Cephalopod ink propulsion is inspiring an alternative to syringes

By Todd Feathers Published November 20, 2024 | Comments (9) | The social media company Bluesky isn't publicly traded. Anna Barclay/Getty Images Bluesky is having a moment. No, not that Bluesky, the other one. The Canadian crypto company Bluesky Digital Assets Corp has seen its stock take off, in a manner of speaking, over the past week as investors buy up what they almost certainly think are shares of the other Bluesky, the social media platform that has been scooping up X-iles and recently hit 20 million users. First spotted by Bloomberg, Bluesky Digital Assets Corps stock value has increased eightfold since the beginning of November. On November 1, it was trading at 5 cents a share. As of Wednesday, it was going for 41 cents a share, having come down from a peak of 49 cents last week. Given that its a penny stock, its unlikely anyone is getting rich off the misunderstanding, unless some intrepid meme stock junkies made a big bet that their fellow investors wouldnt do an iota of homework.What exactly does Bluesky Digital Assets Corp do? Vague crypto things. It offers a complete ecosystem of value creation with a nice helping of advanced development of proprietary based technology inclusive of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) based methods for the creation of cutting edge intelligent solutions. Bloomberg reported that Bluesky Digital Assets Corp released a press release stating that it wishes to confirm that the Corporations management is unaware of any material change in the Corporations operations that would account for the recent increase in market activity. That press release appears to have been removed from the companys website.The social media platform Bluesky is not publicly traded. Created by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky began growing in popularity after Elon Musk bought Twitter, renamed it X, unceremoniously gutted its staff, and made a series of terrible decisions that drove users to seek out other social media platforms. Bluesky enjoyed sporadic growth spurts over the past two years, reaching 12 million users as of October 18. But the platform has really taken off in the weeks following Donald Trumps victory in the U.S. presidential election which, new research suggests, was preceded by months of Xs algorithm heavily promoting Musk and conservative viewpoints.For now, Bluesky relies on investor capital to keep the lights on and hasnt publicly announced a plan for how it intends to make a profit. Since Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, the companys value has tanked to around $9.4 billion, according to a recent estimate from the investment firm Fidelity.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Lucas Ropek Published November 20, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 18, 2024 By Matt Novak Published November 14, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published November 12, 2024 By Thomas Maxwell Published November 11, 2024 By Lucas Ropek Published November 9, 2024

Yesterday, Universal Pictures released the first official teaser trailer for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon film. Although the trailer hit all the referential high marks moviegoers have come to expect of Hollywoods trend of making live-action remakes of beloved animated classics, a very vocal majority of folks online rebuffed the films entire existence. Now, a full 24 hours after the trailers release, the animated film and live-action films director has broken his silence, justifying the upcoming film as a worthwhile adventure. In a YouTube first-look featurette, director Dean DeBloisadorned in the worlds most comfortable-looking sweatercuts straight to the chase, addressing why he was helming a live-action remake of the beloved DreamWorks animated film. I decided to revisit How to Train Your Dragon because it felt like an amazing opportunity to not only direct a live-action movie but to be jumping back into a world that I frankly miss, DeBlois said.The three-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe award-winning director continued to express his fondness for the series, noting his appreciation for films that weave a poignant message into their captivating adventures. My hope is that those who had seen and loved the How to Train Your Dragon films will be keen to see what weve done because it comes from a place of love and it comes from a place of respect, he continued. This whole thing is just one big giant adventure and I wake up every day feeling so thankful that I get to do it. In tandem with DeBlois justification for the live-action films existence was a heartwarming moment capturing the moment he revealed actors Mason Thames and Nico Parker got the roles of Hiccup and Astrid.When it comes to Nico and Mason, these two just sort of came alive in the room and suddenly I felt that they both embodied the core characters of Hiccup and Astrid live in a way that nobody else could, DeBlois said. DeBloiss co-signing of the two young leads couldnt have come at a better time, considering social media has already spawned racist hate campaigns against Parker for being cast in a film about flying dragons while being Black. The first animated How to Train Your Dragon movie, based on Cressida Cowells best-selling book, was released in 2010. It follows a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon named Toothless. Together, they embark on a clandestine journey, deepening their friendship while hiding their newly forged bond from Hiccups tribeknown for dragon slaying. The series then received two sequel films, five short films, and two TV series. Time will tell if the live-action film will measure up to the original animated films high bar or if it will become yet another drop in the bucket of Hollywoods obsession with making live-action films.How to Train Your Dragon releases in theaters June 13, 2025. