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How Red Mesh Bags Make Oranges Look More Orange

2025-04-13

The author noticed that red mesh bags used for oranges in grocery stores seem to make the oranges appear more vibrant. To investigate, 11 photos of oranges were taken, both with and without the mesh bag, and average pixel values were calculated. Results showed the average pixel color was browner than perceived by eye, but the red mesh clearly added warmth, notably in the green channel. This suggests human color perception is more nuanced than simple pixel averaging, prompting a call for a human-perception-based experiment to confirm the red mesh's effect.

(alexanderell.is)

Tech color perception visual illusion

arXivLabs: Experimenting with Community-Driven Features

2025-02-01

arXivLabs is a framework enabling collaborators to build and share new arXiv features directly on the website. Participants, both individuals and organizations, embrace arXiv's values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only partners with those who share them. Got an idea for a project that will benefit the arXiv community? Learn more about arXivLabs.

(arxiv.org)

Development Community Collaboration Open Platform

DEA's New Covert Surveillance Tech: Credit Card Cameras

2025-09-21

DEA's New Covert Surveillance Tech: Credit Card Cameras

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is employing increasingly sophisticated surveillance techniques. Newly revealed procurement data shows the agency purchased 57 audio-video recording devices disguised as credit cards from Swiss company Nagra. These devices, boasting 16GB of storage, are part of a larger trend of the DEA utilizing covert technology, having previously hidden cameras in everyday objects such as streetlights and toolboxes. This latest acquisition underscores the DEA's commitment to advanced surveillance capabilities in its law enforcement operations.

(www.independent.co.uk)

Tech Surveillance Technology Covert Cameras

CircuitHub: Revolutionizing Electronics Manufacturing with AI-Powered Optimization

2025-09-18

CircuitHub: Revolutionizing Electronics Manufacturing with AI-Powered Optimization

CircuitHub is transforming small-batch, high-mix electronics assembly with its robotic platform, 'The Grid,' achieving semiconductor-fab levels of precision. Backed by $20M in funding from Y Combinator, Google Ventures, and others, and already profitable, CircuitHub serves clients like Tesla, Meta, and Zipline. They're seeking an engineer to lead their Operations Research team, focusing on scheduling and pricing optimization using Python, Google OR-Tools, and other tools. This high-impact role aims to triple revenue in the next year and requires direct experience with operations research problems. Remote work or work from labs in the UK or USA is available.

(www.ycombinator.com)

Tech electronics manufacturing operations research

OmniSVG: A Unified Scalable Vector Graphics Generation Model

2025-04-13

OmniSVG: A Unified Scalable Vector Graphics Generation Model

OmniSVG is the first family of end-to-end multimodal SVG generators leveraging pre-trained Vision-Language Models (VLMs). It can generate complex and detailed SVGs, ranging from simple icons to intricate anime characters. The project has released the MMSVG-Icon and MMSVG-Illustration datasets and the research paper. Future plans include releasing the code and pre-trained models, the MMSVG-Character dataset, and a project page with a technical report.

(github.com)

AI SVG generation Vision-Language Models

1915 Crochet Centerpieces and Luncheon Sets: A Detailed Guide

2025-04-19

1915 Crochet Centerpieces and Luncheon Sets: A Detailed Guide

Published in 1915 by Anne Orr for 25 cents, "Center Pieces and Lunch Sets" is a comprehensive guide to crocheting various centerpieces and placemats. The book features detailed instructions and illustrations for creating pieces ranging in complexity, from simple doilies to elaborate designs incorporating pineapples and shamrocks. Complete with explanations of crochet stitches and abbreviations, it's a vintage treasure for craft enthusiasts.

