Alvaro Lopez Ortega / 2026-03-02 Briefing

Created Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:13:51 +0000 Modified Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:14:10 +0000
7652 Words

Critical data exposure vulnerabilities were found in prescription courier tracking pages, highlighting a lack of accessible security channels despite repeated attempts to report them. Simultaneously, the UK has released technical specifications for railway barcoded tickets following Freedom of Information requests. In other news, Swiss voters are evaluating a proposal to end joint tax filing, potentially impacting married couples’ finances. The security community mourns the passing of Felix “FX” Lindner, founder of Recurity Labs, known for his commitment to ethical practices, while Linux continues its growing presence in space exploration and satellite technology.

🤖 AI & Machine Learning

What 127.5 million forms can tell you about the state of front-end input validation on the Web

A recent analysis of 127.5 million forms found on the web reveals that roughly 27.8% utilize regular expressions for input validation. Surprisingly, over 40% of these regular expressions are redundant with standard HTML input types. The study underscores the widespread use of basic, often duplicated, regex patterns for front-end validation across websites.

New Language Model: Gram Released

Gram 1.0, a new open-source code editor, has been released as a fork of Zed, prioritizing performance, customization, and user control. It distinguishes itself by removing AI and telemetry features while retaining built-in functionalities like debugging, Git integration, and support for numerous programming languages. The editor is available on Codeberg and offers a streamlined, customizable experience without subscription requirements.

The Supreme Court declined to hear a case regarding copyright protection for AI-generated art, upholding lower court decisions requiring human authorship for copyright eligibility. The case involved a computer scientist whose AI system created artwork and sought copyright protection, arguing for AI’s role in creative industries. This ruling reinforces the current legal standard that only works created by humans can be copyrighted.

AI Debate Erupts: Anthropic, DOD Clash Over Control

The article reflects on personal experiences of life, death, and the decline of the American republic. It draws parallels between witnessing a father’s death and recognizing a slow, ongoing decline within the nation. The author suggests a period of denial and discomfort in acknowledging these processes, emphasizing the need for a realistic assessment despite the pain it may cause.

AI Rights in Government Contracts Face Scrutiny

A dispute between Anthropic and the Pentagon over AI usage rights, alongside OpenAI’s recent deal, has highlighted a lack of public understanding regarding government contracts for AI technology. The government’s ability to dictate how AI is used depends on the acquisition pathway, contract type, and negotiated terms, similar to restrictions applied to other government contracts. Companies can often retain limitations on usage, particularly when acquiring AI through commercial channels.

Claude AI Errors and Outages

Anthropic’s Claude AI platform is currently experiencing a widespread outage, resulting in elevated error rates, failed requests, and inconsistent responses across all platforms. The company is working to implement a fix, though a resolution timeline remains unknown. To keep users informed, Anthropic is now offering subscription-based real-time update notifications via email and SMS.

AI boosts wages for experience-driven jobs as textbook skills fade.

Early data suggest that artificial intelligence is simultaneously automating and augmenting tasks in the labor market. Wages are rising in AI-exposed jobs that heavily rely on workers’ experience and tacit knowledge, while employment in these sectors, particularly for younger workers, is declining. This indicates that AI may be substituting for entry-level roles while increasing the value of experienced workers.

AI is unhealthy in a variety of different ways

The increasing use of AI chatbots is contributing to new anxieties and psychological responses, such as “chatbot psychosis” which can worsen existing mental health conditions. While not officially recognized illnesses, these conditions like AI FOMO and AI Anxiety reflect societal concerns about rapid technological change and job security. Experts attribute these responses to natural human reactions to the unprecedented integration of AI into daily life.

OctaPulse (YC W26) – Robotics and computer vision for fish farming

OctaPulse is a startup using robotics and computer vision to automate fish inspection in hatcheries, addressing a labor-intensive process in the $350 billion aquaculture industry. The company, founded by Rohan and Paul, is currently deployed with the largest trout producer in North America and aims to improve data visibility and genetics in fish farming. Their technology utilizes custom robotics and edge computing to handle the unique challenges of operating in wet, corrosive environments while ensuring the safe handling of live fish.

Anthropic Cowork feature creates 10GB VM bundle on macOS without warning

The Claude Desktop app for macOS is experiencing performance issues, including high CPU usage and slowdowns, after using the cowork feature. This is linked to a large, automatically regenerating 10GB virtual machine bundle that isn’t being cleaned up, potentially causing a memory leak. Users are advised to manually delete associated files as a temporary workaround.

