AllYouCanTech

Presenting Hyperlight: Ars Technica’s Improved and More Luminous “Light” Mode

### Ars Technica Launches “Hyperlight” Mode: A Fresh Visual Style for Enhanced User Experience

In response to user suggestions, Ars Technica has introduced a new visual theme known as **”Hyperlight” mode**, aimed at readers who seek an even brighter interface for improved visual comfort. This recent addition broadens the site’s customization options, giving users more control over their browsing experience.

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### The Progression of Visual Modes at Ars Technica

Like numerous contemporary websites, Ars Technica has traditionally provided both “Light” and “Dark” modes to meet differing user preferences. These modes are crafted to improve readability and alleviate eye strain, depending on the viewing environment. However, following a recent redesign, some readers voiced a wish for a lighter variant of the existing “Light” mode. For some, this represented a personal choice, while for others, it fulfilled particular visual comfort requirements.

To address this request, the Ars Technica team dedicated the last month to developing **Hyperlight mode**, a fresh theme that emphasizes brightness. Featuring a white background, light gray headline boxes, and black text, Hyperlight mode aims to deliver a crisp, high-contrast reading experience.

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### An Overview of Ars Technica’s Visual Modes

With the launch of Hyperlight, Ars Technica now presents four unique visual styles:

1. **Hyperlight Mode**: The brightest alternative, boasting a white background and black text for optimal clarity and contrast.
2. **Day & Night Mode**: A revamped iteration of the original “Light mode,” mixing light and dark elements for a harmonious aesthetic.
3. **Dark Mode**: A complete dark theme with light text, perfect for low-light situations or for users who prefer a toned-down interface.
4. **System Mode**: This mode automatically alternates between Day & Night and Dark modes based on the user’s operating system configuration. Importantly, System mode does not feature Hyperlight.

Users can conveniently switch between these modes through the visual style menu found in the site’s navigation bar.

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### What’s the Appeal of Hyperlight Mode?

For numerous readers, Hyperlight mode is not merely about visual appeal—it’s about comfort. While darker themes are frequently lauded for minimizing eye strain in dim environments, some users find brighter themes more legible, especially in well-lit conditions. Hyperlight mode caters to this demographic, ensuring that Ars Technica remains accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

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### Looking Forward: What Lies Ahead for Ars Technica?

Ars Technica’s dedication to user feedback does not conclude with Hyperlight mode. The team has suggested plans to introduce **retro-themed visual styles** in 2025, which will be available exclusively to subscribers. These themes are anticipated to provide a nostalgic flair to the site’s interface, attracting long-time readers and enthusiasts of vintage design.

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### Reasons to Subscribe to Ars Technica

As Ars Technica continues to innovate and enhance its services, the site encourages readers to contemplate subscribing. For only $25 per year, subscribers gain access to a variety of benefits, including:

– **Ad-free browsing**: Experience a cleaner, faster platform free of ads and trackers.
– **Exclusive viewing options**: Unlock subscriber-only themes and functionalities.
– **Full-text RSS feeds and PDF downloads**: Ideal for offline reading or archiving purposes.
– **Support for quality journalism**: Subscriptions contribute to maintaining Ars Technica’s fully unionized staff in an era when journalism confronts growing challenges.

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### Concluding Thoughts

The rollout of Hyperlight mode highlights Ars Technica’s commitment to improving user experience. By providing a wide array of visual styles, the site guarantees that readers can customize their browsing experience according to their individual preferences and requirements. Whether you’re inclined towards bright, high-contrast themes or favor a darker, more muted interface, Ars Technica has something for you.

With the holiday season approaching, now is an excellent opportunity to discover these new features and consider supporting the site through a subscription. With more thrilling updates on the way, Ars Technica continues to lead the way in innovation and user-focused design within the digital publishing realm.

OpenAI Unveils Sora Video Creation Tool 10 Months Following Initial Teaser

### OpenAI’s Sora Turbo: A New Chapter in AI Video Creation

On Monday, OpenAI introduced **Sora Turbo**, the newest version of its model for generating video from text, representing a major advancement in the swiftly changing domain of AI video creation. Accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers through a specialized platform, Sora Turbo allows users to produce videos lasting up to 20 seconds with resolutions up to 1080p, based on prompts in text or image format. The announcement has sparked enthusiasm but also underscores the growing competitiveness in AI video generation, with competitors such as Google, Runway, and others making significant progress over the last year.

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### Notable Features of Sora Turbo

Sora Turbo enhances the core features of its research edition, which was first displayed in February 2024. The model offers a range of improvements, such as:

– **Accelerated Processing:** Sora Turbo handles video generation requests more swiftly than its previous version, ensuring a more seamless user experience.
– **Variety of Aspect Ratios:** Users can create videos in multiple aspect ratios, catering to various platforms and creative preferences.
– **Integration of Assets:** The platform facilitates the smooth incorporation of existing assets alongside AI-generated content, broadening creative possibilities.
– **Resolution Choices:** ChatGPT Plus members can produce up to 50 videos monthly at 480p, while Pro members enjoy access to enhanced resolutions (up to 1080p) and extended video lengths.

Despite these improvements, the platform currently limits uploads featuring human subjects to mitigate misuse, such as deepfakes, while OpenAI works on enhancing its safety protocols.

