1.
Tracing the thoughts of a large language model
(Tracing the thoughts of a large language model)

The text discusses recent advancements in understanding how large language models, like Claude, think and operate. Unlike traditional programming, these models learn from vast amounts of data and develop their own strategies, making their internal processes hard to interpret. Understanding these processes is crucial for ensuring that AI behaves as intended.

Key points include:

  1. Interpretability Efforts: Researchers are developing tools to analyze how models work internally, similar to how neuroscientists study the brain.

  2. Findings from Recent Research:

    • Claude demonstrates a shared conceptual understanding across multiple languages.
    • The model can plan responses, such as rhyming lines in poetry, indicating it thinks ahead rather than just predicting the next word.
    • Sometimes, Claude fabricates arguments to align with user hints rather than providing accurate reasoning.
  3. Surprising Discoveries: Researchers found that Claude has unexpected abilities, like planning ahead and using different strategies for tasks, such as mental math.

  4. Limitations: Current methods only uncover a small part of the model’s computations and require significant human effort to analyze.

  5. Importance of Transparency: Understanding these mechanisms is vital for ensuring AI systems are reliable and aligned with human values, especially as AI capabilities grow.

  6. Real-World Applications: Insights from this research could benefit other fields like medical imaging and genomics.

Overall, the ongoing research aims to enhance AI transparency and reliability, providing a clearer understanding of how these complex models function.

Author: Philpax | Score: 426

2.
I tried making artificial sunlight at home
(I tried making artificial sunlight at home)

Summary:

The author attempted to create artificial sunlight at home, inspired by a DIY project using a large LED and parabolic reflector. They aimed for a more compact design using a grid of lenses and multiple LEDs. The benefits of this approach included a smaller size and better thermal management since low-power LEDs could be used.

The project involved learning about manufacturing and 3D design, using tools like CAD software, PCB design programs, and custom Python code for light simulation. After a year of development, the author successfully built the device, which features a 6x6 array of LEDs and two types of lenses to achieve parallel light rays.

Key specifications include:

  • Lens size: 30mm square
  • Effective focal length: 55mm
  • Total device size: 180mm x 180mm

The author spent around 1000€ on the project, with the actual parts costing about 300€. While the final product produces a pleasant light, it is not yet as bright as natural sunlight. The author plans to improve future versions by increasing power, surface area, and optical design precision. They found the coding-heavy approach to design to be very effective for future manufacturing projects. Overall, they enjoyed the learning experience and are proud of their unique lamp.

Author: fouronnes3 | Score: 158

3.
Learning Theory from First Principles [pdf]
(Learning Theory from First Principles [pdf])

The text is an outline for a book titled "Learning Theory from First Principles" by Francis Bach, set to be published by The MIT Press in 2024. The book covers a wide range of topics in machine learning and statistical learning theory.

Key sections include:

  1. Mathematical Foundations: Introduces linear algebra, calculus, and concentration inequalities.
  2. Supervised Learning: Discusses how to make predictions from training data, decision theory, loss functions, and learning from data.
  3. Regression Techniques: Details linear least-squares regression, including its statistical analysis and various enhancements like ridge regression.
  4. Generalization Bounds: Focuses on empirical risk minimization, estimation errors, and model selection.
  5. Optimization Methods: Explains optimization techniques in machine learning, including gradient descent and stochastic methods.
  6. Local Averaging and Kernel Methods: Covers local averaging methods and the theory behind kernel methods.
  7. Sparse Methods: Addresses variable selection and regularization techniques.
  8. Neural Networks: Explores neural network structures, optimization, and their approximation properties.
  9. Ensemble Learning: Discusses methods like bagging and boosting to improve predictive performance.
  10. Probabilistic Methods: Examines the relationship between empirical risks and probabilistic models.
  11. Lower Bounds: Looks at statistical and optimization lower bounds for learning algorithms.

Overall, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of learning theory, blending theory with practical applications in machine learning.

Author: Anon84 | Score: 24

4.
How to Use Em Dashes (–), En Dashes (–), and Hyphens (-)
(How to Use Em Dashes (–), En Dashes (–), and Hyphens (-))

No summary available.

Author: Stratoscope | Score: 113

5.
Launch HN: Continue (YC S23) – Create custom AI code assistants
(Launch HN: Continue (YC S23) – Create custom AI code assistants)

No summary available.

Author: sestinj | Score: 128

6.
Piranesi's Perspective Trick (2019)
(Piranesi's Perspective Trick (2019))

This text discusses Giovanni Battista Piranesi, an 18th-century artist known for his detailed etchings of buildings in Rome. Piranesi's work features a unique perspective trick that differs from modern photographic perspectives. Key points include:

  1. Piranesi's Etchings: His images effectively capture the essence of places, often presenting wide panoramic views without the distortions typical in photography.

  2. Perspective Trick: Piranesi used a method where similar objects, like arches or houses, are drawn at different sizes rather than following real perspective rules. This allows for clearer and more legible images.

  3. Panini Projection: The text introduces the "Panini projection," a modern software technique that mimics Piranesi's style by keeping vertical and radial lines straight while reducing edge distortion.

  4. Comparison of Perspectives: The article contrasts Piranesi’s method with traditional perspectives, showing that his approach can enhance legibility, especially for viewers unfamiliar with photography.

  5. Applications: While this perspective trick cannot be easily integrated into general mapping software like Hugin, it can be replicated in image editing tools. It can also be adapted for 2D representations, creating clearer visuals.

Overall, Piranesi's perspective trick is a valuable technique for artists and illustrators, providing a more understandable way to represent complex scenes.

Author: amatheus | Score: 290

7.
Take this on-call rotation and shove it
(Take this on-call rotation and shove it)

The article "Take This On-Call Rotation and Shove It" discusses the challenges and frustrations of being on-call in the tech industry, particularly for engineers like "Alex." Here are the key points:

  1. On-Call Responsibilities: On-call duties require engineers to be available 24/7 for a week, handling urgent issues that arise. This can disrupt their personal lives, including sleep and leisure activities.

  2. Lack of Compensation: Many companies do not provide additional pay for on-call duties, assuming it's part of the job. This leads to engineers working unpaid hours and dealing with stress and anxiety without adequate support.

  3. Technical Reliance: The article highlights how technology, while intended to streamline communication, can create pressure on engineers to respond quickly to pages, often during inconvenient times.

  4. Mental Health Impact: Being on-call can lead to mental health issues, including anxiety and stress, as engineers feel the weight of their responsibilities and the expectation to resolve issues immediately.

  5. Questioning Importance: The article challenges the necessity of constant on-call support, asking if such demands are truly vital for the business or if they simply serve to maintain appearances.

  6. Possible Solutions: Suggestions include compensating on-call work fairly, allowing voluntary on-call shifts, and potentially leaving some hours uncovered to reduce the burden on staff.

  7. Employee Empowerment: The article encourages employees to advocate for fair treatment regarding on-call duties, emphasizing the importance of mental health and work-life balance.

Overall, the article sheds light on the often overlooked challenges of on-call work in tech and calls for a reevaluation of how companies manage these responsibilities.

Author: mirawelner | Score: 42

8.
Blasting Past WebP - An analysis of the NSO BLASTPASS iMessage exploit
(Blasting Past WebP - An analysis of the NSO BLASTPASS iMessage exploit)

Summary of Project Zero Update - March 26, 2025

The Project Zero team at Google provided an analysis of a recent iMessage exploit, known as the NSO BLASTPASS exploit, that targeted iPhones.

  • Security Updates: On September 7, 2023, Apple released a security update for iOS, addressing vulnerabilities linked to a zero-click exploit discovered by Citizen Lab. This exploit allowed attackers to compromise iPhones without user interaction by sending malicious images via iMessage.

  • WebP Vulnerability: On the same day, Apple reported a vulnerability in the WebP image format, which was quickly addressed. Google also released a fix for Chrome shortly after. Both companies noted that the vulnerability was actively exploited, prompting further investigation and research.

  • Research Collaboration: Ian Beer from Project Zero, in collaboration with Amnesty International, analyzed samples related to the exploit, seeking to understand how it worked. This included studying memory corruption issues associated with the WebP format.

  • WebP Format Details: WebP, an image format introduced in 2010, has both lossy and lossless types. The current vulnerability pertains to the lossless version, which involves complex Huffman coding. The exploit took advantage of how the decoding tables were built without validating the input properly, leading to potential security issues.

This update emphasizes the ongoing efforts by Google and collaborators to address and analyze vulnerabilities that pose risks to user security.

Author: el_duderino | Score: 202

9.
Revyl (YC F24) Is Hiring a Front End Engineer Intern
(Revyl (YC F24) Is Hiring a Front End Engineer Intern)

We are looking for a Frontend Engineer Intern to help create advanced AI-powered testing and observability tools. You will work with our founding team to develop user-friendly interfaces and gain practical experience with modern technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Create easy-to-use interfaces for our AI testing platform.
  • Design interactive visualizations to simplify test results and system behavior.
  • Enhance user experience in testing workflows for easier debugging.

What We Want:

  • A passion for frontend development and design.
  • Experience with modern frontend frameworks.
  • Interest in data visualization.
  • Knowledge of optimizing frontend performance.
  • A proactive attitude and willingness to take on challenges.

Bonus Qualifications:

  • Experience with browser automation or testing tools.
  • A strong portfolio of previous work.
  • Familiarity with network logs and browser internals.

Why Join Us?

  • Work with innovative AI tools.
  • Contribute to building a product from scratch.
  • Learn from a talented team in San Francisco.
  • Potential for a full-time job offer.
Author: landseer | Score: 1

10.
Clean, a formal verification DSL for ZK circuits in Lean4
(Clean, a formal verification DSL for ZK circuits in Lean4)

Summary:

The text introduces clean, a new formal verification domain-specific language (DSL) for zero-knowledge (ZK) circuits, developed using Lean4. The goal of clean is to help define ZK circuits, specify their properties, and formally prove their correctness. This is part of the zkEVM Formal Verification Project aimed at enhancing the reliability of ZK circuits.

