Timescale

Timescale has published pg_vectorsearch, an open-source vector index for Postgres that it says outperforms the IVFFlat and HNSW index types offered by the popular pgvector extension. The project is drawing attention among developers working on AI and similarity search applications, where faster and cheaper vector retrieval is a persistent pain point.

Researchers report that ultrashort laser pulses can induce ordered states in a quantum ferroelectric metal, a rare material combining metallic conductivity with ferroelectric behavior. By striking the material with femtosecond light pulses, scientists say they can control its internal structure on extremely fast timescales. The finding is being discussed as a step toward light-based control of quantum materials and potential future technologies.

Payments company Block is using OpenAI technology to power its security operations. According to OpenAI, Block's security team can now investigate threats faster and propose patches within minutes rather than longer timescales. The case study highlights how large companies are deploying AI models for cybersecurity tasks such as threat triage and remediation.

New research published in Nature finds that ocean thermal inertia could keep a shifted mean state in the tropical Pacific locked in even after humanity reaches net zero carbon emissions. The study suggests some climate changes in the region may be effectively irreversible on human timescales, with implications for weather patterns, fisheries and sea-level planning worldwide.