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Jul 3, 2016

‘Growing’ drones is under research

Posted by in categories: 3D printing, drones, military

It sounds like an idea for a science fiction film, but here in the UK scientists and engineers are spending time and money to see if they can do exactly that.

British warplanes are already flying with parts made from a 3D printer. Researchers are already using that same technology to build drones.

The military advantage is obvious — building equipment quickly and close to the battlefield — without long waits and long supply chains — gives you an enormous advantage over any enemy.

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Jul 3, 2016

You May Never Have To Go Grey!

Posted by in category: futurism

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Jul 3, 2016

Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt That Majorana Fermions Exist

Posted by in categories: computing, cosmology, particle physics, quantum physics

Not only could they transform quantum computing, they’re a candidate for dark matter.

A team of Chinese physicists from Shanghai’s Jiaotong University have proof beyond a reasonable doubt of the existence of the Majorana fermion — a special particle that could potentially revolutionize quantum computing.

“The search for this particle is for condensed-matter physicists what the Higgs boson search was for high-energy particle physicists,” said Leonid Rokhinson, an associate professor of physics at Purdue University, who was the first to detect the signature of the fermion in 2012 but was not involved in this study, in a 2012 press release. “It is a very peculiar object because it is a fermion yet it is its own antiparticle with zero mass and zero charge.”

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Jul 3, 2016

Heavy Metal and Natural Language Processing — Part 1

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

In this post I refer to lyrics of certain bands as being “Metal”. I know some people have strong feelings about how genres are defined, and would probably disagree with me about some of the bands I call metal in this post. I call these band “Metal” here for the sake of brevity only, and I apologise in advance.

Introduction

Natural language is ubiquitous. It is all around us, and the rate at which it is produced in written, stored form is only increasing. It is also quite unlike any sort of data I have worked with before.

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Jul 3, 2016

New research considers ‘growing’ drones

Posted by in categories: drones, military

The BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale finds out more about the development of new military technology, including whether a drone can be chemically “grown”.

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Jul 2, 2016

Stephen Hawking: Greed, stupidity greatest threats to Earth

Posted by in category: futurism

LOS ANGELES — Physicist Stephen Hawking says pollution, greed and stupidity are the greatest threats to Earth.

Hawking told Larry King Now on Saturday that he’s worried by overcrowding.

“We certainly have not become less greedy or less stupid,” Hawking said. “Six years ago I was worrying about pollution and overcrowding. They have gotten worse since then.”

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Jul 2, 2016

The Tesla Autopilot Crash Victim Was Apparently Watching Harry Potter When He Died

Posted by in categories: engineering, robotics/AI, sustainability, transportation

Joshua Brown, 40, believed in the power of engineering. He was a former Navy SEAL, a technology consultant, and a Tesla fan. He had posted YouTube videos of himself driving a Tesla Model S on autopilot, taking his hands off the wheel to show how the car could avoid a collision on its own. He had nicknamed his car “Tessy.”

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Jul 2, 2016

Quantum Entanglement Holds DNA Together, Say Physicists

Posted by in category: quantum physics

A new theoretical model suggests that quantum entanglement helps prevent the molecules of life from breaking apart.

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Jul 2, 2016

US opens investigation into Tesla after fatal crash

Posted by in categories: robotics/AI, sustainability, transportation

The driver of a Tesla car died in Florida in May after colliding with a lorry.

Under scrutiny is Tesla’s Autopilot feature, which automatically changes lanes and reacts to traffic.

In a statement, Tesla said it appeared the Model S car was unable to recognise “the white side of the tractor trailer against a brightly lit sky” that had driven across the car’s path.

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Jul 2, 2016

Are You In A Leadership Role? Here’s What You Need To Know About Your Brain

Posted by in category: neuroscience

In my work, I talk a lot about how to reduce fear in the workplace and structure full engagement. The HeartMath Institute’s work brings to light a key component of this type of leadership. When I speak about things like recruiting based on company values, aligning people with an emotionally compelling mission and vision, creating an environment of safety and belonging, frequently recognizing and celebrating achievements so that people know they matter…I am also talking about how to engage the hearts of your people. Engaging the heart is a key component of evolving a “Smart State”. It’s time to consider the heart brain at work.

Christine Comaford is the author of SmartTribes: How Teams Become Brilliant Together.

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