"Programming Is Hard" Considered Harmful
theodp writes: The commonly held belief that programming is inherently hard lacks sufficient evidence," begins CS Prof Brett Becker in [an article published in the journal Communications of the ACM]. "Stating this belief can send influential messages.....»»
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 review: the best way to waste $1,600
Nvidia's RTX 4090 is a monster in performance, but at $1,600, it's hard to recommend the graphics card......»»
Google halts its 4-plus-year plan to turn off tracking cookies by default in Chrome
A brief history of Google's ideas, proposals, and APIs for cookie replacements. Enlarge / Google, like most of us, has a hard time letting go of cookies. Most of us just haven't created a complex set of APIs and brokered deals ac.....»»
Nature-inspired novel catalyst paves the way for efficient hydrocarbon decomposition
A research team affiliated with UNIST has developed a novel catalyst that mimics the ability of a natural enzyme to break down harmful hydrocarbons, paving the way for a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient approach to reducing pollutio.....»»
Prime Video update will make it easier to see what isn’t free with your subscription
An Amazon Prime Video update rolling out today will address one of the biggest complaints made about the service – that it’s hard to tell what is and isn’t included with your subscription without first clicking on it. Amazon also claims that.....»»
These are the best reviewed shows on Apple TV+
Wondering what to watch next on Apple TV+? Apple’s streaming service is home to a host of original programming, but unlike bigger streamers (e.g., Netflix), its shows don’t always get much buzz—even the really great ones. Here are the best r.....»»
Sensing ultraviolet light with the help of molecular switches
The old saying "the dose makes the poison" also holds true for ultraviolet (UV) light. While UV light is essential for vitamin D production, it is also important in phototherapy, several industrial processes, and plant growth. It also has harmful eff.....»»
Clicks Keyboard review: 2024’s most nostalgic iPhone accessory
Clicks brings a physical keyboard to your iPhone. Is this nostalgic feeling worth dropping your hard-earned money on? I reviewed it and found out......»»
Why the stinky durian really is the "king of all fruits"
There's little else in the food world that brings about as much social turbulence as the durian. This so-called "king of all fruits" is considered a delicacy across its native Southeast Asia, where durian season is currently in full swing......»»
Elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes should be considered a new factor of global change, researchers say
Human-caused global change is a complex phenomenon comprising many factors such as climate change, environmental contamination with chemicals, microplastics, light pollution, and invasive plants. One of the main tasks of global change biology is to i.....»»
A new way to control the magnetic properties of rare earth elements
The special properties of rare earth magnetic materials are due to the electrons in the 4f shell. Until now, the magnetic properties of 4f electrons were considered almost impossible to control......»»
Negative sentiment in environmental advocacy emails found to boost engagement
People find it hard to resist negative messages. A recent University of Michigan study reveals that recipients are more likely to engage with emails containing negative sentiment sent by the Environmental Defense Fund, a U.S. based nonprofit organiza.....»»
Study reveals key gene protecting plants from harmful metals in soil
The negative impact of human activity on Earth doesn't just affect our planet's atmosphere—it goes much deeper, into its soils. For instance, excessive application of manure or sewage sludge can increase heavy metal concentrations in agricultural l.....»»
Rare butterfly is behind "mass destruction" of rare Miami plants: Can both be protected?
A small butterfly once thought extinct has staged such a comeback in South Florida that it is now considered a bit of a garden pest—and a persistent problem for a renowned research facility where its caterpillars feast on a curated collection of tr.....»»
Five people infected as bird flu appears to go from cows to chickens to humans
High temperatures made it hard for workers to use protective gear during culling. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Edwin Remsberg) The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus that spilled from wild birds into US dairy cows.....»»
AirPods Pro 2 get better every year, and that’s happening again with iOS 18
have been one of my best Apple buys ever. It’s hard to think of another Apple product that has only gotten better since purchase. iPhones, iPads, and Macs all get software updates each year, but their performance also tends to struggle a bit ov.....»»
Logged forests can still have ecological value—if not pushed too far
Researchers have analyzed data from 127 studies to reveal 'thresholds' for when logged rainforests lose the ability to sustain themselves. The results could widen the scope of which forests are considered 'worth' conserving, but also show how much lo.....»»
Valve runs its massive PC gaming ecosystem with only about 350 employees
Ars' leak analysis shows a large "Games" department and a very well-paid "Admin" team. Enlarge / Artist's conception of Valve's micro-employees hard at work inside your Steam installation (credit: Getty Images) As a priv.....»»
If you’ve ever considered an Ancestry DNA test, Prime Day is your chance
Discover your roots with this awesome Prime Day offer on the AncestryDNA + Traits Genetic Test Kit!.....»»
Additional taxes vs. water quotas: Study compares systems to manage water consumption in agriculture
Based on a mathematical programming model, a study finds that the proportional allocation of water, and not additional taxes on the resource, is more effective from the point of view of those engaged in agriculture......»»
Put a Roborock smart robot vacuum on your floor this Prime Day
If you’ve ever considered buying an intelligent robot vacuum, your time for effortless, immaculate floors has arrived! Roborock’s 2024 Prime Day Sales Promotion is one you won’t want to miss. There’s a model for every price point and lifesty.....»»