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My Used 2023 Nissan Leaf: A Budget EV Experience

2025-09-05

In 2025, the author bought a used 2023 Nissan Leaf, his first 'new' car in 15 years. The article details his decision-making process, weighing the Leaf's affordability and practicality against competitors like Tesla. He highlights the Leaf's advantages, such as one-pedal driving, peppy torque, and lower maintenance, but also its drawbacks: inconsistent charging infrastructure, lack of standardization, and some design quirks. Ultimately, the author finds the Leaf suitable for his short-commute needs, but concludes that EVs still face significant price and infrastructure barriers for most car owners.

(www.jeffgeerling.com)

Tech Nissan Leaf Used Car

99-Million-Year-Old Amber Reveals Ancient Zombie Fungus

2025-06-30

99-Million-Year-Old Amber Reveals Ancient Zombie Fungus

A 99-million-year-old piece of amber has yielded a remarkable discovery: an ancient fly with a zombie fungus erupting from its head, alongside a similarly infected ant. These represent some of the oldest known examples of fungi parasitizing insects, providing a glimpse into ancient ecological relationships. Researchers used microscopy and CT scanning to identify two new species of ancient fungi, hypothesizing a similar parasitic mechanism to modern 'zombie-ant fungi'. The discovery suggests complex ecosystems existed in the Cretaceous period and raises questions about the evolutionary history of these parasitic fungi.

(www.cnn.com)

Tech amber

Google's UI/UX: A Bad Design Example

2025-04-24

While Google is often criticized for its data collection practices, less attention is paid to its influence on UI/UX design. As a dominant tech company, its design choices set standards, leading developers to mimic its style. However, Google's own interfaces are frequently criticized for being chaotic and confusing. This "do it like Google" effect results in a homogenization of design, stifling innovation and harming user experience. The author argues that Google's poor design not only impacts users but also sets a bad precedent for the industry, contrasting it with Apple's generally better user experience design. This extends beyond tech, affecting even household appliances, illustrating the broader impact of a dominant company's design choices.

(rakhim.exotext.com)

Design UI/UX design

Embedding Lua in Rust for Configurable Static SQL Analysis in sqleibniz

2024-12-19

sqleibniz, a static SQL analysis tool for the SQLite dialect, has been enhanced with Lua scripting for increased configurability and extensibility. The author details the integration using the mlua crate in Rust, covering data structure conversion, Lua function calls, and error handling. Lua scripts allow users to define custom rules and hooks, enabling flexible static analysis such as customized diagnostics and style checks. This significantly improves sqleibniz's extensibility and user experience.

(xnacly.me)

Development Static Analysis

Howdy: Windows Hello-style Facial Login for Linux

2025-06-26

Howdy: Windows Hello-style Facial Login for Linux

Howdy brings Windows Hello-like facial recognition login to Linux. Using your built-in IR emitters and camera, it provides convenient authentication. Integrating with PAM, it works everywhere you'd normally use a password: login, lock screen, sudo, su, etc. Howdy supports Debian/Ubuntu, Arch Linux, Fedora, and openSUSE, with detailed installation instructions covering .deb packages, AUR, Fedora COPR, and building from source. Important: Howdy's security is not absolute and should not be used as your sole authentication method.

(github.com)

Development

Call for Fictional Research: Deals and Dealings

2025-05-18

Call for Fictional Research: Deals and Dealings

The Journal of Imaginary Research is calling for submissions of short fictional pieces themed around "deals and dealings." Contributors need to submit a 200-word fictional research abstract, a 100-word fictional researcher biography, and a copyright-free image. This initiative encourages academics to enjoy writing for pleasure and reflects on creative communication within academia. The deadline is December 1st, 2023.

