World News | U.S. News | Disaster News | Current Events This Week
The world is a very busy place, and it’s hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the Science & Technology news events you need to know so far for March 2023.
- Robotic Augmentation Of Body Parts Makes New Headway
- The Netherlands Makes Plans To Restrict Chip Tech Export
- Samsung Will Be One Of The Major Investors In South Korea’s Chip Technology Idea
- Gene-Edited Crops Now Cleared For Commercial Production In England
- Artificial Intelligence Reported To Take Up To 300 Million Jobs
Robotic Augmentation Of Body Parts Makes New Headway
Photo Source: AP Photo/Joan Mateu Parra
Thursday, March 2, 2023 — According to researchers, human augmentation may be on the horizon, suggesting that artificial body parts may be produced to enhance our efficiency.
Tamar Makin, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at the MRC cognition and brain unit at Cambridge University, and his colleague, Dani Clode, said that the strategy might boost productivity. Whether managing a childcare facility, operating on a patient, preparing a Sunday dinner, or in other areas where multitasking is essential.
The research suggests that robotic body parts, whose operation is inspired by our natural systems, offer significantly greater control than a basic attached gadget.
The results of a recent study conducted at the Royal Society’s summer science exhibition, when members of the public were given the opportunity to try out the additional thumb, were stunning. 98% of 600 individuals between the ages of three and 97 could utilize it within the first minute, indicating they could already move things as taught.
Source: The Guardian
The Netherlands Makes Plans To Restrict Chip Tech Export
Photo Source: AP Photo/Peter Dejong
Thursday, March 9, 2023 – The Netherlands government is restricting the country’s microchip technology exports, citing the need to preserve national security and adopting a similar action by the US. It will feature items from ASML, a prominent player in the worldwide high-end semiconductor supply chain.
China has filed a formal complaint in opposition to the move, hoping that the Netherlands would not “follow the abuse of export control mechanisms by certain countries.” A spokeswoman at the Chinese foreign ministry also said the move would deprive China of its right to develop.
The limits are expected to apply to ASML’s “most advanced immersion DUV systems,” according to a release. “Based on today’s news, our anticipation of the Netherlands government’s licensing policy, and the present market position, we do not expect these regulations to have a major effect,” the business noted.
Source: BBC
Samsung Will Be One Of The Major Investors In South Korea’s Chip Technology Idea
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
Thursday, March 16, 2023 – Samsung Electronics plans to invest around $230 billion in the South Korean government’s push to develop a mega semiconductor hub in the country over the next 20 years. It is part of an official plan in which high-tech companies will be offered incentives such as expanded tax breaks and infrastructure support in exchange for their contributions to the project.
“The mega cluster will serve as the foundation of our semiconductor ecosystem,” according to South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.
Semiconductors, which power most electronics, have been central to major disputes between China and the United States, prompting many countries, including Taiwan and South Korea, to increase on-shore chip production.
South Korea’s trade ministry raised concerns regarding the US policy on semiconductors, saying that “it could deepen business uncertainties, violate companies’ management and technology rights as well as make the United States less attractive as an investment option.”
Source: BBC
Gene-Edited Crops Now Cleared For Commercial Production In England
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jim Mone
Thursday, March 23, 2023 — Gene-edited food can now be marketed commercially in England, prompting opposing views from advocates and opponents. The law was recently enacted in England but has yet to be passed in the Irish and Scottish Parliaments.
Several officials have stated that the new laws would improve food production and bring employment and investment to England by allowing farmers to produce and bring better crops to market while utilizing technology to improve agricultural results and food production in the UK and abroad.
Gene editing is making precise modifications to an organism’s DNA to improve specific features. Critics are concerned that verifying the products may introduce toxins into the commercial line of crops and that the gene-edited crops may flow into parts of the UK where they are not yet allowed.
Source: BBC
Artificial Intelligence Reported To Take Up To 300 Million Jobs
Photo Source: AP Photo/Michael Dwyer
Wednesday, March 29, 2023 — According to recent reports by experts, AI is developing rapidly and could put a lot of jobs at risk. It is predicted to reduce productivity and may take up to a quarter of the jobs in Europe ad the U.S.
Recently, there has been a proliferation of generative AI, which can produce work that is not separable from a human’s work, such as painting. It has been widely regarded as an advancement, as governments of various countries are set to invest in the development of AI technology while reassuring the public about its perceived impact.
The reports show that AI will have a varying impact on different industries, making a lot of impact in administrative jobs and very little in construction jobs. Although people are hopeful that the advancement in AI is also a job creation opportunity, studies have shown that technological advancements have displaced more jobs than they have created since the 1960s.
One of the major worries about the advancement is a cut in wages. Technological advancements often mean that the people who work in the industry would face tougher competition.
Source: BBC
Are you intrigued by science? Check out our Plants & Animals page to discover more. And if you enjoyed this article, why not drop a line to let us know, or share it with others who might be interested in Science & Technology events!
