Science Alert
Catch up on the latest science news, from space and technology to life and environmental research- all the discoveries shaping our world today.
Updated: 18 min 24 sec ago
Space images have found a 5,000-mile seaweed belt across the Atlantic: Scientists say it can clog beaches and create public health problems
Sargassum seaweed, once a crucial part of marine ecosystems, has now transformed into a significant coastal issue due to nutrient-rich runoff from land. This rapid growth of brown macroalgae poses serious environmental and economic challenges, threatening tourism and local livelihoods. Scientists are investigating the interplay of nutrient shifts and ocean currents to resolve this issue, emphasizing that tackling land-based pollution is vital to curb the spread of sargassum.
Scientists invented a fake eye disease to see if AI chatbots could spot it, but the experiment took an unexpected turn
In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers created a fictitious eye disease, bixonimania, to evaluate the accuracy of AI chatbots. Many large language models accepted this non-existent condition as real, emphasizing the dangers of misinformation. Additionally, scientists found themselves referencing bogus research papers without realizing their inauthenticity, showcasing how AI learns patterns from the internet rather than confirming facts.
Computer scientist who created world's first chatbot in the 1960s spent his whole life warning that AI should never replace humans, and the reason will shock you
In the 1960s, Joseph Weizenbaum pioneered the first chatbot, named Eliza, which unveiled a startling truth: humans could emotionally bond with machines. This insight led him to caution against the potential of AI usurping human empathy. Weizenbaum's assertions about the risks of deceiving machines fostering misplaced trust echo powerfully in today's landscape of artificial intelligence.
One of the world's largest T. rex skeletons is heading to auction with a price tag of up to $30 million
A remarkable Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, affectionately dubbed Gus, is set to hit the auction block at Sotheby's. Measuring an impressive 38 feet in length, this nearly complete skeleton is anticipated to attract bids ranging from twenty to thirty million dollars. Its outstanding preservation and size underscore Gus's significance within the growing market for collectible dinosaur fossils.
