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Building a Spherical Voxel Planet in Unity: Challenges and Solutions

2025-09-01

Building a Spherical Voxel Planet in Unity: Challenges and Solutions

A developer created a tech demo called Blocky Planet in Unity, attempting to map Minecraft's cubic voxels onto a spherical planet. This post details the challenges and solutions, including mapping a 2D grid to a 3D sphere, handling depth distortion while preserving block width, and efficiently finding neighboring blocks. The developer also discusses gravity, terrain generation, and block structures. While currently a tech demo, future plans include multiple planets/moons, chunk-based gravity, and planet collisions.

(www.bowerbyte.com)

Game Voxel Game

Rose Scent May Boost Brain Gray Matter Volume

2025-08-31

Rose Scent May Boost Brain Gray Matter Volume

A Japanese study suggests that consistently inhaling a rose scent for a month may increase brain gray matter volume. Researchers had 28 women wear clothing infused with rose essential oil for a month, comparing them to a control group of 22 women. Results showed increased gray matter volume in the rose scent group, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) linked to memory and association. While not necessarily translating to increased cognitive power, the findings could have significant implications for preventing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia. The researchers hypothesize this is due to the brain continually processing the rose scent and storing related memories. The study offers a promising avenue for exploring aromatherapy's potential to improve brain health.

(www.sciencealert.com)

Tech Brain Gray Matter Rose Scent Dementia Prevention

Arrow Stork: Solving the Mystery of Bird Migration

2025-08-16

Arrow Stork: Solving the Mystery of Bird Migration

The discovery of the Rostock Arrow Stork in 1822, a white stork with a 75cm spear embedded in its neck, revolutionized our understanding of bird migration. This single bird, carrying an African projectile, debunked theories of hibernation or transformation, proving conclusively that birds migrate long distances. While subsequent similar cases have been documented, they have decreased with the replacement of bows and arrows with guns. The Arrow Stork's legacy is a pivotal moment in ornithology, highlighting the wonders and mysteries of the natural world.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Tech arrow stork

Archaeologists Use Lewis & Clark's Laxatives to Find Lost Campsites

2025-09-01

The Lewis and Clark expedition's 600 giant laxative pills, nicknamed "thunder-clappers," contained mercury, a stable compound. Traces of these pills are helping archaeologists pinpoint the expedition's campsites. High mercury levels in soil indicate old latrine pits, and military manuals help reconstruct the camp layouts. This discovery highlights the limitations of early 19th-century medical practices, where "heroic medicine", while sometimes effective, often did more harm than good.

(offbeatoregon.com)

Tech

Beyond Booleans: Improving Software Design

2025-08-28

This article argues against the overuse of booleans in software design. The author contends that many seemingly appropriate boolean values can be replaced with richer data types like datetimes and enums. Using booleans often leads to information loss and makes code harder to maintain. The author suggests carefully analyzing the underlying data meaning behind booleans and choosing more appropriate types, such as using datetimes to record event times and enums to represent statuses or types. Booleans are only justifiable as temporary variables for intermediate calculation results. This approach improves software design quality, prevents potential bugs, and enhances code maintainability and readability.

(ntietz.com)

Development data types booleans

CocoaPods Trunk Going Read-Only in December 2026

2025-09-01

The CocoaPods team announced plans to make the CocoaPods Trunk repository read-only on December 2nd, 2026, ceasing acceptance of new Podspecs. This move aims to enhance security and simplify maintenance. A phased notification process will be implemented, with a test run scheduled for November 2026. Existing builds will remain unaffected, but developers relying on CocoaPods Trunk for updates will need to adapt.

(blog.cocoapods.org)

Development read-only

Rethinking Event-Driven Programming: A Bidirectional Observer Pattern in PHP

2025-09-01

Rethinking Event-Driven Programming: A Bidirectional Observer Pattern in PHP

Traditional observer patterns are observer-centric: events trigger passive reactions. This PHP Observer package shifts the perspective to the emitter. Emitters dispatch signals (events, plans, inquiries, commands), and observers can return counter-signals, creating a bidirectional dialogue. This allows for dynamic handling of complex workflows, such as canceling orders based on inventory or dynamically configuring libraries. The package offers seven signal types, robust error handling, and observability features, making it ideal for building responsive, emitter-driven applications.

(medium.com)

Development Observer Pattern Bidirectional Communication

The Poop Problem: How Hikers Are Impacting Our National Parks

2025-09-01

The Poop Problem: How Hikers Are Impacting Our National Parks

Millions of hikers annually leave behind human waste in natural areas, posing a significant public health and environmental risk. Research shows that despite available facilities, many hikers defecate in the backcountry due to lack of awareness, unclear regulations, or perceived insignificance. Promoting Leave No Trace principles, researchers advocate for using wag bags or properly digging cat holes, emphasizing the necessity of packing out waste in sensitive environments to protect fragile ecosystems.

