Apps that simulate purchases in exchange for dopamine open the door to something worse

Who hasn’t finished a stressful day at work and have you decided to order food at home? Without a doubt, it is a good option when we don’t feel like cooking. But it’s not the only reason we tend to have the urge. The order, the same as when We buy clothes or any other product onlinetriggers the release of dopamine in the brain. That is the reason why dopamine apps have become fashionable in South Korea, a series of applications in which you search through a list of products and choose the one you most want, but it never reaches your home. To get the kick of pleasure, it seems to be more than enough. From South Korea, to the world. One of the first dopamine apps to be launched was Food Never Eats. Basically, it delivers what it promises. You can choose food from a wide variety of menus specialized by country. Do you feel like Italian food? Today your body asks for Mexican tacos? Or maybe you prefer a good burger? You have everything. Your brain prepares to savor. It is anticipated. But you never get it. This application is Korean, like most apps of this type. However, there are already some in other countries. This is the case of the American Dopamine Shopwhich presents a very wide range of products. The good thing about not having to spend the money is that even the Moon is on offer, for the modest price of 99 million dollars. These types of applications have recently become fashionable. However, in an article for The ConversationAustralian consumer behavior expert Gary Mortimer predicts that they will likely continue to spread around the world over time. The hooking hormone. dopamine is the central hormone of reward systems. These are brain mechanisms that, broadly speaking, seek to ensure that we repeat certain behaviors that are beneficial to us as a species. For example, sex generates pleasure through the release of dopamine, because it helps us perpetuate the species. The more sex we have, the more likely we are to reproduce. Eating chocolate is also pleasant, because it gives us a lot of energy. The brain does not distinguish between energetic and healthy. All of this is so pleasant that we are left wanting to repeat. Therein lies the evolutionary benefit. Unfortunately, not everything that activates reward systems is positive for us. Drugs, for example, have the same effect. And, in general, everything that engages as well. From gambling to shopping. In both cases, dopamine is released in anticipation of a reward; which, in the case of purchases, is the product that we are going to buy or the dish that we are going to taste. The point is that it has been observed that anticipation occurs even if we never receive the order. That’s why dopamine apps are causing a sensation. In them, almost all the steps of the purchase occur: anticipation, selection and a feeling of confirmation. Nothing ever comes, but we trick our brain anyway. The B side of dopamine apps. In his article, Mortimer warns that anything that generates this release of dopamine can cause the gateway effect. That is, it becomes the gateway to something worse. Much has been studied with games of chance. In 2014a study was published with 409 people playing games of chance without reward. It was seen that, 6 months later, 26% of the participants switched to betting. In 2016 A similar study was carried out with 521 people and the gateway effect was seen in 19%. It is even something that has been seen with electronic cigarettes. They are harmful in themselves, but it has also been observed that they serve as a gateway to conventional tobacco consumption. For all these reasons, we cannot rule out that these types of apps end up giving rise to compulsive purchases in search of a shot of dopamine that makes us feel good. The algorithm hunts you anyway. On the other hand, Mortimer remembers that false elections also feed the algorithm. Even if you don’t buy anything, you are still customizing your preferences through cookies and you will receive the response in the form of personalized advertising. There are people who don’t care about this, but others prefer to avoid it, so it’s good for them to be clear that it is not necessary to buy anything. The search is more than enough. Image | Magnific image, not the app in the article Xataka | When it comes to meat, science knows there’s something better than protein shakes: lean pork

It takes 7,000 GPUs to simulate a tiny quantum processor. Although it may not seem like it, it is excellent news.

