Designing neuromorphic sensory processing units (NSPUs) based on Temporal Neural Networks (TNNs) is a highly challenging task due to the reliance on manual, labor-intensive hardware development processes. TNNs have been identified as highly promising for real-time edge AI applications, mainly because they are energy-efficient and bio-inspired. However, available methodologies lack automation and are not very accessible. Consequently, the design process becomes complex, time-consuming, and requires specialized knowledge. It is through overcoming these challenges that one can unlock the full potential of TNNs for efficient and scalable processing of sensory signals.The current approaches to TNN development are fragmented workflows, as software simulations and hardware designs are handled separately. Advancements such as ASAP7 and TNN7 libraries made some aspects of hardware efficient but remain proprietary tools that require significant expertise. The fragmentation of the process restricts usability, prevents the easier exploration of design configurations with increased computational overhead, and cant be used for more application-specific rapid prototyping or large-scale deployment purposes.Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University introduce TNNGen, a unified and automated framework for designing TNN-based NSPUs. The innovation lies in the integration of software-based functional simulation with hardware generation in a single streamlined workflow. It combines a PyTorch-based simulator, modeling spike-timing dynamics and evaluating application-specific metrics, with a hardware generator that automates RTL generation and layout design using PyVerilog. Through the utilization of TNN7 custom macros and the integration of a variety of libraries, this framework realizes considerable enhancements in simulation velocity as well as physical design. Additionally, its predictive abilities facilitate precise forecasting of silicon metrics, thereby diminishing the dependency on computationally demanding EDA tools.TNNGen is organized around two principal elements. The functional simulator, constructed using PyTorch, accommodates adaptable TNN configurations, allowing for swift examination of various model architectures. It has GPU acceleration and accurate spike-timing modeling, thus ensuring high simulation speed and accuracy. The hardware generator converts PyTorch models into optimized RTL and physical layouts. Using libraries such as TNN7 and customized TCL scripts, it automates synthesis and place-and-route processes while being compatible with multiple technology nodes like FreePDK45 and ASAP7.TNNGen achieves excellent performance in both clustering accuracy and hardware efficiency. The TNN designs for time-series clustering tasks show competitive performance with the best deep-learning techniques while drastically reducing the utilization of computational resources. The approach brings major energy efficiency improvements, obtaining a reduction in die area and leakage power compared to conventional approaches. In addition, the runtime of the design is dramatically reduced, especially for larger designs, which benefit most from the optimized workflows. Moreover, the comprehensive forecasting instrument provides accurate estimations of hardware parameters, allowing researchers to evaluate design viability without the necessity of engaging in physical hardware procedures. Taken together, these findings position TNNGen as a viable approach for streamlining and expediting the creation of energy-efficient neuromorphic systems.TNNGen is the next step in the fully automated development of TNN-based NSPUs by unifying simulation and hardware generation into an accessible, efficient framework. The approach addressed key challenges in the manual design process and made this tool much more scalable and usable for edge AI applications. Future work would involve extending its capabilities toward support for more complex TNN architectures and a much wider range of applications to become a critical enabler of sustainable neuromorphic computing.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)

Galaxy Quest is a perfect motion picture. Argue with a wall preferably one of the many chrome walls aboard the NSEA Protector.Released on Christmas Day 1999, well in advance of geek culture going fully mainstream, the Dean Parisot-directed film feels like it had early access to decades of modern internet debates, takes, and controversies. Thats because, in a way, it did. Even before wide adoption of social media turned fandom into a contact sport, Star Trek die hards were the vanguard of obsessive message board discourse. Galaxy Quest operates as a gentle satirical takedown of this passionate population while being a a rip-roaring space adventure in its own right.It also may or may not feature a single frame of Tim Allens genitalia. Hold that thought while we set things up. Galaxy Quest is blessed with a simple, yet effective premise. Years after the premiere of their beloved Star Trek-esque TV show, the cast of Galaxy Quest struggles to escape its pop culture wake, seemingly condemned to attend fan conventions and parrot popular catchphrases for the rest of their lives. Star Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), who played Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, doesnt mind this fate. The rest of his crew Gwen DeMarco as Lieutenant Tawny Madison (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane as Dr. Lazarus (Alan Rickman) Fred Kwan as Tech Sergeant Chen (Tony Shalhoub), Tommy Webber as Lieutenant Laredo (Daryl Mitchell), Guy Fleegman as Crewman #6 (Sam Rockwell) is significantly less enthused. In