Technology

National

In Darren Wilson's Testimony, Familiar Themes About Black Men

12:46pm May 27, 2015

by Frederica Boswell

Wilson's descriptions of Michael Brown reminded some people of negative depictions of African-Americans in history. Recent studies suggest these perceptions have deeper psychological roots.

National

Got A Voice For Radio? The Algorithm Speaks

9:46am May 27, 2015

by NPR Staff

In response to our call, nearly a thousand NPR listeners submitted voice samples. Now, the algorithm has rendered its judgment.

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Now Algorithms Are Deciding Whom To Hire, Based On Voice

8:58am May 27, 2015

by Aarti Shahani

If you're trying out for a job, the one judging you may not be a person — it could be a computer. Algorithms are evaluating human voices to determine which ones are engaging, calming and trustworthy.

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Hackers Stole Data From More Than 100,000 Taxpayers, IRS Says

8:56am May 27, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The thieves used the data to file fraudulent tax returns. The IRS commissioner said less than $50 million had been successfully claimed from the agency.

One of these things is not like the other: A 3-D printed model of a beige cowbird egg stands out from its robin's egg nest mates, though their shape and heft are similar.

Higher-Tech Fake Eggs Offer Better Clues To Wild-Bird Behavior

8:42pm May 26, 2015

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Faux eggs made with 3-D printers are better than sculpted versions, researchers say, because it's easier to systematically vary their size, weight and other features. Next goal: 3-D fragile shells.

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Charles Ornstein with his parents at his Bar Mitzvah. Through their voice messages, saved on his phone, Ornstein has a trove of verbal memories.

'Kiss Everybody': Voice Mails Live On After Parents Are Gone

3:01pm May 26, 2015

by Charles Ornstein

Writer Charles Ornstein's parents endure in many forms, he says. Most of those, he doesn't carry in his pocket. But the voice mails — those unscripted moments of everyday life — he does.

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Miami swimwear entrepreneur Mel Valenzuela (right) explains online strategies to Cuban business owners Victor Rodriguez (middle) and Caridad Limonta (left) in Wynwood this month. Miami boutique owner Monica Minagorri (rear) watches.

World News

In Search Of Bandwidth, Cuban Entrepreneurs Head To Miami

2:56pm May 26, 2015

by Tim Padgett

Cuba needs the Internet to rebuild its ragged economy. That's why fledgling private businesspeople are traveling to Miami to learn how to do business online.

A screen grab from the app VizSafe, where users can report things like fallen branches, potholes, and even water wasters to a geotagged map.

National

In California, Technology Makes Droughtshaming Easier Than Ever

7:22am May 26, 2015

by Sam Sanders

As California's drought continues, social media and smart phone apps let just about anyone call out water waste, often very publicly.

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One of the record presses on the floor at the Quality Record Pressings plant in Salina, Kan.

Music & Culture

Solving The Vinyl Comeback's Big Problem, One Antique Machine At A Time

11:15am May 24, 2015

by C.J. Janovy

What's getting in the way of the much touted resurgence of vinyl albums? There are very few functioning record presses, and nobody's making new ones.

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A 3-D simulation of a human heart created by The Living Heart project.

Health & Safety

The Future Of Cardiology Will Be Shown In 3-D

3:41pm May 22, 2015

by Christina Farr

The Living Heart Project aims to create a detailed simulation of the human heart that doctors and engineers can use to test experimental treatments and interventions.