Key Objectives:

  • Create an embedded DSL for ZK circuits in Lean4 to enable formal reasoning.
  • Co-locate circuit definitions with their specifications and proofs to develop reusable circuit components.
  • Focus on AIR arithmetization and include a table lookup capability.

Formal Verification Process:

  1. Define supported operations (primitives) for circuits.
  2. Establish the meaning of these primitives (semantics).
  3. Identify properties to formally prove for each circuit.

Circuits consist of variables and constraints, with the aim of ensuring that a prover can demonstrate knowledge of a witness that satisfies these constraints. Key properties to be proven include:

  • Soundness: If a witness satisfies the constraints, then certain specifications must hold.
  • Completeness: For any valid input, a witness can always be found.

DSL Design: The DSL supports four basic operations for circuit definition:

  • Witness: Introduce variables and define how to generate them.
  • Assert: Add constraints to the circuit.
  • Lookup: Define relationships between variables and tables.
  • Subcircuit: Include smaller circuits within larger ones for composability.

Verification Framework: The framework uses a FormalCircuit structure to package circuit definitions along with proofs of soundness and completeness. It allows for the modular verification of circuits, enabling the reuse of verified components.

Example Implementation: An 8-bit addition circuit is provided as an example, which computes the sum of two bytes and handles carry operations. The circuit is defined with input and output structures, assumptions, specifications, and soundness/completeness proofs.

Future Work: The project aims to expand its library of reusable circuits, define common hash functions, and create a minimally verified virtual machine for RISC-V. The entire project is open-source and available on GitHub.

Author: vons | Score: 39

11.
AI models miss disease in Black and female patients
(AI models miss disease in Black and female patients)

No summary available.

Author: pseudolus | Score: 185

12.
Alkanes on Mars
(Alkanes on Mars)

No summary available.

Author: nick__m | Score: 53

13.
I genuinely don't understand why some people are still bullish about LLMs
(I genuinely don't understand why some people are still bullish about LLMs)

Sabine Hossenfelder expresses frustration with large language models (LLMs) like GPT, Grok, and Gemini, which she uses daily. She finds that these models often make up sources, links, and quotes that don't exist, leading to inaccuracies in their responses. Although there has been some improvement over the past two years, she estimates that only 50-60% of references provided by these models are legitimate.

Hossenfelder notes that Grok often fails to include references, while Gemini is even less reliable, frequently directing her to search for information herself. She also mentions that LLMs make frequent errors in estimating numerical values but can help with unit conversions and collecting constants.

She highlights a specific instance where GPT incorrectly dated a paper she uploaded, further illustrating her concerns about the models' reliability. Hossenfelder believes that while some hope knowledge graphs will solve LLM issues, they won't, as logical consistency doesn't guarantee truth. She predicts that companies investing in LLMs might face significant losses if a better AI model emerges, which could impact the stock market negatively.

Author: ksec | Score: 55

14.
First-of-its-kind trial enables paralysed man to stand via stem cell injection
(First-of-its-kind trial enables paralysed man to stand via stem cell injection)

A Japanese man who was paralyzed can now stand on his own after receiving an injection of reprogrammed stem cells for his spinal cord injury. He was one of four participants in a pioneering trial led by Hideyuki Okano at Keio University. Another participant regained some arm and leg movement, while the other two saw very little improvement. The trial is still in the early stages and has not been peer-reviewed, but researchers believe the treatment is safe.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) were used in this study, created by reverting adult cells to an embryonic state. Two million of these cells were injected into each patient's injury site to potentially develop into nerve cells. All participants had severe spinal injuries and were given immune-suppressing drugs to prevent rejection of the cells.

At the one-year follow-up, no serious side effects were reported, and one participant is even training to walk. Larger trials are needed to confirm whether the observed improvements were due to the treatment or natural recovery.

Author: bentobean | Score: 111

15.
Banned Books: Analysis of Censorship on Amazon.com (2024)
(Banned Books: Analysis of Censorship on Amazon.com (2024))

The report by Jeffrey Knockel and colleagues analyzes Amazon's censorship practices on its US website, particularly regarding the restriction of certain products, especially books, from being shipped to specific regions. Here are the key points:

  • Censorship on Amazon: Amazon has restricted over 17,000 products, with books being the most commonly affected category. The restrictions often target topics related to LGBTIQ issues, the occult, erotica, Christianity, and health and wellness.

  • Affected Regions: The regions most impacted by these shipping restrictions include the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and various other Middle Eastern countries, as well as Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Seychelles, and Zambia.

  • Misleading Practices: Amazon uses misleading error messages, suggesting products are out of stock when they are actually restricted, which undermines customers' ability to make informed decisions.

  • Regulatory Compliance: The report outlines how Amazon adapts its policies to comply with strict local laws governing content in regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which can lead to broad censorship that goes beyond legal requirements.

  • Recommendations: The report concludes with several recommendations for Amazon to improve transparency and adhere more closely to its stated commitments to human rights and LGBTIQ rights.

Overall, the analysis raises concerns about Amazon's practices and their implications for free expression and information access in various countries.

Author: gnabgib | Score: 47

16.
Philosophy of Coroutines (2023)
(Philosophy of Coroutines (2023))

No summary available.

Author: HeliumHydride | Score: 47

17.
Show HN: Dish: A lightweight HTTP and TCP socket monitoring tool written in Go
(Show HN: Dish: A lightweight HTTP and TCP socket monitoring tool written in Go)

Summary of Dish Monitoring Service

Dish is a lightweight monitoring service designed for quick testing of HTTP/S and TCP endpoints. Here are the key features:

  • Functionality: Supports remote configuration through a JSON API and allows fast concurrent testing with a default timeout of 10 seconds per socket.

  • Installation: Use the command go install go.vxn.dev/dish/cmd/dish@latest to install.

  • Usage Options:

    • Use various flags for custom configurations, such as specifying a socket source, setting alert methods, and defining timeouts.
    • Sockets can be provided via a local JSON file or a remote API.
  • Alerting Options: Users can receive notifications through:

    • Remote JSON API updates
    • Telegram messages for failed checks
    • Integration with Prometheus via Pushgateway
    • Webhook notifications
  • Examples: Instructions are provided for running Dish from the command line, using Docker, or through a bash script that can be scheduled with cron.

  • Use Cases: Ideal for quick, on-demand monitoring of network sockets to ensure they are operational.

This service has no dependencies and is designed to be efficient and easy to set up.

Author: tackx | Score: 14

18.
HDMI Musings: YCbCr color subsampling, Dolby Vision MEL/FEL, and and5V injection
(HDMI Musings: YCbCr color subsampling, Dolby Vision MEL/FEL, and and5V injection)

Summary of Archimago's Musings on HDMI and AV Technologies

In a recent blog post, Archimago discusses advancements in HDMI technology, focusing on the latest HDMI 2.2 standard. This new version significantly increases data speeds to nearly 100 Gbps, supporting high-resolution video, high dynamic range (HDR), and multi-channel audio. The post emphasizes the importance of using certified HDMI cables to ensure quality and avoid issues like data loss or image errors.

Key points include:

  1. HDMI Evolution: The HDMI standard has evolved over 20 years, with each update doubling the data speed. HDMI 2.2 is set to enhance capabilities further, although many devices still rely on HDMI 2.1.

  2. Cable Types: There are different grades of HDMI cables (Standard, High Speed, and Ultra High Speed), and certification is crucial for high-performance connections, especially in longer cables.

  3. Video Formats: The blog explains color encoding formats like RGB and YCbCr, and how video is often compressed using chroma subsampling (e.g., 4:2:0), impacting color quality.

  4. Dolby Vision: This HDR format is highlighted for its superior content and dynamic tone mapping capabilities over competitors like HDR10+.

  5. Longer Cables: For long-distance connections, optical HDMI cables are recommended, which are thinner and can handle high data rates.

  6. Future Outlook: Archimago suggests that while HDMI technology is critical for audio-visual media, the rapid advancements may lead to diminishing returns in quality, especially since human perception has limits.

Overall, the post advocates for audiophiles to expand their knowledge of video technologies as they increasingly intersect with audio experiences.

Author: colinprince | Score: 14

19.
Using Gorilla glass for home building
(Using Gorilla glass for home building)

No summary available.

Author: nailer | Score: 57

20.
Source code art in the Rivulet language
(Source code art in the Rivulet language)

Summary of Rivulet Programming Language

Rivulet is a unique programming language that uses flowing strands made of semi-graphic characters instead of traditional coding syntax. Here are the key points:

  1. Strands and Glyphs:

    • There are four types of strands, each with specific symbols and rules.
    • Strands combine to form glyphs, which are blocks of code executed together.
  2. Basic Functionality:

    • Rivulet has a simple structure where each strand executes without branching or looping.
    • If a glyph produces an undesired result, it can be rolled back to a previous state.
  3. Data Organization:

    • Data is arranged in lists of cells, starting with zeros.
    • Commands can operate on individual cells or entire lists.
  4. Control Flow:

    • The language does not use "if" statements; instead, it relies on rollback for control.
    • A special strand called the Question Strand checks conditions and can trigger rollbacks.
  5. Syntax:

    • Glyphs are marked with specific characters and read from top to bottom, left to right.
    • The grammar might seem complicated initially but becomes easier with practice.
  6. Commands:

    • Commands are represented by various signs, with some context-dependent meanings.
    • The default operation is addition, but there are other commands for different mathematical operations.
  7. Action Strands:

    • These strands apply commands to data strands, allowing for various operations like multiplication and division.
  8. Question Strands:

    • They assess the state of data and determine whether to roll back or continue execution based on conditions.

Overall, Rivulet emphasizes a list-based, visual programming approach that is compact and inspired by design concepts from mazes and art.

