356
Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Designer cells 'reboot' immune system in 3 different autoimmune diseases
In an early-stage clinical trial, scientists explored the potential of designer immune cells to "reboot" the immune systems of patients with autoimmune diseases using a form of CAR T cell therapy, traditionally used for blood cancers like leukemia. This innovative approach involved a single infusion of genetically modified T cells to eliminate rogue B cells responsible for autoimmune responses. Remarkably, within three months, patients' B cells were replenished and appeared healthy, akin to hitting a "reset button." Although the trial was small and short, initial results showed promising normalization of disease markers, and patients remained off traditional treatments for up to 11 months. If successful in larger trials, this could revolutionize autoimmune disease treatment. Notably, the trial did not encounter severe cytokine release syndrome, a common concern with CAR T therapy. However, the findings are yet to be peer-reviewed, and the long-term efficacy remains to be seen.
Enormous cache of rare earth elements hidden inside coal ash waste
Recent research from The University of Texas at Austin reveals that coal ash, a byproduct of burned coal, contains significant quantities of rare earth elements (REEs), potentially bolstering the U.S. supply without new mining. This "trash to treasure" approach could reduce environmental impacts while addressing the U.S.'s reliance on REE imports, primarily from China. The study estimates 11 million tons of REEs in U.S. coal ash, valued at $8.4 billion. Although REE levels in coal ash are lower than in geological deposits, the vast quantities make it an attractive resource. The study's methodology is being adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy for a national assessment. A notable challenge is developing the workforce and operations for extraction. This research lays the groundwork for a broader market for coal ash as a resource, highlighting a clever and sustainable approach to resource recovery.
PaCMAP: Large-Scale Dimension Reduction with Both Global and Local Structure [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42189253)
In this paper, we explore the intricacies of dimension reduction (DR) techniques like t-SNE, UMAP, and TriMap, which are pivotal for data visualization. These methods often face a trade-off between preserving global and local structures. Our research aims to understand the critical aspects of DR methods that allow for the preservation of both structures. We introduce PaCMAP, a novel algorithm that addresses this challenge by maintaining both local and global structures. Our findings reveal unexpected insights into the design choices that impact DR algorithms, emphasizing the importance of loss functions and graph components. Notably, PaCMAP dynamically adjusts parameters to achieve superior performance, offering a unified approach to structure preservation. This work provides a fresh perspective on DR methods, highlighting the complexities and potential improvements in data visualization techniques. (Summary based on 8% of story text.)
Elasticsearch Was Great, but Vector Databases Are the Future
The article from The New Stack argues that while Elasticsearch has been a staple for keyword-based search, the future lies in vector databases, which excel in semantic search. As AI advances, semantic search, which understands the meaning behind queries, is becoming crucial. Vector databases, like Milvus, offer a hybrid approach by combining semantic and keyword search, addressing the limitations of traditional systems like Elasticsearch. The article highlights the operational complexity of managing separate systems and advocates for a unified solution that reduces infrastructure maintenance and enhances performance. The surprising revelation is the significant performance gap between Elasticsearch and vector databases, with Milvus outperforming Elasticsearch by over 30 times in certain metrics. This shift towards vector databases is seen as a transformative step for advanced search needs.
Microsoft built a PC that can't run local apps – Windows 365 Link starts at $349
Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 365 Link, a mini-PC designed to operate Windows 365 Cloud PCs, starting at $349. Aimed at businesses, this device requires a separate Windows 365 subscription, costing between $28 to $315 monthly per user. The most popular option, at $66 per month, totals nearly $2,000 over two years, including hardware costs. This price point is controversial, as a Microsoft Surface Laptop with similar specs is cheaper. The device features multiple ports, supports two 4K monitors, and offers enhanced security by preventing local app installations. While beneficial for enterprises with rotating staff, it’s impractical for individual users. The Windows 365 Link will be available in April 2025, with a preview program open in select countries.
