AllYouCanTech

“PDF Format Playable Copy of Doom Available for Download”

# Adobe Acrobat’s Overlooked JavaScript Capability Used to Run Doom in PDFs

In the realm of technology and gaming, there’s a rich legacy of stretching the limits of software and hardware capabilities. From executing *Doom* on calculators to refrigerators, hackers and fans have continually discovered inventive methods to introduce the legendary 1993 first-person shooter to unusual devices. The newest chapter in this illustrious saga? *Doom* operating within a PDF file.

Indeed, you read that right. Thanks to the work of developer Ading2210, you can now engage in *Doom* within the confines of a PDF document. This whimsical undertaking utilizes Adobe Acrobat’s lesser-known JavaScript functionality, a capability that has been available for decades yet is seldom employed for anything beyond mere interactivity in forms. Here’s a glimpse into how this captivating achievement was realized and its significance.

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## **The Unseen Potential of JavaScript in PDFs**

Adobe’s PDF format is widely recognized for its ability to maintain document layout across various devices and platforms. Nonetheless, many individuals are unaware that Adobe Acrobat has supported JavaScript since the early 2000s. This feature was originally created to enable dynamic components, such as form validations, calculations, and interactive buttons, within PDF files.

Although this JavaScript functionality is comprehensive, it has mostly been neglected for more imaginative uses. Recently, hackers have begun probing its potential, programming simple games like *Breakout* and *Tetris* into PDFs. Ading2210, however, has taken this experimentation to extraordinary heights by integrating *Doom* into a PDF document.

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## **The Inner Workings: A Technical Overview**

Ading2210’s endeavor exemplifies the creativity of the coding community. Here’s a detailed rundown of how *Doom* was brought to existence in a PDF:

1. **Utilizing Open Source Code**: The project kicked off with a streamlined variant of *Doom*’s open-source code, specifically the *doomgeneric* project. This rendition of *Doom* is engineered to operate on minimal systems, making it an excellent choice for unconventional devices.

2. **Recompiling with Emscripten**: By employing an older version of Emscripten, a toolchain for converting C and C++ code into JavaScript, Ading2210 transformed the *Doom* code into optimized asm.js. This enabled the game to function within the JavaScript environment available in PDFs.

3. **Simulating Video Output**: Given that PDFs are not tailored for real-time graphics, the project employs a clever workaround. The game’s video output is translated into ASCII text and displayed across 200 individual text fields, with each representing a horizontal segment of the *Doom* display. This constructs a six-color monochrome representation of the game at a playable 13 frames per second.

4. **Managing Input**: Gamers interact with the experience by typing commands into a designated text field. While this mode of input is less than ideal—rendering simultaneous actions like moving and shooting nearly unfeasible—it suffices for basic gameplay.

5. **Functionality in Chromium Browsers**: The project depends on PDFium, the PDF rendering engine utilized in Chromium-based browsers like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. While the PDF does not function in desktop versions of Adobe Acrobat, it operates seamlessly in these modern browsers.

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## **Constraints and Hurdles**

Even though the concept of playing *Doom* in a PDF is undoubtedly intriguing, the execution carries several constraints:

– **Input Limitations**: The dependence on text-field input renders gameplay cumbersome, as players are unable to execute multiple actions simultaneously.
– **Performance**: At 13 frames per second, the experience is playable but far from fluid. The ASCII-based visualization also restricts graphical clarity.
– **Compatibility**: The PDF fails to function in standalone versions of Adobe Acrobat, limiting its accessibility to Chromium-based browsers.

Despite these limitations, the project serves as an impressive showcase of what can be achieved with a touch of ingenuity and technical expertise.

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## **The Significance of This Development**

The *Doom*-in-a-PDF initiative is more than just an entertaining experiment—it underscores the unexplored possibilities of existing technologies. Adobe’s JavaScript functionality in PDFs, originally aimed at mundane activities such as form validation, has been creatively repurposed to accomplish something genuinely surprising. This highlights that even the most disregarded features can be utilized in innovative manners.

From a security standpoint, the project also emphasizes the need to comprehend and manage the capabilities of software. JavaScript in PDFs has long been a conduit for vulnerabilities, and initiatives like this reveal just how potent (and potentially hazardous) this feature can be.

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## **The Potential of PDF Gaming Moving Forward**

While engaging in *Doom* within a PDF may not supplant your gaming PC anytime soon, it paves the way for fresh opportunities. Could we witness more games adapted to PDFs? Perhaps even interactive educational resources or simulations?

Rocket Development Company Obtains $250 Million in Financing for Completely Reusable Launch System

### Stoke Space: Leading the Charge for Completely Reusable Rockets

In a noteworthy advancement for the aerospace sector, the Washington-based launch firm Stoke Space revealed on Wednesday that it has successfully secured $260 million in Series C financing. This milestone emerges at a time when the space investment landscape is tightening, making it increasingly difficult for companies to attract funding. Stoke Space’s success not only emphasizes investor trust in its mission but also points to the company’s capacity to transform the space industry with its fully reusable rocket, Nova.

