Technology

The Download: down the Mandela effect rabbit hole, and the promise of a vaccine for colds

Source

MIT Technology Review

Published

Oct 31, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

The article delves into the Mandela effect, exploring why many people believe the Fruit of the Loom logo includes a cornucopia when it doesn't. It also discusses the challenges in developing a vaccine for the common cold, highlighting the difficulty scientists face in creating one. Additionally, the piece touches on the archives of the NASA Ames Research Center, showcasing its history and contributions to scientific research. The article also features a roundup of tech news, including discussions on banning TP-Link devices, ICE deportation networks, and advancements in AI, robotics, and computer vision technologies.

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Microsoft just killed Edge’s Collections and Sidebar for more Copilot, after years of pushing both features

Microsoft has discontinued Edge's Collections and Sidebar features with the release of Edge 149 on June 4, 2026. Collections allowed users to organize web content, while Sidebar provided quick access to mini web apps. Users are advised to export their data before upgrading to Edge 149 to avoid losing their collections. The removal of these features is part of Microsoft's shift towards focusing on the Copilot feature and AI integration in Edge.

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NSA using Claude Mythos for 'offensive cyber operations,' report claims — says 'half-a-dozen' Anthropic engineers embedded inside the agency

The National Security Agency (NSA) is reportedly utilizing Anthropic's cybersecurity-focused Mythos model for "offensive cyber operations," with several Anthropic engineers embedded within the agency. This move aims to gain an advantage over adversaries who may also be using similar AI models. Despite Anthropic being banned from providing services to the Department of Defense (DOD), the engineers are assisting in customizing Mythos for specialized cyber-attacks. The situation stems from a dispute between Anthropic and the DOD over the use of AI for various purposes, leading to Anthropic being labeled a supply chain risk. The ongoing legal battle between Anthropic and the DOD adds complexity to the situation, raising questions about the future of their relationship.

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Seattle to pass one-year AI data center moratorium next week — will use window to study community impact of AI buildouts

Seattle is set to implement a one-year moratorium on AI data center construction to assess the impact on the community. The decision follows public support and concerns about issues like increased electricity bills and environmental impacts. The city plans to use this period to study the effects of data centers on the surrounding areas and establish regulations for their development. Residents have backed the temporary ban, highlighting worries about pollution, noise, and land use. This move contrasts with other states where politicians have faced opposition for supporting data center projects.

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1 week ago

CEO Interview with Daniel Schall of Black Semiconductor

Daniel Schall, CEO of Black Semiconductor, discusses the company's focus on addressing chip-to-chip communication bottlenecks with integrated graphene photonics technology. The company's Black Semiconductor IGP™ technology aims to enable AI scaling by revolutionizing chip communication. By utilizing graphene's unique properties, Black Semiconductor's technology allows for faster and more energy-efficient data transmission between chips. The construction of FabONE, a 300mm facility in Germany, is underway to integrate electronics and photonics using graphene, with plans for pilot production in 2027 and volume production by 2029. The acquisition of Applied Nanolayers in 2025 enhances Black Semiconductor's capabilities in industrial graphene production, ensuring a robust material supply chain for their innovative technology.

SemiWiki•

1 week ago

Microsoft just killed Edge’s Collections and Sidebar for more Copilot, after years of pushing both features

Windows Latest•

1 week ago

NSA using Claude Mythos for 'offensive cyber operations,' report claims — says 'half-a-dozen' Anthropic engineers embedded inside the agency

Tom's Hardware•

1 week ago

Seattle to pass one-year AI data center moratorium next week — will use window to study community impact of AI buildouts

Tom's Hardware•

1 week ago

CEO Interview with Daniel Schall of Black Semiconductor

SemiWiki•

1 week ago

The Download: down the Mandela effect rabbit hole, and the promise of a vaccine for colds

TL;DR

Similar Articles

Microsoft just killed Edge’s Collections and Sidebar for more Copilot, after years of pushing both features

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The Download: down the Mandela effect rabbit hole, and the promise of a vaccine for colds

TL;DR

Similar Articles

Microsoft just killed Edge’s Collections and Sidebar for more Copilot, after years of pushing both features

NSA using Claude Mythos for 'offensive cyber operations,' report claims — says 'half-a-dozen' Anthropic engineers embedded inside the agency

Seattle to pass one-year AI data center moratorium next week — will use window to study community impact of AI buildouts

CEO Interview with Daniel Schall of Black Semiconductor