Steven Pinker image from wired.com “It is irrational to interpret a number of crises occurring at the same time as signs that we’re doomed.” — Read on http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/09/06/magazine/steven-pinker-interview.html
Category: Books and Media I Recommend
The Xenobot Future Is Coming—Start Planning Now (wired.com)
"...the ability to recode cells, de-extinct species, and create new life forms will come with ethical, philosophical, and political challenges"
Can Learning Machines Unlearn? (wired.com)
https://www.wired.com/story/machines-can-learn-can-they-unlearn/ How much data? I've been thinking about this a lot. In our recent work designing predictive algorithms using linear regressions and neural networks, and similar approaches, we've discussed the use of EHR (electronic health record) data, and have had some success using such algorithms to reduce deaths from sepsis (blog post from 10/6/2021). One … Continue reading Can Learning Machines Unlearn? (wired.com)
A picture of change (and inspiration for informatics. NYTimes)
From the Metropolitan Museum of Art via NYTimes: a Japanese Print to teach us about the modern world
James Webb telescope: astounding science and engineering (wired)
Zero Kelvin! Lagrange Points! Infrared parabolas! Light years and Time Travel! wtf?! We are living in the future.
Do chance meetings at the office boost innovation?(nytimes)
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/23/upshot/remote-work-innovation-office.html I don't know where I land in this debate. Certainly, I agree that open-office cubicles are not helpful. I also agree that zoom meetings leave something out of in-person discussions and side-bar conversations before and after our meetings. This article made me think.
Six-Word Sci-Fi: Stories Written by You | WIRED
Here's this month's prompt, how to submit, and an illustrated archive of past favorites. — Read on http://www.wired.com/story/six-word-sci-fi/
Why to-do lists don’t work (Wired.com)
https://media.wired.com/photos/60ff0b047b8c62be3062fe1c/master/w_2240,c_limit/wired%2520to%2520do%2520app%2520main%2520art%2520online.png from wired.com https://www.wired.com/story/to-do-apps-failed-productivity-tools/ Ah, yes, the eternal search for more productivity by downloading apps and other tools that "promise to boost your productivity!" How could you not? These (mostly) free apps and click-bait make it sound super-easy! Click-bait Use our checklist app! This is just like "Getting things done, but modern!" Try our technique; … Continue reading Why to-do lists don’t work (Wired.com)
What do sharks have to do with Tesla (valves)?
https://media.wired.com/photos/61034c827d2c29922f639c08/master/w_2240,c_limit/Science_ars_AA2BR9.jpg from wired.com https://www.wired.com/story/3d-imaging-shows-shark-guts-work-like-nikola-tesla-water-valve/ I only know Nikola Tesla from his competition with Edison over electrification. However, Tesla, like Edison was an inveterate inventor. In this article, scientists recently deconstructed the gastrointestinal system of sharks, and found that they resemble Tesla valves. What is that, you say? It has nothing to do with anything you … Continue reading What do sharks have to do with Tesla (valves)?
“The best minds of my generation are thinking about how to make people click ads.”
https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-time-to-talk-about-facebook-research/ This article above is a disturbing, quick take on Facebook research and the lack of transparency in what is being done, from a researcher who recently quit working there, and left this quote behind. Chilling, the use of data by social media titans with a critical lack of oversight. The Cambridge Analytica - Facebook … Continue reading “The best minds of my generation are thinking about how to make people click ads.”