1.
Nix Derivation Madness
(Nix Derivation Madness)

The author discusses their experiences and confusion while working with the Nix package management system, particularly when trying to understand the relationship between Ruby binaries and their derivations (the underlying build instructions).

Key points include:

  1. Unexpected Errors: The author encounters errors when querying the build graph for Ruby, discovering that the expected derivation file is missing.

  2. Nix Cache: They realize that the NixOS cache doesn’t contain the expected derivation, which confuses their understanding of how Nix handles package builds.

  3. Multiple Derivations: The author finds that two different derivations produce the same Ruby output, leading to confusion about why the Nix cache doesn't reflect their findings.

  4. Fixed-Output Derivations (FOD): They explain the concept of fixed-output derivations, where changes to the derivation don’t affect the output path unless the derivation itself changes significantly.

  5. Derivation Behavior: The author illustrates how derivations can remain linked to the same output even after changes, highlighting the complexity and unique behavior of Nix.

  6. Conclusion: The journey of understanding Nix is challenging, filled with unexpected twists and complexities, which the author finds both enlightening and perplexing.

Overall, the text captures the author's deep dive into Nix, showcasing both the technical intricacies and their personal learning journey.

Author: birdculture | Score: 57

2.
Attention lapses due to sleep deprivation due to flushing fluid from brain
(Attention lapses due to sleep deprivation due to flushing fluid from brain)

New research from MIT reveals that attention lapses caused by sleep deprivation are linked to the movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of the brain. Normally, this flushing of CSF occurs during sleep and helps remove waste from the brain. When a person is sleep-deprived, the brain attempts to compensate for the lack of cleansing by pushing out CSF, but this results in impaired attention.

In a study with 26 volunteers, researchers found that sleep-deprived participants performed worse on attention tasks compared to those who were well-rested. During these lapses in attention, they observed a flux of CSF leaving the brain, which coincided with the moments when attention failed.

The study suggests that the brain is trying to restore function by mimicking sleep-like states, even during the day. Other physiological changes were also noted, such as decreased heart rate and pupil constriction, indicating that attention lapses may involve coordinated changes throughout the body.

Overall, this research highlights a connection between brain activity, fluid dynamics, and basic bodily functions, suggesting that they are regulated by a unified system.

Author: gmays | Score: 260

3.
Sustainable memristors from shiitake mycelium for high-frequency bioelectronics
(Sustainable memristors from shiitake mycelium for high-frequency bioelectronics)

No summary available.

Author: PaulHoule | Score: 30

4.
Ubuntu Introduces Architecture Variants
(Ubuntu Introduces Architecture Variants)

No summary available.

Author: WhyNotHugo | Score: 16

5.
Rotating Workforce Scheduling in MiniZinc
(Rotating Workforce Scheduling in MiniZinc)

Summary of Rotating Workforce Scheduling in MiniZinc

Overview: Rotating Workforce Scheduling (RWS) is an optimization problem where a group of workers rotates through different weekly schedules to ensure fairness and meet business needs. This post discusses developing an RWS schedule using the MiniZinc modeling language.

Key Concepts:

  • RWS Definition: In RWS, each employee follows a different weekly schedule, rotating to ensure that everyone experiences all types of shifts (day, evening, night, and off days).
  • Modeling in MiniZinc: The model starts simple, defining shifts and days, then gradually incorporates typical scheduling requirements.

Basic Structure:

  • Enums and Sets: Days of the week and types of shifts are defined using enumerations. For instance, weekends are specifically identified.
  • Data Definition: The model includes data for the number of employees and required shifts for each day.

Important Constraints:

  1. Shift Requirements: The model ensures that the required number of employees is scheduled for each shift each day.
  2. Consecutive Days Off: Each employee must have at least two consecutive days off each week.
  3. Maximum Workdays: A limit is set on the maximum number of consecutive workdays (commonly five).
  4. Weekend Rest: Employees should have at least one weekend off every three weekends.
  5. Night Shift Regulations: Rest days must follow night shifts, with limits on how many night shifts can occur in a row.

Model Results:

  • The basic model generates a schedule that meets the required shifts but may not be practical.
  • Gradual addition of constraints results in more realistic schedules that consider employee well-being.

Benchmarking:

  • The model was tested using various solvers, demonstrating that as the number of employees increases, the performance of solvers varies.
  • Cactus plots were used to visualize the efficiency of different solvers in solving the scheduling problem.

Conclusion: Developing a rotating workforce schedule using MiniZinc can effectively address various constraints typical in real-world scheduling. While the initial model is straightforward, incorporating additional constraints improves practicality. The choice of solver significantly impacts performance, highlighting the importance of experimentation in optimization tasks.

Author: mzl | Score: 20

6.
AMD Could Enter ARM Market with Sound Wave APU Built on TSMC 3nm Process
(AMD Could Enter ARM Market with Sound Wave APU Built on TSMC 3nm Process)

AMD is set to enter the ARM processor market with its first ARM-based APU called “Sound Wave.” This new chip, discovered through customs records, is designed for mobile devices and measures 32 mm by 27 mm. It is built using TSMC's advanced 3 nm process and is expected to have a power consumption of 5 to 10 watts, competing with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite.

The “Sound Wave” APU features a 2 + 4 core design, with two performance cores and four efficiency cores, along with 4 MB of L3 cache and 16 MB of MALL cache for improved multitasking. It includes four RDNA 3.5 graphics units for light gaming and machine learning tasks. Additionally, it supports a 128-bit LPDDR5X memory controller with 16 GB of RAM and incorporates AMD's AI engine for tasks like speech recognition and image analysis.

This move marks a more strategic approach for AMD compared to its earlier ARM efforts over a decade ago. Production is expected to start in late 2025, with commercial devices anticipated in 2026.

Author: walterbell | Score: 232

7.
Wheels for free-threaded Python now available for psutil
(Wheels for free-threaded Python now available for psutil)

Summary: Wheels for Free-Threaded Python Now Available in Psutil

Psutil 7.1.2 has released wheels for free-threaded Python, thanks to community contributions, particularly from Lysandros Nikolaou. Free-threaded Python, introduced in Python 3.13, allows for better performance by running multiple threads in parallel since it disables the Global Interpreter Lock (GIL).

Currently, only 128 out of the top 360 Python packages with C extensions offer wheels for free-threaded Python, indicating limited adoption. Wheels simplify installation for users since they can install pre-compiled packages without needing a C compiler or complex setups.

Library authors must still create separate wheels for different Python versions, which complicates distribution. A universal wheel that supports multiple versions could ease this process, and upcoming Python versions may address this issue.

To install psutil for free-threaded Python, users can run:

pip install psutil --only-binary=:all:

This command ensures they get pre-compiled wheels without building from source.

Author: grodola | Score: 32

8.
Nim 2.2.6
(Nim 2.2.6)

Summary of Nim Version 2.2.6 Release

Release Date: October 31, 2025
Version: 2.2.6 (third patch for Nim 2.2)

The Nim Team has released version 2.2.6, which includes 141 updates focused on bug fixes and performance improvements, following the previous version 2.2.4 six months prior.

Key Improvements:

  • Exception handling with asynchronous code is now more stable.
  • The compiler now uses a move operation instead of a copy for returning object fields, which can make code run slightly faster.

Installation:

  • Check if your OS’s package manager has version 2.2.6 available.
  • If you use choosenim, update easily with:
    $ choosenim update self
    $ choosenim update stable
    
  • It's recommended to use the latest choosenim version (0.8.16).

Bug Fixes:

Numerous bugs have been fixed, including issues with:

  • Compiler crashes and errors in various scenarios.
  • Problems with garbage collection and memory handling.
  • Performance regressions and incorrect behaviors in certain functions.

For a complete list of changes and improvements, refer to the changelog.

Author: xz18r | Score: 73

9.
John Carmack on mutable variables
(John Carmack on mutable variables)

No summary available.

Author: azhenley | Score: 309

10.
Affinity Studio now free
(Affinity Studio now free)

Sure! However, it seems you didn't provide the text you'd like summarized. Please share the text, and I'll help create a simple and concise summary for you!

Author: dagmx | Score: 1134

11.
It's the "Hardware", Stupid
(It's the "Hardware", Stupid)

No summary available.

Author: haebom | Score: 8

12.
Immutable releases are now generally available on GitHub
(Immutable releases are now generally available on GitHub)

Summary of Immutable Releases Announcement

On October 28, 2025, GitHub introduced immutable releases, which enhance supply chain security by ensuring that published software cannot be altered. Key features include:

  • Immutable Assets: Once a release is published as immutable, its assets cannot be changed or deleted, protecting against tampering.
  • Tag Protection: Tags for these releases are secure and cannot be modified or removed.
  • Release Attestations: Each immutable release comes with signed attestations to verify the authenticity and integrity of the assets, both on GitHub and elsewhere.

Enabling Immutable Releases: You can activate this feature in your repository or organization settings. After activation, all new releases will be immutable, while existing releases will remain mutable unless republished. Disabling the feature does not change the status of releases created while it was enabled.

Verification: Release attestations allow you to confirm that an artifact is genuine and unchanged. You can verify releases using the GitHub CLI or compatible tools.

For further details, refer to GitHub's documentation on immutable releases.

Author: fastest963 | Score: 61

13.
Git CLI tool for intelligently creating branch names
(Git CLI tool for intelligently creating branch names)

gibr: Smart CLI for Git Branches

gibr is a command-line tool that helps you create Git branches linked to your issue tracker, making branch names consistent and descriptive. It’s fully customizable for any team setup and supports various issue trackers like GitHub, GitLab, Jira, and more.

Key Features:

  • List Open Issues: Use gibr issues to see your current open issues.
  • Create Branches: Easily create a branch for a specific issue using gibr <issue_number>, which generates a descriptive branch name.
  • Initial Setup: Run gibr init to configure your project with your chosen issue tracker, creating a .gibrconfig file.
  • Git Aliases: Optionally, set up convenient git alias commands by running gibr alias, allowing you to use commands like git create <issue_number>.

How to Use:

  1. Installation: Install gibr with pip install gibr.
  2. Setup: Run gibr init to choose your issue tracker and set up your configuration.
  3. Branch Creation: Use commands like gibr 123 or git create 123 to create branches.

Special Note for Jira Users:

You can configure gibr to handle Jira issue keys by specifying a project key in your configuration.

Additional Options:

  • Use --verbose for detailed logging.

Community and Feedback:

Contributions and feedback are welcome. Check the roadmap for future features, and if you find gibr useful, consider giving it a star on GitHub!

