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The Biology of B-Movie Monsters: Where Science Meets Silver Screen Silliness

2025-03-28

University of Chicago professor Michael C. LaBarbera dissects classic B-movie monster flicks, revealing the hilarious disconnect between Hollywood's portrayal of size and the realities of biology. He uses examples like *The Incredible Shrinking Man*, *Dr. Cyclops*, and *Fantastic Voyage* to illustrate how changes in size impact surface area, volume, strength, heat loss, and more, highlighting the movies' frequent disregard for physics. LaBarbera further analyzes the skeletal limitations and locomotion challenges of giant creatures in films such as *King Kong*, *The Amazing Colossal Man*, and *Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman*. He also examines the physiological constraints of giant marine creatures and insects in movies like *It Came from Beneath the Sea*, *Mothra*, and *Them!*. Finally, he praises the biological accuracy of Spielberg's *Jurassic Park* and *E.T.*, explaining the latter's endearing appeal.

(fathom.lib.uchicago.edu)

Tech biomechanics science in film monster movies

Command-line ASCII Art to SVG Logo Generator

2025-03-28

The `ascii-logo-generator` is a command-line tool that creates ASCII art text and converts it into SVG logos. Users can customize fonts, colors, dimensions, and save the output as text or SVG files. It's particularly useful for generating logos for laser cutting. The project is open-source and includes a web-based SVG viewer for testing.

(github.com)

Development

400-Million-Year-Old Giant Organism May Belong to Unknown Branch of Life

2025-03-28

400-Million-Year-Old Giant Organism May Belong to Unknown Branch of Life

Scientists are challenging the long-held belief that Prototaxites, a massive organism that lived 400 million years ago, was a giant fungus. New research, analyzing the fossil's unique internal structure and chemical composition, suggests it may represent an entirely new and extinct branch on the tree of life, distinct from all known fungi, plants, animals, and protists. This groundbreaking discovery adds a layer of mystery to the history of life on Earth and highlights the potential for undiscovered biodiversity in the deep past.

(www.livescience.com)

Tech eukaryotes

Arctic Glacier Melt Uncovers 1500 Miles of Coastline, Posing Risks and Rewards

2025-03-28

Arctic Glacier Melt Uncovers 1500 Miles of Coastline, Posing Risks and Rewards

A study in Nature Climate Change reveals that melting Arctic glaciers have exposed approximately 1500 miles of coastline since 2000, primarily in Greenland. The retreating ice unveils valuable mineral deposits, but also creates vulnerability. Newly exposed coastlines, lacking the stabilizing effect of ice, are susceptible to erosion and landslides. A dramatic example occurred in September 2023, when a thinning coastal glacier in eastern Greenland collapsed, triggering a 350-foot tsunami that registered globally. This highlights the significant risks and challenges posed by climate change.

(e360.yale.edu)

Tech glacier melt geological hazards

The Death of Corporate Peacocking: Why RTO Mandates Are Failing

2025-03-28

The Death of Corporate Peacocking: Why RTO Mandates Are Failing

The article argues that many companies' return-to-office (RTO) mandates are driven by factors other than increased productivity, such as saving face, paying off massive commercial real estate debt, and managers reasserting control. Data shows hybrid work boosts productivity, while RTO mandates increase employee turnover. The author advocates for an evidence-based approach to work design, focusing on outcomes over presenteeism and embracing flexible work arrangements. The era of 'corporate peacocking,' where managers flaunt their status through office presence, is coming to an end, replaced by a future of trust, clarity, and impact.