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Save this picture!Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i. Image Courtesy of Megawra - Built Environment CollectiveCairo, often called the "City of a Thousand Minarets," boasts one of the richest cultural and architectural tapestries in the world. Its heritage reflects centuries of diverse influences from Pharaonic monuments to Islamic and Mamluk architecture. However, preserving this legacy is an ongoing challenge in the face of urban pressures, climate change, and socio-economic dynamics. Heritage conservation in Cairo is not just about safeguarding these structures; it's about integrating them into the lives of local communities, ensuring they remain dynamic and accessible spaces.At the forefront of this mission is Dr. May al-Ibrashy, an architect and conservationist whose innovative and community-driven approach has redefined how heritage is preserved. As the founder of MegawraBuilt Environment Collective, she has worked tirelessly in neighborhoods like Al-Khalifa, Al-Hattaba, and Sayyida Zeinab to restore historic monuments while creating vibrant public spaces. Her work bridges the gap between architectural preservation and urban regeneration, ensuring that these historic districts serve both as cultural landmarks and as living, functional spaces for their residents.Through initiatives like Athar Lina, al-Ibrashy has championed a participatory model of conservation, engaging local communities and fostering a sense of ownership over their heritage. Launched in 2012 in Al-Khalifa District, this initiative aims to translate the concept of heritage as a socio-economic resource into tangible actions. As a pioneering woman in architecture, her efforts extend beyond the physical restoration of monuments; she also advocates for inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment in a field where women's contributions are often overlooked. Her work highlights how heritage can inspire not only cultural preservation but also social and urban transformation in Historic Cairo. Related Article Exploring the Grand Egyptian Museum Through Photography: Bridging Past and Present in Cairo Spiritual Significance and Cultural MemorySave this picture!Between 2016 and 2021, the Megawra collective undertook the comprehensive renovation of the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum, a 13th-century architectural and spiritual landmark in Historic Cairo. As a major destination for pilgrims, the Al-Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum now stands as an example of how sensitive architectural restoration can bridge the past and present, preserving its significance for future generations while maintaining its role in the living cultural and spiritual fabric of Cairo.Save this picture!Save this picture!Restoration efforts included leveling the floors, stabilizing load-bearing walls, and conserving the intricate wooden ceilings and coffins. The team also restored the colored marble and tiled flooring, adding to the site's visual and historical integrity. Key discoveries were made during the project, including a previously undocumented Fatimid-era dome, which was meticulously recorded and integrated into the conservation plan. The project also introduced modern interventions, such as improved lighting design and wayfinding systems, to enhance the visitor experience without compromising the site's historical and spiritual character.Community Engagement in Heritage ConservationSave this picture!Another project that MegawraBuilt Environment Collective initiated was the Yahya al-Sabih Mausoleum, a significant monument from the Fatimid era in Cairo. The project centered around restoring the mausoleum and reestablishing its role within the community. Through fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship among local residents, the collective aimed to transform the monument from an isolated relic into an active component of the urban fabric of Historic Cairo. Key conservation efforts included the structural stabilization of the building, which faced a high risk of collapse due to advanced deterioration.Save this picture!Furthermore, emergency documentation missions were conducted to record the mausoleum's fragile state, including the evacuation and preservation of priceless 9th-century inscription panels. In addition to the technical restoration, the project prioritized community engagement. Local residents were actively involved in the process, contributing their perspectives and building a shared responsibility for the mausoleum's upkeep. This participatory approach not only built trust but also integrated local knowledge into the conservation strategy. Through this collaboration, the site was reopened to the public, allowing the community to reconnect with a critical piece of its heritage.Adaptive Reuse of Heritage SpacesSave this picture!The