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Did you know that elephants can recognize themselves in a mirror?!

Elephants are one of the few animals, along with humans, great apes, dolphins, and magpies, that have passed the “mirror test,” which is a measure of self-awareness. When presented with a mirror, elephants can recognize their reflection as themselves rather than another elephant. They may use the mirror to inspect parts of their body, such as looking inside their mouths or examining their ears, showing a high level of cognitive function and self-recognition.

These facts highlight the incredible intelligence, emotional depth, and unique adaptations of elephants, making them one of the most fascinating animals on the planet.

Tech

Quantum Computer Power

Quantum computers may still be years away from being powerful enough to perform useful tasks, but it's becoming increasingly likely that fully functional, error-corrected quantum computers will be operational within the next five to 10 years.

Quantum computers are advanced machines that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics, using quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing them to process complex computations far more efficiently than classical computers. This capability enables quantum computers to solve certain problems, such as factoring large numbers or simulating molecular structures, exponentially faster than traditional computers.

This will be a major breakthrough for scientists tackling complex problems in chemistry and material science. However, it also poses a significant threat to current encryption methods, such as the RSA algorithm, which currently secures sensitive internet communications like online banking. While traditional computers would take decades to crack RSA encryption, quantum computers could potentially break it with ease.

This looming threat has driven the development of post-quantum cryptography algorithms. On Tuesday, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published the first set of standards for these algorithms: ML-KEM (formerly CRYSTALS-Kyber), ML-DSA (previously CRYSTALS-Dilithium), and SLH-DSA (initially submitted as SPHINCS+). For many companies, this signals that now is the time to begin implementing these new cryptographic standards.

The question of when quantum computers will be capable of breaking RSA encryption is still open to debate, but it’s increasingly accepted that this could happen between the end of this decade and 2035. Gil, a cybersecurity expert, emphasizes that businesses should start considering the implications of a world where RSA encryption is no longer secure. He warns that a patient adversary could start collecting encrypted data now, with the intention of decrypting it in the future once quantum computers become powerful enough.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Gil notes that few businesses—and perhaps even fewer government institutions—fully understand the gravity of the problem, let alone are taking steps to address it. He describes the awareness and action level as being in its infancy.

One reason for the lack of action, Gil suggests, is the absence of established standards until now, making the new NIST standards particularly significant. Additionally, the long-standing belief that quantum computing was perpetually "five years away" has led to skepticism and a tendency to delay action.

Gil acknowledges that many CISOs are aware of the threat, but they often lack the urgency to act, partly due to uncertainty about which solutions to implement and the overwhelming task of migrating from current cryptographic protocols to new ones. He warns that this transition could take decades and will be a massive challenge for institutions and society as a whole.

If you want to learn more about the subject, check out this video that dissects the issue further.

Economy

Apple Finally Capitulates

After extensive negotiations earlier this year, Spotify just announced that it has received approval from Apple to display pricing information in its iOS app for users in the EU. This move is not part of Apple's new business rules under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, but rather a result of new antitrust regulations specifically targeting music streaming apps imposed by the EU.

Apple typically takes a 30% commission on subscriptions and in-app purchases made through apps distributed via its platform.

Spotify, like many other companies, has criticized this fee structure, arguing that it is anti-competitive. Spotify contends that Apple's commission forces them to either raise prices for consumers subscribing through the App Store or absorb the cost themselves. Apple also took measures to block Spotify’s ability to display their normal pricing info.

Back in March, Apple was fined €1.84 billion (nearly $2 billion USD) by European regulators for violating antitrust rules. Spotify and Apple have also clashed over a Spotify app update that would allow the company to share pricing details with EU users.

Now, Apple has approved Spotify's decision to opt into the music streaming entitlement, and the updated language is live in the Spotify app. This allows Spotify to display pricing for its subscriptions, digital goods, and its newer collection of audiobooks. This includes plans with audiobook streaming, as well as options for users to purchase additional listening hours or individual audiobook titles.

However, Spotify will not be able to include a direct link to its website in the app, as doing so would require paying Apple a 27% commission on those sales—something Spotify has chosen to avoid. Instead, the app will only refer users to Spotify’s website without explicitly stating the domain name or .com address. Spotify revealed that Apple even prohibited the use of "spotify.com" in text, even when not hyperlinked, to circumvent the commission fees.

To coincide with the launch of this pricing information, Spotify will run a promotion in the EU encouraging users to upgrade their subscription plans through its website—a practice it has long been able to do on Android without any issues.

Space

11-Mile-Thick Diamond Layer in Mercury

A bi-disciplinary scientific study has identified a likely 11-mile-thick layer of diamonds at the boundary between Mercury’s core and mantle.

This finding is significant given that Mercury, despite being one of the closest planets to Earth, remains the least understood in our solar system.

Diamonds, which are pure carbon, are abundant throughout the solar system under the right conditions of pressure and temperature. Mercury’s surface, observed by the MESSENGER spacecraft from 2011 to 2015, appears grey due to its high graphite content. Graphite, another form of pure carbon, suggested to researchers that diamonds could be present below the surface.

“We know there’s a lot of carbon in the form of graphite on the surface of Mercury, but there are very few studies about the inside of the planet,” said Yanhao Lin, a staff scientist at the Center for High Pressure Science and Technology Advanced Research in Beijing and co-author of the study published in June in Nature Communications.

The researchers used a special pressure chamber to simulate conditions similar to those at Mercury’s core-mantle boundary—70,000 times Earth’s sea level pressure and 2,000°C (3,630°F). They mixed graphite with elements believed to be present in Mercury’s mantle, including silicon, titanium, magnesium, and aluminum. Under these conditions, the graphite transformed into diamond crystals.

By analyzing data from the MESSENGER mission on Mercury’s mineral composition and depth, the authors estimate the diamond layer is about 11 miles thick. However, mining these diamonds is not feasible due to their depth, similar to why Earth's mantle cannot be mined.

“However, some lavas at the surface of Mercury have been formed by melting of the very deep mantle. It is reasonable to consider that this process is able to bring some diamonds to the surface, by analogy with what happens on Earth,” said Bernard Charlier, head of the department of geology at the University of Liège in Belgium and a coauthor of the study. While mining equipment would need to endure temperatures above 500°F, past asteroid mining achievements and plans from companies like Trans Astra suggest future possibilities.

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Mind Stretchers

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What is too much for one, enough for two, but nothing at all for three?

Yesterday’s Answers to the Mind Stretchers:
I don’t have eyes yet see your most precious memories, What am I?
- A Camera 📸 

Albert Knox got the correct answer first!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to[email protected]or reply to email.

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