#### The Vision: Completely Reusable Rockets

Established in 2020 by Andy Lapsa and Tom Feldman, Stoke Space is on a quest to transform the economics of space exploration. The firm is creating Nova, a medium-lift rocket engineered to be entirely reusable. Unlike the majority of rockets that recover only the first stage, Nova’s design intends to retrieve both the first and second stages back to Earth. The first stage will perform a vertical landing, akin to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, while the second stage will incorporate an innovative metallic heat shield and advanced engine technology for secure reentry and landing.

This bold strategy positions Stoke Space as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starship, which is presently the sole other fully reusable rocket under development. However, Stoke’s emphasis on medium-lift capabilities and on-demand launch services differentiates it in serving a distinct market segment.

#### Investor Assurance Amidst a Challenging Market

The $260 million Series C funding round boosts Stoke Space’s total financing to $480 million. This recent round includes investments from both new and returning backers, such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Glade Brook Capital Partners, and Y Combinator. While the firm has not shared its valuation, the substantial investment reflects strong confidence in its technical advancements and market possibilities.

“The market is tough, but I believe that what we’re doing is set to lead to the end state of the industry, and I think investors recognize that,” commented Andy Lapsa, co-founder and CEO of Stoke Space. By “end state,” Lapsa refers to the ultimate goal of achieving ultra-low-cost, on-demand launch services—a capability that Stoke believes is crucial for long-term prosperity in the space field.

#### Technical Progress: A Step Closer to Launch

Stoke Space is consistently advancing on the technical side. Recently, the firm successfully tested the Nova rocket’s main engine, Zenith, in an upright position. According to Lapsa, the Zenith engine will undergo one final design adjustment before achieving its ultimate flight configuration. Likewise, the second stage engine has been enhanced to ready it for flight.

Once the engines are finalized, Stoke plans to construct a flight vehicle and carry out final assessments. While aiming for a 2025 orbital launch is ambitious, a debut in 2026 seems more feasible based on historical timelines for rocket development.

#### Infrastructure and Permitting

In tandem with its technical developments, Stoke Space is striving to finish construction at Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The company is also completing environmental permitting for launches from this location. Lapsa expressed optimism about the ongoing progress, stating, “We’re putting in a lot of effort to have the pad completed, and it will be operational well before the year’s end. And the vehicle will be right there alongside it.”

#### A Transforming Landscape for Launch Companies

The space industry has seen considerable consolidation since Stoke Space’s inception. In 2020, numerous U.S.-based companies were developing small- and medium-lift rockets. Currently, only around half a dozen credible contenders remain in the medium-lift space. This reduction in competitors underscores the significant technical and financial hurdles of operating a launch company.

“It’s a wholly different discussion with investors compared to five years ago,” Lapsa remarked. The transition reflects a more selective investment environment, where only the most promising and groundbreaking companies can secure capital.

#### The Path Forward

Stoke Space’s journey mirrors the larger change occurring in the space industry. As the demand for launch services escalates, there is a growing focus on cost efficiency, reusability, and quick turnaround times. Stoke’s fully reusable Nova rocket symbolizes a significant stride toward fulfilling these requirements and attaining the “end state” of the industry.

With substantial funding, solid technical progress, and a clear strategic vision, Stoke Space is strategically positioned to emerge as a key player in the next era of space exploration. While challenges lie ahead, the company’s innovative strategy and investor support indicate a promising future for this ambitious startup.

“Are We the Only Ones in the Universe? Perspectives on What Researchers Think”

### Do Aliens Exist? A Scientific Consensus Emerges

The inquiry into the existence of extraterrestrial life has intrigued humans for ages. From ancient legends to contemporary science fiction, the idea of life beyond our planet has sparked our curiosity. But what is the viewpoint of scientists—those who are engaged in exploring the universe and its life-forming conditions—regarding the chances of alien life? Is there a widespread agreement, or are we still entrenched in uncertainty?

A recent investigation disseminated in *Nature Astronomy* illuminates this topic, providing a glimpse into the scientific community’s beliefs concerning extraterrestrial life. The results indicate a significant consensus among scientists, especially astrobiologists, that life beyond Earth is probable, although the level of confidence fluctuates based on the complexity of the life being considered.

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### Surveying the Scientific Community

During the timeframe of February to June 2024, research teams executed four surveys aimed at astrobiologists (experts in the field of extraterrestrial life) and other scientists, such as biologists and physicists. The purpose was to assess their views on the possibility of basic, complex, and intelligent extraterrestrial life existing within the cosmos.

The outcomes were noteworthy:

– **Basic Life:** Of the 521 astrobiologists surveyed, 86.6% concurred or strongly concurred that basic extraterrestrial life likely exists. Only 2% disagreed, while 12% opted for a neutral position. Non-astrobiologists displayed a comparable level of consensus at 88.4%.

– **Complex Life:** When inquired about more sophisticated, complex life forms, 67.4% of astrobiologists were confident that such life likely exists, reflecting a similar trend among other scientists.

