Tuba 0.11.0 released with full Mastodon quote support
A big update to Tuba, the GTK4/libadwaita Fediverse client, has landed – along with an experimental version for Android. Tuba 0.11.0 is the first major update to the social app in a year and brings full support for Mastodon quotes. Quoting posts, whether others can quote your posts and revokingContinue Reading
When AI explains its decision, humans may stop thinking independently
AI is known to be confidently wrong, and now it’s influencing humans to be that way, too. In a new study, researchers tested AI’s influence on humans reviewing innovation proposals, and found that AI recommender tools were persuasive enough to convince the evaluators to reject decisions made by independent humanContinue Reading
OpenAI ‘temporarily slows’ scaling efforts, also promises zero data retention for select frontier model customers
OpenAI this week announced multiple moves designed to counter negative perceptions of its security and privacy, saying it had slowed its pace of scaling, implemented a two-week pause in reinforcement learning, and will be offering zero data retention for “eligible API customers.” In its first announcement, issued Tuesday, OpenAI saidContinue Reading
Russia hit Kyiv with ballistic and hypersonic missiles overnight, damaging a children’s hospital, with people trapped in a shelter (UPDATE)
Russia has launched another massed missile attack on Kyiv in the early hours of 20 August. Russian forces struck the capital with ballistic and Zircon hypersonic missiles, with loud explosions heard across the city and region, according to Ukraine’s monitoring channel Yeradar. The strike is the latest in Russia’s campaignContinue Reading
Russia is trying to get its guns within range of Zaporizhzhia. First it has to take a prison
Russian forces want their guns within range of Zaporizhzhia City A series of strongpoints stand in the way, including an old prison Moscow announced it had captured the prison village nine months ago. It had not After months of failed assaults, the Russians surrounded the village first—and this month cameContinue Reading
Recent Rain Slowed Southwestern Montana Wildfires. Now the Heat Is Returning.
Forecasters say July’s heat and dryness rapidly changed fire conditions across western Montana, and a return to warmer temperatures won’t help. By Mosabber Hossain Firefighters are gaining ground on three large wildfires that have burned more than 47,000 acres across southwestern Montana, but unhelpful warmer temperatures, lower humidity and breezyContinue Reading
California passes toughest wildfire rules in the U.S. for home landscaping
California has adopted the toughest new rules in the country that require homeowners to manage the plants around their houses. Fire experts say it helps protect houses from burning, but public pushback has been strong. (Image credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images)Continue Reading
Wanted abroad, needed at home: SA battles shortage of skilled technicians
By Edward Moleke Makwana South Africa’s automotive industry is facing a growing shortage of skilled technicians as vehicles are increasingly reliant on sophisticated electronics, software, connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems and, with the emergence of hybrids and electric vehicles, high-voltage electrical systems. Demand for experienced South African-trained technicians is also compounding the situation as many areContinue Reading
Most Physical Activity Is Tied to Lower Dementia Risk, but This Type May Raise It
MedPage Today) — The relationship between physical activity and dementia risk may depend on whether the activity is recreational exercise or job-related labor, a study of more than 4.2 million people suggested. High physical activity levels…Read MoreContinue Reading
Ukraine takes aim at Russia’s economy and morale by attacking online retailer…
Day after day over recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have pummeled giant depots belonging to Wildberries, the country’s biggest online retailer, burning estimated billions of dollars’ worth of merchandise and bringing the war home to the broad public. The attack…Continue Reading
California’s new tire efficiency rules could save drivers $1B a year
The nation’s first tire efficiency standards target an overlooked drag on fuel economy that can cost drivers more at the pump…Continue Reading
Florida’s Jellyfish Museum is dedicated solely to the mesmerizing floating predators
Floating tentacled predators pulse and swirl in hypnotic patterns in the dark museum space, lit primarily by images projected on walls and the light from the saltwater tanks. The private Jellyfish Museum is located in Pompano Beach, Florida, just north of Fort Lauderdale. Its owners believe it is the first museum in the United StatesContinue Reading
Political foes unite in a common cause: de-Flocking America
In a polarized America, surveillance company Flock Safety has inadvertently turned political foes into frenemies.Continue Reading