BIOTECH

With CRISPR, a Possible Quick Test for the CoronavirusCarl Zimmer | The New York TimesA team of scientists has developed an experimental prototype for a fairly quick, cheap test to diagnose the coronavirus that gives results as simply as a pregnancy test does. The test is based on a gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, and the researchers estimated that the materials for each test would cost about $6.

IBM Now Has 18 Quantum Computers in Its Fleet of Weird MachinesStephen Shankland | CNETEighteen quantum computers might not sound like a lot. But given that each one is an unwieldy device chilled within a fraction of a degree above absolute zero and operated by PhD researchers, its actually a pretty large fleet. In comparison, Googles quantum computers lab near Santa Barbara, California, has only five machines, and Honeywell only has six quantum computers.

An AI Can Simulate an Economy Millions of Times to Create Fairer Tax PolicyWill Douglas Heaven | MIT Technology ReviewThe tool is still relatively simple (theres no way it could include all the complexities of the real world or human behavior), but it is a promising first step toward evaluating policies in an entirely new way. It would be amazing to make tax policy less political and more data driven, says team member Alex Trott.

Spot the Robot Is Reminding Parkgoers in Singapore to Keep Their Distance From One AnotherJames Vincent | The VergeThe robot is fitted with cameras that will be used to estimate the number of visitors to the park, but Singapores National Parks Board (NParks) says it wont collect personal data or use the video to identify individuals. If the trial is successful, NParks says the robot could be deployed full-time during peak hours in the park.

In the Future, Touchscreens Will Be Obsolete. This Lab Designs Whats NextLuke Dormehl | Digital TrendsConductive paint that turns regular, boring walls intoenormous touch-sensitive panelsat a cost of $1 per square foot? Of course! Asmartwatch that uses laser projectionto extend its touchscreen all the way up your arm? No problem! A device for simulating touch in virtual reality byturning humans into living marionettes? Youve come to the right place!

How Much Energy Does It Take to Blow Up a Planet?Rhett Allain | WiredSo, on orders from Emperor Palpatine, a Xyston-class Star Destroyer fires a super powerful beam from space andblows up the planet Kijimi. Just like that. I know what youre thinking: How much energy would it take to blow up a planet? Of course, its just an academic question. Im sure youre not a Sith lord with bad intentions, so Ill show you how to figure this out.

Image credit:Joel Mbugua /Unsplash

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This Week's Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through May 9) - Singularity Hub