As AI ascends, Davos leaders take on trust and transparency – POLITICO

As AI ascends, Davos leaders take on trust and transparency – POLITICO

The focus of the 2024 World Economic Forum at Davos was on rebuilding trust, with artificial intelligence top of the agenda. Since the roll out of AI-powered chat bots, AI has developed a major trust problem among the public. The majority of Americans said last year that the risks of AI outweigh the potential benefits, … Read more

Canadian-built underwater observatory transmitting data from around Antarctica

Canadian-built underwater observatory transmitting data from around Antarctica

A cache of scientific equipment that could fit in the back of an SUV has been lowered into the sea north of the Antarctic Peninsula, and is already streaming open-source data for anyone wanting to monitor the Southern Ocean’s health. Scientists say the underwater observatory collects measurements, including temperature, oxygen concentration and chlorophyll levels, and … Read more

On AI, von der Leyen sees glass half full in Davos – POLITICO

On AI, von der Leyen sees glass half full in Davos – POLITICO

BRUSSELS — After years of talk about regulating artificial intelligence, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday reiterated that the technology also presents an opportunity. During her special address at the World Economic Future (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, the Commission chief painted a remarkably starry-eyed tech future. Artificial intelligence and its “adverse outcomes” … Read more

Middle East braces for chaos as Iran and West square up – POLITICO

Middle East braces for chaos as Iran and West square up – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. Western warplanes and guided missiles roared through the skies over Yemen in the early hours of Friday in a dramatic response to the worsening crisis engulfing the region, where the U.S. and its allies are facing a direct confrontation with Iranian-backed militants. The strikes … Read more

New study investigates threat of ‘watermelon snow’ to mountain glaciers

New study investigates threat of ‘watermelon snow’ to mountain glaciers

The Rocky Mountains conjure up images of grey rugged peaks capped with white. But within the upper reaches of the harsh mountain landscapes, a rosier hue often blooms. Watermelon snow, also known as glacial blood, is caused by algae that turns the snow a startling shade of red. The algae blooms in summer, forming on … Read more

Lunar lander issue complicates privately-led U.S. moon mission

Lunar lander issue complicates privately-led U.S. moon mission

A robotic lander built by a private company suffered a technical problem on its way to the moon on Monday, threatening to upend the first U.S. soft lunar landing in over 50 years. The issue with the lander’s propulsion system followed a successful launch of a new Vulcan rocket debuted by a joint venture of … Read more

Britain’s got some of Europe’s toughest surveillance laws. Now it wants more – POLITICO

Britain’s got some of Europe’s toughest surveillance laws. Now it wants more – POLITICO

Press play to listen to this article Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — The U.K. already has some of the most far-reaching surveillance laws in the democratic world. Now it’s rushing to beef them up even further — and tech firms are spooked. Britain’s government wants to build on its landmark Investigatory Powers Act, a … Read more

This UBC grad has discovered thousands of likely planets across our cosmos

This UBC grad has discovered thousands of likely planets across our cosmos

At 30 years old, Michelle Kunimoto already has more than 3,000 planet candidates under her belt. Inspired by science fiction and curiosity, the University of British Columbia astronomy graduate is passionate about searching for exoplanets — bodies orbiting stars outside our own solar system. She’s currently leading a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) hunting for them. … Read more

Why scientists are hoping landscaping gravel can help restore Nova Scotia’s kelp

Why scientists are hoping landscaping gravel can help restore Nova Scotia’s kelp

In a converted shipping container perched oceanside in Ketch Harbour, N.S., a group of people gather to peer into tanks filled with fuzzy pieces of gravel.  The rocks are covered with tiny blades of sugar kelp. Soon, the squares of steel mesh they’re fixed to will be suspended in the water at a kelp farming demonstration … Read more

Why scientists are hoping landscaping gravel can help restore Nova Scotia’s kelp

Why scientists are hoping landscaping gravel can help restore Nova Scotia’s kelp

In a converted shipping container perched oceanside in Ketch Harbour, N.S., a group of people gather to peer into tanks filled with fuzzy pieces of gravel.  The rocks are covered with tiny blades of sugar kelp. Soon, the squares of steel mesh they’re fixed to will be suspended in the water at a kelp farming demonstration … Read more