Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

From Toxins to Therapeutics: How Nature's Chemical Arms Race Fuels Drug Discovery

2025-06-01

UC Berkeley evolutionary biologist Noah Whiteman's new book, "Most Delicious Poison," explores the surprising use of natural toxins in drug development. The article highlights examples like white beans, cone snail venom, and botulinum toxin to illustrate the potential of toxins as peptide and protein-based drugs. Many plants and animals evolve toxins as defense mechanisms, while scientists cleverly repurpose them into therapeutics. This includes incorporating non-proteinogenic amino acids into therapeutic peptides for enhanced stability, and leveraging cone snail toxins to develop the painkiller Ziconotide. The article also details research using bacterial toxins for anti-diabetic drugs like semaglutide and plant toxins like α-amanitin for cancer treatment. Whiteman argues that studying chemical co-evolution between species, combined with AI and computational methods, can accelerate drug discovery, with nature remaining a treasure trove for new medicines.

(www.asimov.press)

Tech toxins

Unprecedented Clarity: Adaptive Optics Reveal Sun's Corona in Stunning Detail

2025-06-01

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in solar observation using a new adaptive optics system called 'Cona.' Installed on the 1.6-meter Goode Solar Telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory, Cona corrects for atmospheric blurring, yielding the clearest images and videos of the Sun's corona ever recorded. The system adjusts its mirror shape 2,200 times per second to compensate for atmospheric turbulence. The resulting images reveal unprecedented detail of rapidly restructuring solar prominences, fine plasma streams, and delicate coronal rain, offering invaluable data for understanding coronal heating and space weather. This technology, poised for widespread adoption, marks a new era in solar physics.

(nso.edu)

Tech solar physics adaptive optics corona

From Clocks to Chaos: Unraveling Physiological Rhythms

2025-05-31

Two leading researchers in physiology delve into the core theoretical questions surrounding physiological rhythms, offering a significant contribution to chaos theory. The book explores rhythm generation, initiation, termination, perturbation effects, and spatial organization of oscillations. Accessible to biologists, physicians, physicists, and mathematicians alike, it requires no advanced math. The authors highlight the link between variations in rhythms and disease, introducing the concept of 'dynamical diseases' – illnesses not caused by pathogens but by disruptions in essential bodily timing. 'From Clocks to Chaos' provides a strong foundation for understanding dynamic processes in physiology.

(press.princeton.edu)

Tech Physiological Rhythms Chaos Theory Dynamical Diseases

Trump's Secret $21 Billion Cryptocurrency Reserves

2025-05-31

A March executive order from the Trump administration secretly established two national cryptocurrency reserves: a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis estimates their combined value exceeds $21 billion, primarily from crypto assets seized by the government. This move sparked debate in the crypto industry, with some praising it for boosting crypto's reputation and others expressing concerns about government intervention contradicting crypto's decentralized nature. The US government is improving its processes for managing and securing these reserves, but uncertainty remains about their precise composition and future direction.

(www.yahoo.com)

Tech national reserves

China Hosts First-Ever Humanoid Robot Boxing Match

2025-05-31

In Hangzhou, China, Unitree Robotics held the world's first humanoid robot fighting competition. The event featured their G1 robots, about 4 feet tall and 77 pounds, battling in a ring under human control via remotes and voice commands. The fights, reminiscent of 'Real Steel' and 'BattleBots', showcased impressive agility and striking ability, culminating in a knockout. While seemingly a spectacle, the competition aims to refine robot balance, movement, and durability under extreme stress, with potential applications in diverse fields like manufacturing and healthcare, showcasing China's burgeoning robotics sector.

