ChatGPT-4 Beat Doctors at Diagnosing Illness, Study Finds
Dr. Adam Rodman, a Boston-based internal medicine expert, helped design a study testing 50 licensed physicians to see whether ChatGPT improved their diagnoses, reports the New York TImes. The results? "Doctors who were given ChatGPT-4 along with conventional resources did only slightly better than doctors who did not have access to the bot.
Large Language Model Influence on Diagnostic Reasoning
A Randomized Clinical Trial
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825395
A pioneering exchange in Mexico has taken a significant step by prioritizing Lightning Network integration, enabling users to send funds to any Mexican bank account via Lightning.
The next logical step would be incorporating BOLT12 recurring payments. This development brings us closer to the ultimate goal of a seamless Bitcoin experience, where users can automatically convert their Bitcoin to cover expenses as bills arrive.
The demand for such a service is palpable – now it's up to developers to make it a reality.
Instant bitcoin to pesos
Lightning-powered swaps to send pesos to any bank account in Mexico. Pay your rent, send money to a friend, buy tacos, pay for a ride, and more - all with bitcoin
Simplicity, a smart contract language offering enhanced provability and expressiveness, has been deployed on the Liquid Testnet.
Developers can now program directly in Simplicity or utilize Simfony, a Rust-like language developed by Blockstream, which compiles down to Simplicity.
This marks a significant milestone, as Simplicity's eventual deployment on mainnet will bring smart contracts into direct interaction with actual Bitcoin, providing a true test of their utility and value.
Simplicity Arrives on Liquid Testnet
https://blog.blockstream.com/simplicity-arrives-on-liquid-testnet/
New Ymir Ransomware Exploits Memory for Stealthy Attacks; Targets Corporate Networks
https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/new-ymir-ransomware-exploits-memory-for.html
Hello, Rootstock Swaps! đź‘‹
Why Communication Metadata Matters
Imagine a search engine where you pay a small fee per search, mere pennies, but with a twist: the incentives are aligned in your favor.
The goal is to provide you with quality results, so you'll return, rather than bombarding you with ads.
This model is refreshingly customer-centric, unlike traditional search engines like Google, which can be quick to cancel users who don't fit their mold.
It's an approach that puts the user first, and one that hopefully, more of the web will adopt in the future.
Athenut search engine:
What's the secret to attaining genuine freedom and autonomy in our digital existence?
Despite numerous attempts, we continue to accumulate knowledge as networks naturally gravitate towards a centralized authority or oligopoly.
This entity initially provides a service but eventually exploits its power. What drives this phenomenon, and how can we avoid it?
Is it an unavoidable outcome, or are we merely witnessing a gradual evolution, failing to recognize the obvious trajectory unfolding before us?
One possible explanation lies in the inherent dynamics of network growth. As networks expand, they tend to centralize around hubs or nodes that offer greater efficiency, convenience, or value.
This centralization can foster the emergence of dominant players, which may eventually abuse their power. Another factor is the human tendency to prioritize convenience over autonomy.
We often favor ease of use and streamlined experiences over maintaining control over our digital lives. This trade-off can lead to a gradual erosion of autonomy as we become increasingly reliant on centralized services.
To prevent this cycle, we must prioritize decentralized systems and technologies that empower individuals to maintain control over their data and digital interactions.
This might involve supporting alternative networks and platforms that promote user autonomy, investing in decentralized infrastructure, and advocating for policies that safeguard digital rights.
Moreover, it's crucial to recognize that achieving true freedom and autonomy in our digital lives is an ongoing process, requiring continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation.
By acknowledging the historical patterns and pitfalls of network growth, we can work towards creating a more decentralized, equitable, and autonomous digital landscape.
Ultimately, the path to genuine digital freedom is not inevitable, but it does require a concerted effort to recognize the risks and opportunities inherent in network growth. And to make informed choices about the kind of digital world we want to create.