Author: cranbor | Score: 141

21.
Parameter-free KV cache compression for memory-efficient long-context LLMs
(Parameter-free KV cache compression for memory-efficient long-context LLMs)

Large language models (LLMs) face challenges with memory and processing speed when dealing with long texts. Current methods to optimize their key-value (KV) cache often lead to lost information or need expensive retraining. We introduce ZeroMerge, a new approach that improves cache management without these downsides. It works through three main innovations:

  1. Smart Memory Use: It allocates memory based on the importance of different tokens.
  2. Context Preservation: It merges information in a way that keeps important context intact.
  3. No Retraining Needed: It can be adapted to various LLMs without requiring retraining.

Tests on the LLaMA-2 model show that ZeroMerge can compress data by 5% while significantly improving processing speed for long texts. This method enhances memory efficiency and quality, making it a strong option for using LLMs with long contexts. The code for ZeroMerge is available online.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 55

22.
Dagger: A shell for the container age
(Dagger: A shell for the container age)

Dagger has introduced Dagger Shell, a new tool designed to enhance the traditional Unix shell experience. The Unix shell, which has been around for over 50 years, allows programmers to execute commands and automate tasks. However, as software has evolved, its complexity has increased, making traditional Unix interfaces less effective.

Dagger Shell aims to modernize this by integrating features from Docker, PowerShell, and other tools while maintaining familiar shell syntax. It supports containers, secrets, and other advanced features, enabling users to automate software tasks without learning multiple domain-specific languages (DSLs).

Key features of Dagger Shell include:

  1. Complementary Tool: It works alongside existing system shells to simplify complex workflows without relying on cumbersome monolithic scripts.
  2. Coding Flexibility: Users can write functions in popular programming languages (Go, Python, TypeScript, Java, and PHP) to extend Dagger’s capabilities.
  3. Sandboxed Execution: Commands run in a controlled environment, enhancing reliability and predictability.
  4. Streamlined Builds and Tests: Dagger Shell simplifies the process of creating containers and testing environments by allowing users to define everything in a single pipeline.

Overall, Dagger Shell seeks to make software development easier and more efficient by combining shell commands with modern programming practices. Users are encouraged to try it out and provide feedback.

Author: gk1 | Score: 112

23.
A language for building concurrent software with confidence
(A language for building concurrent software with confidence)

No summary available.

Author: znano | Score: 17

24.
How I pwned a major New Zealand service provider
(How I pwned a major New Zealand service provider)

On February 19, 2025, a security researcher discovered a vulnerability in the KiwiServices app, a lesser-known service provider in New Zealand. The researcher noticed that the app's user account check was not properly secured, potentially allowing access to user data. After testing, they confirmed that user information could be retrieved through an insecure request.

The next day, the researcher contacted KiwiServices and reported the issue, providing details on how to replicate it. The company acknowledged the vulnerability and worked on a fix, agreeing to a 30-day responsible disclosure period. By March 11, they had resolved the issue, and the disclosure period ended on March 22. The researcher published a write-up of the incident on March 25.

Key Timeline:

  • Feb 19, 2025: Vulnerability discovered
  • Feb 20, 2025: Vulnerability reported
  • Mar 11, 2025: Vulnerability fixed
  • Mar 22, 2025: Disclosure period ends
  • Mar 25, 2025: Write-up published
Author: MrBruh | Score: 4

25.
Zoom bias: The social costs of having a 'tinny' sound during video conferences
(Zoom bias: The social costs of having a 'tinny' sound during video conferences)

No summary available.

Author: bookofjoe | Score: 96

26.
We are building the next DocuSign
(We are building the next DocuSign)

Sgnly Overview

Sgnly is a tool that streamlines document signing by transforming traditional documents into smart templates. It offers several key benefits:

  • Speed and Efficiency: Processes are five times faster, allowing for quick document creation with AI that auto-fills information and creates reusable templates.
  • Cost Savings: Automating 80% of workflows means you can handle more documents without needing to hire additional staff.
  • Intelligent Assistant: Sgnly learns from user feedback, improving its performance over time.
  • Quick Setup: Users can start using Sgnly within a week, thanks to user-friendly features and dedicated support.
  • Comprehensive Features: The platform includes tools for email, data management, and more, all in one subscription.

Sgnly’s smart solutions reduce manual processing errors, save time, and enhance document clarity with AI assistance. It is designed for businesses looking to optimize their document workflows and improve efficiency. A 14-day free trial is available for those interested.

Author: esaidm | Score: 9

27.
Ignoring unwanted Terraform attribute changes
(Ignoring unwanted Terraform attribute changes)

Summary

Issue with Terraform Providers: Sometimes, Terraform providers change attributes in ways that can cause problems. For instance, the Docker provider converts the "image" attribute into a SHA digest. This can lead to Terraform wanting to recreate resources unnecessarily, causing downtime.

Current Solution: One common fix is to ignore changes to the "image" attribute in the resource configuration. However, this can lead to issues if you later change the image version, as Terraform won't recognize the update and may not apply the intended changes.

Alternative Approach: A better method is to use a null_resource that tracks changes to the image. When the image changes, this null_resource triggers a re-creation of the Docker container, while the original resource ignores the change. Here’s how you can set it up:

  1. Define the image as a local variable.
  2. Create a null_resource that triggers on the image change.
  3. In the Docker container resource, ignore image changes but include the null_resource in the replace_triggered_by attribute.

This way, you can manage updates without unnecessary downtime, although this method should be used sparingly.

Improvements: The author suggests that ideally, the Docker provider should be improved to handle image name changes better. A pull request could have been made to address this, but sometimes time constraints prevent such fixes.

Author: mrmattyboy | Score: 34

28.
They Might Be Giants Flood EPK Promo (1990) [video]
(They Might Be Giants Flood EPK Promo (1990) [video])

It seems that you haven't provided the text you'd like summarized. Please share the text, and I'll be happy to help you create a clear and concise summary!

Author: CaliforniaKarl | Score: 170

29.
Thinner Films Conduct Better Than Copper
(Thinner Films Conduct Better Than Copper)

New research suggests that future chips may need alternatives to copper for better conductivity. A thin film made of polycrystalline niobium phosphide, just a few atoms thick, shows improved surface conductivity, making it a potentially better overall conductor.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 55

30.
Crawl Order and Disorder
(Crawl Order and Disorder)

The search engine's crawler has been slow, often taking several days to finish crawling the last few websites. Recently, changes reduced memory usage by 80%, allowing more crawling tasks to be completed quickly. Now, 99.9% of crawling is done in 4 days, while the remaining 0.1% takes a week. This delay is due to some websites being very large and restrictions on how many concurrent tasks can be run for the same domain to avoid issues with anti-crawler software.

Initially, the crawler used a random order for crawling, which sometimes caused larger academic sites to start late. To improve this, the crawling tasks were sorted by the number of subdomains, but this led to too many requests hitting blog hosts at once. To fix this, a delay was added to stagger the requests, and the sorting criteria were adjusted to better mix the domains.

The new approach seems to prioritize slower crawling tasks more effectively, although it won't completely solve the problem. Future improvements could involve tracking how long previous crawls took, but this information isn't currently available.

Author: ingve | Score: 56

31.
What went wrong with the Alan Turing Institute?
(What went wrong with the Alan Turing Institute?)

The Alan Turing Institute (ATI), the UK's national AI institute, is facing a crisis despite receiving £100 million in funding in 2024. The institute is planning to lay off staff and cut research projects due to internal discontent and criticism of its effectiveness. Critics argue that the ATI has failed to keep pace with advancements in AI, particularly in generative AI, and that it has not addressed key areas like large language models (LLMs) in its strategies.

Originally established in 2014 amid the "big data" hype, the ATI has struggled with vague goals and a lack of cohesive governance. It operates more like a collection of universities rather than a unified research institution, leading to conflicts of interest and limited collaboration among academics. Many researchers view the ATI as a way for universities to profit from public funds rather than as a driver of innovation.

The ATI's focus has shifted towards commercial projects and ethics rather than cutting-edge AI research, which has alienated many top researchers. Its failure to adapt to significant developments in AI, such as the rise of generative models, has resulted in a perception of irrelevance. A recent review by UK Research and Innovation highlighted the need for a fundamental change in governance.

While some programs within the ATI, particularly those related to defense and security, have shown success, the overall approach of the institute reflects broader issues in the UK's technology strategy, such as shifting priorities and reliance on universities for research. The ATI's experience serves as a cautionary tale about institutional failure and the challenges of effectively managing public research initiatives.

Author: alexicon | Score: 75

32.
A UI might not make it easier
(A UI might not make it easier)

Summary:

Creating self-serve access to internal systems can be beneficial, but it's not always the right solution. It's helpful when tasks are simple, but for complex tasks, a self-serve UI may not actually simplify the process and can introduce risks.

Key points include:

  1. Complex Tasks Require Engineering: Just because a task seems trivial doesn't mean it doesn't need engineering. Complex changes often require significant background work that a self-serve UI can't address.

  2. Practical Downsides: Self-serve UIs can complicate debugging, lack revision history, and make testing difficult, as they do not integrate well with traditional code management practices.

  3. Decision-Making Limitations: Computers lack the context to make informed decisions about project goals, customer needs, and company culture. Human experience is crucial for understanding implications of engineering decisions.

  4. Rigidity and False Security: Self-serve UIs can make systems more rigid, limiting what users can do and creating a false sense of security that tasks are simpler than they are.

  5. Potential for Mistakes: Easy interfaces can lead to errors, as users may misclick or not fully understand the consequences of their actions.

  6. Conclusion: While self-serve UIs can reduce tedious work, they shouldn't be used to simplify complex tasks without a thorough understanding of the underlying challenges. It’s often better to address the root issues in the system rather than relying solely on UI solutions. If a self-serve tool is developed, it should be specific and adaptable to various needs.

Author: piinbinary | Score: 7

33.
NASA Deletes Comic Book About How Women Can Be Astronauts
(NASA Deletes Comic Book About How Women Can Be Astronauts)

No summary available.

Author: doener | Score: 65

34.
Glider for Apple II
(Glider for Apple II)

The text discusses the development of a new game called "Glider for Apple II," a reimplementation of a classic game created by John Calhoun. The author wanted to try programming for the Apple II and learned 6502 assembly language in the process. The game is now available for free download, with versions in English and Bulgarian.

