Leftovers

• Science / Mathematics / Computer Science

  • New York Times ☛ Neanderthal Dentistry, and the Scientist Glad Not to Have Experienced It

    The prehistoric hominins “apparently were very adept at what we would consider invasive medicine,” said the anthropologist John Olsen.

  • MIT Technology Review ☛ Colossal Biosciences is growing chickens in a 3D-printed artificial eggshell

    The baby chicks were shifting and starting to pip—or trying to hatch. But not from an egg.  Instead, these chickens were growing inside transparent 3D-printed plastic cups at the Dallas headquarters of Colossal Biosciences.

  • Science Alert ☛ Cannabis Linked to Lower Weight And Reduced Diabetes Risk in Mouse Study

    But not THC on its own.

  • Science Alert ☛ This Gene Is Linked to Lower Alzheimer's Risk – And We May Finally Know Why

    The power of APOE2.

  • Science Alert ☛ There's a Surprisingly Simple Way to Remove Microplastics in Drinking Water

    You may already be doing it.

  • Science Alert ☛ 80% of Earth's Rivers Are Quickly Losing Oxygen, Study Reveals

    We're squeezing the life out of them.

  • Science Alert ☛ Your Weight at Different Ages Could Affect Your Risk of Multiple Cancers

    It's different for men and women.

  • Science Alert ☛ Animals Are Thriving in Chornobyl's Human-Free Zone, Study Finds

    A radioactive Garden of Eden.

  • Science Alert ☛ 'Supergiant' Gold Deposits May Be Worth Over US$80 Billion

    A monumental discovery.

  • Science Alert ☛ New Weight-Loss Pill Could Help Solve a Major Problem With GLP-1 Drugs

    It's cheaper too.

• Career/Education

  • Bridge Michigan ☛ MSU’s new ethics policy: Gag order or commonsense loyalty guide for trustees?

    Approved during a rare Sunday meeting, a new ethics policy is drawing criticism from those who say it violates free speech. But proponents say it’s necessary to outline expectations of trustees.

• Hardware

  • Tom's Hardware ☛ Fake Samsung SSD spotting comes to CrystalDiskInfo as Hey Hi (AI) crunch drives sophisticated counterfeit market — free open-source software can flag clones by checking firmware, PCI Vendor ID

    CrystalDiskInfo's new feature will tell you whether your Samsung SSD is the real deal or not.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Union calls strike at S. Korea chip giant Samsung Electronics

    The walkout could involve more than 50,000 workers.

  • Tom's Hardware ☛ SMIC founder and AMEC CEO urge Chinese fabs to test domestic chipmaking tools on active production lines — equipment makers post record revenue but falling margins

    China's semiconductor equipment vendors collectively posted record revenues in 2025, but profitability is under pressure from domestic price competition.

• Health/Nutrition/Agriculture

  • France24 ☛ Latest Ebola outbreak tough to tackle

    In tonight's edition, the World Health Organization is warning that it's unlikely the Ebola outbreak will be over in the next two months. Also, a Kenyan transport strike triggered by rising fuel prices due to the Middle East war is paused  after causing four deaths and major economic disruption. And pretrial hearings open in The Hague over a former Libyan prison commander that prosecutors say was known as the angel of death  by terrified detainees.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Ebola virus: Thailand tracks travellers from high-risk areas, puts hospitals on alert

    Thailand has not detected any Ebola cases, but surveillance has been stepped up as a precaution.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Bali increases surveillance for hantavirus

    All entry gates into Bali, including seaports and airports, are tightly monitored

  • The Straits Times ☛ Thailand steps up mpox surveillance after two new cases

    Since the beginning of 2026, six cases have been reported in Thailand, with no deaths.

  • New York Times ☛ What the End of Aid Looks Like

    The United States and other countries are cutting humanitarian relief. Our reporter went to Somalia to see the impact.

  • The Strategist ☛ China is bolstering food security with biomanufacturing. Australia should, too

    Australia urgently needs sovereign biomanufacturing capability to reduce its exposure to fragile global supply chains, especially those tied to agri-food systems. A national biomanufacturing strategy is essential to achieve this. .

  • European Commission ☛ Commission presents plan to secure Europe's fertiliser supply and food security

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 May 2026 Today, the European Commission adopted the Fertiliser Action Plan: an initiative to support farmers facing rising fertiliser costs and scarcity, reinforce domestic production and reduce Europe's dependency on imports.