We assume damage to Baltic Sea cables was sabotage, German Defence minister
Germany has expressed concerns over potential sabotage after two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged. The cables, linking Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania, were severed, prompting suspicions of a deliberate attack. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius stated that accidental damage is unlikely, suggesting sabotage as the probable cause. Sweden and Finland have initiated a joint investigation, with Swedish civil-defence minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin noting suspicious ship movements. The incidents echo previous attacks on the Nord Stream pipelines, highlighting vulnerabilities in Europe's critical infrastructure. The Finnish and German foreign ministers emphasized the threat of hybrid warfare, particularly from Russia, and the need to protect shared infrastructure. NATO has increased patrols, acknowledging the growing threat to undersea assets. The controversy lies in the potential attribution of these acts to state actors, particularly Russia, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Tiling with Three Polygons Is Undecidable
The paper titled "Tiling with Three Polygons Is Undecidable" explores the mathematical problem of determining whether a plane can be tiled using a finite set of polygonal tiles. The authors demonstrate that even with just three types of polygons, this problem is undecidable, meaning there is no algorithm that can universally solve it for all cases. This finding is surprising because it highlights the complexity and unpredictability inherent in seemingly simple geometric problems. The research builds on previous work in computational theory and tiling, offering new insights into the limitations of algorithmic problem-solving in mathematics.
HPE Slingshot 400 Brings a Liquid Cooled 51.2T Switch and 400Gbps Networking
HPE has unveiled its Slingshot 400 switch, marking its entry into the 400Gbps Ethernet-based HPC interconnect era. This switch, showcased at SC24, boasts a remarkable 51.2Tbps ASIC speed and is entirely liquid-cooled, a unique feature distinguishing it from other 51.2T switches. This design eliminates the need for fans, addressing the cooling challenges posed by both the switch ASIC and optics. The switch integrates seamlessly with HPE’s HPC chassis, reminiscent of blade chassis systems. Notably, HPE is rebranding its Slingshot series to simplify speed identification, with Slingshot 400 leading the charge. However, with Broadcom's 102.4T switches on the horizon, HPE faces pressure to maintain its competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI cluster landscape.
Bluesky Exceeds Threads DAUs in the US
In a surprising turn of events, BlueSky has surpassed Threads in daily active users (DAUs) in the United States, despite Threads' significant initial advantage. This development highlights BlueSky's growing popularity and user engagement, which is noteworthy given Threads' early lead in the market. The shift in user preference suggests that BlueSky's features or community dynamics may be resonating more effectively with users. This change could spark discussions about the competitive landscape of social media platforms and what factors contribute to user retention and growth.
ChipWits FORTH is now Open Source A taste of Game Dev in 1984
This month, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of ChipWits by releasing its original Mac and Commodore 64 FORTH source code as open source. This initiative aims to preserve the legacy of ChipWits and offer insights into 1984's cross-platform software development for 8-bit microcomputers. ChipWits, co-created by Doug Sharp and Mike Johnston, was one of the first games for the Macintosh, developed using MacForth due to the prohibitive cost of an Apple Lisa. The game was later ported to the Commodore 64, requiring innovative adaptations like joystick-controlled menus and compressed graphics. Despite the challenges, ChipWits became a cult favorite, praised for its educational value and innovative design. The recovery of the original source code from decades-old diskettes was a remarkable feat, involving modern hardware and custom tools like the GreaseWeazle. The concise FORTH code, now available on GitHub, offers a fascinating glimpse into early game development. The open-source release invites enthusiasts to explore and contribute to this piece of gaming history. (Summary based on 74% of story text.)
Is the 80 character line limit still relevant? (2008)
In the article "Is the 80 character line limit still relevant?" from 2008, the author questions the continued adherence to the 80-character line limit in coding, a practice rooted in the constraints of old computer terminals. Despite modern displays accommodating much longer lines, the tradition persists due to readability and maintainability benefits. Shorter lines enhance readability, allow side-by-side file comparison, and ensure code is accessible on various devices. However, this limit can lead to awkward line breaks, especially in languages with lengthy identifiers like Java and .NET. The author suggests considering project-specific needs and possibly adopting a flexible guideline rather than a strict rule. The piece cleverly highlights the balance between aesthetic and functional code, emphasizing the importance of clear coding standards to avoid "formatting tennis" among developers. The controversy lies in whether such traditional constraints are necessary in modern programming environments.
Math4devs.com: List of mathematical symbols with their JavaScript equivalent
Math4devs.com provides a comprehensive list of mathematical symbols alongside their JavaScript equivalents, serving as a valuable resource for developers who integrate mathematical expressions into their code. The site covers a wide range of symbols, from basic arithmetic operations like addition (+) and division (÷), to more complex notations such as integrals (∫), summations (Σ), and set operations (∩, ∪). Each symbol is paired with its corresponding JavaScript representation, facilitating easier implementation in programming projects. The content is straightforward and technical, with no apparent controversies. A unique aspect is the inclusion of both common and advanced mathematical symbols, making it a versatile tool for developers at various levels.
