New Scientist - Technology New Scientist - Technology https://www.newscientist.com/ New Scientist - Technology https://www.newscientist.com/build/images/ns-logo-scaled.ed2dc11a.png https://www.newscientist.com daily 1 Watch an AI-powered robot dog crawl around an obstacle course https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421955-watch-an-ai-powered-robot-dog-crawl-around-an-obstacle-course/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 13 Mar 2024 18:00:19 +0000 A four-legged robot can handle real-world obstacles that require scrambling up and down or leaping sizeable gaps. AI training lets it adapt to new terrain it hasn’t seen before 2421955-watch-an-ai-powered-robot-dog-crawl-around-an-obstacle-course|2421955 US legislators vote to ban TikTok unless it severs ties with China https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421970-us-legislators-vote-to-ban-tiktok-unless-it-severs-ties-with-china/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:00:14 +0000 The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that will require TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or risk a nationwide ban 2421970-us-legislators-vote-to-ban-tiktok-unless-it-severs-ties-with-china|2421970 Google AI learns to play open-world video games by watching them https://www.newscientist.com/article/2422101-google-ai-learns-to-play-open-world-video-games-by-watching-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 13 Mar 2024 14:15:48 +0000 An artificial intelligence from Google DeepMind can play nine open-world video games like a human, by watching video from a screen and controlling a keyboard and mouse 2422101-google-ai-learns-to-play-open-world-video-games-by-watching-them|2422101 US government wants to tax bitcoin to reduce its environmental impact https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421745-us-government-wants-to-tax-bitcoin-to-reduce-its-environmental-impact/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:15:11 +0000 The computers that secure cryptocurrencies like bitcoin consume large amounts of power, pushing up electricity prices and potentially contributing to climate change. Now, the US government wants to tackle the problem 2421745-us-government-wants-to-tax-bitcoin-to-reduce-its-environmental-impact|2421745 Could an AI replace all music ever recorded with Taylor Swift covers? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418740-could-an-ai-replace-all-music-ever-recorded-with-taylor-swift-covers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:00:50 +0000 A thought experiment in which all music is replaced with AI-generated "Taylor's Versions" should prompt us to find ways to protect data from AI corruption, warn researchers 2418740-could-an-ai-replace-all-music-ever-recorded-with-taylor-swift-covers|2418740 The surprising promise and profound perils of AIs that fake empathy https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134810-900-the-surprising-promise-and-profound-perils-of-ais-that-fake-empathy/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 06 Mar 2024 16:00:00 +0000 Millions of us are turning to chatbots for emotional support. But there are good reasons to think AIs will never be capable of genuine empathy, raising profound questions about their role in society mg26134810-900-the-surprising-promise-and-profound-perils-of-ais-that-fake-empathy|2420285 Snail robot excretes sticky mucus that helps it crawl up slopes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421134-snail-robot-excretes-sticky-mucus-that-helps-it-crawl-up-slopes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 08 Mar 2024 20:00:29 +0000 A remotely controlled robot with an inflatable foot that oozes mucus can crawl across surfaces like a snail, and could inspire soft medical robots that move through mucus-lined cavities in the human body 2421134-snail-robot-excretes-sticky-mucus-that-helps-it-crawl-up-slopes|2421134 Quantum memory device could stop unhackable networks from failing https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420664-quantum-memory-device-could-stop-unhackable-networks-from-failing/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 08 Mar 2024 18:00:19 +0000 A memory device that temporarily saves quantum information could become an important addition to quantum networks because it would allow users to salvage information if it fails to transfer properly 2420664-quantum-memory-device-could-stop-unhackable-networks-from-failing|2420664 AI chatbot models ‘think’ in English even when using other languages https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420973-ai-chatbot-models-think-in-english-even-when-using-other-languages/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:00:25 +0000 When answering questions posed in Chinese, French, German or Russian, large language models seem to process the queries in English, which could create cultural issues 2420973-ai-chatbot-models-think-in-english-even-when-using-other-languages|2420973 D-Wave says its quantum computers can solve otherwise impossible tasks https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420543-d-wave-says-its-quantum-computers-can-solve-otherwise-impossible-tasks/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:33:52 +0000 Quantum computing firm D-Wave says its machines are the first to achieve "computational supremacy" by solving a practically useful problem that would otherwise take millions of years on an ordinary supercomputer 2420543-d-wave-says-its-quantum-computers-can-solve-otherwise-impossible-tasks|2420543 AI chatbots use racist stereotypes even after anti-racism training https://www.newscientist.com/article/2421067-ai-chatbots-use-racist-stereotypes-even-after-anti-racism-training/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:00:06 +0000 Large language models still demonstrate racial prejudice against speakers of African American English, despite the safety guard rails implemented by tech companies such as OpenAI 2421067-ai-chatbots-use-racist-stereotypes-even-after-anti-racism-training|2421067 US Army tests AI chatbots as battle planners in a war game simulation https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420184-us-army-tests-ai-chatbots-as-battle-planners-in-a-war-game-simulation/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 05 Mar 2024 16:00:06 +0000 Researchers in the US Army are