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2024-06-28

Software galaxies

Reactions

  • Software Galaxies visualizes software projects as dots, representing each program and its complexity, sparking discussions on its challenges and potential improvements.
  • Users debate the practicality of the visualization, with some suggesting it could serve as an educational tool and others reminiscing about similar tools.
  • There is interest in expanding the datasets included, such as the Linux Kernel or Java Maven repository, highlighting the project's artistic and technical achievement.

200 people charged in $2.7B health care fraud crackdown

  • U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced charges against nearly 200 individuals in a nationwide crackdown on health care fraud, with false claims totaling over $2.7 billion.
  • The charges include a $900 million scheme in Arizona, where two wound care company owners allegedly accepted over $330 million in kickbacks for fraudulent Medicare billing, resulting in patient deaths.
  • Authorities seized over $230 million in assets and charged 193 individuals, including 76 medical professionals, with other schemes involving fake addiction treatment for Native Americans and misbranded HIV drugs in Florida.

Reactions

  • Authorities have charged 200 individuals in a $2.7 billion health care fraud crackdown, highlighting the scale and severity of the operation.
  • Among those charged, Alexandra Gehrke and Jeffrey King were arrested at Phoenix airport with incriminating books on evading law enforcement, suggesting they were preparing to flee.
  • The case underscores the importance of evidence like packed bags and specific literature in determining flight risk and influencing judicial decisions on bail and sentencing.

A modern 8 bit design, built using 1950s thermionic valves

  • The Valve.Computer is a modern 8-bit computer using 1950s thermionic valves, first operational on May 28, 2021, and now mounted as an art installation.
  • It uses 1,120 thermionic triodes configured as NOR gates, forming memory registers, an 8-bit ALU, oscillators, and relay drivers, and can run programs like PONG and a 32-bit Fibonacci sequence.
  • The project, inspired by Bletchley Park, took 18 months to build and is entered for the Turner Prize, highlighting its artistic and technical merits.

Reactions

  • A modern 8-bit computer built using 1950s thermionic valves has generated significant interest and discussion among tech enthusiasts.
  • Users shared stories about old hardware, the differences between cold and warm boots, and the complexities of thermionic valves, highlighting both the challenges and dedication involved.
  • The project was praised for its creativity, evoking nostalgia and emphasizing the importance of supportive partners in pursuing one's passions.

Supreme Court overturns 40-year-old "Chevron deference" doctrine

Reactions

  • The Supreme Court has overturned the "Chevron deference" doctrine, ending a 40-year precedent that allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws.
  • Critics argue this decision may lead to instability, as courts will now interpret ambiguous laws, potentially increasing Congress's legislative workload and affecting regulatory stability.
  • The ruling is viewed as a significant shift in the balance of power among the branches of government, with Justice Kagan dissenting that agencies are better suited for interpreting laws due to their expertise.

Infrastructure setup and open-source scripts to train 70B model from bare metal

  • A small team successfully trained a 70 billion parameter model on their infrastructure, surpassing zero-shot GPT-4 in reasoning tasks.
  • The setup involved 4,092 H100 GPUs across 511 computers, connected via a three-tier InfiniBand network, with detailed provisioning, diagnostics, and automated health checks.
  • They are sharing a comprehensive guide and scripts for setting up similar infrastructure, emphasizing reproducibility, automation, and thorough testing, and are open to hiring.

Reactions

  • A small team successfully trained a 70 billion parameter model from scratch, outperforming zero-shot GPT-4 on reasoning tasks.
  • They utilized a high-performance cluster with over 12,000 connections, ensuring seamless operation of all components.
  • The team is sharing open-source scripts and a guide for infrastructure setup as part of a three-part toolkit, which also includes sections on evaluations and hyperparameter optimization.

Python grapples with Apple App Store rejections

  • An upgrade from Python 3.11 to 3.12 caused some Python apps to be rejected by Apple's app stores due to the presence of the string "itms-services" in the urllib parser, which is prohibited in sandboxed apps on macOS.
  • Eric Froemling's bug report led to a discussion among Python developers about how to accommodate app store review processes, considering solutions like obfuscation and distribution-level patching.
  • A consensus was reached to add a build-time option called "--with-app-store-compliance" for Python 3.13, which would remove problematic code for app store submissions, highlighting the challenges free-software projects face with opaque review processes.

Reactions

  • Python apps are being rejected from the Apple App Store due to the "itms-services" URL scheme in their binaries, and Windows Defender also flags these apps when built with PyInstaller.
  • Developers argue that major OS platforms are hindering small developers by requiring costly code-signing certificates, making app distribution challenging.
  • Alternatives suggested include using Homebrew for Mac apps or free certificates from SignPath for Windows builds, highlighting the broader issue of security-related rejections in app distribution.

Frame.work laptop now available in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden

  • DestroyaFramework has announced that their products, including the Framework Laptop 13 and 16, are now available for shipment to Denmark, Finland, and Sweden.
  • The new Framework Laptop 13 with Intel Core Ultra Series 1 processors is available for pre-order, along with Danish and Swedish/Finnish keyboards.
  • Keyboards for the Framework Laptop 16 will be available in late July, with email alerts for stock updates available on the product page.

Reactions

  • The Frame.work laptop is now available in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden, featuring proper Danish keyboards, addressing criticisms of Nordic keyboard layouts for coding.
  • Framework's modular design allows for easy upgrades and repairs, emphasizing repairability and environmental benefits, though some users note issues with battery life and webcam quality.
  • Expansion to Norway is complicated by its non-EU status, impacting costs and logistics.