(journalofimaginaryresearch.home.blog)

Misc Fictional Writing Academic

Sub-nanosecond Flash Memory Device Based on 2D Materials: Fabrication and Modeling

2025-04-23

Sub-nanosecond Flash Memory Device Based on 2D Materials: Fabrication and Modeling

Researchers fabricated a sub-nanosecond flash memory device based on two-dimensional (2D) materials (WSe2, graphene, and hBN). The fabrication process involved e-beam lithography, atomic layer deposition, and mechanical exfoliation. The device's structure and performance were characterized using atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. A quasi-2D model was developed to simulate the device's electrical characteristics, and its validity was experimentally verified. This research provides new avenues for developing high-performance, low-power next-generation flash memory devices.

(www.nature.com)

Hardware flash memory device modeling

IPv4 Down? Linux, WireGuard, and Hetzner Saved My Internet!

2025-06-29

A power outage knocked out my IPv4 internet connectivity, leaving only IPv6, but many websites were inaccessible. I used a Hetzner VPS, WireGuard, and Linux network namespaces to cleverly fix this. By setting up a WireGuard server on the VPS, I tunneled my IPv6 connection to restore IPv4 functionality. Network namespaces allowed me to run my work VPN and Docker without interfering with WireGuard. I also solved WireGuard MTU issues. This whole process highlighted the flexibility and problem-solving power of Linux.

(jamesmcm.github.io)

Development

The Optimization Challenges of Low-Level Languages and the Future of Polyglot Programming

2025-07-27

A recurring problem in modern “low-level” languages is the difficulty in optimization due to their disconnect from hardware. The author uses Haskell and Futhark as examples, highlighting the advantages of functional languages in optimization. Their restrictive design and referential transparency allow compilers more freedom to optimize. However, some scenarios still require low-level operations, such as Rust's `unsafe` blocks. The article ultimately advocates for a polyglot programming paradigm, building meta-languages to let developers easily choose the right tool for the job, such as inline Futhark or Datalog, ultimately improving overall performance and addressing optimization challenges.

(jyn.dev)

Development

Sound Waves Rewire Gene Activity in Cells

2025-07-03

Sound Waves Rewire Gene Activity in Cells

Audible sound waves can alter gene expression in mouse cells, according to a new study in Communications Biology. Researchers exposed mouse myoblast cells to various frequencies of sound, discovering that over 100 genes showed altered activity. The sound increased cell adhesion and reduced fat accumulation. This non-invasive approach holds potential for regenerative medicine and cancer treatment, with human trials a possibility within the next decade.

(www.scientificamerican.com)

Tech sound waves

Popcorn: Running Elixir in the Browser

2025-05-17

Popcorn is a novel library enabling the execution of Elixir code within web browsers. Leveraging the AtomVM runtime, it executes compiled Elixir code client-side, offering APIs for Elixir-JavaScript interaction, serialization, and communication, while ensuring browser responsiveness. Currently under development, with an unstable API, it showcases three live examples: a simple Elixir REPL, interactive tutorials, and a Game of Life implementation. Developers can start using Popcorn by adding it as a dependency in their `mix.exs` and setting up JS and Elixir WASM entry points. It connects JS and Elixir via message passing and allows direct JS execution from Elixir. The Elixir side uses the `Popcorn.Wasm` module, while the JS side uses the `Popcorn` class.

(popcorn.swmansion.com)

Development

Mexico's Open Source Journey: A David vs. Goliath Story of Government Transformation

2025-04-06

Former high-ranking Mexican government official Federico González Waite shared his decade-long experience pushing open-source software adoption within the Mexican government. To cut costs, achieve IT sovereignty, and break free from proprietary software vendors, he led multiple projects, including building the national e-passport system and deploying large-scale communications infrastructure. Despite facing threats from giants like Oracle and resistance within the government, they made significant progress, but also faced setbacks, such as projects failing due to lack of sustained funding and changes in government leadership. He stressed that successful open-source transformation hinges on strong internal support and leadership commitment, along with continuous investment in talent development.

(lwn.net)

Tech government digital transformation

Repair: How Great Managers Learn From Mistakes

2025-08-22

Repair: How Great Managers Learn From Mistakes

Managers will make mistakes; it's inevitable. This article emphasizes the importance of "repair," proactively acknowledging mistakes, taking responsibility, and making amends. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on repairing relationships with your team. The author uses personal anecdotes and observations to illustrate how to repair mistakes through specific steps: being specific about the error, focusing on the impact on others, changing behavior, and consistent improvement. Ultimately, managers who are good at repair build stronger trust and improve team performance.