Author: Terretta | Score: 16

14.
Who uses open LLMs and coding assistants locally? Share setup and laptop
(Who uses open LLMs and coding assistants locally? Share setup and laptop)

Andrea is asking hackers about their experiences using open-source language models (LLMs) and coding assistants on their laptops. She wants to know:

  1. Which models they use (like Ollama or LM Studio) and what coding tools or plugins (like for VS Code) they prefer.
  2. Details about their laptop hardware (CPU, GPU, memory, operating system) and how well it works for their tasks.
  3. The types of tasks they perform (like code completion, debugging, or code review) and how reliable these tools are, including their strengths and weaknesses.

Andrea is conducting her own research and plans to share her findings later.

Author: threeturn | Score: 43

15.
Bertie the Brain
(Bertie the Brain)

Bertie the Brain is an early electronic game created by Josef Kates in 1950 for the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto. It was a large tic-tac-toe machine, standing 13 feet tall, that allowed players to compete against a computer using a simple keypad. The game featured adjustable difficulty levels and displayed moves on a grid of lights.

Kates developed Bertie to promote his invention, the additron tube, a type of vacuum tube. The machine was popular at the exhibition, attracting many players, including comedian Danny Kaye. However, after the event, Bertie was disassembled and largely forgotten.

Bertie the Brain is considered one of the first video games, as it was among the first to have a visual display, despite using lights instead of a screen. Its significance in video game history is often overlooked, partly due to patent issues with the additron technology that hindered its further development.

In summary, Bertie the Brain marked a notable step in video game development, showcasing early artificial intelligence in a game format, even though it didn't achieve lasting recognition.

Author: breppp | Score: 63

16.
OpenAI Uses Complex and Circular Deals to Fuel Its Multibillion-Dollar Rise
(OpenAI Uses Complex and Circular Deals to Fuel Its Multibillion-Dollar Rise)

No summary available.

Author: reaperducer | Score: 233

17.
Phone numbers for use in TV shows, films and creative works
(Phone numbers for use in TV shows, films and creative works)

No summary available.

Author: nomilk | Score: 249

18.
How the cochlea computes (2024)
(How the cochlea computes (2024))

No summary available.

Author: izhak | Score: 455

19.
Kimi Linear: An Expressive, Efficient Attention Architecture
(Kimi Linear: An Expressive, Efficient Attention Architecture)

Summary of Kimi Linear Tech Report

Kimi Linear is a new attention model that significantly improves performance and speed compared to traditional methods. Key highlights include:

  • Performance: On MMLU-Pro, it scores 51.0 and on RULER, it achieves a Pareto-optimal score of 84.3, with a speed increase of 3.98 times.
  • Speed: Kimi Linear is 6.3 times faster than its predecessor, MLA, especially for long sequences (up to 1 million tokens).
  • Architecture: It uses Kimi Delta Attention (KDA), which optimizes memory usage and operates more efficiently than full attention methods. It reduces key-value cache requirements by 75% and enhances decoding speed by up to six times.
  • Models Available: There are two model versions: Kimi-Linear-Base and Kimi-Linear-Instruct, both with 48 billion parameters and designed for 1 million token context length.

Key Features:

  • KDA provides a refined gating mechanism for better memory efficiency.
  • The hybrid architecture balances memory usage while maintaining high performance.
  • High throughput allows for faster processing of data.

Usage: To implement the Kimi Linear model, you need Python (>= 3.10) and specific packages. Example code is provided for using the model with Hugging Face Transformers.

Deployment: You can create an OpenAI-compatible API endpoint using the latest vllm software.

Citation: If you reference this work, use the provided citation format.

This summary captures the essential points about the Kimi Linear model, its capabilities, and how to use it effectively.

Author: blackcat201 | Score: 188

20.
987654321 / 123456789
(987654321 / 123456789)

In a recent post, John discussed the ratio of two numbers, 987654321 and 123456789, which is very close to 8. He explored whether similar ratios in different number bases would also be close to integers.

For example, in base 6, the ratio of 54321 to 12345 is about 4. In base 16, the ratio of 0xFEDCBA987654321 to 0x123456789ABCDEF is approximately 14.

John introduced two functions: num(b) for the number formed by arranging digits in descending order and denom(b) for ascending order. He found that for any base greater than 2, the ratio of these two functions is nearly equal to the base minus 2, with a small fractional part.

He illustrated this with Python code and noted that, while the mathematical proof is simple, using a program can clarify details that might not be obvious in a proof. John acknowledged that this observation may not be new, having been discussed by others before.

Author: ColinWright | Score: 612

21.
A Closer Look at Piezoelectric Crystal
(A Closer Look at Piezoelectric Crystal)

No summary available.

Author: pillars | Score: 41

22.
Free software scares normal people
(Free software scares normal people)

No summary available.

Author: cryptophreak | Score: 823

23.
Debug like a boss: 10 debugging hacks for developers, quality engineers, testers
(Debug like a boss: 10 debugging hacks for developers, quality engineers, testers)

No summary available.

Author: rosiesherry | Score: 10

24.
NPM flooded with malicious packages downloaded more than 86k times
(NPM flooded with malicious packages downloaded more than 86k times)

No summary available.

Author: jnord | Score: 328

25.
Result is all I need
(Result is all I need)

The author reflects on their experience in software development, noting that AI has made it easier to obtain answers quickly, which can be demotivating for those who invest time in research. They emphasize the importance of asking the right questions instead of just searching for answers. The author believes that while AI is helpful for generating code, it often lacks good organization, leading to unreadable and unmaintainable code.

To improve code organization, they suggest dividing code into clear categories based on principles, such as using classes and modules for grouping functions. They advocate for creating stateless and isolated foundational code (like database connections and API controllers) and service-level code that performs specific business logic. This approach makes the code easier to test.

The author introduces the concept of using a "Result" object to manage exceptions and null values more effectively. By using functional programming techniques like flatMap, they can write cleaner, more declarative code that minimizes repetitive error handling. The Result class encapsulates success and failure states, providing a structured way to deal with potential errors without cluttering the main logic.

In summary, the author encourages developers to focus on clean code organization and to use the Result pattern to improve the clarity and maintainability of their code.

Author: rockyj | Score: 91

26.
Springs and bounces in native CSS
(Springs and bounces in native CSS)

Summary of the Text on the linear() Function in CSS Animations

Introduction:

  • The linear() function in CSS allows for new types of animations, moving beyond traditional Bézier curves.
  • It helps create effects like springs and bounces without relying on JavaScript libraries.

What is linear()?

  • The linear() function generates easing curves by connecting points on a graph with straight lines, unlike Bézier curves which are smooth and curved.
  • It takes a series of numbers that represent progress during the animation.

Browser Support:

  • As of October 2025, about 88% of browsers support the linear() function.

Generating linear() Values:

  • Tools like Linear() Easing Generator and Easing Wizard can help generate the necessary values for smooth animations without having to calculate them manually.

Limitations:

  1. Time-Based: CSS transitions require a set duration, unlike physics-based animations that depend on physical properties.
  2. Interrupts: CSS animations don’t handle interruptions as smoothly as JavaScript-based animations, which can affect the natural feel of the motion.
  3. Performance: Using many points for the linear() function can impact performance, but tests show minimal effects on frame rates.

Best Practices:

  • Store common linear() timing functions in CSS variables to keep code clean and maintainable.
  • Use the @supports rule to provide fallbacks for browsers that do not support linear().
  • Aim for a balance where 80% of transitions use standard timing functions, reserving custom animations for specific needs.

Conclusion:

  • The linear() function is a powerful tool for creating complex animations in CSS, with the potential for future enhancements to better mimic real spring physics.
Author: feross | Score: 237

27.
Quibbler – A critic for your coding agent that learns what you want
(Quibbler – A critic for your coding agent that learns what you want)

Quibbler Overview

Quibbler is a tool that critiques and improves the actions of your coding agent automatically. It runs in the background, correcting mistakes and ensuring compliance with your coding standards without needing constant prompts.

Key Functions:

  • Prevents common coding errors such as:
    • Fabricating results.
    • Skipping tests or verification.
    • Ignoring coding styles.
    • Creating incorrect or non-existent functionalities.
    • Making changes that don’t match user intentions.

Learning Capability: Quibbler learns your project’s patterns and rules over time, maintaining context during reviews.

Installation: You can install Quibbler using:

  • uv: uv tool install quibbler
  • pip: pip install quibbler

Integration Modes:

  1. Hook Mode (for Claude Code users):

    • Uses event-driven monitoring and observes all actions.
    • Requires starting a Quibbler hook server.
  2. MCP Mode (for all other coding agents):

    • Calls the review_code tool after code changes for immediate feedback.
    • Easier setup via MCP server configuration.

Setup Instructions:

  • Choose your integration mode and follow specific setup steps for MCP or Hook Mode.
  • Configure your project to use Quibbler for code reviews.

Operation:

  • In MCP Mode: The agent reviews code changes against user instructions, checks for issues, and provides feedback.
  • In Hook Mode: Quibbler observes actions and provides real-time feedback.

Customization: Customize Quibbler’s prompts and rules to fit your project by editing configuration files.

Community and Contributions: Users are encouraged to report issues, contribute to the project, and join the community on Discord for discussions.

License: For licensing details, refer to the LICENSE document.

Author: etherio | Score: 91

28.
A classic graphic reveals nature's most efficient traveler
(A classic graphic reveals nature's most efficient traveler)

A recent update to a classic graphic in Scientific American compares different ways animals move and highlights how humans are not very efficient movers on foot. However, when riding bicycles, humans become some of the most energy-efficient land travelers. The article explains that all movement requires energy to overcome gravity and propel forward. While many animals expend energy to walk or run, flying creatures can glide efficiently, and swimming animals benefit from buoyancy.

Bicycles help humans move more efficiently by allowing coasting and supporting the rider against gravity. This makes cycling similar to swimming. To increase efficiency even more, using aerodynamic bicycles, known as velomobiles, can reduce drag.

The article celebrates 180 years of Scientific American and emphasizes the importance of supporting science journalism.

Author: ako | Score: 44

29.
Florian Schneider Collection: Instruments and equipment up for auction
(Florian Schneider Collection: Instruments and equipment up for auction)

The Florian Schneider Collection is a unique auction featuring rare instruments and equipment that showcase the impact of KRAFTWERK, a pioneering German band known for their electronic music. Florian Schneider, co-founder and sound innovator, played a crucial role in shaping modern music by creating new sounds and instruments.