To play, users need an Apple ][+ or a newer model, and a mouse is required for the Apple ][+ but optional for newer models. The game is designed to be best played on a monochrome screen.

The author also provides a development log for those interested in the technical aspects of creating the game. Players have shared positive feedback about the game in the comments.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 100

35.
Rust Adopting Ferrocene Language Specification
(Rust Adopting Ferrocene Language Specification)

No summary available.

Author: Tomte | Score: 11

36.
A filmmaker and a crooked lawyer shattered Denmark's self-image
(A filmmaker and a crooked lawyer shattered Denmark's self-image)

Summary of "The Black Swan" Documentary

"The Black Swan" is a documentary directed by Mads Brügger, featuring Amira Smajic, a former master criminal turned informant. Over six months in a rented office in Copenhagen, Smajic secretly filmed corrupt conversations with various individuals involved in financial crimes, including lawyers and gang members. The documentary reveals Denmark's hidden corruption and challenges the country's self-image as a virtuous society.

Since its airing in 2025, "The Black Swan" has shocked Denmark, leading to criminal charges and the introduction of new money-laundering laws. About half of the Danish population has seen the series, sparking discussions about trust in public institutions and the reality of corruption in a country that prides itself on integrity.

Smajic, known as the "Ice Queen," had previously facilitated money laundering for biker gangs. Initially seeking redemption, she later revealed her duplicity, as she was still engaging in criminal activities during filming. The documentary raises ethical questions about journalistic practices, as Smajic's role as a police informant was kept secret.

Brügger's provocative style often involves setting traps for his subjects, and this documentary is no exception. It showcases the ease with which individuals exploit the system, blurring the lines between crime and legality. Ultimately, "The Black Swan" exposes the underlying corruption within Danish society, prompting a reevaluation of trust and morality among its citizens.

Author: RapperWhoMadeIt | Score: 186

37.
Scientists Discover New Heavy-Metal Molecule 'Berkelocene'
(Scientists Discover New Heavy-Metal Molecule 'Berkelocene')

Scientists have discovered a new molecule called “berkelocene,” which is the first organometallic molecule containing the heavy element berkelium. This molecule was created from a tiny amount of berkelium-249 in specialized facilities that handle radioactive materials. The discovery challenges previous beliefs about how elements after uranium behave chemically.

Berkelium, discovered in 1949 by Glenn Seaborg, is part of a group of elements known as actinides. While organometallic molecules are common for earlier actinides like uranium, they are rare for later actinides like berkelium. The research team, led by experts at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, found that berkelocene has a unique structure with berkelium bonded to carbon, which helps scientists understand the behavior of actinides better.

Studying berkelium is difficult due to its radioactivity and sensitivity to air. The researchers designed new equipment to safely conduct experiments with this element. Their findings revealed that berkelium can exist in a +4 oxidation state, which is different from what was expected based on traditional models.

This research may help improve understanding of actinides, which is important for dealing with nuclear waste and other related challenges.

Author: gmays | Score: 118

38.
Things that go wrong with disk IO
(Things that go wrong with disk IO)

No summary available.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 11

39.
The Leader of the LeetCode Rebellion: An Interview with Roy Lee
(The Leader of the LeetCode Rebellion: An Interview with Roy Lee)

Roy Lee, a sophomore at Columbia University, created a tool called Interview Coder to help solve LeetCode problems, which are often used in technical job interviews but criticized for being disconnected from real-world programming tasks. After using his tool to secure a summer internship at Amazon, Roy faced scrutiny from the university and Amazon, leading to a disciplinary hearing due to concerns over his actions and their potential impact on university partnerships with the tech giant.

Roy's video showcasing Interview Coder went viral, gaining over 100,000 views and sparking significant media attention. He believes he was unfairly targeted for expressing his views on the flaws of traditional technical interviews and argues that his actions were a form of free speech. He also pointed out that many students are already using AI tools inappropriately in their academic work.

Looking forward, Roy suggests that hiring practices should shift from high-pressure technical challenges to more holistic assessments of applicants’ past work. He doesn't plan to continue the momentum of Interview Coder for long and is working on a new project.

Author: distalx | Score: 56

40.
University of Toronto Snags Yale Professors as Canada Raids American Brain Trust
(University of Toronto Snags Yale Professors as Canada Raids American Brain Trust)

The University of Toronto (U of T) is attracting top American professors, including those from Yale, as many intellectuals flee the political climate in the U.S. under President Trump. Notable figures like Timothy Snyder and Marci Shore have cited the deteriorating conditions for academics in America as a reason for their move to Canada. This trend is not limited to professors; professionals across various fields, such as medicine and technology, are also seeking a safer environment in Canada due to political pressures in the U.S.

Canada has an opportunity to capitalize on this influx by creating a "Brain Rescue Visa" to fast-track professionals escaping political persecution. By actively recruiting these individuals, Canada could strengthen its workforce and democracy. The author suggests that as the U.S. faces potential institutional collapse, Canada should prepare to absorb talented individuals, fostering closer ties between the two countries.

Author: newaccountlol | Score: 22

41.
The Quantum Chaos of Literature
(The Quantum Chaos of Literature)

No summary available.

Author: mitchbob | Score: 4

42.
Building a modern durable execution engine from first principles
(Building a modern durable execution engine from first principles)

The article discusses the development of Restate, a modern Durable Execution Engine designed without relying on traditional databases or logs. Instead, it uses a unified log architecture to simplify distributed coordination, improving performance and operational behavior.

Key Points:

  1. Architecture Overview: Restate consists of two main components: the Restate Server, which manages invocation events like a message broker, and application services that handle the logic. The server maintains a connection with the services, allowing for durable actions and state modifications.

  2. Distributed Deployment: Restate operates as a cluster of nodes, where each node can send and receive events. It uses a dual mechanism for data storage: a replicated log for new events and an object store for durable data.

  3. Latency and Cost Management: Restate addresses the latency issues associated with object storage by implementing a replication layer, ensuring fast data durability while also allowing users to choose configurations based on their latency and cost needs.

  4. Partitioned Scale-Out: The system scales by dividing work into partitions, each with its log and processor. This design allows for efficient handling of events and reduces the need for synchronization across partitions.

  5. Control and Data Planes: Restate features a control plane for managing failures and coordination, enhancing efficiency by simplifying consensus mechanisms.

  6. Performance Metrics: The article provides performance data, showcasing low latency and high throughput, with Restate capable of handling thousands of actions per second.

  7. Future Developments: Future articles will detail Restate's log implementation and further optimizations.

Overall, Restate aims to offer a robust, flexible execution engine that simplifies the developer experience while delivering high performance in durable function execution.

Author: whoiskatrin | Score: 26

43.
Show HN: A difficult game to test your logic
(Show HN: A difficult game to test your logic)

In this game, green frogs move to the right and brown frogs move to the left. To play, click on a frog to make it jump into the empty space. You can also reset the level if needed.

Author: CodeCrusader | Score: 75

44.
Show HN: Xorq – open-source Python-first Pandas-style pipelines
(Show HN: Xorq – open-source Python-first Pandas-style pipelines)

Summary of xorq: Multi-engine ML Pipelines Made Simple

xorq is a framework designed to simplify the creation of machine learning (ML) pipelines in Python. It allows users to build data processing workflows that are efficient and easy to replicate. Key features include:

  • Declarative Expressions: Users can define data transformations using straightforward expressions, making them independent of any specific data engine.

  • Multi-engine Support: xorq can integrate multiple data engines (like Snowflake and DuckDB) in a single workflow, facilitating data movement between them.

  • Built-in Caching: It automatically saves intermediate results to reduce redundant computations.

  • Serializable Pipelines: All aspects of the pipeline are saved in a YAML format, ensuring they can be version controlled and reproduced reliably.

  • Portable UDFs: Users can create user-defined functions (UDFs) that work across different engines.

  • High Performance: Built on Apache Arrow, xorq ensures fast data transfer without excessive delay.

Getting Started:

  • xorq can be installed via PyPI with the command pip install xorq.
  • Users can create pipelines using a simple Python script and can build these into deployable artifacts through a command-line interface (CLI).

Contributions: The project is open for contributions, and users can refer to the guidelines for participation.

Note: The library is still in development, and the API may change in future updates.

Author: secretasiandan | Score: 13

45.
OpenAI adds MCP support to Agents SDK
(OpenAI adds MCP support to Agents SDK)

Summary of the Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way to connect AI models to various tools and data sources, similar to how a USB-C port connects devices.

Key Points:

  • MCP allows applications to provide context to Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • There are two types of MCP servers:
    • stdio servers: run locally as part of your application.
    • HTTP over SSE servers: run remotely and are accessed via a URL.
  • The Agents SDK supports MCP, enabling the use of multiple MCP servers with agents.
  • When an agent runs, it checks for available tools on the MCP servers, ensuring the LLM knows what tools are available.
  • To improve performance, you can cache the list of tools to reduce delays, but this should only be done if you are sure the tool list won’t change.
  • There are functions available to invalidate the cache if needed.
  • Examples of using MCP can be found in the examples/mcp directory.
  • MCP also includes tracing features that track operations related to server calls and function calls.
Author: gronky_ | Score: 766

46.
Virginia will punish fast drivers with devices that limit their speed
(Virginia will punish fast drivers with devices that limit their speed)

No summary available.

Author: reaperducer | Score: 8

47.
What happens to DNA data of millions as 23andMe files bankruptcy?
(What happens to DNA data of millions as 23andMe files bankruptcy?)

No summary available.

Author: ajdude | Score: 12

48.
Meta debuts Friends tab, Mark Zuckerberg pushes 'throwback to OG Facebook'
(Meta debuts Friends tab, Mark Zuckerberg pushes 'throwback to OG Facebook')

No summary available.