a Three Amigos-sized twist, an alien race misinterprets old broadcasts of Galaxy Quest as historical documents and brings Nesmith and company aboard a recreation of their fictional starship, the NSEAProtector, to help deal with the threat of the villainous Rothhar Sarris (Robin Sachs). Suffice it to say, the Hollywood actors are fairly ill-equipped to do so. The saga of the fictional crew of the Protector learning to become the real crew of the Protector is as exciting as it is wholesome as long as youre not paying close attention to the actors mouths. Thats because Galaxy Quest is an R-rated movie that was hastily cut down, not just to a PG-13 rating, but an even more family-friendly and content-restrictive PG. The signs are very clear when you look for them.Theres talk about the so-called R-rated version of the film, writer Robert Gordon told MTV in 2014. When I originally wrote it, I wasnt thinking about a family film, just what I wanted to see. So when the ship lands in the convention hall in the original draft it decapitates a bunch of people. There was also stuff we shot where Sigourney tries to seduce some of the aliens. It was cut and thats why her shirt is ripped at the end.The cuts likely represent an attempt from DreamWorks Pictures to find a wider audience and a bigger box office haul. In that, the studio was only somewhat successful, taking in $90.7 million against a $45 million budget (which doesnt account for promotion). What it was more successful at, however, was creating a major feature film that has some of the most obvious dubbing outside of a 70s grind house martial arts flick. The first bad dub arrives only four minutes into the movie when Tommy expresses frustration at Jason arriving late for a gig. The articulated line of Youre full of shit, man! becomes You are so full of it, man! in the final audio. Near the end of the film, Weavers Gwen DeMarco encounters an obstacle that can only be described as a bone-crushing machine. When told she must walk through it, her lips respond with an understandable Well fuck that! but the line that reaches the audiences ears is Well screw that!To this day Im sorry we made it PG rather than PG-13. We took out Sigourney Weavers Fk, one of the best laughs in the movie, producer Mark Johnson told MTV.In addition to the bad dubing, the PG rating took some other prurient elements away from Galaxy Quest. These include a look at Dr. Lazarus quarters aboard the Protector, which Tim Allen described as a proctologists dream and nightmare. It also meant that Shalhoubs Fred Kwan could never be identified as a stoner despite perpetually having the munchies and bloodshot eyes.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!The real story about Galaxy Quests journey down to PG isnt what was taken out, however, but what was left in. Even without the decapitations, alien orgies, and (God forbid) marijuana cigarettes, Galaxy Quest remains one of the least family-friendly family movies of the 20th century. Throughout the films 102-minute run time, there is: a dead reptilians head on a bloody spike, an entire colony of bare-assed children who messily eat their wounded, a space boar with its guts turned inside-out that eventually explodes, and of course, Tony Shalhoub and Missi Pyle exploring each others bodies with their tongues and tentacles. Its as though the cuts presented for the PG rating were so extensive that the Motion Picture Associations eyes glazed over and they just said eh, the rest is close enough. But all of that pales in comparison to the real most R-rated moment in Galaxy Quest. Theres a single frame in this PG film thats so haunting Ive kept its existence a secret to myself since I first noticed it in the early 2000s. Now that the movie is more than two decades old, I think its finally time to lay it bare.I am roughly 84% certain that Tim Allens penis is visible in this movie.The unintended money shot begins around 12 minutes into the film. Thermian leader Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni) and the rest of his crew arrive to Jason Nesmiths lush, heavily-windowed Beverly Hills home to ask for his help once again. Nesmith, recognizing the pale weirdos from the fan convention the day before, thinks theyre there to shuttle him to his next gig and lets them in. While insanely hungover and wearing only a white dress shirt, Nesmith stumbles around looking for clean clothes. Its during one of these stumble sessions that he leans over, exposing his butt to the curious Thermians. While the audience doesnt see the Nesmith toosh, the shot lingers in front of him. Perhaps comfortable in the reality that theyre going for an R anyway, the camera doesnt pull away quickly enough as Nesmith stands back up. Thats how, at precisely 13 minutes and 36 seconds into the film (which I accessed on Amazon Prime Video), viewers catch a brief glimpse ofTim Allens buzz and lightyears. His Santa and clauses. His tool and times. His aaggghayuuahhh.In defense of Galaxy Quest editor Don Zimmerman, its possible that this error was noted and partially airbrushed out. Because the space between Nesmiths legs isnt, lets say, super noticeable. But something is certainly there. Like a beleaguered ship captain whose crew is trying to convince him that that was a manatee, not a mermaid: I know what I saw!We wont include a screen grab here in the interest of propriety. But those who want to fact check this claim, or possible delusion, need only to rent a digital copy of the film and fast-forward to 13 minutes and 36 seconds. While youre there, be certain to give the rest of a movie a watch too. As previously stated, Galaxy Quest is a perfect motion picture. Tim Allens shifting gears and all.

