AI queries use 10 times more energy than Google searches

+ how to tell better stories about science – using an antiscience tactic US Edition - Today's top story: AI supercharges data center energy use – straining the grid and slowing sustainability efforts [View in browser]( US Edition | 11 July 2024 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [What Trump, socialists, fascists and Black athletes all have in common]( - [Life as a storm chaser]( - [Why Ariana Grande started talking like her ‘alter-ego kitten’]( Lead story Asking ChatGPT a question is quite a bit different from searching on Google, and not just because ChatGPT’s answer could be more entertaining – and a lot less accurate – than Google’s search results. AI queries use about 10 times more energy than traditional search engines. Therein lies a major problem for the already-strained electrical grid, particularly given the explosive growth in artificial intelligence and its attendant surge in data center construction. Boston University computer engineer Ayse Coskun explains why the [AI-driven growth in data centers is a problem](, why the threat is greater in some places than in others, and what researchers and technology companies are doing to keep AI from overwhelming the grid. [ [Miss us on Sundays? Get a selection of our best and most popular stories (or try our other weekly emails).]([]]( Eric Smalley Science + Technology Editor A data center in Ashburn, Va., the heart of so-called Data Center Alley. AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey [AI supercharges data center energy use – straining the grid and slowing sustainability efforts]( Ayse Coskun, Boston University AI is everywhere these days, which means more data centers eating up more electricity. There’s no easy fix, but some combination of efficiency, flexibility and new technologies could ease the burden. Politics + Society - [Trump’s raised fist - how one gesture can be used by Republicans, socialists, fascists, white supremacists and Black athletes]( Roger J. Kreuz, University of Memphis The raised fist has been used by fascists, socialists, communists, Black Power advocates and even golfer Tiger Woods. It’s also Donald Trump’s favorite public gesture. - [How political party platforms – like the Republicans’ Trump-inspired one for 2024 – can help voters understand American politics]( Marjorie Hershey, Indiana University Though largely unread, party platforms are a vital clue about which groups hold real power in the two major national parties and can help predict what the government will actually do. - [Why is Congress filled with old people?]( Charlie Hunt, Boise State University Nearly 20% of House and Senate members are 70 or older, and only 6% are under 40. What explains Congress’ advanced age? Environment + Energy - [What do storm chasers really do? Two tornado scientists take us inside the chase and tools for studying twisters]( Yvette Richardson, Penn State; Paul Markowski, Penn State To capture the data needed to understand how tornadoes behave, scientists have to be near the storm. The ‘Twister’ movies get some of it right. Science + Technology - [Storytelling strategies make communication about science more compelling]( Emma Frances Bloomfield, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Whether sharing online about health topics or chatting about the weather, you communicate about science. Borrowing a tactic from antiscience advocates can help make your stories more persuasive. Arts + Culture - [The science behind Ariana Grande’s vocal metamorphosis]( Lydia Kruse, Purdue University Grande left her fans confused and concerned when her voice drastically changed during a podcast episode. But there was a method to the singer’s modulation. - [Computer love: AI-powered chatbots are changing how we understand romantic and sexual well-being]( Valerie A. Lapointe, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM); David Lafortune, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM); Simon Dubé, Indiana University Artificial intelligence technologies are changing how users experience intimate romantic and sexual connections. These technologies bring many positive benefits, but there is a dark side. Education - [Mike Bloomberg’s $1B gift to Johns Hopkins will make med school free for most students – a philanthropy expert explains why that matters]( Amir Pasic, Indiana University Ending tuition might not result in more doctors serving the communities that need them most without further steps. Ethics + Religion - [Inequality in life – and death: Newspaper obituaries have long discriminated against women]( Erika J. Pribanic-Smith, University of Texas at Arlington Historically, women have been less likely to be the subject of obituaries. Their obituaries tend to be shorter, with biased words and images. International - [West Africa is changing: five essential reads on breakaways from Ecowas]( Adejuwon Soyinka, The Conversation Scholars explain recent developments in Ecowas and the implications for the region. Podcast 🎙️ - [French and British politics experts discuss what their election results mean for the right – podcast]( Gemma Ware, The Conversation Tim Bale and Safia Dahani discuss the French and UK election results on The Conversation Weekly podcast. Trending on site - [Extreme heat waves broiling the US in 2024 aren’t normal: How climate change is heating up weather around the world]( - [When scientific citations go rogue: Uncovering ‘sneaked references’]( - [Hajj in extraordinary heat: what a scholar of Islam saw in Mecca]( Today's graphic 📈 [Recent years have seen a slight decrease in the federal funding awarded to NASA, the NIH and the NSF.]( From the story, [Federal funding for major science agencies is at a 25-year low]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? 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