Links For November 2026

Astral Codex Ten’s November links roundup features forecasts about AI and California floods, alongside commentary on work, science and community.

2026 Science Demonstration Equipment Checklist

This checklist is for teachers, science club leaders, and homeschool educators planning…

Neural Network Weights As A Programming Interface For AI

MIT researchers report that GPT-6 Astra read, edited and created neural-network weights, with promising results and significant limits.

Writing Seen In PHerc. 306B, For The First Time In 2000 Years

A Vesuvius Challenge team identified readable Greek letters in PHerc. 306B, a carbonized scroll buried in the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius.

26.7 Million Working Animals And The Tractor Revolution

U.S. farm horses and mules fell from 26.7 million in 1918 to 3.1 million in 1960 as tractors and other machinery spread.

15 Best Astronomy Books for Beginners in 2027

Compare 15 astronomy books for beginners, from illustrated night-sky guides to telescope references, and find the right starting point for your goals.

How The Alarm Won The Race Against A Blood Bank Freezer Hack

A cyber incident changed cold-room settings at three French blood-service sites. EFS says alarms prompted a transfer of plasma, with no reported loss.

Google’s TV Box Botnet Takedown: 1.3 Million Devices And Factory Malware

Google says it disrupted the XCPE botnet, which affected more than 1.3 million TV boxes and relied on malware embedded in device firmware.

The EU AI Copyright Debate, Explained For Companies, Publishers And Users

An EU court adviser says AI chatbots may infringe press publishers’ rights in some cases, but his nonbinding opinion points against the publisher suing Google.

7 Best Educational STEM Kits for Adults in 2027

Compare seven educational STEM kits for adults, from programmable robot cars to engine models and circuit projects, with picks by learning style.