Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Cosmic Void: Are We Living in a Giant Void?

2025-07-29

New research suggests we might reside within a vast cosmic void, potentially resolving the 'Hubble tension'—the discrepancy in the universe's expansion rate. Analyzing the 'sound' of the early universe (baryon acoustic oscillations), researchers found our local region has roughly 20% lower matter density than average. This low-density void would gravitationally affect observations, making the universe appear to expand faster, aligning with measurements. The study concludes that a universe model incorporating a local void is significantly more likely than one without, offering a novel perspective on a long-standing cosmological puzzle.

(phys.org)

Tech Cosmic Void

Game Changer: First 100% Protective HIV Drug Approved

2025-07-29

A 44-year battle against HIV may finally be turning the corner. The FDA has approved lenacapavir (Yeztugo), a twice-yearly injection offering nearly 100% protection against HIV infection. This capsid inhibitor prevents viral replication, marking a monumental breakthrough. Gilead Sciences is ensuring global access by offering affordable pricing and signing royalty-free licensing agreements with six generic manufacturers. This innovative approach, combined with partnerships like the one with the Global Fund to fight AIDS, aims to reach up to two million people in low- and lower-middle-income countries, signaling a potential turning point in the fight against the HIV epidemic.

(newatlas.com)

Tech HIV prevention new drug

Volt Boot: Exploiting Power Domain Isolation to Bypass On-Chip SRAM Security

2025-07-29

This paper introduces Volt Boot, a novel attack that leverages power domain isolation in modern Systems-on-a-Chip (SoCs) to compromise the security of sensitive information stored in on-chip SRAM. Traditional cold boot attacks are ineffective against on-chip SRAM, but Volt Boot achieves cross-power-cycle SRAM data retention by maintaining the voltage of the target memory domain during system reset. Experiments on three commercially available Cortex-A processors successfully extracted data from caches, CPU registers, and iRAM, demonstrating the attack's effectiveness. The research highlights new security challenges for systems relying on on-chip computation and proposes countermeasures such as eliminating power domain isolation, purging residual memory, resetting SRAM at startup, and enforcing TrustZone support.

(cacm.acm.org)

Tech chip security cold boot attack power domain isolation

Yellowstone Bacteria Defies Textbook Biology: Simultaneous Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration

2025-07-29

A groundbreaking discovery challenges our understanding of cellular respiration. Scientists have found a bacterium in a Yellowstone National Park hot spring capable of simultaneously performing both aerobic and anaerobic respiration—a feat previously thought impossible. This bacterium's unique metabolic pathway offers new insights into how life transitioned from anaerobic to aerobic respiration after the appearance of oxygen. It also highlights the astonishing diversity and adaptability of the microbial world. Published in Nature Communications, this research provides a new perspective on how life adapts to extreme environments.

(www.quantamagazine.org)

Tech cellular respiration

Robot Hand Outperforms Humans at Blackberry Harvesting

2025-07-29

Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a novel soft robotic gripper capable of harvesting blackberries more efficiently than humans. Inspired by the opening and closing of a tulip, the gripper features three soft fingers and force sensors to ensure gentle handling and prevent damage. By measuring the force used by human pickers, researchers optimized the gripper's picking parameters. While further development of computer vision and positioning technologies is needed, the gripper demonstrates potential to surpass human capabilities in efficiency and consistency, promising applications in other soft fruit harvesting and assistive technologies for people with limited mobility.

(news.uark.edu)

Tech automated harvesting

Is DJI Circumventing US Bans with the SkyRover X1 Clone?

2025-07-28

With an unofficial US customs ban in place, DJI drones are practically unavailable in the US. Yet, a near-identical clone, the SkyRover X1, is readily available on Amazon. Investigations reveal striking similarities: identical specs, features, app, and even use of DJI's online infrastructure. Security researchers have even logged in using their DJI credentials. While the manufacturer denies a DJI connection, evidence suggests DJI's involvement, possibly through licensing or other means, mirroring past strategies using third-party manufacturers. Although not officially banned, a de facto ban looms, forcing DJI to employ creative methods to maintain market presence.