KRAFTWERK’s music has influenced various genres, including techno, hip-hop, synth-pop, and modern pop. Their innovative use of technology and synthesis defined a new musical vocabulary, with tracks like "Autobahn" and "Trans-Europe Express" serving as blueprints for future artists.

Schneider was dedicated to developing the electronic voice, transforming human lyrics into robotic sounds, and he created custom instruments to achieve this. His collection includes over 450 items, such as iconic synthesizers and the famous vocoder used to create KRAFTWERK's unique sound.

This auction provides a rare opportunity to connect with Schneider's legacy and acquire pieces of music history. Bidding starts on November 19th, offering fans and collectors a chance to own a part of KRAFTWERK’s groundbreaking influence on music.

Author: cainxinth | Score: 58

30.
The cryptography behind electronic passports
(The cryptography behind electronic passports)

The blog post discusses the security features and cryptographic mechanisms of electronic passports, also known as eMRTDs (electronic Machine Readable Travel Documents). Here are the key points:

  1. Electronic Passport Basics: Modern passports contain embedded chips that store personal data securely, allowing travelers to pass through border control more efficiently while protecting against unauthorized access, forgery, and copying.

  2. How eMRTD Works: The chip has a simple file structure that includes personal information and security data. Specific files are required, while others are optional, allowing for advanced features like digital visas.

  3. Threat Model: The security of electronic passports is based on preventing unauthorized access. Holders should not be able to forge passports or extract sensitive data like fingerprints. However, eavesdropping is a risk if the passport is not properly secured.

  4. Cryptographic Mechanisms: Early e-passports lacked robust cryptography. While newer passports have improved security features, many older models still exist, which can be vulnerable to attacks.

  5. Legacy and Modern Enhancements: The security mechanisms used in older passports (like Basic Access Control and Passive Authentication) have weaknesses. Modern enhancements like Extended Access Control and Password Authenticated Connection Establishment have been introduced to strengthen security.

  6. Risks with Sharing Passports: Giving your passport to others, even in authorized situations, poses risks. If the inspection system only uses basic security, someone who sees your passport could potentially impersonate you.

  7. Zero-Knowledge Identity Proofs: This new approach allows verification of identity attributes without revealing full passport data. However, it requires careful handling of passport data to avoid security breaches.

In summary, while electronic passports offer enhanced security and efficiency for travelers, there are significant risks and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, particularly with older systems and when sharing passport information.

Author: tatersolid | Score: 52

31.
Roadmap for Improving the Type Checker
(Roadmap for Improving the Type Checker)

Summary of the Roadmap for Improving the Swift Type Checker:

The post outlines plans to enhance the Swift compiler's type checker, focusing on expression type checking rather than visible language changes. Key points include:

  1. Type Checking Challenges: The type checker sometimes struggles with valid and invalid code, leading to frustrating errors. Workarounds like breaking expressions or adding type annotations can help, but they disrupt workflow.

  2. Overloading and Constraint Solving: Swift allows overloading (using the same name for different functions) based on types, which complicates type checking. The compiler resolves overloads by turning type checking into a constraint solving problem, introducing type variables and constraints to find valid types.

  3. Performance Issues: The constraint solving process can be complex, especially with disjunction constraints, causing slow type checks. The type checker imposes limits on processing time and memory use to prevent excessive delays.

  4. Recent Improvements: Updates in Swift 6.2 and 6.3 have improved performance by optimizing disjunction selection and reducing memory usage. For example, the time taken for certain expressions to type-check has significantly decreased.

  5. Future Goals: The team aims to further optimize the type checker by improving how it handles bindings and reducing unnecessary complexity. They also plan to eliminate outdated performance hacks and enhance diagnostic messages.

  6. Long-term Ideas: While drastic language changes are off the table, the team is exploring targeted improvements like refining operator lookup and constraint solving techniques inspired by other fields.

Overall, the focus is on making the type-checking process faster and more efficient while maintaining the language's features.

Author: glhaynes | Score: 82

32.
Rouille – Rust Programming, in French
(Rouille – Rust Programming, in French)

Summary of Rouille

Rouille is a playful programming language that allows you to write Rust programs using French keywords and syntax. It's designed for those who want to add a French touch to their coding experience, especially for developing a future French operating system.

Key features include:

  • French Syntax: You can use French terms for functions and variables, making programming in Rust more fun for French speakers.
  • Compatibility: Rouille is compatible with standard Rust, allowing you to mix English and French easily.
  • Examples Provided: The text includes code examples demonstrating Rouille's syntax.

The creator encourages contributions, humor, and creativity, while jokingly warning against using inappropriate language. The project also highlights the names of "Rust" in various languages, showing its global appeal.

The license for Rouille is a humorous take on the WTFPL (Do What the F*** You Want Public License).

Overall, Rouille offers a unique and entertaining way to engage with Rust programming, especially for French speakers.

Author: mihau | Score: 188

33.
Minecraft HDL, an HDL for Redstone
(Minecraft HDL, an HDL for Redstone)

Summary of Minecraft HDL

Minecraft HDL is a tool that helps create digital circuits using Minecraft's redstone system. It aims to apply standard design methods to generate these circuits.

For example, a circuit called "multiplexer4_1" takes six inputs and outputs one based on the first four inputs and the last two as selectors.

The tool was developed by three students from McGill University as their final project. While it can generate various circuits, it is not perfect and is mainly for educational purposes. It cannot create complex circuits or those with feedback, like memory or counters.

Minecraft HDL is designed to teach digital circuit design to younger audiences and engineering students. It also illustrates the differences between software and hardware design.

Quick resources include guides on getting started, understanding digital design, and developer information.

Overall, Minecraft HDL is a fun way to learn about digital circuits in a visual and interactive environment.

Author: sleepingreset | Score: 206

34.
I made a heatmap diff viewer for code reviews
(I made a heatmap diff viewer for code reviews)

0github.com is a tool that helps users review pull requests by highlighting which lines of code may need more attention. Instead of just identifying bugs, it points out areas worth a closer look, such as hard-coded secrets or complex logic. To use it, simply change "github.com" to "0github.com" in any pull request URL.

The tool analyzes each file in the pull request and uses a language model to assign a heatmap color to each line, indicating the level of scrutiny required. Darker colors signal sections that may need more investigation. Users can hover over highlighted areas for explanations and adjust the review priority with a slider.

The tool is open-source and available under the MIT license.

Author: lawrencechen | Score: 244

35.
The Biro turns 80: How a simple pen rewrote everyday life
(The Biro turns 80: How a simple pen rewrote everyday life)

Summary: The Impact of the Biro on Everyday Writing

This October marks the 80th anniversary of the ballpoint pen, known as the Biro, which revolutionized writing since its launch in New York in 1945. The Biro made writing easier and more accessible, quickly becoming a daily essential for many. Before the Biro, writing tools like quills and fountain pens were cumbersome, prone to smudging, and often expensive.

László Bíró, a Hungarian journalist, invented the Biro to solve the issues he faced with fountain pens. With the help of his brother, he developed a pen that used viscous ink and a steel ball to deliver ink smoothly. After moving to Argentina to escape political turmoil, he faced challenges in marketing his invention. However, the Biro gained popularity during World War II when it was adopted by RAF pilots for its reliability at high altitudes.

Post-war, the design was refined, leading to mass production and affordable versions like the Bic Cristal. The Biro has since influenced writing styles, making block letters more common and reducing the use of cursive writing. Its simplicity and effectiveness have transformed how we communicate in writing, comparable to the impact of the printing press. Today, the Biro remains an integral part of our lives, often taken for granted.

Author: Brajeshwar | Score: 5

36.
Jack Kerouac, Malcolm Cowley, and the difficult birth of On the Road
(Jack Kerouac, Malcolm Cowley, and the difficult birth of On the Road)

No summary available.

Author: samclemens | Score: 71

37.
Denmark reportedly withdraws Chat Control proposal following controversy
(Denmark reportedly withdraws Chat Control proposal following controversy)

Denmark has decided to withdraw its controversial Chat Control proposal, which aimed to require mandatory scanning of electronic messages, including those on secure platforms, to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The proposal faced strong opposition, particularly from Germany, which announced it would not support the law, leading to its downfall. Danish Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stated that the focus will now shift to voluntary detection of CSAM, as the current system allowing for this will expire in April. He emphasized the need to act to protect children from abuse. Critics, like Meredith Whittaker from the Signal Foundation, argued that the original proposal would lead to mass surveillance and compromise the privacy of users.

Author: layer8 | Score: 480

38.
Task Manager won't exit with the close button after Windows KB5067036 update
(Task Manager won't exit with the close button after Windows KB5067036 update)

No summary available.

Author: exploraz | Score: 11

39.
Lenses in Julia
(Lenses in Julia)

LensesAccessors.jl is a Julia package that uses lenses to access and modify deeply nested parts of complex objects without altering the original object.

Key Points:

  • Lenses: They allow you to access or replace parts of complex data structures.

  • Example Usage:

    • You can create a lens for a specific field of a struct and use it to get or set values.
    • For instance, if you have a struct T with fields a and b, you can create a lens for a, retrieve its value, or replace it while keeping the original object unchanged.
  • Composition: Lenses can be created directly and combined using functions like opcompose.

  • Interface Requirements: To implement a lens, it must provide two functions: set and the lens function itself. These functions must adhere to specific rules to ensure consistent behavior.

  • Equality Notions: The concept of equality used with lenses may vary based on context, especially for floating-point numbers, where standard equality may not work as expected.

Overall, LensesAccessors.jl simplifies the manipulation of complex data structures while maintaining the integrity of the original data.

Author: samuel2 | Score: 130

40.
In orbit you have to slow down to speed up
(In orbit you have to slow down to speed up)

No summary available.

Author: beardyw | Score: 50

41.
Reasoning Models Reason Well, Until They Don't
(Reasoning Models Reason Well, Until They Don't)

Large language models (LLMs) have improved in reasoning tasks, but they struggle with more complex problems. Recent research focuses on large reasoning models (LRMs), which are LLMs trained to reason step-by-step and verify their own answers. These LRMs perform well on certain benchmarks, suggesting they can handle complex reasoning in fields like math, physics, and law.

However, when we increase the complexity of reasoning problems, we find that existing benchmarks don't really test this ability thoroughly. To address this, we created the Deep Reasoning Dataset (DeepRD), which allows us to generate a wide range of complex examples. Testing LRMs on this new dataset reveals that their performance drops sharply with increased complexity, and they do not generalize well to new problems.

