Seven Must-Read Stories (Week Ending March 12, 2016)

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

March 11, 2016

The Memory Trick Making Computers Seem Smarter
One startup’s approach to teaching computers to learn shows the value of applying new ideas to machine learning.
Pentagon Hackers Are Waging America’s First Cyberwar
Defense secretary Ashton Carter boasts that cyber operations will help take down ISIS – opening a new era in U.S. warfare.
How WeChat Is Extending China’s School Days Well into the Night
New homework assignments at 7 p.m., corrections due by midnight: how teachers, parents, and students in some schools in China are using WeChat to perpetuate round-the-clock pressure.
How Carbon Dioxide from the Air Can Boost Batteries
Researchers employ a novel electrochemical process to make carbon nanotubes from ambient carbon dioxide and use them to boost battery performance.
The Artificially Intelligent Doctor Will Hear You Now
U.K.-based startup Babylon will launch an app later this year that will listen to your symptoms and provide medical advice. Will it help or hinder the health-care system?
Why Solar Giant SunEdison Might Be Doomed
Once one of the biggest names in solar, the troubled energy company faces lawsuits, huge debts, and possible bankruptcy.
A Bitcoin-Style Currency for Central Banks
The Bank of England asked researchers to invent a digital currency with a more centralized design.