525 search results

Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy
Society, Politics & Law

Uncanny valley: why we find human-like robots and dolls so creepy

...artificial from human because as robots become more realistic, we will also become more sensitive and will always be able to tell that something is not right. However, we’re certainly not there yet, and we could eventually find that the uncanny valley effect was an artefact of this particular period in the history of artificial humans, when representations were clearly...
What are the security risks of living in a Smart City?
Science, Maths & Technology

What are the security risks of living in a Smart City?

...Intelligence Community,” Director of National Intelligence James Clapper listed Cyber and Technology as the first major area of concern – before terrorism, proliferation or counterintelligence among others – and specifically called out concerns around the rapidly expanding “internet of things.” He said “…security industry analysts have demonstrated that many...
Should animals have legal standing?
Society, Politics & Law

Should animals have legal standing?

...intelligent animals. Is it time for this to change? ...What is a ‘person’ in law? The concept of a legal ‘person’ goes back to ancient Roman law. Only entities recognised by the law as a ‘person’ are considered legal actors. In other words, only a ‘person’ can sue or be sued, enter into contracts or own property. All living human beings are recognised by...
Haven't we been told there's water on Mars before?
Science, Maths & Technology

Haven't we been told there's water on Mars before?

...Artificial perspective view of the streaks] Artificial perspective view of the streaks. What is most noteworthy about the new research is that it is the first determination of the composition of the streaks. They used an instrument called CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars) on board the orbiter to analyse the light reflected off the surface of...
Space, Time and Consciousness
Science, Maths & Technology

Space, Time and Consciousness

...intelligent life out there? Professor Russell Stannard examines various possibilities, and our chances of ever finding out about them. The Size of the Universe Professor Russell Stannard investigates what is beyond the observable universe and explores claims that the universe might close back on itself. The Nature of Space Professor Russell Stannard explains why the word...
Why is aggressive female sexuality pathologised on-screen?
Health, Sports & Psychology

Why is aggressive female sexuality pathologised on-screen?

...Intelligent, desirable, yet psychologically unstable women characters are a common feature of thrillers. In fact they are a staple of the 1940s and 1950s Hollywood film noir genre. Take for instance the extraordinarily glamorous yet unhinged character of Gene Tierney in Leave Her to Heaven (1945). She tries to avenge her husband and sister beyond the grave, which takes...
Methods in Motion: Clashing loyalties
History & The Arts

Methods in Motion: Clashing loyalties

...intelligence studies, with little interest among labour historians, political scientists or sociologists. While attention has been given to the conflict between communist commitment and the pursuit of intellectual freedom among writers and artists, the loyalties of communists in public life, whether at war or in politics, let alone within family relations, have received...
What's up with Whatsapp - and should we weaken its security?
Digital & Computing

What's up with Whatsapp - and should we weaken its security?

...intelligence services, can access users’ messages is if WhatsApp removes the end-to-end encryption and switches back to the old version of the software, or if a backdoor is installed. A backdoor can be seen as software built into the app that allows you to circumvent or undermine security protections and surreptitiously access systems and data. In WhatsApp’s case,...