Solar calendar. Place of worship. UFO Landing site. Many uses have been theorized for Stonehenge. Researchers have now added another: monument to unity, they propose in an Archaeology International article.Because the stones making up different aspects of the mysterious structure were moved from many parts of the British Isles, there must have been a reason for it. After all, its not the only henge in town. Hundreds of other stone circles have been found in Britain. But almost all of them have used locally sourced building materials.The Significance of Distant StonesStonehenge is unique in that regard. Its building blocks were gathered from both near and far. The most recentand perhaps most famous example is the "Altar Stone." That dominant crosspiece was somehow transported from Scotland, about 700 miles to the north. The fact that all of its stones originated from distant regions, making it unique among over 900 stone circles in Britain, suggests that the stone circle may have had a political as well as a religious purpose as a monument of unification for the peoples of Britain, celebrating their eternal links with their ancestors and the cosmos, Mike Parker Pearson, a University of College London archaeologist and author of the paper, said in a press release. But the Altar Stone is not a one-off. The article provides a comprehensive list of where each stone likely originated and when it was probably moved. For instance, its 43 bluestones were transported from West Wales about 140 miles away, while the larger sarsen stones originated about 15 miles northwest of Stonehenges site on the Salisbury Plain.Cultural Significance of Stonehenge Both the Altar Stones provenance and placement hint that it was moved such a great distance, not just because it is an exceptionally cool rock. The paper highlights how Stonehenges horizontal Altar Stone matches the size and placement of similar stones from circles of northeast Scotland, where the Altar Stone originated.Megalithic stones had ancestral significance, the authors write. They represent a peoples origins. So, the Altar Stone may have been offered by the people of northern Scotland to represent an alliance.Stonehenge was also built in two phases. The first one appeared to involve more local material on the site. The second phase included stones from farther away, including Scotland and Wales. The succession of stones could somehow mark the area of Stonehenge as increasingly cosmopolitan at least in the Neolithic sense.The distant origin of the Altar Stone confirms Stonehenges unique status as the one stone circle built entirely from non-local stone, a material microcosm projecting at an enormous scale, the paper concludes. It is consistent with recent interpretations of Stonehenge as a monument whose builders attempted ultimately unsuccessfully to establish some form of political unification and shared identity across much or even all of Britain, bringing together these extraordinary and alien rocks which symbolized and embodied far and distant communities within a complex material and monumental expression of unity between people, land, ancestors and the heavens.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:University College London. Stonehenge may have been built to unify the people of ancient BritainBefore joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

NASAs Parker Solar Probe has now marked itself safe from its closest-ever encounter with the sun.The probe sent a signal just before midnight on Dec. 26, saying it was alive and doing fine. This should come as a relief to NASA scientists since communication with the probe went dark Christmas Eve when it made its record-breaking closest ever pass a mere 3.8 million miles from the suns surface, according to a NASA blog. That might seem like a big distance, but in the universe, everything is relative. If the Earth and sun marked opposite end zones of an American football field, the probes latest pass took it to the suns four-yard line. Read More: How Old Is the Sun?Better Understanding the SunThe probe is collecting data that will help researchers better understand how the sun works. Scientists hope the information will help solve some solar mysteries, like why is the corona 300 times hotter than the suns actual surface, which is 300 miles below it? What powers the supersonic solar wind that blows charged particles into the solar system? And what makes those particles move at up to half the speed of light?This is one example of NASAs bold missions, doing something that no one else has ever done before to answer longstanding questions about our universe, Arik Posner, Parker Solar Probe program scientist at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in another blog before the probe broke its record. We cant wait to receive that first status update from the spacecraft and start receiving the science data in the coming weeks.That data will help scientists better understand the Northern Lights because they are generated when the space weather driven by the suns supersonic winds interacts with Earths atmosphere. But there are practical concerns and reasons to understand these forces better as well. Geomagnetic storms can impair GPS satellites and could disable electricity grids.Scientists expect the probes first data transmissions from its close pass around January. This moment has been a long time coming, according to a Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory timeline. Long Time ComingWhen Eugene N. Parker was a professor at the University of Chicago in the mid-1950s, he predicted the solar wind with mathematical theory. In the 1970s, NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory proposed a flyby mission but they didnt yet have the technology especially the means to protect an instrument from the suns heat.That changed in