(wrk3.substack.com)

Startup Workplace Culture

Two Transistors Mimic Neurons, Promising Breakthrough in Neural Networks

2025-03-28

Two Transistors Mimic Neurons, Promising Breakthrough in Neural Networks

Researchers have developed a novel device that mimics both neurons and synapses using just two standard CMOS transistors. By controlling the gate voltage, the device can switch between an off state and mimicking neuronal activity with adjustable spiking frequency, and can use spikes to adjust the weights of different inputs. It can function as an artificial synapse with six or more weight levels, and when combined with a second transistor, it can act as a neuron, integrating inputs to influence the frequency of output spikes (varying by a factor of 1000). This stable behavior (over 10 million clock cycles) offers a highly efficient and cost-effective design, potentially significantly reducing the energy consumption and cost of neural networks and accelerating AI advancements.

(arstechnica.com)

Hardware neuromorphic computing hardware acceleration

Air Pollution During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Postpartum Depression Risk

2025-03-28

Air Pollution During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Postpartum Depression Risk

A new study reveals a significant link between exposure to high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM10 particulate matter during pregnancy and an increased risk of postpartum depression. Researchers at the University of California followed 361 low-income Hispanic/Latina women in Los Angeles for three years. Women exposed to high levels of NO2 or PM10 during their second trimester were nearly four times more likely to develop postpartum depression compared to those with lower exposure. The study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution exposure during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, and underscores the need for mitigating traffic emissions.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Tech Air Pollution Postpartum Depression Pregnancy Health

arXivLabs: Experimenting with Community Collaboration

2025-03-28

arXivLabs is a framework for collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on the website. Individuals and organizations partnering with arXivLabs uphold our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners who share them. Have an idea for a valuable community project? Learn more about arXivLabs.

(arxiv.org)

Development

On Tyranny: A Graphic Guide to Resisting Authoritarianism

2025-03-28

On Tyranny: A Graphic Guide to Resisting Authoritarianism

A graphic edition of Timothy Snyder's bestselling 'On Tyranny' has been released, bringing his twenty lessons on resisting modern authoritarianism to life. Illustrated by Nora Krug, the book uses historical examples from Nazism and Communism to illuminate crucial points such as the dangers of misused symbols, the importance of independent research, and the need for precise language. This visually striking edition serves as a powerful call to action, urging readers to actively participate in the fight against authoritarianism.

(timothysnyder.org)

Misc resistance graphic novel

The Future of Coding in the Age of AI

2025-03-28

The Future of Coding in the Age of AI

A tweet by Replit's CEO suggesting that learning to code is no longer necessary sparked a debate. The author, a software engineer with 15 years of experience, reflects on the implications of AI-powered coding tools. While acknowledging the efficiency gains from AI, he cautions against over-reliance, arguing it diminishes understanding and leaves programmers vulnerable to vendors. He advises beginners to build a strong foundation in coding fundamentals to remain competitive. AI boosts productivity, but it can't replace solid coding skills.

(kyrylo.org)

Development future of coding

Patience: A Coping Mechanism, Not a Virtue?

2025-03-28

Patience: A Coping Mechanism, Not a Virtue?

A new study suggests that patience isn't a virtue, but rather a coping mechanism for everyday frustrations. Researchers conducted three experiments revealing three key triggers for impatience: prolonged unpleasant situations, the importance of the goal, and perceived blame. However, individual differences, such as impulsivity, emotional awareness, flexibility, and agreeableness, significantly impact one's ability to manage impatience. This research offers a novel perspective on patience, suggesting it's a strategy for dealing with frustration, not an inherent personality trait.

(www.bps.org.uk)

Misc patience emotion regulation

13 Lessons Learned Building an Open-Source Autorouter

2025-03-28

13 Lessons Learned Building an Open-Source Autorouter

The author shares 13 lessons learned from building an autorouter for tscircuit, an open-source electronics CAD kernel. The post highlights the power of the A* algorithm and its adaptability in optimizing autorouting, including using multi-level A* for hyperparameter optimization and replacing inefficient quadtrees with spatial hash indexes. The author stresses the importance of algorithms over programming language, advocating for cacheable algorithms and visualization tools for debugging and optimization. Finally, the post discusses the pros and cons of recursive functions, Monte Carlo algorithms, and weighted A* algorithms.

