Author: kallen@thestar.ca (Kate Allen)

Geoffrey Hinton Wins Nobel Prize in Physics for AI Breakthroughs Geoffrey Hinton, a University of Toronto computer scientist and machine learning pioneer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics alongside John Hopfield for their groundbreaking work. Hinton’s deep understanding of artificial intelligence has led to significant advancements in the field, prompting global recognition. Despite modest beginnings and early skepticism in the AI community, Hinton’s perseverance paid off with a Nobel Prize win and a $1.45 million award. His commitment to ethical AI development, including employment opportunities for neurodiverse individuals, sets him apart from his peers. Hinton’s journey from scientific obscurity…

In recent years, Toronto has experienced a series of intense storms, breaking records and causing significant damage. The term “100-year storm” has been misleadingly applied to these events, with experts warning of the increasing frequency of such extreme weather due to climate change. Experts predict that by the end of this century, a storm with a two per cent chance of occurring in a given year will happen once every 10 years. Urban flooding, exacerbated by rapid development and densification, poses a growing threat to cities like Toronto. Despite the rising risks, flood mapping in Canada remains opaque and inaccessible…