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### The Competitive Landscape

Although the launch of Sora Turbo is a notable accomplishment, the AI video synthesis arena has seen an influx of competitors. Alternatives like Google’s **Veo**, Runway’s **Gen-3 Alpha**, and China’s **Minimax** have unveiled high-quality models that rival Sora’s prominence. For example, Google’s Veo has been lauded for its impressive high-definition results, while Runway’s Gen-3 Alpha has drawn attention for its talent in generating imaginative and surreal imagery, including “giant cotton candy monsters.”

Nevertheless, OpenAI’s Sora Turbo maintains an advantage with its user-friendly interface, quicker processing, and connectivity with the ChatGPT ecosystem. Furthermore, features like “Storyboard,” which allows users to manage videos frame by frame, differentiate it from many competitors.

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### Safety Protocols and Ethical Considerations

Given the concerns related to AI-generated content, OpenAI has instituted several safety protocols for Sora Turbo:

1. **Deepfake Mitigation:** The platform prohibits the generation of videos with human figures and restricts content related to CSAM and sexual deepfakes.
2. **Metadata Inclusion:** All generated videos come with **C2PA metadata** for origin verification, enhancing transparency and accountability.
3. **Watermark Display:** Videos automatically feature visible watermarks, facilitating the identification of AI-generated content.
4. **Internal Verification Tool:** OpenAI has created a proprietary tool to authenticate Sora-generated videos, reinforcing its safety measures.

Even with these safeguards, OpenAI recognizes the model’s shortcomings. During the livestream launch, developers acknowledged that Sora has difficulties with intricate physics simulations and prolonged action sequences. These challenges are not exclusive to Sora; they mirror wider limitations in current AI video synthesis technologies, which often excel in reinterpreting existing ideas but struggle with generating entirely original concepts.

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### Livestream Launch and New Functionalities

During a livestream on Monday, as part of OpenAI’s “12 Days of OpenAI” event, the Sora team introduced various new functionalities:

– **Discover Interface:** A new “Explore” section lets users peruse videos created by others, offering inspiration for prompts. Although anyone can view the feed for free, generating videos necessitates a subscription.
– **Storyboard Feature:** This capability allows users to produce videos with multiple actions in a frame-by-frame format, providing enhanced creative authority.

The livestream also showcased a music video crafted by the Canadian art group Vallée Duhamel, which employed Sora to merge real footage with surreal, AI-generated imagery. The group described the experience as “shooting material and then utilizing Sora to meld it into a more captivating, surreal vision.”

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### Future Prospects: Pricing and Developments

OpenAI intends to roll out specialized pricing tiers for Sora Turbo in early 2025, potentially broadening access to a larger audience. As the technology progresses, OpenAI is anticipated to tackle existing limitations and explore new use cases, including longer video durations and more intricate scene generation.

The launch of Sora’s **System Card** offers additional insight, revealing the technical foundation of the model and the safety evaluations performed before its release. This initiative aligns with OpenAI’s dedication to responsible AI innovation and establishes a standard for competitors in the industry.

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### The Future Path for AI Video

“Raspberry Pi 500 Converts 8GB Pi 5 into a Small and Budget-Friendly Desktop Computer”

### Raspberry Pi 500: A Compact and Budget-Friendly Desktop Computer with a New Portable Monitor

The Raspberry Pi Foundation is once again redefining affordable computing by unveiling the **Raspberry Pi 500**, a compact desktop computer integrated within a keyboard, along with an **official portable 1080p monitor**. These innovative products are tailored for both Raspberry Pi fans and everyday users on the lookout for a cost-effective yet efficient computing option. Here’s everything you need to learn about these thrilling new releases.

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### **Raspberry Pi 500: A Keyboard-Integrated Desktop Computer**
The Raspberry Pi 500 enhances the legacy of the Raspberry Pi 400, featuring a stylish, all-in-one design that incorporates the hardware of the Raspberry Pi 5 into a keyboard-format casing. Available at a price of **$90** for the standalone model and **$120** for a Desktop Kit, the Pi 500 serves as a budget-friendly entryway into desktop computing.

#### **Key Features and Specifications**
– **Processor and Memory**: The Pi 500 harnesses the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi 5, released in October 2023. It comes equipped with **8GB of RAM**, making it perfect for everyday desktop activities.
– **Ports**: The device boasts a streamlined selection of ports, including:
– 1 USB 2.0 port
– 2 USB 3.0 ports
– A microSD slot for storage
– 2 micro HDMI ports
– A 40-pin GPIO header for hardware projects
– A gigabit Ethernet port for high-speed internet connectivity
– **Design**: The PCB has been reconfigured to arrange all ports in a single row at the back, enhancing cable management and user-friendliness.

#### **Desktop Kit Option**
For newcomers to the Raspberry Pi world, the Desktop Kit provides a complete package that includes:
– A mouse
– A power supply
– An HDMI cable
– A printed Beginner’s Guide booklet

This kit simplifies the process for users to start immediately.