(www.gutenberg.org)

Design vintage crafts

Spotify Cracks Down on User Data Aggregator, Sparking Privacy Debate

2025-09-13

Spotify Cracks Down on User Data Aggregator, Sparking Privacy Debate

Spotify has shut down UnwrappedData.org for violating its developer terms by collecting, aggregating, and selling user data. Unwrapped argues it respects users' data portability rights, allowing them to access, control, and benefit from their listening history. They claim not to harm Spotify's business. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, while cautious about data dividend schemes, supports user data control. The dispute highlights the complexities of data ownership and user privacy.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech data portability

Starfish Space Aims for First Commercial Satellite Docking in LEO

2025-05-21

Starfish Space Aims for First Commercial Satellite Docking in LEO

Starfish Space's Otter Pup 2 mission aims to achieve the first commercial satellite docking in low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike previous attempts, the target, a D-Orbit ION spacecraft, lacks a traditional docking adapter. Starfish Space will utilize its Nautilus capture mechanism, employing electrostatic adhesion and a backup electromagnet, for docking. The mission will test the company's autonomous rendezvous and docking software (CETACEAN and CEPHALOPOD) and low-thrust electric propulsion. Success will pave the way for more affordable and efficient satellite servicing, with plans to service customers like NASA, the U.S. Space Force, and Intelsat as early as 2026.

(www.nasaspaceflight.com)

Tech Satellite Docking Space Servicing Electric Propulsion

AI Bubble Admitted, But OpenAI CEO Plans to Dominate

2025-08-16

AI Bubble Admitted, But OpenAI CEO Plans to Dominate

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledges the current AI hype as a bubble, but emphasizes AI's long-term significance. He likens the situation to the dot-com bubble, stating that while overexcitement exists, the underlying technology holds immense potential. Altman reveals OpenAI's massive investment in data center construction to meet future computational demands and plans to launch more AI products and services. Despite projected $10 billion revenue this year, OpenAI requires substantial funding to achieve its ambitious goals.

(www.theregister.com)

AI

AI Surveillance in Schools: A Privacy Tightrope Walk

2025-03-12

AI Surveillance in Schools: A Privacy Tightrope Walk

Numerous US schools employ AI-powered surveillance software to monitor student online activity, aiming to prevent school violence and student suicide. However, this practice raises serious privacy concerns. Unredacted student data obtained by news organizations reveals the software captures not only potential threats but also vast amounts of sensitive personal information, including struggles with depression, heartbreak, family issues, and even outing LGBTQ+ students. While the software helps schools intervene in crises, its high false-positive rate, privacy violations, and uncertain long-term effectiveness fuel ethical debates about student privacy, safety, and mental health.

(apnews.com)

Tech student privacy school safety

Docs: Open-Source Collaborative Document Editor Takes on Notion

2025-03-16

Docs: Open-Source Collaborative Document Editor Takes on Notion

Docs is an open-source collaborative document editor designed to simplify knowledge creation and sharing. It features offline editing, clean formatting, AI-powered actions (generate, summarize, correct, translate), real-time collaboration, and granular access control. Docs is easy to install and scale, offering multiple document export formats. Led by the French and German governments, this multilingual project is under active development and plans to incorporate wiki functionality.

(github.com)

Development collaborative editor

macOS CoreAudio Zero-Day Exploited in the Wild: A Deep Dive

2025-06-02

macOS CoreAudio Zero-Day Exploited in the Wild: A Deep Dive

In April 2025, Apple patched a CoreAudio bug actively exploited in the wild: CVE-2025-31200, a memory corruption vulnerability. A security researcher meticulously analyzed the bug by comparing old and new binary versions, pinpointing the culprit: apac::hoa::CodecConfig::Deserialize. The vulnerability stemmed from flawed array size handling during audio data parsing. Attackers could exploit this for out-of-bounds read/write, leading to a crash. Through reverse engineering and dynamic analysis, the researcher replicated the vulnerability, revealing its exploitation. It leverages the Apple Positional Audio Codec (APAC), using a crafted audio file to manipulate array sizes and achieve out-of-bounds memory access. While resulting in a crash, this vulnerability’s potential for more sophisticated attacks is significant.

