Hundreds of ophthalmologists and AI researchers from dozens of institutions worldwide collaborated on a deep learning system for glaucoma diagnosis. The study integrated vast clinical datasets and underwent rigorous validation, promising significantly improved accuracy in early glaucoma detection and better patient outcomes.
The Space Shuttle Columbia disaster of January 16th, 2003, claimed the lives of seven astronauts. An investigation revealed that a piece of foam insulation detached 82 seconds into launch, striking the shuttle's left wing and causing catastrophic damage upon re-entry. The incident highlights the devastating consequences of seemingly minor failures in complex systems, prompting reflection on both spacecraft safety and the effectiveness of communication, in contrast to the often ineffective ‘death by PowerPoint’ presentations.
In April 1980, a young programmer at Seattle Computer Products (SCP), Tim Paterson, began developing a small disk operating system, codenamed QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System), for the new Intel 8086-based board. This project, initially designed as a quick fix for SCP's 8086 computer, unexpectedly evolved into Microsoft's MS-DOS, dominating the PC industry for over a decade. The article details QDOS's development, including the controversy surrounding its compatibility with CP/M's API, and Microsoft's acquisition of QDOS and its renaming to MS-DOS. The simplicity and CP/M-inspired API of QDOS, despite the resulting controversy, allowed for a quick release and made it a cornerstone of the PC era.
This article analyzes Trump's attempts to interfere with the Fed's independence and the distorting effects of the long-term zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) on the economy. Trump's attempt to fire a Fed governor is motivated by a desire to force interest rate cuts, threatening the Fed's independence and potentially leading to economic catastrophe. The article points out that ZIRP led to irrational expectations about future cash flows, fueling tech bubbles and financial risks. The stock market's optimistic response to Trump's actions contrasts sharply with the bond market's concerns about economic risks – a divergence that will eventually lead to market correction. The author argues that the Fed's independence is crucial and that the long-term effects of ZIRP represent a serious economic risk.
ELEGANTBOUNCER is a novel mobile security tool that detects malware by analyzing file structure instead of signatures. Without access to actual malicious samples, it detects known exploits leveraging vulnerabilities in JBIG2, WebP, TrueType, and DNG formats, such as FORCEDENTRY, BLASTPASS, and TRIANGULATION. The tool features parallel processing and a terminal UI, and can analyze iOS backups to detect threats hidden in messaging app attachments. It represents a paradigm shift in mobile threat detection: effective detection without a vault of secret samples, but by understanding the fundamental mechanics of exploitation.
Session hijacking has long been a major threat to online security. Traditional cookie-based session management is vulnerable, leaving systems open to attack. To combat this, Google has introduced Device-Bound Session Credentials (DBSC), leveraging public-key cryptography. DBSC generates a key pair for each session, securely stored on the device (e.g., using TPM on Windows). This renders session identifiers useless on other devices, effectively preventing hijacking. Currently in beta for Google Workspace Chrome users (Windows), widespread adoption by other browser vendors could finally make session hijacking a relic of the past.
Apple has removed the iPhone torrent client, iTorrent, from the AltStore PAL alternative iOS app store in the EU. This action highlights Apple's continued ability to control apps outside its official App Store. Developer Daniil Vinogradov states Apple revoked his distribution rights across all alternative iOS stores, not just AltStore PAL. While Apple bans torrent apps from its own store, the EU's Digital Markets Act allows for third-party app stores. iTorrent's addition to AltStore last July raises the question of why Apple acted now.
A programmer with schizoaffective disorder recounts their experience of being systematically excluded from over 20 tech companies over the past few years, each time after disclosing their mental health condition. This powerful essay details the systemic discrimination faced in healthcare, the workplace, and personal relationships, exposing the gap between tech companies' performative diversity initiatives and the reality of supporting employees with severe mental illnesses. The author calls for genuine inclusion across healthcare, professional environments, communities, and personal relationships, moving beyond superficial awareness.
Synthetic gasoline, also known as synthetic fuel or e-fuel, is a liquid fuel manufactured through chemical processes rather than extracted from crude oil. It uses readily available raw materials like CO2 and H2, converting them into hydrocarbon chains resembling conventional gasoline via processes like Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Its environmental impact hinges on the CO2 source: atmospheric capture or biomass combustion could lead to carbon neutrality or even negativity, while fossil fuel-derived CO2 diminishes its benefits. Currently expensive, its cost is expected to decrease with technological advancements and scale, potentially playing a significant role in sectors like aviation and shipping.
From bears hibernating to insects entering diapause, nature is full of mysteries of life's pause button. This article delves into insect diapause – a programmed state of developmental arrest – and its immense potential in agriculture, disease control, and insect farming. For millennia, humans have indirectly controlled pest diapause through methods like crop rotation. Now, scientists are attempting to manipulate the hormones and environmental factors governing diapause for more precise pest control and to improve the efficiency of beneficial insect farming. Research on diapause not only promises huge economic benefits but also helps us better understand the very mysteries of life itself.