(www.theverge.com)

Tech

The Science Behind Star Wars' Special Effects: From Berkeley Lab to Industrial Light & Magic

2025-07-28

This article recounts the story behind the iconic special effects of Star Wars and the contribution of UC Berkeley's Environmental Simulation Laboratory. To create more realistic environmental simulations, the Berkeley lab developed a computer-controlled camera system, later used by Industrial Light & Magic in the production of Star Wars, becoming a milestone in film special effects history. This technology not only advanced film special effects but also provided new simulation methods for urban planning, allowing for more intuitive understanding of planning proposals through precise models and camera techniques.

(www.nsf.gov)

Tech film special effects Industrial Light & Magic

Algospeak: How Social Media Is Reshaping Language

2025-07-28

Adam Aleksic's new book, *Algospeak*, explores how social media algorithms are transforming language. Algorithms fuel the creation and spread of new words, slang, and grammatical rules, like "rizz," "aura," and "-pilled." While the author views this "algospeak" as showcasing human adaptability and ingenuity, he also highlights potential downsides, including power imbalances and cultural homogenization – such as the mainstreaming of online subculture slang and appropriation of African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The review also touches on the algorithm's impact on the attention economy and culture, and the potential negative consequences for reading and literature.

(lareviewofbooks.org)

Tech

Deep Time vs. Shallow Time: Butterflies, Geology, and the Climate Crisis

2025-07-28

This essay explores the tension between deep geological time and the fleeting span of human history. Using the drastic decline in butterfly populations as a case study, the author juxtaposes millions of years of geological evolution with the rapid impact of climate change in recent decades. The author traces Darwin and Lyell's understanding of deep time and how they attempted to scientifically comprehend and quantify deep time scales. The essay concludes with a call to recognize humanity's impact on Earth and take action to address the climate crisis, making informed choices based on the understanding of deep time and shallow time's relationship.

(harpers.org)

Tech deep time

UK's Online Safety Act Sparks VPN Surge: A Privacy vs. Censorship Showdown

2025-07-28

The UK's new Online Safety Act, mandating age verification on websites to restrict minors' access to harmful content, has unexpectedly triggered a massive surge in VPN usage. ProtonVPN reported a more than 1400% increase in UK sign-ups. Users are circumventing age checks, raising concerns about privacy and censorship. Regulator Ofcom will assess compliance and enforce penalties, but this could lead to a UK version of the 'Great Firewall'.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech Age Verification

HOPE_16: Hacking the Future, One Talk at a Time

2025-07-28

HOPE_16, a vibrant hacker conference, explored a wide range of topics from ATM hacking techniques and AI security to digital activism and data sovereignty. Speakers, including experts and industry leaders, offered insightful perspectives on technological advancements, societal shifts, and future trends. Presentations ranged from historical accounts of breaking the Enigma code to in-depth analyses of vulnerabilities in large language models; from practical experiences in building community tech ecosystems to discussions on resisting online censorship and digital repression. HOPE_16 wasn't just a tech showcase; it was a profound dialogue on technology and social responsibility, prompting reflection on the future direction of technological development.

(hope.net)

Tech hacker conference digital activism

Samsung Locks Down Bootloaders in One UI 8: The End of Custom ROMs?

2025-07-28

Samsung's One UI 8 completely disables bootloader unlocking. Analysis of system files reveals that One UI 8 permanently sets the `ro.boot.other.locked` parameter to 1, removes the OEM unlock toggle, and strips all unlock-related code from the bootloader. This means devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Galaxy S25 series will be unable to install custom ROMs, gain root access, or use custom kernels, dealing a significant blow to the Samsung developer community.