(blog.noahhw.dev)

Development

Blogs Rot, Wikis Wait: A Developer's Migration Journey

2025-01-02

A developer penned on his website that blogs are like outdated commodities, destined to decay; whereas wikis are like an endless abyss, waiting to be explored and written upon. He's migrating his site to a brand new wiki system, sharing his thoughts on blogs vs. wikis and his journey building a new site. He argues wikis better reflect the dynamic and community-driven nature of content, while blogs feel like a static storefront. He invites everyone to join his new wiki, collaboratively creating a vibrant and ever-evolving online space.

(j3s.sh)

Development blogs wikis website migration

Zep AI: Building the Foundational Memory for Next-Gen AI Agents

2025-02-07

Zep AI: Building the Foundational Memory for Next-Gen AI Agents

Zep AI is building the foundational memory layer for next-generation AI agents. Their continuously learning knowledge graph technology allows AI systems to build rich, temporal understanding from user interactions and business data. Trusted by industry leaders like Mattel and WebMD, Zep enhances AI application personalization and accuracy. They're seeking a Staff Engineer to build scalable, innovative solutions and shape technical strategy alongside the founder, working across infrastructure, APIs, and front-end technologies. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of hands-on software engineering experience, expertise in at least two of Python, TypeScript, or Go, and a proven track record in system architecture, production-scale software, and team leadership.

(www.ycombinator.com)

Development

6502 Code Generator Outperforms GCC and LLVM

2025-02-16

A developer built a 6502 code generator that surprisingly outperforms GCC, LLVM, and other compilers. The speed advantage isn't from superior high-level optimizations, but rather innovative code generation techniques. The compiler leverages "illegal" instructions, computationally expensive instruction selection, and space-for-time optimizations. The core algorithm combines instruction selection with register allocation, cleverly using continuation-passing style. It works with a DAG and SSA-form intermediate representation, generating multiple assembly code combinations, pruning with dynamic programming and branch-and-bound, and finally solving a PBQP problem for optimal selection. While employing some "cheats," the compiler shows remarkable benchmark results, offering fresh perspectives on code generation.

(pubby.games)

Development

Bypass WiFi MAC Address Restrictions: Easy Device Switching

2025-06-21

Bypass WiFi MAC Address Restrictions: Easy Device Switching

Many WiFi networks record your MAC address upon login to identify your device. Even if you change your login credentials, it will still prevent you from using the same device again. The solution? By changing your device's MAC address, the WiFi network won't recognize your computer, tricking it into thinking it's a new device and bypassing the restriction.

(airpass.tiagoalves.me)

Tech

Axial Twist Theory: A Novel Explanation for Vertebrate Body Plan

2025-09-10

Axial Twist Theory: A Novel Explanation for Vertebrate Body Plan

A new scientific theory, the 'axial twist theory,' proposes an explanation for unusual aspects of the vertebrate body plan. It suggests that the rostral part of the head is rotated relative to the rest of the body, encompassing the face and parts of the brain. Studies on zebrafish and chick embryos, along with analyses of developmental malformations, support this theory. While competing with other, more specific theories, the axial twist theory offers a novel perspective on vertebrate anatomy and evolution, though it hasn't yet gained widespread acceptance.

(en.wikipedia.org)

Tech axial twist vertebrate development embryology

SN2021afdx: The Astronomical Number of Supernovae

2025-04-15

SN2021afdx: The Astronomical Number of Supernovae

This article chronicles the evolution of supernova naming conventions and the rapid advancement of modern astronomical observation technology. From the past, when only a handful of supernovae were discovered annually, to the present day, where tens of thousands are discovered each year, this is thanks to powerful telescopes and automated observation and analysis software. SN2021afdx, mentioned in the article, indicates it was the 21,760th supernova observed in 2021—an incredible number. The article concludes with a thought-provoking reflection: dozens of supernovae erupt every second in the universe, and our exploration of the cosmos is only just beginning.

(badastronomy.beehiiv.com)

Tech supernovae

Viking Navigation: No Maps, No Compass, No Problem?

2025-06-27

Viking Navigation: No Maps, No Compass, No Problem?

