Links for 2021-09-28
Light computes any desired linear transform without a digital processor https://cnsi.ucla.edu/project/september-24-2021-light-computes-any-desired-linear-transform-without-a-digital-processor/
One of nature’s key constants is much larger in a quantum material https://www.sciencenews.org/article/physics-quantum-spin-ice-fine-structure-constant
Before mice open their eyes, their retinas are filled with "synthetic data", spontaneous neural activity that simulates the optic flow pattern generated by forward self-motion. This "pretraining" has causal benefits for motion detection behavior. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abd0830
A study of mice watching movies shows our brain cells rely on a circuit of inhibitory neurons to help ensure that the same images are represented consistently. https://news.mit.edu/2021/behind-scenes-brain-circuit-ensures-vision-remains-reliable-0927
Many physical laws ‘emerge’ from complexity thanks to a process of data compression. Erik Verlinde sizes up the Standard Model, gravity and intelligence as candidates for future explanation as emergent phenomena. https://cerncourier.com/a/emergence/
Why AI alignment could be hard with modern deep learning https://www.cold-takes.com/why-ai-alignment-could-be-hard-with-modern-deep-learning/
Starlink is a global ISP built at ZERO COST to SpaceX, enabling NASA’s Artemis launch https://www.cringely.com/2021/04/20/starlink-is-a-global-isp-built-at-zero-cost-to-spacex-enabling-nasas-artemis-launch/
“I recently visited Próspera, a Honduran startup city. I had a ton of questions and figured others might too, so I wrote an FAQ to share what I learned” https://devonzuegel.com/post/prospera-faq
How We Age: Anthropologists compare a composite measure of physiological dysregulation among humans and other primates https://www.news.ucsb.edu/2020/020033/aging-process
Billionaires bet on Brussels to save them from AI singularity: A new group is seeking to warn European policymakers about AI’s ‘existential’ threat to humanity. https://www.politico.eu/article/billionaires-brussels-bid-save-ai-singularity/amp/