1. CVE program faces swift end after DHS fails to renew contract [fixed]
Total comment counts : 90
Summary
On April 16, 2025, CISA extended its contract with MITRE to maintain the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, ensuring no disruption of critical services. This decision followed concerns about the program’s expiration, which many experts deemed vital for tracking and managing software vulnerabilities. The extension, lasting 11 months, underscores the importance of CVE in the global cybersecurity ecosystem. MITRE officials and cybersecurity analysts expressed relief at the continued funding, emphasizing that discontinuation could severely impact vulnerability management worldwide.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The contract with MITRE has been extended indefinitely. While criticisms are directed at DOGE, there are competent individuals within the Department of Defense.
Top 2 Comment Summary
A coalition of CVE Board members has established a new CVE Foundation aimed at ensuring the long-term viability, stability, and independence of the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) Program. For more information, visit the CVE Foundation website.
2. Markov Chain Monte Carlo Without All the Bullshit (2015)
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
The author expresses frustration with the complex terminology and writing style in statistics, particularly regarding Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. They find it difficult to understand classic explanations due to jargon. MCMC is essentially a technique for sampling from complex probability distributions, illustrated with an analogy of estimating baby name probabilities. The author emphasizes that the core challenge is sampling efficiently from a distribution without prior knowledge of the process, suggesting that MCMC might be more aptly named “Markov Chain Sampling Method.”
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article critiques a statement claiming that a Markov Chain is merely a random walk on a graph. The author argues that a Markov process is defined by its “memoryless” property, meaning future states depend only on the current state, not past states. While some random walks can be Markov processes, not all satisfy this property—particularly those that depend on historical data. Real-life examples illustrate the difference between Markov and non-Markov processes, such as standard European options versus barrier options, which exhibit path dependence.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author learned Bayesian econometrics largely independently but found Jeff Miller’s YouTube videos on Markov Chain Monte Carlo to be particularly beneficial. The author prefers understanding mathematical concepts through equations and intuitive exploration, making Miller’s videos a great resource for similar learners. They also acknowledge the support from skilled Bayesian modelers who helped refine their understanding.
3. An Introduction to Stochastic Calculus (2022)
Total comment counts : 4
Summary
Brian Keng explores stochastic calculus, an extension of calculus for stochastic processes, linking it to machine learning and quantitative finance. He begins with measure theory as it relates to probability, then covers key concepts like stochastic processes, the Wiener process, and Itô calculus. The post emphasizes the complexity of modeling phenomena—both physical and financial—using stochastic differential equations, with applications including the Black-Scholes-Merton model for options pricing. Keng provides a mix of intuitive explanations and rigorous details, noting that stochastic calculus is often overlooked in introductory courses.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article suggests that mastering certain skills, like derivatives quant expertise, is essential for lucrative careers in fields such as finance and AI research, despite their limited practical application in everyday tasks. This parallels the unnecessary requirements seen in other professions, like needing to rebalance a binary tree for web development.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the prerequisites for learning stochastic calculus, particularly for someone with a computer science degree from 8-10 years ago. It seeks a clear roadmap outlining the foundational topics and skills necessary to effectively approach stochastic calculus. Key areas of focus may include probability theory, measure theory, and basic calculus, tailored to help bridge the gap for learners seeking to acquire knowledge in stochastic calculus.
4. A protein folding mystery solved: Study explains core packing fractions
Total comment counts : 6
Summary
The article informs users that their request has been denied due to the server’s security policies. It suggests that if users believe this is a mistake, they should reach out to the support team for assistance.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article explores why the maximum packing fraction in globular proteins is 55%, attributing it to the jamming phenomenon, where individual amino acids can’t compress further as the protein folds. This jamming transition suggests that protein cores must retain some fluidity to function properly, such as in enzyme activity, which requires flexibility for binding and releasing substrates. Thus, overly compacted protein structures could hinder necessary movements and interactions.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author expresses concern about the potential decline of significant scientific advancements and support due to reduced government funding. They highlight specific funding sources, like NIH Training Grants and Yale’s Center for Research Computing, which are vital for research but may be at risk if they do not align with certain ideological perspectives.
5. A flowing WebGL gradient, deconstructed
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
The article details the creation of a flowing gradient effect using a WebGL shader, designed to be accessible for beginners. It explains the process step-by-step, covering concepts such as writing shaders, color mapping, and interpolation. The author demonstrates how to create a linear gradient and oscillating effect using mathematical functions. By incorporating time, the effect simulates motion, enhancing the animation. The use of WebGL is emphasized for its capability to handle parallel computations on the GPU, allowing efficient rendering of complex visual effects. A link to the final shader code is provided.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is praised for its quality, but it suggests that the original design should credit Stripe for its contribution.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The mix function linearly interpolates between two input colors using a blend factor, typically ranging from 0 to 1. It works by mixing the individual RGB components of the colors. However, it’s important to note that in sRGB color space, the mix function differs from linear interpolation (lerp).