the 2000s. Scientists developed a carbon composite heat shield that can withstand temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit while holding the probes electronics and instruments to 85 F. They also created a cooling system for the spacecrafts solar panels by pumping pressurized water through titanium radiators, keeping their temps to 320 F while collecting energy to power the crafts instruments.Parker was present when the probe launched on August 12, 2018. He died on March 15, 2022, at age 94. The probe holds a plaque with a quote from its namesake: Lets see what lies ahead.As data begins flowing back from the probe after this and the next two passes, it should provide some answers.Read More: The Aurora Borealis Like You've Never Seen ItArticle SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:John's Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. A Star ExploredBefore joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.

Our Experts Written by Mike Sorrentino Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. What to Consider iOS or Android If your family and friends are on Apple services like iMessage and FaceTime, stick with an iPhone. If youve been deep on Samsung, stay on Android. Know that switching between the two has never been easier. Size Phones are big in general with the smallest ones having a 6.1-inch screen and large models topping out at 6.8 inches. That makes visiting a store and trying a phone out before you buy it quite important. Cameras Phone cameras have gotten better over the past five years. Dont be fooled by how many cameras a phone has; more is not necessarily better. Software support Phone makers promise varying lengths of long-term software and security support ranging from just one year to as many as seven. These updates not only ensure you get many of the latest features but also keep your phone secure. Table of Contents Our Picks Best phone under $300 Motorola Moto G Power (2024) View details $100 at Best Buy View details Best cheap phone for long-term use Samsung Galaxy A25 5G View details $300 at Best Buy View details Best phone for fast charging OnePlus Nord N30 5G View details $230 at Amazon View details Best phone to get on sale Google Pixel 6A View details $337 at Walmart View details SMARTPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK Google Pixel 9 128GB Unlocked Phone (Obsidian): $649 (save $150) Apple iPhone 12 64GB Straight Talk Phone (Prepaid, Black): $199 (save $50) Apple iPhone 14 128GB Unlocked Phone (Refurbished, Midnight): $394 (save $236) Motorola Edge Plus 512GB Unlocked Phone (Intersteller Black): $450 (save $350) Moto G Power 5G 128GB Unlocked Phone (2024 Model, Midnight Blue): $200 (save $100) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. Table of Contents Phones that cost $300 or less, like Motorola's Moto G Power 5G (2024) and Samsung's Galaxy A25 5G, offer a lot more features and functionality than you might expect. Sub-$300 phones have NFC for contactless payments, 120Hz high refresh rate displays for gaming and smooth animations, support for wireless charging and years of software updates, making them more versatile than ever.That doesnt mean that every phone in this category is perfect. Cameras are a mixed bag across all of these phones. And when buying a cheap phone, you have a major choice: Do you want a phone thats fun or one that lasts a long time? Unfortunately, you cant have both. Luckily for you, there are a number of great smartphones that cost $300 or less to choose from. We tested and reviewed every phone on this list.If you're looking to save money on your next phone purchase, check out our roundup of the best Cyber Monday deals. Keep in mind that you may find some Cyber Monday phone deals this holiday season that bring these affordable models down to an even lower price. What is the best phone under $300? The best phone you can buy for under $300 is Motorolas Moto G Power 5G for 2024. It comes with a colorful vegan leather back that adds to an eye-catching design that we dont typically see in lower-cost phones the Pale Lilac color is definitely something to behold. The Moto G Power 5G also has standout features like support for Google Pay contactless payments, 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. We were able to take some decent photos with the Moto G Power, and its multitasking capabilities make it a great choice for most daily tasks. We just wish that Motorola overhauled its software and security update promises alongside its design, as the phone will receive only one OS update to Android 15 and three years of security updates. Best phones under $300 Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros NFC/Google Pay Good battery life Wireless charging Moto shortcuts Cons Short software support timeline Screen is too dim in sunlight Lacks IP rating for dust and water resistance Screen size 6.7 inchesProcessor Mediatek Dimensity 7020Cameras 50-megapixel (main), 8-megapixel (ultrawide), 16-megapixel (selfie)Colors Pale lilac, midnight blue The Motorola Moto G Power 5G is the most versatile option in this roundup, offering wireless charging, a 120Hz high refresh rate screen, Google Pay for contactless payments and a fantastic vegan leather design. Combine that with a camera that takes decent photos in bright environments, and a processor that is capable for most daily tasks, and you have a phone thats both fun to use without cramming itself with the extra bells and whistles we see in higher priced phones.Even though this phone does suffer from having a shorter software and security support timeline (1 year of major Android OS, three years of security updates) than Samsungs Galaxy A25 5G, it is a more useful device. And it's this appeal that makes the Moto G Power 5G our top recommendation for a phone that costs $300 or less.

