Geek News

Animals The path from wild rabbit to fluffy bunny is much more mysterious than we thought Legend says rabbits were domesticated in 600 AD, when the Pope said fetal rabbits were fair game to eat during Lent. But a new study says that legend is made up. via Popular Science "http://ift.tt/2GgOPN7"

Science published three studies today that all demonstrate new uses for CRISPR . The gene editing technology is typically thought of for its potential use in treating diseases like HIV , ALS and Huntington's disease , but researchers are showing that applications of CRISPR don't stop there. The first study comes from the lab of CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna. Her team discovered that a CRISPR system different from the CRISPR-Cas9 one we're used to hearing about can not only snip away specific bits of double-stranded DNA, but can then also cut single-stranded DNA that's near it. After they uncovered this ability of CRISPR-Cas12a, they used it to detect two common types of HPV. Once their CRISPR-Cas12a system detected HPV DNA in infected cells, it cleaved a another piece of DNA that then released a fluorescent signal, providing a visual sign of the presence of HPV. The researchers dubbed the system DETECTR and The Verge reports that it takes around an hour to work...

Digital currency exchange Coinbase responded this afternoon to a report from The Verge regarding rampant overcharging of users and unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts, saying in a statement that the company has “identified a solution” to the problem. The issue, which began percolating on the dedicated Coinbase subreddit late last week, appears to be related to a recent change in the way credit cards classify digital currency transactions. Users were reporting empty cryptocurrency accounts as a result, which was creating panic and calls for legal action among Coinbase customers. “We’re currently investigating an issue where some customers were charged incorrectly for purchases of digital currency with credit and debit cards,”... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2svYcX3"

Lensbaby is a camera accessories company best known for making specialty lens to achieve various creative effects. Its latest lens, Burnside 35, is designed to let you have even more control over just how much bokeh or vignetting to add to your images — with a second effect slider built into the lens so you see the changes in-camera even before shooting. The Burnside 35 is a 35mm f/2.8 lens, with an 6-blade internal aperture and an 8-blade secondary internal aperture on the effect slider. When you shift the slider from left to right, the background of the photo blurs and swirls. This effect helps to amp up drama in photos, but dial it too far to the right and it definitely starts to look like you’ve been throwing back too many beers.... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2C28B0M"

Gadgets From pour-over brews to quality lattes at the touch of a button. With the right set of tools, it's really not hard to drink cafe-quality coffee in the quiet of your own kitchen. via Popular Science "http://ift.tt/2sAHqGp"

Jeffrey Tambor's role in Transparent has been in limbo for months following sexual harassment allegations , but there's no ambiguity now: he's out. Amazon has confirmed that Tambor won't return to the series following an internal investigation into his conduct. Tambor had denied claims of intentional harassment and argued that the "politicized atmosphere" made it impractical for him to come back, but he had never gone so far as to formally depart. Tambor had come under fire in November 2017 after actresses Van Barnes and Trace Lysette accused him of harassment that included lewd remarks and "physical" actions. Other members of the cast and crew later supported the allegations. While Tambor acknowledged that he could be "volatile and ill-tempered," he maintained that he didn't set out to harass anyone. Transparent will continue -- work had started on writing out Tambor's once-central character shortly after the allegations re...

This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter . When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, it may earn affiliate commissions that support its work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here . Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse Street Price: $95; Deal Price: $80 Back on sale at $80, this matches the lowest price we've seen on the Logitech MX Master 2S, our upgrade wireless mouse pick. The successor to the beloved MX Master mouse is great itself, though one thing usually not so great is the cost, typically around $95. This deal drops it significantly lower, and if you use a mouse all day every day, at this price it's worth a look. The Logitech MX Master 2S is our upgrade pick in our guide to the best wireless mouse . Justin Krajeski and Kimber Streams wrote, "If you use a mouse for hours every day, we recommend the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse for about $100. It's expensive, but its comfortable design...

Last December, Google launched Android Go , a lightweight operating system for less capable phones typically used in places like India and Indonesia. The company has also been creating apps for these less-capable phones, too, including YouTube Go and a Go-enabled Assistant . Now Google has Gmail Go , a Gmail client made to use less data and storage space for lower end Android phones. Users will still get the smart inbox behavior of the regular Gmail app, 15 GB of free storage space and support for both IMAP and POP email protocols. According to TechCrunch , several reports show the app coming in as a 9.51 MB download, which expands to 25 MB once installed. The regular Gmail app downloads at 20.66 MB and expands to 47 MB on your device. Google declined to comment when we reached out for more info. Via: TechCrunch Source: Google Play via Engadget RSS Feed "http://ift.tt/2EslQ8d"

