The Latest From The Debrief

Here are the top stories we’re covering right now…

Chinese Research Team Claims to have Demonstrated “Quantum Supremacy”

The physicists say their photonic quantum computer can demonstrate quantum supremacy, but not everyone is convinced.

 


The Question that Got Google’s Timnit Gebru Fired: Can an AI Model Be Too Big?

Last week, Google Timnit Gebru, a leader in its ethical AI team. Today, AI experts and ethicists are pondering what this means for the future.

 


A Major Breakthrough in Understanding the Origins of Life

An International team of scientists say they have found the key building block of organic molecules in meteorites, providing clues to the origins of life on Earth.

 


US Army Develops Tech That Could Allow Soldiers to Read Minds

Groundbreaking research into decoding signals from the brain presents the possibility that soldiers may be able to communicate telepathically with their colleagues in the future.

 


China May Have Conducted Human Testing to Create Biologically Enhanced

The Director of National Intelligence warns that the People’s Liberation Army may attempt to develop “super soldiers” through human testing.

 


Star Trek Style “Tricorder” App Turns iPhone into a DNA Sequencer iGenomics App Able to Sequence DNA on a Mobile Device

Scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have developed a mobile DNA sequencer reminiscent of the “tricorder” featured in Star Trek.

 


Elon Musk Says SpaceX Will Have Humans on Mars by 2026

Last week, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, said that he is confident that his company will be launching a crew to Mars by 2026.

 


Directed Microwave Radiation Cited as Likely Cause Behind Diplomat Illnesses

Mysterious illnesses that occurred at U.S. Embassies in Cuba and China may have been pulsed microwave weapons, a new study says.