Neuroscience has made significant strides, yet a comprehensive understanding of the brain remains distant. While we've mapped connectomes and identified functional regions, we lack a unifying theory explaining how neural activity generates cognition and behavior. Current models, like predictive coding, are insightful but incomplete, struggling to bridge the gap between micro-level neural processes and macro-level phenomena like consciousness. Technological advancements, such as better brain-computer interfaces, hold promise, but truly understanding the brain requires conceptual breakthroughs that integrate diverse findings across scales and disciplines. Significant challenges include the brain's complexity, ethical limitations on human research, and the difficulty of studying subjective experience.
Ironically, birds like magpies and crows are using anti-bird spikes, intended to deter them from nesting, as nesting material. These intelligent corvids incorporate the sharp spikes into their nests, potentially providing extra protection against predators or strengthening the nest structure. While the spikes may deter some smaller birds, they've inadvertently provided resourceful corvids with a readily available and robust building material, highlighting the adaptability and ingenuity of these species.
HN commenters generally found the magpies' adaptation of anti-bird spikes for nest-building amusing and a testament to their intelligence. Some pointed out the irony of humans trying to outsmart nature, only to have nature adapt and use the "defense" to its advantage. A few noted the sturdiness and readily available nature of the spikes as ideal nest-building material, comparing it to humans repurposing materials. Others expressed concern that the spikes could injure the birds or their young, while some dismissed this concern based on the birds' apparent ability to navigate the spikes safely. The potential for increased nest security due to the spikes was also mentioned. Finally, some commenters shared similar anecdotal observations of birds using human-made materials in unexpected ways for nest construction.
Scientists have extracted ancient DNA from a 20,000-year-old deer-tooth pendant found in Denisova Cave, Siberia. The DNA, primarily from a woman, likely originated from skin cells shed during the pendant's creation or wear. This marks the first successful extraction of ancient human DNA from such an artifact and offers a new method for studying prehistoric populations and the use of personal ornaments without destructive sampling of skeletal remains. Researchers compared the woman's genome to other ancient individuals, determining she was genetically related to a population known as Ancient North Eurasians, who lived in Siberia during the same period. The study reveals valuable information about the pendant's owner and provides a glimpse into the lives of people living during the last Ice Age.
HN commenters were fascinated by the process of extracting DNA from a porous material like the deer tooth pendant. Several expressed amazement at the preservation of the DNA and the ability to link it to a specific individual after 20,000 years. Some discussed the implications for understanding ancient human migration and social structures, while others questioned the potential for contamination and the reliability of the dating methods. A few commenters jokingly speculated about the possibility of Jurassic Park-like scenarios arising from ancient DNA extraction, while others focused on the impressive scientific achievement itself. A compelling comment pointed out the inherent sexism in automatically assuming the pendant maker was female, given that tools and adornments are not gender-specific. Others wondered if the DNA might have been deposited via saliva or sweat, rather than blood, during the creation or wearing of the pendant.
Common Lisp saw continued, albeit slow and steady, progress in 2023-2024. Key developments include improved tooling, notably with the rise of the CLPM build system and continued refinement of Roswell. Libraries like FFI, CFFI, and Bordeaux Threads saw improvements, along with advancements in web development frameworks like CLOG and Woo. The community remains active, albeit small, with ongoing efforts in areas like documentation and learning resources. While no groundbreaking shifts occurred, the ecosystem continues to mature, providing a stable and powerful platform for its dedicated user base.
Several commenters on Hacker News appreciated the overview of Common Lisp's recent developments and the author's personal experience. Some highlighted the value of CL's stability and the ongoing work improving its ecosystem, particularly around areas like web development. Others discussed the language's strengths, such as its powerful macro system and interactive development environment, while acknowledging its steeper learning curve compared to more mainstream options. The continued interest and slow but steady progress of Common Lisp were seen as positive signs. One commenter expressed excitement about upcoming web framework improvements, while others shared their own positive experiences with using CL for specific projects.
The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, nicknamed the "Hotel of Doom," remains unfinished and unopened despite decades of construction. Recent photos offer a glimpse inside the colossal 105-story pyramid-shaped structure, revealing bare concrete interiors and a lack of fixtures or furnishings. Although exterior lighting and some window panes have been installed, suggesting intermittent progress, the building's interior appears far from completion. Originally envisioned as a symbol of North Korean ingenuity and a luxury hotel, the Ryugyong Hotel has become a notorious symbol of the country's economic struggles and broken promises.
