Science & Technology

– Manuscript – Some users of Microsoft’s new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered search tool have said it produced hostile and insulting results. Microsoft recently announced plans to add a new chatbot tool to its Bing search engine and Edge web browser. A chatbot is a computer program designed to interact with people in a natural, conversational way. Microsoft’s … [Read more...] about Microsoft’s AI Search Tech Produces Hostile, Insulting Results

– Manuscript – A sea creature known as the sunflower sea star was once plentiful in the Pacific Ocean along the coast of North America. They used to be found in the waters along the coast of Mexico’s Baja peninsula all the way to Alaska. But in the last 10 years, about 90 percent of them have died. Scientists at the University of Washington are trying to understand why … [Read more...] about Scientists Learn about Sea Star Die-off

– Manuscript – A new study suggests the singing noises made by humpback whales might be a sign of loneliness. Scientists who recorded humpback whale behavior in Australia discovered that fewer whales made the singing noises, also called wailing, as their population grew. “Humpback whale song is loud and travels far in the ocean,” said marine biologist Rebecca Dunlop of … [Read more...] about Study: Humpback Whale Singing Linked to Loneliness

– Manuscript – Last week, the United States said a balloon shot down by the U.S. military was part of a major international spying operation led by China. The balloon was shot down February 4 over the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of South Carolina. By that time, the balloon had moved across the United States. During its trip, the balloon was observed flying over several … [Read more...] about Are Balloons Effective Tools for Spying?

– Manuscript – An environmental group says 40 percent of animals and 34 percent of plants in the United States are at risk of disappearing. The group NatureServe recently released its report. The non-profit group is based near Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Virginia. NatureServe said 41 percent of ecosystems in the country are also facing collapse. Ecosystems are … [Read more...] about Group Says Many US Plants, Animals at Risk