Safiyy al-Din Jawhar Dome, a Mamluk-era monument in Cairo's al-Khalifa district, faced significant structural challenges due to climate change, including groundwater rise, temperature fluctuations, and pollution. These issues led to material loss, erosion, and critical cracks, rendering the site unsafe and inaccessible to the public. Under the leadership of May al-Ibrashy, the MegawraBuilt Environment Collective initiated a comprehensive conservation project to restore and adapt the dome for contemporary use. The restoration process, which is still ongoing, encompassed several key interventions: addressing groundwater infiltration through dewatering and drainage, stabilizing the stonework through masonry repairs, and conserving decorative elements like wood, stucco, and stone to maintain historical authenticity.Save this picture!Acentral aspect of this project was the adaptive reuse of the dome. By transforming the historic structure into a functional space for community and cultural activities, the initiative ensured the site's sustainability and relevance within the urban fabric. Additionally, local residents were actively involved in the conservation process. The project also included training programs to build local capacity in heritage conservation and climate adaptation, ensuring the long-term preservation of the site. This approach exemplifies al-Ibrashy's philosophy of integrating historical spaces into contemporary urban life through adaptive reuse, providing both utility and cultural resonance.Addressing Public Space Deficits Through Heritage ConservationSave this picture!The transformation of Al-Khalifa Park exemplifies the intersection of urban regeneration and heritage conservation in Historic Cairo. Located in the heart of the Al-Khalifa district, the site was once a neglected urban space surrounded by significant heritage landmarks. Through the efforts of May al-Ibrashy and the MegawraBuilt Environment Collective, the area was reimagined into a vibrant public park, addressing the lack of accessible green spaces in this dense urban environment.The project involved careful landscaping and subtle architectural interventions to respect the historical context while creating a functional and inviting space for residents. By incorporating community input throughout the design and implementation phases, the initiative ensured that the park met local needs and fostered a sense of shared ownership. The revitalized park now serves as a hub for communal activities, such as cultural events, art workshops, and heritage walks, bridging the gap between heritage preservation and modern urban life.Save this picture!In her transformative work across Historic Cairo, May al-Ibrashy aims to redefine heritage as a dynamic resource for urban regeneration, integrating cultural, social, and economic dimensions into conservation efforts. Her participatory approach ensures that local communities are active stakeholders, creating a sense of ownership and connection to their heritage. By combining disciplines such as archaeology, history, and urban planning, she tackles complex challenges with innovative, interdisciplinary solutions. Through adaptive reuse, she ensures that historical sites are not only preserved but reintegrated into contemporary life as vibrant and functional spaces. Ultimately, her work exemplifies how heritage conservation can be a powerful tool for building sustainable, equitable, and inclusive urban futures in historic Cairo, Egypt.This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Women in Architecturepresented by Sky-Frame.Sky-Frame is characterized by its empathic ability to take on different perspectives and points of view. We are interested in people and their visions, whether in architecture or in a social context. We deeply care about creating living spaces and in doing so we also question the role of women in architecture. From the arts to the sciences, women shape our society. We want to shed more light on this role, increase the visibility of Women in Architecture and empower/encourage them to realize their full potential.Initiated by Sky-Frame, the "Women in Architecture" documentary is an impulse for inspiration, discussion, and reflection. The film's release is on November 12, 2024.Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.

Bung Binh House / NH Village ArchitectsSave this picture! Trieu ChienHousesThi Bnh, VietnamArchitects: NH Village ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:450 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2022 PhotographsPhotographs:Trieu ChienManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: BETONLAB, Rng ng, Toto, Viglacera More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Keywords - Traffic roundabout, triangular site, house in the city, buffer zone as vertical garden, Rice shape concrete block, natural light and shadow, natural ventilation, security, family communication. The site is characterized by a triangular shape located at the corner of a traffic roundabout in a new urban area in Thai Binh province - a region famous for rice cultivation in the North of Vietnam. This place is predicted to increase traffic density. The family consists of 3 generations: grandparents, parents, 2 young children.