HN commenters discuss the Ryugyong Hotel's history, noting its construction coincided with the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent economic hardship for North Korea, halting progress. Some express skepticism about its true "emptiness," suggesting possible internal use by the regime or as a surveillance hub. Others point to the hotel as a symbol of North Korean propaganda and failed ambitions. The practicality of its pyramid shape is questioned, with comments suggesting its form was chosen for symbolic, not functional, reasons. The discussion also touches on the challenges and ethical considerations of tourism in North Korea. Several users highlight the difficulty of verifying information coming out of the country.
Massena, a small town in upstate New York, recently finalized its acquisition of the local power grid from National Grid after a decades-long struggle. This move creates a publicly owned electric utility, allowing Massena to control its energy future and pursue lower rates, renewable energy development, and improved reliability for residents. The transition signifies a significant victory for municipal control and potentially provides a model for other communities seeking energy independence.
Hacker News commenters generally praised Massena's move to municipalize its power, viewing it as a successful example of a community reclaiming control over essential services and potentially lowering costs. Some highlighted the long and difficult process involved in such transitions, noting the legal battles and political maneuvering required. Others pointed out the potential benefits of publicly owned utilities, including greater transparency, accountability, and reinvestment in the community. A few commenters offered cautionary notes, emphasizing the need for competent management and the potential for local politics to interfere with efficient operation. Some expressed skepticism about the replicability of this model in other locations due to varying regulatory landscapes and the entrenched power of private utilities. Several commenters also discussed the broader implications for energy independence and the transition to renewable energy sources.
A new report reveals California law enforcement misused state databases over 7,000 times in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. These violations, documented by the California Department of Justice, ranged from unauthorized access for personal reasons to sharing information improperly with third parties. The most frequent abuses involved accessing driver's license information and criminal histories, raising concerns about privacy and potential discrimination. While the report highlights increased reporting and accountability measures, the sheer volume of violations underscores the need for continued oversight and stricter enforcement to prevent future misuse of sensitive personal data.
Hacker News users discuss the implications of California law enforcement's misuse of state databases. Several express concern over the lack of meaningful consequences for officers, suggesting the fines are too small to deter future abuse. Some highlight the potential chilling effect on reporting crimes, particularly domestic violence, if victims fear their information will be improperly accessed. Others call for greater transparency and public access to the audit data, along with stricter penalties for offenders, including termination and criminal charges. The need for stronger oversight and systemic changes within law enforcement agencies is a recurring theme. A few commenters question the scope of permissible searches and the definition of "misuse," suggesting further clarification is needed.
Flame is a new programming language designed specifically for spreadsheet formulas. It aims to improve upon existing spreadsheet formula systems by offering stronger typing, better modularity, and improved error handling. Flame programs are compiled to a low-level bytecode, which allows for efficient execution. The authors demonstrate that Flame can express complex spreadsheet tasks more concisely and clearly than traditional formulas, while also offering performance comparable to or exceeding existing spreadsheet software. This makes Flame a potential candidate for replacing or augmenting current formula systems in spreadsheets, leading to more robust and maintainable spreadsheet applications.
Hacker News users discussed Flame, a language model designed for spreadsheet formulas. Several commenters expressed skepticism about the practicality and necessity of such a tool, questioning whether natural language is truly superior to traditional formula syntax for spreadsheet tasks. Some argued that existing formula syntax, while perhaps not intuitive initially, offers precision and control that natural language descriptions might lack. Others pointed out potential issues with ambiguity in natural language instructions. There was some interest in the model's ability to explain existing formulas, but overall, the reception was cautious, with many doubting the real-world usefulness of this approach. A few commenters expressed interest in seeing how Flame handles complex, real-world spreadsheet scenarios, rather than the simplified examples provided.
Esri has released the USA Hydro Network v1.0, the most detailed open map of US surface water ever created. Derived from the 3D Elevation Program's 1-meter resolution data, this hydro network boasts unparalleled accuracy and granularity, providing a much clearer picture of water flow compared to previous datasets. It features over 100 million flowline segments and includes detailed information on flow direction, stream order, and watershed boundaries, offering valuable insights for applications like hydrologic modeling, environmental management, and infrastructure planning. The data is freely available for download and use.
