Summary: Scientists unraveled how animals differentiate distinct scents, even those that seem remarkably similar.
While some neurons consistently identify differing smells, others respond unpredictably, aiding in distinguishing nuanced aromas over time. This discovery, inspired by previous research on fruit flies, could enhance machine-learning models.
By introducing variability, AI might mirror the discernment found in nature.
Summary: Researchers unveil how neurons in the brain depict time and space, fundamental to human consciousness.
Utilizing special depth electrodes, they studied patients undergoing treatment for epilepsy, revealing “place cells” for spatial awareness and “time cells” for temporal comprehension.
One study showed these cells operate independently yet concurrently during navigation tasks. Another found certain neurons maintained regular temporal patterns regardless of external stimuli speed.
The latest trend in auto shows around the world is to convince us that they aren’t auto shows. The car show is out and the mobility show is in, and that means different things for different markets. The Frankfurt International Auto Show, for example, is now IAA Mobility; it has moved to Munich and features loads of bicycles. The Japan Motor Show is now the Japan Mobility Show, but instead of bicycles, it’s packed with surreal and sci-fi-ready ways to get you around, some of which are available now.
Here’s a look at the most interesting products from this year’s show.
Aalto University researchers will probe the secrets of dark matter using a quantum detector of unprecedented sensitivity.
In the vast darkness of the cosmos lurks an invisible kind of matter. Its presence is seen in the rippling ebb and flow of galaxies, but it’s never been directly observed. What secrets lie beneath the surface, brewing in the deep?
Physicists have long theorized about the composition of dark matter, which is thought to be five times more abundant than regular matter. Among competing hypotheses, one particle has emerged as a promising candidate: the axion.
The convergence of Biotechnology, Neurotechnology, and Artificial Intelligence has major implications for the future of humanity. This talk explores the long-term opportunities inherent to these fields by surveying emerging breakthroughs and their potential applications. Whether we can enjoy the benefits of these technologies depends on us: Can we overcome the institutional challenges that are slowing down progress without exacerbating civilizational risks that come along with powerful technological progress?
About the speaker: Allison Duettmann is the president and CEO of Foresight Institute. She directs the Intelligent Cooperation, Molecular Machines, Biotech & Health Extension, Neurotech, and Space Programs, Fellowships, Prizes, and Tech Trees, and shares this work with the public. She founded Existentialhope.com, co-edited Superintelligence: Coordination & Strategy, co-authored Gaming the Future, and co-initiated The Longevity Prize. She advises companies and projects, such as Cosmica, and The Roots of Progress Fellowship, and is on the Executive Committee of the Biomarker Consortium. She holds an MS in Philosophy & Public Policy from the London School of Economics, focusing on AI Safety.
On pace with its once-a-month flight goal, Virgin Galactic is about to embark on its fifth commercial mission, and its final flight of 2023.
Galactic 5 is scheduled to lift off this Thursday (Nov. 2) and will carry three passengers on a brief trip to suborbital space. The trio will fly aboard Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo space plane, named VSS Unity, and experience several minutes of weightlessness while they perform a quick round of research experiments and gaze at the wonders of Earth from a vantage point few have reached.
Instead of flying directly to the moon, NASA and Blue Origin plan for the spacecraft to be refueled in transit — an innovation that could transform the way humans explore the cosmos.
Google has taken a significant step towards enhancing Chrome internet security by automatically upgrading insecure HTTP requests to HTTPS requests for 100% of users.
This feature is called HTTPS-Upgrades and will secure old links that utilize the http:// by automatically attempting to first connect to the URL over the encrypted https:// protocol.
A limited rollout of this feature in Google Chrome began in July, but as of October 16th, Google has now rolled it out to all users on the Stable channel.
In a post on its leak site, prolific ransomware threat group LockBit claims that it breached Boeing, and said that it will start releasing sensitive data it purportedly stole from the company’s systems if ransom demands aren’t met by Nov. 2.
“A tremendous amount of sensitive data was exfiltrated and ready to be published if Boeing do (sic) not contact within deadline!” the LockBit post shared by cybersecurity analyst Dominic Alvieri read. “For now we will not send lists or samples to protect the company BUT we will not keep it like that until the deadline.”
