Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Microplastics Found in Human Brains: A Spoonful of Worry

2025-02-06

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Medicine reveals alarming levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in human brains—up to seven grams, roughly the weight of a teaspoon. The concentration increased by about 50% between 2016 and 2024, with higher levels found in individuals with dementia. While a causal link to dementia isn't established, the sheer presence of these particles deep within the brain is concerning. Researchers hypothesize that microplastics may travel to the brain via the bloodstream, binding to fats. This discovery underscores the urgent need for reducing microplastic exposure and further research into the long-term health impacts.

(www.smithsonianmag.com)

Tech

AMD Q4 2024 Earnings: Datacenter Dominance, but Gaming Slumps

2025-02-06

AMD reported impressive Q4 2024 and full-year results, with total revenue reaching $7.658 billion, a 24% year-over-year increase. The datacenter business was a standout performer, achieving record revenue of $3.86 billion, surpassing Intel for the first time and establishing AMD as the leading datacenter CPU vendor. However, sales of Instinct MI300-series GPUs fell slightly short of expectations. The client business saw strong growth, with revenue up 58% year-over-year. Conversely, the gaming segment experienced a significant downturn, with revenue plummeting 59% year-over-year. The embedded segment also saw a moderate decline. Overall, 2024 was a record year for AMD, but the weakness in the gaming sector is a concern.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech earnings report

MP3 Patents Expire: Who Cares?

2025-02-06

The MP3 format, once king of digital audio, is now royalty-free. Patents have expired, yet the news barely registered. Why? Streaming services and faster internet speeds have rendered the need for small, efficient audio files largely obsolete. The shift to cloud-based services and the near-invisibility of file sizes means most people don't download or even think about file formats anymore. While significant for developers of niche audio tools, for the average user, the change is largely irrelevant. MP3's free status is a historical footnote, a testament to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

(idiallo.com)

Tech

DeepSeek Chatbot: Data Security Concerns Spark Alarm

2025-02-06

Security researchers have discovered that the website of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company whose chatbot became the most downloaded app in the US, contains code that could send user login information to China Mobile, a state-owned telecommunications company banned from operating in the US. The code, found within DeepSeek's web login page, appears to connect to China Mobile's infrastructure and seems integrated into account creation and login processes. While DeepSeek's privacy policy acknowledges data storage in China, this discovery reveals a closer-than-previously-known link to the Chinese state. This raises significant national security concerns and underscores the growing worry about data security and privacy risks posed by Chinese-controlled digital services.

(apnews.com)

Tech

FCC Employees Targeted in Robocall Scam

2025-02-05

On February 6-7, 2024, over a dozen FCC staff and their families received robocalls from scammers posing as FCC employees. The calls used a synthesized voice claiming to be from an FCC “Fraud Prevention Team,” demanding $1,000 in Google gift cards to avoid jail time. The FCC clarified it has no such team and is unsure how the scammers obtained employee contact information. The FCC proposed a $4,492,500 fine against Telnyx, the voice service provider, for allegedly violating KYC rules. Telnyx denies the allegations and plans to contest the fine.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech robocalls scam

SparkCat: Crypto-Stealing Malware Lurking in App Stores

2025-02-05

ESET researchers uncovered a cross-platform malware dubbed "SparkCat" hidden within Google Play and the App Store, affecting over 242,000 downloads. The malware embeds a malicious SDK, using OCR to identify images of cryptocurrency wallet recovery phrases in users' photo galleries and sending them to a C2 server. Attackers employed a custom C2 communication protocol written in Rust, increasing analysis difficulty. The malware aims to steal cryptocurrency and utilizes multiple techniques to evade security measures.

(securelist.com)

Tech app store security

Workday Cuts 8.5% of Workforce, Embraces AI-Driven Efficiency

2025-02-05

Workday Inc., a leading provider of human capital management software, announced it is cutting approximately 8.5% of its workforce, impacting around 1,750 employees. CEO Carl Eschenbach cited the need for a new approach given the current economic climate and the company's scale. While aiming for increased efficiency and faster decision-making, Workday plans to invest in strategic AI initiatives and expand its international presence. This move, though surprising given Workday's previous avoidance of large-scale layoffs, may signal concerns about demand recovery or user growth. The restructuring is expected to yield cost savings between $230 million and $270 million by the end of April 2025.

(finance.yahoo.com)

Tech

DARPA Seeks Proposals for Automated Defense Against Social Engineering

2025-02-05

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals for automated defense against social engineering attacks. An amendment corrects the program structure, outlining eight bi-annual evaluations starting six months after contract award.

