AI companions can comfort lonely users but may deepen distress over time

AI companions are always available, never judge, never tire and never demand anything in return. If someone is struggling with loneliness, this frictionlessness can seem profoundly appealing. However, new research shows that in the long term, seeking emotional support from an AI companion can pull users away from important human relationships.AI companions are always available, never judge, never tire and never demand anything in return. If someone is struggling with loneliness, this frictionlessness can seem profoundly appealing. However, new research shows that in the long term, seeking emotional support from an AI companion can pull users away from important human relationships.Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]

Helping resolve quantum computers’ memory problemon April 4, 2026 at 10:00 am

A major problem with quantum computers is memory, as the information they contain can be quickly lost. Quantum computers are not yet fully reliable—they are far too unstable. However, all around the world, people are trying to improve them—some of whom are based in Norway.A major problem with quantum computers is memory, as the information they contain can be quickly lost. Quantum computers are not yet fully reliable—they are far too unstable. However, all around the world, people are trying to improve them—some of whom are based in Norway.[#item_full_content]

One of the most influential scientific and philosophical viewpoints is “More is Different,” introduced in 1972 by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Philip W. Anderson, highlighting the limitations of the reductionist approach. The emergent properties cannot be derived from the fundamental laws that govern their elementary particles. The generalization of this approach suggests a hierarchical structure of science, where explainable properties of small-scale systems cannot necessarily predict the emerging phenomena on larger scales of similar systems. Its interdisciplinary perspective covers chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and social sciences besides physics.One of the most influential scientific and philosophical viewpoints is “More is Different,” introduced in 1972 by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Philip W. Anderson, highlighting the limitations of the reductionist approach. The emergent properties cannot be derived from the fundamental laws that govern their elementary particles. The generalization of this approach suggests a hierarchical structure of science, where explainable properties of small-scale systems cannot necessarily predict the emerging phenomena on larger scales of similar systems. Its interdisciplinary perspective covers chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and social sciences besides physics.[#item_full_content]

One of the most influential scientific and philosophical viewpoints is “More is Different,” introduced in 1972 by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Philip W. Anderson, highlighting the limitations of the reductionist approach. The emergent properties cannot be derived from the fundamental laws that govern their elementary particles. The generalization of this approach suggests a hierarchical structure of science, where explainable properties of small-scale systems cannot necessarily predict the emerging phenomena on larger scales of similar systems. Its interdisciplinary perspective covers chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and social sciences besides physics.One of the most influential scientific and philosophical viewpoints is “More is Different,” introduced in 1972 by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Philip W. Anderson, highlighting the limitations of the reductionist approach. The emergent properties cannot be derived from the fundamental laws that govern their elementary particles. The generalization of this approach suggests a hierarchical structure of science, where explainable properties of small-scale systems cannot necessarily predict the emerging phenomena on larger scales of similar systems. Its interdisciplinary perspective covers chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, and social sciences besides physics.Computer Sciences[#item_full_content]

A research team at Tohoku University and Future University Hakodate has demonstrated that living biological neurons can be trained to perform a supervised temporal pattern learning task previously carried out by artificial systems. By integrating cultured neuronal networks into a machine learning framework, the team showed that these biological systems can generate complex time-series signals, marking a significant step forward in both neuroscience and bio-inspired computing.A research team at Tohoku University and Future University Hakodate has demonstrated that living biological neurons can be trained to perform a supervised temporal pattern learning task previously carried out by artificial systems. By integrating cultured neuronal networks into a machine learning framework, the team showed that these biological systems can generate complex time-series signals, marking a significant step forward in both neuroscience and bio-inspired computing.Hi Tech & Innovation[#item_full_content]

In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers created a memristor that uses a built-in oxygen gradient to produce slow, stable conductance changes, enabling a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to learn faster and more stably than conventional approaches.In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers created a memristor that uses a built-in oxygen gradient to produce slow, stable conductance changes, enabling a reinforcement learning (RL) algorithm to learn faster and more stably than conventional approaches.Hardware[#item_full_content]

When a screenwriter told New York University researchers last year that letting AI do her work would make her “miserable inside,” she was onto something. A follow-up study from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and Stern School of Business finds that the instinct to compete with generative AI, rather than simply embrace it, is associated with meaningful long-term benefits for writing professionals.When a screenwriter told New York University researchers last year that letting AI do her work would make her “miserable inside,” she was onto something. A follow-up study from NYU’s Tandon School of Engineering and Stern School of Business finds that the instinct to compete with generative AI, rather than simply embrace it, is associated with meaningful long-term benefits for writing professionals.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]

Microsoft to invest $10 bn for Japan AI data centers

Microsoft said Friday it will invest $10 billion in Japan over the next four years to build artificial intelligence data centers and related infrastructure.Microsoft said Friday it will invest $10 billion in Japan over the next four years to build artificial intelligence data centers and related infrastructure.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]

Involving people without AI expertise in the development and evaluation of artificial intelligence applications could help create better, fairer, and more trustworthy automated decision-making systems, new research suggests. After enlisting members of the public to evaluate the potential impacts of two real-world applications, researchers from UK universities will present a paper at a major international computing conference which suggests how “participatory AI auditing” could improve AI decision-making in the future.Involving people without AI expertise in the development and evaluation of artificial intelligence applications could help create better, fairer, and more trustworthy automated decision-making systems, new research suggests. After enlisting members of the public to evaluate the potential impacts of two real-world applications, researchers from UK universities will present a paper at a major international computing conference which suggests how “participatory AI auditing” could improve AI decision-making in the future.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]

Introducing MirrorBot, a robot designed to foster human connection

While technology has made the world “smaller,” it has also pulled individuals apart, thanks to mobile phones and other devices that command our attention. Cornell University researchers are using technology, in the form of a mirror-equipped robot, to help bring people together. Members of the Architectural Robotics Lab, led by Keith Evan Green, have built a four-foot-tall robot—dubbed MirrorBot—with dual mirrors that, when placed in front of a pair of strangers, let each participant see themself in one mirror and the other person in the other.While technology has made the world “smaller,” it has also pulled individuals apart, thanks to mobile phones and other devices that command our attention. Cornell University researchers are using technology, in the form of a mirror-equipped robot, to help bring people together. Members of the Architectural Robotics Lab, led by Keith Evan Green, have built a four-foot-tall robot—dubbed MirrorBot—with dual mirrors that, when placed in front of a pair of strangers, let each participant see themself in one mirror and the other person in the other.[#item_full_content]

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