Sewage: From Waste to Resource

2025-08-27
Sewage: From Waste to Resource

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.

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C++-style OOP in C: Kernel Services via Function Pointers

2025-08-27
C++-style OOP in C: Kernel Services via Function Pointers

This article details how the author implemented a virtual table (vtable) mechanism in their operating system kernel using C's function pointers and structs, mimicking object-oriented programming. This approach enables unified management of kernel services like starting, stopping, and restarting, and allows for flexible scheduling policy changes without extensive code modification. The author explains the implementation and application of vtables with examples of device drivers and service management, discussing the advantages and disadvantages. While the C syntax leads to slightly verbose code, this method enhances readability and maintainability, improving kernel flexibility and extensibility.

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Development

Delphi TensorFlow Lite Image Classifier

2025-08-27
Delphi TensorFlow Lite Image Classifier

This Delphi code implements a simple TensorFlow Lite image classifier. It loads a model file, preprocesses image data from an Image1 component, and feeds the data to a TensorFlow Lite interpreter for inference. The inference results, probabilities for each class, are displayed in a ListView1 component. The code includes error handling and resource release mechanisms for stability.

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Development Image Classification

Urgent: Malicious nx Build Kit Steals GitHub Keys

2025-08-27
Urgent: Malicious nx Build Kit Steals GitHub Keys

A malicious post-install command in the popular nx build kit has been discovered, creating a repository prefixed with 's1ngularity-repository' on affected users' GitHub accounts. This malware steals wallets, API keys, and environment variables, storing them in a base64-encoded file. Cleverly, it leverages LLMs like Claude Code CLI or Gemini CLI to offload much of its fingerprintable code to a prompt, making detection harder. Impacted versions of nx have been removed from npm. Users should immediately check their GitHub accounts, update nx to the latest safe version, and rotate any compromised secrets.

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Elon Musk Denied Entry to Berghain: A Berlin Triumph of Anti-Elitism

2025-08-27

Elon Musk, the world's richest man, has become infamous in Berlin for his support of Trump and Germany's far-right AfD party, and for performing a Nazi salute. Adding to the irony, he was denied entry to Berghain, Berlin's most exclusive nightclub, a symbolic victory for Berlin's anti-elitism and commitment to authenticity. The incident sparked numerous memes and songs, becoming a part of Berlin's culture and highlighting the city's embrace of inclusivity and anti-establishment values.

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Ninth Circuit Slams Copyright Owners' Misuse of DMCA 512(h)

2025-08-27
Ninth Circuit Slams Copyright Owners' Misuse of DMCA 512(h)

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.

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Intentionally Slowing Down Programs: A Surprising Boost to Developer Tool Accuracy

2025-08-27
Intentionally Slowing Down Programs: A Surprising Boost to Developer Tool Accuracy

Most research on programming language performance focuses on speeding up programs, but a new study explores the benefits of intentionally slowing them down. By inserting NOP or MOV instructions into program basic blocks, researchers achieved fine-grained control over program execution, leading to more precise race condition detection, speedup simulation, and profiler accuracy assessment. Experiments on an Intel Core i5-10600 showed that NOP and MOV instructions are best suited for this purpose, opening new avenues for future advanced developer tooling.

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Development profilers

F-35 Crash: 50-Minute Airborne Conference Call Couldn't Save $200M Fighter Jet

2025-08-27
F-35 Crash: 50-Minute Airborne Conference Call Couldn't Save $200M Fighter Jet

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.

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Ember: Automating Healthcare's Back Office for Better Patient Care

2025-08-27
Ember: Automating Healthcare's Back Office for Better Patient Care

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.

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QEMU 10.1 Released: Enhanced Architecture Support and Performance Improvements

2025-08-27

QEMU 10.1 is out, boasting enhanced support for multiple architectures including RISC-V, Arm, and x86, alongside significant performance improvements. New instruction set support (SME2, SVE2, etc.) has been added, along with new board models and virtualization features. Existing functionalities have also seen upgrades, such as improved floating-point exception emulation, optimized block device operations, and network performance boosts. Notably, Rust support has been enhanced but remains experimental.

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Development System Emulation

Monodraw: System Requirements and FAQs

2025-08-27

Monodraw requires macOS 11 Big Sur or later. Older macOS versions can use v1.3 (macOS 10.10 Yosemite) or v1.5 (macOS 10.14 Mojave). The command-line tool is only included in versions downloaded directly from our website and purchased from our store due to App Store sandbox restrictions. Feedback can be sent via email or tweet @Monodraw. Your email address will not be shared with third parties; it's only used for important updates and product news. A press kit is available for download, and educational pricing is offered. Monodraw does not collect any user data.

