1. AMD’s Turin: 5th Gen EPYC Launched
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The article discusses hands-on experiences with the AMD EPYC 9575F processor, focusing specifically on its memory subsystem enhancements. It highlights the impressive memory bandwidth capabilities of the 9575F—around 52 GB/s for reads and 48 GB/s for writes—compared to desktop counterparts, largely due to its dual GMI links to the I/O die.
The processor supports up to 12 channels of DDR5 memory at varying speeds, commonly up to 6000 MT/s in most systems. The 9575F achieves nearly 99% of its theoretical memory bandwidth in real-world testing, with significant performance noted in reads, writes, and add operations.
In terms of latency, the processor shows similar unloaded memory latency to its predecessor, Genoa, but exhibits increases in latency when fully loaded, affecting performance slightly. Detailed core-to-core latency figures are provided, showing intra- and inter-CCD latencies. Overall, the article emphasizes the 9575F’s enhanced memory capabilities and performance metrics compared to earlier models.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the AMD EPYC 9175F processor, which features 16 cores and an unusually large 512MB of L3 cache. This configuration seems aimed at customers looking to reduce software costs linked to per-core licensing. The author questions the rationale behind such a high price for relatively few cores and speculates whether Oracle’s licensing model could be a factor. Additionally, it suggests that high-frequency trading (HFT) applications might benefit from this design for minimal latency but leans towards the idea that software licensing is the primary motivation.
Top 2 Comment Summary
Phoronix recently compared the 196-core Turin Dense CPU with the 192-core AmpereOne. Key points from the review include:
- The Ampere’s MSRP is $5,500, while the EPYC’s is $15,000.
- The Turin Dense outperformed Ampere by 1.6 times; however, Ampere had a 1.2 times better energy efficiency.
- In terms of performance per dollar, the AmpereOne is 1.7 times more efficient than the Turin Dense.
Currently, for $5,500, one can choose between an AmpereOne 192 core CPU (274w) or a Turin Dense 48 core CPU (300w). Ampere plans to release a more competitive 256-core, 3nm chip with 12 memory channels next year.
The article also expresses interest in how Qualcomm’s Nuvia-based server chips and various in-house ARM chips (like AWS Graviton and Nvidia Grace) will perform, highlighting the growing variety in server CPUs compared to the dominance of Intel’s Xeon seven years ago.
2. 1 bug, $50k in bounties, a Zendesk backdoor
Total comment counts : 59
Summary
Daniel, a 15-year-old programmer, discovered a serious vulnerability in Zendesk, a popular customer service tool used by many Fortune 500 companies. Zendesk manages support emails and creates tickets, but its setup can create security gaps, especially if companies use their email domain for Single Sign-On (SSO). Daniel found that by spoofing emails, attackers could gain access to any company’s support tickets on Zendesk by sending crafted emails. Despite reporting the flaw through Zendesk’s bug bounty program, his report was initially dismissed as it was deemed “out of scope.” Frustrated by this, he sought greater impact and decided not to alert individual affected companies, choosing instead to refer to a blog post that outlined previous exploits involving Zendesk. Ultimately, he illustrates the significant security risks associated with relying on third-party tools like Zendesk without adequate safeguards.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author reported a bug to Zendesk, Apple, and Slack in June 2024, questioning why they didn’t receive a payout, suggesting they were not the first to report it. The critical problem lies with non-directory Single Sign-On (SSO) options, such as Sign in with Apple (SIWA), which have been poorly implemented across many companies. Unlike directory SSO options (e.g., Google SSO), which can verify account control, non-directory options rely on weaker proof of control, usually linked to email at a given moment. The author argues that SSO providers should not be treated equally, and that many services fail to properly consider these differences when designing their trust models.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article criticizes Zendesk for allegedly creating a fake band called “Zendesk Alternative” to manipulate search engine results against alternatives to their services. While this tactic isn’t illegal, the author views it as a reflection of Zendesk’s petty and manipulative mindset.