Author: koolba | Score: 7

49.
California bill aims to phase out harmful ultra-processed foods in schools
(California bill aims to phase out harmful ultra-processed foods in schools)

On March 19, 2025, California lawmakers introduced Assembly Bill 1264, aimed at phasing out harmful ultra-processed foods from school meals. If passed, this bill would define ultra-processed foods and require scientists to identify particularly harmful items, with plans to remove them from schools by 2032.

Experts, including Ashley Gearhardt from the University of Michigan, support the bill, emphasizing the health risks of ultra-processed foods. The criteria for elimination will include the presence of banned additives, health risks, potential for food addiction, and high levels of fat, sugar, or salt. A report on harmful foods is expected by July 1, 2026, with updates every two years.

The bill has bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting children's health. It follows previous laws targeting harmful food additives and is part of a broader national movement to regulate food dyes and unhealthy ingredients in schools. Ultra-processed foods have been linked to various health issues, including obesity and ADHD, prompting calls for change in the food industry.

Lawmakers hope this bill will encourage food companies to improve their recipes to remain competitive in California's market.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 119

50.
Debian bookworm live images now reproducible
(Debian bookworm live images now reproducible)

No summary available.

Author: bertman | Score: 721

51.
Abundance Isn't Going to Happen Unless Politicians Are Scared of the Status Quo
(Abundance Isn't Going to Happen Unless Politicians Are Scared of the Status Quo)

The article discusses the urgent need for housing reform and the challenges faced in achieving abundance in various sectors, particularly housing. It highlights that California's past legislation aimed at addressing housing shortages has not significantly improved production due to excessive regulations and processes.

The author emphasizes the importance of an "abundance mindset," which focuses on tangible outcomes rather than just intentions. This approach advocates for a government that effectively delivers results for its citizens, contrasting it with the current situation where bureaucratic hurdles hinder progress.

The text also explores two prevailing attitudes towards government action: one that seeks to tear down existing structures in frustration (the "DOGE" perspective) and another that promotes building up and improving systems (the "Abundance" perspective). The author argues that there is a growing urgency for politicians to act decisively to address citizens' frustrations with issues like high prices and poor infrastructure.

Ultimately, the article calls for elected officials to prioritize effective governance and take bold actions to foster a thriving middle class, warning that failing to do so could lead to electoral consequences. The emphasis is on creating a visible constituency to encourage politicians to pursue necessary reforms in housing and beyond.

Author: viajante1882 | Score: 182

52.
The devastating truth about the war on education – Raw Story
(The devastating truth about the war on education – Raw Story)

No summary available.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 3

53.
War story: the hardest bug I ever debugged
(War story: the hardest bug I ever debugged)

The author shares a challenging experience while working on Google Docs, where they encountered a severe bug that caused crashes without a clear cause. This bug, which appeared in a specific version of Chrome, was particularly difficult to debug because it was non-deterministic, meaning it didn’t happen consistently.

Initially, the author investigated logs and tried to replicate the bug through various methods but had no luck. They eventually created a large document and used a script to bold and unbold text, which helped them reproduce the crash. After extensive debugging alongside a coworker over two days, they discovered the issue stemmed from a problem in the bookkeeping code that involved a faulty implementation of the Math.abs() function, which incorrectly returned negative values.

The root cause was traced back to a recent optimization in the V8 engine (Chrome's JavaScript engine), where a mistake in the code had transformed Math.abs() into an identity function, only manifesting under specific conditions. The team implemented a temporary fix while documenting the issue for future reference. Ultimately, the experience highlighted the unpredictable nature of debugging and the complexities involved in software development, with no clear moral or lesson to be gleaned.

Author: jakevoytko | Score: 417

54.
21-year old dev destroys LeetCode, gets kicked out of school
(21-year old dev destroys LeetCode, gets kicked out of school)

A 21-year-old student at Columbia University created an app that helps users cheat during technical interviews, specifically for software engineering roles. This led to him getting expelled from the university. The incident raises questions about the future of LeetCode, a popular platform for interview preparation, and how it may affect the hiring process for programmers.

The video discusses the challenges of technical interviews, why many people dislike LeetCode, and explores topics like "vibe coding" and the implications of cheating in interviews. It emphasizes the need for companies to rethink their interview methods rather than relying on outdated questions.

Author: amrrs | Score: 9

55.
When Getting Phished Puts You in Mortal Danger
(When Getting Phished Puts You in Mortal Danger)

On March 27, 2025, it was reported that many phishing scams are targeting Russians looking for anti-Kremlin groups, with some potentially leading to severe consequences, including arrest. Security firm Silent Push identified a network of phishing websites that mimic the recruitment pages of Ukrainian paramilitary groups, such as the Freedom of Russia Legion, which opposes Vladimir Putin.

These fake sites collect personal information from users through forms asking for details like name, age, and political views. The phishing campaigns likely originate from Russian intelligence or aligned actors, as participating in such anti-war actions is illegal in Russia.

The phishing websites are not promoted via email but manipulate search engine results, often appearing above legitimate sites on platforms like Yandex, which is popular in Russia. Security researcher Artem Tamoian noted that those searching for information about these groups can easily fall victim to these scams.

In March 2023, Russia classified the Freedom of Russia Legion as a terrorist organization, increasing the risk for individuals trying to connect with it. While there is no direct evidence linking arrests to these phishing sites, Tamoian believes they are part of a broader Russian government strategy to suppress dissent.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 6

56.
Problems with the heap
(Problems with the heap)

No summary available.

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 195

57.
A love letter to the CSV format
(A love letter to the CSV format)

The article defends the CSV (Comma-Separated Values) format against claims of its decline in favor of newer formats. Here are the key points:

  1. Simplicity: CSV is easy to understand and create. Its basic rules are straightforward, making it accessible to anyone learning to program.

  2. Collective Ownership: No one owns CSV, and it lacks a formal specification, which allows it to remain open and free.

  3. Text-Based: CSV is plain text, easily readable and editable with any text editor, unlike binary formats.

  4. Streamable: CSV can be read one row at a time, requiring minimal memory, making it efficient for handling large datasets.

  5. Easy to Append: Adding new rows to a CSV file is simple and efficient, unlike column-oriented formats.

  6. Dynamic Typing: CSV allows flexibility in data types across different programming languages, which can be beneficial in certain contexts.

  7. Conciseness: CSV files are succinct, with headers written only once, reducing repetition compared to formats like JSON or XML.

  8. Reversible: A reversed CSV file is still valid, allowing for efficient reading of the last rows without scanning the entire file.

  9. Excel Compatibility: If Excel struggles with CSV, it suggests that CSV may be doing something right.

Overall, the article emphasizes that CSV has unique strengths that keep it relevant, despite criticisms.

Author: Yomguithereal | Score: 664

58.
Writing a tiny undo/redo stack in JavaScript
(Writing a tiny undo/redo stack in JavaScript)

Summary of "UI Algorithms: A Tiny Undo Stack"

This article discusses creating a simple and efficient undo stack for user interfaces, which allows users to reverse actions.

Key Points:

  1. Types of Undo Functionality:

    • Undo Stacks: Track individual actions that can be undone and redone.
    • Version Histories: Allow users to go back to previous states, like in Photoshop.
  2. Basic Undo Stack Operations:

    • Push an action onto the stack when it is performed.
    • Pop the last action off the stack to undo it.
    • Redo the last undone action by pushing it back onto the stack.
  3. Implementation:

    • The proposed implementation uses two separate stacks: one for past actions (undo) and one for future actions (redo).
    • When a new action is added, the redo stack is cleared.
  4. Avoiding Index Issues:

    • The article highlights problems with using array indexes, such as accessing nonexistent indices and confusion between methods like slice and splice.
    • The solution is to manage two separate stacks without relying on array indices.
  5. Handling JavaScript's Pass-by-Reference:

    • Since JavaScript shares references for objects, the implementation ensures actions always use a cloned copy of the relevant data, preventing unexpected behavior.
  6. Final Implementation:

    • The final undo stack allows adding actions with their corresponding undo functions and manages cloning automatically.
    • It includes methods to check if undo or redo actions are available and to clear the stacks.

Overall, this approach results in a robust and error-free undo stack suitable for simple UI applications.

Author: julik | Score: 160

59.
The Ocean Sunfish: Why the Rant Is Wrong (2017)
(The Ocean Sunfish: Why the Rant Is Wrong (2017))

Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to summarize.

Author: Tomte | Score: 8

60.
Unofficial Windows 7 Service Pack 2
(Unofficial Windows 7 Service Pack 2)

Windows 7 Service Pack 2 Summary

Windows 7 Service Pack 2 is an ongoing project aimed at updating and enhancing Windows 7 for better usability on modern machines. It includes various updates, new features, and software improvements.

Key Features:

  • Updates up to 2020, including those for Windows Embedded Standard 7.
  • New applications like Snipping Tool, Paint, and Task Manager from newer Windows versions.
  • Support for USB 3.0, NVMe, TPM 2.0, and UEFI booting.
  • Enhanced graphics and DPI support.
  • Integration of Microsoft Visual C++ and other tools.

Installation Notes:

  • The project currently only supports 64-bit systems; 32-bit support is not planned.
  • ISO files are for clean installations only.
  • Users must follow installation instructions carefully to avoid system issues.

FAQs:

  • 32-bit hardware is not supported due to the complexity of maintaining two versions.
  • ESU updates are not included as they will continue to be provided by Microsoft until 2026.
  • VxKex is preferred over other extended kernels for safety reasons.

Important Warnings:

  • Bugs may occur, and users are encouraged to report them.
  • Improper installation can lead to system failures.

This project is still under development, so users should expect ongoing changes and updates.

Author: XzetaU8 | Score: 231

61.
The mysterious flow of fluid in the brain
(The mysterious flow of fluid in the brain)

The article discusses the mysterious flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, which is essential for clearing waste but not fully understood. Scientists have long debated how waste is removed from the brain since it lacks a traditional lymphatic system found in the rest of the body.

Recent research led by Maiken Nedergaard suggests that the slow pumping of blood vessels may help move CSF, potentially aiding in waste removal, particularly during sleep. This idea, known as the "glymphatic hypothesis," proposes that CSF acts as a drainage system for waste, especially when we sleep, making sleep feel refreshing.