GitHub projects targeted with malicious commits to frame researcher
GitHub projects have been targeted by malicious commits aiming to inject backdoors, notably affecting Exo Labs, an AI startup. An "innocent looking" pull request attempted to modify a Python file by embedding a sequence of Unicode numbers translating into a code snippet that would connect to a suspicious URL. The URL, however, returned a 404 error, suggesting no payload ever existed. The commits were linked to a GitHub user "evildojo666," allegedly impersonating Mike Bell, a Texas-based security researcher, who denies involvement, claiming a smear campaign against him. This incident highlights the need for vigilant code review processes to prevent such attacks. The controversy lies in the impersonation and the non-existent payload, raising questions about the attacker's true motives.
Toshiba stuffs an entire PC into a dot matrix printer – Toshiba Jimucon SJ-9500
On November 8, Toshiba Japan unveiled the Jimucon SJ-9500, a unique all-in-one PC with an integrated dot matrix printer, designed for Japanese business environments. This innovative device features a 15-inch LCD screen, dual 240 GB SSDs for active use and backup, and a backup battery, making it versatile for tasks like word processing and POS systems. Despite its modest specs—8 GB of RAM and an unspecified CPU—it is well-suited for standard office work. The Jimucon SJ-9500 includes six USB ports, a DisplayPort, and a DVD drive, with a touch pen for the touchscreen. While its niche appeal is intriguing, its hefty 50-pound weight may limit international shipping. If successful, this design could inspire similar products outside Japan.
Chinese vessel spotted where Baltic Sea cables were severed
Investigators are scrutinizing the movements of the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3 in connection with the recent severing of two data cables in the Baltic Sea, marking the second such investigation in recent months. The vessel, en route from Russia's Ust-Luga to Egypt's Port Said, was near the Swedish-Lithuanian and Finnish-German cables when they were cut. This incident heightens European concerns over potential sabotage. The controversy lies in the implication of a Chinese vessel in these disruptions, amid broader geopolitical tensions. The use of maritime tracking data by Marine Traffic to pinpoint the vessel's location is a clever investigative approach.
How human brains got so big: cells learned to handle stress that comes with size
In this intriguing exploration of human brain evolution, researchers have uncovered how our disproportionately large brains manage the stress associated with their size. By studying dopamine-producing neurons in humans and comparing them with those in other primates, scientists found that human neurons express more genes that enhance antioxidant activity, helping to mitigate cell damage. This discovery, though not yet peer-reviewed, could pave the way for new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s. The study highlights the unique genetic adaptations that allow human neurons to handle oxidative stress, potentially offering insights into developing therapies to boost cellular defenses. However, the research is still in its early stages, focusing on developing neurons rather than mature ones, which could limit its immediate applicability to adult neurodegenerative conditions.
Why Smart C Coders Love Lua
Embedded systems have traditionally relied on C and C++ for their performance and control. However, with the rise of IoT and edge devices, developers are increasingly turning to Lua, especially when paired with frameworks like Xedge. Lua offers a higher-level approach, simplifying development and reducing time-to-market. Unlike C, Lua is garbage-collected, easing memory management and minimizing errors. Its simplicity and readability make it accessible to a broader range of developers, enhancing team collaboration. Xedge further supports rapid development with pre-built modules, allowing developers to focus on high-level logic rather than low-level details. This hybrid approach leverages C for performance-critical tasks while using Lua for flexibility and rapid iteration, making it a compelling alternative for modern embedded projects. The surprising element is Lua's ability to integrate seamlessly with C, offering a balance between performance and development efficiency, which is particularly beneficial in the fast-paced IoT landscape.
Joining the Shopify Board of Directors
In joining Shopify's Board of Directors, I am thrilled to engage with the monumental scale and impact of Shopify's operations. Tobi has built a remarkable technical organization, employing a third of the Rails Core Team and contributing significantly to the Ruby on Rails community. My decision to join was not only driven by gratitude but also by a desire to tackle programming challenges at a scale far beyond my experience at 37signals. Shopify's ability to empower individual entrepreneurs against giants like Amazon is impressive, offering faster, more reliable shopping experiences. It's exciting to contribute to this mission, especially as Shopify continues to support diverse businesses, like those in the mechanical keyboard niche. The opportunity to help level the commercial playing field is truly a privilege. Thanks, Tobi!
