“A.I. is solving problems that stumped the field for decades. Mathematicians look to Terence Tao for guidance on their altered world.”
artificial intelligence
Posted inEditor's Pick
Benchma(r)king
“James Bridle experiments with combining their practical carpentry skills and the abundant theoretical knowledge of AI to build a chair.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Apocalypse Now and Then
“Artificial intelligence is capitalism’s final destination.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Welcome to the Age of AI Crime and Punishment
“America’s legal system is already grappling with cases where chatbots acted as lawyers and witnesses, generated the evidence, or helped plan a mass shooting. Who will be liable now that some AI agents are doing crimes all on their own?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
What Happens When a Kid’s Robot Best Friend Dies?
“AI companion toys for neurodivergent children promise connection and therapy, but can they deliver for the long haul?”
Posted inTop 5
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
In this edition: Bad medicine, imperfect sound forever, know when to fold ’em, brainiacs, and a call of the wild.
Posted inEditor's Pick
What if America Went Completely Dark?
“The power grid relies on thousands of aging, hand-built transformers. If enough fail, the blackout could last years.”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Skill Nostalgia
“Is all the beekeeping, baking and leatherwork just escapist fantasy or the start of a radically human approach to work?”
Posted inEditor's Pick
Nobody Here Wants the Data Center: An Oral History
“We’ve gathered stories from all across the country detailing what happens when Big Tech’s latest monstrosities come to town.”