The ghost in the AI machine

The question of machine consciousness is suddenly everywhere, driven by models that are getting better at doing things that look an awful lot like thinking [...]

The ‘10 Martini’ Proof Connects Quantum Mechanics With Infinitely Intricate Mathematical Structures

The proof, known to be so hard that a mathematician once offered 10 martinis to whoever could figure it out, uses number theory to explain quantum fractals. [...]

The Perseids Meteor Shower Brings Bright Fireballs to the Skies, Starting This Week

During its peak, you may see upwards of 50 to 100 meteors per hour if you're in a place where it's dark enough. [...]

An IVF Alternative Could Make Having Babies Less Onerous

Startup Gameto has developed a technique for maturing eggs outside the body that’s showing promise at helping patients get pregnant with fewer hormone treatments. [...]

MasterClass deal: Save 40 percent on an annual subscription

MasterClass is a good platform to learn a new skill and transfer that doom-scrolling energy into something more productive — and probably more fun, too. Now, you can sign up for MasterClass at a dis [...]

The SpaceX Starship V3 Set for Liftoff Today: What to Know

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, is getting ready for the 12th test flight of its Starship rocket ahead of the company's plans to go public in June. [...]

Research roundup: 2,400-year-old clay puppets; this is your brain on Klingon

Also: testing the efficacy of WWI "dazzle" camouflage; how the male blue-lined octopus survives deadly mating ritual. [...]

Commercial fusion power companies moving toward test systems

A tokamak moves forward as two companies advance plans for stellarators. [...]

Cocaine-Fueled Wild Salmon Swam Twice as Far as Sober Ones

After scientists exposed wild fish to cocaine and a cocaine metabolite, they observed that, as in the lab, fish on cocaine do not act like normal fish. [...]