@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

nakdim

@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz

Scientist-in-the-making, currently MSc student (Computational biology & Bioinformatics).
Doing my thesis on "Understanding the evolutionary origins and trajectories of human microproteins" @fleming.gr

Linux-fr34k by night 🕵🏻‍♂️.
Aspiring to go complex, mathematical and philosophical.

Will occasionally (rarely) post sketches I make.

Views are of my molecules. 🙈🙉🙊

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. Browse more on the original instance.

johncarlosbaez, (edited ) to random
@johncarlosbaez@mathstodon.xyz avatar

Some wasps are called 'parasitoids' because they lay their eggs in still-living caterpillars. The eggs develop into larvae that eat the caterpillar from the inside.

But turnabout is fair play. Sometimes, other wasps called 'hyperparasitoids' lay their eggs in the larvae of these parasitoids!

The caterpillars also fight back. Their immune system detects the wasp's eggs, and they will do things like surround the eggs in a layer of tissue that chokes them.

But many parasitoid wasps have a trick to stop this. They deploy viruses that infect the caterpillar and affect its behavior in various ways - for example, slowing its immune response to the implanted eggs.

These viruses can become so deeply symbiotic with the wasps that their genetic code becomes part of the wasp's DNA. So every wasp comes born with the ability to produce these viruses. They're called 'polydnaviruses'.

In fact some wasps are symbiotic with two kinds of virus. One kind, on its own, would quickly kill the caterpillar - not good for the wasp. The other kind keeps the first kind under control.

And I'm immensely simplifying things here. There are over 25,000 species of parasitoid wasps, so there's a huge variety of things that happen, which scientists are just starting to understand! I had fun reading this:

• Marcel Dicke, Antonino Cusumano and Erik H. Poelman, Microbial symbionts of parasitoids, Annual Review of Entomology, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-024939

Why such diversity? I think it's just that there are so many plants! So insect larvae like caterpillars naturally tend to feed on them... in turn providing a big food source for parasitoids, and so on.

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@johncarlosbaez The funniest part is that this is just an example of something that "complex". A million lifetimes and we would still not catch up. The persistent phenomenon we call life is just damn mindblowing! And then some more

404mediaco, to random
@404mediaco@mastodon.social avatar

NEW: Tumblr and Wordpress are preparing to sell user data to Midjourney and OpenAI, according to internal documentation we've reviewed

https://www.404media.co/tumblr-and-wordpress-to-sell-users-data-to-train-ai-tools/

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@404mediaco Jesus fucking christ.... So basically we only have what? Our .txt files to work with and share them via fps to each other in order to communicate our thoughts? Fuck this shit. I so wanna go and live inside a cave. 0 conveniences but fuck sake I'll have peace of mind...

protonmail, to random
@protonmail@mastodon.social avatar

When we first started, people asked: how do I know Proton will still be around in 10 years?

This year, Proton turns 10. And while past performance doesn't determine future results, here's why Proton is able to sustain its mission over the long-term: https://proton.me/blog/sustaining-mission-over-time

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@protonmail You and @signalapp are indeed a beacon of hope and privacy in our modern times, when we need it so so so much! Thanks <3

Em0nM4stodon, (edited ) to random

FediFriends, I need your help 👇

I’ve built this little webpage
a few months ago to present together some of the work I did and help me find a job: https://emontheinternet.me

But, I am still uncertain about which drawing profile would be best for this, if any 🤔

I have not built this webpage for myself so I need external opinions. Your opinions (boosts welcome for reach) :boost_ok:​

Which one of these
profile pictures do you think would work best on my webpage to find work? Or perhaps it would be best not to put any? What do you think?

Keep in mind that ✱
I am not targeting large corporations with that. I am aware my website doesn’t fit the “LinkedIn” style. But which picture do you think my favorite public-interest and/or privacy organizations would like the best? 💚​👇❔

(read alt-text to see each picture' number)

EDIT: I added a poll below for people who prefer to vote without commenting. I could not include both a poll and pictures in the same post 📥👇

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon I think the best bet is 1 (the one you currently have). It gives a more joyful person feeling who knows their stuff, it passes the idea of privacy due to stickers, and it's quite clean and artistic. 3 is too "dark" and Mr. Robot like. Too blackhatter xD. 2 even though I like best as a cartoon/sketch style it provides no useful info about you other than green hair and tech-freak (neuromancer style character :P).

I hope I was helpeful 😊

Em0nM4stodon, to random

Software that do not require
to create an account are a blessing.