– **Intelligent Life:** Confidence diminished slightly regarding intelligent extraterrestrial life, with 58.2% of astrobiologists affirming its likelihood. Nevertheless, skepticism remained minimal, with only 10.2% of astrobiologists expressing doubt.

These findings indicate a robust consensus within the scientific community that some form of life is likely to be present elsewhere in the universe. Notably, this belief extends beyond astrobiologists; scientists from various disciplines align with this view, signaling that the optimism is not simply a result of professional bias.

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### The Basis for Optimism

Although there is no tangible evidence of extraterrestrial life, scientists cite several strands of “indirect” or “theoretical” reasoning that render the existence of alien life plausible:

1. **Abundance of Habitable Environments:** Recent discoveries suggest that potentially habitable environments are prevalent in the universe. In our own solar system, moons such as Europa and Enceladus contain subsurface oceans that might support life. Mars, too, was once a planet abundant with lakes, rivers, and a significant atmosphere, positioning it as a candidate for past habitability.

2. **The Vastness of the Universe:** With more than 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe, each filled with billions of stars and planets, the number of potentially habitable worlds is breathtaking. Even if the chance of life emerging on a specific planet is extremely low, the expansive number of opportunities renders the existence of extraterrestrial life statistically probable.

3. **Abiogenesis on Earth:** Life on Earth originated through a process known as abiogenesis, wherein simple organic molecules evolved into complex forms capable of self-replication. While the precise mechanisms remain poorly understood, the occurrence of this process here implies it could also take place elsewhere under similar conditions.

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### A Surprisingly Weak Consensus?

Given the extensive availability of habitable environments and the non-negligible probability of abiogenesis, one might presume near-universal agreement among scientists regarding the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. However, the survey unveiled that approximately 12% of scientists maintained a neutral stance, and a small percentage articulated skepticism.

This prompts an intriguing question: Is the 86.6% agreement genuinely a surprisingly fragile consensus? Even the most pessimistic projections—assuming life develops on merely one in a billion billion habitable worlds—would still lead to the conclusion that extraterrestrial life is likely, given the enormous number of habitable environments across the universe.

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### The Role of Speculation and Evidence

Skeptics might contend that scientists are merely engaging in speculation due to the absence of direct evidence for extraterrestrial life. However, the survey permitted respondents to select a “neutral” option if they felt uncertain about forming a judgment based on speculation. Only 12% selected this option, indicating that the majority of scientists believe their optimism is anchored in solid theoretical and indirect evidence.

Furthermore, the hesitance to speculate is a hallmark of scientific rigor. As the geophysicist Edward Bullard pointed out in 1975, scientists often prefer to “sit on the fence” and await further data instead of making bold assertions. This cautious method ensures that scientific consensus is grounded in a strong base of evidence.

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### Balancing Optimism and Skepticism

The survey results underline the necessity for a balanced outlook. On one hand, the lack of direct empirical evidence for

Meta Progresses in Creating a Universal Translator Inspired by Star Trek

# The Computer Science Behind Translating Speech in Over 100 Languages

In a world that is becoming progressively interconnected, the capability to communicate effortlessly across linguistic divides is increasingly vital. The aspiration for a “universal translator”—a device that can translate speech in real-time among various languages—has long been a mainstay of science fiction, as seen in *Star Trek* and *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*. Today, developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are moving this dream toward fruition. One of the most ambitious initiatives in this domain is Meta’s Seamless, a cutting-edge translation system with the potential to transform how we comprehend and engage with each other.

This article explores the computer science involved in translating speech from 100 source languages, the obstacles encountered in constructing such a system, and the creative solutions enabling its realization.

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## The Vision: Instant, Expressive Translation

In 2023, researchers at Meta spoke with native Spanish and Mandarin speakers residing in the United States who relied heavily on translation tools in everyday situations. These individuals expressed a wish for an AI-driven translator that could not only offer real-time speech translation but also maintain the speaker’s voice, tone, and emotional nuances. This input motivated Meta to gather a team of over 50 specialists to create Seamless, an innovative translation framework that can interpret speech across 36 languages and process text in even more.

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## The Challenges: Lack of Data and Complexity

### 1. **The Issue of Language Data**
Currently, AI translation systems are mainly text-centric, owing to the wealth of digitized text available on the internet. Organizations such as the United Nations and the European Parliament have developed extensive databases of aligned texts—documents translated into multiple languages by professional translators. These repositories have played a crucial role in training AI models for text-to-text translation.

Nevertheless, two major challenges emerge when transitioning from text to speech translation:

– **Formality Bias**: Text-based training often includes formal documents, which can result in translations that sound overly formal or robotic, even when translating informal or humorous speech.
– **Lack of Aligned Audio Data**: While aligned text corpora are plentiful, aligned audio data—spoken sentences accompanied by their translations—are significantly harder to acquire, particularly for low-resource languages like Zulu or Icelandic.

### 2. **Cascading Errors in Speech Translation**
Conventional speech translation systems frequently utilize a cascading method: speech is initially converted to text (speech-to-text), then translated into the desired language (text-to-text), and finally synthesized back into speech (text-to-speech). Each transition adds errors, compromising overall effectiveness and rendering real-time translation nearly unfeasible.