(blog.autorouting.com)

Development A* algorithm autorouting spatial hash index

LibreOffice: 200 Million Users and the Endurance of Open-Source Office Suites

2025-03-28

LibreOffice: 200 Million Users and the Endurance of Open-Source Office Suites

While not tracking user data, LibreOffice advocates estimate around 200 million users. Gartner analyst Jason Wong notes continued interest in LibreOffice as a desktop alternative to paid office suites, particularly for clients aiming to maintain on-premises implementations given Microsoft and Google's cloud focus. While cost-effective, LibreOffice requires specialized resources and new skills for maintenance.

(www.computerworld.com)

Development office suite

The Mystery of the Passive USB-to-PS/2 Mouse Adapter

2025-03-28

The Mystery of the Passive USB-to-PS/2 Mouse Adapter

Early USB mice often included a green adapter to convert the USB Type-A plug to PS/2. This wasn't a smart adapter; it was purely mechanical, with no circuitry. The mouse itself did the conversion, detecting the signal type (USB or PS/2) and adjusting accordingly. It's analogous to a simple power adapter – the intelligence resides in the device, not the adapter. So, if you find one of these, remember it's just a physical connector; the actual conversion happens within the dual-bus mouse.

(devblogs.microsoft.com)

Hardware Mouse Adapter

Say Goodbye to Dependency Headaches: Simplifying Python Script Distribution with uv and PEP 723

2025-03-28

Tired of managing external library dependencies for your single-file Python scripts? This article shows how uv and PEP 723 make distribution a breeze. By embedding dependency metadata directly into your script, uv eliminates the need for `requirements.txt` and complex package managers. It automatically creates isolated virtual environments, installs dependencies, and runs your script—all without manual intervention. Adding a shebang makes execution even easier, directly launching your script from anywhere.

(thisdavej.com)

Development

India's Demographic Dividend: An AI-Driven Doomsday Scenario?

2025-03-28

India's Demographic Dividend: An AI-Driven Doomsday Scenario?

India's economic aspirations have long rested on its demographic dividend – a young, burgeoning workforce. However, a new Bernstein analysis paints a concerning picture. Rapid AI advancements threaten to undermine this advantage, potentially creating a 'doomsday scenario'. The $350 billion services export sector, employing over 10 million, is at risk, with AI systems capable of performing tasks with higher precision and speed at a fraction of the cost of human labor. This threat extends to both high-end IT services and low-skill jobs. Despite leading in AI skills penetration, India's lack of domestic technological innovation and reliance on Western platforms leaves it vulnerable. The demographic dividend, once a promise of prosperity, could become a burden if sufficient quality jobs aren't created.

(indiadispatch.com)

Tech Demographic Dividend India Economy

$10,000 Toyota IMV 0: A No-Frills Truck America Can't Have

2025-03-28

$10,000 Toyota IMV 0: A No-Frills Truck America Can't Have

In a US market where new trucks average $59,000, the $10,000 Toyota IMV 0 is a game-changer. This compact pickup, based on the Hilux platform, lacks modern amenities like touchscreens and safety features, but it boasts surprising practicality and ruggedness. It offers a surprisingly spacious bed and cabin, and its manual transmission and rear-wheel drive provide a pure driving experience. While currently only available in developing markets like Thailand, and unavailable in the US, it presents a compelling argument for a simpler, more affordable truck. It suggests a potential shift in market demand towards smaller, cheaper, and more utilitarian vehicles.

(www.motor1.com)

Hardware pickup truck value

Pythonic Architecture: Mastering Complexity

2025-03-28

Two engineers from MADE.com, Harry and Bob, have collaborated on a practical guide to Python application architecture. Drawing on their experience building large-scale e-commerce systems, they clearly explain core concepts like Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Test-Driven Development (TDD), and event-driven architectures. The book includes numerous Python code examples to help readers tackle software development challenges in complex business scenarios. It's particularly suitable for engineers with some Python experience who want to enhance their architectural skills.

