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uv: A Blazing-Fast Python Package and Project Manager

2024-12-14

uv, a lightning-fast Python package and project manager written in Rust, replaces pip, pip-tools, pipx, poetry, pyenv, twine, and virtualenv. Boasting a 10-100x speed improvement, uv offers project management, tool management, Python version management, script support, and a pip-compatible interface. Features like global caching and workspace support streamline workflows. From project creation and dependency management to running scripts and building distributables, uv provides efficient and convenient solutions for all your Python development needs.

(docs.astral.sh)

Development package management project management

Entropy: A Rethink of Disorder in the Universe

2024-12-14

Two hundred years ago, French engineer Sadi Carnot introduced the concept of entropy to quantify the universe's irreversible slide into decay. However, modern physics views entropy not simply as 'disorder,' but as a reflection of an observer's limited knowledge of a system. This new perspective illuminates the deep connection between information and energy, driving technological advancements at the nanoscale. From Carnot's steam engine to modern information engines, the concept of entropy continues to evolve, helping us understand the universe's workings and prompting us to rethink the purpose of science and our place within it.

(www.quantamagazine.org)

AI entropy information thermodynamics

Meta's Byte Latent Transformer (BLT): Outperforming Tokenization-Based LLMs

2024-12-14

Meta AI researchers introduced the Byte Latent Transformer (BLT), a novel large language model architecture that processes bytes directly, rather than tokens. BLT dynamically allocates computational resources based on byte entropy, resulting in significant improvements in inference efficiency and robustness compared to tokenization-based models. Scaling experiments up to 8 billion parameters and 4 terabytes of training data demonstrate BLT's ability to match the performance of token-based LLMs while offering enhanced reasoning capabilities and handling of long-tail data. This research showcases the feasibility of training large-scale models directly on raw bytes without a fixed vocabulary.

(ai.meta.com)

AI Byte-level Encoding Inference Efficiency

Graphene Interconnects Could Rescue Moore's Law

2024-12-14

Destination 2D, a California-based startup, claims to have solved two longstanding challenges in integrating graphene into chip manufacturing: high-temperature deposition and low charge carrier density. They've developed a technique to deposit graphene interconnects at 300°C, compatible with traditional CMOS processes. Furthermore, using intercalation doping, they've achieved graphene current densities 100 times that of copper. This technology promises to extend Moore's Law and support future generations of semiconductor technology.

(spectrum.ieee.org)

Hardware graphene Moore's Law semiconductors

America's Healthcare System: A Total Breakdown, Beyond Insurance Companies

2024-12-14

The American healthcare system is broken, and the problem extends far beyond insurance companies. An oncologist argues that pharmaceutical firms, PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers), the FDA, CMS, hospitals, and doctors all share responsibility. Pharmaceutical companies push unproven drugs, PBMs profit excessively, regulators are lax, hospitals charge exorbitant fees and engage in predatory practices, and doctors order unnecessary tests and treatments. While insurance companies are frustrating, they are a scapegoat for a larger systemic issue. The author calls for sweeping reforms of the FDA and CMS to end corporate capture of regulatory agencies, addressing the high costs and inefficiency of the US healthcare system. The recent assassination of an insurance CEO highlights public frustration with the system.

(www.sensible-med.com)

Misc healthcare reform healthcare costs US healthcare

Agricultural Trade in Tropical Regions Causes Biodiversity Loss Three Times Higher Than Thought

2024-12-14

A study published in Nature Sustainability reveals that agricultural exports from tropical regions are three times more damaging to biodiversity than previously assumed. Researchers from the Technical University of Munich and ETH Zurich tracked how agricultural exports from 1995 to 2022 affected land-use changes in producing countries. International trade is responsible for over 90% of biodiversity loss during this period, impacting Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and Madagascar particularly severely. The team used satellite data to more accurately assess the long-term impacts of land-use change on biodiversity, highlighting the complex link between global trade and biodiversity loss. The study calls for global action to address this challenge.

(phys.org)

Tech biodiversity agricultural trade land use change land-use change biodiversity loss

Is Creating a Perfectly Spherical Prince Rupert's Drop Possible?

2024-12-14

An engineering question explores the possibility of creating a perfectly spherical Prince Rupert's drop. Prince Rupert's drops are glass objects formed by dripping molten glass into cold water, their unique internal stresses making them incredibly tough except at the tail. The article discusses how, theoretically, in a zero-gravity environment by controlling the cooling rate and removing the effects of gravity, a spherical Prince Rupert's drop could be made, but significant practical challenges remain.

(engineering.stackexchange.com)

Tech Prince Rupert's Drop Glass Material Science

AlphaFind: A JavaScript-Dependent Application

2024-12-14

AlphaFind is an application that requires JavaScript to be enabled to run. This means if JavaScript is disabled in your browser, or your device doesn't support it, the application will not function. Ensure JavaScript is enabled in your browser to access AlphaFind's features.

