Stem News: New robot has a human touch

A group from Cornell University has recently published a research paper explaining new innovations for soft robotic hands. The group, lead by a Robert Shepard, believes that using stretchable optical waveguides to act like force sensors. This will help robotic hands be able to apply the same amount of force that a human might on an item. Now unlike most robots that have sensors outside their “bodies”, this hand will have sensors inside the structure. While this won’t affect me personally, I know of several people missing hands and arms that would benefit from this if it later becomes possible to implant functioning cybernetics like in “Star Wars”. I believe that this research is important and should be expanded.

Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161212134605.htm

Learning Reflection: Binary Code

     This week in my Exploring Computer Science class we went over Binary Code. Binary Code is a base two number system that uses the numbers 0 and 1, similar to how we use our base ten number system for most math (0,1,2,3...). Computers use binary code for just about everything from calculations to producing the words you see on your screen right now. Understanding binary code is essential to anyone wanting to be involved in computer science as it is the core universal language that all computers share and use to make your digital dreams a reality. Though it may seem complicated at first, once you understand the basics then rest is very easy to pick up.

Learning Reflection: Artificial Intelligence

     For the week, my class has been learning about AI or Artificial Intelligence. AI is a computer programmed to learn and adapt like a human. Some examples of AI include Apple's Siri helper or the famous chatbot, Cleverbot. Eventually, many computer scientists plan to be able to create AI that are indistinguishable from humans. Of course the "rise of the machines" theory is a concern but a part of making AI more human is to make them with a human like feelings and reasoning. But regardless, it's unlikely that we'll have HAL for some time.

Learning Reflection: Data Collection and Reprensation

Over the past week, my class has been researching in learning about data collection. Data collection occurs whenever you do something involving a computer. For example, every time you use your credit card information is collected on what you purchased and used to advertise similar products. There are of course numerous concerns with this way of personalizing the information you view. Privacy aside, altering feeds like your Google results or Facebook wall may change the way that you see the rest of the world. Having a personalized internet experience can be both beneficial and dangerous. It's a mystery why we don't have an option to opt out of this customization.

 

Science News: "Tatooine Worlds Orbiting Two Suns Often Survive Violent Escapades of Aging Stars"

     Recently I read a fascinating article involving a new discovery in space. Two stars have been found with planets in orbit of them (a-la Tatooine from "Star Wars"). While a solar system with dual suns (binary solar system) isn't unheard of, scientists have now discovered that the planets have the capability to survive longer into the suns' lives than previously expected. A study led by Veselin Kostov of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre, as well as a York University master's student named Keavin Moore and Professor Ray Jayawardhana have been researching planets in binary systems and found out something intriguing. Planets orbiting two stars will move to wider orbits upon the expansion of their home stars which results in the planet's survival. The article is very interesting and explains much more than I can. I recommend giving it a read if you have any interest in space exploration

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