Our analysis shows that while LRMs work well for many real-world tasks, there are still significant challenges when faced with more complex scenarios. This indicates that although LRMs are useful now, we need to develop better methods to tackle more complicated reasoning tasks in the future.

Author: optimalsolver | Score: 183

42.
Modifying a radiation meter for (radioactive) rock collecting
(Modifying a radiation meter for (radioactive) rock collecting)

Summary: Modifying a Radiation Meter for Rock Collecting

The Ludlum Model 3 is a reliable radiation meter, favored for its analog display and durability. It can detect alpha and beta particles but struggles with surface contamination due to dirt. Scintillation counters are more sensitive to gamma radiation but produce high background noise, making it hard to notice weak signals.

To improve usability for rock collecting, a microcontroller can be added to convert radiation counts into audible tones. This modification helps differentiate signals from background noise better. Key steps include connecting the microcontroller to the meter and ensuring it's protected from high voltage areas.

The modified meter will beep once when turned on, perform a calibration, and then produce sounds based on radiation levels. If no sound occurs, checks should be made on the wiring and connections. Troubleshooting is available for common issues like no audio, calibration failures, and unexpected readings.

Overall, while modifications can enhance functionality, they may require some technical knowledge to implement.

Author: 8organicbits | Score: 63

43.
After delays, Egypt set for lavish opening of grand museum
(After delays, Egypt set for lavish opening of grand museum)

No summary available.

Author: warrenm | Score: 27

44.
Exceptional Measurement of Chirality
(Exceptional Measurement of Chirality)

Summary: Exceptional Measurement of Chirality

Recent research highlights a breakthrough in measuring flexible left- and right-handed molecules, known as chiral molecules, which can behave differently in nature. This work focuses on improving Vibrational Circular Dichromism (VCD) spectroscopy, a technique that distinguishes these mirror-image molecules by analyzing their interaction with light.

The new method overcomes previous technical challenges, allowing for more reliable and accurate determination of a molecule's handedness. This is crucial in fields like pharmaceuticals, where the wrong molecule can have serious consequences, as seen with the drug thalidomide.

The researchers developed an innovative algorithm that incorporates uncertainty into measurements, enhancing the reliability of results. This advancement opens new possibilities for applications such as real-time monitoring of biochemical processes and screening pharmaceutical compounds.

The full article is available for free in the journal Chemical Science.

Author: bryanrasmussen | Score: 32

45.
Propolis (YC X25) – Browser agents that QA your web app autonomously
(Propolis (YC X25) – Browser agents that QA your web app autonomously)

Marc and Matt are creating a tool called Propolis, which uses browser agents to simulate user behavior for testing websites. Their system allows users to launch multiple agents that work together to find bugs and suggest end-to-end (e2e) tests.

You can try Propolis for free with a quick setup. The problem they aim to solve is improving software quality by catching bugs before users do. Traditional tests can miss real-world usage scenarios, but Propolis acts like a group of users that can help identify issues without affecting actual users.

Propolis runs "swarms" of agents that explore websites, identify friction points, and generate e2e tests. This helps companies enhance their automated testing processes. The tool is flexible and can adapt to different testing needs.

Propolis is available for $1000 per month with unlimited use and support for early users. They also offer lower-cost plans for smaller projects. Marc and Matt are eager to hear feedback from the community, particularly on other uses for autonomous agents beyond bug detection.

Author: mpapazian | Score: 107

46.
Terence Tao focused on fundraising after federal funding to UCLA was suspended
(Terence Tao focused on fundraising after federal funding to UCLA was suspended)

No summary available.

Author: breve | Score: 26

47.
Front End Fuzzy and Substring and Prefix Search
(Front End Fuzzy and Substring and Prefix Search)

I have updated my fuzzy search library for the frontend. It now includes substring and prefix search features, in addition to fuzzy matching. The library is fast, accurate, supports multiple languages, and has no dependencies.

I welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvements. Happy coding!

Author: kmschaal | Score: 47

48.
In a single HTML file, an app to encourage my children to invest
(In a single HTML file, an app to encourage my children to invest)

Summary:

On October 29, 2025, a parent shared their experience of creating an app called D-investments to teach their kids about investing. Instead of asking for physical gifts for his son’s birthday, they encouraged him to ask for money to invest. The parent explained investing as a "magic box" that grows money over time.

To help visualize this, they developed a simple app using an old smartphone, which serves as a dashboard mounted on the fridge. The app, made from a single HTML file, allows users to input names, invested amounts, interest rates, and start dates, automatically calculating daily, weekly, and monthly gains, as well as the total balance.

The app aims to teach children the value of money and the concept of compound interest in an engaging way. By watching their investments grow daily, the kids learn valuable financial lessons that the parent hopes will last a lifetime.

Author: roberdam | Score: 222

49.
Independently verifying Go's reproducible builds
(Independently verifying Go's reproducible builds)

The blog post discusses the author's efforts to independently verify the reproducibility of Go's toolchains, a feature introduced in Go 1.21. This feature allows the Go command to automatically download and use newer toolchain versions without replacing the existing installation. While this is convenient, it raises security concerns about potential supply chain attacks.

To address these concerns, the Go project made it possible to reproduce toolchains from source code and started publishing checksums in a public database, the Go Checksum Database. This ensures that the binaries downloaded are consistent and verifiable.

The author, who has experience with reproducible builds and monitoring transparency logs, has been operating an auditing tool called Source Spotter since 2020. This tool checks the Checksum Database for inconsistencies and verifies the reproducibility of toolchains. So far, Source Spotter has successfully reproduced all toolchains since Go 1.21.

The author details the process of reproducing toolchains, including challenges faced, such as handling signatures on macOS binaries and dealing with incorrect version numbers in the Checksum Database. The post concludes by praising the Go team's efforts to create a secure and verifiable system, encouraging other programming ecosystems to adopt similar practices.

Author: speckx | Score: 129

50.
The Psychology of Portnoy: On the Making of Philip Roth's Groundbreaking Novel
(The Psychology of Portnoy: On the Making of Philip Roth's Groundbreaking Novel)

No summary available.

Author: lermontov | Score: 42

51.
Spinning Up an Onion Mirror Is Stupid Easy
(Spinning Up an Onion Mirror Is Stupid Easy)

The author created a .onion mirror of their website for free speech and anti-censorship reasons. The process was simple, requiring just a few commands and configuration steps. Here's a summary of how they did it:

  1. Prerequisites:

    • Web Server: They used Caddy for easy configuration and automatic HTTPS.
    • Hosting: The site is hosted on a DigitalOcean VPS.
    • Operating System: The server runs on Debian.
  2. Install Tor: They installed Tor using the command:

    sudo apt update
    sudo apt install tor
    
  3. Configure Tor: They edited the Tor configuration file to set up a hidden service for their website.

  4. Restart Tor: The Tor service was restarted to apply the changes.

  5. Get Your .onion Address: After restarting, the new .onion address was found in the specified directory.

  6. Configure Caddy: The Caddy server was set to respond to the .onion address, noting that .onion sites use plain HTTP since HTTPS certificates aren't available for them.

  7. (Optional) Advertise Your .onion Address: They added an Onion-Location header on their main site to inform visitors about the .onion version.

  8. Test It: Finally, they suggested testing the setup by visiting the .onion address in a Tor-enabled browser.

The author encourages readers to reach out if they enjoyed the post or have questions.

Author: speckx | Score: 196

52.
Israel demanded Google and Amazon use secret 'wink' to sidestep legal orders
(Israel demanded Google and Amazon use secret 'wink' to sidestep legal orders)

Israeli officials required Google and Amazon to implement a secret "winking mechanism" as part of their $1.2 billion cloud-computing deal known as Project Nimbus. This mechanism involves sending coded messages to the Israeli government to indicate when these companies hand over Israeli data to foreign authorities, without disclosing the information publicly due to legal gag orders.

The arrangement was created to protect Israel’s data from being accessed by foreign law enforcement, as both companies usually comply with such requests. The deal includes strict controls preventing Google and Amazon from limiting Israel's access to their services, even if there are concerns about human rights abuses in the occupied Palestinian territories.

For instance, if data is shared with U.S. authorities, the companies must pay Israel a specific amount based on the country’s dialing code. Legal experts have raised concerns that this could violate U.S. laws. Both companies have denied any wrongdoing, stating they comply with legal obligations. Israeli officials believe they secured critical concessions from the tech giants to safeguard their interests.

Author: skilled | Score: 892

53.
Run a GitHub Actions step in a gVisor sandbox
(Run a GitHub Actions step in a gVisor sandbox)

gVisor Sandboxed Step Overview

  • Purpose: This is a GitHub Action that securely runs commands in a gVisor sandbox to protect against supply chain attacks.

  • Security Issues: GitHub Actions, even with read-only permissions, can still be vulnerable to cache poisoning. All steps in a workflow share the same VM, increasing security risks when running untrusted code.

  • Sandbox Benefits: The gVisor sandbox isolates commands, making it safer to run CI against the latest dependencies without the risk of supply chain compromises.

How It Works:

  • Uses a root filesystem similar to Ubuntu 24.04.
  • Access to the GITHUB_WORKSPACE is overlayed (changes don’t persist by default).
  • Allows network access and uses specific environment variables.
  • The commands run under the same user as the GitHub Actions runner.

Key Features:

  • Commands can persist changes to the host by setting persist-workspace-changes: 'true', though this is not recommended due to security concerns.
  • Automatically detects and fails if authentication tokens are found in the workspace (requires disabling credential persistence in the checkout step).

Inputs:

  • run (required): Commands to execute in the sandbox.
  • env (optional): Set additional environment variables.
  • persist-workspace-changes, disable-network, and allow-checkout-credentials (optional): Configure sandbox behavior.

Example Usage:

  • The action can be used in workflows for running Go tests, static analysis, and vulnerability checks, with specific configurations to maintain security, such as disabling credential persistence during the checkout process.

This GitHub Action aims to enhance security when running workflows that may involve untrusted code.

Author: FiloSottile | Score: 79

54.
Hello-World iOS App in Assembly
(Hello-World iOS App in Assembly)

The text describes a GitHub Gist by user "nicolas17" featuring a code snippet for an iOS app written in assembly language (yellow.asm). The Gist allows users to share, download, or embed the code. Key points include:

  • The assembly code defines the main function and an app delegate, initializing an iOS application.
  • It includes several methods related to UI components like UIWindow and UIViewController.
  • Users can comment on the Gist, with discussions about the code and requests for build/deploy instructions.

Overall, the Gist serves as a resource for sharing assembly code related to iOS app development.

