Nvidia and Broadcom are introducing co-packaged optical (CPO) switches as the AI boom demands faster and more energy-efficient data centers. At the SC25 supercomputing conference, Nvidia announced its Quantum-X Photonics CPO switches, which boast energy efficiency improvements of up to 3.5 times over traditional setups. Early adoption by operators such as Lambda, CoreWeave, and the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) highlights the potential of this technology to reshape AI networks. Despite reliability concerns and potential risks of larger failure impacts in CPO systems, testing by Meta and others suggests increasing stability and resilience. Broadcom's competing Davisson CPO platform and advancements from companies like Ayar Labs signal a competitive push in this field, with further innovations expected in 2026 . The Register

X (formerly Twitter) has unveiled a usage-based API pricing model, moving away from flat fees to charge developers based on data consumption. This change is complemented by a revamped developer console and a selective beta program offering $500 API credits. While this shift aligns with industry trends, developers question its cost efficiency, as some workloads may incur higher fees than before. The program's selective criteria and the lack of transparency on rate limits and pricing stability raise concerns about long-term trust and predictability . Tech Radar

A new open-source Retro Pi-hole Dashboard called Cutie-Pi is gaining traction among tech enthusiasts. Designed with a nostalgic 8-bit aesthetic, it offers swipeable screens for stats, graphs, and system information, alongside customization options for themes and CRT scanlines. Developed by a user on the Pi-hole subreddit, this project reflects the creativity of the open-source community and provides a compelling visualization tool for network monitoring . XDA Developers

While free radicals are often associated with diseases like cancer and aging, they also play essential roles in cell signaling, respiration, and immune defense, according to experts like Michael Murphy from the University of Cambridge. Controlled levels of these reactive molecules may even promote health through a phenomenon called hormesis, as seen in the benefits of exercise. However, excess radicals caused by environmental factors can overwhelm natural defenses, leading to tissue damage. The nuanced understanding of free radicals underscores their dual role in both sustaining life and causing harm . Live Science

At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), industry leaders from Japan, Spain, Australia, and India discussed the challenges of adopting sustainable practices in filmmaking. Spanish producer Anna Saura highlighted mandatory sustainability certifications for productions receiving public funding, while Japanese producer Mina Moteki emphasized the need for healthier work environments before ecological reforms. Australian filmmaker Garth Davis and Indian director Nila Madhab Panda advocated for structural and cultural changes, such as introducing sustainability directors and leveraging green energy for data-heavy operations like AI. The panel reflected a global push for environmental responsibility in film production . Variety