Stories by Matthew Hutson

Researchers are striving to reverse-engineer artificial intelligence and scan the “brains” of LLMs to deduce the how any why of that they are doing

These bloblike bots have been optimized for speed

When you can’t remember a word, it might only feel like it’s on the tip of your tongue

How do you teach a new robot old tricks?

Lowered conscious reasoning can aid sound-pattern recognition

An unsettling illusion points to both philosophy and robotics

Hand movement appears to help in teaching about statistical models

How different messages motivate entrepreneurs

One college class discussion had weeks-long effects on meat consumption

AI elicits better cooperation through deception 

Reactivating remembered problems during sleep can trigger solutions

Computers can tell what will matter (slightly) better than humans can

People pair mathematical proofs with paintings and pieces of music similarly

A click-and-drag version of a common intelligence assessment more closely resembles real problem-solving

Quadruped robots simulate their skills before going out in the real world

New findings suggest that internalized attitudes can change—but not for all identity groups

People are more willing to change their mind about people they initially deem “nasty” versus those they deem “nice”

A new machine-learning technique mimics the brain’s ability to adapt to new circumstances

Women are more likely to be viewed as leaders after longer interactions

Donald Trump’s election suggests supporters view an outsider’s lies as symbolic protests against the establishment

Social network activity may reduce the male-female power imbalance

High-income parents spend more on blue backpacks than pink ones, research suggests

Those with an IQ above 120 are perceived as less effective, regardless of actual performance

People would rather endure jail, death or a bucket of worms than be viewed as immoral