“The server owns your data, owns your account, and owns the cryptographic keys used to secure it.
That last bit is obscure, but important. Cryptographic keys are how we enforce security, privacy, ownership, and control in software. Not your keys, not your data.”
— Gordon Brander
This fantastic article by Gordon Brander on the evolution of networks, and the emergence of Nostr will enlighten.
Article:
Nature's many attempts to evolve a Nostr
https://newsletter.squishy.computer/p/natures-many-attempts-to-evolve-a
"The market of bitcoin holders will ultimately expand to be larger than the size of any single country, and direct exchange will be possible by and between more people than ever before.
That itself might be the single largest driving force that will expand the scope of trade and direct exchange–more people holding and being willing to accept bitcoin will create more trade channels than could possibly exist in the fiat world." — Parker Lewis
Does bitcoin's value surge as it becomes more user-friendly for transactions?
This article delves into the concept that bitcoin's value is tied to its effectiveness as a currency and explores the potential implications for its future growth and mainstream acceptance.
Article: Bitcoin's Exchange Theory of Value
You can enhance the security of your account by using a YubiKey, which offers greater protection compared to SMS-based two-factor authentication (2FA).
To add a security key to your account, visit the website's settings or security section, insert the YubiKey into a USB port or tap it against your phone for NFC support.
Follow the instructions provided by the website to associate the YubiKey with your account, and store the device in a safe place for future use during login.
How to use two-factor authentication
https://help.x.com/en/managing-your-account/two-factor-authentication
"A victory in revolution doesn’t come free or easy. For Bitcoin to really do what many of us hope it can, it’s really necessary at the end of the day to walk a painful path.
And that means people have to choose to walk it. Many people in this space think that governments will simply roll over and let Bitcoin win, but that is just a feint to move in and capture it.
We need to push to build around them, build in parallel, and force their hand. If they don’t actively fight it, then there is something else going on. That isn’t good for us." — Shinobi
The possible paths for Bitcoin's future, as outlined in an article by Shinobi, include capitulation to the existing financial system, a revolution against it, or fragmentation into smaller, less effective networks.
These possibilities are explored in the context of the 2013 musings of Mircea Popescu. The future of Bitcoin will depend on various factors, including its ability to maintain its decentralized and open nature, its adoption by the general public, and its potential to disrupt the traditional financial system.
SHINOBI: There's Three Doors. Which One Will Bitcoin Step Through?
A look at a prolific post by the infamous Mircea Popescu, positing with a rare clairvoyance the possible paths that Bitcoin could take in its road into the future.
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/the-three-doors-which-one-will-bitcoin-step-through
Imagine a scenario where Bitcoin becomes the most reliable price indicator for the global economy, even if it doesn't yet serve as a primary medium of exchange.
In this scenario, Bitcoin's value would likely remain a pure risk asset, unencumbered by external factors such as supply changes, market conditions, or jurisdictional economic effects.
Its price movements would potentially offer a clear, unbiased reflection of global liquidity and monetary supply, making it a superior asset for directional correlation with economic conditions.
But what if the analysis in this peace confirmed this notion? Sam Callahan and Lyn Alden, who have conducted a groundbreaking investigation into Bitcoin's role in the global economy.
Their findings may surprise you - and offer valuable insights into the potential of this emerging asset class. Don't miss this exclusive exploration of Bitcoin's surprising significance in the world of finance.
"These findings are notable because they demonstrate that even though the strength of the correlation may vary based on the time frame, Bitcoin’s price direction generally aligns with the direction of global liquidity.
Furthermore, its price direction more closely mirrors global liquidity than any other traditional asset analyzed." — Sam Callahan
Original article: "Bitcoin: A Global Liquidity Barometer"
https://www.lynalden.com/bitcoin-a-global-liquidity-barometer/
The article "Massive US security breach highlights danger of weakening encryption" sheds light on a significant security breach in the US, dubbed "Salt Typhoon", emphasizing the risks of undermining encryption.