Ask HN: Bluesky Accounts Worth Following for HN Enthusiasts
Hey fellow HN enthusiasts! I'm on the hunt for Bluesky accounts that echo the tech-centric discussions we cherish on Hacker News. If you know of any profiles that consistently share intriguing and insightful tech content, I'd love your recommendations. Let's curate a feed that keeps us informed and inspired, much like our beloved HN community.
Reexamination of 1975 "Edmund Fitzgerald" Storm Using Today's Technology [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42102308)
In "Reexamination of the 1975 'Edmund Fitzgerald' Storm Using Today's Technology," authors Thomas R. Hultquist, Michael R. Dutter, and David J. Schwab revisit the infamous storm that led to the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior. Utilizing modern numerical weather prediction models, they provide detailed hindcasts of the storm's conditions, revealing that the most severe weather occurred during a critical six-hour window on November 10, 1975. The study highlights the treacherous nature of Great Lakes storms, noting that steep, short-period waves can be particularly hazardous to large ships. While the article does not delve into the specific causes of the ship's sinking, it underscores the role of atmospheric stability in wave formation. The authors also contextualize the storm within the broader history of November gales on the Great Lakes, emphasizing the importance of improved forecasting in preventing maritime disasters. The piece is a testament to the power of modern technology in enhancing our understanding of historical weather events. (Summary based on 25% of story text.)
Important information to all residents of Sweden – In case of crisis or war [pdf](https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42188855)
This brochure, distributed to every Swedish household by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), provides crucial guidance on preparing for crises or war. It emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience in the face of threats like armed conflict, cyber attacks, and disinformation campaigns. The document outlines Sweden's total defense system, which includes both military and civil defense, and highlights Sweden's role in NATO. It advises residents on home preparedness, including water, food, and communication essentials, and explains the warning systems for emergencies. The brochure underscores the duty of all residents, including foreign nationals, to contribute to national defense from age 16 to 70. Notably, it stresses the importance of individual preparedness and community cooperation, urging citizens to manage independently for at least a week during crises. The inclusion of various formats and languages ensures accessibility for all residents, which is a unique and commendable aspect of this initiative. (Summary based on 56% of story text.)
Strava's Big Changes Aim to Kill Off Apps
Strava recently announced significant changes to its API, impacting third-party apps that access and process data from Strava. These changes include prohibiting apps from displaying user data to others, using data in AI models, and conducting analytics. This move disrupts many coaching and analytics apps that rely on Strava's data, such as Final Surge and VeloViewer, by preventing them from showing user data to coaches or performing data analysis. The changes have sparked controversy, as they were implemented with minimal notice, leaving many app developers scrambling to adapt. Critics argue that these restrictions undermine Strava's role as a central data hub and question how this aligns with Strava's vision of leading the fitness community. (Summary based on 96% of story text.)
Windows 365 Link–the first Cloud PC device for Windows 365
In 2021, Microsoft unveiled Windows 365, introducing the innovative Cloud PC concept. As organizations increasingly adopt this technology, they are rethinking endpoint strategies to boost productivity, security, and sustainability. Enter Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device crafted by Microsoft, designed for swift, secure connections to Windows 365. This compact device addresses common virtualization challenges like complex sign-ins and latency, offering seamless connectivity with dual 4K monitor support and various ports. Notably, it prioritizes security with a locked-down OS and passwordless authentication, reducing attack surfaces. Its eco-friendly design includes recycled materials and ENERGY STAR® certification. The device is easy to manage via Microsoft Intune, simplifying endpoint management. Pilot feedback highlights its ease of setup, strong security, and familiar management experience. Windows 365 Link will be available for purchase in select markets starting April 2025, with a preview currently available in several countries.
Using uv with PyTorch
The PyTorch ecosystem is a favored choice for deep learning, and using the uv tool can streamline managing PyTorch projects and dependencies across various Python versions and environments. Notably, PyTorch wheels are often hosted on a dedicated index rather than PyPI, requiring specific project configurations to access these resources. PyTorch builds are tailored for different accelerators, like CPU-only or CUDA, and are encoded in the version specifier (e.g., 2.5.1+cpu). This necessitates varied packaging configurations based on platform and accelerator needs. A clever aspect is using uv to specify indexes for different environments, ensuring the correct builds are used. However, a notable limitation is the absence of GPU-accelerated builds for macOS, which defaults to CPU-only versions. (Summary based on 92% of story text.)