(www.highergov.com)

Tech Social Engineering

NYT vs. OpenAI: A $10M Copyright Battle and the Future of AI

2025-02-05

While many publishers, like Dotdash Meredith ($16 million annual licensing fee), struck deals with OpenAI to compensate for the use of their content in training AI models, the New York Times chose a different path. Spending $10.8 million on legal fees in 2024, the NYT sued OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement. This high-stakes legal battle highlights the clash between news organizations and tech giants over copyright and business models in the age of AI, showcasing the NYT's willingness to fight for its rights against powerful tech companies.

(www.hollywoodreporter.com)

Tech New York Times

Outrage Fatigue: How Constant Anger Numbs Us and What We Can Do About It

2025-02-05

A recent episode of the science podcast 'Science Quickly' explores the phenomenon of 'outrage fatigue.' Guest Tanya Lewis explains how constant exposure to outrage can lead to apathy and desensitization to important social issues. Research shows outrage amplifies misinformation online. To combat this, Lewis suggests limiting media consumption, focusing on local issues, and engaging in community activities to foster more effective responses to societal problems, avoiding the negative impacts of anger overload.

(www.scientificamerican.com)

Tech outrage fatigue misinformation social issues

China Investigates Apple's App Store: Tech Giant Faces New Scrutiny

2025-02-05

China's market regulator is investigating Apple's App Store policies and fees, potentially adding fuel to the US-China trade war. The probe focuses on Apple's up to 30% commission on in-app purchases and its restriction of external payment services and app stores. This stems from long-standing disputes between Apple and developers like Tencent and ByteDance over iOS App Store policies. While not yet a formal investigation, further action could be taken if Apple fails to address concerns. Apple faces intense competition from domestic rivals like Huawei in China, adding pressure amid this regulatory scrutiny.

(www.cnbctv18.com)

Tech US-China Trade War

Mystery of Simultaneous Transients in 1950 Palomar Sky Survey Image

2025-02-05

A study investigates nine simultaneous star-like transient objects detected in the 1950 Palomar Sky Survey (POSS-I) images. The paper systematically rules out various possibilities, including cosmic rays, meteorite fragments, and airplane strobe lights. The researchers suggest radioactive contamination of the photographic plates from atomic bomb tests as a likely culprit, although the lack of official tests between 1949 and 1951 raises questions. An alternative explanation proposes that these transients are glints from small, reflective objects in geosynchronous orbit, potentially satellite debris. Ultimately, the lack of access to the original plates for microscopic examination leaves both contamination and satellite glints as plausible explanations. The study highlights the importance of anomalies detected in citizen science projects.

(www.nature.com)

Tech astronomical anomaly Palomar Sky Survey

Thailand Cuts Power, Fuel, and Internet to Myanmar Border Areas to Combat Scam Syndicates

2025-02-05

Thailand cut power, fuel, and internet access to some border areas with Myanmar on Wednesday in an attempt to cripple scam syndicates operating there. These syndicates, according to a 2023 UN report, are suspected of entrapping hundreds of thousands in illegal online and telecom operations, generating billions annually. The move, overseen by Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, aims to protect Thailand's tourism sector and address safety concerns, particularly after the recent abduction and rescue of Chinese actor Wang Xing in Myanmar. However, reports indicate some scam centers continue operating using generators, raising questions about the effectiveness of the strategy.

(www.yahoo.com)

Tech cross-border crime Thailand scam syndicates

Microsoft Quietly Removes Windows 11 Upgrade Workaround

2025-02-05

When Windows 11 launched in 2021, Microsoft offered a registry tweak allowing upgrades on PCs that didn't meet system requirements. However, Microsoft recently removed the official support documentation for this method. This means Microsoft no longer officially supports this workaround, recommending users buy new, compatible PCs for Windows 11 upgrades. This move is likely tied to the upcoming end of Windows 10 support and collaborations with hardware manufacturers.

(www.neowin.net)

Tech Registry

Carl Sagan's Prophecy: The Decline of Science and America's Future

2025-02-05

This article explores Carl Sagan's prediction of America's future trajectory, contrasting it with the cyclical theory of history proposed by the 18th-century philosopher Giambattista Vico. Sagan feared that the benefits of technological advancement in America would be controlled by a select few, leading to a decline in public scientific literacy, a rise in superstition, and ultimately, societal decline. This aligns with Vico's theory of cyclical rise and fall, but Sagan believed that reversing this trend through science education was possible. The article serves as a warning about the importance of science literacy education and avoiding a repeat of history.

