Humanity’s Homeland, Quantum Supremacy, and Tiny Rat Cars: Lux Recommends #204

Editor
Editor
Nov 1 · 2 min read

By Sam Arbesman, PhD

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 usAdam 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 HistoryAdam 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 NeedlesslyAdam 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

Betrayal on Broadway Adam G

Videos

Brazilian surfer Rodrigo Koxa broke the world record for the highest wave ever surfed (82 feet)Adam K

Octopus Kills SharkAdam K

Drone shot of rhinosAdam K

When the US Navy launched trucks off the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier to test its jet catapult systemAdam K

Want to receive this by email? Sign up here.

And have a suggestion? Let us know.

Lux Capital

Early-Stage Venture Capital at the Boundaries of What’s Possible

Editor

Written by

Editor

Lux Capital

Early-Stage Venture Capital at the Boundaries of What’s Possible

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade