Ilya Sutskever: We're moving from the age of scaling to the age of research
The article explores an interview with Ilya Sutskever, co-founder and chief scientist at OpenAI, who discusses the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), the challenges in developing safe and ethical AGI, and his views on the long-term implications of advanced AI systems.
Unison 1.0
Unison is a functional programming language that aims to simplify software development by introducing a novel approach to code distribution and evolution. It features a decentralized code database, automatic versioning, and a flexible type system that allows for seamless code updates and collaboration.
A new bridge links the math of infinity to computer science
The article explores the mathematical concept of infinity and its connection to computer science, highlighting how researchers have found a new way to link these seemingly disparate fields using a new bridge that helps understand the strange properties of infinity.
Reinventing how .NET builds and ships (again)
The article discusses Microsoft's efforts to reinvent how .NET is built and shipped, including adopting a continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD) approach, improving build performance, and making the platform more modular and cloud-native.
The Generative Burrito Test
The article explores the concept of a 'generative burrito' as a metaphor for the creative process, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unpredictable and allowing for emergent outcomes in artistic and innovative endeavors.
Ironwood, our latest TPU
Google introduces Ironwood, the latest version of its Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) accelerator for machine learning. Ironwood offers improved performance, efficiency, and support for advanced AI models, making it a significant advancement in Google's cloud computing capabilities.
ICE Offers Up to $280M to Immigrant-Tracking 'Bounty Hunter' Firms
The article explores a controversial U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program that pays bounty hunters to collect data and information on undocumented immigrants, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential misuse of such a program.
Space Truckin' – The Nostromo (2012)
This article explores the Nostromo, the cargo ship featured in the film Alien, and its role as a 'space truck' transporting raw materials across the galaxy. It delves into the design and purpose of the Nostromo, as well as the daily routines and challenges faced by the crew during their long-haul space voyages.
The gruesome new data on tech jobs
The article highlights the rising demand for data scientists and analytics professionals, with Indeed predicting a significant increase in such job postings by 2025. However, it also notes the potentially gruesome nature of some of these roles, which can involve tasks like examining horrific images or reviewing copious amounts of abusive online content.
The Bughouse Effect
The article discusses the 'Bughouse Effect', a phenomenon where individuals become increasingly paranoid and delusional due to prolonged sleep deprivation. It explores the neurological and psychological factors behind this effect and its potential impact on society.
Stop Putting Your Passwords into Random Websites (Yes, Seriously, You Are the PR
The article warns against the common practice of entering passwords into random websites, as it can lead to serious security risks. It emphasizes the importance of users being cautious and taking responsibility for their online security.
UK intends to scrap jury trials for majority of court cases
The article discusses a proposal by Labour MP David Lammy to scrap jury trials in some cases, arguing that the system is outdated and can lead to biased outcomes. Lammy suggests that judge-only trials could be more efficient and fair, particularly for less serious offenses.
LLVM Adds Constant-Time Support for Protecting Cryptographic Code
The article discusses the addition of constant-time support in LLVM, which helps protect cryptographic code at the compiler level. This enables compilers to generate code that is resistant to timing attacks, improving the security of cryptographic applications.
Employee quits job over an Nvidia RTX 5060
An Nvidia intern was asked to hand in an RTX 5060 GPU they won on a business trip, but the employee refused, leading them to quit their job in protest over the company's policy of reclaiming employee prizes.
Proton Meet: Secure, end-to-end encrypted video conferencing
Proton Meet is a secure video conferencing and collaboration platform that prioritizes privacy and end-to-end encryption, offering features like screen sharing, chat, and calendar integration for remote work and online meetings.
Modder who put Thomas the Tank Engine into Skyrim flips the bird at lawyers
A modder who famously added Thomas the Tank Engine to Skyrim has openly defied cease and desist letters from lawyers, continuing to integrate the character into other Elder Scrolls games like Morrowind. The modder expresses a disregard for the concerns of corporate executives, asserting their right to creatively modify games they own.
WebGPU is now supported in major browsers
The article discusses the introduction of the WebGPU API, a new web standard that provides a modern, low-level graphics API for the web, and its availability in major browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. It highlights the benefits of WebGPU, including improved performance and capabilities for web-based graphics applications.
The myth of reflected power (2017)
The article debunks the myth of reflected power, arguing that the belief that antennas derive power from reflected signals is inaccurate. It explains that the power received by an antenna comes from the transmitted signal, not from any reflected signals.
Meta Execs Privately Compared Instagram to Addictive Drug, Court Filing Shows
A court filing reveals that Meta (Facebook's parent company) researchers privately compared the addictive nature of Instagram to that of addictive drugs, raising concerns about the platform's impact on user well-being.
Pregnant women and their babies endure inhumane conditions in jails
The article highlights the inhumane conditions that pregnant women and babies face in jails, with reports of inadequate medical care, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of access to proper nutrition and mental health support.