Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the would-you-look-at-that department: Ars Technica's Stephen Clark reports: A panel of independent experts reported this week that NASA lacks funding to maintain most of its decades-old facilities, could lose its engineering prowess to the commercial space industry, and has a shortsighted roadmap for technology development. "NASA's problem is it always seems to have $3 billion more program than it has of funds," said Norm Augustine, chair of the National Academies panel chartered to examine the critical facilities, workforce, and technology needed to achieve NASA's long-term strategic goals and objectives. Augustine said a similar statement could sum up two previous high-level reviews of NASA's space programs that he chaired in 1990 and 2009. But the report released Tuesday put NASA's predicament in stark terms.
"In NASA's case, the not-uncommon tendency in a constrained budget environment to prioritize initiating new missions as opposed to maintaining and upgrading existing support assets has produced an infrastructure that would not be viewed as acceptable under most industrial standards," the panel wrote in its report. "In fact, during its inspection tours, the committee saw some of the worst facilities many of its members have ever seen." All of NASA's centers have facilities the agency considers marginal, but Johnson Space Center in Houston has the facilities with the worst average score. Johnson oversees astronaut training and is home to NASA's Mission Control Center for the International Space Station and future Artemis lunar missions. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, which develops and operates many of NASA's robotic interplanetary probes, and Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, used for rocket engine testing, are the only centers without a poor infrastructure score.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the unexpected-science department: Longtime Slashdot reader davidwr writes: Winners of the 34th First Annual Ig Nobel Prizes included studies on hair swirling (natural, not from grade-school bathroom torture), mammals that breath through their anal orifices, and a study on pigeon-guided missiles. There were also prizes for the study of the swimming abilities of a formerly-living trout. "Honors" were also bestowed for research in coin-flipping (no, it's not 50/50), why cows spew milk, and drunken worms, among other topics. Prizes included $10,000,000,000 (in now-worthless Zimbabwe dollars) and items related to Murphy's Law. Media coverage includes AP, CNN, Gizmodo, Ars Technica, and by the time you read this, probably much more.
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the change-of-plans department: An anonymous reader quotes a report from CBC News: Stranded astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams said Friday it was hard to watch their Boeing capsule return to Earth without them. It was their first public comments since last week's return of the Boeing Starliner capsule that took them to the International Space Station in June. They remained behind after NASA determined the problem-plagued capsule posed too much risk for them to ride back in. "That's how it goes in this business," said Williams, adding that "you have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity."
Wilmore and Williams are now full-fledged station crew members, chipping in on routine maintenance and experiments. They, along with seven others on board, welcomed a Soyuz spacecraft carrying two Russians and an American earlier this week, temporarily raising the station population to 12, a near record. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams spoke to the press on Friday for the first time since their Boeing Starliner capsule returned to Earth without them. The two, who have been on the International Space Station since June 6, said they are taking the mission's unexpected extension into 2025 in stride -- even if it means they've had to change their voting plans. The transition to station life was "not that hard" since both had previous stints there, said Williams, who will soon take over as station commander. "This is my happy place. I love being up here in space," she said.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the that'll-show-them department: 23andMe has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a lawsuit over a data breach that exposed the personal information of 6.4 million customers in 2023. BleepingComputer reports: The proposed class action settlement (PDF), filed Thursday in a San Francisco federal court and awaiting judicial approval, includes cash payments for affected customers, which will be distributed within ten days of final approval. "23andMe believes the settlement is fair, adequate, and reasonable," the company said in a memorandum filed (PDF) Friday.
23andMe has also agreed to strengthen its security protocols, including protections against credential-stuffing attacks, mandatory two-factor authentication for all users, and annual cybersecurity audits. The company must also create and maintain a data breach incident response plan and stop retaining personal data for inactive or deactivated accounts. An updated Information Security Program will also be provided to all employees during annual training sessions. "23andMe denies the claims and allegations set forth in the Complaint, denies that it failed to properly protect the Personal Information of its consumers and users, and further denies the viability of Settlement Class Representatives' claims for statutory damages," the company said in the filed preliminary settlement.
"23andMe denies any wrongdoing whatsoever, and this Agreement shall in no event be construed or deemed to be evidence of or an admission or concession on the part of 23andMe with respect to any claim of any fault or liability or wrongdoing or damage whatsoever."
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the no-subscription-required department: Gemini Live is rolling out its Live Voice Mode for all Android users, allowing them to hold real-time, interactive voice conversations with Gemini. "Previously locked into conventional text-based input and responses, Gemini Live Voice Mode gives hands-free ways to explore ideas, brainstorm, and talk through topics in real-time," reports Tom's Guide. From the report: This new voice feature is integrated into the Android Gemini app, so users need to update their app or download it from the Google Play Store if they haven't already done so. Once installed, users can turn on Live Voice Mode and start talking directly to Gemini. Do you want to get your thoughts sorted out or chat? It's fast and interactive, and no typing is required in this mode.
