• Wed, December 11, 2024

by: The Economist

Machine translation is almost a solved problem. Making it perfect will be a hard problem

Machine translation has become so reliable and ubiquitous so fast that many users no longer see it. The first computerised translations were attempted more than 70 years ago, when an IBM computer was programmed with a vocabulary of 250 words of English and Russian and six grammatical rules.

by: EurekAlert!

Caltech creates minuscule robots for targeted drug delivery

by: Daily News

SLINTEC commercialises record 8 patents and innovations within 12 months

The Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC) witnessed a remarkable transformation - with four patents having been commercialised, with an additional

by: The Daily Star

3 sent to jail over gang rape of PUST student

A Pabna court yesterday sent three people to jail over gang rape of a student of Pabna University of Science and Technology in Sadar upazila.

by: keprtv

Applications open for Tri-Cities only STEM based high school

The application process has opened for current 8th graders looking to attend Delta High School.Delta is in Pasco, but operates through a partnership with Kennew

by: KSBW The Central Coast

Nearly $200,000 awarded for STEM education at Hartnell

Zoe Lofgren announced nearly $200,000 for STEM research at Hartnell College on Wednesday. The Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee announced that Hartnell College will receive $199,

by: The University of Chicago Chronicle

Wendy Freedman one of Nature's 10 people who helped shape science in 2024

Wendy Freedman one of Nature's 10 people who helped shape science in 2024 Wendy Freedman, the University of Chicago John and Marion Sullivan University Professor in Astronomy and Astrophysics, was named to Nature's 10—a list that recognizes key scientific developments over the past year.

by: ZME Science

This Wild Quasiparticle Switches Between Having Mass and Being Massless. It All Depends on the Direction It Travels

A team of researchers has now observed something physicists had only theorized: a quasiparticle that behaves like it has mass when moving one way and becomes massless when it travels another. This peculiar particle,

by: UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell and SAIC Establish Cyber Center

UMass Lowell and Science Applications International Corporation ( SAIC ), a global leader in technology integration, have signed an agreement to establish a cyber center that will strengthen the resilience of the defense industrial base and expand the pipeline of skilled cyber professionals across the region.

by: The Boston Globe

UK spy agency releases annual Christmas card puzzle to uncover future codebreakers

The challenge is aimed at young people aged 11 to 18, who are encouraged to work in teams and use "lateral thinking, ingenuity and perseverance" to crack the seven brainteasers set by GCHQ's "in-house puzzlers.

by: Ghanaweb.com

KNUST Student Afia Dedaa Osae Killed by Speeding Trotro

This blog is managed by the content creator and not GhanaWeb, its affiliates, or employees. Advertising on this blog requires a minimum of GH₵50 a week. Contact the blog owner with any queries.

by: CNN

Herbal compresses have been used for thousands of years. Researchers in Thailand are exploring the science behind them

Herbal medicine is prevalent across the world, but it's difficult to standardize or regulate. Scientists in Thailand are researching the properties of the plants used in herbal compresses to make this ancient remedy more accessible.

by: Gulf Times

UDST signs pacts with UK institutions

University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) has announced the signing of memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with two UK institutions: the University of Oxford,

by: Johns Hopkins Newsletter

Junior Andreas Jaramillo discusses his journey in computer science research

With the University's reputation as a rigorous STEM environment, it is no surprise that the campus features students with robust experiences in computer science. One such student is Andreas Jaramillo,

by: UCR Today

A new formula for success in undergraduate chemistry

UCR is transforming undergraduate chemistry, allowing students multiple opportunities to demonstrate knowledge while reducing the high stakes of traditional exams. Educators believe the approach will improve outcomes for underserved students.

by: Indiatimes

Device from BITS Pilani-Hyd detects pesticide residues in food in minutes

Innovative microfluidic device developed by researchers at BITS Pilani-Hyderabad simplifies detection of pesticide residues in food and water in just minutes, ensuring food safety with a non-invasive and cost-effective solution.

by: KLCC

AI slop is already invading Oregon's local journalism

And sure, more than 1,200 miles of travel to write 10 stories in a month might seem excessive for a local outdoors reporter who was new to his Southern Oregon job, but who could argue with his output?

by: The Independent

Tool developed to track dolphins by their 'regional accent'