experimenting with commercial AI chatbots as battlefield advisers in war game simulations – but experts caution that such AI should not be used in high-stakes situations 2420184-us-army-tests-ai-chatbots-as-battle-planners-in-a-war-game-simulation|2420184 Google launches $5m prize to find actual uses for quantum computers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420137-google-launches-5m-prize-to-find-actual-uses-for-quantum-computers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:31 +0000 Existing quantum computers can solve some problems faster than any ordinary computer, but none of those problems has any practical use. Google and XPRIZE hope to change that 2420137-google-launches-5m-prize-to-find-actual-uses-for-quantum-computers|2420137 Smart glasses use sonar to work out where you're looking https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418742-smart-glasses-use-sonar-to-work-out-where-youre-looking/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 04 Mar 2024 06:00:33 +0000 Gaze-tracking devices normally rely on cameras, but a new system uses reflected sound to track where someone is looking based on the shape of their eyeballs 2418742-smart-glasses-use-sonar-to-work-out-where-youre-looking|2418742 Elon Musk asks court to decide if GPT-4 has human-level intelligence https://www.newscientist.com/article/2420111-elon-musk-asks-court-to-decide-if-gpt-4-has-human-level-intelligence/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 01 Mar 2024 13:43:53 +0000 As part of a lawsuit against OpenAI, billionaire Elon Musk has asked a court to determine whether GPT-4 is an artificial general intelligence, capable of human-level tasks 2420111-elon-musk-asks-court-to-decide-if-gpt-4-has-human-level-intelligence|2420111 How will AIs like ChatGPT affect elections this year? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134800-100-how-will-ais-like-chatgpt-affect-elections-this-year/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:00:00 +0000 We are beginning to see the tip of the iceberg when it comes to threats from chatbots. In a huge election year, how will AI affect upcoming votes, asks Alex Wilkins mg26134800-100-how-will-ais-like-chatgpt-affect-elections-this-year|2418954 We aren't addicted to our phones and we don't need a 'digital detox' https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134762-000-we-arent-addicted-to-our-phones-and-we-dont-need-a-digital-detox/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Describing ourselves as addicted to our phones is a counterproductive way to frame our overuse of technology, argues Pete Etchells mg26134762-000-we-arent-addicted-to-our-phones-and-we-dont-need-a-digital-detox|2414786 AIs get better at maths if you tell them to pretend to be in Star Trek https://www.newscientist.com/article/2419531-ais-get-better-at-maths-if-you-tell-them-to-pretend-to-be-in-star-trek/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 29 Feb 2024 08:00:18 +0000 Chatbots vary their answers depending on the exact wording used to prompt them, and now it seems that asking an AI to answer as if it were a Star Trek captain boosts its mathematical ability 2419531-ais-get-better-at-maths-if-you-tell-them-to-pretend-to-be-in-star-trek|2419531 YouTube has managed to stop its algorithm serving up extreme videos https://www.newscientist.com/article/2419033-youtube-has-managed-to-stop-its-algorithm-serving-up-extreme-videos/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 27 Feb 2024 18:00:47 +0000 YouTube's recommendation algorithm previously pushed users towards viewing ever more extreme videos, but now it steers people away from such content 2419033-youtube-has-managed-to-stop-its-algorithm-serving-up-extreme-videos|2419033 Is battery swapping a better way to recharge electric cars? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2419065-is-battery-swapping-a-better-way-to-recharge-electric-cars/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 27 Feb 2024 15:00:20 +0000 With queues at public charging points getting longer, some companies are opening power swap stations where you can simply exchange your battery for a fully charged one 2419065-is-battery-swapping-a-better-way-to-recharge-electric-cars|2419065 Resurrecting loved ones as AI 'ghosts' could harm your mental health https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416079-resurrecting-loved-ones-as-ai-ghosts-could-harm-your-mental-health/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:00:40 +0000 It may soon be possible to recreate the persona of someone who has died by training an artificial intelligence on their emails and texts - but is it a good idea? 2416079-resurrecting-loved-ones-as-ai-ghosts-could-harm-your-mental-health|2416079 Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto dismissed early climate concerns https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418762-bitcoin-creator-satoshi-nakamoto-dismissed-early-climate-concerns/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:27:52 +0000 Newly released emails have revealed that the pseudonymous creator of bitcoin was aware of concerns over the potential energy use and carbon emissions of the cryptocurrency, but felt there was no alternative 2418762-bitcoin-creator-satoshi-nakamoto-dismissed-early-climate-concerns|2418762 A robot dog has learned to open doors with its leg https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418439-a-robot-dog-has-learned-to-open-doors-with-its-leg/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 23 Feb 2024 12:00:17 +0000 Four-legged robots typically need an arm to open doors or pick up objects, but this mechanical canid can carry out tasks with its front leg 2418439-a-robot-dog-has-learned-to-open-doors-with-its-leg|2418439 LGBTQ people seen as needing more protection online than Christians https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418045-lgbtq-people-seen-as-needing-more-protection-online-than-christians/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:00:26 +0000 A study of around 9000 US adults has found that people are more in favour of removing toxic social media posts when they attack a member of the LGBTQ community than those targeting Christians or billionaires 2418045-lgbtq-people-seen-as-needing-more-protection-online-than-christians|2418045 GPT-4 developer tool can hack websites without human help https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418201-gpt-4-developer-tool-can-hack-websites-without-human-help/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 22 Feb 2024 17:00:59 +0000 The developer version of OpenAI’s leading large language model can be repurposed as an AI hacking agent, researchers have found. That could make it far easier for anyone to launch certain cyberattacks online 2418201-gpt-4-developer-tool-can-hack-websites-without-human-help|2418201 Bitcoin halving: When is it and what does it actually mean? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417747-bitcoin-halving-when-is-it-and-what-does-it-actually-mean/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:26:04 +0000 The bitcoin halving, which occurs once every four years, will reduce rewards for miners and some investors think it will push prices higher 2417747-bitcoin-halving-when-is-it-and-what-does-it-actually-mean|2417747 Realism of OpenAI’s Sora video generator raises security concerns https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417639-realism-of-openais-sora-video-generator-raises-security-concerns/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:30:28 +0000 The latest AI model capable of converting text into video is attracting praise from some AI researchers, while also raising concerns about the risks of video deepfakes during global elections in 2024 2417639-realism-of-openais-sora-video-generator-raises-security-concerns|2417639 Deepfakes are out of control – is it too late to stop them? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2418188-deepfakes-are-out-of-control-is-it-too-late-to-stop-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:47 +0000 AI-manipulated audio clips, images and videos have been used to harass people, scam money and influence elections, despite efforts to rein them in 2418188-deepfakes-are-out-of-control-is-it-too-late-to-stop-them|2418188 Researchers increasingly view tech as having human-like qualities https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417992-researchers-increasingly-view-tech-as-having-human-like-qualities/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 21 Feb 2024 06:00:11 +0000 Anthropomorphism - attributing human-like characteristics to non-human objects - is on the rise amongst technology researchers, particular when it comes to AI chatbots 2417992-researchers-increasingly-view-tech-as-having-human-like-qualities|2417992 Quantum computers are constantly hampered by cosmic rays https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417786-quantum-computers-are-constantly-hampered-by-cosmic-rays/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 20 Feb 2024 11:00:46 +0000 Investigations into quantum computing mishaps caused by high-powered particles from space have revealed that these cosmic rays are responsible for a significant number of errors 2417786-quantum-computers-are-constantly-hampered-by-cosmic-rays|2417786 ChatGPT can tailor political ads to match users' personalities https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417584-chatgpt-can-tailor-political-ads-to-match-users-personalities/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 20 Feb 2024 09:00:24 +0000 Generative AI can rewrite political adverts on social media to target users with different personality types, making it easier to manipulate elections using personal data on a large scale 2417584-chatgpt-can-tailor-political-ads-to-match-users-personalities|2417584 Nanobot uses a DNA clutch to engage its engine https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416953-nanobot-uses-a-dna-clutch-to-engage-its-engine/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 16 Feb 2024 06:00:45 +0000 A tiny robot with a clutch that mimics similar mechanisms found in microorganisms could be used to trigger the internal workings of a cell 2416953-nanobot-uses-a-dna-clutch-to-engage-its-engine|2416953 Lasers smaller than a human hair emit doughnut-shaped light https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417354-lasers-smaller-than-a-human-hair-emit-doughnut-shaped-light/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:00:06 +0000 Incredibly thin, hollow wires made from gallium and nitrogen can produce laser beams that are hollow with a ring-shaped cross-section, and that could be used to create optical fibres out of thin air 2417354-lasers-smaller-than-a-human-hair-emit-doughnut-shaped-light|2417354 How your age, gender and nationality alter how you interpret emojis https://www.newscientist.com/article/2417210-how-your-age-gender-and-nationality-alter-how-you-interpret-emojis/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:00:26 +0000 An emoji that represents happiness to one person may signify a different emotion to another, with this varying according to our age, gender and nationality 2417210-how-your-age-gender-and-nationality-alter-how-you-interpret-emojis|2417210 People who are blind can navigate indoors with a phone in their pocket https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412753-people-who-are-blind-can-navigate-indoors-with-a-phone-in-their-pocket/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:00:19 +0000 Two wayfinding apps use motion sensors and AI to help people who are blind navigate a building, without needing to hold their phone out in front of them and risk theft 2412753-people-who-are-blind-can-navigate-indoors-with-a-phone-in-their-pocket|2412753 Blood vessels made with 3D-printed ice could improve lab-grown organs https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415964-blood-vessels-made-with-3d-printed-ice-could-improve-lab-grown-organs/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Sat, 10 Feb 2024 13:00:03 +0000 Moulds of an organ's delicate blood vessel network can be made with 3D-printed ice, helping to overcome the intricacies of growing transplant organs in a lab 2415964-blood-vessels-made-with-3d-printed-ice-could-improve-lab-grown-organs|2415964 Sensitive prosthetic lets man feel hot and cold in his missing hand https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416609-sensitive-prosthetic-lets-man-feel-hot-and-cold-in-his-missing-hand/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:00:31 +0000 By applying heat or cold in certain locations on the upper arm, an adapted prosthetic with sensors can give people with an amputation the sensation