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Development

FilterQL: A Tiny Query Language for Filtering Structured Data

2025-08-27
FilterQL: A Tiny Query Language for Filtering Structured Data

FilterQL is a lightweight query language for filtering structured data. It consists of a TypeScript library and a language specification, with implementations in other languages welcome. Users define a schema for their data and then use a concise syntax to filter, sort, and limit results, such as `genre == Action` or `year >= 2008 && rating >= 8.5 | SORT rating desc`. FilterQL supports a variety of comparison and logical operators, and allows for custom operations to extend its capabilities. It's perfect for building CLIs or other tools needing flexible data filtering.

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Development typescript

Korean Air's $50B Boeing Deal: A Giant Leap for Growth

2025-08-27
Korean Air's $50B Boeing Deal: A Giant Leap for Growth

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.

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Molluscs of the Multiverse: A Biological Look at Magic: The Gathering

2025-08-27
Molluscs of the Multiverse: A Biological Look at Magic: The Gathering

Three museum researchers delve into the surprisingly diverse mollusc representation in the popular card game Magic: The Gathering. They examine snails, slugs, bivalves, and cephalopods, comparing the game's depictions to real-world biology. The authors highlight the creative ways the game uses biological forms, behaviors, and ecology, revealing a fascinating interplay between fantasy and science. This article is a fun exploration of game lore and a surprisingly insightful primer on mollusc biology, appealing to gamers and biology enthusiasts alike.

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Game Molluscs

In the AI Era, Adaptable Tools Will Win

2025-08-27
In the AI Era, Adaptable Tools Will Win

In the age of AI, success hinges not on adapting to tools, but on tools adapting to you. The article contrasts Linear, a rigid tool, with Fibery, a flexible one, illustrating their diverging fates. Linear's inflexibility limits AI integration, while Fibery leverages LLMs to transform complex setups into simple prompts. LLMs shift the focus from solution design to problem definition; users describe needs in natural language, and AI handles the implementation. This highlights the power of malleable software, where configuration becomes fast and easy, allowing users to adapt to evolving needs, while rigid tools fall behind. The article predicts that malleable software will gradually replace rigid counterparts in the coming years, becoming the dominant paradigm.

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Development Malleable Software

Fossil Fuel-Funded Groups Harass Scientists Blocking Offshore Wind

2025-08-27
Fossil Fuel-Funded Groups Harass Scientists Blocking Offshore Wind

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.

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Over 300 Million Americans' Social Security Numbers at Risk After Data Copy

2025-08-27
Over 300 Million Americans' Social Security Numbers at Risk After Data Copy

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.

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Tech

Chinese Astronauts Create Rocket Fuel and Oxygen in Space

2025-08-27
Chinese Astronauts Create Rocket Fuel and Oxygen in Space

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.

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Therac-25: A Software Bug That Killed

2025-08-27
Therac-25: A Software Bug That Killed

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.

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Elegant Retry Loops: Avoiding Redundancy and Unexpected Sleeps

2025-08-27

The author explores writing an elegant retry loop that clearly bounds the number of retries, avoids spurious sleep after the last attempt, reports the original error if retrying fails, and avoids code duplication. Several approaches are compared, ultimately settling on a `try while` loop with an upper bound to guarantee termination, addressing boundary issues and potential runaway loops in previous solutions. While the final solution isn't perfect, it represents a significant improvement in brevity and robustness over previous attempts.

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Development

LibreOffice 25.8: A Strategic Asset for Digital Sovereignty

2025-08-27
LibreOffice 25.8: A Strategic Asset for Digital Sovereignty

Amidst rising geopolitical tensions and data localization laws, LibreOffice 25.8 emerges as a strategic choice for organizations prioritizing digital sovereignty and privacy. This fully open-source, locally-run productivity suite offers complete control over software, data, and infrastructure. Key features include zero telemetry, full offline functionality, and OpenPGP encryption. Its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats and integration with platforms like Nextcloud ensure smooth transitions and collaboration. Adopted by governments and institutions in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, LibreOffice empowers organizations to reduce IT costs, enhance data security, and minimize reliance on foreign vendors.

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Tech

Google Translate Gets AI-Powered Language Learning

2025-08-27
Google Translate Gets AI-Powered Language Learning

Google is integrating AI-powered language learning tools into its Translate app. This beta feature creates personalized lessons based on your skill level and goals, such as preparing for a vacation. Currently, it supports English speakers learning Spanish and French, and vice-versa for Spanish, French, and Portuguese speakers. Users select their skill level and goals (professional conversations, daily interactions, etc.), and Google's Gemini AI generates tailored lessons. A new live translation feature also lets users have real-time conversations in over 70 languages, translating speech via AI-generated transcription and audio.