(www.vice.com)

Tech robot fighting

200+ Climate Scientists Launch 100-Hour Livestream Marathon to Protest Funding Cuts

2025-05-31

In response to the Trump administration's cuts to climate research funding for organizations like NASA and NOAA, over 200 US climate and weather scientists have launched a five-day, 100-hour YouTube livestream marathon. The event features mini-lectures, panels, and Q&A sessions, aiming to educate the public about meteorology and climate science while advocating for increased research funding. With over 77,000 views in its first 30 hours, the livestream highlights the scientists' efforts to demonstrate the value of their work and warn against the potential disastrous consequences of funding cuts, impacting agriculture, coastal communities, and disaster warning systems.

(www.space.com)

Tech

Salmon's Amazing Adaptation: Thriving in Both Fresh and Salt Water

2025-05-31

Salmon face a remarkable physiological challenge: they mature in the ocean but spawn in freshwater streams. This means adapting to drastic environmental changes between saltwater and freshwater. To cope, salmon have evolved impressive physiological mechanisms. In saltwater, they drink copiously to replace lost water, their kidneys produce concentrated urine to excrete excess salt, and gill Na+-Cl- ATPases pump salt out of their bodies. In freshwater, they stop drinking, their kidneys produce large volumes of dilute urine, and the gill pumps reverse, absorbing salt from the water. This adaptation isn't instantaneous; salmon require days or weeks to transition between environments.

(www.unm.edu)

Tech Physiological Adaptation Osmoregulation Salmon

Energy Infrastructure Projects: A Shocking Truth About Massive Cost Overruns

2025-05-31

A new study from Boston University's Institute for Global Sustainability reveals that over 60% of energy infrastructure projects worldwide experience construction cost overruns. Analyzing $1.358 trillion invested in 662 projects across 83 countries between 1936 and 2024, the research encompassed diverse energy types, from wind and solar to nuclear and hydrogen. The study found that projects, on average, exceeded budgets by 40% and ran nearly two years behind schedule. Nuclear power plants were the worst offenders, with an average cost overrun of 102.5%, exceeding expectations by $1.56 billion. In contrast, solar and transmission projects performed best, often finishing ahead of schedule or under budget. Researchers suggest that smaller, modular renewable energy projects may offer lower financial risks and better budget predictability.

(www.bu.edu)

Tech

Webb Telescope Resolves Decades-Long Debate on Universe's Expansion Rate

2025-05-31

A decade-long debate over the rate of the universe's expansion may be nearing its end. Scientists at the University of Chicago, using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, have performed a new calculation of the Hubble constant, finding agreement with early universe observations and supporting the Standard Model of cosmology. Webb's superior resolution and sensitivity allowed for more precise measurements of galactic distances, leading to a more accurate calculation of the expansion rate. This research provides compelling evidence towards resolving a long-standing cosmological puzzle, and opens new avenues for investigating dark matter and dark energy.

(phys.org)

Tech

The Perils of Pseudo-Randomness: Why You Need True Random Numbers for Security

2025-05-31

RFC 4086 details the critical need for true randomness in security systems. Relying on pseudo-random numbers leaves vulnerabilities exploitable by sophisticated attackers who can recreate the environment to easily crack them. The document highlights the pitfalls of using low-entropy sources or traditional pseudo-random number generation techniques, advocating for true hardware random techniques such as leveraging sound cards, hard disk drives, or ring oscillators. It also provides mitigation strategies when hardware solutions are unavailable and illustrates the required size of random numbers for various applications.

(datatracker.ietf.org)

Tech random numbers

Mass-Production Ready: A 3D-Printed Soft Robot Walks Off the Printer

2025-05-31

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a mass-production-capable soft robot 3D-printed in a single, nine-hour process using a $500 open-source printer. The quadruped robot, made of flexible TPU, overcomes the challenges of 3D-printing this material by using a larger filament and an upside-down printing technique. Air-powered, this easily reproducible bot shows promise for applications in exploration, medicine, and search and rescue, paving the way for wider adoption of soft robotics.