HN commenters generally expressed enthusiasm for the detailed water map, praising its visual appeal and potential uses for conservation, research, and recreation. Some raised concerns about the map's accuracy, particularly regarding ephemeral streams and the potential impact on regulatory determinations. A few commenters discussed the underlying data sources and technical aspects of the map's creation, including its resolution and the challenges of mapping dynamic water systems. Others shared links to related resources like the National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) and other mapping tools, comparing and contrasting them to the featured map. Several commenters also highlighted the importance of accurate water data for addressing various environmental challenges.
The blog post details the process of "softmodding" an original Xbox in 2023 using a JTAG exploit. While hardware methods like soldering a physical modchip are still possible, the author focuses on a software approach leveraging a readily available Xbox debug cable and a PC. This involves booting a specifically crafted exploit image via the debug cable to enable kernel patching and ultimately allow execution of unsigned code. The guide covers necessary tools, resources, and steps involved, including obtaining a suitable exploit image, configuring the Xbox, and transferring necessary files. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks and ethical considerations involved in modifying game consoles.
Hacker News users generally expressed appreciation for the blog post's detailed walkthrough of the Xbox JTAG hacking process. Several commenters reminisced about their own experiences modding original Xboxes, highlighting the nostalgia factor. Some discussed the nuances of the different modchips available and the evolution of Xbox modding over time. A few users also offered additional technical details and corrections, pointing out specific aspects of the process or clarifying information presented in the blog post. One commenter discussed the legal implications of downloading copyrighted Xbox games. Overall, the comments reflect a positive reception to the article, with a mix of nostalgia, technical discussion, and practical advice.
Summary of Comments ( 7 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43342407
HN commenters discuss the challenges of understanding the brain, echoing the article's points about its complexity. Several highlight the limitations of current tools and methods, noting that even with advanced imaging, we're still largely observing correlations, not causation. Some express skepticism about the potential of large language models (LLMs) as brain analogs, arguing that their statistical nature differs fundamentally from biological processes. Others are more optimistic about computational approaches, suggesting that combining different models and focusing on specific functions could lead to breakthroughs. The ethical implications of brain research are also touched upon, with concerns raised about potential misuse of any deep understanding we might achieve. A few comments offer historical context, pointing to past over-optimism in neuroscience and emphasizing the long road ahead.
The Hacker News post "How far neuroscience is from understanding brains (2023)" linking to a PMC article elicited a moderate discussion with several compelling threads.
One commenter highlighted the distinction between "understanding" at different levels. They argue that while neuroscience has made impressive strides in mapping specific brain regions to functions and understanding the mechanics of individual neurons, it's a far cry from understanding the emergent properties of consciousness and subjective experience. They use the analogy of understanding the physics of individual transistors versus understanding how a complex computer program works. Knowing the low-level details doesn't automatically translate to comprehending the higher-level complexities.
Another commenter expressed skepticism about the usefulness of large-scale brain simulations, referencing the Human Brain Project. They suggested that the focus should be on understanding fundamental principles first, before attempting to simulate the entire brain. They also questioned the assumption that simply simulating a brain would lead to understanding consciousness.
Building on the simulation skepticism, another user compared brain simulation to simulating weather patterns. While we can predict weather with increasing accuracy, we don't truly understand it in a deep, causal sense. They argued that a similar situation might arise with brain simulations – we might be able to replicate behavior without truly understanding the underlying mechanisms of consciousness.
Another discussion thread touched on the philosophical implications of consciousness and the hard problem of subjectivity. One commenter argued that understanding the physical mechanisms of the brain might not be enough to explain subjective experience. They suggest that consciousness might be an emergent property that cannot be reduced to its constituent parts.
Several comments also focused on the limitations of current neuroscientific tools and techniques. One user pointed out the difficulty of studying live human brains in detail, and the reliance on animal models which may not fully translate to human cognition. Another commenter discussed the limitations of fMRI in capturing the complex dynamics of brain activity.
Finally, a more optimistic commenter argued that while neuroscience has a long way to go, the progress made in recent decades is undeniable. They point to advancements in neuroimaging, brain-computer interfaces, and treatments for neurological disorders as evidence of the field's progress. They suggest that continued investment in research will eventually lead to a deeper understanding of the brain and consciousness.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a range of perspectives on the current state of neuroscience. While some express skepticism about the feasibility of truly understanding the brain, others are more optimistic about the potential for future breakthroughs. The discussion highlights the significant challenges that remain in understanding consciousness and the complex interplay between brain activity and subjective experience.