A modern-day explorer recreated a Viking-age sea voyage, suggesting Vikings may not have relied on navigational tools like maps, compasses, or sextants. Months at sea revealed their reliance on 'mental maps' – a maritime cultural mindscape passed down through generations of sailors – supplemented by myths associated with coastal landmarks. Thousands of years of coastal navigation rendered advanced instruments unnecessary.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Seafaring

Engineering-Driven Task Sequencing: Delivering More Value, Faster

2025-05-14

This article presents an engineering-driven approach to task sequencing that helps teams deliver more value, faster. Traditionally, Product Managers determine task order based on the PRD. However, engineers better understand the cost and dependencies of tasks. A better approach involves engineers prioritizing tasks based on value, cost, and feasibility, even reframing solutions to reduce costs. For example, the case study shows an engineer opting for a weekly email instead of building a complex dashboard, delivering some value early before tackling more complex tasks. This significantly improves value realization, allowing teams to create more value in a shorter timeframe.

(engineering.blueberrypediatrics.blog)

Development

Neuralink's First Human Subject: A Transformative Brain-Computer Interface

2025-08-27

Neuralink's First Human Subject: A Transformative Brain-Computer Interface

In February 2024, Noland Arbaugh, the first person to receive Elon Musk's experimental brain chip, publicly revealed himself at a Neuralink all-hands meeting. Paralyzed since a 2016 swimming accident, Arbaugh now controls computers and plays video games using Neuralink's brain-computer interface (BCI). The device, with over 1,000 electrodes implanted in his motor cortex, allows wireless control. Arbaugh's success represents a significant leap in BCI technology, offering hope to others with paralysis. Despite challenges like device malfunctions and public scrutiny, Arbaugh remains optimistic and plans to pursue further education and entrepreneurship.

(fortune.com)

Tech

ArkFlow: A High-Performance Rust Stream Processing Engine

2025-04-29

ArkFlow: A High-Performance Rust Stream Processing Engine

ArkFlow is a high-performance stream processing engine built on Rust and Tokio, offering powerful data stream processing capabilities. It supports multiple input/output sources (Kafka, MQTT, HTTP, files, etc.) and processors (JSON, SQL, Protobuf, etc.), with a flexible YAML configuration. Built-in features include SQL queries, JSON processing, and Protobuf encoding/decoding. ArkFlow is highly extensible and includes buffering for backpressure handling and diverse error output options. Get started by cloning the repository and following the simple build and run instructions.

(github.com)

Development

txtar: A Simplified Text Archiving Library for Chez Scheme

2025-02-08

txtar is a Chez Scheme library providing a simple text archive format compatible with golang.org/x/tools/txtar. It concatenates files and allows for a top-level comment. The format is human-readable and ideal for test data. Installation is straightforward: run `make install` and set the `CHEZSCHEMELIBDIRS` environment variable. It requires srfi s13 strings and srfi s64 testing (for testing only). Dependencies can be obtained via Thunderchez. All exports are documented with type expectations; examining the implementation is encouraged. Examples include constructing an archive from filenames, writing text to an archive file, and retrieving a file from an archive. txtar is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License.

(git.sr.ht)

Development Text Archiving

Firefox's Trust Shattered: The Rise of Privacy-Focused Browsers

2025-03-02

Mozilla's recent code commit removing the 'we don't sell your data' promise from Firefox has triggered a major trust crisis. A survey reveals over a third of respondents no longer trust Mozilla. This has spurred a search for alternative browsers. The article lists privacy-focused options like LibreWolf, Waterfox, Zen Browser, GNOME Web, Ungoogled Chromium, GNU Icecat, Pale Moon, Brave, and Ladybird, comparing their strengths and weaknesses. Mozilla's actions may lead to a more fragmented browser market, ultimately driving stronger privacy standards.