(sammyguru.com)

Tech

Mobile BESS: Revolutionizing Emergency Response and Off-Grid Power

2025-07-28

A diesel spill in Baltimore Harbor highlighted the need for mobile battery energy storage systems (BESS). Unlike traditional fossil fuel generators, BESS offers clean, large-scale power for diverse applications, including harbor cleanup, remote industrial operations, and emergency response. Companies like Volvo and Power Up Connect are developing mobile BESS solutions, providing charging for electric heavy machinery and powering areas lacking electrical infrastructure. While cost remains a challenge, advancements in battery technology and decreasing prices suggest mobile BESS will find wider adoption across various sectors, transforming how we access power.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Tech mobile energy storage

Belgium's Smart Traffic Lights: A Niche App's Head Start

2025-07-28

Flanders, Belgium has installed smart traffic lights at 230 intersections, allowing users to get a green light quicker via a smartphone app, easing traffic congestion. While the technology is functional, adoption is low, limited to smaller apps. The Flemish Roads Agency is negotiating with major players like Google Maps and Waze to increase user reach, aiming for integration into car computers. The system proves particularly beneficial for emergency services, enabling faster response times to emergencies.

(www.vrt.be)

Tech smart traffic traffic lights app adoption

Black Holes, Satellite Navigation, and a Crowded Radio Highway

2025-07-28

Global satellite navigation systems rely on precise measurements of Earth's position, which in turn depends on observations of black holes at the centers of distant galaxies. Scientists use radio telescopes to receive radio waves from black holes, but in recent years, electromagnetic pollution from WiFi, mobile phones, and satellite internet has become increasingly severe, crowding the radio spectrum and interfering with observations of black hole signals. This threatens satellite navigation and many other services that rely on precise Earth positioning. Solving this problem requires international cooperation, securing more radio spectrum resources for geodesy at World Radio Conferences, or establishing radio quiet zones around essential radio telescopes.

(www.space.com)

Tech geodesy satellite navigation

Orion Browser: A Surprisingly Great, Low-Power Alternative

2025-07-28

The author shares their recent browser switch from Arc to Orion. While Arc was good, its high power consumption proved unsuitable for their upcoming nomadic lifestyle. A chance discovery led to Orion, impressing with its low power draw thanks to its Safari-based engine and support for Chrome and Firefox extensions. Orion boasts nearly all the features the author needs, including space functionality similar to Arc. While multi-account containers are missing, it's a compromise worth making. Orion is under active development, with a responsive team.

(andinfinity.eu)

Tech

Private Equity's Fire Truck Monopoly: A Public Safety Crisis

2025-07-28

A crisis is brewing in American fire departments: skyrocketing fire truck prices and extended delivery times, driven by private equity consolidation of manufacturers, are endangering public safety. Aging fleets are retiring with no affordable replacements—new trucks cost upwards of $2 million—leaving many departments understaffed and ill-equipped. Some are resorting to using dilapidated vehicles or pickup trucks, severely impacting response times. This crisis highlights the negative impact of private equity consolidation on essential services and has spurred calls for antitrust investigations.

(thehustle.co)

Tech

Solid Protocol: Reclaiming Control of Your Digital Identity

2025-07-28

Our digital identities are fragmented and vulnerable. Solid, a protocol invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee, offers a radical solution. It uses user-controlled "data wallets" to decouple data from applications, giving individuals ownership and control over their personal information. This addresses critical data integrity issues, preventing errors from leading to discrimination, while enhancing privacy and security. Solid revolutionizes sectors like healthcare, finance, and education, empowering individuals to become the masters of their own data.

(www.schneier.com)

Tech Solid Protocol

The Lawyer Who Unmasked the Ethanol Myth: A Story of Food, Farming, and Climate Change

2025-07-28

In 2003, lawyer Tim Searchinger found flaws in a report claiming corn ethanol reduced greenhouse gas emissions. His deeper investigation revealed the report underestimated the climate costs of using grain for fuel, neglecting the land-use changes needed to replace lost food production. Although climate change wasn't a major issue then, Searchinger's skepticism led him to delve into the complex interplay of agriculture, land use, and climate change, ultimately exposing the significant environmental impact of biofuels and paving the way for solutions to global food and climate problems.