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## The Breakthrough: A Universal Language in Vector Space

To tackle these difficulties, the Seamless team adopted an innovative idea first suggested by mathematician Warren Weaver in 1949: the notion of a “universal language” that underpins all human interaction. In the realm of AI, this universal language is not linguistic but mathematical—multidimensional vectors.

### **How Vectorization Functions**
Machines do not “grasp” words in the same way humans do. Instead, they depict words as numerical vectors, referred to as word embeddings. These embeddings represent points in a high-dimensional space, where words with akin meanings (e.g., “tea” and “coffee”) are positioned closely together. When aligned text in two languages undergoes vectorization, the resulting vector spaces can be correspondingly mapped, facilitating translation.

### **SONAR: A Multimodal Embedding Space**
The Seamless team advanced this idea by developing SONAR (Sentence-level Multimodal and Language-Agnostic Representations), a consolidated embedding space for both text and speech. Here’s the mechanism:

1. **Unified Vectorization**: Text and speech data from various languages are vectorized as if they belong to a singular language, clustering into a common embedding space.
2. **Automatic Alignment**: Sentences with analogous meanings—whether in text or speech—naturally group within the vector space. This circumvents the necessity for manually aligned data, allowing for the integration of low-resource languages.
3. **Metadata Encoding**: Each embedding incorporates metadata that identifies its source language and modality (text or speech).

This methodology enabled the team to produce extensive amounts of automatically aligned data, encompassing millions of text pairs and thousands of hours of transcribed audio, even for languages with minimal resources.

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## The Result: SEAMLESSM4T

The data generated via SONAR was utilized to train SEAMLESSM4T, the most sophisticated model within the Seamless framework. Here’s what it is capable of:

– **Speech-to-Speech Translation**: Convert speech from 101 source languages into 36 target languages.
– **Text-to-Text Translation**: Translate written text among over 100 languages.
– **Speech-to-Text Translation**: Transform spoken language into written text in 96 languages.
– **Text

AI-Driven Protein Engineering Focuses on Snake Venom Toxins for Possible Therapies

### AI-Enhanced Protein Engineering: A Major Advancement in Snake Venom Neutralization

Artificial intelligence (AI) has dramatically transformed various sectors in recent years, spanning from self-driving cars to tailored healthcare solutions. One particularly thrilling advancement is its use within the field of biology, especially concerning protein engineering. A recent article in *Nature* illustrates how AI methodologies are addressing a long-standing medical issue: counteracting snake venom. This pioneering study not only highlights AI’s capabilities in overcoming intricate biological challenges but also provides optimism for improved and more widely available antivenom options.

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### The Hurdle of Snake Venom

Snake venom comprises a complex array of proteins and toxins engineered to immobilize and terminate prey. For humans, a snake bite may result in extensive tissue damage, organ failure, or even mortality. Current antivenom treatments depend on antibodies generated by administering small venom doses to animals. Although effective, this approach suffers from notable drawbacks:

1. **Limited Shelf Life**: Antivenoms frequently necessitate refrigeration, posing logistical issues in rural or remote locations where snake bites are more prevalent.
2. **Ethical Considerations**: The manufacturing procedure requires repeated animal injections, leading to ethical and sustainability dilemmas.
3. **Narrow Specificity**: Antivenoms are generally tailored for particular snake species, rendering them less effective against bites from other snakes.

The study aims to tackle these issues by creating stable, small proteins capable of neutralizing venom toxins without relying on refrigeration or animal-derived production.

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### AI to the Rescue: Crafting Antitoxins

The research group, spearheaded by Nobel Prize winner David Baker from the University of Washington, harnessed cutting-edge AI technologies to engineer proteins that can neutralize certain venom toxins. The investigation focused on a class of venom proteins referred to as “three-finger toxins,” a common feature in the venom of snakes such as cobras, mambas, and taipans. These toxins inflict two primary forms of harm:

1. **Neurotoxicity**: By obstructing acetylcholine receptors, these toxins hinder nerve signaling and can result in paralysis.
2. **Cellular Toxicity**: Some toxins inflict direct damage to cell membranes, leading to tissue harm.

#### Step 1: Combatting Neurotoxins

To counteract the neurotoxic effects, the researchers employed an AI application called RFdiffusion. This software specializes in the creation of protein structures capable of binding to specific targets. Here, it pinpointed protein strands that could align with the composition of the three-finger toxins. Another AI application, ProteinMPNN, was then utilized to establish the amino acid sequences for these proteins.

The engineered proteins underwent additional refinement via DeepMind’s AlphaFold2 and the Rosetta protein structure platform, which predicted the interactions between the proteins and the toxins. After evaluating 44 candidates, the team discovered one protein with a superior binding affinity. This protein was further enhanced using RFdiffusion, yielding a highly effective inhibitor.

Upon testing in mice, the inhibitor offered complete protection against the neurotoxin, even when given 30 minutes post-exposure. This marks a crucial advancement, as it reflects real-world conditions where treatment is frequently delayed.