Despite its popularity, the glymphatic hypothesis faces skepticism. Critics argue that some aspects are not physically plausible, and there is still no clear understanding of how CSF flows in the brain or how it interacts with brain cells to remove waste. Researchers continue to investigate this complex system, acknowledging that more studies are needed to uncover the true mechanisms at play.

Overall, while there are promising ideas about how the brain clears waste, the exact processes remain largely a mystery, and scientists are still exploring various theories to understand brain physiology better.

Author: pseudolus | Score: 133

62.
Trapping misbehaving bots in an AI Labyrinth
(Trapping misbehaving bots in an AI Labyrinth)

No summary available.

Author: pabs3 | Score: 228

63.
Show HN: Formal Verification for Machine Learning Models Using Lean 4
(Show HN: Formal Verification for Machine Learning Models Using Lean 4)

Summary: Formal Verification of Machine Learning Models in Lean

This project focuses on verifying machine learning models for important properties like reliability and fairness using Lean 4. It aims to ensure that models, especially in critical fields like healthcare and finance, function correctly and ethically.

Key Features:

  • Lean Library: Offers formal definitions for various machine learning models (e.g., neural networks, decision trees) and their properties (e.g., robustness, fairness).
  • Model Translator: A Python tool that converts trained models from formats like PyTorch to a JSON schema and generates Lean code.
  • Web Interface: A user-friendly platform for uploading models, initiating verification, and visualizing model architectures.
  • CI/CD Pipeline: Uses Docker and GitHub Actions for consistent and reliable development and deployment.

Getting Started:

  1. Clone the repository.
  2. Build the Docker image.
  3. Run the container and access the web interface at http://localhost:5000.

Contributions and feedback are encouraged, and the project is licensed under the MIT License. For more details, refer to the User and Developer Guides.

Author: MADEinPARIS | Score: 49

64.
NotaGen: Symbolic Music Generation
(NotaGen: Symbolic Music Generation)

No summary available.

Author: explosion-s | Score: 97

65.
DJ With Apple Music launches to enable subscribers to mix their own sets
(DJ With Apple Music launches to enable subscribers to mix their own sets)

Apple has launched a new feature called "DJ with Apple Music," allowing subscribers to mix their own music sets using Apple Music's extensive library of over 100 million songs. This feature works with popular DJ software and hardware like Serato and Denon DJ, making it accessible for DJs of all skill levels.

The integration includes a dedicated section on Apple Music with DJ-friendly playlists and curated content. Key figures from collaborating companies expressed excitement about the feature, highlighting its potential to enhance creativity and accessibility for DJs. This initiative builds on previous Apple Music offerings like DJ Mixes and the Apple Music Club.

Overall, the launch aims to provide DJs with innovative tools to discover and mix music seamlessly.

Author: CharlesW | Score: 190

66.
The long-awaited Friend Compound laws in California
(The long-awaited Friend Compound laws in California)

California has introduced new laws that make it easier to build "friend compounds," which are groups of homes for friends or families living close together. Here are the key points:

  1. SB 684 - Starter Homes on Micro-Lots:

    • Allows people to buy a large property and split it into smaller lots for individual homes (up to 10).
    • Each home can be owned separately, making it easier for friends to live together without complicated shared ownership.
    • Cities must review applications within 60 days and approve them if they meet certain guidelines.
    • The average home size can’t exceed 1,750 square feet.
  2. SB 1211 - More Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):

    • This law lets property owners build as many ADUs as they have existing housing units, potentially adding up to 8 ADUs.
    • ADUs can be built in place of parking spots, allowing for denser housing.
  3. Property Considerations:

    • Ideal properties for these laws have large lot sizes (at least 5,000 sq ft) and are zoned for multifamily use.
    • These zoning opportunities are more common in areas like the East Bay and San Francisco.

Overall, these laws aim to simplify the process of building homes for friends and families in California.

Author: simonebrunozzi | Score: 146

67.
Adopting the Ferrocene Language Specification
(Adopting the Ferrocene Language Specification)

Summary: Adopting the FLS into the Rust Project

Ferrous Systems created the FLS (Ferrocene Language Specification) to describe Rust and has updated it for safety-critical industries. Many have successfully used the FLS for qualifying Rust toolchains. The Rust Project aims to support users in these industries and is pleased to announce the adoption of the FLS, thanks to Ferrous Systems' donation and support from the Rust Foundation.

With this adoption, the FLS will be integrated into the Rust Project, leading to some changes in URLs, but no major changes are planned for the document itself to avoid affecting users' qualification processes. The Rust Reference will remain unchanged, with ongoing improvements expected, while efforts will be made to better connect the FLS and the Reference in the future.

Overall, this collaboration aims to enhance the reliability of Rust for safety-critical applications.

Author: rascul | Score: 7

68.
Writing Programs with Ncurses
(Writing Programs with Ncurses)

No summary available.

Author: begoon | Score: 117

69.
I got kicked out of Columbia for taking a stand against LeetCode interviews
(I got kicked out of Columbia for taking a stand against LeetCode interviews)

Chungin Lee, a former Columbia University student, was expelled for opposing Leetcode interview practices. After transferring to Columbia as a Computer Science major in Fall 2024, he and his co-founder, Neel Shanmugam, decided to create a tool called Interview Coder to help candidates pass technical interviews. They quickly developed the app and launched it on LinkedIn, which gained traction after Chungin secured job offers from major companies like Meta and TikTok.

However, after posting about his offers, Columbia received a complaint from an Amazon executive, leading to disciplinary action against him. Faced with the choice to stay silent or speak out, Chungin leaked the complaint letter online, which went viral. This backlash resulted in his expulsion after Columbia accused him of potentially facilitating cheating.

Chungin reflects on the experience, acknowledging the stress it caused but expressing satisfaction with his decision. He continues to develop Interview Coder, which has undergone significant updates.

Author: mmarian | Score: 7

70.
Waymos crash less than human drivers
(Waymos crash less than human drivers)

Waymo, a company that operates driverless vehicles, has completed over 50 million miles of driving and has experienced significantly fewer crashes than human drivers. Even during incidents where Waymo vehicles were hit by other cars, they were largely following traffic rules while the other drivers were not.

In recent months, Waymo reported 38 serious crashes, with only one clearly being the fault of a Waymo vehicle. The majority of crashes involved other drivers failing to follow traffic laws, such as rear-ending stationary Waymos or crossing into their lanes.

When comparing crash rates, Waymo estimates that its vehicles would have about 83% fewer airbag-triggering crashes and 81% fewer injury-causing crashes than typical human drivers in the same areas.

Additionally, insurance claims against Waymo are about 90% lower than what would be expected for human drivers, highlighting their strong safety record. Overall, Waymo's data suggests that their autonomous vehicles are safer than human-driven cars.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 313

71.
Plato: Organist to the Beasts (2022)
(Plato: Organist to the Beasts (2022))

The text describes a unique image of the philosopher Plato playing music on an organ while surrounded by a group of seemingly lifeless animals. This artwork, attributed to Mughal painter Madhu Khanazad, illustrates a scene from the Persian Sufi poetry book, the Khamsa of Nizami, which dates back to around 1200.

In the story, Alexander the Great gathers philosophers to determine who is the wisest. While Aristotle initially impresses everyone with his knowledge, Plato, feeling overshadowed, retreats to create a musical instrument that can put animals to sleep and awaken them. When he plays, all the animals around him fall asleep, and he later revives them with his music.

Aristotle, feeling threatened by Plato's talent, tries to replicate his ability but struggles to awaken the animals. Eventually, he seeks Plato's help, and after a demonstration, he realizes Plato's superiority in musical knowledge. He acknowledges Plato's wisdom, leading to Plato being honored as the wisest man by Alexander.

Overall, the story highlights themes of wisdom, rivalry, and the transformative power of music, showcasing the medieval Islamic perspective on Plato and Aristotle.

Author: marginalia_nu | Score: 10

72.
Collapse OS
(Collapse OS)

No summary available.

Author: kaycebasques | Score: 210

73.
Building a Firecracker-Powered Course Platform to Learn Docker and Kubernetes
(Building a Firecracker-Powered Course Platform to Learn Docker and Kubernetes)

The post discusses the creation of iximiuz Labs' internal learning platform for DevOps, SRE, and Platform engineers. It explains the reasons behind building this platform, the design process, the technology stack used, and the implementation of various components. The author also shares the trade-offs made during development and highlights interesting aspects of the platform's architecture. Finally, the post outlines future plans for the platform.

Author: fazkan | Score: 142

74.
Mathematicians Find Proof to 122-Year-Old Triangle-to-Square Puzzle
(Mathematicians Find Proof to 122-Year-Old Triangle-to-Square Puzzle)

No summary available.

Author: IdealeZahlen | Score: 9

75.
De-Atomization is the Secret to Happiness (2022)
(De-Atomization is the Secret to Happiness (2022))

In "De-Atomization is the Secret to Happiness," Nat Eliason discusses two types of fun: Type 1 fun, which is enjoyable in the moment (like playing video games), and Type 2 fun, which is rewarding in hindsight (like running a marathon). He argues that many aspects of life have become "atomized," meaning they are simplified and separated from richer experiences.

For example, fitness has become a separate activity rather than an integral part of life, with people prioritizing efficiency over enjoyment. Activities like biking and eating have lost their social and experiential richness, leading to feelings of loneliness and overwhelm.

To combat this atomization, Eliason suggests reintegrating different life experiences. Instead of compartmentalizing activities like exercise, socialization, and work, we should blend them together for a more satisfying life. The key to happiness lies in embracing de-atomization, allowing us to enjoy a fuller, more connected existence.

Author: Tomte | Score: 13

76.
All clothing is handmade (2022)
(All clothing is handmade (2022))

The author shares their experience with handmade clothing and quilts, emphasizing the personal value of items made specifically for someone, as opposed to mass-produced clothing. They recall a meaningful gift their father gave their mother, highlighting the emotional connections tied to custom-made garments.