Author: pabs3 | Score: 196

55.
Zig's New Async I/O
(Zig's New Async I/O)

I'm sorry, but I can't access or summarize external content like YouTube videos directly. However, if you provide me with the main points or a brief description of the video's content, I'd be happy to help you summarize it!

Author: todsacerdoti | Score: 309

56.
Consolidation in Hospital Sector Leading to Higher Health Care Costs, Study Find
(Consolidation in Hospital Sector Leading to Higher Health Care Costs, Study Find)

A new study co-authored by Assistant Professor Zarek Brot-Goldberg shows that hospital mergers in the U.S. are leading to less competition and higher prices for care. From 2000 to 2020, there were 1,164 hospital mergers, but the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) only challenged 13 of them, or about 1%. The study found that the FTC could have identified many more potentially harmful mergers—about 238—using available tools.

Mergers that went unchallenged resulted in significant price increases, with estimates suggesting that 53 mergers from 2010 to 2015 raised health spending by $204 million in the following year. The researchers believe that the FTC's underenforcement may be due to a lack of funding, as the costs of these unchallenged mergers nearly match the FTC's annual budget.

The hospital sector has become highly concentrated, with 90% of markets meeting the FTC's criteria for concentration. Mergers in rural and low-income areas caused larger price increases, likely due to fewer competing clinics in those regions. The study emphasizes the need for stronger enforcement of antitrust laws to maintain competition and control rising hospital costs.

Author: rawgabbit | Score: 16

57.
Deadly storm shatters NYC rainfall records
(Deadly storm shatters NYC rainfall records)

A severe storm in New York City caused record-breaking rainfall and extensive flooding, with Central Park experiencing its highest rainfall in over a century. The storm resulted in at least two fatalities in Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan. Major airports, including LaGuardia and Newark, reported unprecedented rainfall levels, and the storm brought strong winds that downed trees and disrupted transportation.

The city's Department of Environmental Protection is working to manage flash flooding, having improved maintenance of catch basins to reduce flooding risks. Despite these efforts, the storm's intensity overwhelmed the sewer system, which is designed for much less rainfall.

Looking ahead, Halloween is expected to be cool and windy, but conditions will improve for the NYC Marathon over the weekend with better weather forecasted.

Author: geox | Score: 13

58.
US declines to join more than 70 countries in signing UN cybercrime treaty
(US declines to join more than 70 countries in signing UN cybercrime treaty)

More than 70 countries, including the UK, EU, China, and Russia, signed a new U.N. treaty aimed at combating cybercrime during a recent ceremony in Hanoi. The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the growing threat of cybercrime, which costs the global economy about $10.5 trillion annually, and highlighted the treaty's role in improving international cooperation against such crimes.

However, the U.S. notably did not sign the treaty, stating it is still under review. The convention, which will come into effect after being ratified by 40 countries, introduces a framework for sharing electronic evidence and criminalizes various internet-related offenses, including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

While many view the convention as a necessary tool for enhancing global cybersecurity efforts, it has faced criticism for potentially enabling surveillance and authoritarian practices by governments. Critics argue it could infringe on human rights and lead to abuses, particularly in countries with repressive regimes. Guterres addressed these concerns, asserting the importance of protecting fundamental rights online and offline while enhancing international law enforcement collaboration.

Author: pcaharrier | Score: 356

59.
Rats Caught on Camera Hunting Flying Bats
(Rats Caught on Camera Hunting Flying Bats)

Researchers in northern Germany have captured video evidence of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) hunting flying bats, marking the first time this behavior has been documented. The study, published in Global Ecology and Conservation, shows rats jumping from cave ledges to catch bats mid-air at a site where about 30,000 bats hibernate each winter.

Over five weeks of observation, the team recorded 13 successful bat captures and found a stash of 52 bat remains, indicating that the rats were actively hunting rather than scavenging. This predatory behavior is surprising for brown rats, which usually hunt slower-moving prey. The researchers suggest the rats use their whiskers and hearing to locate their targets in the dark.

This newfound hunting skill poses a threat to bat populations already facing challenges from habitat loss and disease. As invasive species, brown rats could significantly impact bat survival, prompting recommendations for managing rat populations near major bat roosts. This discovery highlights the adaptability of rats and suggests that significant behavioral changes can occur in urban environments.

Author: thunderbong | Score: 5

60.
Importing Node Modules from BitTorrent
(Importing Node Modules from BitTorrent)

Evan Hahn's article discusses a new feature in Node.js called “Customization Hooks,” which allows developers to change how modules load. He created a tool called torrent-import that lets you import JavaScript files from BitTorrent using .torrent files or magnet URIs.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the key points:

  1. Introduction of torrent-import: This tool enables you to import modules directly from BitTorrent files, using a syntax like import { greet } from "./greet.js.torrent";.

  2. Why BitTorrent?: Hahn chose BitTorrent for its content-addressed storage, which has benefits like:

    • Preservation of modules if npm becomes unavailable.
    • Built-in data integrity through hashing.
    • De-duplication of files already downloaded.
  3. How it works:

    • Customization Hooks allow developers to modify how imports are resolved.
    • Two main functions are involved:
      • load: Completely rewrites what happens during an import.
      • resolve: Determines the path for imports.
  4. Implementation:

    • Hahn demonstrated how to create a hook that can handle .torrent imports and pointed out the steps to register this hook in a Node.js application.
    • He integrated a library called WebTorrent to download the actual files from the torrents.
  5. Proof of Concept: Hahn successfully created a simple JavaScript module, uploaded it as a torrent, and ran it using the new tool, seeing it work as intended.

  6. Limitations: The project is still a proof of concept and has several issues to address:

    • Instability of the Customization Hooks feature.
    • Security concerns with data integrity.
    • Non-compatibility with browsers.
    • Reliability on the availability of seeders for torrents.
    • General concerns and misconceptions about torrents.

Hahn hopes this work will inspire further exploration of Node.js's Customization Hooks and the potential of BitTorrent technology.

Author: moebrowne | Score: 4

61.
Learn Multiplatform Z80 Assembly Programming with Vampires
(Learn Multiplatform Z80 Assembly Programming with Vampires)

No summary available.

Author: surprisetalk | Score: 89

62.
Who needs Graphviz when you can build it yourself?
(Who needs Graphviz when you can build it yourself?)

Summary: Building an Interactive Graph Visualization Tool for Compiler Optimization

In this article, Ben Visness discusses the creation of an interactive tool for visualizing the optimization process of JavaScript and WebAssembly in the SpiderMonkey compiler. The new tool, called iongraph, allows users to create and manipulate graphs that show how functions are optimized during compilation.

Key points include:

  1. Need for a New Tool: The author was dissatisfied with existing visualization tools like Graphviz, which produced graphs that were difficult to interpret due to their chaotic layouts and instability. This motivated the development of a custom solution.

  2. Interactive Features: Users can input JavaScript code to generate graphs, navigate through them, zoom in and out, and track specific instructions as the optimization process evolves.

  3. Custom Layout Algorithm: The new graph layout algorithm is simple and efficient, designed specifically for the structure of control flow in the compiler's graphs. It focuses on maintaining visual stability and clarity, unlike traditional methods that prioritize minimizing overlaps and crossings.

  4. Detailed Steps: The article explains the layout process in detail, including layering nodes, creating dummy nodes for edge crossings, straightening edges, tracking horizontal edges, and assigning vertical coordinates. The algorithm emphasizes readability over complex optimization.

  5. Performance Improvements: The iongraph tool performs layout operations significantly faster than Graphviz, making it a practical choice for real-time visualization during compiler optimization.

  6. Future Developments: The tool is already integrated into Firefox’s profiler, with plans for further updates and features to enhance navigation and visualization capabilities.

Overall, the article highlights the importance of tailored tools in software development, especially for complex tasks like compiler optimization, and encourages contributions to the ongoing project.

Author: pdubroy | Score: 501

63.
Tell HN: Azure outage
(Tell HN: Azure outage)

Azure is currently down, and we cannot access the Azure portal. Is anyone else experiencing this issue? Our services are based in Canada/Central and US-East 2. For more information, you can check the following links: Downdetector and Azure Status.

Author: tartieret | Score: 870

64.
Minecraft removing obfuscation in Java Edition
(Minecraft removing obfuscation in Java Edition)

No summary available.

Author: SteveHawk27 | Score: 1000

65.
Affinity, targeting office workers over pros, making pro tools the loss leader
(Affinity, targeting office workers over pros, making pro tools the loss leader)

Canva is shifting its focus to cater to everyday office workers rather than just professional designers by making its Affinity design software free. This move challenges the traditional high-cost model of design software, like Adobe's Creative Cloud, which can be prohibitively expensive for new designers.

Historically, design software has been costly, making it difficult for entry-level designers to access the tools they need. With Canva's new strategy, they aim to attract a larger user base by offering a free professional tool, hoping to expand their reach to non-design staff in companies who need basic design tasks done, like creating social media posts and presentations.

Canva's approach is to combine professional design capabilities with user-friendly features that appeal to a wider audience. By making Affinity free, they can potentially attract many casual users, effectively competing with Adobe and even Microsoft Office, which has a vast subscriber base.

The strategy is based on the belief that there are many more casual users ("normies") than power users of design software. Canva aims to build an ecosystem where professional designers can create high-quality assets using Affinity, which can then be easily utilized by non-designers through Canva. This could disrupt the traditional design market by making design accessible to everyone, rather than limited to professionals.

Overall, Canva's bold move could redefine the design software landscape and challenge Adobe's long-standing dominance in the industry.

Author: speckx | Score: 53

66.
A Defense of Philosophical Intuitions
(A Defense of Philosophical Intuitions)

The text discusses the role of intuitions in philosophy, arguing that they are an important source of knowledge, similar to other mental faculties like perception and memory. The author aims to defend intuitions against common criticisms that suggest they are unreliable or merely "armchair fantasies."

Key points include:

  1. Mental Faculties: Mental abilities vary widely, and each has potential failures. Examples include sensations (like sight and hearing), memory, emotions, nociception (pain perception), proprioception (body awareness), theory of mind (understanding others' mental states), mental imagery, and mental language. Each faculty contributes to how we form beliefs and knowledge.

  2. Reliability of Intuitions: Intuitions are described as quick, instinctive judgments about truths. The author argues that if we trust other mental faculties to provide evidence for beliefs, we should also trust intuitions.

  3. Criticism of Intuitions: Some skeptics claim that intuitions are unreliable due to their variability across cultures. However, the author counters that perceptions also vary across cultures, which would undermine skepticism about both intuitions and perceptions.

