Technology

Since the time our ancient human relatives began using stone tools to perform tasks, humans have harnessed new technology to advance our ability to feed ourselves, increase our health, expand the boundaries of our knowledge, and much more. From artificial intelligence and quantum computing, to optimizing the human body in pursuit of a long and healthy life, and much more—learn about these topics and more with our smart-but-digestible overviews and expert-curated resources.

1440 Findings

Hours of research by our editors, distilled into minutes of clarity.

  • IBM Quantum’s dilution refrigerators keep quantum processors colder than space

    In IBM’s quantum lab, quantum processors are kept at a temperature of 15 millikelvin using dilution refrigerators. These refrigerators use nested thermal layers, cryogens like liquid nitrogen and helium, and powerful compressors to maintain the ultra-cold temperatures required for qubit stability and performance.

  • Mind-controlled bionic arms use nerve implants to restore sensation and movement

    Unlike traditional prosthetics that rely on surface electrodes or mechanical parts, this system uses implanted titanium and nerve-connected electrodes to enable a seamless brain-to-arm connection. Patients train in virtual reality with their implanted signals before using the physical prosthesis.

  • Deepfake Tom Cruise goes viral

    Tom Cruise isn’t on TikTok. But you might think that he actually does have an account on the service if you came across the TikTok deepfakes of the actor that have gone viral. They’re the work of a visual and AI effects artist named Chris Umé and a Cruise stand-in, actor Miles Fisher, who already bears a vague resemblance to the actor. Watch what happens after Cruise’s face is superimposed onto Fisher’s.

  • Audi spent over three years developing engine sounds for its electric vehicles

    Unlike the sounds made by combustion engines in gas-powered vehicles, electric cars produce no motor sounds. The company's acoustics team worked with composer Rudolf Helpmier to craft an electric-inspired revving sound for its R8 e-tron supercar.

  • The mystery of who invented bitcoin

    Since its invention in 2010, bitcoin has been at the forefront of the emergence of cryptocurrency into public consciousness. But its alleged inventor remains unknown—the person (or persons) who penned the first white paper and created the first implementation used a pseudonym, never revealing themselves. Known as Satoshi Nakamoto, a number of people have attempted to identify the creator. Theories range from a California engineer to an Australian computer scientist. This article lays out the history, potential suspects, and lasting legacy of the yet-unknown inventor.