Claude Code LSP

Claude Code currently uses a slow text-based search method, significantly impacting code navigation speed. Enabling the Language Server Protocol (LSP), which is disabled by default, dramatically improves performance, reducing query times from seconds to milliseconds. This enhancement provides code intelligence similar to IDEs, allowing for more accurate and efficient code navigation.

No one wants to read your AI slop

The article discourages sharing AI chatbot conversations, deeming them generally uninteresting and potentially rude to others. It criticizes using AI to generate commentary for strangers, arguing it’s an inappropriate request for unpaid labor and demonstrates a lack of genuine comprehension. Ultimately, relying on AI for intellectual tasks can hinder understanding and disrespect thoughtful work.

Audio-to-Video with LTX-2

LTX-2 is an open-source AI model that generates video from audio, although its visual quality is currently limited compared to leading models. Combining LTX-2 with Google’s Gemini to create prompts significantly improves the accuracy of the generated video’s correspondence to the audio input. The model has limitations, including generating generic representations of people and occasional inaccuracies regarding gender or voice identification.

DeepSeek to release long-awaited AI model in new challenge to US rivals

DeepSeek is preparing to release a new AI model, aiming to compete with leading US-based AI companies. The launch is generating significant anticipation and could disrupt the current AI market. The Financial Times is offering subscriptions for full article access and analysis.

Timber – Ollama for classical ML models, 336x faster than Python

Timber is a compiler that optimizes tree-based machine learning models like XGBoost and LightGBM into native C code, enabling significantly faster inference speeds—up to 336 times faster than Python. It provides a local HTTP API for serving these compiled models, eliminating the need for a Python runtime and reducing latency to the microsecond range. This tool is designed for performance-critical applications such as fraud detection and edge computing.

💻 Development & Programming

You can’t always fix it

A security researcher discovered significant data exposure vulnerabilities in prescription courier tracking pages, including customer addresses, payment information, and delivery routes. Despite multiple attempts to report these issues, the companies lacked accessible security contacts and ignored the researcher’s efforts. The researcher ultimately chose not to publicly disclose the companies’ names to avoid legal repercussions.

Reverse engineering “Hello World” in QuickBASIC 3.0

A reverse engineering project analyzed a “Hello, World!” program compiled in QuickBASIC 3.0, revealing a surprisingly large executable size (8,000 assembly instructions) due to compiler limitations and the need for a runtime module. The analysis aimed to understand QuickBASIC’s technology and potentially apply the findings to analyze other QuickBASIC-compiled games. The undertaking highlights the complexities of early BASIC compilers and their resulting binaries.

2025 State of Rust Survey Results | Rust Blog

The 2025 State of Rust survey, with over 7,100 responses, reveals continued reliance on the stable Rust compiler and growing adoption of recently stabilized features. Concerns remain regarding resource usage and compile times, while the survey noted an increased use of LLMs for learning Rust. The full report highlights several key trends and areas for future improvement within the Rust ecosystem.

JSON Documents Performance, Storage and Search: MongoDB vs PostgreSQL

The article compares MongoDB, a document database, with PostgreSQL, a relational database, focusing on their performance with JSON documents. While MongoDB was initially optimized for document storage, PostgreSQL has significantly improved its JSON support and now offers a more versatile database solution. The analysis examines the performance of both systems using specific test schemas for accounts and products to determine which excels in handling JSON data.

Narwhal v0.5.0 – pub/sub messaging server, now powered by io_uring

Narwhal, a lightweight pub/sub server, has released version 0.5.0 featuring a significant shift to the monoio runtime, enabling io_uring operation on Linux. This update also includes added sequence and timestamp fields for messages and a command for channel deletion. The project remains in alpha, with developers seeking feedback to optimize performance.

Kovan: From Production MVCC Systems to Wait-Free Memory Reclamation

After years of experience with high-performance transactional systems, the author discovered limitations with lock-free memory reclamation that could lead to memory accumulation issues. To address this, they developed Kovan, a new Rust implementation based on the Crystalline paper, offering wait-free memory reclamation for improved performance and memory efficiency. Kovan aims to eliminate the potential problems associated with lock-free approaches by guaranteeing bounded execution time for all operations.

Sabela: A Reactive Haskell Notebook

Sabela is a new reactive notebook environment for Haskell designed to improve upon existing tools like iHaskell. It utilizes a GHCi subprocess for evaluation, prioritizing reactivity and closely mirroring GHCi semantics while simplifying package management. The project aims to address issues of inconsistent results and hidden state often found in traditional Haskell notebooks through automatic cell recomputation.

