tenure. The article explores multiple contributing factors, including missed opportunities in the mobile market, the disruptive AI boom, geopolitical challenges, and delays in government collaborations. Ultimately, Gelsinger's departure is presented as a consequence of Intel's long-standing internal issues combined with external market forces, leaving Intel's future uncertain.

(spyglass.org)
Tech Gelsinger semiconductor industry

US Weighs Ban on TP-Link Routers Over Hacking Fears

2024-12-18

The US government is considering a ban on TP-Link routers, a popular Chinese brand, due to national security concerns linked to cyberattacks. Investigations are underway by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice. TP-Link holds a 65% US market share, largely due to its low prices. A Microsoft report implicated TP-Link routers in ransomware and other cyberattacks launched by Chinese hackers. Investigators allege TP-Link fails to address vulnerabilities, and refuses to cooperate with cybersecurity experts. TP-Link claims its security practices meet industry standards and is committed to addressing US national security concerns. This action reflects broader US concerns about Chinese technology and efforts to restrict imports from China.

(nypost.com)
Tech national security

Interpol Drops 'Pig Butchering' Term

2024-12-18

Interpol announced it will no longer use the term "pig butchering" to describe online scams, citing its potential to shame and discourage victims from reporting. The organization believes the term dehumanizes victims and prefers "romance baiting," a term it believes is more sensitive and respectful. This change highlights a shift towards prioritizing victim support and emphasizes the need for more considerate language when discussing sensitive crimes. However, many US law enforcement agencies continue to use the original term.

(www.theregister.com)
Tech online scams Interpol victim support

AT&T Ditches Hybrid Work, Mandates 5-Day Return to Office

2024-12-18

Following in Amazon's footsteps, AT&T is abandoning its hybrid work model. Starting January, all employees will be required to work in the office five days a week. This decision marks a shift in the tech industry's approach to remote work and has sparked considerable debate. AT&T aims to improve team collaboration and foster a stronger company culture.

(fortune.com)
Tech remote work hybrid work

GPS Technology Explained: From Simple Positioning to Global Navigation

2024-12-18

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of GPS technology. Starting with a simple 2D positioning system, the author gradually introduces key concepts such as 3D positioning, time measurement, satellite orbits, relativistic effects, and signal processing. Through clever analogies and vivid illustrations, the author explains how GPS uses signals emitted by satellites, combined with time and distance measurements, to accurately calculate the receiver's position and time offset. The article also explores the technical details of GPS signal encoding, decoding, and anti-interference capabilities, showcasing the profound scientific and engineering foundation behind GPS technology.

(ciechanow.ski)
Tech Global Positioning System Satellite Navigation

Japan's $33 Billion Gamble on Chip Manufacturing

2024-12-18

Japan is investing $33 billion in building semiconductor factories in remote areas like Hokkaido, aiming to reclaim its dominance in the chip industry. This has created a construction boom and attracted a large workforce, a stark contrast to the region's relatively sluggish job market. The ambitious project is a high-stakes gamble, but reflects Japan's determination to return to the forefront of technological innovation.

(www.bloomberg.com)
Tech chip manufacturing Japanese investment

Bering Land Bridge Was More Swamp Than Steppe, Study Finds

2024-12-18

New research challenges the long-held assumption that the Bering Land Bridge, the ancient landmass connecting Siberia and Alaska, was a dry grassland. Using sonar and sediment cores, scientists have revealed a much wetter landscape, more akin to a swampy ecosystem with numerous rivers and lakes. This discovery complicates theories of human and animal migration across the bridge, as the watery terrain would have posed different challenges and opportunities for various species. Interestingly, mammoth DNA was found in the sediment, indicating that even in this marshy environment, large animals could thrive and traverse the area. This research offers a revised perspective on how ancient humans populated North America.

(gizmodo.com)
Tech Bering Land Bridge ancient migration paleontology

Archive Team: Rescuing Digital History from the Brink

2024-12-18

Archive Team is a loose collective of archivists, programmers, and volunteers dedicated to preserving our digital heritage. Since 2009, they've been battling website shutdowns, data deletions, and more, striving to save historical information before it's lost forever. They actively participate in various data archiving projects, offering advice on data management and recovery. Current projects include saving data from platforms like Telegram and Cohost, along with ongoing efforts for sites such as Blogger, GitHub, and Imgur.

(wiki.archiveteam.org)
Tech digital heritage web archiving data preservation

We Built the Saturn V: The Untold Story of the Moon Rocket

2024-12-18

This article recounts the development of the Saturn V rocket, the mighty booster that propelled humans to the moon. From President Kennedy's ambitious goal to land a man on the moon, a dedicated team overcame numerous challenges, including the inherent dangers of rocket fuel, the creation of incredibly powerful engines, and the precise assembly of components from across the country. Through firsthand accounts from engineers and technicians, the article vividly portrays the immense effort and dedication behind this incredible achievement, highlighting the human cost and unwavering pursuit of technological advancement.