60% of Americans say they probably won't get an updated Covid-19 vaccine
According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in October 2024, 60% of Americans are unlikely to get the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine, despite CDC recommendations for everyone aged 6 months and older. The survey highlights a significant partisan divide: 81% of Republicans probably won’t get the vaccine, compared to 39% of Democrats who plan to. This partisan gap is especially pronounced among those 65 and older, a high-risk group. Interestingly, while White and Hispanic adults largely oppose getting the vaccine, Black and Asian adults are evenly split. The main reasons cited for vaccine hesitancy are concerns about side effects and a belief that the vaccine is unnecessary. The survey methodology ensures a representative sample of U.S. adults, providing a comprehensive view of public sentiment.
The Business School Scandal That Just Keeps Getting Bigger
The article from The Atlantic delves into a scandal involving Francesca Gino, a prominent Harvard Business School professor accused of academic fraud. The controversy erupted when a blog post alleged discrepancies in Gino's research, suggesting widespread misconduct. This scandal has significant implications for Juliana Schroeder, a UC Berkeley professor and Gino's frequent collaborator, who now faces scrutiny over their joint work. Schroeder's proactive efforts to audit their shared research highlight her commitment to integrity, yet she too becomes a suspect as evidence of fraud mounts. The scandal underscores deeper issues in business-school psychology, where flashy findings often overshadow rigorous methodology. The article reveals the unsettling extent of academic misconduct and its potential to tarnish reputations and careers. (Summary based on 35% of story text.)
Tech jobs are mired in a recession
In a surprising twist, the tech job market is experiencing a white-collar recession, despite a low overall unemployment rate. Jon Bach, a seasoned tech professional, exemplifies the struggle, having applied to 135 positions with no success. The downturn is particularly severe in tech roles, with hiring in IT, quality assurance, and engineering dropping significantly. This is unexpected, as engineering was once considered recession-proof. Overhiring during the post-pandemic boom and the rise of AI productivity tools are contributing factors. Job seekers face a daunting application process, with many roles requiring hundreds of applications for minimal responses. However, there is cautious optimism for recovery, as tech job postings are beginning to rebound.
Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans upset by the US election result
In response to the U.S. presidential election, the Sardinian village of Ollolai is offering $1 homes to Americans seeking a change. Mayor Francesco Columbu sees this as a chance to revitalize the village, which has faced significant depopulation. The initiative includes three tiers of accommodation: free temporary homes for digital nomads, one-euro homes needing renovation, and ready-to-occupy houses up to €100,000. The offer controversially prioritizes Americans, with a fast-track process for them, though it doesn’t require a U.S. passport. Despite past efforts, only a few homes have been sold, but the village remains hopeful, highlighting its serene lifestyle and cultural events.
Bluesky tops 20M users, narrowing gap with Instagram Threads
Bluesky, a burgeoning social network and competitor to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter), has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 20 million users. This growth is partly fueled by users leaving X, especially following Musk's controversial decisions, such as altering the blocking feature and selling user data to AI companies. Bluesky's rapid expansion is closing the gap with Instagram Threads, despite Threads having over 275 million monthly active users. Notably, Bluesky's daily active users in the U.S. have surged, reducing Threads' lead to just 1.5 times. However, Instagram head Adam Mosseri disputes the accuracy of these figures. Bluesky's app has also seen impressive growth, topping the U.S. App Store charts. Globally, its usage has increased significantly, particularly during X's temporary ban in Brazil. Since opening to the public in February, Bluesky's user base has more than doubled, highlighting its remarkable growth trajectory.
Bari Weiss Resignation Letter
In her resignation letter to The New York Times, Bari Weiss expresses deep disappointment with the paper's current direction, citing a failure to embrace diverse viewpoints and a growing intolerance for dissenting opinions. Hired to bring in voices from across the political spectrum, Weiss claims that the paper has instead succumbed to a narrow orthodoxy, heavily influenced by social media dynamics, particularly Twitter. She describes a hostile work environment where colleagues bullied her for her centrist views, labeling her with derogatory terms. Weiss criticizes the self-censorship and selective application of journalistic standards, arguing that the paper has strayed from its mission to foster open debate. Her letter highlights a broader concern about the state of journalism and the pressure to conform to prevailing narratives, which she believes undermines the integrity of the press. This resignation underscores a controversial debate about media bias and the challenges of maintaining journalistic independence in a polarized environment.