  • New York Times ☛ What to Know About the Ebola Outbreak as Cases and Deaths Rise

    More than 130 deaths and over 500 cases are suspected. The United States restricted entry for people who have been to three African countries after a global health emergency was declared.

  • Mexico News Daily ☛ WHO warnings on Ebola outbreaks in Africa prompt Mexico to issue a travel advisory

    As with the hantavirus, there are no confirmed cases in Mexico and the probability of a local outbreak is low, but the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization urge travelers to take precautions.

  • New York Times ☛ Ebola Outbreak in Central Africa Could Last Months, W.H.O. Says

    Health officials reported more than 130 suspected deaths and 540 cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, but experts say the figures could be much higher.

  • New York Times ☛ Senate Republicans Introduce Funding Measure to Combat Online Child Abuse

    As part of the reconciliation bill, the senators have allocated $108 million over three years to add nearly 200 specialists at the Department of Homeland Security.

• Proprietary / SaaS

  • Qt ☛ Introducing Qt's GUI Design Skill: Design for Developers in Agentic Workflows [Ed: Qt pushing a lot of slop these days]

    Not every UI developer has a UX designer at their disposal. Some R&D teams, especially in small and medium-sized businesses, need to build a user interface without the help of human UI design experts.

  • So-Called 'Artificial Intelligence' ('AI') / LLM Slop / Plagiarism

    • Futurism ☛ Book About AI’s Effects on the “Future of Truth” Found to Contain Slew of AI-Hallucinated Quotations

      Poetic, really.

    • ACLU ☛ Studies Question Value of AI-Assisted Police Reports

      Researchers asked experienced police supervisors to rate police reports, some of which were written by humans and some by AI

    • Digital Music News ☛ Spotify Expands Verification Badges to Podcasts, Says It’ll Remove Unauthorized Soundalike Uploads Made With ‘AI Voice Cloning or Any Other Method’

      As Hey Hi (AI) uploads continue to inundate DSPs, Spotify has expanded its verification badges to the podcasting side, where programs are being reviewed “against Spotify’s standards for authenticity and trust.” The streaming service officially brought “Verified by Spotify” to podcasts today, about three weeks after unveiling the verification measure for artist pages.

  • Social Control Media

    • Digital Music News ☛ The Wixen vs. Meta Showdown Intensifies: Publisher Doubles Down on Defamation Allegations In Expanded $100 Million-Plus Lawsuit

      Right on cue, Wixen Music Publishing has fired off a supersized copyright monopoly infringement and defamation lawsuit – now including detailed allegations of reputational harm – against Meta. Wixen just recently made its first amended complaint official, about four months after initially suing Meta and weeks after a counsel-to-counsel meeting failed to produce a resolution.

• Security

  • Privacy/Surveillance

    • Privacy International ☛ Privacy International’s submission to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the protection of human rights defenders in the digital age

    • Michael Geist ☛ Tech Exodus: Why Bill C-22’s Privacy and Security Risks Will Drive Digital Services Out of the Country

      Over the past week, a growing number of tech companies have warned that they may be forced to leave Canada if Bill C-22, the lawful access bill, remains unchanged. The government’s response to warnings from Signal,

• Defence/Aggression

  • New York Times ☛ The San Diego Mosque Shootings Were a Crime Made for and by the Internet

    Authorities said the teenagers who killed three men met online, posted their writings there and livestreamed the killings.

  • CS Monitor ☛ Why the two Koreas may be giving up on reunification

    The government in North Korea has abandoned its official goal of unification with South Korea. Now, the leadership in South Korea has to figure out if it will do the same.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Brutal stabbing in Kelantan puts spotlight on femicide

    Femicide is a term used to describe the intentional killing of women because of their gender.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Japan asks China to ensure citizens’ safety after Shanghai stabbing

    Three people were taken to hospital, with Japanese media later reporting two were Japanese.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Taiwan’s future cannot be decided by ‘external forces’, president says

    He reiterated that Taiwan was willing to engage in healthy and orderly exchanges with China.

  • Xi-Dihydroxyacetone Man talks cast fresh spotlight on Taiwan as part of China’s maritime strategy

    Analysts say Beijing views both Taiwan and the South China Sea as integral to strategic rivalry with U.S.

  • France24 ☛ Taiwan leader says ‘foreign forces’ cannot decide island’s future amid China pressure

    Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Wednesday that “foreign forces” could not decide the future of the democratic island, days after US President The Insurrectionist suggested arms sales to Taiwan could be used as leverage in talks with China. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to seize it by force.

