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Do You Want AI to Be Conscious?

Consciousness is an important function for us. Why not for our machines?

April 20, 2017

Why Poverty Is Like a Disease

Emerging science is putting the lie to American meritocracy.

April 17, 2017

The Kekulé Problem

Where did language come from?

April 17, 2017

Why Did My Patient Leave Me?

A patient’s departure is a critique that can help you become a better doctor.

April 13, 2017

The Origin of the Universe

Measuring tiny variations in the cosmic microwave background will enable major discoveries about the origin of the universe.

April 13, 2017

Opening a New Window into the Universe

New technology could bring new insights into the nature of black holes, dark matter, and extrasolar planets.

April 13, 2017

How to Use a Sphere to Talk to Mars

To avoid garbled messages, mathematicians might translate them into geometric form.

April 13, 2017

A Simple Visual Proof of a Powerful Idea

Ramsey’s theorem predicts a surprising (and useful) consistency in the organization of graphs. Here’s a simple visual proof of how it works.

April 13, 2017

Why Colonizing the Galaxy Is the Highest Good

Reducing the risk of global catastrophe is good on an astronomical scale.

April 12, 2017

Why Cancer Drug Prices Keep Rising in the U.S.

Inside the price tactics of the cancer industrial complex.

April 12, 2017