(www.openculture.com)

Tech science education technological future social prediction

Could a Twin Earth Detect Us?

2025-02-05

A new study investigates whether an extraterrestrial civilization with technology similar to ours could detect Earth and evidence of humanity. Researchers found that Earth's radio signals, such as planetary radar emissions from the former Arecibo Observatory, are the most detectable technosignatures, potentially visible from up to 12,000 light-years away. Atmospheric technosignatures, like nitrogen dioxide emissions, are also becoming more detectable thanks to advancements like the James Webb Space Telescope and the upcoming Habitable Worlds Observatory. This research provides a multiwavelength framework for understanding the detectability of technology on other planets and shaping our search for extraterrestrial intelligence.

(www.seti.org)

Tech technosignatures

Swedish Scientists Achieve Control Over Novel Magnetism, Potentially Revolutionizing Electronics

2025-02-05

A Swedish experiment has demonstrated control over a new type of magnetism, called 'altermagnetism'. Researchers used X-rays to manipulate nanoscale magnetic vortices in a thin manganese telluride wafer. This altermagnetism, existing between ferromagnetism and antiferromagnetism, holds immense potential for applications in spintronics and high-temperature superconductor research, promising breakthroughs in memory storage and energy efficiency.

(www.sciencealert.com)

Tech altermagnetism spintronics nanomagnetism

Kagi Search Major Update: Android App Launch and New Features

2025-02-05

Kagi Search team announced exciting updates following their annual retreat in Barcelona. The official Android app is now live, offering immediate access without an account and featuring native homescreen widgets. A new innovative search operator, "Snaps," lets users perform site-specific searches directly from the search bar. The popular Universal Summarizer extension is now available for Chrome. The Kagi Assistant received a 30-day update, adding file uploads, a stop button, and mobile improvements. These updates aim to enhance user experience and leverage a recent EU ruling to boost Kagi's presence on Android and Chrome.

(kagi.com)

Tech

FAA Hiring Scandal: A Decade-Long Legal Battle and Political Firestorm

2025-02-05

This article exposes a 2013 hiring scandal within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In an effort to increase diversity among air traffic controllers, the FAA scrapped an effective aptitude test and implemented a flawed biographical questionnaire, resulting in numerous qualified candidates being rejected and sparking a decade-long legal battle. This event not only contributed to an air traffic controller shortage but also ignited political controversy, becoming a focal point of debate.

(www.tracingwoodgrains.com)

Tech hiring scandal

USPS Halts Packages from Hong Kong and China Amid Trade War Escalation

2025-02-05

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has abruptly stopped accepting packages from Hong Kong and China, a direct consequence of escalating trade tensions between the US and China. Following retaliatory tariffs imposed by China in response to increased US tariffs, US Customs and Border Protection is rigorously scrutinizing packages from China, turning away numerous trucks at the border. This impacts e-commerce platforms and consumers reliant on goods from China, highlighting the complexities of the US-China trade dispute.

(www.wired.com)

Tech Customs scrutiny E-commerce

Huawei's Ascend 910C: A Contender in the AI Chip Race?

2025-02-05

Huawei's Ascend 910C AI training chip, while lagging behind Nvidia's offerings in large model training, achieves 60% of the H100's inference performance, according to DeepSeek research. Further optimizations can improve its efficiency. Despite US sanctions and technological limitations, the Ascend 910C reduces China's reliance on Nvidia GPUs. However, long-term training stability remains a weakness, requiring further improvements in Huawei's hardware and software stack to compete globally.

(www.tomshardware.com)

Tech Huawei Ascend

Species, Subspecies, and Conservation: A Taxonomic Debate

2025-02-05

This article delves into the complexities of species classification, focusing on the debate surrounding the definitions of 'species' and 'subspecies' and their implications for biodiversity conservation. The author argues that the traditional species concept is overly simplistic, neglecting the diversity and importance of subspecies. Using Noah's Ark as an example, the author illustrates the sheer number of animals that would have been needed to account for subspecies. The article further explores the limitations of 'species-first' conservation strategies and calls for a greater focus on subspecies conservation to achieve a more comprehensive understanding and protection of biodiversity.

(aeon.co)

Tech species classification subspecies conservation

Nellie Bly: The Daredevil Journalist Who Changed Investigative Reporting

2025-02-05

Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, was an American journalist renowned for her groundbreaking around-the-world trip in 72 days and her exposé on the horrific conditions of a women's asylum. She pioneered a new form of investigative journalism, challenging societal norms and paving the way for female reporters. Bly's life, filled with daring adventures and relentless pursuit of truth, remains a testament to her courage and impact on journalism.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Tech investigative reporting women in journalism

Network States: Utopian Fantasy or Dystopian Nightmare?

