TechSlice 2023-11-07

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BIG TECH & STARTUPS

Confirmed: Palo Alto has acquired Talon Cyber Security, sources say for $625M (7 minute read)

Palo Alto Networks has acquired Talon Cyber Security, an Israeli startup specializing in enterprise browsers for securing distributed workforces, in a deal valued at $625 million. This marks the second Israeli security acquisition by Palo Alto Networks within a week, with the previous acquisition being cloud data specialist Dig Security for around $400 million. Both Talon and Dig will be integrated into Palo Alto's Prisma cloud security division. These acquisitions reflect Palo Alto Networks' efforts to bolster its security offerings.

OpenAI is letting anyone create their own version of ChatGPT (3 minute read)

OpenAI is launching a platform for creating custom versions of ChatGPT, called GPTs, without requiring coding, and these AI agents will be accessible through the GPT Store for paying ChatGPT Plus subscribers and OpenAI enterprise customers. Creators can customize GPTs for specific use cases, and OpenAI will compensate them based on usage. The GPTs offer control and interaction guidance options for various applications, like event navigation or creative writing coaching.

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SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY

High biological age may increase the risk of dementia and stroke (2 minute read)

A study by the Karolinska Institutet found that individuals with a higher biological age than their actual age have an increased risk of stroke and dementia, particularly vascular dementia. This risk remains even after accounting for genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors. The study analyzed data from 325,000 people aged 40 to 70, using 18 biomarkers to calculate biological age. High biological age, exceeding chronological age by five years, was associated with a 40% higher risk of vascular dementia and stroke, suggesting that lifestyle and medication interventions might help delay disease onset.

Brain implant may enable communication from thoughts alone (4 minute read)

Duke University researchers have developed a speech prosthetic that translates brain signals into speech, potentially aiding those with neurological disorders unable to speak. Using high-density, ultra-thin brain sensors, the device recorded speech motor cortex activity while participants repeated nonsense words. Although accuracy was 40% for the initial test, it's a promising step, and the team is working on a cordless version.

Vampire viruses prey on other viruses to replicate themselves—and may hold the key to new antiviral therapies (5 minute read)

Viruses can actually get "sick" when other viruses prey on them. Some viruses act as "satellites," exploiting helper viruses, and they engage in an evolutionary arms race. This predator-prey relationship can lead to the development of antiviral systems, potentially influencing future antiviral therapies. A recent discovery involves a satellite phage called MiniFlayer, which latches onto its helper virus's neck, offering a new perspective on virus interactions and antiviral strategies.

China boldly claims it has a plan to mass produce humanoid robots that can 'reshape the world' within two years (2 minute read)

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has unveiled plans to mass-produce humanoid robots, aiming for them to be as "disruptive" as smartphones. The MIIT's blueprint envisions these robots reaching an "advanced level" and mass production by 2025. Several companies, including Chinese startup Fourier Intelligence and US-based Agility Robotics, are actively working on humanoid robot production, with applications ranging from industrial automation to delivery and warehouse logistics, but mass integration is still in the early stages.

Parkinson’s patient able to walk 6km without problems after spinal implant (3 minute read)

In a pioneering move, a spinal implant has successfully improved the mobility of a Parkinson's disease patient who had severe walking issues, offering hope for others with the condition. The implant targets the spinal area responsible for leg muscle activation and aims to correct abnormal brain-to-leg signals, providing a new approach for treating movement deficits in Parkinson's patients.

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PROGRAMMING, DESIGN & DATA SCIENCE

How to Attract Freelance Design Clients in 2023? (3 minute read)

To excel in the competitive freelance market in 2023, utilize LinkedIn for content creation and expertise establishment, and explore Twitter for targeted cold DM outreach. Behance is valuable for attracting high-quality clients through compelling case studies, while personalized cold emailing, including Loom videos, can help establish trust and secure serious clients.

MySQL Shell AdminAPI: different ways to call the commands… same effect? (2 minute read)

The article discusses different methods of performing Admin API commands in MySQL Shell. While there are slight differences in network traffic and captured data among the methods, the article concludes that avoiding MySQL Shell's interactive mode is the best option for optimizing calls.

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MISCELLANEOUS

Home heating from datacentres - good use of waste energy or a waste of money? (2 minute read)

The UK government is investing £65 million in green energy projects, including using waste energy from data centers to heat homes in London. Data centers produce waste heat due to their intensive tasks, and this energy will be used to heat 10,000 new homes and commercial buildings. The funding aims to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the UK's net-zero commitment.

Tesla may finally be about to produce a truly affordable electric car (2 minute read)

Tesla is reportedly planning to manufacture a $27,000 electric car at its Berlin Gigafactory, referred to as the "Model 2." The news comes as Tesla aims to offer a more affordable electric vehicle to reach a broader market. Production details and timelines were not disclosed, but it aligns with Tesla's goal of producing a low-cost electric car to make EVs more accessible.

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QUICK LINKS

Apple 16-inch M3 Max MacBook Pro review: A desktop among laptops (4 minute read)

The latest MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip is exceptionally powerful, outperforming its predecessors and offering significant improvements in CPU and GPU performance, while its remarkable battery life is ideal for extended use, making it the most potent Apple laptop to date.

Solar panel advances will see millions go off grid, scientists predict (2 minute read)

Advances in solar technology and decreasing costs may enable more than 30 million European homes to achieve self-sufficiency with rooftop solar panels, according to a study.

Good news for clumsy divers: Physics holds the key to less-painful belly-flops (4 minute read)

Adding flexible springs to a body hitting water can sometimes increase the impact force due to vibrations, with implications for naval ship and vehicle designs.

The dream is over: Apple will not release a 27-inch iMac with M-series silicon (2 minute read)

Apple has confirmed it won't create a new 27-inch iMac model, directing customers to buy a Studio Display and either a Mac Studio or Mac Mini for a 27-inch 5K display paired with a powerful pro-level computer.

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