The New Math of Quantum Cryptography

The original version of this story appeared in Quanta Magazine. Hard problems are usually not a welcome sight. But cryptographers love them. That’s because certain hard math problems underpin the security of modern encryption. Any clever trick for solving them will doom most forms of cryptography. Several years ago, researchers found a radically new approach…

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Hyperkin The Competitor Controller Review: A DualSense Copycat

The most immediately striking difference is that Hyperkin’s product swaps the typical Xbox approach of asymmetric thumbsticks for the PlayStation’s horizontal layout. It also separates the D-pad (it’s one piece inside the pad, but splits its cardinal directions so each appears to be its own button), while the ABXY face buttons are spaced slightly further…

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10 Tips to Get the Most Out of a Tank of Gas

3. Minimize travel. If you can delay errands or other activities, you’ll preserve the gas that you purchased and reduce overall consumption for the region, helping in some small way to reduce gas scarcity.  4. Obey speed limits. When you drive, follow the speed limits and drive smoothly. Your driving habits can play a significant…

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New Thinking on How to Lower Your Blood Pressure

The AHA has long advised that all adults consume less than 2,300 mg of sodium each day. But the new guidelines advise less than 1,500 mg (the amount in about ⅔ teaspoon). “On average, we see systolic (top) blood pressure drop about 3 points in people with normal blood pressure and 7 points in people…

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Chrysler Minivans Recalled to Fix Airbag Problems

Vehicles recalled: Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager minivans manufactured between May 10, 2022, and Nov. 3, 2024. The problem: Due to an improperly sealed seam, the side curtain airbags may not have sufficient pressure retention during deployment. As such, they do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, “Ejection Mitigation.” The fix:…

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Why Are Brown Eggs More Expensive Than White Ones?

It depends on what you think you’re getting. Take free-range eggs. They may cost more because of the way the hens are raised. But the term can be misleading. While “free-range” birds aren’t caged and have more access to the outdoors, the facility in which they’re housed may still be crowded, and the outdoor area…

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Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving

To be clear: If you live in the snow belt and face harsh winter driving conditions, winter/snow tires are your best bet. But if you have the ability to wait until roads are cleared before traveling, there are some great choices in each all-season tire category for winter grip. Among the 52,235 sets of tires…

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Does a Spare Tire Expire?

If your spare tire is on the exterior of the vehicle, such as underneath an SUV or pickup truck, you’ll want to be extra vigilant because the tire is exposed to the elements. Bolts exposed to the weather, and especially road salt, can corrode, making it difficult to lower the tire. It’s smart to remove…

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