(newatlas.com)

Tech soft robotics mass production

Google Duo to be fully discontinued in September 2025

2025-05-31

While the Google Duo brand disappeared in 2022, some features lingered in Google Meet. However, Google has announced the complete shutdown of all Duo features by September 2025. This includes 'Legacy calls' which utilized Duo technology. Users will need to transition to 'Meet calls', offering enhanced capabilities like screen sharing and live captions. Note that some beloved Duo features, such as Family Mode and Knock Knock, won't be carried over. Google urges users to export their call history and video messages before the deadline.

(9to5google.com)

Tech Video Calling

AI's Energy Consumption: On Track to Surpass Bitcoin Mining?

2025-05-31

A new study warns that AI's energy consumption is rapidly escalating, projected to consume nearly half of global data center electricity by 2025, potentially surpassing even Bitcoin mining. The lack of transparency from major tech firms regarding AI's energy demands hinders accurate assessment. While efficiency improvements and a shift towards renewables are underway, these may not offset AI's exponential growth. The massive energy needs, resulting carbon emissions, and reliance on rare minerals pose a significant environmental challenge.

(www.digit.fyi)

Tech

Oldest Whale Bone Tools Found, Dating Back 20,000 Years

2025-05-31

Scientists have unearthed the oldest known evidence of humans using whale bones to make tools, dating back approximately 20,000 years. Discovered in the Bay of Biscay near Spain and France, these narrow projectiles were crafted from the bones of blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales, and other species. Researchers believe ancient humans likely scavenged beached whales, repurposing their bones for hunting reindeer or bison, rather than actively hunting whales themselves. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of coastal resources for early human survival and pushes back the timeline of whale bone tool use.

(apnews.com)

Tech paleolithic whale bone tools

Google AI Search: Hallucinations More Convincing Than Facts?

2025-05-31

The author attempted to use Google AI search to find an old IBM PS/2 server model, only to discover the AI repeatedly giving fabricated and contradictory answers, even inventing a non-existent model, "PS/2 Model 280," and its specifications. While the AI occasionally provides the correct answer, the incorrect answers are more convincing because they are detailed and appear realistic. This highlights the potential for significant errors in AI search results; even if an answer sounds convincing, it may not correspond to reality. Users should exercise caution.

(www.os2museum.com)

Tech information accuracy

Why Handwriting Trumps Typing for Memory and Learning

2025-05-31

A new study reveals that handwriting activates a wider range of brain regions, leading to improved learning and memory. Unlike typing, which can be passive, handwriting demands active processing of information, strengthening connections between motor, visual, sensory, and memory areas. Researchers found significantly more brain activity and interconnectivity during handwriting compared to typing, explaining its superior effectiveness in comprehension and retention. Handwriting also benefits children by improving letter recognition and reinforcing memory pathways. While technology plays a crucial role in learning, over-reliance can lead to 'cognitive offloading,' hindering long-term brain development. Therefore, especially for preschoolers, promoting handwriting and drawing is essential for optimal brain development and learning.

(www.scientificamerican.com)

Tech

Billions of Stolen Cookies Flood Dark Web Marketplaces: A Cybersecurity Threat

2025-05-31

NordVPN's research reveals over 93.7 billion stolen cookies are for sale on dark web and Telegram marketplaces, with 7-9% remaining active. These cookies may contain user IDs, names, addresses, passwords, and other sensitive data, posing a significant security risk. Attackers can use these cookies to access accounts without authorization, even bypassing multi-factor authentication (MFA). The majority stem from malware like Redline. NordVPN advises users to carefully consider cookie acceptance, regularly clear browser history, update security patches, and strengthen account privacy settings to mitigate this threat.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Cookie Theft

Anduril and Meta Team Up on XR for the US Military

2025-05-31

Anduril and Meta are partnering to build extended reality (XR) devices for the U.S. military, a fairy tale ending of sorts for Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey. The collaboration stems from the Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC) Next program, a $22 billion contract originally awarded to Microsoft before being transferred to Anduril due to development issues. Anduril will leverage Meta's Reality Labs technology and Llama AI model, along with its own Lattice command and control software, to provide soldiers with real-time battlefield intelligence. This partnership marks a reconciliation between Luckey and Meta, after he was fired for supporting Donald Trump. To show good faith, Anduril has even launched a Facebook page, highlighting the surprisingly amicable collaboration.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Instagram Now Supports 3:4 Aspect Ratio Photos

