This weeks Science stories - Page 6

flowperson · 01-31-2008, 03:14 PM

So True Q ! But it does appear that we were designed such that one follows from and/or leads to the other, except for the ultimate state of love, Agape.

flow....

flowperson · 02-05-2008, 08:42 PM

Some of us have been saying things like this for years now. Personalized electronic media is changing us as a species. Networks, the media, and obsessive-compulsive users might deny it all, but that's just a big river in Egypt, huh ?

And this announcement from France serves notice that we are now two generations of innovation away from solving our air travel mess.

flow....

Nature giving way to virtual reality - Yahoo! News

BBC NEWS | World | Europe | France unveils super-fast train

flowperson · 02-17-2008, 07:59 PM

Here is a knowledgeable viewpoint on what is likely happening to us as we speak and write about such things. I'm pretty sure there's a few test models mingling already.

flow....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7248875.stm

gp1628 · 02-18-2008, 12:01 AM

"Machines will achieve human-level artificial intelligence by 2029, a leading US inventor has predicted."
Keep in mind that 'human-level intelligence' is not the same as human. Its a common misconception that AI is headed toward being human and therefore is far in the future. In fact AI is done all the time. Its a joke in the AI forums that AI actually refers to "almost implemented" because every time they finish an AI product and market it, people no longer consider it to be AI.

For example, its a frequent complaint of gamers that the computer opponents AI isnt really "I". AI is teaching a program to recognize that the best route from A to B is a straight line. But in a game that would quickly be exploited by the players. To be AH (artificially human) instead of AI, it would need to also use flanking, feints, sneaking around to the rear, and even some crazy moves which might work just because you didnt expect a crazy move. In gaming-AI forums is its considered a giggle (or maybe a statement on humanity) that to turn an AI into AH involves deleting some of the intelligence and replacing it with more random actions.

Achieving "human-level artificial intelligence" does not include art, creativity, and the ability to jump in a new direction. AI might proceed up a straight line in an area of research but wouldnt jump to a completely new path to invent new areas of research.

gp1628 · 02-18-2008, 12:04 AM

http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/02/13/science-bat-flying.html

I thought this was interesting since it involves one of the holes in the theory of evolution. Its nice to see it get plugged.

Of course one of the biggies still left is mammals.

Gandalf Parker

flowperson · 02-18-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gp1628

Achieving "human-level artificial intelligence" does not include art, creativity, and the ability to jump in a new direction. AI might proceed up a straight line in an area of research but wouldnt jump to a completely new path to invent new areas of research.

I believe that the majority of us think that artificially intelligent behavior in humans will be something that will be built up, hardware and softwarewise. Or, artificial beings built from scratch.

But I see it all happening through the technological augmentations of that which is already within all humans. This will be a tricky thing to manage and implement. but I have read and seen enough in my past to convince me that this will be the way for this thing to continue to develop.

Semiartificial humans are more likely to arise from the work going on at Howard Hughes Institutes, Beckman Institutes, or the Mayo Clinics than from robot plants in Korea or Japan...or for that matter Cincinnati Milacron.

flow....

gp1628 · 02-18-2008, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flowperson

Semiartificial humans are more likely to arise from the work going on at Howard Hughes Institutes, Beckman Institutes, or the Mayo Clinics than from robot plants in Korea or Japan...or for that matter Cincinnati Milacron.

flow....

I totally agree. My son has a large amount of titanium mechanics in him allowing him to have a semi-normal life far beyond what was originally expected (extensive scoliosis surgery). So Im not at all against such progress.

Tao_Equus · 05-08-2008, 03:47 AM

Evolutionary scientists long ago predicted that the genetic code of the Duck Billed Platypus would reveal it be a hybrid of mammal and reptile, and so a solid piece of evidence that such a transition took place. Well at last it has had its whole genome sequenced and proves the predictions to be correct. It has a mix of mammal, reptile and avian genes.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Platypus genetic code unravelled

Quahom1 · 05-08-2008, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

Evolutionary scientists long ago predicted that the genetic code of the Duck Billed Platypus would reveal it be a hybrid of mammal and reptile, and so a solid piece of evidence that such a transition took place. Well at last it has had its whole genome sequenced and proves the predictions to be correct. It has a mix of mammal, reptile and avian genes.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Platypus genetic code unravelled

I have learned not to attempt to dispell your "religion" Tao. But that is all it is, just like mine - a religious belief, with no proof. But I do know this - I can adapt to my environment (within my own lifetime, indeed a season or two), and when I get back to where I originate, I go right back to what I was...is that evolution?

v/r

Q

dauer · 05-08-2008, 04:43 AM

OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator | Our Review | TechRadar.com

It's a tool that lets you control video games with your mind.

Tao_Equus · 05-08-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quahom1

I have learned not to attempt to dispell your "religion" Tao. But that is all it is, just like mine - a religious belief, with no proof. But I do know this - I can adapt to my environment (within my own lifetime, indeed a season or two), and when I get back to where I originate, I go right back to what I was...is that evolution?

v/r

Q

Hi Q, nice to see you

To say that evolution theory has no proof is like saying we cannot prove a tree has roots to take up water and leaves to take energy from the sun. Week after week, month after month, year after year science confirms the predictions of evolutionary theory. That is no religion but empirical logic.

Adaptability is a key factor in species survivability, the less specialised or dependent on a limited source of sustenance, the more likely that species is going to survive any change. That is a patently obvious statement of fact. It is change of circumstance that drives evolutionary change, adapt and survive, or dont and die out. Darwins hypothesis continues to be confirmed by every study, its every prediction found the hold water. Creationists deny this like some child incapable of letting go of Santa Clause and invent pseudo science as a rational. Pseudo science with holes so big that the scientific community can ride a coach and horses through them. There are none so blind as those that will not to see. And from what I can see creationism is solely about persuading people to be gullible and then fleecing them. Every prolific espouser of creationist theory makes a fortune from it and thats what it is all about. And I find it amusing Q, that you would have my rational support of evolution theory deemed a religion, like you want to tar me with a dirty word. Is there not some subtle revelation in that?

Tao

Tao_Equus · 05-08-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dauer

OCZ Neural Impulse Actuator | Our Review | TechRadar.com

It's a tool that lets you control video games with your mind.

I want one that reads my mind well enough so I dont have to type any more!

wil · 05-08-2008, 02:12 PM

The Buffalo Theory

In an episode of "Cheers," Cliff Clavin the trivia-spouting, quirky, irksome mama's boy mailman is seated at the bar describing the buffalo theory to his buddy, Norm Peterson, the beer loving heavyweight bar stool sitting perpetual patron.

Cliff expounds his "Buffalo Theory" to Norm.

“Well, you see, Norm, it’s like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it’s the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers.”

Tao_Equus · 05-08-2008, 04:11 PM

I like that

cyberpi · 05-09-2008, 05:17 AM

The book of Genesis reveals the buffalo theory but also reveals the broader goat theory. That is: personal selection and divine selection. Putting it into the context of beer and brain cells: if the beer selects and divides the brain cells then the beer is the master of the brain cells. And when the brain cells can no longer select and divide the beers then they are no longer the master of the beer.