#### Step 2: Confronting Cellular Toxicity

The researchers also endeavored to mitigate the cellular toxicity associated with a distinct category of three-finger toxins, such as those present in spitting cobra venom. Employing a corresponding AI-based strategy, they constructed proteins capable of binding to these toxins. Nevertheless, the inhibitors did not mitigate skin lesions in mice, indicating that the mechanism of cellular toxicity remains inadequately understood. This setback underscores the intricacy of venom and the necessity for additional investigation.

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### Implications and Future Prospects

While the study serves as a proof of concept, its implications are extensive:

1. **Scalability and Availability**: AI-engineered proteins can be produced in bacterial systems, making them simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture compared to conventional antivenoms. This may pave the way for treatments that are more accessible in resource-limited environments.
2. **Durability**: The produced proteins are more stable than antibodies and do not necessitate refrigeration, addressing a fundamental limitation of current antivenoms.
3. **Targeted Therapy**: The specificity of these proteins allows for customization to neutralize toxins from specific snake species. However, creating a universal antivenom remains a formidable challenge.

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### The Impact of AI on Biological Research

This research emphasizes the transformative capacity of AI in biological sciences. Traditional protein design methodologies often require years of trial and error, whereas AI can streamline this process to weeks or months. By simulating protein interactions computationally, researchers can swiftly discover promising candidates for experimental testing.

The study also illustrates the cyclical nature of AI-driven research. Initial designs were fine-tuned through several iterations of AI predictions and laboratory evaluations, demonstrating how computational and experimental strategies can enhance one another.

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### Conclusion

The deployment of AI to craft proteins that neutralize snake venom represents a significant milestone, showcasing

“Straight Alignment Establishes Distinct Route Linking Earth, Moon, and Mars”

### Witnessing the Marvels of the Universe: A Lunar Obscuration of Mars

The celestial expanse has always captivated and motivated us, presenting glimpses into the immense cosmos. On a chilly winter night, skywatchers across North America and parts of Africa experienced a rare cosmic occurrence: the lunar obscuration of Mars. This event, where the Moon moves directly in front of the red planet, served as a humbling reminder of the magnitude and splendor of our Solar System.

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### **The Phenomenon: Mars Veils Behind the Moon**

Even at its nearest position, Mars lies an astonishing 250 times farther from Earth than the Moon. On Monday night, this vast expanse was put into perspective as Mars was obscured by the Moon’s brilliant, curved edge for over an hour. The occurrence was observable to the naked eye, although binoculars or telescopes offered a clearer view of the red planet emerging from the shadows cast by the Moon’s craters.

For those fortunate enough to see it, the vision was awe-inspiring. Hobbyist astronomers and photographers hurried to record the moment. One viewer, equipped with a Canon 80D and a 600 mm lens, managed to capture numerous images despite being unprepared. Although the Moon’s luminosity outshone Mars, the red planet’s unique color was unmistakable as it ascended above the lunar edge.

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### **Grasping the Parallax Phenomenon**

The apparent movement of Mars during the obscuration illustrated the parallax effect strikingly. While the Moon travels around Earth at a relatively quick pace, Mars progresses much more slowly in its orbit around the Sun. This disparity in speed created the illusion of Mars “emerging” from behind the Moon, a dynamic and visually captivating occurrence.

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### **The Uncommon Nature of Lunar Obscurations**

Lunar obscurations of Mars are rare and location-specific phenomena. The last occasion observable from the United States was in December 2022, and the next widely visible obscuration will be on February 4–5, 2042. Additional obscurations will take place in 2035, 2038, and 2039, but these will only be viewable in select areas, like South Florida or the Pacific Northwest.

Occasionally, the Moon also covers other planets, like Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, along with bright stars. Resources such as

Weight-Loss Medication Producer Calls on Trump to Stop Price Negotiation Initiatives: Report

### The Next Wave of Medicare Drug Price Negotiations: What to Anticipate

The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has already created a stir within the pharmaceutical sector, and the next phase is poised to unfold with the announcement of 15 additional medications subject to Medicare price negotiations. Included in this potential selection is a drug from the GLP-1 class, which has received considerable focus for its effectiveness in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity. This progress has ignited a blend of expectation, debate, and tactical positioning among drug manufacturers, lawmakers, and healthcare advocates.

#### **The Aftermath of the First Round of Negotiations**

The initial round of Medicare drug price negotiations, revealed in August 2024, led to substantial price decreases for 10 pricey medications. These reductions, with some reaching as high as 79%, are forecasted to save seniors $1.5 billion in out-of-pocket expenses beginning in 2026. This provides much-needed relief for numerous Americans, as a recent KFF survey found that over a quarter of the populace struggles to pay for prescription drugs, with 31% confessing to skipping doses or not following prescriptions due to financial concerns.

Despite the favorable public response, the pharmaceutical industry has openly opposed these measures. Drug companies have initiated several lawsuits contesting the legality of the IRA’s price negotiation clauses. While these legal challenges have largely not succeeded, the industry’s pushback highlights the considerable risks involved.

