Electronics
Phone Hacking Fears and Facts
The lack of security built into phone networks leaves callers vulnerable to snooping, but the growth of encrypted communications will help protect privacy
Stories by Larry Greenemeier
Engineering
IKEA-Building Robot Conquers Touchy-Feely Challenge
The Swedish company’s furniture has become something of a benchmark for robotics engineers
Engineering
How Cryptojacking Can Corrupt the Internet of Things
IoT devices often have weak security, making them prime targets for criminals looking to score digital cash
Computing
Social Media's Stepped-Up Crackdown on Terrorists Still Falls Short
YouTube, Facebook and other sites are working together to find and delete extremist propaganda and recruiting videos, but a new study says they can do better
Biotech
Smart Mouth Guard Senses Muscle Fatigue
A prototype flexible electronic mouth guard can measure lactate levels in an athlete’s saliva, tracking muscle fatigue during training and performance.
Energy
As Electricity Returns to Puerto Rico, Its People Want More Power
The island has long-term plans to make its main public electrical grid smarter as residents turn to solar power and microgrids for faster relief
Engineering
Satellite Images Hint North Korea Won’t Disarm Anytime Soon
U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo arrives Friday for negotiations, but the photos suggest North Korea leader Kim Jong-un’s regime is increasing its missile-making capabilities...
Engineering
Can Robotics Solve Its Diversity Problem?
Fetch Robotics CEO Melonee Wise talks about the need for standardizing robots and diversifying engineering teams
Electronics
Should Law Enforcement Need a Warrant to Track Your Cell Phone?
In Carpenter v. United States , the U.S. Supreme Court is about to tackle its biggest case related to the Fourth Amendment and privacy of data generated by cell phones...
Engineering
First SpaceX Hyperloop Transit Pod Contender Unveiled
Competitors are racing to answer Elon Musk’s call to create a capsule that can carry commuters at the speed of sound. M.I.T. unveiled its entry on Friday
Engineering
North Korea Missile Test: Best Response May Be Surprisingly Low Tech
Security expert offers a scientific perspective on realistic options for the U.S.
Computing
Net Neutrality Loss Could Rekindle ISP Alternatives for Internet Access
The FCC’s decision to kill the 2015 Open Internet Order hands more control to large broadband providers, but internet users have other options for getting online
Quantum Computing
How Close Are We—Really—to Building a Quantum Computer?
Intel’s head of quantum computing talks about the challenges of developing algorithms, software programs and other necessities for a technology that doesn’t yet exist
Computing
Google's AI Assistant Does Your Talk Tasks
The new Google AI voice assistant, called Duplex, highlights the intricacies of carrying out a mundane human-style conversation, as it keeps you off the phone.
Computing
So, Umm, Google Duplex’s Chatter Is Not Quite Human
A systems scientist breaks down the intricacies of making a machine that can fool humans into thinking it’s one of us
Aerospace
Here's What's Needed for Self-Flying Taxis and Delivery Drones to Really Take Off
Whether carting pizzas or passengers, small autonomous aircraft like the ones Amazon, Uber and others are testing need sophisticated traffic management to prevent collisions
Electronics
Alexa, How Do We Take Our Relationship to the Next Level?
If voice interfaces are to replace keyboards and touch screens, they are going to have to get a lot smarter
Engineering
IKEA-Building Robot Conquers Touchy-Feely Challenge
The Swedish furniture has become something of a benchmark for robotics engineers
Computing
Can AI Really Solve Facebook’s Problems?
Despite CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s efforts to reassure Congress that artificial intelligence can help find fake news and protect privacy, lawmakers worry the tech may be “biased”...
Computing
Urban Bungle: Atlanta Cyber Attack Puts Other Cities on Notice
The city has spent the past two weeks restoring online services disrupted by ransomware that held encrypted data hostage...
