undefined 24, 2024
How pagers and hand-held radios can be modified to remotely explode
A Sky News report explores how pagers and radios were rigged to explode, with experts explaining that a small amount of explosives, likely hidden in the devices, could be remotely triggered via a specific message. The detonator, powered by the device's battery, initiates the explosion. The deadly blasts in Lebanon are linked to older models of pagers and radios. Experts suggest explosives could be embedded in the battery or elsewhere, causing consistent blasts across devices.
Telegram will provide users' IP and phone numbers to law authorities
Telegram will now provide users' IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities following valid legal requests, per CEO Pavel Durov. This shift aims to deter criminal activity, a significant change from Telegram's previous lax moderation. The platform is using AI and moderators to hide problematic content. Durov faces charges in France for allegedly enabling the spread of child abuse material but denies the allegations. Telegram has been criticized for being a hub for extremists and protesters globally.
LinkedIn is training AI on you, unless you opt out with this setting
LinkedIn has introduced a new data privacy setting that allows it to use users' content—posts, articles, videos—to train its AI by default. Users must manually opt out through the “Data privacy” settings to stop their data from being used, though past data cannot be removed. LinkedIn claims this is to improve AI tools for job-seeking and skill development, but many users feel blindsided. Critics argue LinkedIn should have made opting out clearer, and the move follows similar practices by other tech giants like OpenAI and Meta.
The human heart shows signs of ageing after just a month in space
Engineered human heart tissue sent to space for 30 days showed signs of weakening, irregular beating, and molecular changes mimicking aging, according to a study published in *PNAS*. Researchers observed a 50% drop in contraction strength and irregular heartbeats, though some effects were reversible upon return to Earth. Genetic analysis revealed increased expression of genes linked to inflammation and heart disorders. The study provides insights into how spaceflight impacts the heart, with plans for further organ research.
Instagram’s new under-18 rules met with skepticism
Sevey Morton, 16, says Instagram worsened her body image and anxiety after years of exposure to edited photos. Meta's new rules for teen accounts—time limits, content restrictions, and parental controls—are a start, but Morton believes they don't fully address the platform’s harmful effects. Critics argue the changes are politically motivated and insufficient, as Instagram has long been linked to mental health issues, especially in teen girls. Despite this, quitting social media remains difficult for teens.
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Attention, spoiled software engineers: take a lesson from Google’s programming language
Today's programmers often view themselves as creatives, with flashy websites and titles. The language Go, however, is a contrast—created by veteran programmers, it emphasizes simplicity and practicality. Developed at Google by legends like Ken Thompson and Rob Pike, Go offers speed and reliability, though some criticize its lack of style. It’s not flashy but reliable, representing a "late style" of programming—serene, purposeful, and free of ego, in contrast to today’s trend of over-complication.
A mysterious radio signal from 8 billion years ago has just reached Earth
Astronomers have detected a powerful series of radio waves, FRB 20220610A, which have been traveling through space for 8 billion years. These fast radio bursts (FRBs) last just milliseconds but emit as much energy as our sun produces in 30 years. The exact origin of FRBs is unknown, but researchers suggest they may be linked to magnetars, the remnants of exploded stars. These signals could help astronomers map the universe’s structure and solve cosmic mysteries, according to Dr. Stuart Ryder.
Crypto scammers hack OpenAI’s press account on X
OpenAI’s official press account on X was hacked by crypto scammers, who falsely announced a new blockchain token, "$OPENAI." The scam post linked to a phishing site designed to steal users' cryptocurrency credentials. This isn't the first time OpenAI-related accounts have been compromised, with previous attacks targeting leadership members. Crypto scams have surged, with Americans losing $5.6 billion in 2023, and 2024 is expected to see similar losses, according to FBI and FTC reports.
DNA stored on crystal could bring back humanity billions of years after extinction
British scientists from the University of Southampton have stored human DNA information on a 5D crystal, which could help resurrect humanity if we go extinct. Using lasers, the team inscribed data on this crystal, which can survive billions of years without degrading. Led by Prof. Peter Kazansky, the project offers a potential way to preserve genomes of endangered species. While creating life from this data isn't yet possible, the crystal could become a vital tool if future advances allow synthetic life creation.
When robots can't riddle: What puzzles reveal about the depths of our own minds
At Amsterdam's Vrije Universiteit, assistant professor Filip Ilievski challenges AI with riddles to improve its common sense reasoning. While AI excels at pattern recognition, it struggles with abstract thinking, as seen when GPT-4 misinterpreted a riddle about a character named Mable. Ilievski's research reveals gaps in AI’s reasoning abilities, especially in tasks like the Wason selection problem, where GPT-4 failed to identify the correct cards to turn over, highlighting its limitations compared to human intuition.