#### **The Upcoming 15 Drugs: A GLP-1 Candidate?**

The forthcoming roster of 15 drugs eligible for Medicare price negotiations is anticipated to be unveiled by February 1, 2025. Speculations abound that the list will feature semaglutide, the key component in Novo Nordisk’s highly successful drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. These GLP-1 receptor agonists have dramatically transformed the treatment landscape for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, rendering them among the most coveted—and pricey—medications available.

The inclusion of a GLP-1 medication in the negotiations could have far-reaching consequences for the pharmaceutical sector, particularly for companies such as Eli Lilly, which manufactures rival GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound and Mounjaro. Should semaglutide be selected for price cuts, it might establish a precedent affecting the entire GLP-1 category, potentially altering market conditions.

#### **Medicare Coverage for GLP-1 Drugs: An Evolving Scenario**

At present, Medicare does not provide coverage for drugs prescribed solely for weight management; however, it does cover GLP-1 medications when prescribed for other conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or reducing cardiovascular risk. For instance, Wegovy is covered if prescribed to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults with obesity or excess weight.

Nevertheless, the Biden administration has suggested a reinterpretation of Medicare’s prescription coverage criteria to incorporate “anti-obesity medications.” This initiative could greatly broaden access to GLP-1 drugs, aligning with wider public health objectives while also raising concerns about cost-effectiveness.

#### **The Industry’s Rebuttals**

Eli Lilly’s CEO, Dave Ricks, has openly expressed his apprehensions regarding the IRA’s drug price negotiations. At the JPMorgan Healthcare Conference, Ricks encouraged the Biden administration to halt the negotiations, claiming that the emphasis should instead be on broadening Medicare coverage for GLP-1 drugs. He argues that timely access to these medications could yield long-term healthcare savings by decreasing the prevalence of chronic conditions such as heart disease.

However, this stance has met with skepticism. An October 2024 report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicted that Medicare coverage for anti-obesity medications would incur costs nearing $39 billion between 2026 and 2034, while the savings from enhanced health outcomes would be just over $3 billion. This would produce a net expense to taxpayers of about $35.5 billion, undermining the argument that expanded coverage would result in savings.

#### **Looking Forward**

The imminent announcement of the next 15 drugs for Medicare price negotiations signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse over drug pricing reform. If a GLP-1 medication is included, it could indicate a more extensive shift in how high-priced, high-demand medications are priced and covered within the U.S. healthcare framework.

For seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries, the prospective savings are significant; however, the wider effects on the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare policy remain unclear. As the Biden administration gears up to finalize its list, all attention will be directed toward the convergence of public health aims, economic factors, and political strategy.

“Sonos Reveals Chief Product Officer’s Departure After CEO Leaves”

**Sonos Leadership Changes: Maxime Bouvat-Merlin’s Exit and the Brand’s Future Prospects**

Sonos, the esteemed audio firm recognized for its high-end speakers and sound systems, is undergoing a substantial leadership shift. Merely a day after the news of CEO Patrick Spence’s exit, the company has disclosed that Chief Product Officer Maxime Bouvat-Merlin will also vacate his role. This signifies a crucial juncture for Sonos as it aims to recover from a tumultuous year characterized by consumer discontent, product errors, and internal changes.

### Maxime Bouvat-Merlin’s Departure
Maxime Bouvat-Merlin, who has held the position of Chief Product Officer at Sonos since 2023, is resigning from his role, which the company will not be filling again. Rather, Tom Conrad, the interim CEO, will take over the chief product officer duties. In a communication to the team, Conrad indicated that his experience rendered the position unnecessary, leading to the choice to abolish it. Bouvat-Merlin has consented to assist during the transition period to facilitate a seamless handoff.

This decision follows a challenging year for Sonos, in which the firm encountered backlash due to a contentious app update that estranged many loyal users. The app redesign, launched in May, led to significant glitches and eliminated vital functionalities, including accessibility features and timer settings. The repercussions of this error have been severe, with Sonos estimating that fixing the app and mending its reputation will require between $20 million and $30 million.

### The App Controversy and Its Consequences
The app update was meant to coincide with the debut of Sonos’ inaugural wireless headphones in June, a timeline criticized by several employees as hasty. Reports indicate that Bouvat-Merlin was instrumental in advocating for the early launch of the app despite cautions regarding its readiness. Both former and current employees have described tumultuous reorganizations under Bouvat-Merlin’s direction, disrupting established processes and contributing to the app’s problematic launch.

The app’s introduction provoked widespread discontent among users, who voiced their annoyance over the loss of features and ongoing bugs. Although CEO Patrick Spence eventually issued an apology in July, many considered it insufficient. Bouvat-Merlin’s own reaction to the criticism—claiming that it “takes courage to rebuild a brand’s core product from the ground up”—was perceived by some as dismissive of user grievances.

### Leadership Transitions and the Path Forward
The simultaneous exits of Spence and Bouvat-Merlin indicate a wider transformation within Sonos as it endeavors to restore customer faith and stabilize its operations. The company has pledged to continue with the new app while broadening its product range, including mobile audio devices utilizing cloud-based technology. Nevertheless, these aspirations will demand careful implementation to prevent the recurrence of previous errors.