Hardware hotplug events on Linux, the gory details

Linux systems use udev to manage hardware hotplug events, relying on the netlink protocol for communication between the kernel and userspace. Developers can monitor device connection and disconnection events without directly using libudev by leveraging netlink’s multicast capabilities and socket programming. This approach helps avoid race conditions and allows for flexible event handling.

Ethereum Overhaul: Buterin Proposes New Execution Layer Plan

Vitalik Buterin has outlined a two-part plan to significantly upgrade Ethereum’s execution layer, focusing on scalability and future development. The plan includes transitioning to a binary state tree (EIP-7864) to improve proving efficiency and, eventually, replacing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with RISC-V. While the binary tree is actively being developed, the VM transition remains a longer-term goal with ongoing considerations.

Notes on Lagrange Interpolating Polynomials

Polynomial interpolation is a technique used to find a polynomial function that passes through a given set of data points. Two common methods include solving a linear system using a Vandermonde matrix or constructing Lagrange basis functions, guaranteeing a unique polynomial of a specific degree. This resulting polynomial can then be used to estimate values between known data points.

A bit of fluid mechanics from scratch not from scratch

The author explores fundamental fluid mechanics principles through thought experiments, initially questioning how pressure gradients exist without causing motion. They found that pressure gradients are counteracted by gravity in static situations and encountered complexities modeling fluid flow from a tank with a spout. The analysis highlights the limitations of simplified velocity assumptions when analyzing fluid acceleration.

Parallel coding agents with tmux and Markdown specs

A developer has created a system using tmux, Markdown files, and custom commands to manage multiple parallel coding agents, each focused on specific development tasks. This setup utilizes detailed “Feature Design” documents to outline problem-solving approaches and implementation plans, allowing for simultaneous work on 4-8 coding roles. The system tracks the lifecycle of these designs with slash commands and links code changes back to their corresponding design documents.

OpenClaw surpasses React to become the most-starred software project on GitHub

OpenClaw, a relatively new software project, has surpassed React to become the most-starred non-aggregator project on GitHub. The project achieved this milestone in less than four months, gaining over 250,000 stars and dethroning React, which held the title for years. This marks a remarkable rise for OpenClaw within the GitHub community.

Omni – Open-source workplace search and chat, built on Postgres

Omni is a new open-source, self-hosted workplace search and chat platform designed as an alternative to Glean, built entirely on Postgres. The platform connects to various apps like Google Workspace and Slack, offering both traditional search and an AI-powered chat interface. Developers are seeking feedback on the beta release, particularly regarding scalability and self-hosting experiences.

How to record and retrieve anything you’ve ever had to look up twice

The author advocates for creating a personal “knowledge base” to document procedures and avoid repeating previously learned tasks. This system involves recording how-to guides for multi-step processes and storing them in an easily searchable location. Ultimately, the goal is to capture and retain knowledge to save time and prevent frustration.

ConfigClarity – Visualize cron overlaps before they crash your server

A new tool called ConfigClarity helps users visualize and prevent overlapping cron jobs that can exhaust server resources. The client-side application analyzes cron schedules, displaying a 24-hour timeline with overlap detection and server load warnings, all without requiring an account or sharing data. Developers are seeking feedback from users who manage cron jobs in production environments.

If AI writes code, should the session be part of the commit?

git-memento is a Git extension designed to track and document AI assistance during coding sessions. It automatically attaches AI conversation details as Git notes to commits, creating human-readable markdown records for transparency and reproducibility. The tool simplifies sharing and synchronizing these notes with remote repositories, enhancing collaborative development workflows.

Generic methods arrive in Golang, but they weren’t the top dev demand

The Go programming language has approved generic methods, reversing a previous decision and adding a long-requested feature for code organization. However, these methods cannot currently be used to implement interfaces, a key limitation acknowledged by developers. This change reflects broader feedback indicating a desire for other features like enums and exception handling, demonstrating ongoing language evolution.

Windows 11 tops market share as 10 faces extended farewell

Windows 11 has surpassed Windows 10 in market share, now accounting for over 72% of users. However, a significant number of servers still run Windows Server 2016, delaying upgrades due to complex dependencies and Microsoft’s upcoming end-of-life support for these versions. This situation presents challenges for organizations reliant on Extended Security Updates or facing migration barriers.