(terriblesoftware.org)

Development team

Stratolaunch's Talon-A2 Achieves Hypersonic Flight – Twice

2025-05-07

Stratolaunch's Talon-A2 Achieves Hypersonic Flight – Twice

Stratolaunch successfully conducted two hypersonic test flights of its Talon-A2 vehicle. Launched from its massive Roc carrier aircraft, Talon-A2 reached hypersonic speeds over the Pacific Ocean before successfully landing. This achievement represents a significant advancement in US hypersonic technology, paving the way for military and commercial applications. The tests utilized Northrop Grumman's Advanced Hypersonic Technology Inertial Measurement Unit, gathering valuable data for future development. The flights supported the US military's MACH-TB program in partnership with Leidos.

(www.space.com)

Tech hypersonic test flight

Programming Vehicles in Games: From Concept to Code

2025-07-26

Programming Vehicles in Games: From Concept to Code

This article dives deep into the principles and practice of programming realistic vehicle behavior in games. The author recounts their journey, starting with a simple Newtonian model and iteratively refining it to achieve a more authentic simulation. The core components—engine, tires, and chassis—are explained in detail, including tire modeling using longitudinal and lateral forces, the Pacejka magic formula, and the interaction between these forces. A pseudocode example demonstrates integration into a game physics engine. The author stresses balancing realistic physics with the desired gameplay experience.

(wassimulator.com)

Development vehicle simulation

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

2025-07-12

Spice of Life, Lead in Death: Unmasking a Global Lead Poisoning Crisis

A decades-long public health crisis of lead poisoning affecting millions of children worldwide has finally begun to see significant progress. A New York City detective specializing in toxic element exposure and a California PhD student, through painstaking investigation across continents, uncovered the source of a high rate of lead poisoning in Bangladeshi children: lead chromate added to turmeric to enhance its color. Their findings prompted swift action by the Bangladeshi government, drastically reducing lead levels. This success story, however, highlights the broader global problem, demanding continued international cooperation to tackle the pervasive presence of lead in various consumer products.

(www.npr.org)

Tech lead poisoning Bangladesh

Workday Cuts 8.5% of Workforce, Embraces AI-Driven Efficiency

2025-02-05

Workday Cuts 8.5% of Workforce, Embraces AI-Driven Efficiency

Workday Inc., a leading provider of human capital management software, announced it is cutting approximately 8.5% of its workforce, impacting around 1,750 employees. CEO Carl Eschenbach cited the need for a new approach given the current economic climate and the company's scale. While aiming for increased efficiency and faster decision-making, Workday plans to invest in strategic AI initiatives and expand its international presence. This move, though surprising given Workday's previous avoidance of large-scale layoffs, may signal concerns about demand recovery or user growth. The restructuring is expected to yield cost savings between $230 million and $270 million by the end of April 2025.

(finance.yahoo.com)

Tech

Zig Software Foundation's 2025 Financial Report & Fundraiser: A Plea for Sustainability

2025-09-03

The Zig Software Foundation released its 2024 financial report, showcasing efficient resource allocation where the majority of funds went directly to compensating contributors. Despite a slight dip in donations, user activity exploded, leading to a surge in issues and pull requests. To address this growing demand, the foundation expanded its core team and is now seeking sustained donations to maintain operations and project momentum. They prefer donations via Every.org, and encourage various support methods including company matching, venture capital investment, and individual contributions.

(ziglang.org)

Development Zig programming language

Apple's iOS Browser Engine Ban: Defying the EU's Digital Markets Act?

2025-07-14

Apple's iOS Browser Engine Ban: Defying the EU's Digital Markets Act?