2025-05-30

Instagram now supports photos with a 3:4 aspect ratio, meaning uploads in this format will appear exactly as shot, according to Instagram head Adam Mosseri. He notes that most phone cameras default to this ratio. The update supports both single photo uploads and carousels, although square and 4:5 aspect ratios remain options. This follows Instagram's January move to rectangular profile grids, reflecting the increasing prevalence of vertical photos and videos.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech aspect ratio

Algorithms and Worker Power: The Rise and Fightback Against Reverse Centaurs

2025-05-30

This article explores the convergence of 'chickenization' (exploitative work arrangements) and 'reverse centaurs' (AI-driven, human-subordinate collaborations) in modern labor. Using gig workers and delivery drivers as examples, it reveals how algorithms manipulate workers, hide true earnings, and exert control through surveillance. In response, worker organizations are developing counter-algorithmic apps (like Para) to expose algorithmic opacity and organize collective action (like the #DECLINENOW movement). Initiatives also reverse-engineer algorithms, promoting worker transparency and autonomy, such as creating 'tuyul' apps for improved delivery driver autonomy. Ultimately, the author calls for labor solidarity, leveraging technology to combat algorithmic control and rebuild worker power.

(pluralistic.net)

Tech algorithmic control tech empowerment

Amazon's Secret Project 'Bend the Curve': Cleaning Up the Everything Store

2025-05-30

Amazon has launched a secretive project codenamed "Bend the Curve" to purge billions of unproductive product listings, aiming to reduce cloud computing costs. This initiative, part of CEO Andy Jassy's cost-cutting strategy, targets a reduction to under 50 billion active ASINs by the end of 2024. While Amazon claims the goal is to improve product quality, not reduce selection, surveys suggest a decline in consumer perception of Amazon's product variety. The project has also caused confusion among some sellers, prompting Amazon to improve communication and clarify its policies.

(www.businessinsider.com)

Tech Cost-cutting

Gmail's AI Email Summarization: Useful but Disableable

2025-05-30

Gmail now uses AI to automatically generate email summaries, leveraging Transformer architecture. While accuracy depends on email content, this feature might be unnecessary for most. To disable it, go to Gmail app settings and turn off 'smart features,' though this also disables other convenient features like high-priority notifications and Smart Reply. This feature is off by default in Europe and Japan.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech email summarization

Broadband Lobby Fights Back Against State-Level Affordable Internet Bills

2025-05-30

A California bill mandating $15 broadband plans with 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload speeds has sparked a backlash from internet service providers (ISPs). ISP lobbying groups argue this, along with similar proposals in states like Connecticut, constitutes 'unnecessary anti-competitive regulation'. They're attempting to use federal preemption to block state-level laws, a strategy that failed previously. This is because the FCC, after eliminating net neutrality rules, lacks authority to regulate broadband pricing. Courts have ruled the FCC can't preempt state laws in areas it doesn't regulate. Despite this, ISPs persist, hoping for a future court ruling in their favor.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech state laws

Unlocking Secrets: A Data Analysis of the Science Museum's Collection

2025-05-30

Analyzing the Science Museum Group's open photographic dataset revealed unique items within their collection. Using computer vision techniques, researchers identified individual objects with distinctive appearances based on their distance to their five nearest neighbors. These included vintage appliances, Art Deco objects, and Kinora viewers. The analysis also highlighted trends in the colors and shapes of museum objects over time, and unexpected connections like recycled Nike shoes forming artificial turf and cullet (broken glass) used in glassmaking. This study emphasizes the value of analyzing online museum collections and the potential of computer vision in uncovering and appreciating unique artifacts.

