Seven Must-Read Stories (Week Ending December 20, 2013)

Another chance to catch the most interesting, and important, articles from the previous week on MIT Technology Review.

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December 20, 2013

Why We Will Need Genetically Modified Foods
Climate change will make it increasingly difficult to feed the world. Biotech crops will have an essential role in ensuring that there’s enough to eat.
Thinking in Silicon
Microchips modeled on the brain may excel at tasks that baffle today’s computers.
Google’s Latest Robot Acquisition Is the Smartest Yet
In buying Boston Dynamics, Google has gained an impressive edge in robot locomotion.
Data Mining Exposes Embarrassing Problems for Massive Open Online Courses
Not only does student participation decline dramatically throughout the new generation of Web-based courses, but the involvement of teachers in online discussions makes it worse.
Too Much Information
Are we prepared to know the genetic flaws of the unborn?
Biodegradable Batteries to Power Smart Medical Devices
Prototype batteries that dissolve safely in the body could power ingested devices.
GMOs Are Green
Genetically modified crops will allow farming practices closer to the ideals of the organic movement.

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