#### **Limitations**
While the Pi 500 is a remarkable device, it does have some drawbacks:
– **Storage**: Unlike the Raspberry Pi 5, the Pi 500 lacks M.2 SSD support for faster storage solutions. Although the PCB has space allocated for an M.2 slot, it is unpopulated, and currently, it’s impractical to add one manually.
– **Performance**: Although the Pi 5 performs adequately for general desktop usage, it may lag behind higher-end PCs when handling more demanding applications.

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### **Official Raspberry Pi Monitor: A Portable Display Solution**
To enhance the Pi 500 experience, the Raspberry Pi Foundation has launched an **official 15.6-inch portable monitor**. With a price tag of **$100**, this monitor is crafted to complement the design of the Pi 500 and other Raspberry Pi products.

#### **Specifications and Features**
– **Display**: The monitor is equipped with a **1080p IPS panel**, delivering vivid colors and wide viewing angles.
– **Integrated Speakers**: Built-in speakers enable basic audio capabilities, making it a useful choice for multimedia applications.
– **Design**: The monitor features a white-and-red color combination that coordinates with the Raspberry Pi 500. It includes:
– A foldable kickstand for easy transport
– VESA mounting holes for more permanent installations
– **Connectivity**: The monitor is powered through USB-C and requires a separate HDMI connection for video. While it can draw power from the Pi’s USB ports, this limits brightness to 60% and speaker volume to 50%. For optimal performance, a dedicated USB-C power adapter is suggested.

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### **An Affordable Ecosystem**
The Raspberry Pi 500 and the accompanying official monitor are part of a wider initiative to make computing more attainable and economical. For users who do not need the added capabilities of the Pi 5, the Raspberry Pi 400 is still available at a lower price:
– **Standalone Pi 400**: Now retailing for **$60** (down from $70)
– **Pi 400 Kit**: Now available for **$80** (down from $100)

This price adjustment guarantees that the Raspberry Pi ecosystem caters to a diverse range of budgets and applications.

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### **Who Is the Raspberry Pi 500 For?**
The Raspberry Pi 500 is well-suited for:
– **Educators and Students**: Its cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness make it an excellent resource for learning programming and computer science concepts.
– **Tinkerers and Hobbyists**: The GPIO header and compatibility with Raspberry Pi accessories offer a flexible platform for DIY initiatives.
– **Economical Users**: As a low-cost desktop solution, the Pi 500 is great for simple tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media playback.

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### **Conclusion**
The Raspberry Pi 500 along with its portable monitor signifies a major advancement in the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s objective to make computing technologies more accessible.

“Itch.io Platform Briefly Taken Offline Following AI-Enhanced Anti-Phishing Notification”

### The Risks of Automated Brand Safety: How Itch.io’s Domain Faced a Brief Shutdown

In a digital landscape where safeguarding intellectual property and brand integrity is crucial, automated mechanisms are increasingly deployed to tackle phishing, counterfeit sales, and trademark infringements. However, a recent event involving the well-known indie game platform **Itch.io** reveals the potential risks associated with over-dependence on these systems. On a Monday morning, Itch.io’s domain was temporarily taken offline due to a “machine-generated” phishing report submitted by **BrandShield**, a brand protection service associated with the company behind **Funko Pop** merchandise. This occurrence highlights the vulnerability of domain management systems and sparks discussions regarding the responsibility of automated brand protection technologies.

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### What Occurred?

Itch.io, a platform favored by indie game creators and gamers, encountered an unforeseen dilemma when its domain was disabled by its registrar, **iwantmyname**. According to a post on social media by Itch.io’s management, the takedown was initiated by a phishing report created by BrandShield, which flagged a subdomain of Itch.io. The reported content was allegedly a fan page for a popular Funko Pop video game, **Funko Fusion**, developed by an Itch.io user. This page contained links to the official Funko Fusion website and game screenshots.

Despite Itch.io’s swift removal of the disputed page upon receipt of the complaint, the registrar’s automated processes seemingly escalated the matter, resulting in the entire domain being disabled without verifying Itch.io’s compliance confirmation. As a result, the platform was inaccessible for several hours, although users could still reach it by directly entering its IP address into their browsers.

By 7 a.m. Eastern time, the domain was reinstated after the registrar finally reacted to Itch.io’s notice and rectified the situation.

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### The Function of BrandShield

BrandShield, the entity that prompted the takedown request, presents itself as an “AI-driven platform” aimed at identifying and countering online trademark violations, counterfeit goods, and brand exploitation. The company asserts that it supports a range of Fortune 500 and FTSE100 clients. In a series of social media communications, BrandShield made it clear that its takedown request was focused exclusively on the damaging subdomain on Itch.io, not the entire site. The organization also indicated that the decision to disable the domain was made by the service providers, rather than by BrandShield or Funko.

While BrandShield’s intentions might have been to protect Funko’s intellectual property, the incident raises alarms regarding the precision and supervision of automated systems. A single erroneous report resulted in considerable disruption for Itch.io, whose domain is vital to its branding and operations.

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### Wider Implications for Online Businesses

This occurrence is not an isolated incident, but rather a manifestation of broader vulnerabilities facing web-based enterprises regarding domain-related interruptions. Domain registrars and DNS servers are essential elements of the internet’s framework, yet they are vulnerable to errors, mismanagement, and even intentional breaches.

