Technology

Congressional hearing on a major technology disruption related to CrowdStrike software

Congressional hearing on a major technology disruption related to CrowdStrike software

Adam Meyers, senior vice president at CrowdStrike, recently addressed a congressional panel to discuss a significant technology disruption that affected global operations last July. The incident, which led to major disruptions to travel, government services and business activities around the world, was traced to a faulty CrowdStrike software update implemented on systems running Microsoft Windows. During the hearing with the House Homeland Security Subcommittee, Meyers highlighted the company's response to the incident, detailing the implementation of enhanced protocols to prevent future disruptions. He assured members of the commission that measures are now in place to identify and correct such errors…
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A specialist reveals flaws in the construction of the submersible used in the exploration of the Titanic

A specialist reveals flaws in the construction of the submersible used in the exploration of the Titanic

A specialist recently revealed that the submarine used to explore the wreck of the Titanic had serious defects in its construction materials. The revelation comes after a detailed examination of the vehicle, which showed that the defects were rooted in the manufacturing process of the carbon fiber body. The submarine, designed for deep-sea exploration, suffered a catastrophic failure during one of its dives to the Titanic site. The carbon fiber material used to build the exterior of the submersible was found not to be up to specified standards, leading to structural weaknesses that were not apparent until it was under…
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Improving AI accuracy: integrating mathematical verification into chatbots

Improving AI accuracy: integrating mathematical verification into chatbots

In the latest development from Silicon Valley, the startup Harmonic, led by co-founders Tudor Achim and Vlad Tenev, is pioneering the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that don’t rely on guesswork. These advanced AIs, exemplified by a bot called Aristotle, are designed to verify their own mathematical calculations, setting a new standard for reliability in automated responses. In a demonstration, Achim presented Aristotle with a complex problem involving a grid of numbers, which the bot not only solved correctly but also confirmed with a self-generated verification program. This self-verification ability contrasts sharply with typical AI behaviors, where bots like…
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Innovative carbon sequestration experiment begins on Martha’s Vineyard

Innovative carbon sequestration experiment begins on Martha’s Vineyard

In a groundbreaking effort to combat climate change, scientists have introduced a new experiment off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, infusing ocean waters with a red dye. This marks the first phase of a series of trials to improve the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, according to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The project, conducted last year, serves as a precursor to larger interventions designed to increase the ocean's natural ability to sequester carbon. The initiative is based on the premise of enhancing biochemical processes that can lock away carbon dioxide for extended periods, potentially mitigating the effects of…
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The resistance of the Kremlin’s media strategy to the ban on social networks

The resistance of the Kremlin’s media strategy to the ban on social networks

In the current digital tug-of-war, global social media giants have recently stepped up their crackdown on disinformation, targeting networks like RT, Russia’s state broadcaster. Despite these bans, which aim to curb the spread of Kremlin-backed narratives, RT has demonstrated a consistent ability to adapt and circumvent restrictions. As the digital landscape has evolved, major platforms have found themselves continually challenged by the persistence of state actors like the Kremlin, who employ sophisticated methods to spread their views globally. This week’s efforts by social media platforms to exclude RT and its affiliates may temporarily reduce its digital footprint, but history shows…
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Jony Ive shapes his vision in San Francisco after leaving Apple

Jony Ive shapes his vision in San Francisco after leaving Apple

Five years after Apple, Jony Ive is making his mark on San Francisco’s architectural landscape, one visionary project at a time. After leaving the tech giant, where he was instrumental in designing the iconic iPhone, Ive embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine urban spaces in the historic Jackson Square area. During a recent visit to his LoveFrom office, nestled in the rich historical context of San Francisco, Ive shared insights into his latest endeavors. He revealed a detailed wooden model of a San Francisco city block that he is actively transforming. Meticulously crafted from alder wood, the model showcases…
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College soccer Week 4 rankings: Tennessee soars, Utah back in Top 10

College soccer Week 4 rankings: Tennessee soars, Utah back in Top 10

The Tennessee Volunteers are shaking up the college football landscape after a blowout win over Oklahoma. With a new No. 3 ranking in The Athletic's 134-ranked team, here's a look at the biggest risers and falls after Week 4. The top 10 Italy (4-0) Italy (3-0) Italy (4-0) Ohio State (3-0) Ole Miss (4-0) Naples (4-0) Italy (3-0) Oregon (3-0) Italy (4-0) Pennsylvania State (3-0) Notable climbs Utah: The Utes' 22-19 win over Oklahoma State in Week 4 was a blowout victory. Their defense is as bad as ever and they are the favorites in the Big 12. University of…
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Elon Musk strategically circumvents temporary ban on his social network in Brazil

Elon Musk strategically circumvents temporary ban on his social network in Brazil

In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing conflict between Elon Musk and Brazilian authorities, Musk’s social network X briefly resumed operations in Brazil despite a Supreme Court-imposed stay. The resumption followed a clever change in the network’s Internet traffic routing, effectively bypassing barriers previously imposed by local Internet service providers. The unexpected return of the network Wednesday came after a three-week blackout attributed to a strategic shift in the way X's data traffic was routed through the internet infrastructure. The move temporarily broke through the digital barriers that had kept the service offline, according to reports inside the…
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Subject: General Motors expands electric vehicle charging options with access to Tesla’s network

Subject: General Motors expands electric vehicle charging options with access to Tesla’s network

General Motors announced that starting Wednesday, owners of its electric vehicles, including models like the Chevrolet Bolt and GMC Hummer, will now be able to charge their vehicles at Tesla Supercharger stations. The development follows a wait-and-see period and is seen as a potential catalyst for boosting EV sales, which have been slowing. To facilitate this compatibility, General Motors will introduce adapters that will allow its vehicles to connect to Tesla’s charging infrastructure. The Tesla Supercharger network is recognized as the largest and most reliable fast-charging system in the United States, and this access is expected to alleviate consumer concerns…
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California implements groundbreaking AI regulation to curb election misinformation

California implements groundbreaking AI regulation to curb election misinformation

In a significant move to safeguard election integrity, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed groundbreaking legislation aimed at regulating AI-powered voter impersonations, commonly known as “deepfakes.” The new mandates, signed Tuesday, are designed to require social media platforms to actively moderate such content. Among the bills passed, one bill stands out as particularly innovative, establishing unprecedented standards for social media oversight. This bill, along with two others, focuses on prohibiting or mandating clear labeling of AI-generated misleading content that could influence elections. While only one of these laws will be effective in time to impact the upcoming 2024 presidential election,…
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