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The challenge with the design was to create an urban living space that takes advantage of natural elements while still ensuring privacy in the triangular shape and location of the site. The solution was to create a buffer space between the outside and the living space inside the double skin faade system consisting of 2 layers: the outer concrete block bricklayer to block the view with security functions and an atrium and garden space. The living spaces are pushed back to the inside to avoid the direct influence of traffic and solar radiation on the facade.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The concrete block system has a hollow section that simulates the 3-D shape of a grain of rice, a figure inspired by the pride of the region as a major part of Vietnam's rice production area. The block has a 3D grain-shaped concave and is stacked together to create a facade. Blocks have 2 types: solid and hollow, the blocks are arranged in appropriate positions on the facade to get wind, and light, and block the view from outside in accordance with the function of the interior spaces.Day and night light penetrates through these voids and casts shadows around the surroundings, creating the image of a garden of rice grains imprinted in space, moving according to the time of day and the different seasons during the year. Experience with this shimmering dynamic garden will create positive emotions and energy for the family every day.Save this picture!Save this picture!A corner of the triangular atrium garden is created in connection with the kitchen area on the first floor; the garden can be accessed through a long narrow space buffer corridor without going into the house. Thus, the space of the kitchen, dining, and guests has an open and airy feeling from the inside. This buffer space is also a place for air convection to both protect and cool the interior space. The 2nd and 3rd floors have balconies overlooking the garden, where the family can relax.Save this picture!The space used inside is planned to ensure communication between family members and the connection with the surrounding green space and garden. Stairs are arranged in the inner atrium. On the 2nd floor, the common space is like a small open library in contact with the garden and buffer space, where the family can study and work. The private bedrooms are arranged mainly on the 2nd and 3rd floors, interspersed with small courtyards. The front-facing bedrooms are arranged with another layer of doors inside the concrete Block layer, creating a sense of security. and ensure proper ventilation and natural light in the room.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!A skylight with a glass roof is placed in the middle of the house to ensure that the interior spaces are always bright enough. The stairs connecting the floors are in this atrium space, connecting the common spaces from the 1st floor to the 3rd floor.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on November 21, 2024Cite: "Bung Binh House / NH Village Architects" 21 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/992426/bung-binh-house-nh-village-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Project Files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116412861 . This is the 130th episode of the new tutorial series on Action RPG game using Gameplay Ability System. Here we will add add Leg Armors / leg harness to the character's modular armor system we have implemented. Leg armors will also add small amount of defence to the character and there will be difference classes of leg armors with different attributes. Later on when the character has multiple leg armors collected, player will be able to switch gauntlets through the inventory UI. Animations are sponsored by: https://www.ramsterzanimations.com/ https://www2.unrealengine.com/marketplace/en-US/product/greatsword-anims Full Playlist : Action RPG series with gameplay ability system: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNTm9yU0zou7XnRx5MfBbZnfMZJqC6ixz // ! https://www.patreon.com/codelikeme Patrons will have access to project files of all the stuff I do in the channel and other extra benefitsJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClb6Jh9EBV7a_Nm52Ipll_Q/join Like my facebook page for more content : https://www.facebook.com/gamedevelopersclub/ Follow me on twitter : https://twitter.com/CodeLikeMe2 Follow me on reddit : https://www.reddit.com/user/codelikeme #CodeLikeMe #unrealengine #ue5 #ue4 #indiegamedev

Ranked Play has arrived in Black Ops 6's multiplayer, bringing a competitive ladder that closely follows the official rules, maps, and game modes used by the Call of Duty League (CDL), meaning this mode restricts many of the game's perks, weapons, and attachments. Here we explain everything you need to know about accessing and playing Ranked Play, as well as guide you in building some of the best ranked loadouts available.We also have guides for recommended Black Ops 6 weapon builds to use in Warzone and standard multiplayer loadouts for Season 1. How to access Ranked Played in Black Ops 6Ranked Play is unlocked differently than in previous years. In Black Ops 6, you must first earn at least 50 wins in multiplayer. This requirement was previously explained by Treyarch as being included to ensure that players are experienced with multiplayer, and it gives the Ricochet anti-cheat team a historical match history to examine before an account enters Ranked Play. How Ranked Play works in Black Ops 6Just like in recent years, Ranked