1. **Automated Mechanisms and Erroneous Outcomes**
Automated brand protection tools like BrandShield depend on algorithms to spot potential risks. Although these systems can swiftly analyze large volumes of data, they are not foolproof. Erroneous positives, as demonstrated in Itch.io’s situation, can lead to significant repercussions for businesses.

2. **Registrar Responsibility**
The function of domain registrars in such scenarios also warrants examination. In Itch.io’s case, iwantmyname deleted the domain without thoroughly considering the company’s response to the complaint. This absence of human oversight has the potential to worsen the effects of incorrect reports.

3. **The Vulnerability of DNS Systems**
The Domain Name System (DNS) is often referred to as the “phonebook of the internet,” converting domain names into IP addresses. Nonetheless, its centralization renders it a possible single point of failure. Previous incidents, including the **2012 Anonymous DNS attack** and the **2024 DNS root server desync**, have illustrated how disturbances within the DNS framework can reverberate across the internet.

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### Key Takeaways and Future Directions

The Itch.io event stands as a warning for businesses, domain registrars, and brand protection services alike. Here are some important insights:

– **For Businesses**: Organizations should develop contingency measures for domain disruptions, including backup domains and direct IP access options for users. Ongoing communication with domain registrars can promote timely resolution of problems.

– **For Registrars**: Domain registrars need to achieve an equilibrium between automated processes and human supervision. Although automation can enhance productivity, human evaluation is crucial for navigating complex cases and preventing needless interruptions.

– **For Brand Protection Services**: Entities like BrandShield should enhance their algorithms to reduce the occurrence of false positives and implement clearer protocols for escalating issues. Fostering transparency and collaboration with impacted parties can also assist in mitigating the effects of disruptions.

“Decrease in Obesity Levels: Examining the Impact of Weight-Reduction Medications”

### Have We Arrived at “Peak Obesity”? Investigating the Impact of Weight-Loss Medications and Wider Trends

In the past few months, a slight decrease in obesity rates in the U.S. has ignited conversations about whether the nation has reached a pivotal moment in its long-term battle against escalating obesity figures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that adult obesity rates fell marginally from 41.9% to 40.3% in recent years. This information has prompted speculation regarding whether the increased utilization of weight-loss drugs, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy, could be influencing this change. Nevertheless, experts advise caution against jumping to conclusions too quickly, as the data reveals a multifaceted and intricate scenario.

### The Contribution of GLP-1 Medications to Weight Reduction

GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially created to address type 2 diabetes, have garnered considerable attention for their promise in weight loss assistance. Medications like Saxenda, Ozempic, and Wegovy have received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for obesity management in recent years. These treatments function by mimicking a hormone that controls appetite, resulting in lower food consumption and, for many, substantial weight loss.

The growing popularity of these drugs has been remarkable. According to a KFF Health Tracking Poll, around 12% of American adults have utilized a GLP-1 agonist, with 6% currently on one. While a significant number of individuals use these medications for weight reduction, a larger segment—approximately 62%—uses them to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. This dual-purpose use complicates the ability to directly associate GLP-1 medications with the recent decrease in obesity rates.

### Analyzing the CDC Data: A Complicated Image

The CDC’s conclusions stem from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which gathers data on weight, height, and other health indicators from a representative national sample. While the reported reduction in obesity rates is encouraging, experts caution that the change lacks statistical significance, suggesting it may be attributed to random fluctuation rather than an actual downward trend.

Furthermore, the survey identified a slight rise in severe obesity rates, increasing from 7.7% to 9.7% over the last ten years. This increase muddles the narrative of decreasing obesity and raises doubts about whether the overall reduction in obesity rates signifies genuine progress or is merely a statistical anomaly.

### Difficulties with GLP-1 Drug Effectiveness

While GLP-1 medications have demonstrated potential in clinical trials, their effectiveness in real-world scenarios is less straightforward. A study published in *JAMA Network Open* revealed that participants on semaglutide for obesity experienced an average weight loss of 12.9% after one year—somewhat less than the 14.9% weight loss seen in clinical trials. Moreover, discontinuation rates for these drugs are notably high, with numerous patients ceasing treatment due to adverse effects, expenses, or lack of insurance coverage. Research in *Obesity* indicated that only 44% of individuals continued taking weight-loss medications after three months, and 58% discontinued use prior to achieving meaningful weight loss.

These challenges underline the limitations of viewing GLP-1 medications as a definitive solution for obesity. While they may be effective for certain individuals, their influence on the population as a whole remains uncertain.

### Wider Health and Lifestyle Trends

If obesity rates are genuinely on the decline, other elements could be at play. For example, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association has recorded a 5% rise in exercise participation since 2017. Additionally, a study in 2024 noted a slight enhancement in dietary habits over the last two decades. Economic factors, such as increased food prices, may also contribute by curtailing the intake of unhealthy, calorie-laden foods, although this hypothesis necessitates further exploration.

These non-medical influences mirror the dynamics observed in the battle against smoking. When cigarette sales peaked in 1963, a mix of public health initiatives, legislative actions, and societal stigma encouraged a gradual decline in smoking rates in the following decades. However, unlike anti-smoking campaigns, which emphasized prevention, GLP-1 medications primarily serve as a treatment for obesity, rendering the comparison imperfect.

