A new ‘AI scientist’ can write science papers without any human input. Here’s why that’s a problem

By Karin Verspoor, Dean, School of Computing Technologies, RMIT University, RMIT University

Scientific discovery is one of the most sophisticated human activities. First, scientists must understand the existing knowledge and identify a significant gap. Next, they must formulate a research question and design and conduct an experiment in pursuit of an answer. Then, they must analyse and interpret the results of the experiment, which may raise yet another research question.

Can a process this complex be automated? Last week, Sakana AI Labs announced the creation of an “AI scientist” – an artificial intelligence system…

Read complete article

~	Peacekeeping armies: what are they, why do African states build them and what impact do they have?

~	Nexflix struggles to adapt to Africa’s cinema market

~	Poland Sends Wrong Signal on Global Justice

~	Does Nepal really have too many tigers?

~	Five fans have made allegations against Neil Gaiman. When it comes to stardom, what do sex, consent and morality mean?

~	A bright ‘Sun-skirting’ comet will grace southern skies this week. Here’s how to see it

~	Rescue of hiker missing for a fortnight welcome news down under

~	How we diagnose and define obesity is set to change – here’s why, and what it means for treatment

~	Protecting children, helping parents: NZ social workers speak about the challenges of their jobs

~	Why bad posh English accents still rule Hollywood, from Nosferatu to Gladiator II