The Bootstrapping Byte #8 - O Sole Mio

You shouldn't be reading this; instead, you should be doing your yearly digital detox and trying to complete your introductory meditation course again.

In this edition, we have updates about the not-so-super LK-99, challenges on StackOverflow, and a hidden gem from both past and present console games

🔥 Hot Off the Press - LK-99 fizzled out

Scientific investigations have revealed that the material is not a superconductor. Instead, studies have shown that impurities in the material were responsible for sharp drops in its electrical resistivity and a display of partial levitation over a magnet, properties similar to those exhibited by superconductors. However, even though the scientific breakthrough didn't materialize, it heightened public awareness about material science and scientific methods—a significant win!

It’s So Over. Now What?

What is the metascience community to make of the delirious rise and apparent fall of LK-99? If LK-99 turns out in the end – as it appears as of the time of writing – to be a tantalizing but ultimately failed bit of research, professional naysayers and the established superconductor research communit…

MacroscienceTim Hwang

💊 Down the Rabbit Hole - Is StackOverflow really free falling?

After investigation, it seems that StackOverflow isn't losing many visitors. However, people seem to be asking fewer questions in the community as they turn to Copilot or ChatGPT.

Are reports of StackOverflow’s fall greatly exaggerated?

A blog post suggests traffic is down 50% at Stack Overflow, due to ChatGPT gaining popularity. I checked in with the company for more details. Plus: a senior engineer’s months-long job search story.

The Pragmatic EngineerGergely Orosz

🦆 Coders' Corner - Insider story about one of the biggest mod-chips devs for game consoles

We all had that friend who jailbroke their Playstation to play games downloaded from the internet, right? Here is the story of one of the biggest mod-chip producer for video games. Traveling from the era of Dreamcast to that of the Nintendo Switch: memories, memories!

🛠️ Live from Dad's Garage

Reopening soon after the summer vacations 🚧

Thanks for reading, and see you in the next edition!

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