Index Finger Length Can Predict Penis Size: Study
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – On the heels of a previous report that debunked the notion that a man’s shoe size could be used to estimate the length of his penis, a new study now claims that those with inquiring minds need merely take a gander at a man’s forefinger. "
Blondes Headed for Extinction? UN Agency Demurs
“UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – In the end, it seems it was just another dumb blond joke. The World Health Organization, the Geneva-based health arm of the United Nations, insisted on Tuesday that despite the many media reports to the contrary, it had never conducted a study predicting the extinction of the natural blond hair gene. This despite stories around the world citing WHO research stating that natural blonds would become extinct by 2202.”
If blondes did become extinct, might we see a gradual increase in human intelligence? 😉
Arctic pollution causing polar bears to change sex
By Charles Arthur
Polar bears, Arctic foxes and Inuit peoples are under threat from man-made toxins such as polychlorinated byphenyls (PCBs) that build up in the food chain, new research reveals.
Environmental and animal groups are calling for a global ban on the production of the chemicals to safeguard the future health of those groups. Some scientists believe the PCBs are leading to “gender-bender” polar bears in Norway and Greenland, after the discovery of a number of female bears which had both male and female sexual organs.
I get really tired of people who think AI isn't real science or is just for toys. I also get tired of the AI researchers who work on fluff that perpetuates the stereotypes. Here's an example of AI being used to help "real" scientists. I offer a small caveat, however. I really think AI, as a field of study, should be subdivided. As it is, the term is too broad and lumps too many people of unrelated research together. I also think Computer Science is an abused term. I offer the following taxonomy.
Without further ado, here's the article, which I would classify as an intelligent system:
A Map That Maps Gene Functions
By Kristen Philipkoski
"The genetics revolution is generating such a gigantic glut of information that artificial intelligence may be the only way scientists will ever put it to practical use."
"Inspired by an AI effort to record all of the common-sense knowledge shared among humans called Cyc, scientists have come up with a technology that can gather all of the information scientists know about an organism."
Embryonic stem cell researchers and supporters, take note.
Stem Cells May Treat Blindness
"WASHINGTON — Stem cells taken from bone marrow can grow new blood vessels in the eyes of mice, a development researchers say raises the possibility of treating some diseases that often lead to blindness in humans."