3. Psilocybin bests SSRI for major depression in first long-term comparison
Total comment counts : 35
Summary
A recent study presented at the 37th European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress suggests that psilocybin is more effective than the SSRI escitalopram for treating moderate to severe major depressive disorder (MDD) in terms of overall well-being. This research is the first long-term comparison of these two treatments, focusing on a broader perspective of patient recovery beyond just alleviating symptoms of depression.
The study involved 59 adults with MDD who were randomly assigned to receive either two doses of psilocybin or daily escitalopram along with psychological support over six weeks. Initial results indicated that while both treatments had similar effects on depressive symptoms, psilocybin showed superior benefits in aspects such as social functioning, meaning in life, and overall happiness, with fewer side effects.
The follow-up after six months highlighted continued improvements for psilocybin recipients in social adjustment and life meaning, while both treatments maintained similar depressive symptom scores. Notably, adverse effects from psilocybin were primarily mild, whereas escitalopram led to a broader range of side effects.
The findings imply that psilocybin could offer a more holistic approach to treating depression, aligning better with patient priorities regarding life quality and functionality. However, some participants in both groups received additional interventions, which may have affected the results. Overall, researchers advocate for the potential integration of psilocybin into therapeutic practices, noting it could significantly enhance the quality of life for those with MDD.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article critiques a study comparing the effects of psilocybin and SSRIs on depression, noting the small sample sizes of 25 and 21 participants, respectively. It questions the methodology, highlighting that the psilocybin group received 20 hours of in-person therapy and follow-up calls, while the SSRI group only completed a questionnaire after six months. The author raises concerns about whether any psychological changes in the psilocybin group were due to the drug alone or the therapy, and criticizes the reliance on a self-administered 16-question depression survey for measuring results despite participants being diagnosed with major depression by a doctor.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article conveys a personal testimony about the life-changing effects of psilocybin. The author shares that psilocybin has helped them overcome suicidal thoughts and alcoholism, leading to a state of general peace and gratitude for their life.
4. How I animate 3Blue1Brown [video]
Total comment counts : 17
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article expresses appreciation for the YouTube channel 3B1B, highlighting the significant benefits the author has gained from its videos. The author wishes that the teaching style of 3B1B’s content could be adopted in high schools and engineering schools.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article expresses a sense of discomfort experienced by the author upon finally seeing the face of someone whose voice they have known for years. This reaction is described as being caught in the “uncanny valley,” a term that refers to the eerie feeling when something is almost, but not fully, familiar or human-like.
5. The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves
Total comment counts : 11
Summary
The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves is the oldest continuously existing organization dedicated to apprehending horse thieves in the United States, founded in Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1810. Originally formed to combat a high incidence of horse theft, it has had over 10,000 members, including notable figures like heads of state and Supreme Court justices. Initially, membership was restricted to prominent community members but has since opened up, allowing anyone to join after paying a fee.
The society held its first meeting at Marsh’s Tavern and later changed its name in 1814 to its current title. It opened a bank account in 1832, which may be the oldest active account in the U.S. Although it believed until recently that it was the oldest horse thief apprehending society, another society in Red Hook, founded earlier, prompted a gracious acknowledgment from Dedham’s members.
Over the years, membership criteria have relaxed, and by 2022, the organization had over 10,700 members. Meetings initially occurred at local taverns, but the society continues its activities today in a tax-exempt, nonprofit capacity, meeting “just in case.” The organization has preserved its historical significance while adapting to modern times.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses an exclusive club with over 10,000 notable members, including political figures and academics. Membership can be granted without the nominee’s knowledge, making it a lighthearted and humorous organization rather than a serious elite society. The author amusingly speculates on the reactions at the Vatican when they receive membership certificates for individuals like popes.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article humorously compares two societies: one focused on apprehending horse thieves and the other, the Society for the Prevention of Calling Sleeping Car Porters “George” (SPCSCPG). The latter highlights a cultural issue regarding the incorrect assumption that all sleeping car porters share the name “George.” The author suggests that this society raises awareness about the importance of using individuals’ actual names, promoting respect and individuality.
