Communications of the ACM
The news archive provides access to past news stories from Communications of the ACM and other sources by date.
May 2022
From ACM News
Building a Better Quantum Bit
A new qubit breakthrough could transform quantum computing.
From ACM News
Ireland's Datacenters Now Consume More Power than its Entire Rural Population
While Ireland's datacenters consume a lot of power (more than 1,000 GW in Q4'21), they account for only a small proportion of the country's carbon output.
From ACM TechNews
Engineers Use AI to Capture Complexity of Breaking Waves
An international research team lleveraged machine learning to model how waves break, which could help improve the design of offshore structures and climate prediction.
From ACM TechNews
Beijing Grants Baidu, Pony.ai Driverless Robotaxi Permits
The municipal government in Beijing, China, has granted permits to Baidu and Pony.ai to operate robotaxis without human drivers on open roads in the city.
From ACM TechNews
Cyberspies Use IP Cameras to Deploy Backdoors, Steal Exchange Emails
An Advanced Persistent Threat gang discovered by researchers at security company Mandiant is penetrating corporate networks to steal Exchange emails from those involved in corporate transactions.
From ACM TechNews
Machine Learning Can Help Address Stigma of Substance Abuse in Developing Countries
Researchers used machine learning and anonymized data to better understand drug and alcohol abuse in developing countries.
From ACM News
Anticipating the War's Direction
Is the U.S. at risk of Russian cyberattacks related to Ukraine?
From ACM News
A New Option for Neutral-Atom Quantum Computing
Two independent teams show neutral ytterbium-171 atoms can be trapped and used for quantum information processing, bringing quantum computers based on this platform a step closer to reality.
From ACM TechNews
Using Desserts to Decode Computer Science
Scientists at Australia's Monash University have developed a computer science learning framework that uses food to teach fundamental computing concepts.
From ACM TechNews
Comparing AI Reasoning with Human Thinking
Researchers have developed a method for comparing the reasoning of artificial intelligence software with that of human thinking, to better understand the AI's decision-making.
From ACM TechNews
High Schooler Invented Low-Cost, Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Arm
Virginia high school senior Benjamin Choi designed a thought-controlled robotic arm, then three-dimensionally printed the first model in small pieces, and assembled it with bolts and rubber bands.
From ACM TechNews
Approach May Help Clear Hurdle to Large-Scale Quantum Computing
Researchers have developed an approach for shuffling qubits during computing while maintaining their quantum state, resulting in a programmable, error-correcting quantum computer operating at 24 qubits.
From ACM TechNews
Smart Office Buildings Are Vulnerable to Hacks
Smart office buildings in the U.S. raise concerns about privacy and cybersecurity.
From ACM News
ACM Recognizes Visionaries Whose Service Benefits All Who Participate In Computing
Honorees authored influential textbooks, advanced professional organizations, made the World Wide Web accessible to millions, and expanded ACM's global reach.
From ACM News
Global Chip Shortage's Latest Worry: Too Few Chips for Chip-Making
Intel and TSMC are looking to boost chip output amid supercharged demand, but getting the equipment to do so requires increasing patience.
From ACM News
Meta Has Built a Massive New Language AI—And It's Giving It Away for Free
Facebook's parent company is inviting researchers to pore over and pick apart the flaws in its version of GPT-3.
From ACM News
Which Animal Viruses Could Infect People? Computers Are Racing to Find Out
Machine learning is known for its ability to spot fraudulent credit charges or recognize faces. Now researchers are siccing the technology on viruses.
From ACM News
Google Faces Internal Battle Over Research on AI to Speed Chip Design
From ACM TechNews
Meta Using AI to Create Low-Carbon Concrete for Its Datacenters
Meta researchers used artificial intelligence to develop concrete that it claims generates 40% less carbon emissions than standard concrete mixtures.
From ACM TechNews
Record-Breaking Jumping Robot Can Leap 10-Story Building
Rresearchers have developed a jumping robot that can reach heights of more than 30 meters, or about the height of a 10-story building, after being launched at about 100 kph (60mph).
From ACM TechNews
Deep Learning Techniques Lead to Materials Imaging Breakthrough
Researchers have created two new deep learning methods.
From ACM News
Collegiate CS Ethics Programs Emerging En Masse
Universities have created new engineering ethics programs, added concentrated subject-matter ethics programs, and made ethics course material available through open access and free licensing arrangements.
From ACM News
Another Firing Among Google's A.I. Brain Trust, and More Discord
The researchers are considered a key to the company's future. But they have had a hard time shaking infighting and controversy over a variety of issues.
From ACM News
How Technocrats Triumphed at Apple
The man who helped give the world candy-colored computers eventually walked out the door. What does that mean for the company's next big thing?
From ACM TechNews
Reforming Coral Reefs Using 3D Printing
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional printing technique to help preserve coral reefs.
From ACM TechNews
Ordinary Copper Telephone Wire Could Carry Gigabit Broadband Speeds
Researhers claim copper telephone wire already deployed across Britain can carry data at rates three times higher than fiber-optic cable at much less cost, over short distances.
From ACM TechNews
Fort Worth Is First U.S. City to Mine Bitcoin
Fort Worth, TX, has become the first U.S. city to mine bitcoin, through a mining farm based at City Hall.
From ACM TechNews
Can VR Help Ease Chronic Pain?
Virtual reality has emerged as a tool to treat chronic pain and is gaining popularity.
From ACM News
Ukraine's Digital Battle With Russia Isn't Going as Expected
Even the head of the country's online offensive is surprised by the successes—although they're not without controversy.
From Communications of the ACM
Neural Networks Learn to Speed Up Simulations
Physics-informed machine learning is gaining attention, but suffers from training issues.