(alphafind.fi.muni.cz)

Misc application

Battery-Free Energy-Harvesting Holiday Card Unveiled

2024-12-14

In 2024, Jeff Keacher, Sean Beever, and Sophie created a battery-free electronic holiday card. This ingenious card cleverly harvests ambient radio waves and light energy (not from a traditional solar panel) to power its LEDs and is remotely controllable via a 2.4 GHz WiFi network. Designed for maximum power efficiency, it averages just 400 nanowatts of power consumption and can even be powered by the RF energy leaked from a microwave oven.

(www.keacher.com)

Tech energy-harvesting battery-free wireless control

From New Grad to Meta Staff Engineer in 3 Years: Evan King's Success Story

2024-12-14

Evan King shares his journey of rapidly advancing from a new graduate to a Staff Engineer at Meta in just three years. His six key principles for success include: prioritizing speed and efficiency to free up time for growth; broadening perspective to think strategically like a higher-level engineer; embracing uncertainty and sharing ideas freely; focusing on problem-solving over technical complexity; building goodwill and strong relationships; and maintaining a positive attitude. While acknowledging the role of luck and timing, Evan emphasizes the importance of cultivating sustainable habits that compound over time, focusing on core competencies and strategically utilizing the extra bandwidth created by efficiency.

(www.developing.dev)

Development career growth promotion software engineering

Clojure Error Handling: No Silver Bullet, Only Choices

2024-12-14

Clojure offers a diverse range of error-handling approaches, with no single best practice. The article explores several methods: throwing native exceptions, using `ex-info` for data-carrying exceptions, returning error maps, and utilizing various libraries for more sophisticated error handling flows, such as the `anomalies` library or options like `pact` and `failjure`. The author emphasizes that the choice depends on the specific context and that a mix of approaches can coexist within a single project. Developers are empowered to select the most appropriate solution for their needs; Clojure embraces this freedom.

(www.daveliepmann.com)

Development error handling

HTMX v2.0.4 Release Notes: Bug Fixes and Improvements

2024-12-14

The HTMX v2.0.4 release notes detail numerous bug fixes and improvements. This release focuses on stability and compatibility enhancements, including fixes for nested shadow root issues, improved `hx-boost` behavior on forms, better support for Web Components and Shadow DOM, and updated extensions for improved performance and reliability. Adjustments to the `htmx.ajax` function and optimizations to `hx-trigger` event handling are also included.

(github.com)

Development Release Bug Fixes

Mysterious Tablet with Unknown Script Unearthed in Georgia

2024-12-14

A basalt tablet inscribed with an enigmatic language has been discovered near Lake Bashplemi in Georgia's Dmanisi region. The 24.1 x 20.1 cm tablet, featuring 60 characters (39 unique), has baffled researchers. Its symbols, possibly related to military spoils, construction, or religious offerings, bear partial resemblance to scripts from the Middle East, India, Egypt, and West Iberia, yet are distinct. Dating potentially to the Late Bronze or Early Iron Ages, the tablet adds a layer of complexity to the cultural history of the Caucasus, hinting at possible ancient cultural exchange between diverse regions.

(archaeologymag.com)

Misc unknown script

White House Near Collapse: An Unprecedented Reconstruction

2024-12-14

In 1948, the White House, worn down by war damage and hasty renovations, faced imminent collapse due to structural decay and inadequate foundations. President Truman and his family were relocated, initiating a three-year comprehensive reconstruction. This project not only repaired the critical structural issues but also modernized the White House, adding basements, expanding utility spaces, and nearly doubling the number of rooms. A secret atomic bomb shelter was also constructed, reflecting the anxieties of the Cold War era. While the renovated White House was modernized, the removal of original interior elements altered its historical character.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc White House Reconstruction Truman Historic Preservation

PhD Advisor Automates Writing Improvement with Shell Scripts

2024-12-14

To improve his PhD students' writing, an advisor created three shell scripts to detect passive voice overuse, weasel words, and duplicate words. Integrated into their LaTeX build system, these scripts encourage conscious choices for clarity and precision, rather than blind adherence to grammar rules. The advisor advocates for programmers using automation to combat writing weaknesses and recommends resources like "Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace".

(matt.might.net)

Development Shell scripts Technical writing Automation

macOS 15.2 Update Breaks System Replication: Users Face Data Backup Nightmare

2024-12-14

A critical bug in macOS 15.2 has broken the system replication feature, causing data backups to fail with a 'Resource Busy' error, specifically when attempting to copy Preboot or Recovery partitions. Developer Dave Nanian explains that the problem stems from Apple's own code and currently has no easy fix. Users are forced to rely on third-party backup solutions, utilizing a 'Backup - all files' method with a Smart Update to restore their data after a clean system install. This issue is causing significant user frustration, particularly as the holiday season approaches.