(theconversation.com)

Misc Leave No Trace hiking waste disposal

C++20's Strongly Happens Before: Untangling the Memory Model

2025-09-01

This article delves into C++20's newly introduced "strongly happens before" relationship, which solves a tricky problem within the C++ memory model. Using a simple multithreaded program example, the author progressively explains how modification order, coherence ordering, and the "strongly happens before" relationship constrain the order of concurrent execution. The article also analyzes why certain executions seemingly violating the C++ memory model are allowed on Power architectures and explains how "strongly happens before" fixes these inconsistencies, ultimately guaranteeing a single total order for all `memory_order::seq_cst` operations.

(nekrozqliphort.github.io)

Development

Swift 6's Puzzling `@isolated(any)`: What You Need to Know

2025-09-01

Swift 6 introduces the `@isolated(any)` attribute, which describes the isolation of asynchronous functions, initially appearing confusing. It always requires an argument, but this argument cannot vary. The article explains its introduction: to solve the problem of lost isolation information during asynchronous function scheduling. `@isolated(any)` provides access to a function's isolation property, enabling more intelligent scheduling, especially when handling `Task` and `TaskGroup`, ensuring the execution order of tasks on the MainActor. While it can mostly be ignored, understanding `@isolated(any)` is crucial for writing efficient and reliable concurrent code when dealing with asynchronous function isolation and scheduling.

(nshipster.com)

Development Asynchronous Functions

Headless Saints and the French State's Neglect of its Churches

2025-09-01

Headless Saints and the French State's Neglect of its Churches

Many French churches feature a disturbing number of decapitated statues, a legacy of the French Revolution's anti-clerical sentiment. While nearly 250 years have passed, these heads remain absent, highlighting the French state's complex relationship with the Catholic Church. The state owns most churches built before 1905, yet their upkeep is often neglected, leaving many in disrepair. The article contrasts the decaying state of rural churches with the architectural marvel of Vézelay's Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, showcasing the enduring beauty of medieval religious architecture against the backdrop of secularization and state indifference.

(thecatholicherald.com)

Misc Religious Heritage Secularization

Improving Algorithms for Simplifying Geographic Polygons

2025-08-30

This article explores algorithms for simplifying geographic polygons, specifically their convex hulls. The current approach combines the Douglas-Peucker algorithm with polygon offsetting: the polygon is first offset outwards to eliminate details, then simplified using Douglas-Peucker, and finally offset inwards. However, this method isn't optimal for convex features. The author seeks more efficient algorithms to achieve higher-quality geometry at the same size or further reduce size without compromising quality.

(www.volkerkrause.eu)

Development Geometry Simplification

AI Web Crawlers: Devouring the Open Web?

2025-09-01

AI Web Crawlers: Devouring the Open Web?

The rise of AI has unleashed a swarm of AI web crawlers, relentlessly scraping content to feed Large Language Models (LLMs). This results in 30% of global web traffic originating from bots, with AI bots leading the charge. Unlike traditional crawlers, these AI bots are far more aggressive, ignoring crawl delays and bandwidth limitations, causing performance degradation, service disruptions, and increased costs for websites. Smaller sites are often crippled, while larger sites face immense pressure to scale their resources. While solutions like robots.txt and proposed llms.txt exist, they are proving insufficient. This arms race between websites and AI companies risks fragmenting the web, restricting access to information, and potentially pushing the internet towards a pay-to-access model.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech web traffic

Sideloading Restrictions: The Battle for Control of Your Devices

2025-09-01

The debate around sideloading on Android and iOS continues. Google's recent tightening of Android's sideloading restrictions has sparked controversy. The article argues the core issue isn't whether users can run any code on their own hardware, but rather the manufacturers' control over the operating system, not the hardware itself. Apple serves as a case study: iOS's tight integration with hardware is key to its success; forcing changes would undermine the iPhone. The real focus should be on the ability to install and run alternative operating systems on one's hardware—e.g., running Android on an iPhone. Manufacturers should be legally required to provide necessary technical support and documentation to facilitate the development of alternative operating systems.

(hugotunius.se)

Tech

Spotilyrics: Code with Synced Spotify Lyrics in VS Code

2025-09-01

Spotilyrics: Code with Synced Spotify Lyrics in VS Code

Tired of juggling coding and remembering lyrics? Spotilyrics, a VS Code extension, seamlessly syncs your Spotify lyrics right into your editor. Color-themed from your album art, the lyrics appear in a smooth side panel, letting you code on one side and enjoy the music on the other. A simple one-time login with your Spotify Client ID is all it takes. Boost your coding vibe and productivity—install it now!