Users can have voice conversations on virtually anything. Suppose one is stuck with a complex project and needs a fresh perspective or researching a new hobby or course of study and wants to flesh out the subject by talking it out with Gemini. It promises to offer rich insight and ideas through conversation so that one's productivity and creativity are enhanced in ways that, up until now, have been possible only with human dialogue. [...]
The main advantage of Gemini Live Voice Mode is that it is interactive. A voice assistant would respond to a question you pose in voice, while with the live voice mode in Gemini, the dialogue sounds and feels more natural, with a tone that takes on that of the discussion and facilitates a back-and-forth interaction style. You can ask follow-up questions, clarify misunderstandings, or refine your ideas as you speak, making it more like a collaboration than a simple Q&A.
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the closing-the-loopholes department: The Biden administration is proposing new rules to limit the "de minimis" exemption, which some Chinese e-commerce companies like Shein and Temu use to ship low-cost goods under $800 to U.S. customers without tariffs. The changes would subject certain shipments to closer inspection and tariffs, aiming to protect American consumers and businesses by ensuring a level playing field against Chinese platforms that have exploited this loophole. The Verge reports: Under the proposed rules, the US will prevent companies from claiming the de minimis exemption if their goods are covered by Section 301, Section 232, and Section 201 tariffs, which apply to products from China, steel, and aluminum, as well as washing machines and solar panels. In addition to slapping these shipments with tariffs, the rule change would subject them to closer inspection by US Customs and Border Protection.
The Biden administration said the proposal would help "protect consumers from goods that do not meet regulatory health and safety standards." Even though Shein is headquartered in Singapore, it's known for cheap fast fashion that's mainly manufactured in China. The China-based Temu sells clothes, household items, electronics, and a variety of other goods made in the country as well.
Posted by from MMO Champion
The War Within Hotfixes - September 13, 2024
Originally Posted by Blizzard
(
Blue Tracker /
Official Forums)
Achievements
Players will now earn the achievements Harbinger of the Weathered, Harbinger of the Carved, and Harbinger of the Runed immediately upon outgrowing the use of those crests.
Classes
Demon Hunter
Vengeance
Shattered Souls missiles will no longer display for allies.
Druid
Feral
Fixed a bug preventing Ferocious Bite from damaging crowd-controlled targets.
Evoker
Devastation
Fixed an issue where Mass Disintegrate was not benefiting properly from Iridescence or Titanic Wrath.
Preservation
Cycle of Life no longer accumulates healing done to pets and guardians.
Monk
Mistweaver
Fixed an issue that caused Jade Bond’s increase to Yu’lon’s Soothing Breath to not function in some scenarios.
Paladin
Protection
Fixed an interaction causing Judgment to trigger Righteous Protector’s cooldown reduction when Bastion of Light was active.
Fixed an interaction causing Bastion of Light’s stacks to not be consumed when Shining Light was active.
Retribution
An issue causing Empyrean Hammer to not function on training dummies has been resolved.
Instrument of Retribution will no longer trigger Dawnlight.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by from MMO Champion
Items Tuning Incoming - September 17
Originally Posted by Blizzard
(
Blue Tracker /
Official Forums)
During scheduled weekly maintenance on September 18, we will adjust items that have been over- and under-performing in the first few days of The War Within Season 1.
Our goal is to get these changes out ahead of the first Great Vault of the season, to lower the impact on players’ gearing journey.
Ara-Kara Sacbrood - Primary stat reduced by 5%.
Burin of the Candle King - Absorb increased by 15%.
Cinderbrew Stein - Primary stat increased by 5%, absorb increased by 20%.
Cirral Concoctory - Effects increased by 5%.
Harvester’s Edict - Damage and Mastery effect increased by 5%.
Mereldar’s Toll - Versatility effect increased by 8%.
Overclocked Gear-A-Rang - On-use damage increased by 10%.
Refracting Aggression Module - Absorb increased by 25%.
Scrapsinger’s Symphony - Absorb increased by 15%.
Shadow-Binding Ritual Knife - Primary stat reduced by 5%.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by from MMO Champion
Class Tuning Incoming – September 17
Originally Posted by Blizzard
(
Blue Tracker /
Official Forums)
During scheduled weekly maintenance on September 17, we will adjust classes that have been over- and under-performing in the first few days of The War Within Season 1.
Class Changes
Death Knight
San’layn : Vampiric Strike chance to trigger increased to 25% (was 10%).