(www.shirtpocket.com)

Development system failure data backup

Farebox: A Multimodal Routing Project in Rust

2024-12-14

Farebox is a fast RAPTOR implementation in Rust designed for memory-constrained machines. It leverages Valhalla for transfers and first/last mile routing, supporting multi-agency and timezone-aware routing. The project aims to supplement OpenTripPlanner, providing infill service for areas not covered by existing instances. Memory mapping is used for timetables to enable planet-scale coverage with a single instance and reduce hosting costs. Future plans include GTFS-RT support and potentially rRAPTOR for simultaneous itinerary calculation across various departure times.

(github.com)

Development Routing

McKinsey to Pay $650 Million in Opioid Settlement, But Executives Avoid Charges

2024-12-14

Global consulting giant McKinsey & Company agreed to pay $650 million to settle a federal probe into its role in boosting opioid sales. While McKinsey admitted its strategies led to unsafe and unnecessary opioid prescriptions, and a former senior partner pleaded guilty to destroying documents, other executives escaped criminal charges. This highlights the ongoing issue of large corporations paying hefty fines for their role in the opioid crisis while their top executives rarely face consequences, raising concerns about corporate accountability.

(www.npr.org)

Misc opioid crisis McKinsey corporate accountability

Mysterious Tablet with Unknown Script Unearthed in Georgia

2024-12-14

A basalt tablet inscribed with 60 enigmatic characters has been discovered near Lake Bashplemi in Georgia. The unique symbols, arranged in seven registers, bear partial resemblance to scripts from the Middle East, India, Egypt, and even West Iberia, but don't directly match any known writing system. Dating potentially to the Late Bronze or Early Iron Ages, its purpose remains a mystery, though theories include recording military spoils, construction projects, or religious offerings. The discovery suggests cultural exchange between the Caucasus and neighboring regions in antiquity.

(languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu)

Misc ancient script archaeological discovery Georgia

Hospitals Reporting Mothers to Child Welfare After Administering Medications During Childbirth

2024-12-14

A surge in reports to child welfare agencies is occurring across the U.S. Hospitals are administering medications like pain relievers and sedatives during labor, then reporting mothers to child welfare when subsequent drug tests on the mother or newborn come back positive for the same substances. These positive tests, often false positives due to commonly prescribed medications, lead to police involvement, child welfare investigations, and even child removal. The investigation reveals a lack of verification procedures and excessive surveillance of pregnant women. Experts call for improved hospital drug testing and reporting protocols to prevent harm to mothers and families.

(www.themarshallproject.org)

Misc Medical Malpractice Drug Testing Child Welfare

Luon Programming Language: A Statically Typed Lua

2024-12-14

Luon is a new, statically-typed programming language with a syntax similar to Oberon-based languages, incorporating concepts from Lua and targeting the LuaJIT VM. Essentially a statically-typed version of Lua, it allows for the reuse of existing Lua and C libraries via external procedure declarations. Luon addresses shortcomings in Lua's error handling and code structure, offering a compiler and integrated IDE supporting procedural, generic, and object-oriented programming. The project includes extensive examples and test cases and is under active development.

(github.com)

Development statically typed

IPv6: Schrödinger's Internet Protocol

2024-12-13

IPv6, designed to address the anticipated internet address exhaustion crisis, exists in a paradoxical state. Its deployment steadily expands, connecting more users and devices; yet it seems stalled, overshadowed by the enduring dominance of IPv4 solutions. This article explores the complexities of IPv6 adoption, including the role of NAT, IPv4 address transfers, and inconsistent vendor and application developer readiness. It analyzes different government strategies in promoting IPv6, and how incentives, vendor accountability, and capacity-building initiatives can foster adoption. Ultimately, it highlights IPv6's importance in preserving the internet as an open platform for innovation.

(labs.ripe.net)

Tech Internet Protocol Network Technology

OpenAI Whistleblower Found Dead in San Francisco Apartment

2024-12-13

Suchir Balaji, a 26-year-old former OpenAI researcher, was found dead in his San Francisco apartment. Balaji had previously accused OpenAI of copyright infringement in the development of ChatGPT, arguing their data practices were harmful to the internet ecosystem. His death comes as OpenAI faces numerous lawsuits over its use of copyrighted material to train its AI models. Balaji's testimony was considered crucial to these cases. While police found no signs of foul play, the cause of death remains under investigation, raising concerns about the ethical implications of AI development and data security.