I know this should be the basics,
and was the default before,
but here we are.

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon "Enter a telephone number"

Why the FUCK do one needs my telephone number? Security? Sod off. There are other ways to make sure of that: Enter a password with number, leters, symbols (including space) at least 3 of each and make sure it's longer than 16 characters.

😩

Em0nM4stodon, (edited ) to random

We’ve lost so much humanity in the hiring process in the past decade.

All the automation, rigid forms that can’t account for any atypical backgrounds, keyword systems that miss all the context.

It is truly soul-destroying.
Yes, this is a subtoot.

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon If AI is responsible for hiring people all hell will break loose in the near future... Atypical backgrounds is where all the interesting things can be found ffs...

Em0nM4stodon, to Signal

Check out my new
awesome @signalapp shirt! :signal:​✨

I love it!
It is perfect for the colder weather 💙
Better yet:
IT GLOWS UNDER BLACKLIGHT 🤩

If you want to support
your favorite end-to-end encrypted messaging app 👇

"You know how to get there so...": https://signalapp.myshopify.com/products/use-signal-green-black-l-s-t-shirt

Photo of a very brightly glowing greenish and blueish design on a dark fabric with the Signal logo, name, and Cantonese characters translating to: "You know how to get there so..."

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon That is soooo (cyber)punk!!! The glow is what makes it so dope!!! :D ALL HAIL MIGHT SIGNALAPP The one app to rule 'em all!!!

Em0nM4stodon, to random

This has been said before,
but is worth saying again:

Being kind is punk af 🤘:blobcatrainbow:​

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon This is why I will always consider you as the heart of mastodon's warmth :3 ☺️

Em0nM4stodon, to privacy

Age verification laws are going to kill what is left of the internet. If we let it.

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon That's a thing? o.O

Em0nM4stodon, (edited ) to privacy

Tiny Privacy Tip About Compartmentalization 🔒📦📦​✨

In privacy, we hear a lot about hiding identities
but we less often hear about separating identities.

Sometimes, it's not always possible or even useful to hide all of your data. Sometimes, you need to be public.

For example,
you might have to share your name and face publicly on LinkedIn for work 💼​

Separating this professional identity from your personal one can be greatly beneficial to your privacy (and security and safety).

Here are a few simple
things you can do:

  1. Use different pseudonyms or even just different spellings for your "professional name" and your "personal name" 🗃️​ 🗃️

  2. Use different email addresses for profesionnal and personal ✉️​ ✉️

  3. Use different social media accounts that uses different profile pictures (ideally with very different styles) :mastodon:​ :mastodon:​

  4. Use different cloud services for your personal data and your professional data ☁️​ ☁️

  5. Try to be as consistent as possible about how you present yourself online with each identity :blobcatpenguin:​ :blobfoxtotallyablobcat:​

How much you want to link or separate these identities depends on the time and resources you are willing to invest. The greater the separation, the more your privacy will benefit. But even a little is better than none :blob_raccoon_peek:​

If you want to read more about compartmentalization, I wrote this short article here: https://www.controlaltdelete.technology/articles/improving-your-privacy-using-compartmentalization.html

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon However, anonymity is part of privacy. The way I have it in my head at least is to be absolutely visible but to have a right to not share the things you don't want to share with third parties. In some cases that requires anonymity, but it's not obligatory. Just my pov

Em0nM4stodon, to random

Hey FediFriends! If you have written to me in a reply or mention and I have not got back to you yet, please accept my apology.

I am running behind on my replies because I have to work on yet another carefully customized resume and cover letters and trust me I would much MUCH rather be answering your awesome posts instead.

Alas, I have to prioritize job applications for now. But know that I have not forgotten you and will read it all eventually!

Thanks for your patience FediFriends :blobheartcat:

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon We would never ever think wrongly of you :3 Good luck and just hang in there... Fingers crossed this frustrating (and mind numbing) period will end real soon! <3

Em0nM4stodon, (edited ) to random

🤘

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon Green Day are not even punk! >:(

nakdim, to DeGoogle
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

Minimizing (as much as possible) my digital footprint to all nasty services. I and myself (I had forgotten how many accounts I was using) and I feel good! Thank you @Em0nM4stodon @madargon for helping with their posts on these issues :D Let's get our back! (As much as we can anyway)

nixCraft, to random
@nixCraft@mastodon.social avatar

😒

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@nixCraft
Bullsh*t...
IRC for life!!

