How can we create machine learning models that classify well yet are transparent with respect to the use of evidence that leads to their decisions? (Explainable Artificial Intelligence, "XAI")<p>How can we improve information access effectiveness by building better indexing, retrieval, information filtering and information extraction systems by considering meaning and context? (Information Retrieval/Natural Language Processing)<p>Which process should be followed in order to arrive at a desired and highest-quality system artefact in the shortest time, using the least money and personnel? (Methodology)
How can we lower the price of making synthetic DNA?<p>All the graphs on this topic are out-dated, specifically because the hype-train doesn't want to acknowledge that the price of usable synthetic DNA has gone up - not down (even when balanced for inflation) - over the last 5 years.<p>Enzymatic DNA synthesis companies are not fixing this, or if they are, are at least 5-10 years out. The fundamentals of DNA synthesis are actually super cost effective. The raw price of a 100bp ssDNA vs an assembled gene, ready to be used in a biological context, is ~200x. Even at small-ish scale, the price for a full assembled gene from the same supplier is $125 per kilobase, while the small synthesized fragment is only $4. And they're STILL losing money on the assembled genes.<p>Assembling genes is really unsexy, though, so the field is kinda stuck in hyping DNA synthesis while ignoring fundamentals of DNA assembly.
Providing up to 6 MW of electricity to a battery-electric mining truck while traveling<p>Existing options are based on 100-year-old overhead trolley lines which work ok, but come with dramatic downsides in capital costs and operational limitations.<p>Static charging takes too much time and happens frequently due to battery size limitations. (There's a huge tradeoff between carrying a lot of battery versus payload.)<p>Induction efficiencies are too low, so direct contact is required at these power levels<p>As mining transitions to zero-emissions, these infrastructure systems require the same attention and innovation