  4. Conclusion: While intuitions are fallible, they are still a valid source of knowledge. The author encourages a more nuanced understanding of intuitions in philosophical discussions.

Overall, the piece emphasizes the importance of recognizing intuitions as valuable tools in the pursuit of knowledge, despite their limitations.

Author: Caiero | Score: 25

67.
Upwave (YC S12) is hiring software engineers
(Upwave (YC S12) is hiring software engineers)

Summary: Senior Software Engineer at Upwave

Upwave is a measurement company that helps brands optimize their advertising campaigns using an AI-driven platform. The company is profitable and backed by prominent investors, looking for a Senior Software Engineer to build the systems that support its brand measurement services.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop AI-powered customer experiences and integrate advanced data analysis tools.
  • Design scalable backend systems with microservices and APIs.
  • Work across the software stack, from backend to frontend, ensuring user-friendly experiences.
  • Create data pipelines to process large volumes of ad data.
  • Improve system reliability and performance using modern deployment practices.
  • Collaborate with product and data science teams to enhance analytics tools.

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of engineering experience, proficiency in APIs, data systems, and cloud platforms.
  • Experience with various backend frameworks (e.g., Spring Boot, Django) and frontend frameworks (e.g., React).
  • Familiarity with structured software development practices and cloud deployment.
  • A collaborative mindset, mentoring abilities, and a focus on team success.

Bonus Skills:

  • Knowledge of Java/Kotlin, data systems like MySQL, and cloud-native applications on AWS.
  • Experience in AdTech or a startup environment.

Work Environment:

  • Upwave values high efficiency, reasonable work hours, and a culture of collaboration and kindness.
  • The role offers autonomy, ownership, and the chance to impact significant advertising decisions.

Compensation:

  • Salary ranges from $150,000 to $175,000, plus bonuses and equity. Specific pay depends on location and experience.

Upwave is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Author: ckelly | Score: 1

68.
NaN, the not-a-number number that isn't NaN
(NaN, the not-a-number number that isn't NaN)

The text explains the concept of NaN, which stands for "Not a Number," in JavaScript. Here are the key points:

  1. NaN in Calculations: Any arithmetic operation involving NaN results in NaN. For example, adding 2 to NaN or multiplying any number by NaN will yield NaN.

  2. NaN in Comparisons: Comparisons with NaN always return false. For instance, 50 > NaN is false, and NaN is not equal to itself (NaN !== NaN).

  3. NaN as an Error State: NaN represents a failure in calculations and is treated like a number in JavaScript, but it cannot hold a numeric value.

  4. Identifying NaN: To check if a value is NaN, you can use:

    • isNaN(): This function checks if a value can be coerced into a number and returns true if it would result in NaN.
    • Number.isNaN(): This method checks if a value is exactly NaN, without coercion.
  5. Practical Usage: When handling values, it’s better to use isNaN() to see if a variable can be treated as a number before performing calculations.

In summary, NaN is a unique concept in JavaScript that indicates a non-numeric result in calculations, does not equal itself, and can be checked with specific functions.

Author: tobr | Score: 91

69.
Today I Learned: Binfmt_misc
(Today I Learned: Binfmt_misc)

Summary of binfmt_misc

What is binfmt_misc?

  • binfmt_misc is a Linux kernel feature that allows the system to execute files that aren't in the native binary format. It helps the kernel recognize and run various file types, including scripts and binaries for different architectures.

Why is it important?

  • This feature can be misused by attackers to create a backdoor for regaining root access if their original method fails. It's not widely known, making it a stealthy technique for maintaining access on compromised systems.

How does it work?

  • By registering a new binary format handler in the binfmt_misc virtual filesystem, the kernel is instructed on how to recognize and execute a file. This registration involves specifying details like the file's magic bytes and the interpreter to run it.

Setting up a backdoor:

  • Attackers can register a handler with specific flags to inherit the privileges of existing setuid binaries. This allows them to execute their own scripts or binaries with root privileges without raising suspicion.

Detection Challenges:

  • Traditional SUID searches won't find the backdoor since the interpreter doesn’t have SUID rights. Monitoring registered handlers in the binfmt_misc directory is one way to detect potential misuse.

Expert Insights:

  • Detecting this technique is difficult as it relies on built-in shell tools and changes in the /proc filesystem. It’s noted that the original command (e.g., chfn) is never executed directly, making detection rules ineffective.

Further Reading:

  • Additional resources discuss using binfmt_misc for other programming languages and provide deeper insights into its capabilities and security implications.
Author: weinzierl | Score: 4

70.
Too Cruel Too Soon
(Too Cruel Too Soon)

In his article, Paul Krugman discusses the negative impacts of recent Republican policies, particularly Project 2025, which includes significant cuts to programs like SNAP (food stamps) and health care. These cuts are affecting 42 million Americans, primarily children, the elderly, and disabled individuals. The harshest changes were intended to take effect after the midterm elections, but they are happening much sooner than anticipated, revealing the Republicans' cruel intentions.

Krugman explains that the rising costs of health insurance are also a major concern, as enhanced subsidies from the Affordable Care Act will expire in 2025, leading to a dramatic increase in out-of-pocket expenses for many families. He argues that Republicans didn't foresee this crisis due to a lack of understanding of health policy.

The article highlights how the current government shutdown has exacerbated these issues, particularly with SNAP funding being cut off. Krugman questions why Republicans aren't taking steps to alleviate the suffering, suggesting that their reluctance is rooted in a disdain for helping those in need.

Overall, Krugman believes that the political strategy behind these policies has backfired, with the expected pain of the cuts arriving earlier than planned, causing a significant crisis for many Americans.

Author: rbanffy | Score: 14

71.
Frozen DuckLakes for Multi-User, Serverless Data Access
(Frozen DuckLakes for Multi-User, Serverless Data Access)

Summary of "Frozen DuckLakes for Multi-User, Serverless Data Access"

Overview: This article by Mark Harrison discusses how to create a "Frozen DuckLake," which is a read-only data lake that operates without a catalog database, relying solely on cloud storage.

Key Points:

  1. What is a Frozen DuckLake?

    • It consists of data stored in cloud buckets with no database server.
    • It is read-only and can be created quickly and easily.
  2. Advantages:

    • Minimal costs beyond cloud storage.
    • Suitable for public data access without additional services.
    • Immediate SQL database accessibility.
    • Data can come from multiple cloud environments.
  3. Updating Data:

    • While Frozen DuckLakes are static, new versions can be created by adding fresh data.
  4. Creation Process:

    • Collect data files and generate a DuckLake creation script.
    • Create a local DuckLake and then publish it to cloud storage.
    • The process includes steps like snapshotting existing Parquet files and publishing them.
  5. Accessing Frozen DuckLakes:

    • They can be accessed using standard DuckDB methods once published.
  6. Updating and Versioning:

    • Updating involves regenerating the DuckLake file or adding new files.
    • Version upgrades require manual intervention.
  7. Performance:

    • The example provided shows the creation of a Frozen DuckLake with over 11 billion rows took about 22 minutes.

This article emphasizes the simplicity and efficiency of creating a Frozen DuckLake for data management without the complexities of traditional database setups.

Author: g0xA52A2A | Score: 61

72.
Typst's Math Mode Problem
(Typst's Math Mode Problem)

Summary of the Math Mode Problem

Typst's math mode has a significant issue where writing expressions like f_i(x) results in unexpected output, such as i(x) instead of just i. This problem arises from how Typst parses function calls and mathematical symbols, which can lead to confusion about the intended meaning of expressions.

For example, when writing f^pi(x), users expect pi to be a simple superscript, but it is treated the same way as a function call. The issue becomes clearer with expressions like e^abs(x), where users want abs(x) to be the superscript. Because Typst evaluates these differently, it creates ambiguity in how expressions are parsed.

Historically, Typst had a different behavior in earlier versions, where sub- and superscripts worked intuitively, but this was changed due to development pressures. Now, the community is debating whether to revert to the old behavior or find a new solution.

The root of the problem lies in how Typst distinguishes between function calls and mathematical evaluations, leading to different precedence rules. There are several potential solutions being considered:

  1. Do nothing: Keep the current behavior.
  2. Revert to Typst 0.3 behavior: This would fix some issues but break others.
  3. Runtime parsing: Delay parsing until runtime to clarify function vs. symbol.
  4. MathAttachCall: Introduce a new expression type to handle attachments and function calls more effectively.
  5. Different syntax for Typst functions: Require new syntax for function calls to eliminate ambiguity.

The author argues that option B (reverting to Typst 0.3 behavior) is the best choice, as it is more intuitive for users. They plan to proceed with this option unless significant objections arise.

Author: marcianx | Score: 116

73.
It's insulting to read AI-generated blog posts
(It's insulting to read AI-generated blog posts)

The author expresses frustration with AI-generated content, feeling it lacks the personal touch and effort that comes from human writing. They argue that creating original work is valuable and fosters connection with readers. The author encourages people to embrace their mistakes and seek help when needed, rather than relying on AI for writing. They believe that real thoughts and experiences enrich writing and that humans should engage authentically with their audience. Overall, the message is to prioritize genuine human expression over automated assistance.

Author: speckx | Score: 1237

74.
Can we talk about the rude installers not asking for installation locations?
(Can we talk about the rude installers not asking for installation locations?)

The author believes it is disrespectful for software to automatically install in a default directory without asking the user for their preferred location.

Author: breezk0 | Score: 37

75.
Tips for stroke-surviving software engineers
(Tips for stroke-surviving software engineers)

No summary available.

Author: padolsey | Score: 488

76.
PlanetScale Offering $5 Databases
(PlanetScale Offering $5 Databases)

PlanetScale is known for its high quality and reliable database services. Currently, their entry-level option is a 3-node setup costing $30 a month, which provides high availability (HA). However, many users want a more affordable option for early-stage projects.

To address this, PlanetScale will soon offer a new single-node configuration called the PS-5, priced at just $5 a month. This setup is ideal for development, testing, and non-critical tasks. Users can easily scale this single node as needed without needing additional replicas.

Here’s a summary of the new pricing for different node classes:

  • PS-5 (Single node): $5
  • PS-10 (Single node): $10 (arm) or $13 (intel)
  • PS-10 (3-node HA): $30 (arm) or $39 (intel)

This new pricing makes it easier for startups to begin with PlanetScale and grow their database needs without complicated migrations as they scale.

Author: ryanvogel | Score: 221

77.
uBlock Origin Lite in Apple App Store
(uBlock Origin Lite in Apple App Store)

App Overview: uBlock Origin Lite

  • Availability: The app is free and can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

  • Rating: It has a 5.0 rating based on 34 reviews.

