Read the latest articles from Futurism (Page 1011)

A small robotic idol can listen to people's troubles and recite relevant passages from religious texts. Its creator says it could keep the elderly company.
Robotics

This Robot Reads the Bible to Old People in Nursing Homes

For now, the robots recite but don't interpret the biblical verses.

By Dan Robitzski

For the first time, scientists build a DNA computer that can be written and rewritten to run different software, just like a conventional computer.
Computers

The World’s First Reprogrammable DNA Computer is Here

This extraordinary breakthrough could rewrite the rules of biological computing.

By Dan Robitzski

Climate change is affecting when the spring season starts, and as a result, more people are suffering from seasonal allergies, says study.
Climate Change

Climate Change May Be Giving You Seasonal Allergies

Shifting seasons mean more stuffy noses and itchy throats.

By Kristin Houser

After two days of testing, NASA is confident its four-pound Mars Helicopter is ready to begin its journey to the Red Planet.
Mars

Mini Helicopter Destined for Mars Aces Flight Tests

"It was a heck of a first flight."

By Kristin Houser

The EU voted on Wednesday to support plans for the elimination of most uses of single-use plastic, including cutlery, straws, and plastic plates.
Environment

The EU Approved a Ban on Single-Use Plastics

Good riddance, plastic cutlery and straws.

By Victor Tangermann

Using cells they harvested from cadavers, researchers grew scaffolds that became blood vessels when transplanted into patients.
Health & Medicine

Scientists Grew Artificial Blood Vessels from Cadaver Cells

They then implanted the vessels into 60 patients.

By Kristin Houser

A distant asteroid named 6478 Gault likely fell prey to the YORP effect — sunlight caused it to spin so fast that it's ripping apart.
Off-World

Astronomers Just Spotted an Asteroid Ripping Itself Apart

6478 Gault is spinning itself into pieces.

By Dan Robitzski

A Finnish startup called Vainu relies on prison labor to train its AI algorithms, arguing that labeling training data is giving inmates valuable skills.
Artificial Intelligence

A Finnish Startup Is Using Prison Labor to Train AI

"Hey, we could actually use prison labor."

By Dan Robitzski

Samsung subsidiary Cheil Worldwide has announced plans to produce 200,000 more of its Firevases, which extinguish fires when hurled at them.
Science & Energy

Samsung Made a Flower Vase That’s a Throwable Fire Extinguisher

The Firevase is like a grenade that smothers fires.

By Kristin Houser

A new study found that Mars used to be covered in huge rivers — much wider than on Earth — for billions of years.
Mars

New Research: Mars Used To Be Covered In Huge Rivers

Martian waterways were likely twice as wide as those on Earth.

By Victor Tangermann

A survey asking U.S. citizens to predict America's future reveals a great deal of pessimism, but not everyone thinks the nation is in a decline.
Future Society

Poll Reveals Americans’ Grim Predictions for the US in 2050

They don't see much to look forward to — but science and tech are a bright spot.

By Kristin Houser

In a missile defense test, the U.S. military launched and successfully intercepted an ICBM with ground-based, defensive missiles.
Military

The US Military Just Blew Up an ICBM With Another Missile

Ground, air, and space-based sensors helped interceptor missiles track the ICBM in a military test.

By Dan Robitzski

A government department has filed charges against Facebook that claim its targeted advertising facilitates housing discrimination.
Future Society

Facebook Charged for Role in Illegal Housing Discrimination

"Using a computer to limit a person's housing choices can be just as discriminatory as slamming a door in someone's face."

By Kristin Houser

NASA crowned the top three winners of the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge's latest round, challenging teams to "complete a virtual construction level."
Mars

These 3D-Printed Mars Habitats Just Won a NASA Award

Here's a closer look at what it'll be like to live on Mars one day.

By Victor Tangermann

Rick Perry authorized six separate deals made by U.S. companies that sold nuclear energy tech to Saudi Arabia, then kept the dealings secret.
Nuclear Fusion

America Secretly Sold Nuclear Tech to Saudi Arabia

U.S. companies sold tech that would lay the groundwork for nuclear plants.

By Dan Robitzski

The House Financial Services Committee voted 45 to 15 Thursday morning to advance the SAFE Banking Act to the House of Representatives for a vote.
Future Society

Bill Designed to Help Cannabis Industry Use Banks Moves Forward

Proponents say it'll prevent financial fraud while also making communities safer.

By Kristin Houser

Watch a Self-Driving Car Careen Around Corners Like a Racecar
Self-Driving Vehicles

Watch a Self-Driving Car Careen Around Corners Like a Racecar

This car has taught itself the need for speed.

By Victor Tangermann

Designated Driver's teleoperations system allows a human driver to remotely control a self-driving car if it malfunctions or encounters a tricky situation.
Advanced Transport

This Startup Pays Humans to Remotely Operate “Driverless” Cars

The remote operator takes over when the AV is stumped.

By Kristin Houser

A new AI algorithm can make creating deepfakes as easy as doodling a quick sketch on top of existing photos of celebrities.
Artificial Intelligence

Amazing Neural Network Turns Doodles Into Realistic Photos

Let's put a smile on that face!

By Dan Robitzski

A "metallic wood" that's incredibly strong and light has the potentially to dramatically increase the range of electric vehicles.
Science & Energy

New “Metallic Wood” Could Lead to Super-Light Cars

It’s as tough as titanium, but light enough to float in water.

By Kristin Houser