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Asking ChatGPT a question is quite a bit different from searching on Google. This is for a number of reasons. But one that can be overlooked is that AI queries use about 10 times more energy than traditional search engines.
Therein lies a major problem for the already-strained electrical grid, particularly given the explosive growth in artificial intelligence and its attendant surge in data center construction. Ayse Coskun sets out why the AI-driven growth in data centers is a problem, why the threat is greater in some places than others, and what researchers and technology companies are doing to keep AI from overwhelming the grid.
It’s almost certain that Paul Kagame will be extending his 24-year rule in Rwanda in next week’s presidential election. He has hardly any competition given the expulsion of opposition candidates and the silencing of critics. Despite a win being all but certain, AI-powered accounts have been flooding discussions of the upcoming poll, praising Kagame’s candidacy and stifling critical posts. Morgan Wack explains how these accounts are manipulating perceptions and spreading propaganda.
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Ayse Coskun, Boston University
AI is everywhere these days, which means more data centers eating up more electricity. There’s no easy fix, but some combination of efficiency, flexibility and new technologies could ease the burden.
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Morgan Wack, Clemson University
The methods used to manipulate perceptions and hold on to power in Africa are getting increasingly sophisticated.
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Gemma Ware, The Conversation
Tim Bale and Safia Dahani discuss the French and UK election results on The Conversation Weekly podcast.
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Charlie Hunt, Boise State University
Nearly 20% of House and Senate members are 70 or older, and only 6% are under 40. What explains Congress’ advanced age?
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Paul Rogers, University of Bradford
Hopes for progress on reaching a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza have faded quickly.
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Alexander Richard Braczkowski, Griffith University; Christopher J. O'Bryan, Maastricht University; Duan Biggs, Northern Arizona University; Robynne Kotze, University of Oxford
Male lions are making the risky swims, braving crocodiles and hippos, so as to find females.
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Thea van de Mortel, Griffith University
Is it time to cut the men in your life some slack this winter? Here’s what the evidence says.
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Adam Taylor, Lancaster University
Gels and acrylics might be fashionable but they could also hide the signs of potential existing health issues – and cause a few of their own.
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Daniel Walker, University of Bradford
A young Federer realised that the course of a tennis match was demanding not just physically, but also psychologically.
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Jonathan Rhodes, University of Plymouth
A newly developed technique called functional imagery training could help footballers improve their performance in the most pressured situations.
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