FCC rule would make carriers unlock all phones after 60 days

  • The FCC proposes a rule requiring carriers to unlock phones 60 days after purchase to simplify the process for consumers.
  • FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to establish clear, nationwide unlocking rules, with public feedback invited starting July 18.
  • The rule aims to provide consistency and transparency, making it easier for consumers to switch carriers.

Reactions

  • The FCC has proposed a rule mandating carriers to unlock phones after 60 days, aiming to reduce e-waste and facilitate easier switching between carriers.
  • The US is distinct in having carrier-locked phones, which gives carriers significant control over phone features and updates, unlike Europe where phones can be remotely locked for non-payment.
  • The proposal has sparked debate, with some viewing carrier locks as anti-consumer, while others argue they help finance phones for individuals with poor credit.

Maker of RStudio launches new R and Python IDE

  • Posit, formerly known as RStudio, has released a beta version of Positron, a new Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for R and Python, based on Visual Studio Code.
  • Positron is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is designed to be user-friendly with built-in support for R and Python, eliminating the need for additional extensions.
  • The IDE includes a data and variable explorer for easy data manipulation and supports other VS Code extensions via the OpenVSX registry, though it is still in early development.

Reactions

  • The maker of RStudio has launched a new integrated development environment (IDE) called Positron, which supports both R and Python.
  • Despite the new release, RStudio will continue to be developed and maintained, with some R-specific features remaining exclusive to it.
  • Positron aims to bridge the gap between R and Python, offering a unified environment for data analysis and package development.

The Death of NYC Congestion Pricing

  • Governor Kathy Hochul announced an indefinite pause on NYC's congestion pricing scheme, which aimed to charge vehicles entering Lower Manhattan to fund transit projects.
  • The cancellation, driven by opposition from suburban drivers and concerns about the MTA's spending efficiency, jeopardizes key infrastructure projects and funding.
  • This decision underscores broader issues in American cities and infrastructure, highlighting inefficiencies, high costs, and local opposition in public transit investments.

Reactions

  • NYC's congestion pricing plan, intended to reduce traffic and fund public transit, has been stalled by state politics.
  • Critics cite the MTA's mismanagement and high costs as reasons against additional funding, while supporters argue it could improve traffic flow and public transit.
  • The debate underscores broader urban planning and public policy issues, balancing convenience with sustainability.

Is Clear Air Turbulence becoming more common?

Reactions

  • Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) incidents are not showing a trend in accident statistics, as the NTSB only reports significant incidents.
  • Factors such as climate change and increased air travel may contribute to more frequent CAT, but newer planes with advanced sensors and pilot reporting make it difficult to measure accurately.
  • The jet stream's behavior, influenced by climate change, also affects CAT frequency, but modern planes are designed to handle turbulence, and pilots are trained to manage it.

What is the best code base you ever worked on?

Reactions

  • Google's monorepo is praised for its exceptional tooling, which includes instant creation of mutable snapshots and perfectly reproducible builds on clusters.
  • Features like instant code search, quick blame and symbol lookup, and extensive presubmit checks ensure high productivity and uniform code/test quality.
  • The environment enforces consistent style through culture, auto-linters, and mandatory code reviews, making it a standout experience for developers.

New ways to catch gravitational waves

  • The first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015 by LIGO and Virgo observatories revolutionized physics, enabling astronomers to 'hear' cosmic events.
  • Current detectors are limited to frequencies between 100–1,000 Hz, but new instruments and techniques aim to detect a broader range, from megahertz to nanohertz frequencies.
  • Five new methods include Pulsar Timing Arrays, Microwave Telescopes, Atom Interferometry, Desktop Detectors, and Quantum Crystals, each targeting different frequency ranges and promising to uncover more cosmic phenomena.

Reactions

  • The first generation of gravitational wave detectors failed to detect waves, discrediting Weber's 1987 claim, but current interferometers like LIGO, Virgo, and KAGRA have successfully detected them.
  • Gravitational waves confirm Einstein’s general relativity, yet a quantum theory of gravity remains unresolved, with string theory and Loop Quantum Gravity offering potential but challenging explanations.
  • Future projects like LISA aim to enhance detection capabilities, and public tours of LIGO facilities are available for educational purposes.
  • Researchers have identified specific gut microbes linked to decreased levels of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7) in Parkinson's patients, suggesting B vitamin supplementation as a potential treatment.
  • The study, led by Hiroshi Nishiwaki from Nagoya University, found that changes in gut bacteria affected the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines, crucial for a healthy intestinal mucus layer.
  • The findings, published in npj Parkinson's Disease, indicate that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and reducing environmental toxins could help protect against Parkinson's symptoms.

Reactions

  • A study suggests a connection between gut bacteria and Parkinson's disease, indicating certain bacterial strains might contribute to the condition.
  • Discussions have emerged about the potential benefits of supplementing with vitamins like riboflavin (B2) and biotin (B7) to alleviate symptoms.
  • The study underscores the importance of gut health on neurological conditions but advises that more research is needed and current treatments should not be ignored.

The Rhisotope Project: Insertion of radioisotopes into live rhinoceros

  • The Rhisotope Project at Wits University has begun inserting low doses of radioisotopes into rhino horns to aid in detecting smuggled horns at international borders.
  • This innovative approach, monitored over six months, aims to deter poaching by making rhino horns detectable and less valuable on the black market.
  • The project leverages global nuclear security infrastructure and focuses on education and social upliftment, particularly empowering women and girls in rural communities.

Reactions

  • The Rhisotope Project aims to deter rhino poaching by inserting radioisotopes into their horns, making them detectable at borders.
  • Critics argue the method is ineffective due to the slow injection process and weak enforcement of anti-ivory laws, suggesting alternatives like dyeing, toxin infusion, or lab-grown keratin.
  • The project is currently in the proof-of-concept phase, with ongoing research to assess its viability and safety.