Google is making a change to image search today that sounds small but will have a big impact: it’s removing the “view image” button that appeared when you clicked on a picture, which allowed you to open the image alone. The button was extremely useful for users, since when you’re searching for a picture, there’s a very good chance that you want to take it and use it for something. Now, you’ll have to take additional steps to save an image. The change is essentially meant to frustrate users. Google has long been under fire from photographers and publishers who felt that image search allowed people to steal their pictures, and the removal of the view image button is one of many changes being made in response. A deal to show copyright... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2HfXfp8"

Today, Apple informed developers that all new apps that are submitted to the App Store must support the iPhone X’s Super Retina display, starting this April, reports 9to5Mac . This decision means iOS developers will be required to create apps that accommodate edge-to-edge and yes, the notch. New apps must also be built with the iOS 11 SDK. Apple’s decision to include the notch has been a point of contention for many, but it’s a design the company has leaned into . Over the past months since its release, it’s become a recognizable feature for the device, helping to create a visual identifier that sets it apart. Other companies have even knocked off the notch, creating a whole segment of derivative devices . Apple has not set a deadline for... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2o7fHIP"

Uber isn't the only ridesharing outfit with an interest in bike sharing . Lyft has formed a partnership with Baltimore Bike Share that will launch hybrid pickup points and bike sharing hubs across the Maryland city. The aim, of course, is to help you switch transportation methods with a minimum of fuss. You could take just one Lyft trip downtown and pedal around for the rest of the day, or bike to a stop if you only occasionally need more than human-powered transport. The first stop was unveiled at the Baltimore Visitor Center, while others will come to busy areas like Harbor East, Hopkins Place, the National Aquarium and the Shot Tower. Lyft pitches this as part of its broader efforts to improve urban transportation by giving you multiple travel methods. Like Uber, though, there's a clear financial incentive for Lyft: this encourages you to ditch a personally owned car and use ridesharing whenever biking isn't enough. Via: TechCrunch Source: Baltimore Business Jo...

Amazon Studios has formally fired Jeffrey Tambor from Transparent after completing an investigation into sexual harassment claims against the actor. According to The Hollywood Reporter , the actor will not participate whatsoever in the show’s upcoming fifth season. The company began looking into allegations from Tambor’s former assistant Van Barnes last November, less than a month after Amazon Studios head Roy Price resigned in the wake of his own sexual harassment scandal. According to the claims, Tambor had allegedly propositioned and groped Barnes, a transgender woman. At the time, the actor told Deadline that the accusations were “baseless,” though shortly thereafter, transgender actress Trace Lysette accused Tambor of similar... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2CogJUM"

Every so often, a Mac or iOS bug works its way into the wild that'll crash your phone or computer with a single character send via iMessage. The latest iteration of such a bug arrived last night, affecting iOS, Macs and even the Apple Watch, but fortunately Apple is already working on a fix. As reported by The Verge and confirmed by Apple, a fix for iOS is on the way. It'll arrive sooner than the upcoming iOS 11.3 update . All we know so far is that the bug fix update will be available "soon," whereas iOS 11.3 wasn't expected to arrive until the spring. Unfortunately, there's no word about a corresponding fix for the Mac or Apple Watch yet. iOS 11.3 is expected to be more extensive than most mid-year updates, with new Animoji, battery health monitoring features, Face ID for family account purchases and more. But before that, users should see this bug fix, probably in the next week or so. Going forward, iOS 12 is expected to help iron out the many issues...

Technology These 59-pound boxes contains lots of glass and a tons of tech. Broadcast lenses like Canon's $222,000 UHD-Digisuper 86 make all that Olympic magic look sharp and clear. via Popular Science "http://ift.tt/2o9QYT7"

Over a year ago, Google updated its Maps app for Android , making it easier for users to search for restaurants, check out nearby traffic and find public transit schedules. Today, that update is now available for iOS users. With the update, Google Maps users will see three options on the bottom of their screens -- explore, driving and transit. Tapping the explore tab will bring up dining options nearby as well as photos, a description of the area you're currently in and options to search for gas stations, ATMs, convenience stores, pharmacies and other locations. The driving tab gives you a summary of the traffic situation in your area including an estimate as to how much time ongoing delays might add to your drive. If your home and work addresses are saved in Google Maps , it will also give you real-time ETAs for those destinations. Lastly, the transit tab provides estimated bus and train schedules at stations near your location. The update is rolling out today. Via: The Ver...