A sea mammal expert has developed a groundbreaking tool that can track dolphins by their regional accents. Dr Julie Oswald, of the University of St Andrews' Scottish Oceans Institute, created the tool, known as the Real-time Odontocete Call Classification Algorithm (Rocca), using AI.

by: Firstpost

MIT suspends Indian-origin student Prahlad Iyengar over an essay: What is the controversy?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has suspended Prahlad Iyengar, a PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science after he published a pro-Palestine essay in a student magazine.

by: India TV

Indian-origin PhD student at MIT suspended over pro-Palestinian activism, appeals university's decision

A PhD student in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, is "now appealing the decision" to the Chancellor at MIT Wednesday, the "last opportunity to end this persecution and restore academic dignity.

by: abp LIVE

MIT Suspends Indian-Origin PhD Scholar Over Pro-Palestine Essay, Sparks Debate On Free Speech

PhD scholar of Indian origin Prahlad Iyengar has been suspended from MIT over a pro-Palestine essay for Written Revolution, a multidisciplinary student magazine.

by: Mint

MIT suspends Indian-origin student Prahlad Iyengar over controversial essay; what was it - Explained

A controversy arose after MIT suspended Prahlad Iyengar, an Indian-origin student, for an essay published in the college magazine.

by: Malaysiakini

Five local companies announced as winners of MYHackathon Cohort 2

The announcement was made during the programme's closing ceremony, officiated by YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, at the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB),

by: Daily Mail

UK government gives the go-ahead to store 100 MILLION tonnes of CO2 under the North Sea - but experts raise fears the greenhouse gas could leak and taint water supplies

Starting in 2027, a coalition of energy companies will pump four million tonnes of CO2 per year into a reservoir off the Yorkshire coast - but some experts have questioned the plan's safety.

by: ABC

What we know about Luigi Mangione, Ivy League grad charged in CEO's murder

Video captured the moment the gunman walked up behind the CEO outside the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan, pointed his gun at him and fired.

by: The Chronicle of Higher Education

Transitions: Marquette U. Names New President; Georgetown U. President Steps Down

Resignations John J. DeGioia, president of Georgetown University, will step down and return to the faculty after suffering a stroke in June. Henry C. Foley, president of the New York Institute of Technology, will step down in June 2025. Jerry Balentine, provost and executive vice president, will succeed him as president.

by: blockclubchicago

Plans For South Side Quantum Campus Get City Council OK

A crucial zoning change received final approval Wednesday. Some neighbors had asked to slow the process so developers could put promises around jobs into writing.

by: WLWT

Luigi Mangione: From privileged upbringing to murder suspect

Investigators are working to piece together why Luigi Mangione decided to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street.

by: SFGate

Enjoy the holidays with dazzling light displays

The annual Garden of D'Lights is a self-guided holiday light display that transforms the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek into a magical nighttime wonderland with thousands of colorful lights, art installations and lasers. The display is both family- and pet-friendly.

by: openaccessgovernment

Image technologies for retinal biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease

Andrew Kadis from Cambridge Vision Technology guides us through imaging technologies for retinal biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease

by: rediff.com

MIT expels Indian-origin student for pro-Palestine essay

An Indian-origin PhD student at MIT, Prahlad Iyengar, has been suspended until January 2026 for his pro-Palestinian activism. The suspension effectively ends his NSF fellowship and disrupts his academic career.

by: HME News

Mobility industry readies to convene at ISS

The upcoming International Seating Symposium will feature longer and uninterrupted blocks of exhibit hall time, a Hands-On Zone for demoing equipment in real-life environments and a more

by: Deccan Chronicle

Indian-origin MIT student suspended over pro-Palestinian activism

An Indian-origin student pursuing PhD at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been suspended until January 2026 following his pro-Palestinian activism and is

by: Geeky Gadgets

How AI and Quantum Computing Are Solving the World's Toughest Problems

Learn how AI and quantum computing are reshaping industries, solving unsolvable problems, and advancing the future of technology.

by: The New York Times

From the DealBook Summit: Influential People Share Their Insights

Industry leaders attending the conference were asked about artificial intelligence, the economy, international relations and more.

by: fingerlakes1

Micron secures $6.1 billion in CHIPS funding for massive CNY facility

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Monday that Micron Technology has finalized a $6.1 billion federal funding agreement through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act to support the construction of a state-of-the-art memory chip facility in Central New York.