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AI

The Secret to Long-Lasting Beer Head: It's All About Fermentation

2025-08-27
The Secret to Long-Lasting Beer Head: It's All About Fermentation

A seven-year study by Swiss researchers reveals the crucial role of fermentation in beer foam longevity. The research, published in Physics of Fluids, shows that the number of fermentations (single, double, or triple) significantly impacts foam stability. Foam stability is a complex interplay of factors including surfactants, gravity, and bubble interactions. Understanding these dynamics not only enhances our appreciation of beer but also offers insights into the broader field of foam science.

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Anthropic Settles Massive Copyright Lawsuit After Facing Existential Threat

2025-08-27
Anthropic Settles Massive Copyright Lawsuit After Facing Existential Threat

Anthropic, an AI company, settled a massive copyright infringement lawsuit stemming from the use of millions of pirated books to train its large language models. Faced with potential damages exceeding hundreds of billions of dollars after a judge approved class-action status, Anthropic yielded to immense financial pressure. The settlement highlights the significant challenges posed by current copyright laws and the potential chilling effect on AI innovation, sparking debate over necessary legal reforms in the age of AI.

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OpenAI Faces First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over ChatGPT's Role in Teen Suicide

2025-08-27
OpenAI Faces First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Over ChatGPT's Role in Teen Suicide

The parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine, who died by suicide after months of consulting ChatGPT about his plans, have filed the first known wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI. While AI chatbots like ChatGPT include safety features, Raine bypassed them by framing his inquiries as a fictional story. OpenAI acknowledges limitations in its safety training, particularly during extended conversations, and commits to improvements. However, this isn't unique to OpenAI; similar lawsuits target other AI chatbots, highlighting the shortcomings of current AI safety measures.

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AI suicide

Hosting.com Acquires Rocket.net: A WordPress Hosting Powerhouse Merges

2025-08-27
Hosting.com Acquires Rocket.net: A WordPress Hosting Powerhouse Merges

Fast-growing managed WordPress hosting company Rocket.net has been acquired by Hosting.com. This acquisition brings Rocket.net's robust SaaS platform and strong brand under Hosting.com's umbrella, while providing Rocket.net with access to significant capital and global reach. Rocket.net will continue to operate independently, with founder and CEO Ben Gabler appointed as Hosting.com's Chief Product Officer. The acquisition strengthens Hosting.com's capabilities and expands its reach to new regions including Mexico, UAE, and Australia. Both companies reaffirm their commitment to WordPress and open source.

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German Court Bans Apple's 'Carbon Neutral' Watch Ads

2025-08-27
German Court Bans Apple's 'Carbon Neutral' Watch Ads

A German court ordered Apple to stop advertising its Apple Watch as carbon neutral, deeming the claim misleading and a violation of German competition law. The court questioned the validity of Apple's carbon offsetting program in Paraguay, citing concerns about the short-term nature of land leases and the uncertainty of long-term carbon sequestration. Apple can appeal, but the ruling highlights the need for companies to be cautious about carbon offset claims and avoid greenwashing.

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Dish Sells $23B in 5G Spectrum to AT&T, Fourth Carrier Dream Ends

2025-08-27
Dish Sells $23B in 5G Spectrum to AT&T, Fourth Carrier Dream Ends

EchoStar, Dish's parent company, sold a significant portion of its 5G spectrum licenses to AT&T for $23 billion. This marks the end of Dish's ambition to be the fourth major US wireless carrier. Dish had invested billions in building a 5G network and acquiring Boost Mobile to fulfill a Department of Justice mandate. However, mounting debt and FCC scrutiny led to the spectrum sale. Dish will now become a hybrid mobile network operator, relying on AT&T and T-Mobile's infrastructure. While the deal helps EchoStar pay down debt, the future of its independent 5G network, Project Genesis, remains uncertain.

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Nine-Day Milestone: Gene-Edited Pig Lung Transplanted into Human

2025-08-27
Nine-Day Milestone: Gene-Edited Pig Lung Transplanted into Human

A team from the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University achieved a groundbreaking feat: successfully transplanting a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead human, maintaining function for nine days. While the experiment was ultimately terminated due to organ rejection, it represents a significant advancement in xenotransplantation. The focus wasn't on immediate success, but on observing the human immune response. The pig lung underwent six gene edits to minimize immune and inflammatory responses. Results highlighted challenges such as pulmonary edema and antibody-mediated rejection. Future research will focus on optimizing immunosuppression, refining gene editing, and ultimately achieving clinical translation.

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