Open Web Advocacy accuses Apple of violating the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) with its ban on third-party browser engines on iOS. Apple claims ignorance as to why no browser vendor has ported their engine in the past 15 months, but in reality, Apple's technical and contractual restrictions make porting financially unviable. This stifles browser competition and web app innovation, harming consumers and developers. Apple's actions are driven by the desire to protect Safari's lucrative profits and its search engine deal with Google. The EU needs to act and enforce the DMA to foster fair competition.

(open-web-advocacy.org)

Tech Browser Engine

Advanced Alchemy: A High-Performance Companion Library for SQLAlchemy

2025-04-23

Advanced Alchemy: A High-Performance Companion Library for SQLAlchemy

Advanced Alchemy is a carefully crafted, thoroughly tested, and optimized companion library for SQLAlchemy. It offers sync and async repositories with common CRUD operations and highly optimized bulk operations. It integrates with major web frameworks including Litestar, Starlette, FastAPI, and Sanic, and features a custom-built Alembic configuration and CLI. Built-in features include a File Object data type supporting various storage backends (fsspec and obstore), optimized JSON types, support for UUID6 and UUID7, and pre-configured base classes. Advanced Alchemy simplifies CRUD operations on SQLAlchemy models and provides features like pagination, sorting, and filtering.

(github.com)

Development

Gartner Predicts AI Takeover of All IT Work by 2030

2025-09-09

Gartner Predicts AI Takeover of All IT Work by 2030

Gartner analysts predict that by 2030, AI will assist with all IT department tasks, but this doesn't translate to mass job losses. While entry-level roles may decrease, AI will augment senior staff, giving IT departments increased capacity and requiring them to demonstrate value. However, AI implementation is costly, including ongoing use case exploration and retraining, and unexpected ancillary costs like acquiring new datasets and managing multiple models. Gartner estimates 65% of CIOs aren't breaking even on AI investments. IT executives are advised to focus on major cloud vendors and move beyond simple AI chatbots toward interactive agents capable of autonomously negotiating with suppliers.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Sleep Trackers: Are They Really Measuring What Matters?

2025-04-11

Sleep Trackers: Are They Really Measuring What Matters?

Affectable Sleep challenges the efficacy of sleep trackers. The article argues that trackers overemphasize sleep duration and consistency, neglecting sleep quality and restorative function. For example, a tracker might give a low score even if someone gets a short but deeply restorative sleep. Trackers fail to interpret the physiological mechanisms behind sleep, offering only post-hoc analysis and no real-time optimization. The article advocates focusing on the physiological and neurological processes of sleep rather than mere data, and calls for a new approach that prioritizes sleep quality over quantity.

(www.affectablesleep.com)

Tech

Caffeine's Nighttime Brain Drain: How It Disrupts Sleep and Varies by Age

2025-06-09

Caffeine's Nighttime Brain Drain: How It Disrupts Sleep and Varies by Age

A University of Montreal study reveals caffeine not only keeps you awake but alters brain function during sleep. EEG analysis showed caffeine increases brain signal complexity, pushing the brain towards a 'critical' state – beneficial for daytime focus but disruptive to nighttime rest. Caffeine weakens delta, theta, and alpha waves associated with deep sleep, particularly during non-REM sleep crucial for memory consolidation and cognitive recovery. Younger adults showed greater sensitivity to these effects. Published in Communications Biology, the research highlights the importance of understanding caffeine's age-dependent impact on sleep.

(www.sciencealert.com)

Tech

ChatGPT Adds Shopping: Personalized E-commerce Search

2025-04-28

ChatGPT Adds Shopping: Personalized E-commerce Search

OpenAI announced that ChatGPT will soon allow users to buy products directly through the chat interface. This feature, rolling out to all users regardless of login status, redirects shoppers to the merchant's website for checkout. Leveraging ChatGPT's memory of user preferences and web-sourced product reviews, the AI provides personalized recommendations. OpenAI emphasizes that results are organic, not ads or sponsored placements, offering a more conversational and personalized shopping experience based on understanding user reviews and discussions.

(www.wired.com)

Tech AI Shopping

Debunking the Myth: Did Globalization Really Hollow Out the American Middle Class?