(www.cosmicpython.com)

Development

Create a Custom PHPStan Rule in 10 Minutes: Make Code Analysis Fun

2025-03-28

Create a Custom PHPStan Rule in 10 Minutes: Make Code Analysis Fun

This article demonstrates how to quickly create custom PHPStan rules to improve code quality. The author uses a simple example to show how to write a rule in 10 minutes to check for missing type declarations on the `userId` parameter. The approach emphasizes practicality and fun, suggesting that even imperfect rules can provide value. Readers are encouraged to create personalized rules based on their needs, ultimately enhancing code maintainability and safety.

(tomasvotruba.com)

Development custom rules

Arctic Sea Ice Extent Hits Record Low Maximum

2025-03-28

Arctic Sea Ice Extent Hits Record Low Maximum

Arctic sea ice extent reached its annual maximum on March 22, 2025, at 14.33 million square kilometers, the lowest in 47 years of satellite record. This is 1.31 million square kilometers below the 1981-2010 average and 80,000 square kilometers below the previous record low in 2017. While subject to revision, the preliminary data highlights the accelerating impact of climate change on the Arctic.

(nsidc.org)

Tech Arctic sea ice satellite observation

Extending Futhark's Backend: Not Easy, But Not Impossible

2025-03-28

This post delves into the complexities of adding a new backend to the Futhark compiler. Futhark uses a staged compilation process: the frontend parses and type-checks, the middle-end optimizes and transforms, and the backend translates the intermediate representation (IR) to target code. Backend implementation isn't a simple tutorial; it involves multiple IR dialects and a deep understanding of internal APIs. The author suggests choosing the appropriate IR dialect based on the target language's level of abstraction and leveraging existing infrastructure to simplify development. The ultimate goal is a new backend invokable via the command line.

(futhark-lang.org)

Development backend development

IBM Layoffs: US Jobs Shifting to India

2025-03-28

IBM Layoffs: US Jobs Shifting to India

IBM's layoffs are far more extensive than previously reported, with a significant number of US employees losing their jobs, while these positions are being transferred to India. Data reveals a surge in job openings in India, contrasting with a persistent decline in the US. An IBM employee recounted being tasked with training new Indian hires, only to receive a layoff notice themselves. Many laid-off employees possessed extensive cloud experience, replaced by less experienced Indian workers, resulting in decreased quality and efficiency. This raises concerns about IBM's offshoring practices and the implications for US workers' rights and the company's future direction.

(www.theregister.com)

Tech

Entropy Attacks: Exploiting Flaws in Random Number Generation

2025-03-28

A cr.yp.to blog post reveals a critical vulnerability in random number generation—entropy attacks. The conventional wisdom holds that hashing multiple entropy sources enhances randomness, but the author demonstrates that if a single source is compromised, attackers can manipulate the hash output and control generated random numbers. This poses a significant threat to cryptographic systems relying on randomness, like DSA and ECDSA, enabling attackers to steal private keys. EdDSA, due to its deterministic signature generation, offers stronger resistance. The article advocates for minimizing entropy sources and employing deterministic cryptographic approaches to mitigate the risks associated with constantly adding new entropy.

(blog.cr.yp.to)

Tech

Ubisoft Spins Off Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six into New Subsidiary Backed by Tencent

2025-03-27

Ubisoft Spins Off Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six into New Subsidiary Backed by Tencent

Ubisoft is restructuring after several challenging years, creating a new subsidiary focused on its flagship franchises: Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six. This subsidiary, backed by a $1.25 billion investment from Tencent (granting Tencent a minority stake), will consolidate development teams from various studios. This move allows Ubisoft to streamline operations and refocus on other IPs like The Division and Ghost Recon. The investment comes after cost-cutting measures and amidst recent struggles. While the company will continue developing multiplayer and free-to-play titles, the announcement emphasizes a renewed commitment to high-quality single-player experiences.