6. Putting a full power search engine in Ecto
Total comment counts : 5
Summary
The article outlines various approaches to text search, primarily focusing on Postgres. It distinguishes between methods suitable for short strings (like product codes or names) and those not ideal for longer texts. Postgres’ Full Text Search is highlighted for its convenience but lacks advanced capabilities compared to dedicated search engines like Apache Solr and Elasticsearch, which require synchronization with databases.
ParadeDB is introduced as an extension for Postgres that enhances search and analytics, embedding the Tantivy engine. The author has started working on supporting ParadeDB within Ecto and has created a sample project using police scanner transcripts to demonstrate the functionality. Advanced query capabilities are mentioned, along with a need for further refinement of the Ecto implementation before it’s production-ready.
The author invites contributions for this project, noting that ParadeDB is still new, and the core team is small yet active. Additional details are provided about the differences between simply using fragments in Ecto and the need for a more integrated query approach with ParadeDB. Several technical questions regarding extensions and versioning are briefly addressed, emphasizing the project’s ongoing development. The code work can be found in specific GitHub repositories.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article expresses appreciation for the work but points out a minor issue regarding the use of ligatures. It notes that the correct operator for pipelining in Elixir is the |> symbol, whereas the blog post features a triangle pointing to the right. The commenter explains that their familiarity with Elixir allowed them to infer the correct operator, but suggests that it could confuse others who are less knowledgeable.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article highlights a blog post that provides a comprehensive guide on creating a native full-text search engine in Elixir, designed for seamless integration into your application. A link to the post is provided for readers who are interested in building this functionality. The author mentions that they have no affiliation with the blog’s creator.
7. Swarm, a new agent framework by OpenAI
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
The article discusses “Swarm,” an experimental educational framework developed by the OpenAI Solutions team, focused on lightweight multi-agent orchestration. It emphasizes ergonomic interfaces that facilitate agent coordination and execution. Swarm is not intended for production use, lacks official support, and is primarily for educational purposes.
Key features of Swarm include the use of “Agents,” which encapsulate instructions and tools, and “handoffs,” allowing one Agent to transfer control to another. This design supports scalable and customizable solutions without a steep learning curve. Swarm operates statelessly, leveraging the Chat Completions API to handle interactions.
The framework’s run() function parallels the chat.completions.create() function, processing messages and facilitating multiple interaction turns. Agents can represent complex workflows, providing flexibility in managing tasks. Overall, Swarm aims to educate developers about multi-agent systems rather than serve as a complete library.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges faced by AI agents in production environments, emphasizing issues of slowness, high costs, and unreliability, regardless of the orchestration framework used, like Swarm or Langchain. The author refers to previous writings on the disparity between the hype surrounding AI agents and the actual reality, suggesting that the situation has not improved.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article mentions a previous open-source agent framework with the same name, which was designed for multi-agent simulations. The author briefly reflects on the potential resurgence of interest in modeling to enhance the understanding of complex systems. It also includes links to the Wikipedia page and a working paper from the Santa Fe Institute regarding the Swarm simulation system.
8. How London’s Crystal Palace was built so quickly
Total comment counts : 4
Summary
A recent study highlights that London’s Crystal Palace, built for the Great Exhibition of 1851, was the earliest known building to utilize a standard screw thread. The construction, which took only 190 days, was remarkable for its time, featuring a design by Joseph Paxton that included over 3,300 supporting columns and 30,000 nuts and bolts. The introduction of a standardized screw thread, proposed by James Whitworth in 1841, significantly streamlined the building process. Co-authors John Gardner and Ken Kiss found evidence of this standardization through excavated bolts and nuts, confirming that the Crystal Palace’s construction was both innovative and history-making. Unfortunately, the structure was destroyed by fire in 1936, but its legacy in engineering endures.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article highlights the fire safety issues associated with the Crystal Palace and similar steel and glass exhibition centers built afterward. It notes that the Crystal Palace, the first large structure of its kind, burned down, and many other similar venues also faced fires.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the enduring relevance of the British standard Whitworth thread, particularly in its function of attaching cameras to tripods. The author recounts an experience of salvaging bolts from a broken tunnel wall, which were then tested for tensile strength and exhibited significant stretchability. The piece reflects on the irony of imperial measurements being seen as a standardizing force, especially considering the challenges the UK faces in fully adopting the metric system.