  • CS Monitor ☛ A welcome spotlight on China’s Christians

    The possibility that a prominent pastor might be released from detention – which was indicated at last week’s U.S.-China summit – has put a new focus on why Christianity endures in China.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Philippine Senate probes security after shots fired last week

    Security officers are being investigated for firing their weapons without provocation.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Malaysia seeks more than $321m from Norway over axed defence deal

    Oslo had abruptly cancelled export approvals for a naval strike missile system.

  • Russia, Belarus, and War in Ukraine

    • Latvia ☛ President Rinkēvičs visits Preiļi in eastern Latvia

      Security, demographics, and healthcare—these are the three areas that must be addressed as a priority in the country, said President Edgars Rinkēvičs during a regional visit to Preiļi on Monday, 18th May.

    • LRT ☛ Lithuania warns of possible provocations after Russian drone allegations

      Lithuania faces the risk of “very serious provocations” following Russian allegations that the Baltic state provided airspace for Ukrainian drone strikes, a top presidential aide said on Tuesday.

    • France24 ☛ Sweden to buy four frigates from France's Naval Group

      Sweden's government said Tuesday that it would buy four new frigates from France's Naval Group as part of a rearmament effort launched after the war in Ukraine and its accession to NATO in 2024. "This is one of the largest Swedish defence investments since the Gripen fighter jet was introduced in the 1980s," Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said at press conference aboard a navy corvette in Stockholm. FRANCE 24's Emerald Maxwell reports.

    • ADF ☛ Russia Launches Crypto [Scam] in Africa

      Russia is attempting to build its own financial system in Africa using a cryptocurrency tied to the ruble in what experts believe is an effort to evade international banking sanctions imposed after the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

    • New York Times ☛ As Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Sites, an Environmental Disaster Unfolds

      After invading more than four years ago, Moscow has usually been the one causing ecological disaster. But Kyiv’s strikes, intended to cut into the Kremlin’s oil revenue, have flipped the script.

    • New York Times ☛ As a Weakened Putin Follows Convicted Felon to Beijing, Iran War Offers an Opening

      With the upheaval in the Persian Gulf disrupting oil and gas supplies, Russia is looking to deepen its energy ties to China.

    • CS Monitor ☛ First Convicted Felon, now Putin: Beijing receives Russian leader to bolster ‘partnership’

      By visiting Beijing, Vladimir Putin is trying to bolster relations between Russia and China – and to limit their vulnerability to U.S. adventurism.

    • The Straits Times ☛ What to know as Pooh-tin hosts Putin in Beijing days after Convicted Felon

      The Russian leader is a regular visitor to China and has met the Chinese President dozens of times.

    • The Straits Times ☛ Xi, Putin to meet in Beijing for tea diplomacy after Convicted Felon visit

      Mr Putin arrives in Beijing at a time when bilateral trade is improving after a downturn in 2024.

    • France24 ☛ Putin lands in China for trip that aims to show unshakeable ties after Convicted Felon pomp

      Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing late on Tuesday for talks with his Chinese counterpart and "long-time good friend" Pooh-tin Jinping, intending to show their ties are unshakeable days after a visit by The Insurrectionist. FRANCE 24's Carys Garland reports.

    • France24 ☛ 'Russia and China share same goal in constructing alternative world order', analyst says

      Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Rex Li, Research Affiliate of Lau China Institute and Professor of International Relations at the School of Global Affairs King's College London, says that Vladimir Putin has been "warmly welcomed by Chinese leaders" compared to The Insurrectionist, explaining that "Russia and China share the same goal of building a multi-polar world and constructing an alternative world order".

    • ADF ☛ Mali’s Overreliance on Mercenary Forces Leads to Failure

      Since inviting Russian mercenaries into Mali in 2021, the country’s ruling junta has focused its attention on subduing northern Tuareg rebels. Analysts believe the decision has let terror groups Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel expand their presence in the country and threaten Mali’s economy with blockades.

    • The Straits Times ☛ What's at stake in Armenia's June election?

      May 19 - Armenia holds a parliamentary election on June 7 that pits the governing Civil Contract party, which is pursuing closer ties with the West, against an array of opposition parties, many of which are pro-Russian.

    • Latvia ☛ Russia doubles rail freight tariffs for Latvia, Estonia, Finland

      Russia will double railway freight tariffs on cargo bound for Estonia, Latvia and Finland starting June 1, 2026, under a new order from the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS), reports ERR News in Tallinn.