The 12-day flight across the world in a 60-year-old plane
Flying to Antarctica is a significant challenge, but the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) uses a 60-year-old de Havilland Twin Otter for the job. Deputy chief pilot Vicky Auld leads a 55-hour, 12-day journey from Canada, covering 13,700 km. The Twin Otter's rugged design allows it to land in remote locations, crucial for BAS's scientific missions. However, flights are risky due to unpressurized cabins and challenging weather, requiring pilots to navigate complex routes and stay vigilant against storms and high-altitude conditions.
9,000-year-old rock art of people swimming in what's now the arid Sahara
Thousands of years ago, the Sahara Desert was a lush oasis, as evidenced by the Gilf Kebir plateau in Egypt and Libya, rich in sandstone and rock art. In 1926, cartographer László Almásy discovered caves with hundreds of paintings depicting animals and humans, including unique images of people appearing to swim. Researchers believe these artworks provide insights into life before the desert formed, though some argue they may hold metaphorical meaning. The artwork gained fame through Michael Ondaatje's novel *The English Patient* and its 1996 film adaptation.
What to Expect From Meta Connect 2024
Meta's Connect showcase on September 25 will unveil new AR/VR headsets and glasses, likely including the "Orion" AR glasses and the Meta Quest 3S, expected to be priced around $300. CEO Mark Zuckerberg's Horizon Labs has heavily invested in mixed reality hardware, though funding for VR developers is tightening. The event will also highlight advancements in AI, including the Llama language model. Stream the showcase via Facebook or the Horizon Worlds app on a Meta Quest headset.
It's now officially illegal to use AI to impersonate a human actor in Hollywood
California has enacted two new bills protecting actors and performers from AI misuse, expanding existing SAG-AFTRA safeguards to all Californians. The laws, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, make it illegal to use an AI-generated replica of anyone's likeness or voice without consent, including for deceased actors. Additionally, Newsom introduced laws against AI deepfakes aimed at deceiving voters. A pending bill, SB 1047, could hold tech companies liable for AI outputs, but Newsom is cautious about its potential impact on AI development in the state.
Google TV Streamer review: smarter than your average set-top box
Google has launched the Google TV Streamer 4K, an upgraded set-top box priced at $99.99, enhancing its Google TV interface. This new device features a powerful processor, built-in ethernet, double the RAM, and quadruple the storage compared to its predecessor, Chromecast. It supports Matter for smart home integration and includes a remote with voice control and a shortcut button. The setup process is straightforward via the Google Home app, which automatically downloads your streaming services. The Streamer supports 4K video, Dolby Vision, and Atmos audio, making it a solid option for home entertainment.
Source: interestingengineering
World’s 1st autonomous underwater drone that inspect offshore wind farms
Beam has launched the world’s first AI-driven autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), designed to perform complex underwater inspections autonomously. This innovation aims to enhance efficiency and reduce costs for offshore wind energy surveys. Successfully tested at Scotland's Seagreen wind farm, the AUV reduces inspection times by up to 50%, allowing workers to focus on complex tasks. The technology improves data quality and creates 3D asset reconstructions, supporting operational reliability. Beam's solutions optimize data capture, enhancing decision-making while ensuring safety in challenging underwater conditions.
Eyes hurt from staring at screens? Don’t fall for blue light glasses
If your eyes hurt from screens, blue light might not be the main culprit. While "blue light" is emitted from screens, experts say factors like sunlight, screen distance, and infrequent blinking are more significant. Major retailers offer blue light-blocking glasses, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology states there's no scientific evidence they prevent eye harm. Instead, focus on regular eye exams, the "20-20-20 rule" for breaks, and ensuring screens are at a proper distance. Prioritize blinking more and consider reducing screen time before bed for better eye comfort and sleep.
NASA spacecraft to probe possibility of life in Europa's salty ocean
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, launching next month, aims to explore Jupiter's moon Europa, known for its icy surface and hidden liquid ocean. Equipped with nine science instruments, Clipper will conduct nearly 50 flybys to probe for signs of habitability, possibly detecting microbes in plumes. Despite concerns over electronics in Jupiter's harsh environment, the mission is deemed crucial for understanding potential life beyond Earth. Scientists believe Europa's ocean may have existed for 4.5 billion years, making it a prime candidate for exploration.
Why can't you suffocate by holding your breath?
Holding your breath until suffocation is nearly impossible due to multiple fail-safes in your body. Several brain regions, including the motor cortex and the medulla, coordinate to stimulate breathing. The pre-Bötzinger complex generates respiratory rhythm even when breath-holding. Chemoreceptors monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, while lung stretch receptors trigger stress signals when breathing stops. Elite divers can extend breath-hold times through training, but normal individuals have safeguards to prevent passing out. Extra oxygen can also help prolong breath-holding by reassuring the body that all is well.
Tips to prevent oversharing information about your kids online
Sharing milestones about your kids on social media is common, but be cautious of oversharing. To keep your children safe online: Be Mindful: Check photo backgrounds for identifiable details and avoid sharing personal info like school names. Ask for Consent: Respect your child’s wishes about their online presence as they grow. Adjust Privacy Settings: Set your account to private and limit post visibility to trusted friends and family.