Firefox 149 beta develops a split personality

The latest beta of Firefox 149 introduces a default split view feature, allowing users to view two web pages side-by-side. This feature has been previously tested but is now enabled by default in the beta version. Users are advised to back up their Firefox profile before installing the beta due to potential compatibility issues.

🌐 Security & Privacy

Free IP Geolocation Database

Cloud 66 is offering a free, daily-updated IP geolocation database in the MMDB format. The database provides ASN, country, and continent data for both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses without requiring license keys or usage limits. Users can contribute feedback to improve the database’s accuracy.

How to Use an iPad as a Secure Calling and Messaging Device

This article provides a guide for enhancing the security and privacy of Wi-Fi-only iPads by avoiding cellular networks and utilizing specific device features. It argues that iPads, unlike cell phones, can be configured for more secure communication by eliminating vulnerabilities associated with cellular technology and SIM card registration. The guide cautions against using older iPod Touch devices due to security flaws and emphasizes the importance of strong encryption for protecting communications.

APT Graph Colouring

A Python script has been developed to solve graph coloring problems by transforming them into Debian package dependency resolution tasks. The script utilizes the APT package manager to find valid color assignments by representing graph nodes as packages and edges as dependency conflicts. Users can generate Debian repositories and solve coloring problems, or simply generate repositories, using the provided script and standard graph instances.

Apple AI, Google, and Privacy

Apple is reportedly transitioning some Siri processing to Google’s servers, utilizing Google’s infrastructure and expertise in large language models. This shift is driven by Apple’s struggles to scale its own AI infrastructure and address low adoption of its Apple Intelligence, leaving its servers underutilized. The arrangement aims to enhance Siri’s capabilities while maintaining Apple’s privacy standards.

Cyber Warfare: US Commanders Discuss Ethics & Challenges

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“Non-terrestrial officers:” the UFO files Gary McKinnon says he found, hacking NASA

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Motorola joins forces with GrapheneOS to boost smartphone security

Motorola is partnering with GrapheneOS to enhance the security of its smartphones. The collaboration aims to provide users with a more secure and privacy-focused mobile experience. Users will need to enable JavaScript and cookies to access further details.

This purchase order PDF is fake, malicious, and after your password

A deceptive PDF disguised as a purchase order is circulating online, attempting to steal users’ passwords. The malicious file requires JavaScript and cookies to function, indicating it’s designed to exploit browser vulnerabilities. Users are advised to be extremely cautious about opening unexpected PDFs and to verify the sender’s authenticity.

Mexico Mandates Biometric SIM Registration for All Phone Numbers

Mexico is requiring all active cell phone numbers to be registered with biometric data and a government-issued ID by July 2026, effectively eliminating anonymous SIM card usage. The initiative, enforced through the CURP Biométrica system, aims to reduce fraud but raises concerns about privacy and potential government surveillance. Failure to register will result in service suspension.

Govbase – Follow a bill from source text to news bias to social posts

Govbase is a new free tool that tracks federal legislation and regulations, providing plain-language summaries and analyzing their potential impact on demographic groups. It connects official policy documents to related news coverage and social media posts from politicians across various platforms. Users can now follow a bill’s journey from its original text to its portrayal in the media and political discourse.

Flock license plate readers cost city big, deliver little

A San Diego police report found that over 244,000 searches using the Flock license plate reader system in 2025 led to only 361 cases, resulting in a 99.85% ineffective search rate. The system is projected to cost over $2 million in 2026, raising concerns about the financial burden and effectiveness of mass surveillance. Critics argue that the city is prioritizing surveillance despite its minimal impact on investigations and significant cost to taxpayers.

An Interesting Find: STM32 RDP1 Decryptor

A device has emerged on the Xianyu marketplace that bypasses the RDP1 security on STM32 microcontrollers, enabling users to extract flash memory. The USB dongle, costing around 19 EUR, simplifies a previously complex process and circumvents existing security measures. This ease of use raises security and development concerns within the microcontroller community.

U.S. science agency moves to restrict foreign scientists from its labs

Due to security concerns, the U.S. science agency is implementing new restrictions on foreign scientists working in its laboratories. These measures aim to limit access to sensitive research and data. The specific details and implementation process are currently being developed.

/e/OS is a complete “deGoogled”, mobile ecosystem

/e/OS is an open-source mobile operating system designed as a privacy-focused alternative to Android by removing Google services and apps. It maintains compatibility with Android applications while offering features like tracker detection, ad blocking, and a privacy-enhanced online ecosystem including its own search engine. The system is supported by Murena, providing centralized data management and parental control features.

