Computing
Are Blockchains the Answer for Secure Elections? Probably Not
As midterm political campaigns shift into full gear, start-ups are pushing for blockchain-based voting
Stories by Jesse Dunietz
Automobiles
To Make Autonomous Vehicles Safe, We Have to Rethink "Autonomous" and "Safe"
Coming generations of AVs won’t be risk-free in all circumstances, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing
Space & Physics
Floating Treasure: Space Law Needs to Catch Up with Asteroid Mining
A number of companies are getting closer to extracting resources from space rocks
Computing
Is the Power Grid Getting More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks?
Rising computerization opens doors for increasingly aggressive adversaries, but defenses are better than many might think
Biotech
Cryptographers and Geneticists Unite to Analyze Genomes They Can’t See
Computer-security methods could help scientists identify disease-causing genes—while preserving patient privacy
Computing
The Imperfect Crime: How the WannaCry Hackers Could Get Nabbed
Even if they can exchange their ransom, the criminals will have a hard time accessing their money anonymously
Space & Physics
Ever-Elusive Neutrinos Spotted Bouncing Off Nuclei for the First Time
A new technology for detecting neutrinos represents a “monumental” advance for science
Engineering
Robots, Start Your Engines!
Roborace is creating a new motorsport to accelerate the arrival of self-driving cars
Engineering
Robotic Exoskeleton Adapts While It’s Worn
The decades-old pursuit of bulky, much-hyped Iron Man–like “exosuits” could give way to minimalist technologies more in sync with the human body
Space & Physics
Lawbreaking Particles May Point to a Previously Unknown Force in the Universe
Scientists aren’t yet certain that electrons and their relatives are violating the Standard Model of particle physics, but the evidence is mounting
Mind & Brain
Nevermore, or Tomorrow? Ravens Can Plan Ahead
Like great apes, the canny corvids seem capable of delaying gratification
Computing
Light-Powered Computers Brighten AI’s Future
Optical computers may have finally found a use—improving artificial intelligence
The Sciences
The Unexpected Dangers of Recreational Counting
Deciphering mathematical card tricks is a wonderful pastime, but it can get you into some bizarre predicaments
Quantum Computing Disentangled: A Look behind the D-Wave Buzz
The word “quantum” imbues any topic with instant mystique. Unfortunately, it often doubles as a “keep out” sign – a signal that an impenetrable quagmire of math and physics awaits anyone foolish enough to peer behind the label...
