Atari 2600 games provided the latest challenges mastered by machine learning.
Joho345/Wikimedia Commons
Math & Technology
Topic Image Rail
A compact device that attaches to a smartphone can process a blood sample to diagnose HIV or syphilis. The device performed well in a field test in Rwanda.
Samiksha Nayak
Calabi-Yau manifolds like this one represent extra dimensions tightly curled and wound up so they can't be detected. The question of how many dimensions of space there actually are is one of the top scientific mysteries for 21st century scientists to solve.
Rogilbert/Wikimedia Commons
Math & Technology
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Numbers
News
Math to match pedestrian behavior is all about timing
The best-ever simulation of pedestrians moving through a crowd relies on a new formula that encapsulates people’s ability to anticipate collisions.Feature
Spirals inspire walking aids for people with disabilities
Long admired for their beauty, spirals have inspired a shoe that may help disabled people walk. The shapes make for a better crutch and an entertaining skateboard as well. -
Computing
Science TickerArtificial 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.News
New 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. -
Technology
News in BriefFacebook detects signs of postpartum depression
An analysis of Facebook activity can identify new moms with postpartum depression.How Bizarre
Using Facebook ‘likes,’ computer pegs people’s personalities
Using limited data from Facebook, computers can outdo humans in assessing a user’s openness, neuroticism and other personality traits. -
Robotics
Feature
Designing robots to help in a disaster
Ideally, robots could take over for human crews in disaster zones. But seemingly simple tasks, such as walking, communicating and staying powered up, still pose big challenges.News in Brief
Hybrid robot merges flier with two snakelike machines
A helicopter robot can airlift snakelike search-and-rescue bots out of tight situations.