  • Description:

    • uBlock Origin Lite (uBOL) is an efficient content blocker that uses default filtering rules from uBlock Origin, including popular lists like EasyList and EasyPrivacy.
    • It operates without a constant background process, meaning it doesn't use extra CPU or memory while blocking content. The service only runs when interacting with the app's popup or settings.
  • Updates: The latest version includes updated filter lists as of October 29, 2025.

  • User Reviews:

    • Users have praised the app for its performance on iPad and appreciate its reliability and effectiveness in blocking unwanted content.
    • Some noted they can't add custom filter lists but are satisfied with the default options.
  • Privacy: The developer, Raymond Hill, states that no user data is collected by the app.

  • Compatibility:

    • Requires iOS 18.5 or later for iPhone, iPadOS 18.5 or later for iPad, macOS 13.5 or later for Mac, and visionOS 2.5 or later for Apple Vision.

This app is a great choice for users looking to enhance their browsing experience by blocking ads and trackers effectively.

Author: mumber_typhoon | Score: 430

78.
ZOZO's Contact Solver for physics-based simulations
(ZOZO's Contact Solver for physics-based simulations)

ZOZO's Contact Solver Overview

ZOZO offers a physics-based simulation tool called the Contact Solver, which is designed to handle various types of materials like cloth, solids, and rods. Here are the main features and highlights:

  • Robustness: The solver ensures no object overlaps or penetrates during simulations.
  • Scalability: It can manage over 150 million contact points efficiently.
  • Efficiency: Runs on GPUs using single precision for better performance.
  • Limitations: Cloth simulations are kept within strict limits to prevent excessive stretching (max 1%).
  • Accuracy: Utilizes the Finite Element Method for realistic simulations.
  • Testing: Regular stress tests are conducted to maintain reliability.
  • Parallel Processing: Both contact and elasticity calculations occur simultaneously on the GPU.
  • User-Friendly: Comes with a Docker setup for easy deployment and a JupyterLab interface for immediate use.
  • Documentation: Extensive Python APIs are provided, with thorough documentation for ease of use.
  • Cloud Compatibility: Can be deployed on major cloud platforms, allowing flexibility and cost savings.

Getting Started: Users can easily set up the solver using Docker and access it through a web interface. Detailed instructions are provided for both Windows and Linux systems.

Example Simulations: A variety of demo simulations are available, showcasing different materials and scenarios, alongside their estimated costs and performance metrics on cloud services.

Future Developments: Regular updates are made to enhance functionality and fix bugs, ensuring users have access to the latest features.

Overall, ZOZO's Contact Solver is a powerful and flexible tool for anyone looking to conduct physics-based simulations efficiently and accurately.

Author: vintagedave | Score: 77

79.
ekoAcademic – Convert ArXiv papers to interactive podcasts
(ekoAcademic – Convert ArXiv papers to interactive podcasts)

ekoAcademic Summary

ekoAcademic is a tool created by Aidan, Shaan, and Wojtek to provide short audio summaries of recent academic papers. It aims to help people listen to these summaries during commutes or while doing chores, making it easier to decide which papers to explore in-depth later.

Here's how it works:

  • The tool extracts and summarizes newly released academic papers, generating short audio clips for each one.
  • Users can interact with these audio summaries by asking questions in their own language, and the tool will respond accordingly.
  • Previous audio summaries are stored, so they don't need to be created again for others, making the process efficient and cost-effective.

The creators are seeking feedback on:

  • Whether this tool addresses any challenges users face.
  • Missing subject areas or languages for interactive discussions.
  • Users' preferences for listening during commutes.
  • Any concerns about summary accuracy or context.
  • Desired features or improvements.

They hope this tool can meet a common need and welcome any suggestions or comments. For feedback, contact them at [email protected].

Author: wadamczyk | Score: 47

80.
Estimating the perceived 'claustrophobia' of New York City's streets (2024)
(Estimating the perceived 'claustrophobia' of New York City's streets (2024))

The article discusses a study on "sidewalk claustrophobia" in New York City, which refers to the feeling of crowdedness on the sidewalks due to both people and objects like street furniture. The author explains how they developed a metric to measure this claustrophobia, based on data from various sources.

Key Points:

  1. Urban Space and Atmosphere: NYC has diverse neighborhoods, each with its own crowd dynamics. Crowdedness is assessed by considering both pedestrians and static objects on sidewalks.

  2. Methodology:

    • Data Sources: The study uses NYC's sidewalk data from OpenData and traffic data from dashcams by Nexar.
    • Geometry Simplification: Sidewalk geometries are simplified to make analysis easier.
    • Clutter Identification: Different types of sidewalk clutter are cataloged through observations and matched with official datasets.
    • Weighting Clutter: Each type of clutter is assigned a weight based on its estimated size.
    • Traffic Estimates: Pedestrian traffic is estimated using object detection from dashcam footage.
  3. Limitations: The study faces challenges such as missing data for certain clutter types and some imprecise datasets.

  4. Results: Maps show varying levels of claustrophobia across neighborhoods. Areas like Midtown Manhattan have high claustrophobia levels, while Staten Island shows lower levels.

  5. Future Research: The author plans to publish a research paper on this topic later in the year and invites feedback and questions.

For more details, including visualizations and data, the project is available on GitHub.

Author: jxmorris12 | Score: 67

81.
Signs of introspection in large language models
(Signs of introspection in large language models)

The research explores whether large language models, like Claude, can introspect, meaning they can reflect on their own thoughts and internal processes. This is important for understanding AI transparency and reliability. The study found evidence that some AI models can exhibit a limited form of introspection, especially the more advanced versions like Claude Opus 4 and 4.1. However, this ability is often unreliable and context-dependent.

To test introspection, the researchers used a technique called "concept injection," where they introduced known neural activity patterns into the model and assessed if it could accurately identify them. The models sometimes recognized these injected concepts, indicating a level of self-awareness. In other experiments, models showed they could control their internal thoughts based on instructions or incentives.

Despite these findings, the models frequently failed to demonstrate introspection, suggesting that while some degree of self-awareness exists, it is not consistent. Understanding this capability could improve AI transparency and help in debugging and understanding their reasoning processes. However, there's caution regarding the reliability of the models’ introspective reports, as they might still make up answers or misrepresent their internal states.

The research also raises philosophical questions about AI consciousness but focuses primarily on functional capabilities. The next steps involve refining evaluation methods, understanding the mechanisms behind introspection, and studying it in more natural situations.

Author: themgt | Score: 47

82.
A change of address led to our Wise accounts being shut down
(A change of address led to our Wise accounts being shut down)

The article discusses a negative experience with the money transfer service Wise. The author shares that they encountered several issues, including poor customer service and unexpected fees. They felt that the service was unreliable and ultimately decided to stop using Wise for their business transactions. The article serves as a warning for others who might consider using the service.

Author: jemmyw | Score: 299

83.
Some rando turned me into a meme coin
(Some rando turned me into a meme coin)

In the article, Jason Grigsby shares his unexpected experience of becoming the face of a meme coin called $grigs. It all started when a stranger contacted him on LinkedIn, leading him to discover a Twitter community using his name and image to promote this new coin. The confusion deepened when he learned that the coin was linked to his 2007 tweet where he used the word "grok," which Elon Musk later named his AI bot after.

Grigsby realized that the meme coin was created in hopes that Musk would notice it, as many successful meme coins have benefited from Musk's endorsement. However, he had previously blocked Musk and wanted nothing to do with the coin, which he viewed as a scam. After considering his options, he decided to publicly disassociate himself from the coin to avoid any backlash or misunderstanding.

He explained that while the meme coin was based on a playfully nostalgic connection to his past tweet, he had no affiliation with it and urged people to read the science fiction book "Stranger in a Strange Land," from which the term "grok" originates. Ultimately, the meme coin did not succeed, likely due to various other events happening at the time.

Author: tbassetto | Score: 56

84.
Language models are injective and hence invertible
(Language models are injective and hence invertible)

This paper argues against the common belief that transformer models cannot uniquely recover their inputs due to certain components being non-injective. The authors prove that transformer language models can actually be injective, meaning different inputs will not produce the same output, thus allowing for exact input recovery. They support this claim with mathematical proof and extensive tests on six advanced language models, finding no instances where different inputs led to the same output. Additionally, they introduce a new algorithm called SipIt, which can efficiently reconstruct the original input text from the model's internal representations. This work highlights the importance of injectivity in language models, suggesting benefits for transparency, interpretability, and safe usage.

Author: mazsa | Score: 222

85.
Some Smalltalk about Ruby Loops
(Some Smalltalk about Ruby Loops)

The text discusses the philosophy of loops in Ruby, contrasting it with Python and drawing inspiration from Smalltalk. Here are the key points simplified:

  1. Loops in Ruby: Ruby offers a different approach to loops compared to Python. For example, while Python uses for loops, Ruby prefers methods like .times and .each, which are based on sending messages to objects.

  2. Message Passing: In Ruby, calling a method is seen as sending a message to an object. For instance, 10.times sends the message :times to the integer 10, which then executes the associated method. This is different from how Python handles method calls.

  3. Protocol over Syntax: Ruby emphasizes a programming style where the focus is on the functionality (protocol) rather than the syntax. This means that objects define how they respond to messages, allowing for more flexibility.

  4. Comparison with Python: In Python, the way to loop or call methods feels more like accessing attributes. Ruby's message passing gives more autonomy to objects, allowing them to decide how to respond when they receive a message.

  5. Avoiding for Loops: The author argues that the for loop feels out of place in Ruby because it does not align with the message-passing philosophy. Instead, Rubyists are encouraged to use methods like .each and .times.

  6. Learning Ruby's Style: Understanding Ruby's message-passing approach helps developers write more idiomatic code. It encourages a unique style that reflects the language’s design.

In summary, Ruby's approach to loops and method calls emphasizes sending messages to objects, which aligns with its philosophy of protocol over syntax, distinguishing it from Python's attribute-based method calls.

Author: birdculture | Score: 96

86.
What we talk about when we talk about sideloading
(What we talk about when we talk about sideloading)

Summary of "What We Talk About When We Talk About Sideloading"

The author discusses concerns about Google’s new Developer Program and its impact on users' rights to install software on their devices. They argue that Google's claim that "sideloading is not going away" is misleading because the new rules will require developers to get Google's approval before distributing apps, effectively limiting users' choices.