An interactive intro to Elliptic Curve Cryptography

Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) offers a modern alternative to traditional public-key systems like RSA, achieving comparable security with significantly smaller key sizes. ECC leverages the unique mathematical properties of elliptic curves—equations that create distinctive looping shapes—to encrypt messages and establish secure communication. This method relies on a specific algebraic structure that makes reversing calculations extremely difficult, enhancing security.

Everett shuts down Flock camera network after judge rules footage public record

Following a court ruling classifying Flock license plate reader footage as a public record, the City of Everett, Washington, has temporarily deactivated its 68 cameras due to privacy concerns. The ruling arose from a public records request and raised fears about potential misuse of the data by criminals or stalkers. State lawmakers are currently considering a bill to exempt Flock footage from public records law, which could lead to the cameras being reactivated.

Memory scalpers hunt scarce DRAM with bot blitz

Web scraping bots are aggressively targeting websites to track scarce DRAM inventory, submitting millions of requests to identify sellers. These bots employ techniques like cache busting and potentially AI to circumvent anti-bot measures and secure access to the latest availability data. The goal is to purchase the limited DRAM supply and resell it for profit, worsening the ongoing memory shortage and driving up prices.

Server crashes traced to one very literal knee-jerk reaction

A telemarketing company experienced recurring server crashes that baffled IT professionals until the cause was discovered: an employee’s accidental knee strikes on the reset button while standing up. To avoid embarrassment, the team concealed the unusual reason and reported the issue as resolved. The incident highlights the unexpected and often humorous origins of technical problems.

UK government’s Vulnerability Monitoring System is working - fixes flow far faster

A new UK government system, the Vulnerability Monitoring System, has significantly reduced the time to fix DNS vulnerabilities in public sector websites, decreasing remediation time from 50 to 8 days. Firefox 148 introduced a new Sanitizer API to mitigate certain cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, while the US FTC announced it will not enforce COPPA regulations against websites using age verification technology.

💰 Business & Finance

Rail Settlement Plan Barcode Specs

Documents detailing the specifications for UK railway barcoded tickets have been released following Freedom of Information Act requests. The released materials, including PDFs and Excel files, outline the technical layout of these tickets. This disclosure resulted from appeals made to the General Regulatory Chamber.

Quantifying the Swiss marriage tax

Swiss voters are considering a proposal to eliminate the practice of married couples filing taxes jointly, a system often called a “marriage tax” that can result in higher tax burdens. The current system involves a complex interplay of federal, cantonal, and municipal taxes, with varying formulas. An analysis aims to quantify the financial impact on couples under the existing joint filing system.

What are you doing this week?

This article poses a simple question to readers: what are their plans for the week? It encourages audience participation by inviting them to share their activities, while also acknowledging that doing nothing is a perfectly valid option. The piece serves as a lighthearted prompt for engagement.

PayPay IPO Delayed Amid Iran Strike Fears

PayPay, a Japanese payments app owned by SoftBank, has delayed its Nasdaq IPO roadshow due to market volatility following attacks on Iran. The postponement prevents meetings with investors and filing of an updated prospectus, impacting the planned listing. This is the second time PayPay has delayed its IPO, previously facing setbacks due to a U.S. government shutdown.

Tech Product Updates & Launches

Apple has announced updated iPad Air models featuring the new M4 chip, increased memory, and Wi-Fi 7 connectivity, starting at $599. Meanwhile, Qualcomm revealed the Snapdragon Wear Elite chip for wearables, designed to boost AI capabilities and performance in smartwatches, while ByteDance’s Pico unveiled the high-end XR headset “Swan” with a custom chip and new Pico OS 6. These releases highlight a broader trend of companies focusing on enhanced performance and AI integration across various device categories.

Anduril Startup Soars: $31B Valuation, $6B Contracts

Palmer Luckey’s defense technology startup, Anduril, has secured over $6 billion in contracts and generated roughly $2 billion in revenue last year, valuing the company at approximately $31 billion. The company is developing autonomous weapons systems and gaining significant support from military officials and lawmakers seeking to modernize the U.S. military. Luckey, known for his casual appearance, aims to provide cost-effective and advanced technology to national defense.

