In Factoring Humanity, Canadian science fiction writer Robert
Sawyer’s characters are academics in quantum computing,
artificial intelligence and psychology, a useful combination
when it comes to deciphering messages from an alien race.
Suffice to say that a tesseract (a three-dimensional representation
of a four-dimensional construct) is a major plot device. Sawyer’s
finest novel to date also explores a troubling contemporary
phenomenon, false memory syndrome induced by a dodgy
therapist. Scientifically plausible, fictionally intriguing and
ethically important. Published by HarperCollins/Voyager, £5.99,
ISBN 0006511864.
More from New ¾«¶«´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending New ¾«¶«´«Ã½ articles
1
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
2
Toy universe shows that time could be a quantum illusion
3
Understanding anorexia’s grip on the brain could unlock new therapies
4
Ditching cigarettes for vapes may curb the cancer benefits of quitting
5
Hundreds of new moons are revealing our solar system's violent history
6
What is a ‘normal’ memory slowdown, and when should I worry?
7
Global map reveals the vast scale of underground fungal networks
8
El Niño has started and the weather could get weird
9
A nuclear war between India and Pakistan could destroy the ozone layer
10
Millions of fossil whale bones found in deep-ocean ‘necropolis’
