Ai can’t learn new things forever — an algorithm can fix that

_Download the Nature Podcast 21 August 2024_ IN THIS EPISODE: 00:46 OLD AIS CAN’T LEARN NEW TRICKS An algorithm that reactivates dormant ‘neurons’ in deep-learning-based AIs could help them

overcome their inability to learn new things and make future systems more flexible, research has shown. AIs based on deep learning struggle to learn how to tackle new tasks indefinitely,

making them less adaptable to new situations. The reasons for this are unclear, but now a team has identified that ‘resetting’ parts of the neural networks underlying these systems can allow

deep learning methods to keep learning continually. _Research Article: __Dohare et al._ _News and Views: __Switching between tasks can cause AI to lose the ability to learn_ 08:55 RESEARCH

HIGHLIGHTS To stop crocodiles eating poisonous toads researchers have been making them sick, and a sacrificed child in ancient Mexico was the progeny of closely related parents. _Research

Highlight: __How to train your crocodile_ Research Highlight: DNA of child sacrificed in ancient city reveals surprising parentage 11:20 BRIEFING CHAT How video games gave people a mental

health boost during the pandemic, and where the dinosaur-destroying Chicxulub asteroid formed. _Nature News: __PlayStation is good for you: video games improved mental health during COVID_

_Nature News: __Dinosaur-killing Chicxulub asteroid formed in Solar System’s outer reaches_ _SUBSCRIBE TO NATURE BRIEFING, AN UNMISSABLE DAILY ROUND-UP OF SCIENCE NEWS, OPINION AND ANALYSIS

FREE IN YOUR INBOX EVERY WEEKDAY._ _NEVER MISS AN EPISODE. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NATURE PODCAST ON __APPLE PODCASTS__, __SPOTIFY__, __YOUTUBE MUSIC__ OR YOUR FAVOURITE PODCAST APP. __AN RSS FEED

FOR THE NATURE PODCAST__ IS AVAILABLE TOO._