The real risks of artificial intelligence
Getty Images (Credit: Getty Images) Fears of a robot apocalypse mask the actual problems that we face by increasingly letting our lives be run by algorithms Upcoming event The World-Changing Ideas Summit Psychologist Alex Gillespie on what artificial intelligence means for us Researcher Helen Christensen on how tech can spot and treat mental health issues […]
Banks warn of big increase in online scams
Getty Images Banks have warned of a large increase in fraud in 2022, with much of this originating online. Barclays told the BBC that 77% of scams are now happening on social media, online marketplaces and dating apps. TSB said a large increase in cases of impersonation, investment and purchase fraud were the main drivers […]
The past, present and future of the food we eat
iStock Human history is littered with fads over what we do – and don’t – eat. What will the future hold? Upcoming event The World-Changing Ideas Summit This story is part of a series inspired by the subjects and speakers appearing at BBC Future’s World-Changing Ideas Summit in Sydney on 15 November. Find out more […]
Russia’s economy in for a bumpy ride as sanctions bite
Avtovaz This “anti-sanctions” Lada Granta comes without airbags or GPS “It’s the most affordable new vehicle in Russia. They’re calling it… the anti-sanctions car!” That was Russian state TV putting a positive spin on the new, not-so-improved, Lada rolling off the production line in the city of Togliatti. “Most affordable” is perhaps its only selling […]
Who won Strictly Come Dancing 2024? Chris McCausland and Diane Buswell lift trophy
Watch the moment Strictly 2024 winners are announced Comedian Chris McCausland, Strictly Come Dancing’s first blind contestant, has been crowned this year’s winner. The 47-year-old beat JLS singer JB Gill, actress Sarah Hadland and former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri to lift the glitterball trophy in Saturday’s live final on BBC One. McCausland, who was the […]
The odd thing that happens when injustice benefits you
Thinkstock (Credit: Thinkstock) It stings when life’s not fair – but what happens if it means we profit? As Tom Stafford writes, some people may perform unexpected self-sabotage. Frans de Waal, a professor of primate behaviour at Emory University, is the unlikely star of a viral video. His academic’s physique, grey jumper and glasses aren’t […]
Drones to the rescue!
Ericsson Mobile operators say drones working with mobile networks will speed up emergency response Drones may be best known for taking impressive aerial videos and inspecting buildings, infrastructure and crops, but they also promise to improve mobile and internet connectivity for emergency services and consumers. Poor mobile signal in rural areas is frustrating, but it […]
Could computers captain the world’s cargo ships?
(Getty Images) Cargo ships carry the bulk of the world’s trade – but are a major source of pollution. Could computer control go some way to making them cleaner and more efficient? Jack Stewart reports. At any given moment, there are some 55,000 cargo ships at sea, plying the world’s oceans. They are transporting the […]
Google Duplex AI arrives in UK to ask about opening hours
Getty Images Duplex lets the Google assistant call businesses and interact with staff Google’s AI phone assistant Duplex is contacting businesses across the UK and asking them what their coronavirus business hours are. It is using the responses to update company listings shown on Google Search and Google Maps. The Duplex AI assistant can be […]
the fear blinding our minds to real dangers
Getty Images Many people have a strong fear of “chemicals” that belies the evidence. It’s called chemonoia – and it may be damaging their health. If you were paranoid, you might think there really was something in the water that’s damaged our sense of reason. But since about the 1960s, a strange, pervasive fear has […]