### The Necessity for Patience and Additional Research

Experts stress the importance of being cautious in interpreting the latest data. Deirdre Tobias, an obesity and nutritional epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, has warned against hastily attributing the drop in obesity rates to GLP-1 medications. She observes that although these drugs have gained popularity, their long-term effects on population-level obesity rates remain ambiguous.

Moreover, the CDC’s data underscores the need for more detailed research. In the absence of patient-level data linking GLP-1 drug usage to changes in body mass index (BMI), it is infeasible to ascertain the extent to which these medications are shaping obesity trends.

“Data from James Webb Telescope Indicates Possibility of New Physics in the Expansion of the Universe”

### Fresh Perspectives on the Universe’s Expansion: Hubble and Webb Space Telescopes Validate Crucial Discoveries

The accelerating growth of the universe ranks among the most significant findings in contemporary astrophysics, culminating in the receipt of the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics. Nonetheless, the precise rate of this expansion, termed the Hubble Constant, has generated considerable discord within the scientific community due to varying measurements. Recent data gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has confirmed the reliability of prior measurements conducted by the Hubble Space Telescope, indicating that the observed discrepancies might suggest new physical theories rather than mere observational faults.

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### The Hubble Constant: An Indicator of Cosmic Expansion

The Hubble Constant gauges the velocity at which the universe is expanding, quantified in kilometers per second per megaparsec (km/s/Mpc). This implies that for each megaparsec (approximately 3.26 million light-years) of separation, the universe increases by a specified number of kilometers every second. Establishing this value is essential for comprehending the universe’s history, current state, and future trajectory.

Researchers utilize three main techniques to determine the Hubble Constant:

1. **Local Objects:** Monitoring the motion of stars and galaxies nearby.
2. **Gravitational Waves:** Analyzing signals emanating from merging black holes or neutron stars.
3. **Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB):** Scrutinizing slight variations in the remnants of the Big Bang.

However, these methods have produced discordant findings. For instance, measurements sourced from distant supernovae propose a value of 73 km/s/Mpc, while CMB data collected by the Planck satellite points to a lesser figure of 67 km/s/Mpc. This inconsistency, referred to as “Hubble tension,” has confounded researchers for years.

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### New Discoveries with JWST

The JWST has offered a vital cross-verification for Hubble’s figures, particularly regarding the initial “steps” of the cosmic distance ladder. This ladder is dependent on standard candles like Cepheid variable stars, whose luminosity enables astronomers to gauge distances. However, interstellar dust has historically obscured Hubble’s readings, complicating the identification of individual stars.

Thanks to JWST’s sophisticated infrared capabilities, astronomers have managed to penetrate this dust, yielding clearer visuals of Cepheid stars in five host galaxies located up to 130 million light-years from Earth. These findings validated the precision of Hubble’s measurements, definitively ruling out major errors with strong confidence. The recent data produced a Hubble Constant value of 72.6 km/s/Mpc, closely matching Hubble’s previous figure of 72.8 km/s/Mpc.

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### An Essential Cross-Verification

This recent research, published in *The Astrophysical Journal*, acts as a vital endorsement of Hubble’s conclusions. The team, directed by Adam Riess from the Space Telescope Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University, employed three independent techniques to determine distances to galaxies hosting supernovae. They also cross-verified their findings using complementary measurements that focused on carbon-rich stars and red giants.

“Validating Hubble’s results may seem mundane, but the Hubble findings exhibit a striking tension within the universe regarding its current expansion rate compared to the predictions of the standard model, LambdaCDM,” Riess stated. “So Webb validating Hubble implies that we are indeed observing something unusual in the universe.”

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### Consequences for New Physics

The reaffirmation of Hubble’s figures amplifies the enigma surrounding the Hubble tension. If errors in observation can be discarded, the inconsistencies may hint at new physics beyond the conventional cosmological framework. The LambdaCDM model, which encompasses dark energy and cold dark matter, has been fundamental in our grasp of the universe. Nevertheless, the tension implies that additional elements might be influencing the scenario.

One theory suggests “early dark energy,” a hypothetical component that could have affected the universe’s expansion shortly after the Big Bang. Alternative explanations may involve unusual characteristics of dark matter, alterations in fundamental constants like the electron mass, or the existence of primordial magnetic fields.

“Theorists are encouraged to be quite inventive,” remarked Marc Kamionkowski, a cosmologist at Johns Hopkins University. “A plausible explanation could be if there was a gap in our comprehension of the early universe, such as a new type of matter or unforeseen interactions.”

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### Method Comparison

Although JWST’s findings closely align with Hubble’s, other methods, particularly those relying on gravitational lensing, have delivered slightly varying outcomes. For instance, a 2023 analysis using a gravitationally lensed supernova produced a value more in line with the CMB-derived Hubble Constant but accompanied by considerable uncertainties. These variations underscore the necessity for further enhancement of measurement techniques.

