Title: Minecraft Adventure Takes Users on an Epic Journey Through the Solar System
Minecraft, the best-selling video game in history, is not just a source of entertainment but also offers educational benefits. One such example is the newly released cosmic adventure called Our Place in Space. Developed in collaboration with artist Oliver Jeffers and astronomer Stephen Smartt from Queen’s University Belfast, this free downloadable game allows Minecraft players to embark on a thrilling voyage through the solar system and uncover the mysteries of history.
Alongside learning fascinating facts about planets, users will also delve into significant issues such as warfare, famine, slavery, and even the impact of fake news. Since its launch in April, the game has already been downloaded over a million times. Our Place in Space was initially conceived as part of the Our Place in Space installation, a 10 km sculpture trail recreating the solar system, accompanied by an augmented reality app.
According to Smartt, who appears as a Minecraft character in the game, comprehending and appreciating the vastness of the universe can be challenging. He explains, Our solar system, despite being just a minuscule part of our galaxy, is of colossal dimensions.
In an intriguing study that might seem reminiscent of an April Fool’s joke, health scientists Christoph Kurz from the Helmholtz Zentrum München and Adriana König from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich investigated the possibility of machine learning generating useful potion recipes inspired by the magical world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (arXiv: 2307.00036).
Given the pharmaceutical industry’s growing interest in employing artificial intelligence (AI) for drug discovery, the researchers collected 72 potion recipes from the Harry Potter wiki page. Utilizing AI, they then generated a staggering 10,000 new potion recipes by randomly selecting three to eight ingredients, including mistletoe berries and unicorn horns.
Using a neural network, the scientists categorized the potions and found that approximately half the recipes belonged to the psychoanaleptic category, known for restoring mental health. Furthermore, 15% of the potions fell into the dermatological category, indicating their potential for treating skin conditions. The authors of the study humorously acknowledge that the research was conducted by two individuals without magical abilities, making it challenging to assess the validity and classification quality of the generated recipes.
Overall, Minecraft’s Our Place in Space adventure and the fascinating study on potion recipes demonstrate the intriguing intersection between entertainment, education, and AI. These innovative approaches strive to engage users in exploring the wonders of the universe while providing out-of-the-box learning experiences. Whether journeying through the solar system or concocting magical potions, these ventures merge imagination, education, and technology in exciting new ways.