of temperature in their phantom limb 2416609-sensitive-prosthetic-lets-man-feel-hot-and-cold-in-his-missing-hand|2416609 Minecraft could be the key to creating adaptable AI https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414144-minecraft-could-be-the-key-to-creating-adaptable-ai/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 09 Feb 2024 11:00:17 +0000 Researchers have a new way to assess an AI model’s intelligence: drop it into a game of Minecraft, with no information about its surroundings, and see how well it plays 2414144-minecraft-could-be-the-key-to-creating-adaptable-ai|2414144 Spiral scratches on contact lenses can turn them into multifocals https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416305-spiral-scratches-on-contact-lenses-can-turn-them-into-multifocals/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:00:29 +0000 Inscribing a spiral in the centre of a contact lens seems to create optical vortices that interact so that the lens provides a clear image of objects at all distances 2416305-spiral-scratches-on-contact-lenses-can-turn-them-into-multifocals|2416305 Cyborg locusts with brain nanoparticles could act as bomb sniffers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2416090-cyborg-locusts-with-brain-nanoparticles-could-act-as-bomb-sniffers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 08 Feb 2024 06:00:07 +0000 Researchers wanting to make use of locusts’ keen sense of smell to sniff out certain chemicals have found that injecting their brains with nanoparticles seems to make odour identification more reliable 2416090-cyborg-locusts-with-brain-nanoparticles-could-act-as-bomb-sniffers|2416090 Quantum computer uses a time crystal as a control dial https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415611-quantum-computer-uses-a-time-crystal-as-a-control-dial/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:34 +0000 Making a strange state of matter called a time crystal inside a quantum computer helped researchers stabilise a fragile quantum state inspired by Schrödinger’s cat 2415611-quantum-computer-uses-a-time-crystal-as-a-control-dial|2415611 World's biggest onshore wind turbine blades unveiled in China https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415985-worlds-biggest-onshore-wind-turbine-blades-unveiled-in-china/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 07 Feb 2024 10:00:56 +0000 A Chinese company is building wind turbines with 131-metre-long blades, the longest ever used in an onshore power plant 2415985-worlds-biggest-onshore-wind-turbine-blades-unveiled-in-china|2415985 See antique clockwork marvels from China's Forbidden City https://www.newscientist.com/video/2415523-see-antique-clockwork-marvels-from-chinas-forbidden-city/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:28 +0000 These lavish zimingzhong clocks don't just represent time but serve as windows on a period of cutting-edge scientific innovation 2415523-see-antique-clockwork-marvels-from-chinas-forbidden-city|2415523 This robot can figure out how to open almost any door on its own https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415590-this-robot-can-figure-out-how-to-open-almost-any-door-on-its-own/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 06 Feb 2024 19:00:09 +0000 A robot that can learn to open most types of doors, cabinets, drawers and refrigerators – without human direction – may pave the way for your future robot butler 2415590-this-robot-can-figure-out-how-to-open-almost-any-door-on-its-own|2415590 Neuralink: What do brain implants do and why is Elon Musk making them? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414852-neuralink-what-do-brain-implants-do-and-why-is-elon-musk-making-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 30 Jan 2024 19:40:34 +0000 Elon Musk's Neuralink company is conducting its first human trials, implanting a tiny chip onto the surface of a person's brain to allow them to talk directly with computers 2414852-neuralink-what-do-brain-implants-do-and-why-is-elon-musk-making-them|2414852 AI chatbots tend to choose violence and nuclear strikes in wargames https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415488-ai-chatbots-tend-to-choose-violence-and-nuclear-strikes-in-wargames/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 02 Feb 2024 22:00:37 +0000 As the US military begins integrating AI technology, simulated wargames show how chatbots behave unpredictably and risk nuclear escalation 2415488-ai-chatbots-tend-to-choose-violence-and-nuclear-strikes-in-wargames|2415488 Artificial touch: The new tech making virtual reality more immersive https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg25333780-900-artificial-touch-the-new-tech-making-virtual-reality-more-immersive/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0000 The feelings of touch and temperature are complex biological processes. Now everyday chemicals like menthol and capsaicin are being used to simulate them – and create more realistic VR experiences mg25333780-900-artificial-touch-the-new-tech-making-virtual-reality-more-immersive|2312252 Armies of bots battled on Twitter over Chinese spy balloon incident https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414259-armies-of-bots-battled-on-twitter-over-chinese-spy-balloon-incident/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 02 Feb 2024 14:00:36 +0000 Large proportions of users posting on Twitter – now X – about the Chinese balloon that drifted over the US and Canada in 2023 were bots attempting to shape the debate 2414259-armies-of-bots-battled-on-twitter-over-chinese-spy-balloon-incident|2414259 Ukraine will spoof GPS across the country to stop Russian drones https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415318-ukraine-will-spoof-gps-across-the-country-to-stop-russian-drones/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 02 Feb 2024 12:00:08 +0000 A nationwide electronic warfare system called Pokrova can disrupt satellite navigation – Ukraine may already be using it to prevent strikes by Russian drones and missiles, but doing so will also affect satnavs in the country 2415318-ukraine-will-spoof-gps-across-the-country-to-stop-russian-drones|2415318 Camouflage inspired by leaves can hide things in visible and infrared https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415236-camouflage-inspired-by-leaves-can-hide-things-in-visible-and-infrared/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:00:54 +0000 A layered material reflects infrared and visible light to mimic the appearance of leaves, and could be used to camouflage objects against foliage in forest settings 2415236-camouflage-inspired-by-leaves-can-hide-things-in-visible-and-infrared|2415236 US Congress grilled Big Tech leaders on child online safety https://www.newscientist.com/article/2415257-us-congress-grilled-big-tech-leaders-on-child-online-safety/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:11:01 +0000 Executives from Meta, TikTok and X were questioned by US lawmakers about the safety of children who use their products – experts say the companies need to do more than just provide parental controls 2415257-us-congress-grilled-big-tech-leaders-on-child-online-safety|2415257 Smart hat senses when traffic lights change and tells you via an app https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414119-smart-hat-senses-when-traffic-lights-change-and-tells-you-via-an-app/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:00:55 +0000 Long-lasting hats, jumpers and watch straps that function as smart devices can be made thanks to a cheap and reliable method of creating conductive fibre that can be woven into fabric 2414119-smart-hat-senses-when-traffic-lights-change-and-tells-you-via-an-app|2414119 AI can better retain what it learns by mimicking human sleep https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414123-ai-can-better-retain-what-it-learns-by-mimicking-human-sleep/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:00:51 +0000 An AI inspired by the way humans form long-term memories during sleep can learn to perform tasks better than existing models 2414123-ai-can-better-retain-what-it-learns-by-mimicking-human-sleep|2414123 Watch a robot with living muscles walk through water https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414165-watch-a-robot-with-living-muscles-walk-through-water/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 26 Jan 2024 16:00:49 +0000 A tiny, biohybrid robot moves by contracting lab-grown muscle tissue in its legs – but it needs help to stand up in a water tank and it tops out at just 5.4 millimetres per minute 2414165-watch-a-robot-with-living-muscles-walk-through-water|2414165 Silicon Valley’s top AI models are terrible at rebus wordplay puzzles https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414268-silicon-valleys-top-ai-models-are-terrible-at-rebus-wordplay-puzzles/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:00:29 +0000 Rebus puzzles provide wordplay challenges involving both images and text, and they can confound Silicon Valley’s most powerful AI models 2414268-silicon-valleys-top-ai-models-are-terrible-at-rebus-wordplay-puzzles|2414268 I'm teaching again after 20 years away. The tech is pure absurdity https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413529-im-teaching-again-after-20-years-away-the-tech-is-pure-absurdity/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Returning to university teaching after almost two decades, Annalee Newitz finds they have become the Rip Van Winkle of pedagogy and tries to get to grips with the terrible learning technology 2413529-im-teaching-again-after-20-years-away-the-tech-is-pure-absurdity|2413529 Wearable device monitors tumour size and displays it in an app https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413375-wearable-device-monitors-tumour-size-and-displays-it-in-an-app/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 24 Jan 2024 20:00:08 +0000 A wearable device that sticks to the skin can constantly measure the size of certain tumours and wirelessly transmit that information to a smartphone 2413375-wearable-device-monitors-tumour-size-and-displays-it-in-an-app|2413375 Robot avatar lets people see and feel things remotely through VR https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413726-robot-avatar-lets-people-see-and-feel-things-remotely-through-vr/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:00:42 +0000 A person wearing a VR headset and haptic feedback gloves can control the iCub 3 robot and experience being somewhere else 2413726-robot-avatar-lets-people-see-and-feel-things-remotely-through-vr|2413726 Toxic mud from aluminium production can be used to make greener steel https://www.newscientist.com/article/2414057-toxic-mud-from-aluminium-production-can-be-used-to-make-greener-steel/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 24 Jan 2024 17:42:40 +0000 Producing steel generates huge amounts of CO2 emissions. These could be reduced with a technique that repurposes the hazardous red mud generated when refining aluminium 2414057-toxic-mud-from-aluminium-production-can-be-used-to-make-greener-steel|2414057 AI costs too much to automate vision-related jobs – for now https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413386-ai-costs-too-much-to-automate-vision-related-jobs-for-now/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 22 Jan 2024 14:00:11 +0000 Today’s AI computer vision costs are too steep for most US firms to consider replacing human workers with the technology. But that could change in the long run 2413386-ai-costs-too-much-to-automate-vision-related-jobs-for-now|2413386 What does Ukraine’s million-drone army mean for the future of war? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413260-what-does-ukraines-million-drone-army-mean-for-the-future-of-war/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:00:26 +0000 In 2024, Ukraine will have more drones than soldiers in its armed forces, and the aerial vehicles and the artificial intelligences that can control them are changing the way war is waged 2413260-what-does-ukraines-million-drone-army-mean-for-the-future-of-war|2413260 Watch a plant-inspired robot grow towards light like a vine https://www.newscientist.com/article/2413133-watch-a-plant-inspired-robot-grow-towards-light-like-a-vine/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:10:43 +0000 FiloBot has a cylindrical body made of coiled plastic filament and can grow guided by light and gravity just like a plant 2413133-watch-a-plant-inspired-robot-grow-towards-light-like-a-vine|2413133 Could DARPA's enigmatic X-65 plane revolutionise aircraft design? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411762-could-darpas-enigmatic-x-65-plane-revolutionise-aircraft-design/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:26 +0000 The US military will test an aircraft that flies without mechanical control surfaces like flaps and rudders, potentially boosting stealth characteristics 2411762-could-darpas-enigmatic-x-65-plane-revolutionise-aircraft-design|2411762 Robotic dodecahedron searches the deep sea for new species https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412271-robotic-dodecahedron-searches-the-deep-sea-for-new-species/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:00:16 +0000 A robotic dodecahedron that can collect tissue samples from deep-sea animals for later genetic analysis could speed up the identification of unknown species 2412271-robotic-dodecahedron-searches-the-deep-sea-for-new-species|2412271 DeepMind AI solves hard geometry problems from mathematics olympiad https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412739-deepmind-ai-solves-hard-geometry-problems-from-mathematics-olympiad/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:00:48 +0000 AlphaGeometry scores almost as well as the best students on geometry questions from the International Mathematical Olympiad 2412739-deepmind-ai-solves-hard-geometry-problems-from-mathematics-olympiad|2412739 Self-assembling DNA computer can sort simple images into categories https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412689-self-assembling-dna-computer-can-sort-simple-images-into-categories/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:00:18 +0000 A conventional computer must be fully assembled before it can run, but an experimental DNA computer solves problems through the very act of putting itself together 2412689-self-assembling-dna-computer-can-sort-simple-images-into-categories|2412689 First 'thermodynamic computer' uses random noise to calculate https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412212-first-thermodynamic-computer-uses-random-noise-to-calculate/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:30:26 +0000 Random physical fluctuations – or noise – can be a source of errors for conventional computers, but for a prototype "thermodynamic computer" they can be harnessed to run calculations 2412212-first-thermodynamic-computer-uses-random-noise-to-calculate|2412212 Reddit mentions may help predict changes in cryptocurrency value https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412393-reddit-mentions-may-help-predict-changes-in-cryptocurrency-value/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:18:38 +0000 Traders could have earned a threefold return on their investments by analysing trends in cryptocurrency forums on Reddit 2412393-reddit-mentions-may-help-predict-changes-in-cryptocurrency-value|2412393 NASA unveils X-59 plane to test supersonic flight over US cities https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411539-nasa-unveils-x-59-plane-to-test-supersonic-flight-over-us-cities/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 12 Jan 2024 21:29:00 +0000 NASA is hoping to gather evidence that its X-59 aircraft will be able to fly at the speed of sound quietly, justifying a change in the regulations to allow supersonic commercial aviation 2411539-nasa-unveils-x-59-plane-to-test-supersonic-flight-over-us-cities|2411539 First unhackable shopping transactions carried out on quantum internet https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411985-first-unhackable-shopping-transactions-carried-out-on-quantum-internet/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 12 Jan 2024 19:00:15 +0000 A secure exchange between a merchant and a buyer has been successfully tested as a proof of concept using a small quantum computing network in China 2411985-first-unhackable-shopping-transactions-carried-out-on-quantum-internet|2411985 AI can tell if prints from two different fingers belong to same person https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412199-ai-can-tell-if-prints-from-two-different-fingers-belong-to-same-person/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:45:10 +0000 An artificial intelligence model can discern whether fingerprints from different fingers come from the same person, which could make forensic investigations more efficient 2412199-ai-can-tell-if-prints-from-two-different-fingers-belong-to-same-person|2412199 Will AI make computer screens a thing of the past? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2412157-will-ai-make-computer-screens-a-thing-of-the-past/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:48:18 +0000 Big tech companies are offering new ways to interact with devices, powered by natural language processing – but here's why we are unlikely to give up our screens just yet 2412157-will-ai-make-computer-screens-a-thing-of-the-past|2412157 Your unique breath ‘fingerprint’ could be used to unlock your phone https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411173-your-unique-breath-fingerprint-could-be-used-to-unlock-your-phone/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:00:26 +0000 When we exhale, we reveal distinctive information about the shape of our airways, which could serve as an ID test for unlocking smartphones – and unlike some other biometric ID tests, this one can’t be hacked after we die 2411173-your-unique-breath-fingerprint-could-be-used-to-unlock-your-phone|2411173 Chinese social network fails to curb abuse by showing users' locations https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411875-chinese-social-network-fails-to-curb-abuse-by-showing-users-locations/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:04:40 +0000 Weibo, a social media platform, tried to reduce incivility by displaying estimated locations for users, but this gave trolls another way to target people 2411875-chinese-social-network-fails-to-curb-abuse-by-showing-users-locations|2411875 NASA to unveil X-59 supersonic plane that makes a 'sonic thump' https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411154-nasa-to-unveil-x-59-supersonic-plane-that-makes-a-sonic-thump/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 10 Jan 2024 12:00:18 +0000 The experimental X-59 aircraft is designed to break the sound barrier without making the startling booms produced by current supersonic planes 2411154-nasa-to-unveil-x-59-supersonic-plane-that-makes-a-sonic-thump|2411154 AI comes up with battery design that uses 70 per cent less lithium https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411374-ai-comes-up-with-battery-design-that-uses-70-per-cent-less-lithium/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:00:20 +0000 Researchers used AI to design a new material that they used to build a working battery – it requires up to 70 percent less lithium than some competing designs. 