Anthropic Funding at Risk Amid Pentagon Dispute

Anthropic, an AI company, has secured over $60 billion in funding from numerous investors, a significant portion received recently. This investment is now jeopardized by a dispute with the Pentagon concerning the use of AI models and concerns over autonomous weapons and surveillance. The Defense Department has labeled Anthropic a supply chain risk, potentially impacting its critical relationships with technology suppliers like Nvidia.

AI Startup Reflection Seeks $2B+ at $20B+ Valuation

Reflection AI, an open foundation model startup backed by Nvidia, is reportedly seeking to raise over $2 billion at a valuation exceeding $20 billion. This new funding round follows a previous $2 billion investment in October, indicating rapid growth and investor interest. The move coincides with efforts to develop US alternatives to Chinese AI technology.

X Adds “Paid Partnership” Label for Sponsored Posts

X has introduced a “Paid Partnership” label for creators to clearly identify sponsored posts, replacing the previous reliance on hashtags. The new feature aims to improve content authenticity and comply with advertising regulations requiring disclosures. This move is part of X’s broader efforts to attract creators and combat deceptive practices on the platform.

AWS to Invest €18B More in Spain, Totaling €33.7B

Amazon Web Services will invest an additional €18 billion in Aragon, Spain, bringing its total investment to €33.7 billion. The expansion will include facilities for server manufacturing, assembly, and recycling, creating approximately 1,800 direct jobs. AWS data centers in Aragon have been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2022.

Iran attacks delay deliveries for Amazon, Shein in Middle East

US-led strikes on Iran have disrupted shipping routes to the Middle East, causing delays for major e-commerce companies like Temu and Shein. Delivery times to the region have increased by several days, impacting a fast-growing market. The disruptions are threatening supplies and extending shipping windows for online retailers.

Firmus lands multi-billion deal, building Melbourne data center.

Firmus Technologies, an Australian AI infrastructure company, has secured a multi-billion dollar contract to build a Melbourne data center. The facility will house 18,400 Nvidia GB300 chips and serves a yet-unnamed global technology firm. This deal precedes a potential IPO for Firmus later this year.

New, Budget-Friendly iPhone Announced

Apple is introducing the iPhone 17e, a budget-friendly model featuring a 6.1-inch display, A16 Bionic chip, and a single rear camera, with pre-orders starting next week. The base model will be priced at $599 and offer a substantial 256GB of storage, alongside various purchase incentives like trade-in credits and payment options. Apple is also highlighting privacy, accessibility, and personalized support for the new device.

Crypto mixers’ share on Ethereum jumps 50%, despite biting sanctions

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Bars close and hundreds lose jobs as US firm buys Brewdog in £33M deal

Brewdog has been acquired by US firm Tilray in a £33 million deal, saving parts of its UK operations but leading to the closure of 38 bars and 484 job losses. The deal excludes Brewdog’s German arm, which will be liquidated, and Equity for Punks investors will not receive a return. Tilray plans to expand the brand internationally while negotiations continue for Brewdog’s assets in the US and Australia.

Judge finalizes order for Greenpeace to pay $345M in ND oil pipeline case

A North Dakota judge has finalized an order requiring Greenpeace to pay $345 million to Energy Transfer, the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline, following a jury verdict related to 2016-2017 protests. The original award was reduced from $667 million by the judge, who upheld some claims against Greenpeace. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision, claiming the lawsuit is an attempt to suppress criticism.

Can Europe break free of Visa and Mastercard? MEPs stall digital euro

Progress on the European digital euro is currently stalled in the European Parliament due to disagreements over its scope, potentially limiting it to offline use only. This deadlock prevents the legislation from advancing, despite broad support and pressure from Germany and the European Commission. The delay risks hindering the EU’s efforts to reduce dependence on US-based payment networks like Visa and Mastercard.

SAP has agreed to pay Teradata $480 million to resolve a lengthy legal dispute concerning intellectual property and antitrust allegations originating from a 2008 joint venture. The settlement, which will result in Teradata receiving approximately $355-$362 million net, ends years of litigation and appeals. Both companies will now request the court to dismiss all related claims.

🚀 Science & Innovation

Exploring and Modernizing The VFX Methods of Diablo 3

A Diablo 3 visual effects technique, presented at GDC 2013, uses a formula multiplying textures with alpha channels to create complex, mesmerizing motion. This method randomizes texture positions and scroll speeds to avoid repeating patterns and often incorporates custom noise and mask textures. While effective, implementing this technique in game engines like Unreal Engine can be challenging and requires careful attention to detail.