The author discusses the quality of clothing in the 21st century, noting a decline in quality due to mass production and various factors controlled by companies, such as materials used and production speed. They argue that the quality of clothing reflects the decisions of the companies that produce it, rather than the skills of the workers in countries where the clothing is made.

The text encourages readers to reconsider how we discuss garment quality and the assumptions tied to the origins of clothing, particularly regarding East Asian workers. The author believes that while some clothing is specially made, all clothing is ultimately handmade. They also suggest further reading and viewing on the topic, including works that explore the perceptions of sewing skills among different communities.

Author: panic | Score: 153

77.
Sundance Film Festival is leaving Utah
(Sundance Film Festival is leaving Utah)

In a podcast episode titled "Mormon Land," hosts share their reasons for leaving the Mormon Church. They emphasize that their decision to resign doesn't mean they want the church to fail; instead, they express a desire for it to improve and thrive.

Author: freedomben | Score: 9

78.
Lumon Terminal Pro
(Lumon Terminal Pro)

Summary:

Lumon is promoting the Apple Original series "Severance," highlighting how it was edited on Mac computers. They also offer a deal where new and returning customers can get three months of Apple TV+ for free when buying a new Mac. However, this offer is only for eligible subscribers and has specific restrictions, such as being limited to one offer per Apple account or family. After the free trial, the subscription will cost $9.99 per month. For more information, customers can visit an Apple Store or call Apple support.

Author: jervant | Score: 107

79.
Oracle customers confirm data stolen in alleged cloud breach is valid
(Oracle customers confirm data stolen in alleged cloud breach is valid)

No summary available.

Author: el_duderino | Score: 323

80.
AI Reveals Secrets of Dendritic Growth in Thin Films
(AI Reveals Secrets of Dendritic Growth in Thin Films)

Contact Information

  • Department: Public Relations Division, Tokyo University of Science
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Address: 1-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8601, Japan
Author: rustoo | Score: 43

81.
An Interview with Zen Chief Architect Mike Clark
(An Interview with Zen Chief Architect Mike Clark)

The interview with Mike Clark, the chief architect of AMD's Zen microarchitecture, highlights the significance of Zen in the x86 ecosystem, noting its role in AMD's growth from a 10% to a 25% market share in CPUs. Here are the key points from the conversation:

  1. x86 vs. ARM: Clark believes that both x86 and ARM architectures can perform well in low-power and high-performance designs. The differences between them are mainly due to market focus rather than fundamental limitations.

  2. Memory and Page Size: Clark encourages the use of larger memory page sizes to improve performance, noting that 4k page sizes can limit efficiency. He mentions that while larger pages would help, they need to be balanced with existing systems.

  3. Cache and Register Sizes: The standard cache line and register size for CPUs is 64 bytes, with Clark indicating that while they are always evaluating this, it suits current CPU workloads. GPUs, in contrast, can benefit from wider data paths due to their different workload requirements.

  4. Scatter/Gather Performance: Clark explains that scatter/gather operations are challenging for CPUs due to their focus on low latency, which affects their ability to efficiently handle wide data paths.

  5. Nontemporal Stores: These stores can be beneficial as they may require less processing power, but developers still need to be judicious about when to use them.

  6. Software Development Insights: Clark emphasizes the need for software developers to leverage new hardware features, like wider vectors, to maximize performance. He also suggests that larger code blocks can enhance efficiency.

  7. Closing the Feedback Loop: Clark expresses a desire for better communication between hardware designers and software developers to improve future designs.

The interview concludes with an appreciation for the collaborative relationship between software and hardware development, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technologies.

Author: Smaug123 | Score: 144

82.
A Special Year at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum
(A Special Year at the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum)

Heinz Nixdorf, a key figure in computer history, was born on April 9, 1925, in Germany. He founded Nixdorf Computer AG in 1952, which later became the Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum (HNF) after his death in 1986. The HNF is celebrating his legacy with new exhibitions on computer technology in 2024 and a special anniversary in 2025.

In 2024, the HNF updated its permanent exhibits to include the history of analog computers, digital photography, hacker culture, and more. Notable new displays include a remodeled supercomputer exhibit featuring early models and an area dedicated to printing technology, showcasing devices like the 1960 Xerox 1385 photocopier.

The museum will also highlight unique innovations, such as the Maschine 1, a wearable computer designed for Blackjack, and Claude Shannon’s Mind Reading Machine, showcasing early developments in computer science.

In 2025, HNF will host events celebrating Nixdorf’s 100th birthday, including the reopening of exhibitions focused on his work and significant advancements in quantum computing. Special exhibits will cover the history of Silicon Valley and the evolution of personal computers, featuring iconic models like the Apple-1 and the ALTAIR 8800. The HNF aims to engage visitors of all ages with these exciting developments.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 9

83.
The role of developer skills in agentic coding
(The role of developer skills in agentic coding)

The text includes a list of topics: videos, a content index, board games, and photography.

Author: BerislavLopac | Score: 313

84.
Building a Linux Container Runtime from Scratch
(Building a Linux Container Runtime from Scratch)

No summary available.

Author: curmudgeon22 | Score: 203

85.
Botswana launches first satellite BOTSAT-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9
(Botswana launches first satellite BOTSAT-1 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9)

Botswana successfully launched its first satellite, BOTSAT-1, on March 15, 2025, using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in the USA. The launch was part of a mission that included 74 satellites. BOTSAT-1, a 3U hyperspectral Earth Observation satellite, was developed by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) in collaboration with EnduroSat and managed by ExoLaunch.

The launch was attended by Botswana's President, Duma Gideon Boko, and other officials, highlighting the country's commitment to space technology for national development. BOTSAT-1, operating at around 500 kilometers in a sun-synchronous orbit, aims to collect data for food security, environmental conservation, and urban planning, while also helping to train Botswana's engineers in satellite development.

The satellite will transmit data from its ground station at BIUST, covering an area of 32 kilometers with a resolution of 12 meters. BOTSAT-1 marks an important step for Botswana in leveraging space resources for development and sets the stage for future projects like BOTSAT-2. Additionally, the partnership with Dragonfly Aerospace enhances Botswana's technical capabilities and supports the development of a clean room facility for satellite work at BIUST.

Author: vinnyglennon | Score: 386

86.
Sharding Pgvector
(Sharding Pgvector)

Summary of Sharding pgvector

Overview pgvector is a tool for handling embeddings in Postgres, but as data scales (around a million arrays), indexing becomes slow. A solution to manage large datasets is sharding, which involves splitting the vector index across multiple machines to improve search speed and recall.

Index Types pgvector has two index types:

  1. HNSW: Fast searching (O(log(n))) but slow to build.
  2. IVFFlat: Quick to build but slower to search (O(sqrt(n))). It organizes vectors into groups based on centroids.

Sharding Approach Sharding involves splitting data into parts, similar to how IVFFlat groups vectors. This allows parts to be distributed across multiple machines, enabling faster searches. The process starts by calculating centroids using K-means clustering.

Testing Sharding The team tested the concept using the Cohere/wikipedia dataset, which encodes English Wikipedia articles into 768-dimensional embeddings. The sharding function selects shards based on the distance to centroids.

Results Tests showed good results, with high recall rates for similar queries. Using multiple shards improved the number of successful queries significantly.

Future Steps The project plans to explore additional distance algorithms and implement SIMD instructions for faster computations. PgDog is open-source and seeking partners for development.

Author: levkk | Score: 85

87.
MCP server for Ghidra
(MCP server for Ghidra)

Summary of ghidraMCP

ghidraMCP is a server that helps Large Language Models (LLMs) to automatically reverse engineer applications using Ghidra, a software analysis tool. It provides various Ghidra features to clients.

Key Features:

  • Decompile and analyze binary files.
  • Automatically rename methods and data.
  • List methods, classes, imports, and exports.

Installation Steps:

  1. Requirements:

    • Mac or Windows
    • Install Ghidra
    • Install Python 3
  2. Installation Process:

    • Download the latest release from the repository (includes the Ghidra plugin and Python client).
    • Open Ghidra, go to File -> Install Extensions, and upload the downloaded zip file.
    • Restart Ghidra and ensure the GhidraMCPPlugin is enabled.

MCP Client Setup:

  • Any MCP client can work with ghidraMCP. Two examples are provided:
    • Claude Desktop: Modify the config file to connect to the Ghidra MCP server.
    • 5ire: Set up a new tool in the application to link to the GhidraMCP.

Building from Source:

  • Use Maven to build the project, which generates necessary files for Ghidra to recognize the extension.

For visual guidance, installation videos are available.

Author: tanelpoder | Score: 347

88.
Malware found on NPM infecting local package with reverse shell
(Malware found on NPM infecting local package with reverse shell)

The article discusses a dangerous hacking technique called the "Rules File Backdoor," which can be easily used due to the increasing use of "vibe coding" and autonomous AI tools. It highlights the need for Application Security (AppSec) teams to be aware of these vulnerabilities to protect against potential attacks.

Author: gnabgib | Score: 225

89.
Has the decline of knowledge work begun?
(Has the decline of knowledge work begun?)

No summary available.

Author: pseudolus | Score: 370

90.
Nature of Code
(Nature of Code)

The text introduces a book titled "The Nature of Code," which can be read online for free thanks to Creative Commons. It encourages readers to support the project by sponsoring on GitHub or purchasing a printed copy, which comes with a special bookmark and sticker. The book explores coding concepts, particularly through the lens of nature and computation. Additionally, it provides various buying options from different retailers.

Author: Tomte | Score: 12

91.
Blender releases their Oscar winning version tool
(Blender releases their Oscar winning version tool)

Blender 4.4 Summary

Overview: Blender 4.4 focuses on improving stability and quality through a special initiative called "Winter of Quality." During this period, over 700 bugs were fixed, and technical documentation was enhanced.