2411374-ai-comes-up-with-battery-design-that-uses-70-per-cent-less-lithium|2411374 What are solid-state batteries and why do we need them? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2398896-what-are-solid-state-batteries-and-why-do-we-need-them/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:54:42 +0100 Batteries containing solid electrolytes have many theoretical benefits, but a technique to manufacture them cheaply has been elusive 2398896-what-are-solid-state-batteries-and-why-do-we-need-them|2398896 AI discovers new class of antibiotics to kill drug-resistant bacteria https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409706-ai-discovers-new-class-of-antibiotics-to-kill-drug-resistant-bacteria/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:00:56 +0000 Artificial intelligence helped screen millions of chemical compounds to find a class of antibiotics capable of killing two different types of drug-resistant bacteria 2409706-ai-discovers-new-class-of-antibiotics-to-kill-drug-resistant-bacteria|2409706 Should nations try to ban bitcoin because of its environmental impact? https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410610-should-nations-try-to-ban-bitcoin-because-of-its-environmental-impact/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:49:01 +0000 Bitcoin miners seem unwilling to take action to curb the cryptocurrency's energy and water use – so some campaigners argue that it is time for governments to intervene 2410610-should-nations-try-to-ban-bitcoin-because-of-its-environmental-impact|2410610 Robot with sense of touch grabs ocean trash without harming sea life https://www.newscientist.com/article/2411062-robot-with-sense-of-touch-grabs-ocean-trash-without-harming-sea-life/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 05 Jan 2024 19:00:31 +0000 An artificial skin that delivers a waterproof sense of touch could speed up underwater robotic exploration and ocean clean-up operations while reducing harm to marine life 2411062-robot-with-sense-of-touch-grabs-ocean-trash-without-harming-sea-life|2411062 AI sheds light on the ancient origins of England's place names https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410129-ai-sheds-light-on-the-ancient-origins-of-englands-place-names/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 05 Jan 2024 16:00:24 +0000 An artificial intelligence model has unpicked some of the linguistic influences behind England's place names, which could help us to understand their meaning 2410129-ai-sheds-light-on-the-ancient-origins-of-englands-place-names|2410129 Are autonomous labs the future of science? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26134721-400-are-autonomous-labs-the-future-of-science/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 03 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 Self-driving labs can perform experiments thousands of times faster than a human and they don't need to sleep. That means more science in less time, but many questions remain, says Alex Wilkins mg26134721-400-are-autonomous-labs-the-future-of-science|2410298 There’s a 5% chance of AI causing humans to go extinct, say scientists https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410839-theres-a-5-chance-of-ai-causing-humans-to-go-extinct-say-scientists/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:01:24 +0000 In the largest survey yet of AI researchers, a majority say there is a non-trivial risk of human extinction due to the possible development of superhuman AI 2410839-theres-a-5-chance-of-ai-causing-humans-to-go-extinct-say-scientists|2410839 Humanoid robot acts out prompts like it's playing charades https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410653-humanoid-robot-acts-out-prompts-like-its-playing-charades/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 04 Jan 2024 08:00:27 +0000 A large language model can translate written instructions into code for a robot’s movement, enabling it to perform a wide range of human-like actions 2410653-humanoid-robot-acts-out-prompts-like-its-playing-charades|2410653 Most large fishing boats go untracked as ‘dark vessels’ https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410541-most-large-fishing-boats-go-untracked-as-dark-vessels/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:00:45 +0000 An AI analysis of satellite images reveals fishing, shipping and offshore development activities worldwide by monitoring boats that don't publicly broadcast their location 2410541-most-large-fishing-boats-go-untracked-as-dark-vessels|2410541 AI learns to recognise objects with the efficiency of a newborn chick https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409186-ai-learns-to-recognise-objects-with-the-efficiency-of-a-newborn-chick/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 01 Jan 2024 11:00:24 +0000 Shortly after hatching, chicks quickly learn to recognise moving objects with only a few examples – now AIs can do the same 2409186-ai-learns-to-recognise-objects-with-the-efficiency-of-a-newborn-chick|2409186 Encryption upgrade in 2024 will keep data safe from quantum computers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408996-encryption-upgrade-in-2024-will-keep-data-safe-from-quantum-computers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:01 +0000 We probably don't need to worry about quantum computers being able to break encryption in 2024, but cryptographers are planning a security upgrade just in case 2408996-encryption-upgrade-in-2024-will-keep-data-safe-from-quantum-computers|2408996 Aloe vera plants turned into energy-storing supercapacitors https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409497-aloe-vera-plants-turned-into-energy-storing-supercapacitors/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 29 Dec 2023 12:00:25 +0000 A battery-like device known as a supercapacitor can be created from different parts of aloe vera plants – and it can be used to make living plants