“Old” algorithm beats modern StarCraft opponents
An algorithm created from old artificial intelligence methods triumphed against other technically more advanced programs last weekend at a StarCraft competition in Edmonton. Despite recent advances in artificial intelligence, the “old” SAIDA has demonstrated its relevance by winning 95.91% of its 2590 matches of StarCraft: Brood War . This…
Danger in Colgate toothpaste chemical?
In 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved triclosan for use in Colgate Total toothpaste. Its purpose was to help prevent gum disease. A Freedom of Information Act request from the National Resources Defense Council just resulted in the release of FDA documents in…
Amateurs Find 42 New Planets
A volunteer group of amateur astronomers claims to have discovered 42 new planets. The aptly named Planet Hunters sifted through the data captured by NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope. The discovery includes as many as 15 planets that are orbiting in the “Goldilocks” or habitable zone…
the color purple is an indication of extraterrestrial life
Astronomers use the color reflected by the surface of an exoplanet to assess their chances of sheltering life. The pale blue hue of the Earth is the most sought after. Scientists who have studied the distant past of our planet suggest that another, rather unusual,…
Surgeon General Calls for Government Action to Reduce Rate of Skin Cancer
Washington, D.C. – Acting Surgeon Dr. Jerome Adams admonished the government to take action to stem the rising rate of skin cancer among Americans. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of the cancer and the number of people with this form has increased two fold…
Breast Cancer Risks Reduced with Breast Reduction
Women who have family history of breast cancer may be able to reduce that risk by having a breast reduction procedure. Known as a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, the surgery can prevent the development of cancer by up to 90%. This was found to be especially…