Google has introduced Gmail Go , the newest addition to its line of “Go” apps that are slimmed down versions of their original counterparts, as spotted by TechCrunch . Meant for phones with basic specifications and lower-end processors, or places with poor connectivity or expensive cellular data prices, the Go apps take up less space on smartphones while still providing basic functionalities. Gmail Go will still allow you to have support for multiple accounts, automatically filter social and promotional emails while prioritizing emails from friends and family, receive new mail notifications, have access to 15GB free storage, and read and respond both online and offline. However, other nonessential features may be missing (images won’t load... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2Eu9GQC"

Last week, on perhaps the coldest night that I have experienced since leaving a college town situated more or less at the bottom of a lake, The Verge’ s Ashley Carman and I took the train up to Hunter College to watch a debate . The contested proposition was whether “dating apps have killed romance,” and the host was an adult man who had never used a dating app. Smoothing the static electricity out of my sweater and rubbing a chunk of dead skin off my lip, I settled into the ‘70s-upholstery auditorium chair in a 100 percent foul mood, with an attitude of “Why the fuck are we still talking about this?” I thought about writing about it, headline: “Why the fuck are we still talking about this?” (We went because we host a podcast about apps,... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2EsaJw1"

Apple is planning to address a new iPhone and macOS crash bug that can be used to disable apps and iMessage before the release of iOS 11.3 this spring. The bug was discovered earlier this week, and involves sending an Indian language (Telugu) character to devices that crashes an iPhone and makes apps like Messages, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp inaccessible. The bug also affects Safari and the built-in Messages app on macOS, and the Apple Watch. While iOS 11.3 fixes the problems, Apple tells The Verge that it’s planning to release an iOS 11 update soon that will address the crashes before the iOS 11.3 release in the spring. That means we’ll see iOS 11.2.6 or something similar be made available soon, rather than waiting for iOS 11.3.... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2o1Z80E"

It seems like an obvious fix to the HomePod white ring problem : stick a coaster underneath your speaker. It’s so obvious that one company, Pad & Quill, has already launched a coaster solely for the HomePod. It’s called the Leather HomePod Coaster, as first spotted by Gizmodo . It comes in brown leather and costs $19.95. It’s available to preorder now, although it’s unclear when it’ll actually ship. I’m pretty sure any coaster will work, by the way — you don’t need to spend $19.95 to prevent your HomePod from staining your furniture. You could also move the speaker to another surface, like Apple suggests. We’re all going to make it through this situation, I believe in us. Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2BxgHNR"

Microsoft’s Surface Pro is turning five years old this month, and the software giant is celebrating the anniversary with a $200 discount offer. Much like Microsoft’s Cyber Monday discounts , the company is taking $200 off the price of the latest Surface Pro Core i5 models. A Surface Pro with a Core i5, 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage will be available for $799, while a 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage model will be priced at $1,099. Both of these offers are temporary , and only available over this President’s Day weekend (February 17th to 19th). Surface chief Panos Panay has also marked the anniversary of Surface Pro with a video of the team looking back at how Microsoft’s tablet / laptop hybrid has changed over the years. Microsoft... Continue reading… via The Verge - Tech Posts "http://ift.tt/2EtQJxa"

* Lane creeps now have a minor knockback based on the amount of hero damage in the killing blow * Nature's Guise now shows a buff icon to show when Treant remains within range of trees * Fixed Flesh Golem heal not taking into account temporary increases to max HP * Fixed location of familiars when player had bought Aghs or chose the +1 Familiar talent * Courier no longer try to deliver gems if your inventory is full. * Minor Windrager updates to model, textures and attachment point for bow strings * Fixed Windranger taunt not showing when you don't have vision of the center of the map * Added last updated time to the guide details view in the In-Game guide picker * Added number of camps stacked to the support column of the post game scoreboard * Added a toggle near the language filter to prioritize recent guides * Custom Games: The local lobby list is now sorted by oldest lobby first * Custom Games: Fixed a bug where loading into a custom game would occasionally fai...

Science Brain areas that control movement have to learn new tricks. Figure skating challenges the brain as well as the body. via Popular Science "http://ift.tt/2sA0Tqw"

Last April, the Federal Communications Commission, led by its Trump-appointed chairman Ajit Pai, eliminated a restriction that had capped how many stations media companies could own. Weeks later, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced a long- suspected deal to acquire Tribune Media for $3.9 billion. Anyone finding that timing suspicious wouldn't be alone: For two months, the FCC's internal watchdog has been investigating whether Pai and his aides improperly pushed to change the rules and timed it to help Sinclair, Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) confirmed to The New York Times . For months I have been trying to get to the bottom of the allegations about Chairman Pai's relationship with Sinclair Broadcasting. https://t.co/JGmRQp4VoN — Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) February 15, 2018 The extent of the investigation is unclear, as is whatever could result. The office of the FCC's nonpartisan inspector general didn't comment on "the existence or the...