6. Fun with -fsanitize=undefined and Picolibc
Total comment counts : 6
Summary
Both GCC and Clang use the -fsanitize=undefined flag to identify undefined or implementation-defined behaviors in C code, often linked to common errors. The sanitizer can either trap on errors or call specific handlers, though documentation on these handlers is lacking. Implementing sanitizer handlers in picolibc revealed many issues related to undefined behavior, primarily from pointer computations and signed arithmetic overflows. Fixes included using unsigned arithmetic and creating macros to skip problematic arithmetic with null pointers. The adjustments led to clearer code and highlighted the need for comprehensive handlers for embedded environments.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a bug in the randomness generation of Python’s random() function, which was returning integer values instead of long values, leading to significant issues in randomness. The author highlights the difficulty of detecting randomness errors and refers to a specific instance where Python’s binomial distribution produced incorrect results during an algorithm implementation for approximating DNF solutions, citing Knuth’s work on the topic for further reading.
Top 2 Comment Summary
A missing table entry for string to float conversion led to an array access overflow, causing imprecise values. The author recalls a personal experience of forgetting to include November in a date parsing function for log files while working at a job. After leaving in April, they were unaware that the omission resulted in no logs for November 1st. This prompted their former colleagues to create the hashtag #nolognovember, still referenced today.
7. Show HN: Torque – A lightweight meta-assembler for any processor
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
Torque is a lightweight meta-assembler designed for programming various processor architectures. It addresses challenges faced by existing assemblers, such as poor documentation and OS restrictions, by allowing users to define instruction encoding with macros and bit sequences. This makes it versatile for different embedded processors. The source code is available at code.benbridle.com/torque-asm, with the latest release as tq-2.1.0 for Linux. Users can build Torque from source using Rust. Torque aims to simplify assembly tasks across multiple platforms with improved efficiency and flexibility.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses excitement about the concept of a “meta-assembler,” highlighting the recent version of Flat Assembler (fasm 2), which is developed using fasmg. Fasmg serves as a powerful macro assembler that does not support a specific instruction set. The author is interested in exploring the functional similarities between the two. Relevant links to discussions and downloads are provided.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses a fun site that showcases assembly and macro processing tools, specifically mentioning compatibility with the TRS-80 using Rust. It draws inspiration from languages like Forth, Lisp, and TCL. Questions raised include memory structuring, the choice of a standalone approach over an internal DSL, and potential features like a constraint solver. The article suggests growth into a compiler and references several projects and papers for further inspiration, including Typed Assembly Language and META II, along with related resources on GitHub and academic sites.
8. Darwin’s children drew all over the “On the Origin of Species” manuscript (2014)
Total comment counts : 14
Summary
The article celebrates Darwin Day, marking Charles Darwin’s 205th birthday, and highlights the availability of his works through digital projects like Darwin Online and the Darwin Manuscripts Project. It features unique drawings by Darwin’s children, including whimsical depictions influenced by their father’s work. The article emphasizes the importance of family in Darwin’s life, noting that even renowned scientists have rich personal histories, underscored by mementos related to Darwin’s beloved daughter, Annie. The resources provide insight into both Darwin’s scientific contributions and his family dynamics.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article highlights the historical significance of children’s drawings, specifically mentioning Onfim, a boy from 13th century Novgorod, Russia, who left behind notes and homework scratched on birch bark. These artifacts, preserved in clay, reflect the human experience across time, suggesting that ancient people were fundamentally similar to modern individuals. Recognizing this continuity helps deepen our understanding of history.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The assembly of Shakespeare’s first folio involved plays compiled from annotated copies containing readers’ notes and personal musings. For an in-depth exploration of this process, the book by Chris Laoutaris is highly recommended.
9. OpenAI is building a social network?
Total comment counts : 93
Summary
OpenAI is reportedly developing a social network prototype similar to X, incorporating ChatGPT’s image generation capabilities. CEO Sam Altman seeks feedback on this project, which could be a standalone app or integrated into ChatGPT. This move may intensify his rivalry with Elon Musk and put OpenAI in competition with Meta, which is also exploring social feeds for AI interactions. A social app could provide unique real-time data for OpenAI’s AI training. However, its future remains uncertain as the project is still in early stages, amidst high expectations for OpenAI’s growth.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The Grok integration with X has generated envy among AI labs, particularly for its ability to create viral tweets by producing humorous or absurd statements. This showcases the significant societal value being generated by advancements in big tech.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that OpenAI’s focus on distractions indicates they are unlikely to achieve artificial general intelligence (AGI) soon. If AGI were imminent, such distractions would not be considered.
10. Kermit: A typeface for kids
Total comment counts : 51
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The author critiques a font marketed for teaching children to read, arguing it lacks essential design features that aid early readers. They highlight specific issues, such as the confusing “v” and unnecessary serifs, while praising aspects of a different “learner-friendly” font from the “Teach Your Child to Read” book, which includes helpful glyphs and adjustments for silent letters. Ultimately, the author finds the advertised font too focused on being “friendly” rather than effectively designed for reading instruction.
Top 2 Comment Summary
A recent unpublished study suggests that adding prosody to text enhances children’s comprehension. A dyslexic software engineer expresses interest in researching this further, but notes the lack of published material. They also criticize the misuse of dyslexia as a justification for unrelated interests, sharing their personal struggles with educators who promoted ineffective technologies during their education. While they acknowledge the appealing design of a variable speed HOI animation, they emphasize the need for genuine support for those with dyslexia.