Em0nM4stodon, to mastodon

Reflecting on
this past year on Mastodon and I am feeling so grateful for all the people who contributed in making this place so wonderful.

What a year it has been!

Thank you
to all the instance administrators.
Without you, we are literally nowhere 💙

Special thanks to mine who did an incredible job at scaling up this year to make sure everyone who wanted to make infosec exchange their home, could. Thank you so much @jerry :blobcatheart:​

An immense thank you
also to all the developers who contributed to build the software we are all using. Without you, none of this is possible 💜

And a GIGANTIC thank you
to everyone who has made the Fediverse their home, and their new home 💚

Without you,
this is only an empty home. It is your presence that keeps it alive.

With all my heart,
thank you, to all of you ❤️

Long Live Mastodon and the Fediverse! :blobcatrainbow:​ :geodesic: :mastodon:​

#Mastodon #Fediverse #Grateful

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Em0nM4stodon @jerry
Thank YOU for being so thankful, lovefull, heartwarming and kind to make mastodon a welcoming place (home) to be in ^^

Daojoan, to random
@Daojoan@mastodon.social avatar

The worst thing about online learning is that everything has become a video. Every code tutorial. Every design tutorial. Nobody actually writes out a guide anymore.

It's just "hey guys welcome to my tutorial" and watching 10 minutes of content that mostly isn't relevant...

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@Daojoan
There is also the excellent phenomenon of "google it". I'll never understand that answer to all questions... You don't get insight or intuition or shared experience. Just "cold" answers... The implications of these things (yours, mine and many other) are deep, worrying and expand to a lot of aspects of our society

gregeganSF, to random
@gregeganSF@mathstodon.xyz avatar

“Dream Scenario tells the bizarre tale of evolutionary biologist and hapless family man Paul Matthews whose quiet life of lecturing bored college students about the behaviours of ants is suddenly and strangely upended when he starts inexplicably appearing in other people’s dreams.”

This sounds like it could be wonderful. Australian premier on 1 January 2024, so I will spend the next two months in hopeful anticipation.

nakdim,
@nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

@gregeganSF
This does seem quite intriguing! Fingers crossed it will be delivered well 🤞🏻

lzg, to random
@lzg@mastodon.social avatar

deleted_by_author

    •
    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @lzg
    As double as I've ever seen it in my life! Let's go hunt leprechauns!!!! 😃😃😃😃

    Em0nM4stodon, to random

    To all the apps that
    enter total panic-mode each time I start my computer without the internet plugged in,
    I want to say:

    Yes, I know.
    Please, chill out.
    There is no internet now, I know.
    It’s okay, we don’t need it all the time.
    Please, relax.
    There is no danger.
    Yes, a computer can work without the internet.
    We will survive this, App.

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @Em0nM4stodon
    Sometimes I wonder what would happen if elecricity just died one day.... XD

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @Em0nM4stodon
    http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/32700000/the-others-the-others-2001-film-32714592-1280-854.jpg

    Yep xD

    nakdim, to random
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @feditips
    Hey! For privacy reasons is it possible for someone to limit other's access to their followers and follows?

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @feditips Many thanks! All hail the fossilized elephant!

    pallenberg, to technology
    @pallenberg@mastodon.social avatar

    And this my friends is the reason why the USB-C connector is the greatest tech invention of the past decade.

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @pallenberg
    But noone has any stories to tell with USB-C :P
    @KiffinEileen

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @pallenberg
    But noone has any stories to tell with USB-C :P
    @KiffinEileen

    NicoleCRust, to random
    @NicoleCRust@neuromatch.social avatar

    How do you stay connected with curiosity and awe?

    I suspect most researchers experience ups and downs. I periodically find myself disconnected from curiosity and awe and I need to find that compass again. (Writing a book like I’m doing now is arguably an overindulgence there).

    I worry that researchers are globally a bit disconnected from it, coming out of the pandemic coupled with increasing pressures to produce.

    One impression I have is that the special swath of researchers who inhabit this furry elephant are particularly in touch with curiosity and awe.

    How do y’all stay connected to it?

    nakdim,
    @nakdim@mathstodon.xyz avatar

    @NicoleCRust It's not exactly science-oriented but I like to give it a read every now and then: https://www.themarginalian.org/2015/02/10/thoreau-hard-work-efficiency/
    I think awe and curiosity come about when you take a step back, and take your time to see what you did, what you search and digest these thoughts and ideas :) It also gives you more boost to keep going and grinding when the needs arises.

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