(github.com)

Development

Nim: An Undervalued Systems Programming Language

2025-09-01

Nim is a systems programming language that blends the conciseness of Python with the power of C++. This article explores its strengths and weaknesses based on the author's experience. Nim boasts excellent cross-compilation capabilities, powerful metaprogramming features, and a memory management model (ORC/ARC in Nim 2) that rivals C++ and Rust. However, areas for improvement include tooling and debugging experience. Overall, Nim is a compelling systems programming language, offering a balance of conciseness, flexibility, and performance that makes it suitable for diverse applications.

(miguel-martin.com)

Development

Escaping the microSD Card Hell: Rock 5 ITX+ and EDK2-RK3588 UEFI Firmware

2025-09-01

Escaping the microSD Card Hell: Rock 5 ITX+ and EDK2-RK3588 UEFI Firmware

Tired of constantly removing the side panel of his Rock 5 ITX+ to swap OSes via microSD, the author explored using EDK2-RK3588 UEFI firmware. This allowed booting and installing generic ARM Linux images from USB. The journey involved overcoming the quirks of the Rock 5 ITX+, like its inability to boot from microSD. Successful installations of Fedora Rawhide and Ubuntu 25.10 were achieved, though minor issues like sound remained. While an SD card extender offers a simpler solution, this article delves into the potential of EDK2-RK3588, paving the way for greater RK3588 platform versatility.

(interfacinglinux.com)

Hardware

SQL Subquery Issue: A Subtle Difference Leading to Unexpected Results

2025-08-31

SQL Subquery Issue: A Subtle Difference Leading to Unexpected Results

A reader, Dave, encountered a minor issue while testing a SQL subquery example from Vadim's book using the Northwind database on W3Schools. Dave's code differed slightly from the book's example, using '<' instead of '<=' and omitting '#'. Despite this, his scalar subquery returned zero, unlike the predecessor query in the book. This raises questions about how subtle differences in SQL queries can affect results.

(vadimtropashko.wordpress.com)

Development Subquery

AI: The Next Logical Step in Computing's Evolution

2025-08-31

AI: The Next Logical Step in Computing's Evolution

From punch cards to GUIs, and now AI, the history of computing has been a steady march towards more intuitive human-computer interaction. AI isn't a radical departure from this trajectory—it's the natural next step in making computers more accessible and useful to humanity. It allows computers to understand and act on human goals rather than just explicit instructions, shifting the cognitive burden from humans to machines. This lets users focus on what they want to achieve, not how to instruct a machine to do it. The future will likely see human-computer interaction as a collaboration, blurring the lines between instruction and goal-setting, extending rather than replacing human intelligence.

(www.vincirufus.com)

AI

Senior Devs Embrace AI Coding More Than Juniors: A Fastly Survey

2025-08-31

Senior Devs Embrace AI Coding More Than Juniors: A Fastly Survey

A recent Fastly survey of 791 US developers reveals a surprising trend: senior developers (10+ years experience) are more than twice as likely to use AI code generation tools like Copilot and generate over half their code with them, compared to junior developers. This isn't due to laziness, but rather the diverse responsibilities of senior roles. AI helps them prototype faster, though more time is needed for bug fixing. While most senior devs find AI boosts efficiency and enjoyment, juniors prefer traditional coding and are less concerned with energy consumption. The survey highlights the experience advantage in spotting AI-generated errors. Overall, AI coding tools are making the job more enjoyable for over 70% of all respondents.

(www.theregister.com)

Development code generation tools

Ford's Model T: A Genesis of Efficiency

2025-09-01

Ford's Model T: A Genesis of Efficiency

Ford's Model T wasn't an overnight success, but rather the culmination of lessons learned from its predecessor, the Model N. The Model N, with its low price and mass production of interchangeable parts, quickly dominated the market. Ford pushed further with the Model T, employing high-precision machining, single-piece casting of engine blocks, and innovative processes like stamped steel parts, significantly reducing production costs. Simultaneously, Ford pioneered the assembly line, using streamlined process management and continuous improvement to reduce car assembly time from hours to 93 minutes. This ultimately led to the mass adoption of automobiles and revolutionized manufacturing worldwide.

(www.construction-physics.com)

Tech Assembly Line

20 Rules for Efficient Knowledge Formulation in Learning

2025-09-01

20 Rules for Efficient Knowledge Formulation in Learning

This article by Piotr Wozniak outlines 20 rules for efficient knowledge acquisition, emphasizing the importance of understanding before memorization. It advocates for building a holistic picture before focusing on details, adhering to the minimum information principle, and utilizing imagery, mnemonic techniques, and avoiding sets and enumerations. The article uses numerous examples to illustrate how to transform complex knowledge into easily digestible formats, stressing the avoidance of interference, optimization of wording, personalized learning, leveraging emotional states, providing contextual cues, and the benefits of knowledge redundancy. Finally, it recommends providing sources, date stamping, and prioritization to ensure learning efficiency and long-term knowledge retention.

