Uncovering the Chicxulub Impactor

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This chapter explores the Chicxulub impact that caused the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs 66 million years ago, focusing on the origins of the asteroid involved. By analyzing ruthenium isotopes in impact-related rocks, researchers suggest the asteroid likely came from the outer solar system, enhancing our understanding of its catastrophic role in Earth's geological history.

00:46 Old AIs can’t learn new tricks

An algorithm that reactivates dormant ‘neurons’ in deep learning based AIs could help them overcome their inability to learn new things and make future systems more flexible, research has shown. AIs based on deep learning struggle to learn how to tackle new tasks indefinitely, making them less adaptable to new situations. The reasons for this are unclear, but now a team has identified that ‘resetting’ parts of the neural networks underlying these systems can allow deep learning methods to keep learning continually.

Research Article: Dohare et al.

News and Views: Switching between tasks can cause AI to lose the ability to learn

08:55 Research Highlights

To stop crocodiles eating poisonous toads researchers have been making them sick, and a sacrificed child in ancient Mexico was the progeny of closely related parents.

Research Highlight: How to train your crocodile

Research Highlight: DNA of child sacrificed in ancient city reveals surprising parentage