(www.mercurynews.com)

AI AI ethics

Meta FAIR Unveils Breakthrough AI Research, Open-Sourcing Key Models

2024-12-13

Meta FAIR released a suite of groundbreaking AI research artifacts, including Meta Motivo, a foundational model for controlling virtual embodied agents, and Meta Video Seal, an open-source model for video watermarking. This release focuses on advancements in agent capabilities, robustness, safety, and architectural innovations for more efficient learning. Other key contributions include the Flow Matching codebase, Meta Explore Theory-of-Mind for theory-of-mind reasoning, Large Concept Models (LCMs), and the Dynamic Byte Latent Transformer. By open-sourcing these tools and models, Meta aims to foster collaboration and accelerate responsible AI development.

(ai.meta.com)

AI

SCCS: The Source Code Motel After 50 Years

2024-12-13

This article retrospectively examines the influence of the Source Code Control System (SCCS) over the past 50 years. Author Larry McVoy details SCCS's unique weave format, which allows for merging by reference, avoiding the inefficiencies of patch-based copying found in other systems. He explains how SCCS leverages this weave to retrieve any file version in constant time and preserves authorship across versions. While acknowledging shortcomings like long-term locks and file-orientation, McVoy highlights the efficiency of the weave format and its preservation of authorship as groundbreaking, laying the groundwork for later systems like BitKeeper.

(www.tuhs.org)

Development Source Code Management

NASA Solves Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Crash Mystery

2024-12-13

After nearly a year of investigation, NASA has finally solved the mystery behind the crash of Ingenuity, the Mars helicopter carried by the Perseverance rover. The helicopter's navigation system, unable to discern sufficient features on the relatively smooth Martian surface, resulted in a horizontal velocity upon landing. This caused Ingenuity to tumble, breaking its blades. Despite lacking a black box, investigators pieced together the cause from limited data and imagery. Remarkably, Ingenuity still communicates intermittently with Perseverance. The incident has prompted NASA to begin planning for follow-on missions, including a larger Mars helicopter capable of carrying scientific instruments.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Mars exploration Ingenuity navigation system failure

Hexagonal Architecture in Rails: A Path to Decoupling

2024-12-13

This article explores implementing Hexagonal Architecture (Ports and Adapters pattern) in Rails applications. The author initially struggled with the pattern until realizing that 'adapter' directly refers to the Gang of Four Adapter Pattern. The article details inbound and outbound ports, and how adapters decouple application logic from external services (databases, logging, email, etc.). Rails controllers can serve as HTTP adapters, but the author stresses avoiding direct ActiveRecord usage. Instead, custom repositories access data, improving decoupling and maintainability. The article concludes by encouraging Rails developers to adopt Hexagonal Architecture for more robust and maintainable applications.

(the.codegardener.com)

Development Hexagonal Architecture

Repurposing Old Smartphones as Kubernetes Cluster Nodes with postmarketOS

2024-12-13

The author built a functional Kubernetes cluster using discarded smartphones and the postmarketOS operating system. The article details the process, including the reasons for choosing old smartphones (substantial computing power, built-in batteries), the advantages of postmarketOS (Alpine Linux-based, uses the mainline Linux kernel), and challenges encountered during setup (kernel modules, network configuration). Solutions to these challenges are thoroughly explained. The author successfully repurposed old smartphones as Kubernetes nodes, efficiently utilizing resources and promoting sustainability.

(blog.denv.it)

Development smartphone repurposing

CIA's Animal Spies: From Pigeons to Rats, Declassified Secrets of Nature's Arsenal

2024-12-13

The CIA's history of using animals in espionage is filled with creativity and challenges. From pigeons carrying miniature cameras, to the attempted use of a cat for eavesdropping in the 'Acoustikitty' program (ultimately failing due to the cat's independent nature), to robotic catfish 'Charlie' for underwater reconnaissance, and the dragonfly-mimicking miniature drone 'Insectothopter', the CIA showcased its imagination, leveraging animal characteristics for intelligence gathering. Additionally, they used animal remains as camouflaged dead drops, even employing rats soaked in cat repellent to deliver messages. These imaginative attempts highlight the CIA's innovative spirit in technology and intelligence, and also reflect the unique value of animals in special environments.

(www.cia.gov)

Misc animal spies CIA technological innovation

HP 9845C: A Colorful Pioneer of 80s Computer Graphics

2024-12-13

In 1981, the HP 9845C, the top-of-the-line model in the 9845 series, emerged as the first HP computer to support color, stunning the world with its powerful graphics capabilities. Featuring hardware-accelerated vector drawing and polygon fill, and supporting fast matrix operations for 3D model rendering, this machine initially designed for scientific and engineering use quickly became a multipurpose system, even contributing to the graphic scenes in the 1983 film "WarGames." Its demo program was remarkable, boasting over 4000 lines of code and showcasing cutting-edge concepts like 3D shading, ordered dithering, wireframe rendering, interactive light pen control, and color infographics at a high resolution of up to 4913 colors.

(socks-studio.com)

Tech computer graphics vintage computer

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