Data Breach Concept. Digital Binary Code on Dark Red BG. gettyData breaches are like digital pickpockets, striking when you least expect itleaving your identity, finances, and peace of mind exposed. With breaches happening daily, no one is immune. This guide equips you with a clever, foolproof recovery plan to outsmart cybercriminals and safeguard what is yours.Before we dive in, here is the first and most critical tip: do not panic. Panicking clouds your judgment and leads to rash decisions. Stay calm, as a clear mind is your sharpest tool against cyberattacks.At the same time, you should act swiftly and avoid falling for common myths about data breaches. One myth is thinking, "If nothing has happened yet, I am safe," when in reality, breached data can be misused months or even years later. Another misconception is believing, "A single data breach will not affect me," ignoring the cumulative risks of multiple breaches exposing more of your personal information. With that in mind, let's walk through the essential steps to take.1) Confirm The Breach And Understand Its ScopeIt is important to first verify that the breach is real. Check credible news sources, official company statements, or tools like Have I Been Pwned to confirm if your data is exposed.Determine the type of data exposedwas it email addresses, passwords, financial details, or Social Security numbers? Use FTC resources to guide your response. Act swiftly based on the sensitivity of the exposed information to minimize potential harm.MORE FOR YOU2) Secure Your AccountsChange your passwords immediately, using strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using password managers like 1Password or Bitwarden to generate and store them securely. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible.Place a credit freeze with major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Credit freezes are free and can be temporarily lifted when needed.Set up fraud alerts and regularly review your bank and credit card statements. Notify your bank or credit card provider about the breach to ensure they are aware of potential fraudulent activity.3) Address Email And Phone RisksYou should be able to distinguish legitimate data breach notifications from phishing attempts, as hackers often exploit data breach news to deceive users. Be cautious of emails requesting sensitive information, and avoid clicking on suspicious links.Check for SIM swap threats by contacting your mobile carrier to secure your account with a PIN or setting up a PIN manually.4) Protect Your IdentityFile a report with IdentityTheft.gov. More people are considering paid identity theft protection services. Keep in mind that paid identity theft services offer comprehensive monitoring, alerts, restoration support, and insurance, but they can be costly, may overlap with free options, provide limited coverage, and could create a false sense of security.5) Review Your Online PresenceLimit the information you share online by avoiding personal details like your phone number or address. Regularly review and update the privacy settings on your social media, email, and other accounts to ensure your profiles are not publicly accessible. Be careful about connecting with people you do not know online.6) Legal and Financial RecourseIf you have been affected by a data breach, you may be eligible for compensation through class action lawsuits or settlements. To determine eligibility, check if the breached company has announced a settlement or if lawsuits have been filed. Websites like ClassAction.org and official company statements can provide information.If compensation is offered, follow the steps outlined by the company to file a claim. This may involve proving your data was exposed and submitting the necessary documentation. Be aware of your legal rights under consumer protection laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which safeguard your ability to seek compensation.Final ThoughtsWhile companies that store your data are frequent targets for hackers, individual users are also at risk. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. To better protect yourself, check out my other article on preventing personal cyberattacks.