Scientists in the US and China have developed a one-step method to convert mixed plastic waste into petrol at room temperature and ambient pressure, achieving over 95% efficiency. This energy-efficient process uses less equipment and fewer steps than conventional methods, making it scalable for industrial use. The method combines plastic waste with light isoalkanes, producing gasoline-range hydrocarbons (molecules with 6-12 carbons) and hydrochloric acid, which can be safely neutralized and reused. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of processing polyvinyl chloride (PVC), integrating dechlorination and upgrading into a single stage, avoiding the high-temperature dechlorination step required by traditional methods. Tests show high conversion efficiency even with real-world mixed and contaminated waste streams, offering a promising pathway towards circular economy goals.
This article delves into the history of leech therapy (hirudotherapy) and its potential resurgence in modern medicine. While Western medicine remains cautious about its efficacy, leech therapy has been used for millennia across numerous cultures, including China and India. Leech saliva contains hirudin, a powerful anticoagulant, and other bioactive compounds that reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. Although large-scale clinical trials are lacking, leech therapy shows promise in specific surgical applications, such as microsurgery breast reconstruction. The article also explores the development of artificial suction devices to mitigate the risks associated with live leeches. Ultimately, the article calls for more research into this ancient therapy to fully understand its potential and limitations.
Nevada is grappling with a significant cyberattack that has knocked out numerous government digital services. The attack, announced on August 24th, has left state websites and phone lines offline, forcing the closure of state offices until further notice. While emergency services remain operational, officials are working to restore services and warn citizens about potential phishing scams. This incident presents a major test for Nevada's newly established cybersecurity office.
A Node.js utility, fast-glob, used by thousands of public projects and over 30 Department of Defense systems, is maintained solely by a Yandex employee residing in Russia. While fast-glob has no known vulnerabilities, its deep system access and the maintainer's affiliation with Yandex raise serious security concerns. Hunted Labs' report highlights the utility's 79+ million weekly downloads, exposing a vast attack surface. This incident underscores the critical importance of open-source security and the need to know who writes your code.
SpaceX's Starship flight 10 wasn't just another milestone; it was a rigorous test of the rocket's fault tolerance. SpaceX intentionally introduced multiple failures to test the heat shield, propulsion redundancy, and Raptor engine reignition. The test focused on assessing Starship's resilience under extreme conditions, laying the groundwork for future Starlink satellite launches, commercial payload transportation, and crewed missions. Engineers deliberately removed heat shield tiles and experimented with a new actively cooled tile type to gather real-world data and refine designs. Propulsion redundancy was tested by simulating engine failure and successfully using a backup engine. Additionally, Starship achieved in-space Raptor engine reignition. This testing is crucial for NASA's Artemis program, which relies on SpaceX developing a heat shield that survives reentry and a ship that can reliably reignite in orbit to safely deliver astronauts to the lunar surface.
Japan has launched its first quantum computer built entirely with domestically produced components. Located at Osaka University's Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology, the system utilizes a superconducting qubit chip and open-source software called OQTOPUS, both developed in Japan. This milestone represents a significant advancement in Japan's technological capabilities and paves the way for future breakthroughs in quantum computing, with potential applications in drug discovery, traffic optimization, and more.
A failure in PayPal's security systems has resulted in a massive blockage of payments in Germany, potentially affecting over ten billion euros. The system's inability to filter fraudulent transactions led to unverified direct debits being submitted. Multiple German banks subsequently halted PayPal transactions, freezing funds for merchants. While PayPal claims the issue is resolved, the impact continues, with consumers urged to check for unauthorized debits.
This document explores various methods for integrating and validating TLS/HTTPS certificates for Onion Services to enhance their security and functionality. While Onion Services inherently provide end-to-end encryption, HTTPS certificates unlock features like HTTP/2 and payment processing, bolstering security. The article details the pros and cons of existing CA validation, ACME for .onion, self-signed certificates, and innovative approaches such as self-validating certificates using the .onion private key and PKCS#11 modules. The ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate Onion Services with modern web development.
Addressing the global challenge of EV battery recycling, Toyota has developed the Sweep Energy Storage System. This system collects used EV batteries of varying types and degradation levels, connecting them to the power grid. Sophisticated energy management prioritizes healthy batteries while bypassing underperforming ones, ensuring efficient energy utilization. Field tested at Mazda's Hiroshima plant and connected to the Chubu Electric Power Grid, the system boasts a peak output of 485 kW and a storage capacity of 1260 kWh. Sweep not only enhances battery recycling but also significantly contributes to carbon neutrality goals.
Sci-Hub, a website providing free access to academic papers, has received a flood of thank-you messages from researchers across India. From PhD students to professors, these scholars express deep gratitude for Sci-Hub's assistance in overcoming the prohibitive cost of journal subscriptions, enabling them to conduct their research. The letters are filled with praise and admiration for Sci-Hub's founder, Alexandra Elbakyan, and hopes for its continued operation.