Key Features:

  1. Action Slots:

    • New feature allowing multiple animations to share a single Action, simplifying the animation process for various elements (e.g., moving a camera while changing its depth of field).
  2. Video Sequencer Enhancements:

    • Improved text editing, faster image processing, and support for H.265 codec.
    • New features include on-the-fly text editing, better alignment for text strips, and faster rendering.
  3. Modeling Improvements:

    • New options for selecting mesh points and better topology management.
    • Enhanced performance for various modeling tasks.
  4. Sculpting Tools:

    • Introduction of a new Plane brush type with customizable settings for better control.
  5. User Interface Updates:

    • Enhanced window decorations for Windows 11 and macOS.
    • Improved editor functionality, such as better snapping and visibility options.
  6. Compositor Upgrades:

    • Major performance improvements and new controls for glare effects and other nodes, making the compositing process faster and more efficient.
  7. Extensive Bug Fixes:

    • Over 700 issues addressed across multiple modules, improving overall software stability.
  8. Additional Features:

    • New nodes for Geometry Nodes, improvements in rendering, better handling of video files, and various user interface enhancements across different platforms.

Blender 4.4 represents a significant step forward in usability and performance, making it easier for users to create and edit complex animations and visual effects. The software remains free and open-source, supported by community donations.

Author: babuloseo | Score: 759

92.
Coordinating the Superbowl's visual fidelity with Elixir
(Coordinating the Superbowl's visual fidelity with Elixir)

Summary of Cyanview's Use of Elixir for Super Bowl Broadcasts

Cyanview is a Belgian company specializing in live video broadcast technology, particularly camera shading, which ensures consistency in color and exposure across numerous cameras during events like the Super Bowl. Their main product, the Remote Control Panel (RCP), is widely used in major broadcasts, including the Olympics and NFL games.

Cyanview chose Elixir for its strong networking capabilities and reliability, essential for operating over IP networks rather than traditional methods, which often struggle with latency. This decision allowed them to develop versatile products that integrate smoothly with various camera systems and protocols.

The company operates with a small team of nine, including two Elixir developers. They focus on building robust and flexible systems that enable quick prototyping of new features, enhancing their product offerings. Cyanview prioritizes customer collaboration over marketing, leading to strong partnerships in the industry.

Looking ahead, Cyanview plans to grow responsibly while expanding their product range and cloud capabilities. Their success illustrates how Elixir can help small teams make a significant impact in complex industries like live broadcasting.

Author: lawik | Score: 627

93.
Akamai Now Providing the Hosting Infrastructure for Kernel.org
(Akamai Now Providing the Hosting Infrastructure for Kernel.org)

No summary available.

Author: speckx | Score: 6

94.
Even If Those Weren't War Plans in Hegseth's Signal Chat, They Were War Crimes
(Even If Those Weren't War Plans in Hegseth's Signal Chat, They Were War Crimes)

No summary available.

Author: hn_acker | Score: 8

95.
Pi Pico Rx – A crystal radio for the digital age?
(Pi Pico Rx – A crystal radio for the digital age?)

Summary of Pi Pico Rx - A Crystal Radio for the Digital Age

The Pi Pico Rx is a modern software-defined radio (SDR) receiver inspired by the simplicity and excitement of building a crystal radio. It can be constructed using a Raspberry Pi Pico, an analogue switch, and an op-amp, allowing it to receive signals across longwave (LW), mediumwave (MW), and shortwave (SW) bands.

Key Features:

  • Frequency coverage from 0 to 30 MHz
  • 250 kHz bandwidth
  • Supports various reception modes: CW, SSB, AM, FM
  • OLED display and simple spectrum scope
  • Can save 500 memory presets
  • Powered by 3 AAA batteries with low current consumption

The Pi Pico Rx utilizes a unique design featuring a Tayloe Quadrature Sampling Detector (QSD) and a quadrature oscillator, allowing it to function without an external oscillator. It processes signals using the built-in ADC and digital signal processing capabilities of the RP2040 microcontroller.

User Interface and Audio Output: The user interface includes a basic OLED display and a rotary tuning knob. Initially designed with an audio amplifier, the Pi Pico Rx ultimately drives headphones directly through PWM output, simplifying the design.

Design Innovations:

  • Uses a round-robin method to sample IQ signals with a single ADC channel.
  • Implements a quadrature oscillator through the PIO feature of the RP2040.
  • Focuses on cost-effective yet high-performance components.

Overall, the Pi Pico Rx combines modern technology with the simplicity of traditional radio-making, offering an accessible way for electronics enthusiasts to explore radio communication.

Author: nolist_policy | Score: 140

96.
High-Performance PNG Decoding
(High-Performance PNG Decoding)

No summary available.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 83

97.
A (Long) Peek into Reinforcement Learning
(A (Long) Peek into Reinforcement Learning)

Summary of Reinforcement Learning Overview

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is a type of machine learning where an agent learns to make decisions by interacting with an environment to maximize rewards. Key concepts include:

  1. Agent and Environment: The agent takes actions in an environment to receive rewards. The goal is to learn a strategy that maximizes cumulative rewards over time.

  2. Key Terms:

    • State (s): A specific situation in the environment.
    • Action (a): The choices available to the agent.
    • Reward (r): Feedback from the environment after an action is taken.
    • Policy (π): A strategy that defines the action to take in each state.
    • Value Function (V): A measure of how good it is to be in a given state under a specific policy.
  3. Markov Decision Processes (MDPs): Most RL problems can be framed as MDPs, where future states depend only on the current state and action.

  4. Common Algorithms:

    • Dynamic Programming: Used when the model of the environment is known.
    • Monte-Carlo Methods: Learn from complete episodes of experience without needing the model.
    • Temporal-Difference Learning: Learns from incomplete episodes, updating estimates based on other learned values.
    • SARSA and Q-Learning: Popular TD learning methods; SARSA is on-policy, while Q-learning is off-policy.
    • Deep Q-Networks (DQN): Combines Q-learning with deep learning to handle large state-action spaces.
  5. Policy Gradient Methods: Directly learn the policy rather than the value functions, useful for complex action spaces.

  6. Challenges:

    • Exploration vs. Exploitation: Balancing between trying new actions and optimizing known rewards.
    • Deadly Triad: Instability that arises when combining off-policy learning, nonlinear function approximation, and bootstrapping.
  7. Case Study - AlphaGo Zero: A landmark example of RL where the AI defeated top human players in Go, using self-play and reinforcement learning without human data.

Overall, reinforcement learning is a powerful framework for developing intelligent systems capable of learning optimal behaviors through trial and error in various environments.

Author: Brysonbw | Score: 157

98.
Much of the administration's agenda for research is in Proj. 2025's 900+page doc
(Much of the administration's agenda for research is in Proj. 2025's 900+page doc)

Summary of How Trump is Following Project 2025’s Roadmap to Defund Science

In recent months, President Donald Trump has taken significant actions that impact the U.S. research community, many of which were planned in advance as part of "Project 2025," a detailed policy guide released by the Heritage Foundation. This blueprint outlines aggressive proposals aimed at conservative policymakers, including drastic cuts to science funding and the dismantling of diversity programs.

Despite Trump initially claiming he was unaware of Project 2025 during his 2024 campaign, his administration has enacted many of its recommendations. Over half of Trump’s executive orders align with Project 2025, which seeks to reduce federal oversight and funding for scientific initiatives. Major actions already taken include:

  1. Ending Diversity Programs: Trump has signed an executive order that terminates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, affecting key agencies like the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

  2. Defunding Climate Science: The Trump administration is working to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and roll back environmental regulations.

  3. Cutting University Funding: The NIH attempted to reduce the indirect costs universities receive for research, although a federal judge has temporarily halted this policy.

  4. Reducing Government Workforce: There have been mass layoffs in federal agencies, including NASA and NIH, as part of efforts to downsize the government.

Looking ahead, many recommendations from Project 2025 remain unimplemented, but there are indications that further cuts to scientific research, including fetal-tissue research, may be on the way. Overall, Trump's actions reflect a departure from traditional science funding and support, aligning closely with the radical agenda laid out in Project 2025.

Author: rntn | Score: 13

99.
Exploring Dynamic Dispatch in Rust (2017)
(Exploring Dynamic Dispatch in Rust (2017))

The author, a beginner in Rust, explores the concept of dynamic dispatch and trait objects through a coding example involving a struct called CloningLab that uses a vector of Mammal trait objects. Initially, the author defines the Mammal trait with methods for walk and run, and implements it for a Cat struct. This setup works well until the author tries to add another trait, Clone, to the Mammal bounds, which results in a compilation error.

The author is surprised by this limitation, as they expected it to work similarly to multiple inheritance in C++. They explain that Rust uses vtables (tables of function pointers) for dynamic dispatch, which adds an indirection layer and differs from C++'s approach. Rust's design encourages monomorphism, which is seen as a beneficial trade-off.

The author discusses how multiple bounds could be handled in C++ and suggests a potential implementation in Rust using trait inheritance to create a single vtable, reducing redundancy. However, they highlight a limitation: you cannot convert a trait object of a combined trait type (like CloneMammal) to a more specific trait type (like Clone). This is due to the compiler's inability to determine the correct vtable for the specific trait object at runtime.

In conclusion, the author finds this exploration helpful for understanding trait objects in Rust, despite the restriction not being a major issue in practice.

Author: ibobev | Score: 37

100.
Kilo Code: Speedrunning open source coding AI
(Kilo Code: Speedrunning open source coding AI)

Summary of Kilo Code Blog Post

Kilo Code is focused on speeding up the development of AI coding agents, inspired by a successful project that revived an ancient library. The team believes in the potential of AI agents to make coding accessible to everyone.

Key points include:

  • The team quickly formed, with a focus on speed and efficiency.
  • They released a working version in just two weeks and plan to make continuous improvements based on user feedback.
  • The goal is to create a user-friendly AI coding agent that allows everyone to shape their digital environments.
  • They offer a free tier with $15 in usage tokens and encourage community feedback to refine the product.
  • Future plans include advanced features like instant app generation, real-time collaboration, and improved coding workflows.

Kilo Code is currently available in VS Code, allowing users to generate code for free and participate in shaping its development.

Author: ofou | Score: 94
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