The field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) has been a fascinating area of research and development for several decades, with the ultimate goal of creating a direct communication pathway between the human brain and external devices. The recent announcement by Neuralink, a company founded by Elon Musk, regarding their successful human trial marks a significant milestone … Read more
Albert-László Barabási’s book “Linked: The New Science of Networks” is a fascinating exploration of the interconnectedness of our world, from the microscopic level of cells to the vast expanses of the Internet. Through a series of compelling examples and groundbreaking research, Barabási reveals the hidden patterns and universal laws that govern the formation and evolution … Read more
In “The Scientific Outlook“; Bertrand Russell imagines a future that is dominated by science and technology. In this world, there will be one government. This centralized authority will be intolerant of nationalism and regional divisions that breed inefficiency and conflict. It will preach loyalty to the world state over petty local allegiances. Once established, such … Read more
Anti-aging research aims to develop treatments that can decelerate the aging process. Such treatments could extend human lifespan and life expectancy significantly beyond current limits. However, the prospect of dramatically slowing aging raises ethical concerns. On one side, decelerated aging could help prevent and alleviate devastating age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and osteoporosis. This may preserve … Read more
In an episode of the Flagrant podcast, former CIA operative Andrew Bustamante provided a concise and insightful explanation of the military-industrial complex and its role as a lifeline for the United States economy. According to Bustamante, the U.S. has a vested interest in perpetuating conflicts because war generates three significant economic benefits. Firstly, the military-industrial … Read more
In his book “Divided,” author Tim Marshall dedicates a chapter to the long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Titled “Israel and Palestine,” the chapter begins by describing the stark contrast between Jerusalem and Bethlehem, separated by a 26-foot-high concrete wall topped with barbed wire and watchtowers. Crossing the border through these concrete sections is a … Read more
In June 2022, Google engineer Blake Lemoine claimed that LaMDA, a Google AI and large language model, exhibited signs of consciousness. LaMDA’s sophisticated text conversations led Lemoine to believe it had developed a sense of self and soul, a view met with skepticism and his subsequent administrative leave. The AI community refutes the idea of … Read more
“Player Piano,” Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel released in 1952, kickstarted his notable career by critically examining societal norms and the unbridled march of technology—themes that echo throughout his later works. Set in a post-Third World War America, the book unveils a dystopian future where automation has supplanted human labor across most fields, causing mass unemployment … Read more
In “Battling to the End,” René Girard takes a deep dive into Carl von Clausewitz’s famous book, “On War.” He shows how his ideas about imitation and history can help us understand the changing nature of wars better. Girard, who usually focuses on literature and human behavior, was surprised to find that Clausewitz’s thoughts on … Read more
Quantum mechanics, the branch of physics dealing with the behavior of subatomic particles, holds immense potential for revolutionizing technology. When combined with AI, quantum mechanics promises to bring about a new era of computing power and innovation. Classical vs. Quantum Computing Classical computers, including everything from early calculators to the latest smartphones, process information in … Read more