The Rest Is Science Why We Cry Out In Pain
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Mar 12, 2026 A lively tour of favorite science books, reading habits and oddball anecdotes. They dive into quantum computing, NP-hard problems and F1 rule-bending. Imaginative ideas about huge telescopes and listening to the past spark speculation. Conversations range from pain vocalizations and breathing to famous scientist feuds and the pitfalls of emotional AI companionship.
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Quantum Optimization Won't Solve Messy Real World Tradeoffs
- Quantum computing could find optimal engineering solutions by exploring many configurations simultaneously and amplifying good ones.
- Michael Stevens and Hannah note complexity in F1 means quantum optimisation won't guarantee a universally best car due to varying track conditions.
The Bone Wars Fueled Discovery and Ruin
- The Bone Wars saw paleontologists Marsh and Cope feud fiercely, hiring spies, bribing conductors, and even destroying digs.
- Their rivalry discovered 130 species but bankrupted both through vindictive competition.
Man Who Married His Curated AI Companion
- Jacob married his curated AI companion after bad human relationships and mostly communicates via messaging and calls.
- Hannah Fry met him while filming AI Confidential and found his case persuasive yet worrying when scaled to society.