Linux Headed Back to Space

Linux and readily available commercial hardware are increasingly replacing traditional, custom-built systems in space exploration, driving innovation and lowering costs. Initially introduced in 1996, Linux now powers satellites and equipment on the International Space Station, demonstrating its reliability in harsh environments. This shift marks a transition from expensive “Old Space” technology to a more flexible and economically viable “New Space” approach.

Nvidia to Invest $4B in Photonics Tech, Boosting US Production

Nvidia is investing $2 billion each in Lumentum and Coherent to strengthen its supply chain for photonic technology, essential for faster AI processors. The investments will fund the suppliers’ U.S.-based research and development and manufacturing operations. This move supports Nvidia’s broader strategy to meet increasing demand for high-speed AI processing.

Battery battle: EU bets on local production to take on China

The European Union is aiming to boost its domestic battery production to compete with China’s dominance in the market. This initiative seeks to secure a local supply chain for batteries crucial to electric vehicles and energy storage. The plan involves significant investment and support for European battery manufacturers.

Geran-3 Drone Disassembly

A detailed breakdown of the Geran-3 drone has revealed 45 individual components and their manufacturers. The UAV’s parts include systems from SADRA and Comet, a Telefly turbojet engine, and components from Bosch and SunnySky. This comprehensive list provides insight into the drone’s technical specifications and global supply chain.

US set to lose measles elimination status after cases soar

The United States is poised to lose its measles elimination status due to a recent surge in cases and outbreaks across multiple states. Experts attribute this to re-established domestic transmission, largely driven by vaccine hesitancy. This would be the first time the US has lost this designation since 2000, with a formal determination expected in April from the Pan American Health Organization.

First-ever in-utero stem cell therapy for fetal spina bifida repair is safe

A UC Davis Health research team has successfully performed the world’s first in-utero stem cell therapy combined with fetal surgery to treat spina bifida, demonstrating no safety concerns in a Phase 1 clinical trial involving six infants. The treatment uses placenta-derived stem cells to protect the spinal cord and promote tissue regeneration, aiming to improve outcomes beyond fetal surgery alone. Researchers are moving forward with the next phase of the study following promising early results.

A plastic made from milk that vanishes in 13 weeks

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a biodegradable film made from milk protein, starch, and nanoclay as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. The material fully breaks down in soil within 13 weeks and demonstrates low toxicity. This innovation aims to reduce reliance on single-use plastics and combat global pollution.

Singapore eyes barge-based hydrogen power for datacenters

Singapore is exploring a barge-based hydrogen power system to supply its expanding data centers, addressing land scarcity by deploying infrastructure offshore. The initiative, a partnership between Bridge Data Centres and Concord New Energy, aims to support AI-heavy data center builds and contribute to Singapore’s clean energy goals. This innovative approach offers flexibility in hydrogen handling and transportation while aligning with Singapore’s hydrogen compatibility requirements for power plants.

Fly me to the Moon: NASA reshuffles the Artemis card deck

NASA has delayed the first crewed lunar landing to Artemis IV, now planned for 2028, and Artemis III will instead focus on a lunar lander checkout in Earth orbit. This revision addresses safety concerns raised by an advisory panel and adjusts commercial lander development timelines. The changes also involve potential replacements for key components of the Space Launch System.

Microsoft’s Project Silica promises eternal storage. It can’t get there from here

Microsoft’s Project Silica explores using glass to store data, potentially preserving information for thousands of years with high density. While promising ultra-reliable long-term storage, the technology faces significant hurdles including slow writing speeds and scalability challenges. Currently, the project lacks a clear path to commercialization due to limited economic demand and its unique, single-use nature.

📜 History & Culture

Beloved esports commentator Felix Lindner dies

Felix “FX” Lindner, founder and owner of Recurity Labs, passed away on March 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of ethical and people-focused security practices. He was widely recognized within the security community for prioritizing these values and technical excellence. Recurity Labs will continue operations, honoring Lindner’s wishes to maintain his commitment to professionalism and integrity.

Building a Quake PC

The author undertook a project to build a “Quake PC,” replicating a gaming setup from the late 1990s to experience the evolution of the game and its technologies. The build involved sourcing vintage components like CPUs, graphics cards, and RAM, presenting challenges in compatibility and motherboard selection. The project aims to benchmark various hardware configurations and explore the advancements in gaming technology during that era.