(www.supermemo.com)

Development

Groundbreaking Study: Beta-Blockers May Harm Women After Heart Attacks

2025-09-01

Groundbreaking Study: Beta-Blockers May Harm Women After Heart Attacks

Groundbreaking research reveals that beta-blockers, a first-line treatment for heart attacks for decades, don't benefit most patients and may increase hospitalization and death risk in some women, but not men. A large-scale trial showed women with minimal heart damage after a heart attack who received beta-blockers were significantly more likely to experience another heart attack, heart failure hospitalization, and nearly triple the death risk compared to those not receiving the drug. However, for patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below 40%, beta-blockers remain standard care. This study highlights crucial gender differences in heart disease treatment and is likely to reshape international clinical guidelines.

(www.cnn.com)

Tech beta-blockers gender differences

Ned the Lefty Snail's Search for Love

2025-08-31

Ned the Lefty Snail's Search for Love

From a New Zealand garden, comes Ned, a snail with a rare genetic condition: his shell spirals to the left, unlike almost all other snails. This makes finding a mate extremely difficult. His owner, Giselle Clarkson, has launched a nationwide search, encouraging people to engage in 'observology' – the science of looking – to find Ned a partner. The story highlights the importance of connecting with nature and appreciating the often-overlooked creatures around us.

(www.cnn.com)

Misc snail

Microsoft Engineer's Death Sparks Debate on Tech Industry Overwork

2025-08-31

The death of 35-year-old Microsoft engineer Pratik Pandey after working late at the office has sparked outrage and calls for change within the tech industry. Pandey's relatives say he was under immense pressure, juggling multiple projects, before suffering a fatal heart attack. While the official cause of death was a heart attack, his family believes his grueling work schedule contributed significantly. This tragic event highlights the need for tech companies to prioritize employee well-being and address the pervasive issue of overwork.

(padailypost.com)

Tech tech industry pressure

Giant Gullies Swallowing African Cities

2025-08-31

Giant Gullies Swallowing African Cities

Massive gullies are opening up in African cities, swallowing homes and businesses, displacing hundreds of thousands. A new study reveals that an average of 118,600 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo alone were displaced between 2004 and 2023 due to these expanding fissures. The problem stems from a combination of natural and human factors—cities built on sandy soils with inadequate drainage systems, leading to erosion during heavy rains. Unless urgent action is taken, millions more could be displaced in the next decade. Researchers urge increased investment in improved drainage, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement to find effective and long-term solutions.

(www.scientificamerican.com)

Misc natural disasters

Trump, the Fed, and the Distorted Reality of ZIRP: The Hidden Economic Risks Behind the Stock Market's Euphoria

2025-08-28

Trump, the Fed, and the Distorted Reality of ZIRP: The Hidden Economic Risks Behind the Stock Market's Euphoria

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.

(www.splinter.com)

Tech Zero Interest Rate Policy Economic Risk

Senior Devs Embrace AI Code, But Efficiency Gains Aren't Always Smooth Sailing

2025-09-01

Senior Devs Embrace AI Code, But Efficiency Gains Aren't Always Smooth Sailing

A Fastly survey reveals senior developers are more likely to use AI-generated code than junior developers, with over half of their shipped code originating from AI. While AI can significantly boost coding speed, senior developers also spend more time fixing AI-generated errors, offsetting some time savings. The survey also uncovers the hidden costs of AI coding: high energy consumption and potential vulnerabilities. Despite this, AI still improves developer job satisfaction.

(www.fastly.com)

Development

Near-Death Experience: A Rebirth of Consciousness

2025-09-01

Near-Death Experience: A Rebirth of Consciousness

The author recounts his battle with a brain tumor. On the eve of surgery, he undergoes a profound experience, gaining a deep understanding of time, life, and love. Post-surgery, despite a painful recovery, he cherishes life more and realizes that 'consciousness' is not just neuronal activity but also care, love, and the perception of life. This story is filled with profound reflections on the meaning of life and a delicate portrayal of love.

(bigthink.com)

Misc life experience

One Big Server: Rethinking Microservices and the Cloud

2025-09-01

One Big Server: Rethinking Microservices and the Cloud

This article challenges the prevailing wisdom of microservices, arguing that today's powerful servers often make a single, large server architecture more cost-effective. It details the capabilities of a modern server, comparing the costs of cloud, self-hosted, and rented options. The author contends that for most web services, a high-performance server (plus a backup) suffices, unless extreme QPS or burstiness is involved. The complexities and costs of cloud-native architectures often outweigh their benefits. Vertical scaling (upgrading a server) is often more efficient than horizontal scaling (adding servers), prompting a re-evaluation of conventional wisdom.

(specbranch.com)

Development server architecture

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