Play features 4v4 gameplay of Hardpoint, Control, and Search and Destroy. Friendly-fire is enabled in these modes. The featured map pool for the Call of Duty League in Black Ops 6 includes Protocol, Vault, Rewind, Skyline, and Red Card.There are eight ranks to climb in Black Ops 6 Ranked Play, and everyone begins the season at 0 SR (Skill Rating). The ranking system progresses as follows:Bronze Starting RankSilver 900 SRGold 2,100 SRPlatinum 3,600 SRDiamond 5,400 SRCrimson 7,500 SRIridescent 10,000 SRTop 250 10,000+ SRYou'll level up through these ranks as you play and earn a higher SR, and a portion of your SR is deducted with each loss. How much SR you earn will depend on various factors, which include the distance from your projected rank, individual and team performance in each match, and the margin of each match win.Treyarch does reveal that team performance has a bigger impact on SR gained or lost in higher ranks, so that all winning playstyles are more consistently rewarded. Ranked Play RewardsRanked Play rewards are available to earn, and this includes both career and seasonal rewards. Rewards are cosmetics such as operator skins, calling cards, weapon charms, and more. The Ranked Play skins can be previewed in the image above. Best Ranked Play weapons to level up and useCurrently, pro players only use the GPR 91 and AMES 85 assault rifles. They have banned the Model L, XM4, and Krig C with gentleman's agreements, but these assault rifles are solid options that are still available at this time with the launch of Ranked Play.The Jackal PDW is the submachine gun used by pro players, but there are a few other options in Ranked Play.Snipers are restricted for Hardpoint and Control game modes, but the LW3A1 Frostline and LR 7.62 snipers are unbanned for Search and Destroy. However, you can only snipe with the base version of these sniper rifles, as all attachments have been deemed too powerful and banned by the pros.The full list of restrictions for Black Ops 6 Ranked Play can be found below, as well as specific weapon builds to use. Best Ranked Play loadout for assault riflesTaking all of the attachment bans into consideration, the recommended options here are best suited for all assault rifles currently available to use. These attachments will help reduce recoil, as well as boost the gun's damage and range.Recommended AR attachments:Optic: Kepler MicroflexMuzzle: Ported CompensatorBarrel: Reinforced BarrelUnderbarrel: Vertical ForegripRear Grip: Commando Grip Best Ranked Play Jackal PDW loadoutThe Jackal PDW is a powerful submachine gun used by CDL players. The suggested attachments are used by many of the pros, and these will help boost the damage and range of the Jackal PDW, as well as provide you with better mobility.Recommended Jackal PDW attachments:Muzzle: CompensatorBarrel: Reinforced BarrelUnderbarrel: Vertical ForegripRear Grip: Ergonomic GripStock: Balanced Stock Best Ranked Play PP-919 loadoutCurrently, the PP-919 isn't a favorite in the pro circuit, but it is available in Ranked Play. This is a really easy-to-use submachine gun, and the recommended attachments will help reduce recoil as well as provide better movement speeds.Recommended PP-919 attachments:Muzzle: CompensatorBarrel: Gain Twist BarrelRear Grip: Quickdraw GripStock: No StockFire Mods: Recoil Springs Best Ranked Play Stryder .22 loadoutThe Stryder .22 is the only secondary weapon available in Ranked Play, and only three attachment slots are given to customize the gun. You do have a few options for optic attachments, but by far the best and most popular option is the Kepler Microflex.Recommended Stryder .22 attachments:Optic: Kepler MicroflexMagazine: Fast Mag IIRear Grip: Quickdraw Grip Best perks and equipment to useUnfortunately, you don't get many options for perks and equipment. Ninja is the best first perk for Search and Destroy, while you'll want to equip Flak Jacket for the respawn modes. Flashbangs are the best tactical equipment available, however, you can make a smoke class to use for search and Destroy. It's best to tailor and label at least one class towards Search and Destroy. Otherwise, this is how you'll want to build your loadouts for most classes:Melee: KnifePerk 1: Ninja / Flak JacketPerk 2: Fast HandsPerk 3: Double TimeWildcard: Perk GreedPerk Greed: DexterityLethal: Frag or SemtexTactical: FlashbangField Upgrade: Trophy System Best perks and equipment to useUnfortunately, you don't get many options for perks and equipment. Ninja is the best first perk for Search and Destroy, while you'll want to equip Flak Jacket for the respawn modes. Flashbangs are the best tactical equipment available, however, you can make a smoke class to use for search and Destroy. It's best to tailor and label at least one class towards Search and Destroy. Otherwise, this is how you'll want to build your loadouts for most classes:Melee: KnifePerk 1: Ninja / Flak JacketPerk 2: Fast HandsPerk 3: Double TimeWildcard: Perk GreedPerk Greed: DexterityLethal: Frag or SemtexTactical: FlashbangField Upgrade: Trophy System

As part of Best Buy's Black Friday sale, space and sci-fi enthusiasts can get a pretty unique Lego set for its lowest price yet. Lego Ideas: Tales of the Space Age is discounted to only $35 (was $50). Amazon is matching the 30% discount, so you have two opportunities to snag this 688-piece Lego set before it's gone. See at Amazon See at Best Buy Continue Reading at GameSpot