Tom Conrad, the interim CEO, faces the challenging mission of guiding Sonos through this changeover. His choice to take on the role of chief product officer hints at a more consolidated leadership approach, which may aid in expediting decision-making and enhancing accountability.

### Insights Gained and Sonos’ Future
The hurdles faced by Sonos in the past year highlight the necessity of striking a balance between innovation and customer contentment. While the company’s endeavors to update its app and branch into new product areas are laudable, the execution of these strategies has been lacking. The backlash from the app redesign serves as a cautionary example of the dangers of prioritizing speed over quality, especially regarding essential products that consumers depend on.

As Sonos progresses, it will need to prioritize rebuilding trust with its clientele, resolving ongoing app issues, and nurturing a more cooperative internal culture. The leadership shifts, while disruptive, may offer the company a chance to reset and realign its goals.

In the fiercely competitive consumer electronics market, reputation is paramount. For Sonos, the upcoming months will be crucial in determining if it can rebound from recent challenges and regain its status as a frontrunner in the audio sector. With new leadership in place and a refreshed emphasis on customer needs, the company possesses the potential to transform its challenges into avenues for growth and innovation.

“FBI Eliminates Chinese Malware from Thousands of American Computers in Coordinated Operation Across the Nation”

### The FBI’s Covert Mission to Eradicate Chinese Malware: A Pivotal Cybersecurity Endeavor

In a notable step to tackle cyber threats, the FBI has unveiled the successful elimination of Chinese malware from 4,258 computers and networks located in the US. This initiative, carried out in partnership with French law enforcement, employed a distinctive strategy to send “self-delete” commands to the malware, thereby removing it from compromised systems without affecting legitimate files or functionalities. The specific malware involved, a variation of the PlugX software, was used by the China-affiliated Mustang Panda group to infiltrate and extract sensitive data from victims across the globe.

#### **The PlugX Malware: A Continual Menace**

PlugX, a complex remote access tool (RAT), has posed a recognized cybersecurity danger for years. First identified in 2014, it has been involved in numerous campaigns aimed at governments, corporations, and dissidents in the US, Europe, and Asia. The malware enables attackers to take control of infected machines, steal data, and execute commands from afar. In spite of its infamy, many Windows computers continued to be infected, often without the owners’ awareness.

The Mustang Panda group, purportedly financed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), created and deployed this malware to advance the nation’s cyber-espionage agenda. Their operations have been associated with efforts targeting vital sectors, including governmental bodies, private companies, and non-governmental organizations.

#### **How the FBI Mitigated the Threat**

The pivotal moment in this operation occurred when a French law enforcement entity accessed a command-and-control (C2) server utilized by the PlugX malware. This server was capable of sending commands to compromised devices, including one that initiated the malware’s “self-delete” function. This feature, integrated within the malware, facilitated the thorough removal of its executable, related files, and registry entries.

The FBI, capitalizing on this capability, collaborated with French authorities to pinpoint infected devices in the US. By dispatching commands from the C2 server, they could identify the IP addresses of compromised machines. Consequently, the self-delete command was issued, effectively eliminating the malware from these systems.

#### **Legal and Ethical Considerations**

The operation by the FBI was executed under stringent legal supervision. Between August and December 2024, the agency secured nine warrants from the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, permitting the eradication of PlugX from affected systems. The affidavit provided by the FBI stressed that the self-delete command did not interfere with legitimate files or functionalities on the targeted devices, nor did it send any data from them.

Moreover, the FBI collaborated with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that managed the IP addresses of the compromised devices. These ISPs were requested to inform their customers about the malware elimination, ensuring transparency and accountability within the operation.

#### **A Unified Approach in Cybersecurity**

This mission underscores the significance of international cooperation in addressing worldwide cybersecurity issues. The French security firm Sekoia.io was instrumental in identifying the self-delete feature of the PlugX malware and alerting the authorities. This revelation enabled the coordinated effort between French law enforcement and the FBI, showcasing the effectiveness of shared intelligence in combating cybercrime.

#### **An Increasing Trend in Cyber Defense**

The recent operation by the FBI is part of a larger movement towards proactive cybersecurity measures. A comparable campaign was executed a year prior, focusing on hundreds of infected routers with covert commands to eradicate Chinese malware. These operations indicate a shift towards more forceful and preventive actions to neutralize cyber threats before they inflict substantial damage.

#### **Implications for Cybersecurity**

The successful removal of PlugX malware highlights the changing landscape of cybersecurity challenges and the necessity for innovative solutions. It also brings forth critical discussions regarding the equilibrium between privacy and security. While the operation was conducted with legal authorization and transparency, it entailed accessing and issuing commands to private devices—actions that might ignite debates about governmental involvement in cybersecurity.

For individuals and organizations, this occurrence serves as a reminder of the essentiality of strong cybersecurity practices. Regular updates to software, the use of reputable antivirus tools, and awareness of phishing schemes are vital in reducing the chances of malware infections.