    • Latvia ☛ Russian diplomat summoned, US backs Latvia at United Nations Security Council

      On May 19th, the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned a Russian diplomat yet again over the latest blatant misinformation disseminated by that aggressor state.

• Environment

  • The Straits Times ☛ At least 21 killed as heavy rain drenches southern, central China

    Authorities said they were launching emergency responses in several affected areas.

  • Energy/Transportation

    • Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Australia secures Chinese jet fuel to keep flying in energy squeeze

      Australia has secured three shipments of jet fuel from China totalling 600,000 barrels, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday, doubling the national supply. The Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused fuel prices to soar and left many Asia-Pacific nations facing an energy crisis.

    • The Straits Times ☛ South Korea, Japan agree to shore up energy cooperation, strengthen security ties

      The agreement includes stockpiling and petroleum product swop arrangements.

  • Wildlife/Nature

    • The Straits Times ☛ Japanese zoo may ban photography near viral monkey Punch’s enclosure

      Two men were arrested on May 17 after one of them intruded the macaque's enclosure.

    • Science Alert ☛ Two Whales Just Broke a Migration Record Scientists Didn't Expect

      "Challenges what we thought we knew."

• Finance

  • The Straits Times ☛ Four teenagers attack e-hailing driver in Malaysia’s Melaka state over fare

    The suspects were two boys aged 15 and 17, and two girls aged 14. They have been arrested.

  • New York Times ☛ Bond Yields Hit Highest Level Since 2007 as Inflation Fears Set In

    The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield hasn’t been this high since the lead-up to the global financial crisis. Across Europe and Asia, yields are also elevated.

  • New York Times ☛ L.I.R.R. Workers Are in Line for Raises, but at What Cost to New York?

    Details are still emerging about the contract reached after a three-day strike that shut down America’s busiest passenger rail service. But the fallout could be felt for years.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Samsung, union narrow some differences as major strike nears

    The two sides are trying to hash out a deal on bonus payments before 48,000 workers go on strike.

• Censorship/Free Speech

  • New York Times ☛ Starbucks Korea CEO Fired Over ‘Tank Day’ Ad Evoking Country’s Brutal History

    A marketing campaign called “Tank Day” coincided with the anniversary of a military dictatorship’s crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.

• Freedom of Information / Freedom of the Press

  • Press Gazette ☛ Journalism job cuts in 2026 tracked: NPR to cut 30 staff after offering 300 buyouts

  • Press Gazette ☛ Cornwall Live risked identifying sexual assault victim, says IPSO

    Reach website did not accept victim could have been identified from story.

• Internet Policy/Net Neutrality

  • Internet Society ☛ An Open Fiber Data Standard to Make the Internet for Everyone

    The Open Fibre Data Standard is an open data, open standards initiative to develop and implement a common language for describing terrestrial fiber networks.

• Monopolies/Monopsonies

  • Patents

    • Dennis Crouch/Patently-O ☛ The Survivors: Post-IPR Claims, the Presumption of Validity, and the Limits of § 285

      Federal Circuit affirms dismissal of mCom's surviving-claim suit but reverses § 285 fees and § 1927 sanctions, defending the presumption of validity.

    • Dennis Crouch/Patently-O ☛ Williamson Found Its Mark: New Data on Functional Claim Language, 1976-2026

      How Federal Circuit decisions reshaped patent monopoly claim drafting: fifty years of data show the rise of 'configured to' and the post-Williamson turn.

    • Unified Patents ☛ Wyoming Technology vehicle patent monopoly prior art found

      The team at Unified used Pearl to successfully identify and chart prior art against claim 33 of U.S. Patent 7,482,916, owned by Wyoming Technology Licensing, LLC, an NPE and entity of Leigh M. Rothschild.

    • JUVE ☛ Asus signs up to Sisvel’s Wi-Fi Multimode pool, ending litigation [Ed: Surrendering to patent trolls connected to Microsoft]

      With Asus, Sisvel has secured another major electronics manufacturer as a licensee of its Wi-Fi Multimode programme. Asus joins existing licensees Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei, Panasonic, Philips, Sony Group Corporation, and ZTE. The pool covers SEPs for the Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 standards.

  • Copyrights

    • Public Domain Review ☛ “Plaything of the Gods”: Photographs of Pushball (early 1900s)

      Photographs and films of a forgotten pastime.