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Curating the Internet: Science and technology micro-summaries for September 21, 2019

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Steve Palmer
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AI facial recognition can ID chimpanzees; Sega Genesis Mini launched with 42 included games; Verizon patented a blockchain-secured virtual SIM for cell phones; New surveillance technologies are becoming pervasive; and a Steem post promoting DIY education for STEM

Fresh and Informative Content Daily: Welcome to my little corner of the blockchain

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Whatever gets my attention
Links and micro-summaries from my 1000+ daily headlines. I filter them so you don't have to.

pixabay license: source.

  1. AI facial recognition software now works for wild chimpanzees too - After training on 50 hours of video footage that spanned 14 years and contained 23 chimps that ranged in age from newborn to 57 years, the AI learned to track and recognize individual chimpanzees with an accuracy rate of 92%. It was able to recognize the animal's gender at a rate of 96%. The article says the technique can be adapted for use with other primates, and it can help wildlife researchers and conservationists to more efficiently study the complex behavior of primates. h/t Communications of the ACM

  2. Sega just launched the Genesis Mini — check out the 42 classic games that are included with the classic console - The last time I played video games regularly, it was the mid-90s using Sega Genesis with John Madden Football and Sonic the Hedgehog. Sonic the Hedgehog is included in the 42 default games. John Madden Football is not. I don't recognize most of the games, but it does include Tetris.

  3. Verizon Just Won a Patent to Create Virtual SIMs on a Blockchain - Verizon's new patent describes a way to do away with physical, branded SIM cards and replace them with virtual SIM cards (VSIMs) that are secured by blockchain using a International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a unique numeric identifier for all users on a cell phone network. The VSIM can be assigned to any of multiple devices on an account, and it can be transferred between devices. According to the article: "This would appear to suggest that, say, a company could purchase a number of vSIMs, assign them to its staff at will and later re-assign them to other employees using the system."

  4. New surveillance tech means you'll never be anonymous again - Beyond facial recognition, researchers are learning to identify and track people using a number of other techniques. These include: gait analysis (how you walk), heartbeat detection, using WIFI signals to track indoor movements; reidentifiaction techniques that use the microbiome; scent monitoring; and even an automotive anti-theft system that IDs the shape of the owner's backside. The article suggests that it's futile to try to regulate these technologies one at a time, and quotes Katina Michael saying that, "we need to think about democracy-by-design principles." h/t Bruce Schneier

  5. STEEM STEM & DIY: Introductory Post - In this short Steem essay, @mobi72 introduces the concept of DIY education for STEM by way of build-it (also build-it.io). The post argues that the hands-on approach, using Engino STEM Robotics Mini ERP 1.3 may be superior because (i) participating in the creation process is more explanatory than learning about it second hand; and (ii) the physical activity causes your brain to be actively engaged and open new neuron pathways. (@mobi72 has been assigned a 10% beneficiary setting)

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