Researchers have invented a machine learning algorithm that forecasts the outcome of chemical reactions with much greater accuracy than proficient chemists and proposes ways to make complex particles, removing a weighty hurdle in drug innovation. University of Cambridge researchers have revealed that an algorithm can forecast the outcomes of complex chemical reactions with above 90% accuracy, overtaking trained chemists. The algorithm also displays chemists how to make target mixtures, providing the chemical "map" to the required destination. The outcomes are stated in two studies in the journals ACS Central Science and Chemical Communications. A central task in drug discovery and materials science is discovering ways to build complex organic molecules by chemically assembling together elementary building blocks. The problem arises when those building blocks often respond in surprising ways.

By embracing diversity, humanity finds greater strength. Our differences mean we can specialize, using our unique talents to excel in the areas to which we are most suited. This is as true for intelligence as for physical attributes. One person may solve complex algebraic equations for fun but care less about which political party is in power; another may have trouble calculating the tip on a restaurant check but can spend hours discussing the ins and outs of global foreign policy. Both are important skills, but with different applications.

Robots are becoming a ubiquitous presence in factories and warehouses. There are not just "more" robots, they are requiring and establishing a different relationship with human beings, actually I should say with their "co-workers". This is a step in the direction foreseen by the Symbiotic Autonomous Systems Initiative (now merged with the Digital Reality Initiative) with a trend towards a symbioses of humans and machines (take a look at the White Papers published). Nicknamed Chuck, they have been designed by 6 River Systems to cooperate with humans. Chuck follows a human (it can spot the human through tags worn by the worker) and "gives a hand" when needed.

The annual event for all things tech kicks off in Las Vegas next week, and we'll be there to check it all out. Here's a sneak peek at what to expect. It wouldn't be CES without being surrounded by a plethora of screens, and 2020 looks to be no different. Like in years past, expect there to be bigger and better TV screens on display (no pun intended). No one really needs an 8K television (considering the absolute dearth of 8K media out there), but that won't stop manufacturers from churning them out.

Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday that he's giving up setting annual challenges for himself and trying to take a longer view. But 2020 has already thrown down a challenge for him: threading a needle between business demands and political landmines, as Sara reports. The big picture: Zuckerberg has to grow revenue and users, yet not get blamed for tipping another election -- and not buckle on what he views as the core value of free speech. Despite continuing criticism for Facebook and Zuckerberg in particular, he seems to be dodging any genuinely damaging blows -- for now. The reality: Facebook's revenue and user base have shown consistent growth over the past year, suggesting that users and advertisers aren't too spooked by the controversies around data privacy and misinformation.

The Trump administration is proposing new rules to guide future federal regulation of artificial intelligence used in medicine, transportation and other industries. But the vagueness of the principles announced by the White House is unlikely to satisfy AI watchdogs who have warned of a lack of accountability as computer systems are deployed to take on human roles in high-risk social settings, such as mortgage lending or job recruitment. The White House said that in deciding regulatory action, U.S. agencies "must consider fairness, non-discrimination, openness, transparency, safety, and security." But federal agencies must also avoid setting up restrictions that "needlessly hamper AI innovation and growth," reads a memo being sent to U.S. agency chiefs from Russell Vought, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget. "Agencies must avoid a precautionary approach that holds AI systems to such an impossibly high standard that society cannot enjoy their benefits," the memo says.

Hollywood-based film studios are increasingly using AI as part of the decision-making process when ... [ ] commissioning and producing new films. For anyone who's ever thought Hollywood's output is formulaic and tired, the movie industry may be about to get worse. Major studio Warner Bros. has signed a deal with Cinelytic, which has developed an AI-powered system that can predict the likelihood of a film's success based on such factors as actors, budget and brand. Predictably enough, Warner Bros. will be using Cinelytic's software as part of the research process it undergoes when deciding which movies to commission. While it obviously can't measure how good a film will be artistically, Warner Bros. will likely use it during early production phases to separate ideas likely to succeed from those that most likely aren't.

Show your working: generations of mathematics students have grown up with this mantra. Getting the right answer is not enough. To get top marks, students must demonstrate how they got there. Now, machines need to do the same. As artificial intelligence (AI) is used to make decisions affecting employment, finance or justice, as opposed to which film a consumer might want to watch next, the public will insist it explains its working.

For three years, I've spoken at schools about video games and social media. The small groups of parents who have attended often tell me similar stories: their sons and daughters are "addicted" to Fortnite, to Pokemon, to Minecraft, and they feel powerless about what they can do. When I tell them about parental controls – built-in tools on all games machines that let you limit access to games – many are bewildered or agitated, even though such controls have been a feature of console design for a decade. Video game trade body Ukie has launched a campaign to encourage more parents and carers to use parental controls, teaming up with ex-footballer Rio Ferdinand. The organisation wants to raise awareness that everything from screen time to in-game purchases can be monitored and controlled.

"But as times change and we get to a place where we can deliver up on what I believe and the president believes is our right structure, with fewer resources dedicated to that mission, we will do so," he added. Mr. Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin also announced new sanctions on Iranian officials and on a few companies, including two in China, involved in the production and export of Iranian steel and other metals. The Trump administration had already imposed major sanctions on Iran's metals industry after Mr. Trump's withdrawal in 2018 from a landmark nuclear agreement with Iran, so analysts said the new sanctions would have little additional impact. Iraqi lawmakers voted on Sunday to expel United States forces after the American drone strike that killed 10 people in a two-car convoy -- Maj. The prime minister has not signed the bill yet, but had been criticizing the American troop presence in Iraq since a series of recent actions by the United States military.