Claims of “smart” toys go back decades. See Chatty Cathy and Furby. But generative artificial intelligence is increasing the capabilities of interactive toys. The company Curio, for instance, markets itself as a “magical workshop where toys come to life.” Its plush toys, like Gabbo and one modeled on the Italian brainrot character Ballerina Cappuccina, have onboard AI models that let them talk to kids, remember their conversations and personalize responses. But we know little about how such toys affect kids and even how kids play with them.Claims of “smart” toys go back decades. See Chatty Cathy and Furby. But generative artificial intelligence is increasing the capabilities of interactive toys. The company Curio, for instance, markets itself as a “magical workshop where toys come to life.” Its plush toys, like Gabbo and one modeled on the Italian brainrot character Ballerina Cappuccina, have onboard AI models that let them talk to kids, remember their conversations and personalize responses. But we know little about how such toys affect kids and even how kids play with them.Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]

Artificial intelligence (AI) may have more to offer science than accurate predictions. The patterns it learns could point researchers toward new, testable explanations of how complex systems function.Artificial intelligence (AI) may have more to offer science than accurate predictions. The patterns it learns could point researchers toward new, testable explanations of how complex systems function.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]

While artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving increased attention for its potential to improve productivity and performance, results can vary widely across different tasks, industries and individuals. Developers can now shape AI personalities to customize AI agents for individual users, but most previous research into the benefits of AI has used experiments providing all participants with identical AI tools. A key question remained: Could variations in performance be related to tailoring AI agents for their human collaborators?While artificial intelligence (AI) is receiving increased attention for its potential to improve productivity and performance, results can vary widely across different tasks, industries and individuals. Developers can now shape AI personalities to customize AI agents for individual users, but most previous research into the benefits of AI has used experiments providing all participants with identical AI tools. A key question remained: Could variations in performance be related to tailoring AI agents for their human collaborators?Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]

Living organisms constantly adjust their behavior according to what is happening inside their bodies. Hunger can shift attention toward food, while cold can make finding warmth more urgent. These internal signals remain meaningful even when the surrounding environment changes completely.Living organisms constantly adjust their behavior according to what is happening inside their bodies. Hunger can shift attention toward food, while cold can make finding warmth more urgent. These internal signals remain meaningful even when the surrounding environment changes completely.Hi Tech & Innovation[#item_full_content]

Computer scientists worldwide have been developing a wide range of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Some of these systems rely on an individual AI agent, while others consist of multiple interacting agents that exchange information, cooperate and revise each other’s responses or predictions.Computer scientists worldwide have been developing a wide range of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Some of these systems rely on an individual AI agent, while others consist of multiple interacting agents that exchange information, cooperate and revise each other’s responses or predictions.Computer Sciences[#item_full_content]

Modern computational tools let scientists explore huge numbers of possible molecules, materials and chemical reactions. But testing every combination in the lab is slow and costly. So how do researchers choose the best “recipe” for their experiment?Modern computational tools let scientists explore huge numbers of possible molecules, materials and chemical reactions. But testing every combination in the lab is slow and costly. So how do researchers choose the best “recipe” for their experiment?Computer Sciences[#item_full_content]

Loneliness in later life is more than an emotional burden. Studies estimate that between 17% and 47% of adults 60 and older in Singapore are socially isolated, with almost 8% experiencing loneliness. Alarmingly, the health toll of such conditions has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.Loneliness in later life is more than an emotional burden. Studies estimate that between 17% and 47% of adults 60 and older in Singapore are socially isolated, with almost 8% experiencing loneliness. Alarmingly, the health toll of such conditions has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]

Sometime this week, you probably did it: A question came up, and instead of searching for the answer online or reaching for a book, you asked a chatbot for it.Sometime this week, you probably did it: A question came up, and instead of searching for the answer online or reaching for a book, you asked a chatbot for it.Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]