Surprising Science — June 10, 2010

BP Spills Coffee (Video)

Lindsay Beyerstein

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

UCB Comedy shows what happens when someone upends a cup of joe at BP HQ.

Photo credit: Flickr user TN Something Special Cakes, licensed under Creative Commons.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A collage featuring hands holding a plant, additional hands in sepia tone, a grid background, orange accents, and the text "Reclaim Meaning" with the number 4.

Thinking

How to reclaim meaning in a changing world

What if the barrier to a fulfilled life isn’t technology but culture?

A grand, ornate setting with three figures in flowing attire standing before a large, luminous circular window overlooking a vibrant cityscape.

High Culture

Why we need a better Turing test for AI art

With no reliable way to discern the author of an artwork, we may eventually abandon the question of whether something was made by humans or not.

The Future

Can humans purge the bots without sacrificing our privacy?

“Personhood” credentials could cleanse the internet of bots — but are the costs worth it?

Abstract image of blue and pink particles on a black background, creating swirling patterns reminiscent of leading with AI innovations.

Business

Ethan Mollick’s 4 guiding principles for leading with AI

The Wharton School professor — and author of Co-Intelligence — outlines ways we can tap into the AI advantage safely and effectively.

Yellow and black bird perched on a thin branch surrounded by green leaves.

The Present

How tech is turning science into a hobby

Off-the-shelf consumer technology is helping people pursue their interests — and advancing science at the same time.

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