Category: Software

ChemistryInnovationSoftware

New Open-Source Platform Aims to Standardize AI-Driven Polymer Discovery

Researchers have launched an open-source platform designed to overcome fundamental barriers in polymer informatics. The ecosystem reportedly addresses dataset incompatibility and featurization inconsistencies that have hampered AI-driven polymer discovery efforts.

Addressing the Polymer Informatics Crisis

Scientific reports indicate a growing crisis in polymer informatics where machine learning models trained on different datasets produce wildly varying results. According to researchers behind a new open-source platform called PolyMetriX, cross-testing existing models revealed mean absolute errors ranging from 13.79 to 214.75 Kelvin when predicting glass transition temperatures – a critical polymer property. This substantial variation reportedly stems from incompatible datasets and inconsistent featurization methods across the research community.

by Desai Priyanka
AISoftwareStartups

Cercli Secures $12M in Oversubscribed Series A to Expand AI-First HR Platform Across MENA Region

Cercli, an AI-powered HR and payroll platform designed for MENA businesses, has raised an oversubscribed $12 million Series A. The startup reports scaling revenue over 10x and processing $100M+ in annual payroll, leveraging AI-native architecture to challenge legacy systems.

Oversubscribed Funding Round

Cercli, a Dubai-based HR technology startup, has reportedly raised $12 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round led by European venture capital firm Picus Capital. According to reports, the round saw participation from Knollwood Investment Advisory and existing investors Y Combinator, Afore Capital, and COTU Ventures. This investment marks Picus Capital’s first venture into the MENA region, with the firm having previously backed global HR companies such as Personio and Deel.

by Alvarez Jordan
SoftwareTechnology

Beyond Code Visibility: Why True Open-Source Requires More Than Transparency

The distinction between open-source and source-available software is becoming increasingly blurred in today’s market. According to industry experts, true open-source requires specific freedoms beyond mere code visibility.

The Transparency Illusion in Modern Software

Industry analysts suggest that transparency alone doesn’t guarantee the freedoms associated with genuine open-source software. While many companies market their products as “open” or make source code visible, reports indicate this often creates confusion about what users can actually do with the software. The distinction between true open-source and merely source-available code has significant implications for developers, businesses, and the broader technology ecosystem.

by Alvarez Jordan
SecuritySoftware

Microsoft Releases Emergency Windows 11 Patch for Critical USB Failure in Recovery Environment

Microsoft has deployed an out-of-band emergency update addressing a critical bug that rendered USB keyboards and mice non-functional within Windows 11’s recovery system. The issue emerged after the company’s recent Patch Tuesday security updates, preventing users from accessing recovery options. The new cumulative update reportedly resolves the USB connectivity problem while maintaining previous security enhancements.

Emergency Update Deployed for Critical Input Failure

Microsoft has reportedly released an emergency out-of-band update designated KB5070773 to address a critical functionality issue affecting USB input devices within the Windows Recovery Environment. According to reports, the problem emerged following the October 14, 2025, Patch Tuesday update (KB5066835), which inadvertently broke USB keyboard and mouse functionality in WinRE, leaving users unable to navigate recovery options.

by Alvarez Jordan