The complexity of quantum computers It is extraordinary. In their construction it is possible to rely on several very different strategies, such as, for example, superconducting qubits, ion traps or neutral atoms, among other technologies, but they all have something in common: to a large extent its power is a consequence of its complexity. Of the complexity inherent in any device designed to take advantage the laws of quantum physics. The surprising thing is that, despite its sophistication and exoticism, it is already possible to accurately simulate a small quantum processor using conventional hardware. In fact, has achieved it a research group from the Quantum Systems Accelerator and the Division of Applied Mathematics and Computational Research at the University of California at Berkeley (USA). This is not the first time that a quantum processor has been simulated, but until now no one had managed to do it by emulating every physical detail before its manufacture. A new era begins in quantum chip design Here’s a shocking fact: the Berkeley researchers I mentioned in the previous paragraph have carried out their simulation of a quantum chip using the Perlmutter supercomputer, which contains 7,168 NVIDIA GPUs. To achieve their purpose, they used almost all of these GPUs for 24 uninterrupted hours, so it is evident that the computational effort was titanic. But they got it. They managed to model a multilayer quantum chip 10 mm wide and 0.3 mm thick, accurately simulating how signals travel and interact within this processor. This statement from Andy Nonaka, one of the scientists at the Berkeley Quantum Systems Accelerator, express clearly Why this milestone is so important: “I am not aware of anyone who has ever performed physical modeling of microelectronic circuits at the full scale of the Perlmutter system.” “I’m not aware of anyone having ever done physical modeling of microelectronic circuits at the full scale of the Perlmutter system. We were using almost 7,000 GPUs (…) We divided the chip into 11 billion grid cells and were able to run over a million time steps in seven hours, allowing us to evaluate three circuit configurations in a single day. These simulations would not have been possible in this time frame without the complete system” What really what makes the difference is precision with which they have managed to carry out the design and simulation of their quantum processor. “We perform a full-wave physics-level simulation, which means we care about what material is used in the chip, its design, how the metal is wired (using niobium or other types of metal wires), how the resonators are built, what the size, shape and material used are (…) We care about those physical details and we include them in our model,” Nonaka says. A priori we can conclude that using almost 7,000 GPUs for 24 hours with the computational effort and energy expenditure involved in this process to simulate a quantum chip just 10 mm wide and 0.3 mm thick is not a success. But yes it is. Thanks to this technology, it will now be possible to design quantum hardware in less time and in a more efficient way. Bert de Jong, director of the Berkeley Quantum Systems Accelerator, invites us to look towards the future of quantum computing with optimism: “This unprecedented simulation is a critical step in accelerating the design and development of quantum hardware. More powerful, higher-performance chips will unlock new capabilities for researchers and open new avenues in science” Image | Generated by Xataka with Gemini More information | ScienceDaily In Xataka | We already know what the chips that will arrive until 2039 will be like. The machine that will allow them to be manufactured is close

A European Startup and Microsoft have allied to overcome a major challenge: simulate brain reasoning

Simulate the human brain It is one of the great scientific challenges of our time. It is not just a matter of calculation power: for years, laboratories around the world have invested millions in trying to replicate their operation, but even with advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputing, the goal is still far away. Why is it so difficult? Because the brain is not only an information processor, but an ultra -efficient system of just 1.4 kg with more than 86,000 million interconnected neurons. Imitating their cognitive, emotional and linguistic abilities remains a border that we have not yet crossed, although some believe we are close. INAIT simulation technology and Microsoft’s computational power Inait, a Swiss startup founded in 2018 under the premise that “the only proven form of intelligence is in the brain”, has closed an alliance with Microsoft to develop models of the capable of simulating The reasoning of mammals. Their objective is to apply them in sectors such as finance, risk management and personalized advice. In theory, everything fits perfectly. Inait says having a simulation technology based on decades of research financed by the Swiss government, and Microsoft puts on the table the infrastructure and the business model necessary to transform this commitment into products ready to reach millions of customers worldwide. But the idea is not to develop human brains simulations with all its faculties overnight. Inait is training Digital models of different sizesdesigned to address specific challenges. For example, for advanced trading or the development of industrial machines capable of adapting to complex and dynamic environments. Digital visualization of a region of the Neocortex and the thalamus, including its network of blood vessels. Here the advantage is clear: take advantage of one of the most amazing faculties of the brain, which is its ability to face completely new scenarios and adapt quickly and continuously using previous knowledge. Even when it comes to sensory, emotional or social stimuli never before experienced. According to Financial TimesAdir Ron, director of AI and Cloud of Microsoft for emerging companies, highlighted the approach of the Swiss startup: “Inait is a pioneer in a new AI paradigm: it goes beyond traditional models based on data towards digital brains capable of a True cognition” For his part, Henry Markram, co -founder of INAIT, said that AI models based on brain simulations could not only learn much faster than current deep reinforcement systems, but also have significantly lower energy consumption. This would mean a key advantage in terms of efficiency and sustainability. Now we only have to wait to see if this vision translates into tangible advances or if, like so many other technological promises, You can’t advance enough. The possibility of building AI models that imitate the learning and adaptability of the human brain is a monumental challenge, but also an extremely interesting goal. Images | Milad Fakurian In Xataka | We already know at what speed our brain processes: just 10 bits per second In Xataka | Figure creates a system to make large -scale humanoid robots. And of course, there will be robots manufacturing robots