#### **Conclusion**

The FBI’s initiative to eradicate PlugX malware marks a significant milestone in combating cyber threats. By leveraging the malware’s inherent functionality, the agency successfully neutralized a persistent menace without jeopardizing the integrity of infected systems. This case emphasizes the necessity of international cooperation, legal supervision, and innovative methods in tackling the intricate challenges of cybersecurity in the digital era. As cyber threats continue to change, so must the strategies and tools employed to counter them.

“ChatGPT Unveils Scheduled Tasks Feature, Amplifying Siri-Like Capabilities”

### The Fusion of AI Domains: OpenAI’s ChatGPT Tasks and the Emergence of Agentic AI

Artificial intelligence is progressing swiftly, introducing innovative tools and features that are transforming our engagement with technology. A notable advancement from OpenAI signals a pivotal change in the AI arena: the integration of conventional digital assistants with sophisticated large language models (LLMs). This progression is illustrated by OpenAI’s latest feature for ChatGPT, termed **Tasks**, which symbolizes the company’s initial venture into the domain of **agentic AI**—a field where AI systems can function with a degree of independence to assist users effectively.

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### **What Is ChatGPT Tasks?**

OpenAI has rolled out **Tasks**, a currently beta feature intended to enhance ChatGPT’s functionality to resemble that of a traditional digital assistant. Tasks enable users to set reminders, establish recurring actions, and receive alerts for specific tasks at particular times. This feature is accessible to **Plus, Team, and Pro subscribers**, while those on the free tier do not yet qualify.

To utilize Tasks, users should choose the “4o with scheduled tasks” option from the model selector. They can then instruct ChatGPT with natural language prompts, similar to how they would phrase any other inquiry. For example, users can request a reminder for an upcoming meeting or ask for a report to be generated at a given time. Importantly, ChatGPT can also propose tasks, but these suggestions need user confirmation before they can be activated.

Once a task is established, users can oversee it through the chat interface or through a separate **Tasks section** within the ChatGPT application. However, currently, there is a limitation of 10 active tasks per user. When a task’s deadline arrives, the ChatGPT app delivers a notification, helping users keep track of their schedules.

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### **Agentic AI: The Upcoming Frontier**

The launch of Tasks signifies OpenAI’s entry into the **agentic AI** domain. Unlike conventional AI systems that depend on user commands for each action, agentic AI applications can function semi-autonomously within set parameters. These systems aim to lighten the cognitive burden on users by automating routine assignments, thereby appealing especially to enterprise and productivity-centered applications.

Agentic AI is attracting attention from both emerging startups and established tech companies due to its potential to yield considerable profits. Developing and sustaining extensive language models such as ChatGPT is resource-heavy, necessitating significant computational resources and specialist knowledge. By providing agentic AI services, businesses can explore lucrative enterprise fronds, where companies are eager to invest in solutions that boost efficiency and productivity.

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### **The Clash of AI Domains: Conventional Assistants vs. LLMs**

The rise of agentic AI is fostering a convergence between classic digital assistants, like Siri and Alexa, and contemporary LLM-based tools such as ChatGPT. Firms like Apple and Amazon are reportedly striving to weave LLM functionalities into their existing AI assistants. Nevertheless, this shift is not devoid of challenges. While LLMs are powerful, they are susceptible to issues like **hallucination** (producing inaccurate or nonsensical outputs) and **unpredictability**, which can shake user confidence.

For OpenAI, the Tasks feature embodies a blended strategy. By incorporating simpler, more trustworthy AI methods into ChatGPT, OpenAI aspires to enhance the practicality and adaptability of its LLM. This approach may help bridge the divide between the “less intelligent but reliable” AI of traditional assistants and the “more intelligent but potentially prone to error” capacities of LLMs.

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### **The Importance of Agentic AI**

The movement towards agentic AI illustrates a larger trend within the technology sector: the ambition to develop AI systems that are not merely reactive but also proactive. Such systems could transform the manner in which we work, learn, and navigate our everyday lives. For instance:

– **Enterprise Applications:** Agentic AI can automate repetitive tasks such as organizing meetings, creating reports, or managing workflows, allowing employees to concentrate on more significant endeavors.
– **Personal Productivity:** Users could depend on agentic AI to manage reminders, structure to-do lists, and even predict needs based on historical behavior.
– **Healthcare and Education:** Agentic AI might support patient oversight, personalized education strategies, and other domains where proactive assistance is essential.

Nonetheless, the triumph of agentic AI depends on its capacity to operate dependably and transparently. Users must be confident that these systems will function as anticipated without introducing mistakes or unforeseen outcomes.

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### **The Future Path**

The rollout of ChatGPT Tasks marks merely the inception of OpenAI’s exploration into agentic AI. As the technology advances, we can anticipate more advanced features that will merge traditional digital assistants with state-of-the-art LLMs. Simultaneously, contenders like Apple and Amazon are likely to quicken their initiatives to implement LLM capabilities into their own AI frameworks.

Over time, the merging of these two AI spheres could give rise to a new generation of instruments that blend the finest aspects of both realms: the reliability and ease of use.