2025-05-08

Debunking the Myth: Did Globalization Really Hollow Out the American Middle Class?

This article challenges the popular narrative that globalization and trade deficits led to the decline of American manufacturing and the hollowing out of the middle class. While acknowledging the negative impact of the China shock on some manufacturing workers, the author argues that its effects have been exaggerated. American middle-class income has actually been growing, and the decline in manufacturing's share of GDP is attributed to multiple factors beyond trade deficits. The author calls for a more nuanced perspective on trade and industrial policy, urging readers to avoid being misled by a flawed narrative.

(www.noahpinion.blog)

Tech Globalization Trade Deficits American Manufacturing

We Were Never Pure: A Long History of Globalization

2025-01-10

We Were Never Pure: A Long History of Globalization

This essay challenges the notion that globalization began in the 1990s, arguing instead that it's a continuous process throughout human history. By analyzing historical markets, the Columbian Exchange, and cultural exchanges, the author demonstrates that cultural blending isn't a modern phenomenon but a fundamental characteristic of human societal evolution. The article critiques the view of globalization as a threat, suggesting this stems from historical amnesia and a fantasy of 'pure cultures.' It calls for recognizing globalization as the driving force of human cultural evolution, not a catastrophe.

(aeon.co)

Misc globalization cultural exchange

Google Search's AI Upgrade: Stable Traffic, New Opportunities for Websites

2025-08-07

Google Search's AI Upgrade: Stable Traffic, New Opportunities for Websites

Since integrating AI features, Google Search has seen relatively stable overall traffic, with a slight increase in high-quality clicks. While some sites may experience decreased traffic, this is largely due to shifting user preferences toward websites offering diverse content like forums, videos, and podcasts, as well as in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. Google's AI-powered Search aims to highlight, not replace, web content. It directs users to relevant sites using links and citations, respecting open web protocols. Google believes AI will create many opportunities, helping businesses and creators reach broader audiences.

(blog.google)

Tech Website Traffic

New Benchmark Exposes the Automation Bottleneck in OCR: Achieving 98% Precision

2025-03-14

The influx of new OCR players like Mistral and Andrew Ng's offerings makes it hard for enterprises to distinguish genuine advancements from hype. Existing benchmarks focus on OCR accuracy and information extraction, neglecting automation levels. Nanonets introduces a new benchmark emphasizing automation at 98% precision. Using a dataset of 1000 images and 16,639 annotated data points, they measure model performance based on confidence scores – the proportion of data accurately processed without human intervention. While LLMs excel in overall accuracy, reliable confidence scores remain elusive. Gemini 2.0 Flash achieved 98% precision but automated only 8% of the data. This benchmark aims to help enterprises find solutions that truly reduce manual effort in document processing.

(nanonets.com)

Development

Claude AI Now Creates & Edits Files Directly

2025-09-09

Claude AI Now Creates & Edits Files Directly

Anthropic's Claude AI can now create and edit Excel spreadsheets, documents, PowerPoint presentations, and PDFs directly within Claude.ai and its desktop app. Users describe their needs, upload data, and receive ready-to-use files. This includes tasks like turning raw data into polished reports with analysis and charts, or building complex spreadsheets. The feature is currently in preview for Max, Team, and Enterprise users, with Pro user access coming soon. While convenient, users should monitor chats closely due to internet access for file creation and analysis.

(www.anthropic.com)

AI File Creation

Belling the Cat: A Timeless Fable About Action vs. Planning

2025-09-07

Belling the Cat: A Timeless Fable About Action vs. Planning

The fable "Belling the Cat" recounts a group of mice devising a plan to attach a bell to a cat's collar to warn of its approach. However, the plan fails due to a lack of volunteers willing to undertake the perilous task. This timeless story highlights the gap between planning and execution, emphasizing the critical role of feasibility in any plan. From ancient times to the modern day, interpretations range from political commentary to reflections on individual behavior, highlighting the enduring tension between ambition and practicality.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Misc fable planning

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