“We are assessing distances and redshifts, which directly quantifies how rapidly the universe is expanding,” Riess clarified. “In contrast, other techniques, like strong lensing, depend on modeling phenomena and are

“Join the 2024 Ars Technica Charity Drive for an Opportunity to Win Hardware, Collectibles, and Additional Prizes”

# Treat Yourself to Rewards While Supporting Great Causes: The 2024 Ars Technica Charity Drive

As we approach the year’s end, it’s once again the season for one of Ars Technica’s cherished traditions: the annual **Charity Drive Sweepstakes**. Launched in 2007, this initiative merges the essence of philanthropy with the excitement of winning, giving readers an opportunity to back significant causes while contending for a fantastic selection of prizes. The 2024 edition is set to be more expansive and exciting, featuring over $4,000 in tech-themed treasures available to win.

Whether you’re a tech lover, a gamer, or simply someone eager to make a positive impact, this year’s Charity Drive presents a chance to contribute to worthy causes while possibly scoring some amazing items. Below is all the information you’ll need about how to get involved, the initiatives you’re supporting, and the rewards at stake.

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## Giving Back: The Causes We Support

The Ars Technica Charity Drive has consistently aimed to harness the kindness of its audience toward causes that create a real difference. This year, your contributions will support two vital organizations:

1. **Child’s Play Charity**
Established in 2003, Child’s Play is focused on enhancing the lives of children in hospitals and shelters for domestic abuse by supplying toys, games, and various forms of entertainment. These donations provide comfort and joy to kids undergoing treatment or facing difficult circumstances. Your generosity helps ensure that children globally can experience joy during tough times.

2. **Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)**
The EFF is a nonprofit that advocates for digital privacy, free speech, and innovation. In a time when online liberties are increasingly in jeopardy, the EFF’s mission is more essential than ever. By backing the EFF, you’re supporting the rights of internet users worldwide.

Since the start of this initiative, Ars readers have collectively contributed over **$506,000** to these organizations, with nearly $40,000 raised in 2023 alone. This year, our aim is to exceed those figures and create an even more significant effect.

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## How to Participate

Joining the 2024 Ars Technica Charity Drive is straightforward and gratifying. Here’s the process:

1. **Make a Donation**
– Contribute to **Child’s Play Charity** through [this link](https://childsplay.salsalabs.org/Donate/index.html) using a credit card or PayPal. You can also support a specific hospital by choosing an item from its Amazon wish list on the [Child’s Play donation page](https://childsplaycharity.org/get-involved#hospital-map).
– Donate to the **EFF** via [this link](https://supporters.eff.org/donate/) using PayPal, credit card, or cryptocurrency.

2. **Register Your Entry**
After making your donation, email a digital copy of your receipt (a forwarded email, screenshot, or text copy) to **[email protected]**. Don’t forget to include your name, mailing address, daytime phone number, and email address.
– Deadline: **11:59 PM ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2025**.
– Note: Each person can submit just one entry and win only one prize. Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase is necessary to enter—please refer to the

“Teaser for Wheel of Time Season 3 Reveals the Increasing Power of the Shadow”

### The Wheel of Time Season 3: A Treacherous Voyage into the Aiel Waste and the Fight for the Dragon Reborn

Prime Video’s *The Wheel of Time* is scheduled to return for its eagerly awaited third season on March 13, 2025. Enthusiasts of Robert Jordan’s monumental 14-book fantasy saga, along with newcomers, are preparing for what is set to be an exhilarating continuation of the conflict between Light and Dark. With a one-minute teaser released at CCXP24 in São Paulo, Brazil, the tension has never reached greater heights as the Dragon Reborn, Rand al’Thor, confronts escalating dangers, inner turmoil, and a fate that could either rescue or annihilate humanity.

### A Brief Overview: Seasons 1 and 2

For those unfamiliar with the series or seeking a recap, *The Wheel of Time* centers around Moiraine (portrayed by Rosamund Pike), a member of the Aes Sedai—an influential, all-female society that harnesses magic known as the One Power. This power is divided into male (*saidin*) and female (*saidar*) aspects, yet the male side has been corrupted by the Dark One, leading men who channel it to madness. The Aes Sedai are responsible for locating and “gentling” these men, stripping them of their powers.

The core prophecy of the series revolves around the Dragon Reborn, a reincarnated figure fated to either save or doom the world. In Season 1, Moiraine recognized Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski) as the foretold Dragon Reborn. Season 2, which heavily drew from Jordan’s *The Great Hunt* and *The Dragon Reborn*, depicted Rand coming to terms with his identity and power. The season finale showcased Rand’s victory over Ishamael, one of the Forsaken (servants of the Dark One), with Rand being proclaimed the Dragon Reborn in the city of Falme.

### Season 3: The Expedition into the Aiel Waste

The official synopsis for Season 3 hints at a darker and more hazardous journey for Rand and his allies. In the aftermath of Season 2, threats against the Light have proliferated. The White Tower, the headquarters of the Aes Sedai, is fractured, and the Black Ajah—a sect of Aes Sedai aligned with the Dark One—operates unchecked. Old adversaries emerge in the Two Rivers, Rand’s hometown, while the remaining Forsaken are moving closer to the Dragon Reborn.

One of the most captivating aspects of the forthcoming season is Rand’s evolving relationship with Lanfear, one of the Forsaken, whose alluring draw to the Dark will compel him to make a crucial decision. As Rand’s tainted power intensifies, he becomes more estranged from his most trusted friends, including Moiraine and Egwene (Madeleine Madden). These two formidable women, once teacher and pupil, must now unite to prevent Rand from yielding to the Dark—regardless of the personal sacrifice involved.

