
Humanity’s Homeland, Quantum Supremacy, and Tiny Rat Cars: Lux Recommends #204
Welcome to Lux Recommends #204, this week’s edition of what we at Lux are reading and thinking about (want to receive this by email? Sign up here).
Articles
Has Humanity’s Homeland Been Found? “A contentious new paper traces the origins of modern humans to ancient wetlands in Africa, a claim other researchers have called far-fetched.” — Adam K
Why Google’s Quantum Supremacy Milestone Matters: “The company says its quantum computer can complete a calculation much faster than a supercomputer. What does that mean?” — Sam
Rats drive tiny cars to gather Froot Loops — for science: “Move over, Stuart Little. These rats drive so scientists can study cognitive abilities.” — Adam K
These photos reveal the hidden worlds around us — Adam G
A Virus in Koala DNA Shows Evolution in Action: “Many animals, including humans, have DNA left over from ancient viral infections. In koalas, researchers are studying the process in real time.” — Ian
The Tech of ‘Terminator 2’ — An Oral History — Adam K
Dissecting racial bias in an algorithm used to manage the health of populations — Deena
Cockroach milk: The superfood of the future is now: “Researchers find an unlikely source for the next superfood.” — Lux Recommends reader Kyle Rawson
Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity: Problems with Using Long Words Needlessly — Adam K
Books
Medallion Status: True Stories from Secret Rooms By John Hodgman: “Both unflinchingly funny and deeply heartfelt, Medallion Status is a thoughtful examination of status, fame, and identity — and about the way we all deal with those moments when we realize we aren’t platinum status anymore and will have to get comfortable in that middle seat again.” Hysterical.— Sam
Theater
Videos
Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa broke the world record for the highest wave ever surfed (82 feet) — Adam K
When the US Navy launched trucks off the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to test its jet catapult system — Adam K
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