Author Archive

The premature quest for AI-powered facial recognition to simplify screening

Written by Jacek Krywko

In 2009, 22-year-old student Nicholas George was going through a checkpoint at Philadelphia International Airport when Transportation Security Administration agents pulled him aside. A search of his luggage turned up flashcards with English and Arabic words. George was handcuffed, detained for hours, and questioned by the FBI.

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Enormous Stratolaunch aircraft rolled out for first time

Written by John Antczak

Billionaire Paul G. Allen’s Stratolaunch, a massive aircraft designed to launch rockets into space from high altitude, has been rolled out of its hangar for the first time in preparation for testing.

Here are things to know about the program that has been underway since 2011:

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Experts Predict When Artificial Intelligence Will Exceed Human Performance

Written by MIT Technology Review

Artificial intelligence is changing the world and doing it at breakneck speed. The promise is that intelligent machines will be able to do every task better and more cheaply than humans. Rightly or wrongly, one industry after another is falling under its spell, even though few have benefited significantly so far.

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June Used To Be Much Hotter In The U.S.

Written by Tony Heller

The area and duration of heatwaves in the US during June used to be much higher prior to 60 years ago. One hundred degree days during June were more than twice as common during the 1930’s as they are now, with 1933, 1936, 1934, 1954, 1911 and 1916 being the hottest years.

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If Trump Exits Paris, Will It Make The Slightest Difference To Climate?

Written by Paul Homewood

Word is coming out of Washington that President Trump has finally made the decision to exit the Paris Agreement. There have already been various stories about the apocalypse waiting around the corner if that happens, not least from so-called scientists who should know better, eg:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-05-30/climate-danger-zone-seen-if-trump-pulls-u-s-out-of-paris-deal

But just what difference will it make to global emissions?

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