### Moiraine’s Dire Omen

The teaser trailer establishes a foreboding atmosphere, featuring Moiraine imparting a chilling prophecy: “I have seen a thousand thousand futures. In every future where I lived, Rand dies. And the only way he lives is if I don’t.” This enigmatic declaration raises doubts about Moiraine’s destiny and the sacrifices necessary to guarantee Rand’s survival. The teaser further suggests the Dark One’s increasing influence, with its shadows extending across the globe.

### Anticipations for Season 3

While the particular books that will form the main source material for Season 3 have yet to be confirmed, fans theorize that themes from *The Shadow Rising* (Book 4) and *The Fires of Heaven* (Book 5) may play a crucial role. These volumes delve deeper into Rand’s expedition into the Aiel Waste, a harsh desert area that conceals truths about his past and destiny. The Aiel, a warrior society with a rich culture and history, are expected to be prominently featured in the upcoming season.

The season will also delve into the escalating divisions within the White Tower, where political machinations and treachery could threaten to tear the Aes Sedai asunder. Concurrently, Rand’s battle with his own power and identity will take precedence, as he struggles with the burden of his destiny and the corrupting influence of *saidin*.

### The Forsaken and the Struggle for the Dragon Reborn

Season 3 will unveil more of the Forsaken, the Dark One’s most formidable and cunning servants. With Ishamael defeated, the remaining Forsaken are poised to become more actively involved in pursuing Rand. Lanfear, in particular, is set to play a critical role as both an ally and a potential menace, challenging Rand’s determination and his capacity to resist the allure of the Dark.

The teaser also suggests a burgeoning threat…

“Severance Season 2 Teaser Hints at Escalating Innie Uprising and Absurd Turns”

### **Severance Season 2: The Comeback of Apple TV+’s Dystopian Gem**

The acclaimed series *Severance* from Apple TV+ is returning for its eagerly awaited second season on January 17, 2025. Following a stunning first season that captivated audiences with its complex narrative and chilling cliffhanger, the upcoming season is set to further explore the disturbing realm of Lumon Industries and the psychological effects of its contentious severance procedure.

—

### **A Brief Summary of Season 1**
For those not yet acquainted with the concept, *Severance* paints a picture of a dystopian corporate landscape where employees at Lumon Industries undergo a surgical procedure to split their memories into two separate identities: the “innie” (work identity) and the “outie” (personal identity). This process creates a total disconnect between their professional and private lives, with neither identity possessing any recollection or awareness of the other.

Initially promoted as a revolutionary way to achieve “work-life balance,” the procedure soon reveals its sinister nature. Mark Scout (portrayed by Adam Scott), a bereaved widower, chooses the procedure to escape the grief of his wife, Gemma’s death. As the narrative progresses, Mark and his coworkers uncover the dark truths behind Lumon’s operations, culminating in a dramatic revolt at the season’s conclusion. By utilizing an “overtime contingency” protocol, the innies temporarily seize control of their outies’ bodies, revealing shocking details about their personal lives and Lumon’s deceptive practices.

—

### **Season 2: Reassembling the Pieces**
The second season resumes in the wake of the innies’ short-lived rebellion, which has exposed them to the realities of their outies’ existences. As per the official synopsis, Mark and his colleagues must face the severe repercussions of crossing the severance divide, propelling them further into a world of enigma, peril, and self-exploration.

A key revelation from Season 1 is that Mark’s supposedly deceased spouse, Gemma, is alive and employed at Lumon as Ms. Casey, the wellness counselor. This twist ignites Mark’s personal mission to liberate her from Lumon’s grasp, all while dealing with the moral and emotional intricacies of their predicament.

The Season 2 trailer alludes to the aftermath of the innies’ uprising. Surprisingly, instead of facing immediate retribution, the four insurgents—Mark, Helly (Britt Lower), Irving (John Turturro), and Dylan (Zach Cherry)—find themselves in the public eye as the “faces of severance reform.” Their actions have garnered significant media attention, momentarily shielding them from Lumon’s ire. However, Milchick (Tramell Tillman), their foreboding supervisor, cautions that this newfound fame may not offer lasting protection.

—

### **Themes and Issues to Explore**
Season 1 of *Severance* received acclaim for its investigation of themes such as grief, identity, and the intrinsic human need for connection. The first season also effectively highlighted the latent terrors of corporate culture, from sterile workspaces to manipulative training methods. Season 2 is expected to delve into these themes further, posing new inquiries about the ethical implications of technology and the extents to which corporations will go to govern their workforce.

Essential questions for the forthcoming season include:
– **What are Lumon’s ultimate objectives?** The company’s true intentions remain obscured, hinting at cult-like behaviors and a disturbing fixation on control.
– **What is the situation regarding Gemma/Ms. Casey?** Mark’s realization that his wife is alive prompts questions about how and why she is at Lumon. Is she participating willingly, or is she being coerced?
– **Is it possible to reverse the severance procedure?** The innies’ fleeting insight into their outies’ existences has already created significant upheaval. If the barrier were to be permanently lifted, what psychological effects would that have on those involved?