9. PeachPie Compiler: Compile and run PHP on top of .NET runtime
Total comment counts : 3
Summary
PeachPie is an open-source project that allows developers to compile and run PHP applications on the secure and high-performing .NET runtime. Licensed under the Apache 2.0, it enables the seamless integration of PHP and .NET, allowing for hybrid applications where developers can utilize both languages effectively.
PeachPie converts legacy PHP code into portable class libraries, facilitating cross-platform app development while maintaining compatibility with older PHP versions (down to 4.0). It supports source-less distribution of PHP applications with obfuscation, ensuring code verification within the standardized .NET environment.
Developers can leverage .NET tooling for static analysis, diagnostics, and performance profiling, allowing both PHP and .NET code to coexist in a single solution. This framework allows for gradual migration from PHP to .NET, whether by modifying individual PHP components or converting entire applications.
The platform supports debugging and profiling in various IDEs, providing access to comprehensive .NET diagnostic tools. PeachPie is maintained in the developers’ spare time, and interested users can support the project and gain additional benefits through Patreon. Overall, PeachPie offers a modern, efficient way to enhance and migrate legacy PHP projects to .NET.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article advises readers to check the compatibility status on the PeachPie documentation. It highlights that there is still significant work needed, as the comparison is based on an outdated version of PHP, and notes that many new features have been introduced since PHP 8.0.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article addresses the question of why someone might choose a specific product or service over traditional options. It highlights the unique benefits of the alternative, such as enhanced features, improved efficiency, or a distinctive experience that could appeal to users. The emphasis is on guiding users to understand the advantages of trying something new instead of sticking with the conventional approach.
10. The revival of the beach in twentieth-century Los Angeles
Total comment counts : 5
Summary
Santa Monica Beach, now a renowned destination with over 4.6 million visitors in 2023, has undergone significant transformation from its rocky origins in the early 1900s. At that time, city officials aimed to develop it into a luxurious resort akin to Miami. To address overcrowding, they expanded the beach by trucked sand, leading to the dumping of over 13.4 million cubic meters of sediment between 1939 and 1957, which succeeded in creating wide expanses of beach.
However, climate change poses a threat to these beaches, with projections suggesting that Southern California could lose one to two-thirds of its shorelines by 2100 due to rising sea levels. Current maintenance practices, including routine beach grooming, further hinder biodiversity and natural coastal resilience.
To combat these challenges, Tom Ford from The Bay Foundation has initiated a project to restore native sand dunes by halting beach grooming and planting native species. This approach aims to create natural barriers against erosion while promoting ecosystem health. The initial efforts have shown promise, as plants are establishing and capturing sand, thereby reinforcing the shoreline.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the practice of beach sand replenishment along the California coastline, particularly from San Diego to Carlsbad and Oceanside. This process involves dredging sand every few decades and depositing it back onto the beaches to maintain sand levels and support tourism.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a foundation’s efforts to halt beach grooming to restore native plant communities and sand dunes, which can help with erosion. However, the author expresses concerns that without regular grooming, the beaches would become dirty due to litter from beachgoers. They note that the newly restored dunes have attracted homeless individuals, leading to unsanitary conditions. The author advocates for a coordinated effort to both restore the dunes and address issues like littering and homelessness, although they are skeptical about this happening.