Hacking Super Mario 64 using covering spaces (+ hyperbolic geometry)

The article explains a topological concept called “covering spaces,” which are used to map one space onto another, illustrated with examples like a doughnut and the video game Super Mario 64. A “universal cover” is a specific type of covering space that offers a foundational structure, unique up to homeomorphism. This concept has been utilized within the Super Mario 64 community to understand and exploit the game’s underlying structure for speedrunning techniques.

Zhao Memoir Reveals Secret Talks, ICE Encounter Before Imprisonment

A draft of Changpeng Zhao’s memoir reveals secret negotiations in 2023 that preceded his guilty plea and imprisonment for violating anti-money-laundering statutes. The memoir details his interactions with federal prosecutors, who sought a $6.8 billion penalty for Binance, and recounts a surprising encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Zhao’s forthcoming book promises a detailed, personal account of the legal proceedings and his time in prison.

“That Shape Had None” – A Horror of Substrate Independence (Short Fiction)

Henry Weikel’s website, henryweikel.net, recently published a short horror fiction piece titled “That Shape Had None” on June 24, 2023. The website also features a collection of other short stories dating back to 2017, including titles like “The Svenoid Conspiracy” and “Inmate Martha.” The site offers an RSS feed for updates on new publications.

19th century silent film that first captured a robot attack

The Library of Congress has rediscovered and restored “Gugusse et l’Automate,” a 45-second silent film from 1897 by Georges Méliès. The film depicts a robot clown attacking a human, and is believed to be the earliest known depiction of a robot in moving images. It was found among a collection of old reels donated from Michigan and identified by a recognizable film company logo.

The Reason So Many Autistic Adults Can’t Stay Employed

Rising unemployment among autistic adults is linked to modern job market demands, not solely individual deficits. Employers increasingly expect employees to handle multiple roles and constantly self-promote, creating unsustainable pressure. This “role-stacking” and relentless focus on productivity disproportionately impacts autistic individuals who often excel in focused, specialized tasks.

Microslop Manifesto

Microsoft’s Bing search engine is generating inaccurate and misleading information through its AI-powered summaries. Users are encountering fabricated product reviews, statistics, and nonexistent citations within the search results. This integration of AI is reportedly providing confidently incorrect information instead of reliable sources.

AMD Am386 released March 2, 1991

AMD’s release of the Am386, a 386 clone, was significantly delayed until 1991 due to IBM’s initial rejection of the 386 chip. This rejection prevented Intel from granting AMD manufacturing rights, forcing AMD to reverse engineer the chip and leading to an eight-year legal battle with Intel. The resulting legal disputes drained AMD’s resources and significantly delayed their market entry.

Jolla phone – a full-stack European alternative

The Jolla Phone, a community-developed Linux smartphone, is set to launch in September 2026 in select European markets. It will offer a privacy-focused alternative with Sailfish OS 5, 8GB of RAM (upgradable to 12GB), and a design reminiscent of the original 2013 Jolla Phone, with an initial production run limited to 1000 units. The project prioritizes user control, privacy, and long-term software support.

Iran attacks RAF base in Cyprus, an EU country

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How to talk to anyone and why you should

A recent reflection on everyday interactions reveals a decline in casual conversations with strangers, potentially due to technology and social pressures. The author highlights positive, brief encounters and suggests many people are hesitant to initiate these connections, missing out on potential benefits. This reluctance, they argue, reflects a broader loss of willingness to take social risks.

Computer-generated dream world: Virtual reality for a 286 processor

A hobbyist successfully simulated a vintage 286 processor using a Raspberry Pi and custom hardware. The project involved creating an adapter board and utilizing an IO expander to overcome pin limitations of the Raspberry Pi. The goal was to explore the possibility of recreating a computer’s functionality and memory using a basic processor.

Photos show China’s low-cost lifestyle in semiabandoned housing complexes

Following China’s real estate market downturn and Evergrande’s bankruptcy, the “Life in Venice” housing complex near Shanghai has become largely abandoned. Despite the decline, a small number of residents are now attracted to the complex for its affordable housing and slower pace of life. The complex offers inexpensive rentals and basic amenities, providing an escape from China’s competitive urban centers.

US struck Iran with copies of its own drones

The US military recently deployed a new drone squadron, Task Force Scorpion Strike, to strike Iranian targets. These drones, called LUCAS, are based on reverse-engineered Iranian Shahed 136 suicide drones, offering a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional weaponry. This marks the first combat use of this technology and represents a strategic repurposing of Iranian technology against itself.