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Matthew Sparkes

Technology reporter

London

Bio

Matthew Sparkes is a science and technology reporter who first wrote for New Scientist in 2006 and currently covers robotics, quantum computing, AI and mathematics. Previously he wrote for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, and he has a BSc and MSc from the University of East Anglia, where he studied AI and computer science.

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More from Matthew Sparkes

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Technology

Can AI understand a flower without being able to touch or smell?

News

Technology

Should you still learn a second language if AI can translate for you?

News

Technology

Breaking encryption with a quantum computer just got 20 times easier

News

An artist impression of Earth quasi-satellite Kamo`oalewa near the Earth-Moon system. (Image credit: Addy Graham/University of Arizona)

Space

China is readying a mission to two rocky bodies in our solar system

News

Technology

Hijacked cicadas play music like a cyborg loudspeaker

News

Technology

Meta, Amazon and Google accused of 'distorting' key AI rankings

News

Technology

Chatbots can hide secret messages in seemingly normal conversations

News

Technology

Hackers could 'vandalise' quantum computers without people noticing

News

Liquid Gold Anna Curran Department of Mathematics A lattice of bubbles inside a ring that has been dipped in soapy water. The bubbles hold their shape because of molecules in the dish soap called surfactants, which stabilise the interface. Surfactants are all around us - for example, they allow soap to break down dirt and bacteria, and they are given to premature babies to help them inflate their lungs. Conversely, they threaten the efficacy of various industrial applications such as self-cleaning surfaces and laptop cooling systems. My research focuses on mathematically modelling the effect of these molecules at a f luid interface, in order to gain a greater understanding of how to control their behaviour in these applications.

Physics

Photography contest spotlights the beauty of science in vivid detail

Regulars

Space

Most accurate space clock to launch – and count down to destruction

News

Technology

Slices of wood can filter bacteria and microplastics from water

News

Technology

AI-powered chilli spray could deter bears without injuring them

News