Links for 05-06-2007
Nuke-hungry fungi, quantum comms breaks distance record, forgetfulness FTW, monkeys can do stats, Schneier on ‘cyberwars’, the risks of biotech…
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1 – Quantum communication breaks distance record
“Quantum communication has been sent across a record 144 km using a process that could one day be used to send messages across space with absolute secrecy…” Sure … it’ll *never* be hacked, will it?
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2 – Code is law
“A short, loaded phrase with enough shades of layered meaning to engender pleasure, satisfaction, worry and disgust. The phrase itself means a whole lot of different things, depending on context and environment.”
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3 – Forgetfulness is a tool of the brain
“…the brain only chooses to remember memories it thinks are most relevant, and actively suppresses those that are similar but less used, helping to lessen the cognitive load and prevent confusion.” My excuse. Sticking to it.
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4 – Cogitating monkeys can calculate statistics
“They can accurately assess which of two behaviours is more likely to bring them a reward by summing together a series of probabilistic clues.”
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5 – Synthetic Biology – Best Not to Ignore the Risks
“If I am knowledgeable about biology and have the tools to create new organisms from scratch, then it would be entirely plausible I could certainly construct something that poses a threat to all extant life.”
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Worth reading, in light of recent smoke’n'mirrors media hype and bullsh*t.
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7 – Chernobyl Fungus Eating Radiation: A New Form of Energy?
…this process is an alternative to photosynthesis, “with melanin playing the role of chlorophyll and ionizing radiation; the role of visible light.” Weird.
