Laura Hautala

2 months ago | spectrum.ieee.org | Laura Hautala

The rhythms of real-world driving enable EV batteries to live far beyond the predictions of laboratory tests, according to a new study from Stanford University. Thereport, published in December inNature Energy, suggests that EV batteries could last 38 percent longer than previous lab-based estimates. That means drivers could get as much as 195,000 miles (314,000 kilometers) more out of their EVs than academic researchers believed.

Jan 22, 2025 | spectrum.ieee.org | Laura Hautala

Fiber-optic cables are creeping closer to processors in high-performance computers, replacing copper connections with glass. Technology companies hope to speed up AI and lower its energy cost by moving optical connections from outside the server onto the motherboard and then having them sidle up alongside the processor. Now tech firms are poised to go even further in the quest to multiply the processor’s potential—by slipping the connections underneath it.

Nov 14, 2024 | spectrum.ieee.org | Laura Hautala

Servers consume a lot of energy in data centers, but it’s easy to forget their carbon footprints begin before they’re ever placed on racks inside air-conditioned mega-warehouses. After all, it takes energy to extract minerals and manufacture them into things like processors, motherboards and memory modules.

Sep 12, 2024 | spectrum.ieee.org | Laura Hautala

Facts don’t matter to people who believe in debunked conspiracy theories—at least that’s the belief. But this theory itself might prove untrue, according to psychology researchers. Evidence delivered by an AI chatbot convinced a significant number of participants in a study to put less faith in a conspiracy theory they previously said was true, according to a study published today in Science.

Aug 30, 2024 | spectrum.ieee.org | Laura Hautala

On Wednesday, California lawmakers passed a bill that aims to prevent catastrophic damages caused by artificial intelligence software. The legislation, known as the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, requires certain AI companies doing business in California to curb massive loss of life or damages surpassing US $500 million with safety evaluations and other measures.