San’layn : Frenzied Bloodthirst damage of Death Coil and Death Strike increased by 5% per stack (was 4%).
San’layn : Visceral Strength grants 8% Strength (was 6%).
Blood
San’layn : Vampiric Strike damage increased by 20%.
San’layn: Infliction of Sorrow deals 15% of the remaining damage-over-time damage (was 10%).
Demon Hunter
Havoc
Fixed an issue that caused Eye Beam’s damage to be reduced beyond 1 target instead of 5.
Fixed an issue that prevented Eye Beam from benefitting from Isolated Prey’s damage bonus.
Fixed an issue that prevented Eye Beam from benefitting from Chaotic Disposition’s damage bonus.
Druid
Balance
All ability damage increased by 6%.
Starsurge damage increased by 16%.
Starfall damage increased by 20%. Not applied to PvP combat.
Elune’s Chosen: Lunar Calling increases Starfire’s damage to its primary target by 80% (was 65%). The bonus remains 50% in PvP combat.
Feral
Bloodtalons and Lion’s Strength no longer also increase the damage of Rampant Ferocity.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by from MMO Champion
Warband Valorstones Discount Fix Planned for Next Week
Originally Posted by Blizzard
(
Blue Tracker /
Official Forums)
Last week they still worked. Now it doesn’t matter which character I try I don’t get the cost reduction for valorstones. I already reported the bug and just wanted to inform people to be careful and aware of it. We’ve identified an issue with Valorstones not being discounted across your Warband after upgrading an item on a character. This should be fixed with next week’s scheduled maintenance.
Posted by BeauHD from Slashdot
From the eye-spy department: An anonymous reader quotes a report from Wired: You can tell a lot about someone from their eyes. They can indicate how tired you are, the type of mood you're in, and potentially provide clues about health problems. But your eyes could also leak more secretive information: your passwords, PINs, and messages you type. Today, a group of six computer scientists are revealing a new attack against Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset where exposed eye-tracking data allowed them to decipher what people entered on the device's virtual keyboard. The attack, dubbed GAZEploit and shared exclusively with WIRED, allowed the researchers to successfully reconstruct passwords, PINs, and messages people typed with their eyes. "Based on the direction of the eye movement, the hacker can determine which key the victim is now typing," says Hanqiu Wang, one of the leading researchers involved in the work. They identified the correct letters people typed in passwords 77 percent of the time within five guesses and 92 percent of the time in messages.
To be clear, the researchers did not gain access to Apple's headset to see what they were viewing. Instead, they worked out what people were typing by remotely analyzing the eye movements of a virtual avatar created by the Vision Pro. This avatar can be used in Zoom calls, Teams, Slack, Reddit, Tinder, Twitter, Skype, and FaceTime. The researchers alerted Apple to the vulnerability in April, and the company issued a patch to stop the potential for data to leak at the end of July. It is the first attack to exploit people's "gaze" data in this way, the researchers say. The findings underline how people's biometric data -- information and measurements about your body -- can expose sensitive information and beused as part of the burgeoning surveillance industry.
< This article continues on their website >
Posted by msmash from Slashdot
From the science-not-on-your-side department: Have you ever been in a high-stakes situation in which you needed to perform but completely bombed? You're not alone. Experiments in monkeys reveal that 'choking' under pressure is linked to a drop in activity in the neurons that prepare for movement. Nature: "You see it across the board, you see it in sports, in all kinds of different sports and outside of sports as well." says Steven Chase, a neuroscientist at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chase and his colleagues investigated what happens in the brain that causes performance to plummet, and published their findings in Neuron on 12 September.
Choking under pressure is not unique to humans. In the same way that a tennis player might miss a match-winning shot, monkeys can also underperform in high-reward situations. The team set up a computer task in which rhesus monkeys received a reward after quickly and accurately moving a cursor over a target. Each trial gave the monkeys cues as to whether the reward would be small, medium-sized, large or 'jackpot'. Jackpot rewards were rare and unusually big, creating a high-stakes, high-reward situation. Using a tiny, electrode-covered chip implanted into the monkeys' brains, the team watched how neuronal activity changed between reward scenarios. The chip was situated on the motor cortex, an area of the frontal lobe that controls movement.
< This article continues on their website >
This week, nothing drove more conversation in gaming circles than the official reveal of the PlayStation 5. Sure, people have strong feelings about its specs, and whether the added power it brings to the table will meaningfully improve your gaming experience, but people feel just as strongly—if not more—about its $700… 
Welcome to the weekend, puzzlers! There’s a rugged game of Connections waiting for you today. If you’re a foodie or a gamer, you’ll think you’ve got it all figured out, but then … Maybe not. Regardless, it’s a great wakeup call for your brain—much better than diving back into the wild debate about the pros and cons of… 
