A New Kind of Science

Author Pays Brainy Undergrad $25,000 for Identifying Simplest Computer: Scientific American: "Wolfram Research, the company founded by A New Kind of Science author Stephen Wolfram, has awarded $25,000 to an undergraduate for proving that a simple model called a 2,3 Turing machine, visualized in action here, can perform any conceivable computation. The machine scans the boxes in each row and applies one of six rules to generate the row underneath."

Robot dogs race to be soldier's best friend

New Scientist Tech Robot dogs race to be soldier's best friend: "A timid-looking four-legged robot about the size of a Chihuahua might seem like an unlikely companion for soldiers of the future. Yet the robot, called LittleDog, could ultimately help researchers create more sophisticated robotic assistants for military personnel, including automated 'pack-mules' capable of hauling heavy loads over tough terrain. This is because LittleDog is remarkably agile for a robot when faced with treacherous, uneven terrain. Researchers are also fine-tuning its movement to be even faster and more animal-like over rough terrain."

NASA Tests Robot Surgeon for Missions to Moon, Mars

Scientific American NASA Tests Robot Surgeon for Missions to Moon, Mars: "As NASA sets its sites on manned missions back to the moon and as far away as Mars, the space agency is participating a series of tests this week to determine if robotic technology is the key to providing adequate medical care for its astronauts during such extended spaceflights."

Scientists Use the "Dark Web" to Snag Extremists and Terrorists Online

US National Science Foundation (NSF) Scientists Use the "Dark Web" to Snag Extremists and Terrorists Online: "Terrorists and extremists have set up shop on the Internet, using it to recruit new members, spread propaganda and plan attacks across the world. The size and scope of these dark corners of the Web are vast and disturbing. But in a non-descript building in Tucson, a team of computational scientists are using the cutting-edge technology and novel new approaches to track their moves online, providing an invaluable tool in the global war on terror. Funded by the National Science Foundation and other federal agencies, Hsinchun Chen and his Artificial Intelligence Lab at the University of Arizona have created the Dark Web project, which aims to systematically collect and analyze all terrorist-generated content on the Web."

'Speech to Sign Language' Translation System

IBM Research demonstrates 'Speech to Sign Language' Translation System: "IBM (NYSE: IBM) has developed an ingenious system called SiSi (Say It Sign It) that automatically converts the spoken word into British Sign Language (BSL) which is then signed by an animated digital character or avatar. SiSi brings together a number of computer technologies. A speech recognition module converts the spoken word into text, which SiSi then interprets into gestures, that are used to animate an avatar which signs in BSL."

Online worlds to be AI incubators

BBC NEWS | Technology Online worlds to be AI incubators: "Online worlds such as Second Life will soon become training grounds for artificial intelligences. Researchers at US firm Novamente have created software that learns by controlling avatars in virtual worlds. Initially the AIs will be embodied in pets that will get smarter by interacting with the avatars controlled by their human owners."

Thinking of words can guide your wheelchair

New Scientist Tech Thinking of words can guide your wheelchair: "A motorised wheelchair that moves when the operator thinks of particular words has been demonstrated by a US company (see video, right). The wheelchair works by intercepting signals sent from their brain to their voice box, even when no sound is actually produced."