(www.smithsonianmag.com)
Tech Saturn V Apollo Program Space Engineering

CSIRO Launches AI-Powered Map Visualizing Open Access Water Security Research

2024-12-18

CSIRO has released the 'Atlas of Open Water Security Science,' an interactive map visualizing the geographical distribution of open-access water science publications from its Water Security Program since 2010. Powered by AI, this 3-month trial version extracts locations and context from publications, but may contain inaccuracies. Users can explore the evolution of research, click on publications for details, and learn more about CSIRO's AI innovation in environmental science. Use with caution.

(wateratlas.webapp.csiro.au)
Tech Water Security

Global Operation Takes Down 27 DDoS-for-Hire Sites

2024-12-17

Europol coordinated a 15-country operation, PowerOFF, shutting down 27 major DDoS-for-hire platforms ('booters' and 'stressers'). These platforms enabled cybercriminals and hacktivists to flood targets with illegal traffic, crippling websites and online services. The operation disrupted attacks targeting US government agencies, including the Department of Justice and FBI. While a significant victory, experts caution that criminals will adapt, necessitating ongoing efforts to combat DDoS attacks.

(www.scworld.com)
Tech DDoS attacks international cooperation

Network Protocols: A Seemingly Simple Miracle

2024-12-17

This article provides a clear explanation of the network protocol stack, from reliable data transmission to the intricacies of the physical layer hardware, revealing its surprising complexity and ingenuity. Using an 88.5MB video download as an example, it illustrates how protocols like IP, TCP, and Ethernet work together to overcome network instability and packet loss, ultimately achieving reliable and efficient data transmission. The author reveals the complex routing algorithms, congestion control, and packet reassembly techniques hidden behind seemingly simple network operations, as well as the interdependencies and constraints between various protocols, and explains why the Ethernet packet size is set to 1500 bytes and other historical issues.

(www.destroyallsoftware.com)
Tech network protocols network architecture

RTO Mandates Lead to Tech Talent Exodus, Study Finds

2024-12-17

A study tracking over 3 million employees at 54 S&P 500 high-tech and financial firms reveals that return-to-office (RTO) mandates are causing companies to lose top talent and struggle to find replacements. The research found a 14 percent average increase in employee turnover after RTO policies were implemented, with senior and skilled employees more likely to leave. Women experienced nearly three times the attrition rate of men. Furthermore, RTO mandates prolonged hiring times and increased costs. Companies' attempts to enforce RTO policies through surveillance tactics, such as VPN tracking and badge swipe monitoring, fueled employee resentment and furthered the exodus. The study suggests that RTO mandates reflect a culture of distrust and ineffective management, leading to decreased employee engagement.

(arstechnica.com)
Tech RTO mandates talent loss employee turnover

Starlink Sells Out in Zimbabwe Amidst High Demand

2024-12-17

Starlink's high-speed satellite internet service quickly sold out in Zimbabwe within weeks of its launch, driven by the country's slow, unreliable, and expensive traditional internet infrastructure. High demand led to sell-outs in major cities like Harare, and even spread to other African countries. Despite higher initial costs, Starlink's unlimited data and superior speeds are proving attractive to many, forcing local providers to lower their prices. While currently facing capacity issues in urban areas, Starlink's potential in rural and underserved regions is significant, boosting related industries such as installation services and accessory sales.

(restofworld.org)
Tech satellite internet Zimbabwe

Post-WWII Highways: Debunking Myths and Unveiling the Truth

2024-12-17

This article explores key events and misconceptions surrounding the development of highways after World War II. It clarifies that Germany's Autobahn was not initially designed for military purposes, but rather to stimulate the economy and enhance national prestige. While Allied forces utilized the Autobahn in the later stages of WWII, this wasn't its original intent. The article debunks the myth that the US Interstate system was designed with one mile in five being straight and level for emergency bomber landings, explaining its true purpose was civilian benefit and economic development, although it also served military needs, such as troop movement and industrial production. Finally, the article reviews post-WWII attempts and exercises by various militaries to utilize highways as emergency runways for aircraft, highlighting their limitations and ultimate replacement by dedicated airfields.

(wwiiafterwwii.wordpress.com)
Tech highways WWII

Voxon: Revolutionizing 3D Volumetric Holograms

2024-12-17

Voxon's groundbreaking VLED technology creates real-time interactive volumetric holograms, using millions of points of light floating in 3D space. Viewable from 360 degrees, these immersive holograms are transforming entertainment, communication, and data visualization. Their products, the VX2 and VX2-XL, cater to individual and commercial needs, offering high-quality volumetric displays. Voxon actively seeks partnerships to explore further applications of this revolutionary technology, ushering in a new era of interactive digital experiences.

