undefined 30, 2024
Dozens killed in southeast Spain, as flash floods sweep away walls and cars
Flash floods in southeastern Spain have killed at least 62 people, with intense rainfall up to 12 inches causing widespread flooding. Streets, buildings, and highways became impassable as floodwaters swept away cars and debris, trapping many residents in lower floors. Videos showed severe flooding in Valencia, while rivers overflowed in nearby towns. Roads were unusable, stranding vehicles and causing chaos across the region.
Source: interestingengineering
Voyager 1 is alive: NASA spacecraft reawakens 15 billion miles away from Earth
Voyager 1, deep in interstellar space, encountered a disruption when its fault protection system unexpectedly activated on October 16, disabling one of its radio transmitters. The spacecraft briefly went silent, reestablishing contact on October 24 after NASA’s flight team switched to a backup S-band transmitter. Communication challenges persist, as engineers work to diagnose the issue. Voyager 1's aging components have led to frequent malfunctions, adding complexity to NASA’s efforts to maintain contact over the vast 15-billion-mile distance.
Laser technology uncovers ancient Mayan city hidden in Mexico jungle
Archaeologists using lidar technology uncovered over 6,600 previously unknown Maya structures, including pyramids, hidden in Mexico’s Campeche jungle. Scanning 47 square miles, researchers identified extensive urban and ceremonial sites, including the large city of Valeriana. The Maya, known for their grand architecture, peaked from 300AD to 900AD. Unlike past discoveries requiring dense jungle exploration, lidar revealed these settlements swiftly, hinting at more yet undiscovered.
Source: interestingengineering
Japan’s Mount Fuji faces the heat, records first snowless October in 130 years
As November nears, Japan’s Mount Fuji remains snow-free for the first time this late in 130 years, attributed to record-high autumn temperatures and a summer heatwave. Normally snow-capped by early October, the delay raises concerns over climate change, as warmer winters could impact snowpack, tourism, and water resources. Japan’s hottest summer extended into October, making snowfall three times less likely due to the climate crisis. This rare snow delay, alongside rising temperatures, underscores the need for urgent climate action to preserve Mount Fuji and regional winter activities.
How to get better faster when you have the flu, according to science
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu can shorten flu duration if taken within two days of symptom onset, reducing illness length by about a day. Other FDA-approved antivirals, such as Relenza, Rapivab, and Xofluza, also show similar results. Non-pharmaceutical remedies, including vitamin C and zinc, lack evidence in shortening flu. Vaccination helps prevent flu severity but doesn't shorten existing infections. For symptom relief, pain relievers and honey (for coughs in older children) may help, while a strong immune system supports recovery.
Instagram lowering quality of less viewed videos 'alarming' creators
Instagram’s admission that it reduces video quality for older, less-viewed content has upset creators. Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed a "quality bias" for popular videos, aiming to save on storage costs by downgrading less-engaged content and upgrading quality if views increase. Creators argue this is unfair, as it disadvantages emerging creators, giving established ones an edge. Social media expert Matt Navarra noted it contradicts Instagram’s promise of equal exposure for all creators, but Mosseri insists most users value content over resolution. Instagram’s prior shifts toward video have also faced pushback.
Apple announces redesigned Mac Mini with M4 chip — and it’s so damn small
Apple has unveiled a smaller, more powerful Mac Mini featuring the new M4 silicon, default 16GB RAM, and optional ray tracing support. Starting at $599, with a Pro model from $1,399, the Mini is now ultra-compact at five inches wide and deep. Ports include USB-C and Thunderbolt 4, or Thunderbolt 5 with the M4 Pro. Configurable up to 64GB RAM and 8TB storage, the M4 Mini can handle three 6K displays. Preorders are live, with an in-store launch on November 8, rounding out Apple’s Mac announcements this week.
'We were just trying to get it to work': The failure that started the internet
In 1969, Charley Kline and Bill Duvall sent the first message over Arpanet, a precursor to the internet, from UCLA to SRI. The test was cut short when the system crashed after typing "L-O" instead of "LOGIN." Reflecting 55 years later, they recall the groundbreaking moment and note concerns over today’s internet power dynamics, disinformation, and AI's potential risks for society.
OpenAI reportedly planning to build its first AI chip in 2026
OpenAI is collaborating with TSMC and Broadcom to develop an in-house AI chip, shifting focus from building factories to chip design. The new AI chip could launch by 2026. Additionally, OpenAI plans to use AMD chips via Microsoft's Azure cloud for model training, moving away from a reliance on Nvidia GPUs. This change comes amid chip shortages and high training costs, prompting OpenAI to seek more alternatives.
Alexa, thank you for the music
About two years ago, my mother shared how much she enjoyed using Alexa to play music, helping lift her spirits. As she faced health issues and memory challenges in her late 90s, I got her an Echo Show 8 for safety and engagement. While video calls didn’t work, the Echo helped her with reminders and music. Despite not fully meeting my expectations, Alexa brought joy and comfort, especially in her final days, playing music that made her smile. I’ll always appreciate that.