(lithub.com)

Tech land use

AOHell: The Teen Hacker Who Inadvertently Pioneered Phishing

2025-07-27

In the mid-90s, 17-year-old Koceilah Rekouche (aka Da Chronic) created AOHell, a program that unleashed a massive attack on AOL. Driven by outrage at AOL's inaction against child predators and the inability to afford online access, AOHell's impact transcended its initial purpose. It inadvertently pioneered automated phishing, becoming a foundational technique in modern cybercrime. While Da Chronic gained notoriety as AOL's most famous hacker, AOHell also served as a free and creative outlet for countless young programmers, shaping a generation of technologists. Years later, Rekouche reflects on the complex legacy of his creation, acknowledging both its damaging consequences and surprising influence on the digital world.

(finance.yahoo.com)

Tech

Beetroot Juice, Oral Microbiome, and Blood Pressure in Older Adults

2025-07-27

A new study reveals that the blood pressure-lowering effect of nitrate-rich beetroot juice in older adults may be linked to specific changes in their oral microbiome. Researchers found that after two weeks of consuming concentrated beetroot juice twice daily, older adults experienced a decrease in blood pressure, unlike younger participants. This effect is likely due to the suppression of potentially harmful oral bacteria, impacting the conversion of nitrate to nitric oxide, crucial for vascular health. The study suggests that encouraging older adults to consume more nitrate-rich vegetables could offer significant long-term health benefits.

(news.exeter.ac.uk)

Tech beetroot juice blood pressure oral microbiome

AI is Killing the Web: A Human Author's Plea

2025-07-27

Two articles in *The Economist* highlight how AI-powered answer engines are destroying the web's business model. Search engines now provide AI-generated answers instead of linking to web pages, reducing the incentive for creating original content and leading to declining web quality. The author uses personal experiences to illustrate issues like AI plagiarism and inaccurate content, calling for a rejection of AI-generated content to preserve originality and authenticity on the web. The author concludes by using a unique owl emoji to mark their articles as purely human-created.

(eclecticlight.co)

Tech web content originality

Yellowstone's Wolf Reintroduction: Aspen Saplings Thrive After 80-Year Absence

2025-07-27

For the first time in 80 years, a new generation of young aspen trees is flourishing in Yellowstone National Park's northern range, thanks to the reintroduction of gray wolves in 1995. The wolves' presence controlled elk populations, reducing overgrazing that had previously prevented aspen saplings from establishing themselves. A new study published in Forest Ecology and Management highlights the significant ecological benefits of restoring top predators. The recovery of aspen is boosting biodiversity, benefiting various species including berry-producing shrubs, insects, birds, and beavers.

(www.livescience.com)

Tech Yellowstone Wolves Ecosystem Restoration

China's 'Thousand Sails' Megaconstellation Faces Major Delays

2025-07-27

China's ambitious 'Thousand Sails' (G60 Starlink) constellation, aiming for over 15,000 satellites by 2030 to provide global internet access, is facing significant delays. Only 90 satellites have been launched, far short of the 648 target for the end of 2025. The shortfall stems from a severe rocket shortage, hindering the project's ability to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. To meet its goals, the project needs to launch over 30 satellites per month, a pace currently unattainable.

(www.scmp.com)

Tech satellite constellation space launch

Yahoo's Rise and Fall: From Internet King to Forgotten Giant

2025-07-27

Yahoo, once the undisputed king of the internet portal, has fallen from grace. This article recounts Yahoo's tumultuous journey from its founding in 1994 to its 2016 sale to Verizon. Yahoo initially rose to prominence with its well-organized directory-style search engine and content aggregation, reaching a market capitalization exceeding $100 billion. However, a series of disastrous acquisitions, such as Broadcast.com and Geocities, coupled with missed opportunities to acquire Google and Facebook, led to its decline. Yahoo was eventually sold for $4.8 billion, marking the end of a once-dominant internet empire. Only its shrewd investment in Alibaba remains a bright spot in its legacy.