(www.voxon.co)
Tech volumetric hologram 3D display technology virtual reality

Danish Study Links Diabetes Drug Ozempic to Increased Risk of Severe Eye Condition

2024-12-17

Two independent studies from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) reveal that patients with type 2 diabetes treated with Ozempic have a significantly higher risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition causing severe and permanent vision loss. These large-scale studies, based on Danish registries, found Ozempic more than doubles the risk of NAION. Researchers recommend doctors and patients discuss the benefits and risks of Ozempic, suggesting treatment cessation if NAION is detected in one eye.

(www.sdu.dk)
Tech Type 2 Diabetes NAION

A Decade-Old Fileserver's Second Life: Cost-Effective Storage Solution

2024-12-17

A company is still running a production machine, a fileserver over a decade old. While outdated, with a BMC requiring Java for KVM-over-IP, its 16 disk bays and 10G Ethernet ports make it ideal for repurposing. Used as a bring-your-own-disk low-cost storage server, it fulfills the need for high-capacity, low-performance storage despite its age and limited RAM. This highlights the value of reusing old hardware when requirements align.

(utcc.utoronto.ca)
Tech server reuse storage solution hardware cost

Headlight Brightness Wars: A Reddit-Fueled Battle Over Tech and Safety

2024-12-17

The issue of excessively bright car headlights, particularly those using LEDs, has become increasingly contentious. The subreddit r/FuckYourHeadlights serves as a central hub for frustrated drivers, led by a front-end developer and a mechanical engineer. They're using data, research, and advocacy to pressure automakers and regulators to address the problem. The core argument revolves around auto manufacturers exploiting loopholes in outdated safety regulations to create excessively bright headlights while still meeting minimum standards. The debate centers on balancing brightness, visibility, and glare-related safety risks. While a solution remains elusive, this Reddit-fueled campaign has sparked a crucial conversation about automotive lighting technology and its unintended consequences.

(www.theringer.com)
Tech LED headlights automotive safety

Microsoft to Delete Passwords for 1 Billion Users, Promoting Passkeys

2024-12-17

In response to a surge in cyberattacks, Microsoft announced plans to delete passwords for a billion users and aggressively promote the more secure passkeys. With password attacks nearly doubling year-over-year, Microsoft blocks 7,000 attacks per second. Passkeys, leveraging biometrics or PINs, offer superior security and convenience compared to traditional passwords. Microsoft is actively pushing users towards passkey adoption, aiming for a passwordless and more secure future.

(www.forbes.com)
Tech cybersecurity passwords passkeys

Klarna Halts Hiring, CEO Claims AI Can Do All Jobs

2024-12-17

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski has claimed that AI can already perform all jobs currently done by humans, leading the fintech company to halt hiring a year ago. The company's workforce has shrunk from 4,500 to 3,500 employees through attrition. While Klarna's website still advertises open positions, a spokesperson clarified that the company is not actively recruiting to expand but filling essential roles, mainly in engineering. This announcement has fueled concerns about AI's impact on the job market.

(www.businessinsider.com)
Tech Employment

Meta to Pay $50 Million to Australian Users Affected by Cambridge Analytica

2024-12-17

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has reached a settlement with Meta, resulting in a $50 million payment program for Australian Facebook users affected by the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The case involved the unauthorized disclosure of personal information to the 'This is Your Digital Life' app, posing risks of political profiling. The payment scheme offers a base payment for users experiencing general concern or embarrassment and higher payments for those demonstrating specific loss or damage. Applications are expected to open in the second quarter of 2025.

(www.oaic.gov.au)
Tech data breach

CIA's Secret Robot Dragonfly Spy from the Cold War

2024-12-16

In the 1970s, the CIA secretly developed a miniature robotic dragonfly, dubbed the "insectothopter," for espionage. The device used laser reflectors as microphones, analyzing laser beam vibrations to capture sound. While successful in lab tests, its inability to cope with real-world wind conditions led to the project's termination. Nevertheless, this ambitious endeavor laid the groundwork for modern micro-drone technology and highlighted the intense technological competition of the Cold War.

(www.popularmechanics.com)
Tech robot dragonfly Cold War espionage

Shape-Shifting Antenna Takes Inspiration From 'The Expanse'

2024-12-16

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory have developed a novel shape-shifting antenna inspired by the science fiction series, 'The Expanse'. Using 3D-printed shape-memory alloy, the antenna dynamically adapts its shape through heating and cooling to meet various communication needs. Effectively operating from 4-11 GHz, this innovative design holds promise for 6G wireless communication, addressing the challenge of requiring multiple antennas for multi-band operation. While slower than alternative technologies, it offers advantages in power efficiency and frequency range, especially in systems needing to integrate diverse antenna types for optimal performance.

(spectrum.ieee.org)
Tech shape-shifting antenna 6G communication
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