The Digital Frontier
30 years ago, the Internet opened up a new frontier, and today we’re all citizens of a digital Wild West, where how we live, work and govern is changing everyday.
Featured
Has AI made “learn to code” obsolete?
Freethink talks to the creator of the world’s most popular AI coding assistant to find out whether learning to code is still worthwhile.
How consensus can undermine science
The main objective of consensus statements appears to be to reduce doubt, which may stifle scientific inquiry.
How proof-of-human tech could save the internet
Sam Altman’s World Network uses iris-scanning Orbs to give people a way to prove that they are people — and not AIs — online.
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App can detect early sign of autism in toddlers
A Duke University smartphone app that can detect an early sign of autism in toddlers could one day make diagnosing autism in young children far easier.
Can we stop “deepfake geography”?
To highlight the problem of “deepfake geography,” University of Washington researchers built AIs to create and detect the fake satellite images.
AI helps people in war zones get their voices heard by leaders
The United Nations is using an AI tool to survey people living in war zones, giving them a voice during peacekeeping operations.
App helps families know what to do when someone dies
The Empathy app is designed to help grieving families know what to do when someone dies and then actually guide them through the tasks, step by step.
An IBM quantum computer is being built at a US hospital
An IBM quantum computer is being installed at the Cleveland Clinic as part of the organizations’ Discovery Accelerator collaboration.
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Catalysts
Research grants, the silicon valley way
What if there was a way to fast-forward innovation? An economist and tech billionaire recently joined forces to make research grants available within 14 days.
IBM’s AI debater could help you make better decisions
IBM’s Project Debater is trained to quickly craft well-researched arguments — and the AI debater could one day improve your decision making.
Sophia the Robot joins NFT frenzy
Sophia the robot has created digital art that will be linked to an NFT and sold — making her the latest to join the art world’s current craze.
An easy-to-repair modular laptop is launching this summer
Framework has announced a new modular laptop that’s easy to repair and upgrade, which could make it last twice as long as the average laptop.
NFTs and crypto art, explained
NFTs are creating a marketplace for digital content. It may be a huge opportunity for digital creators to sell their own work.
Smartphones can track your blood sugar levels
The ability to easily monitor blood sugar levels would allow everyone to have more control over their own metabolic health — not just people with diabetes.
Your guide to the Clubhouse app and how to get an invite
The Clubhouse app is surging in popularity. Here’s what you need to know about the audio-focused social networking platform.
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Coded
The strange story of Venezuela’s failed cryptocurrency
The world’s first state-backed cryptocurrency was a revolutionary idea that could’ve saved Venezuela’s economy. Here’s what went wrong.
Cloud-based quantum computing, explained
Cloud-based quantum computing is making the cutting-edge tech available to people today, not years from now when the systems are more readily available.
Can we decentralize the internet?
A decentralized internet could make the internet faster and less vulnerable to censorship.
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Coded
Combating conspiracy in the disinformation age
What can we do about troll farms, deepfakes, and phoney headlines in the disinformation age?
Interactive map puts Capitol Hill riot videos into context
The developer Patr10tic has used metadata from Parler to create an interactive map linking each of the Capitol Hill riot videos to its exact location.
Quantum computing: Explained
Quantum computing is the holy grail of computer science. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works — and why it will be world-changing.
First-of-its-kind app lets scientists analyze DNA on the move
Genome sequencing tech is getting more portable. Now, there’s a genome analysis app that puts the ability to study those genomes in scientists’ pockets.
Gifts for the biohacker in your life
This year has put health front of mind for many of us. Biohackers are all about knowing themselves, and with this gift guide, you’ll look like you know them.
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