(boilingsteam.com)

Tech Browsers

Keyword Search Warrants: Privacy vs. Law Enforcement

2025-05-22

Keyword Search Warrants: Privacy vs. Law Enforcement

A teen arson case sparks a debate over 'keyword search warrants.' Police used this method to track down suspects via search engine keywords, raising concerns about privacy and law enforcement efficiency. The article details the case, the convicts' post-incarceration lives, and explores the complex relationship between digital identities and online footprints. This case also provides a precedent for the US Supreme Court's review of the legality of keyword search warrants.

(www.wired.com)

Tech keyword search warrants

Why I Once Wrote Clojure

2025-05-03

The author professionally used Clojure for five years, initially loving it, but ultimately hating it for the same reason: boredom. The author couldn't force themselves to write generic enterprise code for soulless corporations, but could if it was fun. Clojure, Go, Rust, Zig, and other new technologies helped maintain interest. The author speculates that Clojure's creation and high adoption in fintech stem from the boredom of highly intelligent engineers. High-paying jobs require highly intelligent engineers, but they get bored easily and need intellectual stimulation. Enterprise code writing is relatively boring, so fintechs allow engineers to use 'toys' in the codebase to lower turnover.

(thesoftwarephilosopher.com)

Development engineer burnout

Mid-Century Restaurant Placemats: A Blast from the Past

2025-09-18

Mid-Century Restaurant Placemats: A Blast from the Past

A recent flea market find unearthed a treasure trove of mid-century North American restaurant placemats. These weren't just placemats; they doubled as menus, maps, and even games. Their simple, bold designs, vibrant colors, and functional nature reflect the aesthetics of the post-war era. The author connects these placemats to current nostalgic design trends, noting how their elements are repurposed in modern products. The article also briefly mentions ZuantuSet, a vast collection of historical Chinese diagrams.

(casualarchivist.substack.com)

Design placemats

Hidden Apple G3 Easter Egg Reveals Untold Story of a Groundbreaking Team

2025-06-29

Hidden Apple G3 Easter Egg Reveals Untold Story of a Groundbreaking Team

A blogger unearthed a hidden Easter egg in Apple's G3 All-in-One: a team photo embedded in the system ROM, revealed only through a specific process. This is possibly one of the last undocumented Easter eggs from the pre-Steve Jobs return era. Functional in Mac OS 9.0.4, it was disabled in version 9.1, coinciding with Jobs' reported ban on Easter eggs in 1997. Bill Saperstein, the G3 team lead, confirmed the egg's existence and shared the story of the 'ragtag' team's secret project, highlighting their crucial role in developing the technology that ultimately fueled the iMac's success.

(arstechnica.com)

Tech Apple Easter Egg G3 All-in-One

The Recycling Myth: How Big Oil Shifted the Blame for Plastic Pollution

2025-06-03

The Recycling Myth: How Big Oil Shifted the Blame for Plastic Pollution

The ubiquitous "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra, while well-intentioned, masks a disturbing truth about plastic pollution. Research reveals that the oil and gas industry knowingly promoted recycling as a solution, despite its limitations, to avoid accountability for their product's environmental impact. While recycling plays a role, it's insufficient to combat the growing crisis. The article exposes the inadequate recycling infrastructure and the industry's long-standing awareness of plastic's inherent difficulty to recycle. Real solutions require systemic change: stricter regulations on plastic production, investment in sustainable alternatives, and holding polluters accountable.

(daily.jstor.org)

Tech recycling

Voyager's Sunset: NASA Begins Shutting Down Instruments to Extend Mission

2025-03-06

Voyager's Sunset: NASA Begins Shutting Down Instruments to Extend Mission

After nearly 50 years of interstellar exploration, the Voyager spacecraft are running low on power. To extend their operational lifespan, NASA engineers are progressively shutting down scientific instruments. Voyager 1's cosmic ray subsystem was deactivated on February 25th, followed by Voyager 2's low-energy charged particle instrument on March 24th. While these measures aim to keep the probes operational into the 2030s, they mean sacrificing valuable scientific data. Despite this, the Voyagers continue their pioneering journey into uncharted interstellar space, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.

(gizmodo.com)

Tech Interstellar Space

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