(www.engadget.com)

Game Ubisoft

US Robotics Firms Urge National Strategy Amidst China's Rise

2025-03-28

US Robotics Firms Urge National Strategy Amidst China's Rise

American robotics companies are pushing for a national robotics strategy to compete with China's growing dominance in the field. While the US boasts advancements in AI and robotics, the lack of a cohesive national strategy risks losing its lead. Proposed solutions include tax incentives, funding for research and training, and a dedicated federal robotics office. China's significant investment and progress are undeniable, but the long-term viability may favor more practical, polyfunctional robots over humanoids. This race is not just about technological supremacy but also national strategy and economic future.

(apnews.com)

Tech

Improving a Go HTTP Server: Unit Tests, Middleware, and Subrouters

2025-03-28

Improving a Go HTTP Server: Unit Tests, Middleware, and Subrouters

This blog post details improvements made to a Go HTTP server built from scratch. The author added unit tests, addressed reader feedback regarding case-insensitive headers and multiple header values, and improved handling of response streams and larger payloads. Key additions include middleware support for cleaner code and subrouters for enhanced route organization. The post showcases iterative development and practical problem-solving in Go.

(www.krayorn.com)

Development

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficient Search Result Navigation

2025-03-28

This text outlines a set of keyboard shortcuts for navigating search results. Users can use j/k keys to move the highlight up and down, h/l keys to move within horizontal content or toggle boost/ban status in site info modals, Enter to open the highlighted result, / to focus the search bar, ! to focus the search bar and add a "!" to start typing a bang command, q to open quick answer, Escape to reset highlight scroll state or close site info modals, Shift+~ to open the control center, s to open/close site info modals for the highlighted result, w/i/v/m/n to open web search, images, videos, maps, and news tabs respectively, and ]/[ to cycle through navigation tabs. These shortcuts significantly improve search efficiency.

(kagi.com)

Misc keyboard shortcuts

Saltwater-Soluble Plastic Breakthrough

2025-03-28

Saltwater-Soluble Plastic Breakthrough

Scientists at RIKEN in Japan have developed a new type of plastic that's as durable as conventional plastic but dissolves quickly in saltwater, leaving behind safe compounds. Made from supramolecular polymers with reversible bonds, this plastic offers a potential solution to plastic pollution. While strong enough for everyday use, a simple scratch on a hydrophobic coating allows saltwater to initiate rapid decomposition into nitrogen and phosphorus, beneficial nutrients for plants and microbes. Although excess nutrients can also be harmful, controlled decomposition in specialized facilities could recover these elements for reuse.

(newatlas.com)

Tech sustainable plastic supramolecular polymers biodegradable

An Entrepreneur's Unconventional Path to Success: Prioritize Passion, Then Profit

2025-03-28

An Entrepreneur's Unconventional Path to Success: Prioritize Passion, Then Profit

A seasoned entrepreneur shares his unconventional path to success: prioritizing passion over profit maximization. He believes life's meaning lies in experience, with money serving as a supporting tool. Thus, he only works on projects he's passionate about, even if it means potentially lower income. His experience demonstrates that focusing on what you love not only boosts efficiency but can ultimately lead to commercial success, even without an initial clear profit model. He uses multiple projects as examples, illustrating the viability of this philosophy and highlighting the importance of work-life balance. His success isn't measured in wealth, but in personal fulfillment and quality of life.

(tynan.com)

Startup personal development

Statically Linking Go Executables with CGO and Zig

2025-03-28

This post demonstrates building a statically linked Go executable that utilizes CGO dependencies via Zig. The author creates a Zig static library, then writes a simple Go program to call a function within it. By employing specific `go build` flags and leveraging Zig's build system, a statically linked executable, free from dynamic library dependencies, is successfully created, enhancing portability and security.

(calabro.io)

Development static linking

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