Science and Technology

Lillian Schwartz, a pioneering figure in the world of computer-generated art, died Saturday at her home in Manhattan. At 97, he left a legacy that bridges the gap between art and technology, demonstrating the creative potential of computers in an era when their artistic applications were largely unexplored. His work at Bell Labs, a renowned center of technological innovation, marked a pivotal moment in the history of digital art, paving the way for generations of artists to embrace the computer as a creative tool. Schwartz's artistic journey began long before his foray into the digital realm. He has experimented with…

A federal judge has dealt a blow to Google's control over its Android app ecosystem, ordering the tech giant to allow third-party app stores and alternative billing systems on its mobile operating system. This landmark decision is the result of a successful antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game Fortnite, which challenged Google's practices regarding developer fees and restrictions. The ruling requires Google to allow developers to offer their own independent app stores and payment methods within the Android environment. This change, which will take effect on November 1, 2024 and last for three…

Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer of artificial intelligence, shared his surprise and thoughts in an interview with the New York Times shortly after learning that he had won the Nobel Prize in Physics together with John J. Hopfield. The award recognizes their foundational work on artificial neural networks, the technology at the heart of modern artificial intelligence systems such as Google Search and ChatGPT. Hinton expressed surprise at receiving the award, particularly for physics, given the research's connection to computer science and biology. He explained that while the Hopfield network and the Boltzmann machine, his and Dr. Hopfield's key contributions, were…

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to three researchers for their innovative work in protein prediction and design using advanced artificial intelligence technologies. This prestigious award was awarded to David Baker of the University of Washington and Demis Hassabis together with John M. Jumper of Google DeepMind, both based in the United Kingdom. The award highlights the integration of artificial intelligence with chemical research, demonstrating significant progress in our understanding and innovation in protein structures. Proteins, often described as the building blocks of life, play a crucial role in virtually all biological processes. The ability to predict…

John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their seminal work on artificial neural networks, the technology underlying modern artificial intelligence. Their research, conducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s, laid the foundation for the development of machine learning systems that now power services like Google Search, Siri, and ChatGPT. The Nobel committee recognized the profound impact of their discoveries, stating that they “showed a completely new way of using computers” and highlighted the significant role of neural networks in various scientific fields, including physics itself. Dr. Hinton, often called the…

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Florida authorities are advising residents to move their electric vehicles (EVs) away from areas that could be affected by flooding and storm surges. This precautionary measure is critical to avoid the risk of electric vehicles catching fire due to prolonged immersion in salt water, a scenario that, while rare, poses a significant threat. During torrential rains in Hallandale Beach, Florida, in June, a blue sedan plugged into an electric charger was photographed with its wheels partially submerged. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities associated with electric vehicle charging in flood-prone areas. The Facebook page for Hillsborough County,…

Google, a titan in the tech industry, has recently celebrated significant achievements in the world of science, even as it faces growing antitrust scrutiny around the world. This juxtaposition highlights the complex landscape in which big tech operates, balancing breakthrough innovations with the challenges posed by regulatory oversight. Google's Nobel Prize winners in science The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper, key figures at Google's main artificial intelligence laboratory. Their research, which has significantly improved our understanding of the human body and the treatment of disease through artificial intelligence, highlights Google's commitment to leveraging…

As major technology companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta continue to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday technology products, the question arises: did consumers really want it? Feedback from my readers suggests that many people feel overwhelmed by the pervasive presence of AI in technology, which they find increasingly difficult to ignore. These companies are leveraging user engagement to refine their AI algorithms through constant interaction with their products. When you ask Google a question like "Is Jay-Z left-handed?", an AI-generated summary appears at the top of the search results. Likewise, using Instagram's search tool now likely involves interacting…

In a significant development, the US Department of Justice is contemplating strong actions against Google that could lead to the reshaping of its corporate structure to address alleged monopolistic practices. This comes after a federal judge's ruling in August that positioned Google as the dominant entity in the online search market. The government's proposals to curb Google's control of the market were revealed in a recent court filing. The Justice Department is exploring the possibility of forcing Google to divest certain segments of its business or significantly change its operations. This could involve making the data that powers Google's search…

Once celebrated as a formidable duo on the Washington cryptocurrency circuit, Ryan Salame, a former FTX executive, and Michelle Bond, a crypto policy advocate and former congressional hopeful, now find themselves facing the challenges of impending prison sentences. The couple's journey from the peak of cryptocurrency advocacy to their current difficulties highlights the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency industry and its repercussions on their personal and professional lives. Ryan Salame was known in the industry for his luxurious lifestyle, which included a pristine white Porsche and a luxury residence in the Bahamas. His partner, Michelle Bond, was a highly regarded…