2025-02-05

Balaji Srinivasan's new book, *The Network State*, envisions a new social contract powered by Web3 technology, proposing the creation of 'startup countries' via blockchain. These 'network states' would consist of highly aligned online communities crowdfunding territory globally, eventually gaining diplomatic recognition. Critics argue this model resembles an archipelago of 'privatopias', exacerbating inequality and suppressing democratic participation with its simplistic 'one-commandment' governance. Instead of fragmented network states, leveraging network technology to build a more inclusive and participatory network society to solve real-world problems is proposed as a more viable solution.

(www.cip.org)

Tech Network Governance

Cruz's Telecom Director to Lead US Broadband Deployment Program

2025-02-04

US Senator Ted Cruz has been pushing for an overhaul of a $42.45 billion broadband deployment program, and now his telecom policy director, Arielle Roth, has been nominated to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the agency responsible for distributing the funds. Roth's nomination is pending Senate approval. Cruz previously criticized the NTIA's implementation of the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, accusing it of 'technology bias' for prioritizing fiber. Roth herself criticized the program for adding extra-legal requirements and a 'woke social agenda,' increasing costs and deterring participation. Her appointment could lead to less emphasis on fiber and more funding for cable, fixed wireless, and satellite services, potentially impacting municipal broadband and fiber networks.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech government

Musk's DOGE Accesses US Payment System: A Catastrophe Unfolds

2025-02-04

A bombshell article exposes Elon Musk and his DOGE team's clandestine access to the US Treasury's payment system. A 25-year-old former SpaceX employee working for DOGE possesses read and write access to critical systems, raising serious national security and economic risks. Insiders confirm the event's veracity and express extreme concern. The author names this the "Trump-Musk Treasury Payments Crisis of 2025" and calls for urgent action to prevent potentially catastrophic consequences.

(www.crisesnotes.com)

Tech financial crisis government security

WHO Recommends Potassium-Enriched Salt to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease

2025-02-04

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines recommending the replacement of regular table salt with lower-sodium alternatives, primarily potassium-enriched salt, to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Potassium-enriched salt replaces some sodium chloride with potassium chloride, lowering sodium intake while boosting potassium levels, thus helping to lower blood pressure. While studies show significant benefits, widespread adoption faces challenges including higher costs and contraindications for individuals with kidney disease. Success hinges on collaboration between the food industry and governments.

(theconversation.com)

Tech salt

3000-Year-Old Pyramid and Geoglyph Unearthed at Peru's Caral Site

2025-02-04

Peru's Ministry of Culture announced the discovery of a pyramid and a large geoglyph at the Caral archaeological site. Hidden beneath vegetation, the pyramid features at least three overlapping platforms and characteristic Caral architectural elements like vertical stones and a central staircase. A nearby geoglyph depicting a profile head, reminiscent of the Sechín culture, suggests early cultural exchange between Caral and other Andean civilizations. This discovery enhances understanding of Caral's urban planning and offers new tourism potential, further illustrating the complexity and peaceful development of the oldest civilization in the Americas.

(omniletters.com)

Tech Peru Caral

Cruise Axes Nearly Half Its Workforce, Pivots to Personal Autonomous Vehicles

2025-02-04

Self-driving car company Cruise announced it's laying off nearly 50% of its workforce, including the CEO and other top executives, and shutting down its robotaxi operations. The remaining parts of Cruise will be integrated into parent company General Motors (GM), which will focus its resources on improving its hands-free driver assistance system, Super Cruise, and eventually rolling out personal autonomous vehicles. The layoffs follow a December strategy shift by GM to cut costs and focus on personal autonomous vehicle development. Affected employees will receive severance packages and career support.

(techcrunch.com)

Tech

Musk-Linked Engineer Gains Full Control Over US Payment Systems: Treasury Officials in Panic

2025-02-04

A 25-year-old engineer with ties to Elon Musk has been granted full read-and-write access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, sparking alarm among insiders. This access encompasses nearly all government payments, including Social Security and tax refunds, raising concerns about potential for irreversible changes or security breaches. Sources express worry about data leaks to Musk allies within the General Services Administration (GSA) and a lack of reporting channels. The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in government IT systems and potential threats to crucial infrastructure.

(www.rawstory.com)

Tech Government IT

Category: Tech