—

### **The Trailer: A Preview of the Chaos**
The newly released trailer provides exciting hints about the challenges that lie ahead. Mark’s resolve to rescue Gemma faces opposition from Lumon, whose malevolent influence appears to overshadow every facet of their lives. At the same time, the other team members must confront their own revelations. For example, Irving learns that his outie has been investigating Lumon, while Helly discovers her outie holds a senior position within the company.

Additionally, the trailer hints at new characters and further insights into Lumon’s maneuvers, promising to expand the already rich universe of the show. Viewers can anticipate a mix of psychological tension, dark humor, and insightful critiques of contemporary work culture.

—

### **Why *Severance* Matters**
*Severance* transcends being a mere thrilling sci-fi drama; it serves as a profound investigation of the human

Teen Creates Memecoin, Liquidates Assets, and Gains $50,000

**The Surge and Dangers of Memecoins: A Teenager’s $50,000 Crypto Journey**

In the rapidly evolving realm of cryptocurrency, where wealth can change hands in an instant, a teenager from California recently grabbed headlines for his staggering success—and the subsequent fallout—following the creation and liquidation of various memecoins. This narrative not only emphasizes the profitable opportunities within the crypto market but also highlights its ethical and legal ambiguities, especially in the largely unregulated sector of memecoins.

### The Teenager’s Crypto Bonanza

On November 19, a California teenager introduced a new digital currency named **Gen Z Quant**. Utilizing the Pump.Fun platform, which enables users to generate memecoins effortlessly and without expense, he produced 1 billion units of the coin. Shortly thereafter, he acquired 51 million tokens for $350 and commenced a livestream on Pump.Fun to market the coin. As viewers began to join in and invest, the coin’s price surged. In just eight minutes, the value of the teenager’s assets escalated to nearly $30,000, which he quickly liquidated.

Yet, he proceeded further. Throughout the night, he replicated this strategy with two additional coins—**im sorry** and **my dog lucy**—culminating in total earnings exceeding $50,000. However, his activities precipitated a sharp decline in the value of these coins, leaving numerous investors feeling deceived.

### The Fallout: Doxxing and Online Harassment

The teenager’s actions, labeled as a “soft rug pull,” ignited outrage among crypto investors who had put their money into his coins. In contrast to a “hard rug pull,” where developers implement malicious code to misappropriate funds, a soft rug pull entails creators liquidating their assets, which drives the coin’s value down. While not explicitly illegal in various jurisdictions, such conduct is predominantly regarded as unethical within the crypto space.

The reaction was immediate and fierce. Enraged traders inundated the family with hostile messages, and their private details, including names and images, were disseminated online, a tactic referred to as doxxing. The family received non-stop phone calls, and the teenager’s parents were inundated with threats and allegations. “It was a genuinely terrifying experience,” recounted the teenager’s father, Adam Biesk.

Ironically, the uproar surrounding Gen Z Quant sparked increased interest in the coin, leading its value to surge. At its highest point, the coin boasted a theoretical market cap of $72 million, significantly surpassing the amount the teenager had liquidated.

### The Morality and Legality of Memecoins

The teenager’s saga illuminates the unclear ethical and legal terrain associated with memecoins. These cryptocurrencies, often conceived as jokes or speculative ventures, carry no intrinsic utility or value apart from what purchasers assign to them. While certain traders enjoy windfalls, many others incur losses, rendering the market reminiscent of a high-stakes gambling venue.

Platforms like Pump.Fun, which debuted in January, have democratized the creation of memecoins by standardizing their foundational code. This has diminished the risk of hard rug pulls but has done little to curtail soft rug pulls. According to Ido Ben-Natan, founder of the crypto security firm Blockaid, the overwhelming majority of new tokens entering the marketplace are scams aimed at deceiving buyers.

The legal implications of rug pulls are still unclear. In regions like California, developers may bear fiduciary responsibilities to investors, which could expose them to legal repercussions. Nevertheless, the lack of explicit cryptocurrency regulations creates a loophole for dubious practices. Experts such as Andrew Gordon, a partner at Gordon Law, assert that definitive regulations are necessary to clarify acceptable conduct and deter unethical actions.

### A Generational Divide in Crypto Perception

For Biesk, the event was both shocking and enlightening. While he voiced concern regarding the backlash directed at his family, he also admired his son’s entrepreneurial drive and technical skills. “It’s actually quite a sophisticated trading platform,” he noted, acknowledging that his son had independently learned to navigate the intricate world of cryptocurrency.

Biesk thinks the incident signifies a generational shift in how youth view money and investment. Unlike conventional assets, cryptocurrencies exist solely in the digital domain, a realm where younger generations feel more comfortable. “For me, crypto can be challenging to understand as there’s nothing physical to back it. But I believe kids connect with this intangible digital space more than adults do,” he remarked.

### The Future of Memecoins and Oversight

The teenager’s narrative reflects the broader obstacles confronting the crypto sector. As platforms like Pump.Fun continue to expand—having facilitated the creation of millions of memecoins and generated more than $250 million in revenue—regulators are struggling with the dilemma of safeguarding consumers while fostering innovation.

In California, new regulations poised to be enacted in 2026 will necessitate