by: earth

Wonder material that "will change the world" is officially declared safe for humans

Graphene has captured attention worldwide, with many scientists dubbing it a "wonder material" with potential to have a huge impact on humans

by: MSN

Who is Prahlad Iyengar? MIT suspends student over essay, sparks outrage

MIT suspended Indian-origin PhD scholar Prahlad Iyengar over a pro-Palestine essay he wrote in the college magazine.

by: The Independent

AI tool will be able to trace dolphins by their regional accent

A groundbreaking AI tool will be able to track dolphins by their regional accents. Sea mammal expert Dr Julie Oswald, of the University of St Andrews' Scottish Oceans Institute, created the tool, known as the Real-time Odontocete Call Classification Algorithm (Rocca), using AI.

by: The Hindu

Student coalition campaigns against MIT's suspension of Indian-origin student Prahlad Iyengar

MIT CAA campaigns against MIT's suspension of PhD student Prahlad Iyengar for supporting pro-Palestine movement, seeking justice.

by: The New York Times

Technologists: Smarter-Than-Humans A.I. Will Likely Be Here by 2030

Most members of a DealBook Summit panel described immense benefits from artificial intelligence and saw its risks as manageable.

by: MSN

Tennis Mailbag: The WTA's Role in Women's Sports Boom

Where does women's tennis factor in the growing popularity of women's sports? Plus, has drug testing evolved, and how has it impacted the sport?

by: MSN

MIT Student Prahlad Iyengar Suspension: Know about India-origin PhD scholar, why was he barred - Details here

Last month, the PhD student was barred from entering the MIT campus following the pro-Palestine essay. However, he has now been suspended until January 2026 which would terminate his five-year National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

by: Science Daily

A greener, cleaner way to extract cobalt from 'junk' materials

As the demand for lithium-ion batteries escalates with the proliferation of mobile phone, electric vehicles and even pacemakers, key components in these powerhouses, like cobalt, face significant ethical and environmental concerns related to their extraction.

by: MSN

Nanofluidic devices and their role in matter manipulation

One of the great ambitions in the scientific world is to use tiny objects—such as molecules, viruses, and nanoparticles—as building blocks to construct essential macromolecules and materials, much like constructing intricate designs with LEGO bricks.

by: MSN

Nanoscale analysis uncovers method to prevent dental erosion from carbonated drinks

A Korean research team, which had previously visualized and scientifically proven the harmful effects of carbonated drinks like cola on dental health using nanotechnology, has now identified a mechanism for an effective method to prevent tooth damage caused by these beverages.

by: MSN

BallBot demonstrates the science behind balance control for robotics

The robotics field is advancing rapidly, with a growing emphasis on improving machine autonomy and interaction. As robots are tasked with increasingly complex activities, their ability to operate effectively in dynamic and unpredictable environments becomes crucial.

by: MSN

Neurosurgeons unravel the distinct nerve wiring of human memory

The black box of the human brain is starting to open. Although animal models are instrumental in shaping our understanding of the mammalian brain, scarce human data is uncovering important specificities.

Machine translation is almost a solved problem. Making it perfect will be a hard problem

Machine translation has become so reliable and ubiquitous so fast that many users no longer see it. The first computerised translations were attempted more than 70 years ago, when an IBM computer was programmed with a vocabulary of 250 words of English and Russian and six grammatical rules.

The article from *The Economist* discusses the advancements in machine translation, highlighting that while the technology has made significant strides, achieving perfection remains elusive. It notes that machine translation has become remarkably effective for many language pairs, especially between widely studied languages like English and French, where systems can now produce translations that are nearly indistinguishable from human translations in many contexts. However, the article points out several ongoing challenges: the nuances of language, idiomatic expressions, cultural context, and less commonly translated languages still pose significant hurdles. Additionally, the article touches on the ethical and practical implications of machine translation, such as the potential for miscommunication in critical sectors like diplomacy or medicine, and the displacement of human translators. Despite these challenges, the piece suggests that continuous improvements in AI and machine learning, along with better data sets and more sophisticated algorithms, are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, though the quest for perfect translation remains a "hard problem."

Read the Full The Economist Article at:
https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2024/12/11/machine-translation-is-almost-a-solved-problem-making-it-perfect-will-be-a-hard-problem