# tech    

wowt explains: what is a quantum computer?

Quantum computers are coming. But what exactly are they and what can they do for us?
wowt explains: what is a quantum computer?

# tech    

the simmering battle to define a.i. and how smart it can be

Despite constantly using algorithms defined as artificial intelligence and losing millions of jobs to it, we're still not sure where this technology can go and if it's really intelligent.
the simmering battle to define a.i. and how smart it can be

# tech    

wowt explains: what is a cyborg?

Thanks to science fiction we're all familiar with the term cyborg, but what it means is actually a lot less defined than it appears at first glance.
wowt explains: what is a cyborg?

# space    

why planet nine is very unlikely to be a tiny black hole

According to sensationalistic headlines, the hypothetical ninth planet in our solar system is a tennis ball sized black hole. According to physics, it's far more likely to be literally anything else.
why planet nine is very unlikely to be a tiny black hole

# tech    

wowt explains: what is automation?

Few topics today are as relevant and impactful as automation, changing the fortunes of developing nations and deeply reshaping the economies of politics of wealthy ones.
wowt explains: what is automation?

# space    

why the myth of nasa's $165 million space pen just won't die

The long-debunked story of NASA buying ridiculously expensive pens is just too gratifying for some people to pass up.
why the myth of nasa's $165 million space pen just won't die

# space    

wowt explains: what is a dyson sphere?

The massive structure designed to capture the energy of an entire star envisioned by Freeman Dyson is popular in science fiction. But can we build it? And have alien civilizations tried a similar idea?
wowt explains: what is a dyson sphere?

# science    

why politically incorrect speech can boost politicians' approval

Politicians need to keep their voters happy and voters don't like to be offended. But it turns out, dishing out a little offense once in a while gives politicians a real edge.
why politically incorrect speech can boost politicians' approval

# space    

wowt explains: what is a black hole?

We know that black holes are bizarre. We know they exist. We even have a picture of one. But what exactly are they?
wowt explains: what is a black hole?

# tech    

can we stave off global warming by blocking out the sun?

Politicians aren't in a hurry to lower emissions even as the world's temperature rises. Can we buy more time to fix the environment with a giant orbiting sunshade?
can we stave off global warming by blocking out the sun?

# space    

did we really discover the day that venus turned to hell?

A new study shows just how little we know about why Venus became the hothouse world it is today.
did we really discover the day that venus turned to hell?

# tech    

could space planes help fight global warming?

Planes capable of suborbital flights reducing emissions from air travel sounds absurd at first glance, but a lot more plausible when you consider the technology they plan to use.
could space planes help fight global warming?

# longform    

a peek into the minds of your future robot overlords

Imagine a device from science fiction capable of creating a self-replicating, constantly improving robotic hivemind. I wanted to know if we could build one today. Then I sort of did.
a peek into the minds of your future robot overlords

# science    

quantum physics has a new way to blow your mind. it's called quantum scarring

It turns out that some quantum systems don't want to decay into their most chaotic state. Instead, they want to return to the state in which they started.
quantum physics has a new way to blow your mind. it's called quantum scarring

# science    

how an artificial intelligence learned to understand the universe

For the first time, an AI was trained how to simulate a universe 600 million light years across. Does how fast it was able to do it and how well it understood its task tell us something profound about the cosmos?
how an artificial intelligence learned to understand the universe

    newer articles
older articles