A new study investigates the neurobiological mechanisms underlying altered states of consciousness (ASCs) induced by high-ventilation breathwork (HVB) combined with music. Researchers conducted three experiments (remote, MRI, and psychophysiological lab) measuring participants' subjective experiences, brain blood flow, and heart rate variability. Results showed HVB caused reduced brain blood flow, particularly in the posterior insula and parietal operculum, correlating with the intensity of 'Oceanic Boundlessness' (a key aspect of ASCs). Increased blood flow in the amygdala and hippocampus also correlated with this experience. This research offers valuable insights into the neural mechanisms of HVB-induced ASCs and potential therapeutic applications for mental health disorders.
This article traces the history of sewage treatment, from ancient civilizations using human waste as fertilizer and fuel to the rise of modern sewage treatment and the resurgence of interest in sewage as a resource. It explores the various resources found in sewage, including energy, water, minerals, and information, and the potential of using sewage for disease surveillance and public health management. From the sophisticated drainage systems of ancient Rome to modern wastewater treatment plants and the potential of sewage as a valuable data source, this article showcases humanity's ongoing exploration and innovation in sewage treatment technology.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that DMCA 512(h) subpoenas cannot be used to unmask internet users from Internet Access Providers (IAPs) because IAPs don't host content. This ruling reinforces prior precedent, stating copyright holders can't issue valid 512(c)(3) takedown notices to IAPs as they have nothing to take down. Attempts by copyright owners to circumvent this by using technical methods like destination null routing were rejected. The decision may embolden IAPs to refuse such subpoenas and push copyright owners towards alternative legal avenues. The court highlights the absurdity of copyright owners repeatedly using a legally dubious method that has been rejected for over two decades.
An F-35 fighter jet crashed in Alaska due to ice in the landing gear preventing proper deployment. The pilot spent 50 minutes on a conference call with Lockheed Martin engineers trying to troubleshoot the issue before ejecting. The investigation revealed significant water contamination in the aircraft's hydraulic system and a failure to heed warnings about sensor issues in extreme cold, leading to flawed decision-making and the loss of the $200 million aircraft.
Ember is building the future of healthcare operations by simplifying the complex administrative tasks – billing, revenue cycle management, etc. – that burden providers. Their intelligent automation platform integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, reducing manual work and providing real-time visibility into financial and operational performance. This allows healthcare providers to focus on what matters most: their patients.
Korean Air announced a massive $50 billion deal with Boeing, its largest-ever investment, to purchase 103 next-generation aircraft, spare engines, and long-term engine maintenance contracts. The agreement, signed during President Lee Jae Myung's visit to Washington, includes various Boeing models (777-9, 787-10, 737-10, and 777-8F freighters) and strengthens ties with the US aviation industry. This strategic move aims to fuel post-Asiana Airlines merger growth, streamline its fleet for improved efficiency and lower emissions, and enhance customer experience.
A Brown University report exposes how fossil fuel-funded groups and their lawyers use legal battles and disinformation to impede the development of clean, affordable offshore wind energy on the US East Coast. These groups employ deceptive environmental claims, such as protecting North Atlantic right whales, to delay or cancel wind projects, thus protecting the fossil fuel industry's interests. One law firm even threatened Brown University to suppress research findings. The report highlights the connections between fossil fuel companies, the political right wing, and disinformation networks, and their obstruction of climate action. This incident underscores the challenges of energy transition and the pressures faced by academic research.
A whistleblower alleges that a former senior official at the Social Security Administration (SSA) copied the Social Security numbers, names, and birthdays of over 300 million Americans to a private section of the agency's cloud. This private cloud, accessible to other former DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) employees, lacks adequate security, potentially exposing massive amounts of sensitive data to identity theft. The whistleblower claims this action violates laws and regulations, constitutes gross mismanagement, and poses a significant threat to public safety. While the SSA claims the data remains secure, internal documents reveal cybersecurity officials assessed the move as "very high risk," even considering reissuing Social Security numbers. This incident raises further concerns about data security and privacy practices during the Trump administration.
Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully produced rocket fuel and oxygen in space using a novel artificial photosynthesis technology. This breakthrough, achieved with relatively simple equipment and minimal energy, promises to be crucial for China's planned lunar base, slated for completion within a decade. The technology converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel components, offering critical support for human survival and exploration in space. This innovation could significantly reduce reliance on Earth-based resources for the lunar base, paving the way for future missions to Mars and beyond.
In the 1980s, the Therac-25 radiation therapy machine killed and maimed several patients due to a software bug. A race condition in the software allowed for the machine to incorrectly deliver massive overdoses of radiation if data was entered quickly. The incident highlighted the severe consequences of neglecting software testing and process management in safety-critical systems. The lack of robust safety mechanisms proved fatal. This case serves as a stark warning in software engineering, emphasizing the importance of thorough software development processes, rigorous testing, and organizational accountability, especially when dealing with life-or-death situations.