power lights 2409497-aloe-vera-plants-turned-into-energy-storing-supercapacitors|2409497 AI firms will face copyright infringement lawsuits in 2024 https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034712-500-ai-firms-will-face-copyright-infringement-lawsuits-in-2024/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Tech giants are gearing up for a series of potentially bitter legal battles over claims they used copyrighted material in training the latest generation of artificial intelligence mg26034712-500-ai-firms-will-face-copyright-infringement-lawsuits-in-2024|2409532 Europe plans to build the world’s fastest supercomputer in 2024 https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396876-europe-plans-to-build-the-worlds-fastest-supercomputer-in-2024/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 28 Dec 2023 10:00:52 +0000 Europe will get its first exascale supercomputer next year, called JUPITER, and it should allow simulations that are currently possible only on a few machines worldwide 2396876-europe-plans-to-build-the-worlds-fastest-supercomputer-in-2024|2396876 Is artificial intelligence about to free us from the curse of Babel? https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034711-700-is-artificial-intelligence-about-to-free-us-from-the-curse-of-babel/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 27 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 Artificial intelligence will make it easier than ever to communicate across linguistic borders. But is this a good thing, asks linguist Philip Seargeant mg26034711-700-is-artificial-intelligence-about-to-free-us-from-the-curse-of-babel|2409503 Artificial pain sensors could help robots avoid damaging themselves https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409277-artificial-pain-sensors-could-help-robots-avoid-damaging-themselves/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 27 Dec 2023 12:00:12 +0000 A system that detects forces and interprets which stimuli have the potential to cause harm could imbue robots with a sense akin to pain 2409277-artificial-pain-sensors-could-help-robots-avoid-damaging-themselves|2409277 The spy balloon saga of 2023 inflated US-China political tensions https://www.newscientist.com/article/mg26034694-100-the-spy-balloon-saga-of-2023-inflated-us-china-political-tensions/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Wed, 13 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 One of the year’s most unexpected controversies exploded after a US fighter jet shot down a Chinese balloon that drifted across North America – it also sparked fears over other unidentified flying objects mg26034694-100-the-spy-balloon-saga-of-2023-inflated-us-china-political-tensions|2407977 The best robot photos of 2023, from fashion shows to Hollywood strikes https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406622-the-best-robot-photos-of-2023-from-fashion-shows-to-hollywood-strikes/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Sat, 23 Dec 2023 15:02:08 +0000 This year, robots could be seen making drinks in cafes, performing at Paris Fashion Week and even joining screenwriters on the Hollywood picket line 2406622-the-best-robot-photos-of-2023-from-fashion-shows-to-hollywood-strikes|2406622 NFTs died a slow, painful death in 2023 as most are now worthless https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406198-nfts-died-a-slow-painful-death-in-2023-as-most-are-now-worthless/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Fri, 22 Dec 2023 15:00:49 +0000 Non-fungible tokens promised to revolutionise the concept of ownership using the blockchain technology behind bitcoin, but the market seems to have all but collapsed 2406198-nfts-died-a-slow-painful-death-in-2023-as-most-are-now-worthless|2406198 Sweater that mimics polar bear fur may keep you warm in extreme cold https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409980-sweater-that-mimics-polar-bear-fur-may-keep-you-warm-in-extreme-cold/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:00:30 +0000 An artificial fibre that mimics polar bear fur has been made into a sweater that is said to be as warm as down feather but without its thickness, but not everyone is convinced by the researchers' claims 2409980-sweater-that-mimics-polar-bear-fur-may-keep-you-warm-in-extreme-cold|2409980 Liquid magnet propellers could be a safer way to power boats https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409313-liquid-magnet-propellers-could-be-a-safer-way-to-power-boats/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Thu, 21 Dec 2023 13:00:12 +0000 Sharp metal propellers can harm wildlife, so an alternative made using ferrofluid could be a better approach, if it can be tweaked to work at higher speeds 2409313-liquid-magnet-propellers-could-be-a-safer-way-to-power-boats|2409313 AI trained on millions of life stories can predict risk of early death https://www.newscientist.com/article/2408480-ai-trained-on-millions-of-life-stories-can-predict-risk-of-early-death/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:00:13 +0000 A model trained on 6 million people’s health, employment and financial records can predict death more accurately than tools used by the insurance industry 2408480-ai-trained-on-millions-of-life-stories-can-predict-risk-of-early-death|2408480 Elon Musk spent 2023 shaping Twitter – sorry, X – in his own image https://www.newscientist.com/article/2406208-elon-musk-spent-2023-shaping-twitter-sorry-x-in-his-own-image/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:00:54 +0000 After taking control of Twitter in 2022, Elon Musk hired a new CEO to replace himself, all while continuing to transform the social media platform into X 2406208-elon-musk-spent-2023-shaping-twitter-sorry-x-in-his-own-image|2406208 Google wants to solve tricky physics problems with quantum computers https://www.newscientist.com/article/2409147-google-wants-to-solve-tricky-physics-problems-with-quantum-computers/?utm_campaign=RSS%7CNSNS&utm_source=NSNS&utm_medium=RSS&utm_content=technology Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:00:31 +0000 Quantum computers could become more useful now researchers at Google have designed an algorithm that can translate complex physical problems into the language of quantum physics 2409147-google-wants-to-solve-tricky-physics-problems-with-quantum-computers|2409147