11 new ‘good-looking effect’ makeup that simulate 8 hours of sleep

Used well, makeup acts as a kind of magic wand capable of blur dark circlesmultiply the luminosity, enlarge the eyes and a thousand and one transformations to the consumer’s taste for which great knowledge is normally not required: with a natural finish base that unifies the skin tone well, for example, they are erased in less than two minutes the hours without sleeping, yes, after achieving this perfect canvas you have to restore dimension to the face with the touch of rejuvenating blush or the mascara that opens the look. A quick and universally flattering step by step for which we propose 11 tailored products with anti-fatigue benefits and very easy to use. Easy Blur Natural Airbrush Foundation, by Huda Beauty It has been one of the most viral makeup bases in recent months and its “blurring effect” on imperfections together with a buildable medium coverage and a feeling of absolute lightness on the skin are the keys to its success. A product that achieves a perfect canvas in less than a minute and that lasts intact for 12 hours; In addition, it provides care through 1.5% niacinamide that smoothes and reduces the appearance of pores. Finally, it has a wide range of shades, 29 in total, among which to find the perfect one. Price: 39 euros (available at Sephora). Illuminant Surrealskin™ Concealer, by Makeup by Mario The influencers They not only use the concealer to camouflage dark circles, but as the best anti-fatigue ally that illuminates strategic areas of the face such as the corners of the tear duct, the chin or the nasolabial fold. This one in particular is a virtual favorite for its contribution of luminosity, its power to camouflage signs of fatigue and a blurring effect on imperfections that make it a favorite for night owls. It also offers long life and resistance to wrinkles. Price: 32.99 euros (available at Sephora). Tititint, by Vivienne Sabó. Price: 6.35 euros (available in Primor). Icy Nude PH Face Gloss, by Huda Beauty. Price: 33 euros (available in Spehora). Luminous blush The liquid or creamy formulas are perfect for restoring color to the face with a finish full of freshness and we offer you two novelties: the inks that can also be used on the lips of Vivienne Sabó, available in 8 different shades, very easy to blend with the fingertips and with a moisturizing effect; and the face gloss by Huda Beauty, which reacts with the skin’s pH to create a tailored, diamond-bright blush thanks to its illuminating pearls that burst with pink and violet pigments. Sun-Kissed Illuminating Bronzer Gel, by Clinique The quick and easy trick with which to extend your summer color throughout the year is tanning formulas like this oil-free gel that provides immediate warmth to the skin. The best thing is that it can be mixed with moisturizing cream to achieve an effect sun kissed globally, as a primer or in strategic areas with the help of a brush such as the cheek bone, the jaw or forehead line, the center of the nose… Of course, the brand warns that you have to wash your hands when finishing or you just have to add a little more product if you want to intensify the effect. Price: 39.50 euros. Mini Mix Palette, from Sephora Collection The look is probably the biggest victim on tired days and the good news is that with a couple of makeup tricks you can hide its effects. A palette in “mini” and neutral format like this one is the ideal ally because it has tones that add depth to the feature naturally and without major complications: if applied with a brush to the hollow of the eyelids, an earthy brown on the crease of the Be careful, the swelling is hidden instantly; You can also intensify the look with another darker color in the outer corner. Price: 10 euros (available at Sephora). Vertigo Lift, by Armani Beauty A step that changes everything, especially when they have not slept enough hours. A good mascara helps open the eye, enlarge it and intensify the color of the iris. The new Armani Beauty formula also increases length by 70%, provides volume without clumps and a spectacular application and finish thanks to its brush Infinity Loop Brush. Furthermore, it contains the Lash Extend Complex based on soft agents and lighter waxes with which it remains comfortable and silky during its 24-hour duration. Price: 44 euros (available at El Corte Inglés and other usual points of the firm). You Mist, by Fenty Beauty The finishing touch of any look should be a spray that sets it for hours and the novelty of Rihanna’s brand not only achieves this, it also improves the finish throughout the day through a formula with wild thyme extract, famous for its antioxidant, moisturizing and softening properties; or his InvisiFlex Protective Shieldwhich forms a durable and flexible film on the surface to extend its life and protect against external aggressors. Price: 29.90 euros (available at Sephora). Hollywood Tripeptide Lip Treatment, by Simon Ourian MD Price: 42 euros (brand website available). Rouge Coco Baume, by Chanel. Price: 45 euros. Careful and glossy lips Tiredness is usually accompanied by dehydration and lip balms revitalize the feature with a result that is as flattering as it is comfortable. Dermatologist to the stars, Dr. Simon Ourianhas launched the Hollywood Tripeptide Lip Treatment Based on advanced peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramide complex, essential fatty acids, plant extracts and botanical enhancers, a powerful plumping and rejuvenating treatment that also has a refreshing touch of menthol and menthyl lactate. From Chanel we are left with their iconic balms in the new spring colors and with an enhanced shine that conditions and provides sublime luminosity; cares thanks to its Hydraboost complex, nourishing shea butter and oleoactive rich in omega 9; and provides a beautiful veil of color. Nail polishes from the winter collection, from Masglo The last step with which to convey a rested and groomed look is to have … Read more

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