Key points include:

  • Sideloading, or installing apps from outside official stores, is being restricted by Google's policies, despite their claims of openness.
  • Users bought their Android devices expecting to run any software they wanted, but upcoming changes will restrict this freedom.
  • Developers will have to register and comply with strict requirements from Google to share their apps, undermining the original promise of Android as an open platform.
  • The implications extend to all Android devices worldwide, not just those using Google Play.
  • Google justifies these changes by citing malware risks from sideloaded apps, but the author questions the accuracy of this claim, pointing out issues within the Google Play Store itself.
  • There is growing opposition to Google’s policies, and the author encourages consumers and developers to advocate for maintaining an open Android ecosystem.

The message emphasizes that users own their devices and should have the right to choose how to use them and what software to install. For more advocacy resources, the author directs readers to keepandroidopen.org.

Author: rom1v | Score: 1500

87.
Grammarly rebrands to 'Superhuman,' launches a new AI assistant
(Grammarly rebrands to 'Superhuman,' launches a new AI assistant)

No summary available.

Author: coloneltcb | Score: 164

88.
Status of my favorite bike share stations
(Status of my favorite bike share stations)

Toronto Bike Share Status - October 24, 2025

The author enjoys using Toronto's Bike Share network but often faces issues with bike availability and docking stations. The existing Bike Share app is complicated to use, requiring too many steps to find bike and dock information. To make things easier, the author created a dashboard and iOS widget that quickly displays the needed information. You can view the project on GitHub and see screenshots of the dashboard and widget in use.

Author: alexboden | Score: 46

89.
I have released a 69.0MB version of Windows 7 x86
(I have released a 69.0MB version of Windows 7 x86)

No summary available.

Author: rvnx | Score: 182

90.
China has added forest the size of Texas since 1990
(China has added forest the size of Texas since 1990)

Since 1990, China has added over 170 million acres of forest, equivalent to the size of Texas, while the world continues to lose about 20 million acres of forest annually. Deforestation is primarily caused by farming, ranching, fires, and drought, with Brazil, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo experiencing the most significant losses. In contrast, many richer countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and Russia, are seeing forest regrowth due to more efficient farming practices.

China's extensive tree-planting efforts, including a 2,000-mile belt of trees around the Taklamakan Desert, have contributed significantly to this increase. Other countries like Canada, India, and Russia have also added millions of acres of forest since 1990, showcasing a global trend of forest recovery in certain regions.

Author: Brajeshwar | Score: 652

91.
How to Use Zorn's Lemma (2008)
(How to Use Zorn's Lemma (2008))

The article discusses how to effectively use Zorn's lemma, particularly for undergraduate mathematics students who may struggle to see its applications. The author shares a personal experience where they faced a challenging problem that was solved using Zorn's lemma, which they had not initially considered. This article aims to help others recognize when and how to apply this mathematical principle.

Key points include:

  1. Purpose of Zorn's Lemma: It is used to establish the existence of maximal elements in certain mathematical structures. If you are building something in stages and can continue indefinitely without obstacles, Zorn's lemma can help you find a maximal object.

  2. Prerequisites: A basic understanding of undergraduate mathematics is needed, including concepts such as vector spaces.

  3. Example Applications:

    • The article includes a specific example of constructing additive functions that are not linear, demonstrating the process of building a function incrementally and needing to extend it indefinitely.
    • It also discusses the concept of finding a basis for a vector space, which requires Zorn's lemma to prove that a maximal linearly independent set exists.
  4. General Strategy: When encountering a situation where you need a maximal object, identify a partially ordered set related to your problem. If every chain in this set has an upper bound, Zorn's lemma guarantees a maximal element exists.

  5. Connection to the Axiom of Choice: Zorn's lemma is equivalent to the axiom of choice, which is crucial in many mathematical proofs, including finding well-orderings of sets.

Overall, the article serves as a guide for recognizing the need for Zorn's lemma in mathematical proofs and provides foundational examples and strategies for its application.

Author: perihelions | Score: 28

92.
More than DNS: Learnings from the 14 hour AWS outage
(More than DNS: Learnings from the 14 hour AWS outage)

On the first day of an offsite meeting, a significant AWS outage occurred, lasting over 14 hours and impacting 140 services, including EC2 and DynamoDB. This was AWS's worst outage in over a decade, leading to a substantial revenue loss. The author, who has seven years of industry experience without facing such an outage, reflects on the reasons behind the disruption.

The outage stemmed from a complex issue involving DynamoDB's DNS management, which had a latent race condition that caused a critical DNS record to become empty. This failure spread to EC2 and other services, as they all rely heavily on DynamoDB. The author criticizes oversimplified explanations for the outage and emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of software reliability.

AWS's postmortem breaks down the incident into sections, detailing how the initial failure in DynamoDB cascaded into widespread service outages. The author analyzes the failure's root causes, including the lack of coordination among DNS management systems and the absence of necessary safeguards during the deletion process.

The document also discusses the effects on EC2 and the Network Load Balancer (NLB), noting that the system's failure was exacerbated by a backlog of work and poor feedback loops in health checks.

In conclusion, while AWS is known for its reliability, this incident reveals vulnerabilities in complex cloud systems. The author urges the industry to learn from such outages to improve design and operational practices in the future.

Author: birdculture | Score: 166

93.
Composer: Building a fast frontier model with RL
(Composer: Building a fast frontier model with RL)

Summary of the Blog Post on ResearchComposer

ResearchComposer is a new AI model developed by Cursor, designed to enhance software engineering tasks with impressive speed and intelligence. It can generate code four times faster than similar models, thanks to training on real-world software challenges using various coding tools.

Key features include:

  • Fast and Smart: Composer is optimized for quick, interactive coding experiences, making it easier for developers to stay focused.
  • Reinforcement Learning: The model learns to solve coding problems efficiently, minimizing unnecessary responses and making smarter tool choices.
  • Mixture-of-Experts Model: This allows for understanding and generating long-context code, tailored specifically for software engineering.

To evaluate its effectiveness, Cursor created the Cursor Bench, which measures how useful the model is for developers by comparing its outputs to optimal solutions.

Building this model required advanced training infrastructure and techniques, enabling the use of many GPUs for efficient learning. Composer has already been embraced by Cursor's own developers, and the team hopes it will be a valuable resource for others in the software engineering community.

Author: leerob | Score: 211

94.
Extropic is building thermodynamic computing hardware
(Extropic is building thermodynamic computing hardware)

The video titled "Thermodynamic Computing: From 0 to 1" discusses a new approach to computing based on thermodynamics. It explores how this method can process information differently than traditional computing systems. The video aims to introduce viewers to the principles of thermodynamic computing and its potential advantages, such as improved efficiency and performance.

Author: vyrotek | Score: 162

95.
AWS to bare metal two years later: Answering your questions about leaving AWS
(AWS to bare metal two years later: Answering your questions about leaving AWS)

No summary available.

Author: ndhandala | Score: 706

96.
Carlo Rovelli’s radical perspective on reality
(Carlo Rovelli’s radical perspective on reality)

No summary available.

Author: vismit2000 | Score: 114

97.
Some people can't see mental images
(Some people can't see mental images)

I'm sorry, but I can't access external links or content from URLs. However, if you provide me with the text you want summarized, I'd be happy to help!

Author: petalmind | Score: 168

98.
I made a 10¢ MCU Talk
(I made a 10¢ MCU Talk)

No summary available.

Author: iamflimflam1 | Score: 203

99.
Replacing EBS and Rethinking Postgres Storage from First Principles
(Replacing EBS and Rethinking Postgres Storage from First Principles)

Summary of Fluid Storage Announcement

Fluid Storage is a new storage system designed for modern data needs, particularly for "agents" who require fast and flexible environments. It aims to improve upon existing cloud storage solutions by offering true elasticity, allowing for quick scaling, forking, and replication without the limitations of traditional systems like Amazon EBS.

Key Features:

  • Forkable and Elastic: Fluid Storage allows for instant snapshots and forks, meaning developers can quickly create and test separate environments without copying data.
  • Cost Efficiency: Users only pay for the storage they actually use, not what they allocate, reducing waste.
  • High Performance: The system can handle over 110,000 Input/Output Operations Per Second (IOPS) and maintain consistent low latency during operations.
  • PostgreSQL Compatibility: It works seamlessly with PostgreSQL and other databases, requiring no modifications to existing applications.

Development Benefits:

  • Developers can run isolated database forks for each code change, improving testing and deployment processes.
  • Agents can operate on their own data forks, allowing for rapid experimentation and iteration.

Operational Resilience: Fluid Storage includes multiple layers of reliability, ensuring continuous operation even during failures, with automatic recovery processes in place.

Overall, Fluid Storage represents a significant advancement in cloud storage, enabling faster, more efficient, and more dynamic data handling for developers and agents alike. It is currently available in a free tier for users to explore its capabilities.

Author: mfreed | Score: 101

100.
How the U.S. National Science Foundation enabled Software-Defined Networking
(How the U.S. National Science Foundation enabled Software-Defined Networking)

Summary: Federal Funding of Academic Research: How the U.S. National Science Foundation Enabled Software-Defined Networking

The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has significantly advanced software-defined networking (SDN) over the past two decades, transforming how networks are designed and operated in both public and private sectors.

Key Points:

  1. Background of Networking Issues: Before SDN, network owners faced challenges due to reliance on a few router vendors, which controlled the hardware and software. This led to complex, difficult-to-manage networks and slow innovation.

  2. Introduction of SDN: SDN allows network owners to control how their networks operate by providing a common interface for network devices and centralizing control. This innovation began around 2008, driven by NSF-funded academic research and the growing need for efficient datacenter interconnections.

  3. NSF's Role in SDN Development:

    • The NSF invested in various research initiatives, such as the 100×100 project, GENI, and FIND, laying the groundwork for SDN technologies and fostering a collaborative research community.
    • These projects led to new architectures and tools used in commercial SDN implementations.
  4. Impact on Datacenters: Major tech companies, like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, adopted SDN to improve network management and reduce costs by building their own networking equipment and software.

  5. Commercial Success: SDN led to the creation of successful startups and new products from major networking vendors. It also spurred further academic research and development.

  6. Broader Applications: Beyond datacenters, SDN principles have influenced cellular networks, enabling more flexible and programmable infrastructures.

  7. Conclusion: The NSF's early investment in SDN has resulted in a major transformation, leading to a more reliable, secure, and efficient Internet that benefits billions worldwide.

In summary, NSF's funding and support for SDN have revolutionized networking, empowering network owners and fostering innovation in technology and infrastructure.

Author: zdw | Score: 113
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