Computing
-
Science & SocietyContentious science topics on Wikipedia subject to editing mischief
Global warming and other politically charged issues are prime targets for sabotage on Wikipedia.
By Meghan Rosen -
Science & SocietyA few key signs betray betrayal
Like many relationships that collapse after betrayal, teasing out what goes wrong and who is at fault in betrayal isn’t so easy.
-
GeneticsEnormous quantities may soon be called ‘genomical’
Genetic data may soon reach beyond astronomical proportions.
-
ChemistryQuantum chemistry may be a shortcut to life-changing compounds
Quantum chemistry could launch a manufacturing revolution, helping to identify materials for improved solar cells, better batteries or more effective medicines.
-
MathComputer program rivals top poker players in complex card game
A computer program held its own against the world’s best heads-up no-limit Texas Hold’em poker players.
By Andrew Grant -
ComputingResistors that remember help circuits learn
Electronic components called memristors have enabled a simple computing circuit to learn to perform a task from experience.
By Andrew Grant -
NeuroscienceBrain’s grid cells could navigate a curvy world
If we ever need to flee a dying Earth on curved space islands — as humanity was forced to do in 'Interstellar' — our brains will adapt with ease, a new mathematical analysis suggests.
-
Science & SocietyUnbiased computer confirms media bias
A computer algorithm can identify a media outlet’s bias just by the quotes it chooses from political speeches, surrounding context aside.
-
ComputingConcerns about drones, how to hunt exoplanets and more reader feedback
Readers discuss the potential impacts of human-made fliers and muse about the advantages a poker-playing computer program has over human opponents.
-
ComputingArtificial intelligence conquers Space Invaders, Pong, Q*bert
With a single algorithm, a computer can learn dozens of classic video games, researchers from Google DeepMind in London report.
-
Health & MedicineAllergy-related Google searches follow pollen season ups and downs
Google search queries could help researchers track pollen seasons in areas without pollen-monitoring stations.
-
ComputingNew computer algorithm plays poker almost perfectly
An algorithm optimized to play heads-up limit Texas Hold’em poker will never lose in the long run against any opponent.
By Andrew Grant