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The Most Human Human by Brian Christian
The Turing test competition, an annual search for the most “human” computer, is the thread in this tour through the makings of human intelligence. Doubleday, 2011, 303 p., $27.95.
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Letters
Water at the start, and later “Liquid acquisition” (SN: 1/15/11, p. 26) discusses two new models about how Earth got its water. But the two models are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, I wonder if perhaps two (or more) sources of water may be the only way to match all of the observed isotopic abundances. Is […]
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Japan crisis may have little effect on U.S. energy policy
Whatever the ultimate repercussions of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident in Japan (see Page 6), the crisis raises questions over the role nuclear power should play as an energy source. Michael Levi, head of the energy security and climate change program at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, spoke to reporters […]
- Chemistry
Silicene: It could be the new graphene
Single-layer sheets of silicon might have electronic applications.
- Health & Medicine
Body & Brain
Handling fruit can throw off blood-glucose tests, plus an autism gene and itchy feelings in this week’s news.
- Earth
Global gale warning
Over the world’s oceans, the strongest winds may be getting more powerful, a new study shows.
- Humans
Go east, ancient tool makers
New finds put African hand ax makers in India as early as 1.5 million years ago.
- Humans
A new glimpse at the earliest Americans
Along a stream in central Texas, archaeologists have found a campsite occupied at the tail end of the Ice Age.
- Physics
Diamond could store quantum information
A new technique would use flaws in crystal structure to hold data.
- Health & Medicine
Gene therapy for Parkinson’s advances
Brain surgery to insert genetic cargo improves movement in some patients, a study shows.
- Life
Brain chemical influences sexual preference in mice
Males lacking the neurotransmitter serotonin court both sexes equally, researchers are surprised to find.
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