The breach, which is believed to have originated from a foreign entity, has far-reaching implications and demonstrates the critical importance of robust encryption in safeguarding sensitive information.
By highlighting the devastating consequences of weakened encryption, the article underscores the need for governments and organizations to prioritize the security and integrity of encrypted data, rather than compromising it for the sake of surveillance or other interests.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between national security and individual privacy, and the imperative of adopting a proactive approach to protecting digital communications.
Massive US security breach highlights danger of weakening encryption
A recent 48-page report has likened smart TVs to a "digital Trojan Horse" due to their invasive data harvesting practices.
The report claims that connected TVs and streaming devices are collecting a vast amount of sensitive user data, including viewing habits, location, and even conversations, often without users' knowledge or consent.
This data is then used for targeted advertising, and in some cases, even sold to third-party companies, raising serious concerns about consumer privacy and manipulation.
The report is urging regulatory bodies, such as the FTC and FCC, to investigate the connected TV industry's practices and take action to protect consumers from this unprecedented level of surveillance and manipulation.
Smart TVs are like “a digital Trojan Horse” in people’s homes
48-page report urges FTC, FCC to investigate connected TV industry data harvesting.
Michael Saylor's open source calculator to determine if 0.1 Bitcoin is enough to retire by the year 2030
Bitcoin24 Calculator â–ş https://github.com/bitcoin-model/bitcoin_model/blob/main/Bitcoin24%20v1.0.xlsm
HiveTalk
Free browser based Real-time video calls.
No download, plug-in, or login is required. It's that easy. Just get straight to talking, messaging, and sharing your screen.
"Bitcoin implicates the First Amendment. As a system for collecting and communicating information ranging from payment data to art, bitcoin is speech.
As a statement of protest against the government’s monopoly over money, bitcoin is expressive conduct. And as a collection of individuals that share bitcoin’s hard-coded principles of individual liberty, anti-censorship, and anti-debasement, bitcoin is an expressive association.
Bitcoin is free speech protected by the First Amendment and therefore regulating bitcoin has clear constitutional implications."
Download: Bitcoin’s Protection under the First Amendment --Ross Stevens.
https://nydig.com/research/bitcoins-protection-under-the-first-amendment
A Must Read!
"We the Cypherpunks are dedicated to building anonymous systems. We are defending our privacy with cryptography, with anonymous mail forwarding systems, with digital signatures, and with electronic money.
Cypherpunks write code. We know that someone has to write software to defend privacy, and since we can't get privacy unless we all do, we're going to write it. We publish our code so that our fellow Cypherpunks may practice and play with it.
Our code is free for all to use, worldwide. We don't much care if you don't approve of the software we write. We know that software can't be destroyed and that a widely dispersed system can't be shut down.
Cypherpunks deplore regulations on cryptography, for encryption is fundamentally a private act."
A Cypherpunk's Manifesto, by Eric Hughes (9 March 1993).
"Sadly, there has been very little in the way of a clear definition of MEV in the context of Bitcoin.
And the standard definition of the term is so broad as to be entirely useless in discussions of protocol risk." — Matt Corallo
As Bitcoin's functionality expands, concerns arise about the potential sacrifice of its core value of censorship resistance.
A concept originating from the Ethereum community, Miner Extractable Value (MEV), refers to the profit miners can make by manipulating transaction order or inclusion in a block.
While some argue that MEV is a natural outcome of competitive mining, others believe it threatens the network's decentralization.
To address this issue, some suggest redefining MEV to differentiate between unavoidable forms and the more insidious "MEVil" that endangers decentralization.
Article: Stop Calling It MEV
https://bluematt.bitcoin.ninja/2024/04/16/stop-calling-it-mev/
Kraken no longer supports Lightning withdrawals for German clients
Be ready for the actions that central banks may take under uncertain economic conditions, as they wield their authority in the name of “protecting users,” but are actually limiting individuals' self-sovereignty and autonomy.