(lab.sciencemuseum.org.uk)

Tech museum collection

AI-Generated Code's Security Flaw: Lovable's 'Vibe Coding' Vulnerability

2025-05-30

Lovable, a platform using AI to rapidly generate code, has exposed a significant security vulnerability due to its simplified database connection method. Users can directly connect to Supabase databases, and improper configuration of access controls has led to the exposure of personal information. While Lovable introduced a security scan, it only checks if Supabase access controls are enabled, not whether they're correctly configured. Security experts suggest avoiding direct user database access. The Lovable incident highlights the security challenges posed by AI code generation tools; even flawless code can be dangerously implemented.

(www.semafor.com)

Tech

M&S Cyberattack: Online Services Down Until July, Massive Financial Hit

2025-05-30

Marks & Spencer (M&S), a major UK retailer, is facing a prolonged online service disruption following a cyberattack that began on April 25th. The outage is expected to last until July, resulting in an estimated £300 million hit to its 2025/26 operating profit and weekly sales losses of around £40 million. While some customer data, including contact details and birthdates, was stolen, M&S assures that payment details and passwords remain secure. The incident highlights the vulnerability of even large retailers to cyberattacks and underscores the significant financial and reputational damage such events can inflict. Analysts warn of the ongoing impact on M&S's profitability and investor confidence.

(moneyweek.com)

Tech

German Court Holds RWE Liable for Climate Change Impacts

2025-05-30

A landmark German court ruling holds RWE AG partially liable for climate change impacts. The case, brought by Peruvian resident Saúl Luciano Lliuya, argued that RWE's emissions exacerbated flood risks in Huaraz, Peru. While Lliuya's individual claim was dismissed, the court affirmed that RWE's emissions interfered with rights and property in other countries, establishing legal liability under German civil law. This precedent-setting decision could reshape climate litigation globally, signaling a new era of corporate accountability for climate-related harms, even though the damages claim failed.

(cri.org)

Tech

Nobel Laureate Challenges Standard Model of Cosmology: The Dark Energy Mystery

2025-05-30

Nobel laureate Adam Riess and his team's latest measurements of the universe's expansion rate significantly differ from the existing standard model of cosmology, leading to the 'Hubble tension' problem. This discrepancy suggests potential flaws in the standard model's description of dark energy and may necessitate a reevaluation of the universe's ultimate fate. Riess's findings challenge long-held cosmological theories, injecting new life and direction into the field, opening a new exploration of the universe's future trajectory.

(www.theatlantic.com)

Tech Hubble Tension

Chinese Paraglider's 28,000-Foot Ascent: A Tale of Real Footage and AI Deception

2025-05-30

The recent news of Chinese paraglider Peng Yujiang's ascent to 8,598 meters (28,000 feet) after being sucked into a cloud has gone viral. Major news outlets shared videos of the event, but the authenticity is questionable. Analysis reveals AI-generated scenes with inconsistencies in camera angles and the pilot's equipment. While other parts of the video might be genuine, the footage appears to be a compilation of scenes from different times and using different equipment. The incident highlights not only the challenges of high-altitude paragliding but also the difficulties in discerning real from AI-generated content in the media, underscoring the need for critical evaluation of online videos.

(blog.hyperknot.com)

Tech paragliding media verification

Gmail Rolls Out Automatic AI-Powered Email Summaries

2025-05-30

Google Workspace users will see Gemini AI's email summarization capabilities significantly enhanced. Gmail now automatically generates summaries for complex email threads, displayed above the emails. While AI-powered summaries have been available in Google Workspace since last year, they previously required manual activation. Now, Google's AI will autonomously determine when a summary is helpful, creating them without user prompting. Summaries are kept up-to-date with new replies. Currently, automatic summaries appear only on mobile devices for English-language emails and may take up to two weeks to roll out to all accounts. Google hasn't announced plans for desktop expansion or availability to non-Workspace users. Manual summarization remains an option, and all AI features can be disabled via the app's "Smart features" setting.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech Email Summarization

Category: Tech