The first AI hardware engineering intern is here. ⚡️ Until now, Flux could handle one-off tasks; add a part here, wire a trace there. Now, it can plan, decide, and execute full design cycles. Researching parts, wiring schematics, placing, routing, and checking as it goes. Think of Flux as a capable intern: fast, explainable, and eager to learn, but still needs your guidance and review. Welcome to the new era of hardware design.

I often re-read @natfriedman's personal website (former Github CEO)

If your child is screaming on a flight (that’s late with no AC and hasn’t taken off yet @Delta) show it a fucking phone. Brain rot the baby on TikTok until it’s quiet. Is that too much to ask?

The typical supplement user swallows over 1,000 capsules every year. But no one knows what these capsules are actually made of. Let's talk about the "invisible" ingredients you're consuming without realising... First up: Gelatin capsules. These are made from boiled animal connective tissues, typically pig skin (46%) and cow bones (23%). Yes, that "gel" in your capsules is essentially cooked animal collagen; the same stuff in Jell-O. This isn't necessarily bad, but it's something you should know you're consuming. And the quality matters enormously. In 2012, a scandal in China revealed capsules made with "industrial" gelatin from scrap leather contained chromium levels 90× the allowable limit. If you take multiple supplements daily, you're consuming a substantial amount of animal collagen each year. And any contaminants in that gelatin are going straight into your system. Now, what about those "VEGETARIAN" capsules? Most are made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (a semi-synthetic polymer). In plain English... It's plant fibre that's been chemically modified into what is essentially an edible plastic. Companies love to market these as just "vegetable capsules" which sounds natural and healthy. But this creates the false impression that you're consuming something as innocent as a bit of spinach fibre. The reality is quite different. HPMC capsules require chemical modifications using methyl chloride and propylene oxide. They often include gelling agents like carrageenan, which has been linked to gut inflammation in some studies. This isn't to say HPMC is dangerous, regulators consider it safe. But I firmly believe you deserve to know that your "plant-based" capsule is actually a chemically processed substance. The most concerning issue is with "enteric-coated" supplements. These are designed to survive stomach acid and only dissolve in the intestine. Many use phthalate-based polymers like cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) or polyvinyl acetate phthalate (PVAP). Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors that can mimic or interfere with your hormones. Research has found that regular supplement users have about 11% higher urinary phthalate levels than non-users (source in the tweet below). For some supplements, like garlic, users showed 50-60% higher phthalate metabolite levels. This is particularly concerning with fatty supplements like fish oil, vitamin D, or CoQ10. Since phthalates are fat-soluble, they can easily leach from the capsule into the oily supplement contents. Then straight into your bloodstream. So what are the superior alternatives? Pullulan capsules are genuinely natural, made by fermenting tapioca with a fungus. Unlike HPMC, pullulan requires no harsh chemical processing and is allowed in certified organic supplements. Pullulan capsules have excellent oxygen barrier properties, protecting sensitive ingredients from oxidation. They're often made with just pullulan and water (no carrageenan, no preservatives). They cost more, which is why not all companies use them. There are also special acid-resistant HPMC capsules (like DRcaps) that achieve enteric protection without phthalates. Some innovative companies use algae-derived polysaccharides for enteric coating. These alternatives deliver the benefits without the endocrine-disrupting chemicals. The real issue is the industry's lack of transparency. Most labels just list "vegetable capsule" or "gelatin" without further detail. Companies rarely specify if it's pig or bovine gelatin, or if their "vegetable" capsule is HPMC or pullulan. This lack of clarity makes it nearly impossible for you to make informed choices. Here's how to protect yourself: 1) Read the "Other Ingredients" list carefully. Look for specific terms like "Pullulan" (good) or watch for vague terms like just "vegetable capsule" (usually HPMC). 2) Be wary of "enteric coating" without clarification. If you see terms like "methacrylate copolymer," "CAP," or "PVAP," those suggest phthalate-based coatings. 3) Seek out transparent brands. Companies like Oregon's Wild Harvest openly use pullulan capsules. Any USDA Organic certified supplement in capsules likely uses pullulan. 4) Consider powder forms when possible. If you take large amounts of a supplement, using powder eliminates capsule material altogether. Prioritise capsule quality especially for: • Oil-based supplements (fish oil, vitamin D, CoQ10) • Probiotics and enzymes • Daily multivitamins or anything you take long-term These are most likely to have concerning capsule materials or to leach chemicals into your bloodstream. The more we demand transparency and better capsule materials, the more the industry will shift. I've seen this happen with "clean label" movements pushing companies to remove artificial colours and fillers. If enough of us ask: "Is your capsule carrageenan-free? Is it phthalate-free?" Companies will take note. Your body is a temple. You scrutinise food labels, buy organic, filter your water... But then swallow plastic capsules without a second thought. It's time to extend that consciousness to the delivery system of your supplements too. Because what's the point of taking a supplement for health if the capsule itself is undermining your efforts?