Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Tech: When should kids get smartphones?

August 13—This week, experimental computers made from human neurons, the flaws in a new international cybercrime treaty, and we examine whether temperature tracking smart rings should be used as birth control. All that and more below!

--Ben Guarino, Associate Editor, Technology


When Should Kids Get a Smartphone?

Teens' use of smartphones has been blamed for all manner of societal ills. So when should parents take the plunge and equip their kids with these devices?

These Living Computers Are Made from Human Neurons

In the search for less energy-hungry artificial intelligence, some scientists are exploring living computers

Google Search Ruled a Monopoly: What's Next?

An antitrust expert explains Monday's landmark legal decision that Google illegally cemented its dominance in Internet search

New U.N. Cybercrime Treaty Could Threaten Human Rights

A recently adopted United Nations treaty could lead to invasive digital surveillance, human rights experts warn

Smart Rings Can Track Menstrual Cycles. But Are They Reliable for Birth Control?

The Oura Ring and other smart rings forecast menstrual cycles by detecting changes in body temperature

AI Reaches Silver-Medal Level at This Year's Math Olympiad

During the 2024 International Mathematical Olympiad, Google DeepMind debuted an AI program that can generate complex mathematical proofs

This Researcher Helped Create a Machine to Pursue the 'Quest for Everything'

Helen Edwards was a particle physicist who led the design and construction of the Tevatron, a machine built to probe deeper into the atom than anyone had gone before.

How NASA's Stranded Starliner Astronauts Could Fly Home with SpaceX

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck on the ISS since they launched to the station in early June. Now the space agency is close to deciding how to bring them back

Scientist Pankaj

Day in Review: NASA’s EMIT Will Explore Diverse Science Questions on Extended Mission

The imaging spectrometer measures the colors of light reflected from Earth's surface to study fields such as agriculture ...  Mis...