(dfarq.homeip.net)

Tech

Linaro Connect 2025: Snapdragon X Elite ARM64 Linux Laptop Prototype Unveiled

2025-07-27

At Linaro Connect 2025, Linaro and TUXEDO Computers showcased a prototype ARM64 Linux laptop powered by the Snapdragon X Elite SoC. This demonstrates significant progress in enabling Linux on Snapdragon devices, meeting the growing demand for ARM computing. While pre-installed Linux Snapdragon laptops aren't yet available, collaborative efforts from Qualcomm, Linaro, and the community have resulted in stable Linux operation on many Snapdragon processors, including the Snapdragon X Elite. Linux Kernel 6.15 currently supports several Snapdragon laptops such as the Lenovo Yoga 7x and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. TUXEDO Computers' commitment to releasing a Qualcomm laptop with pre-installed Linux further enhances the ARM64 laptop ecosystem.

(www.linaro.org)

Tech Snapdragon

Ancient Japanese Culinary Traditions Outlasted the Rice Revolution

2025-07-27

New research reveals that the introduction of rice farming to Japan 3,000 years ago, while transformative, didn't immediately overhaul Japanese cuisine. Despite the simultaneous arrival of millet, a staple in Korean cooking, analysis of pottery residues and plant remains shows it failed to gain traction in Japanese diets. Fish remained a primary food source, highlighting the resilience of culinary traditions in the face of significant technological shifts. This suggests that cultural practices can persist even with major agricultural changes.

(phys.org)

Tech ancient agriculture culinary traditions

NASA Mass Exodus: Nearly 4,000 Employees Depart Under Trump Admin Cuts

2025-07-27

Nearly 4,000 NASA employees have left the agency through a deferred resignation program implemented under the Trump administration, representing roughly 20% of its workforce. This reduction, coupled with normal attrition, shrinks NASA's staff from 18,000 to 14,000. While NASA received additional funding for Mars missions and lunar return plans, proposed budget cuts and organizational changes have drawn criticism from scientists and space advocacy groups. Over 300 current and former employees signed the "Voyager Declaration," condemning the "rapid and wasteful changes" and urging a halt to further cuts.

(www.kcrw.com)

Tech

Google Gemini's Coding Agent Deletes Code Due to 'Hallucination'

2025-07-27

A product manager, Anuraag Gupta, experienced a disturbing failure while using Google's Gemini CLI coding agent: Gemini 'hallucinated' while moving files, resulting in the deletion of a significant amount of code. Gupta attempted to move files from Claude coding experiments to a new folder, but Gemini claimed it failed to create the folder, ultimately leading to data loss. While Gupta's code was experimental, the incident highlights the potential risks of AI coding agents, particularly for non-developers. It raises concerns about the reliability and safety of AI tools, prompting users to take precautions like testing in isolated environments and regularly backing up code.

(mashable.com)

Tech AI coding agent code safety

Google Bets Big on CO2 Batteries, Challenging Tesla's Megapack

2025-07-27

Google announced a partnership with Energy Dome, an Italian energy storage startup, investing in their innovative CO2-based long-duration energy storage (LDES) system. This system uses compressed liquid CO2 to generate electricity, offering storage durations of 8-24 hours, significantly exceeding current lithium-ion batteries. The move aims to bolster renewable energy integration, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and power Google's data centers and other high-energy facilities with cleaner electricity. This technology promises to revolutionize energy storage, posing a challenge to lithium-ion battery giants like Tesla, and offering new opportunities for global energy transition.

(cleantechnica.com)

Tech CO2 battery

Category: Tech