Matthew Sparkes is a Technology Reporter at New Scientist. He specializes in science and technology topics, particularly robotics, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and mathematics, while also exploring themes such as energy sustainability and psychedelic research. Matthew has been featured in The Conversation Australia + NZ, YOUGOV PLC, Knowledia, Government Technology, and New Scientist.
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Matthew Sparkes' articles predominantly focus on scientific and technological advancements with a national (United Kingdom) perspective. He showcases a keen interest in breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, space exploration, mathematics, and emerging technologies.
For pitching to Matthew Sparkes, consider providing insights into cutting-edge technology research or innovative scientific discoveries related to the UK. Contributions from industry experts or researchers engaged in AI development, robotics advancement, space missions involving UK entities, or groundbreaking technological innovations could capture his attention.
Since Matthew's coverage attributes indicate an inclination towards citing data and government announcements related to technology and science topics at large; it is advisable to tailor pitches that include relevant statistical insights or updates based on noteworthy government initiatives within the field of technology.
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Asteroid 2026JH2 has enough mass to wipe out a city and will zoom past Earth next week
By: Matthew Sparkes
A record-breaking new version of Starship, due to launch within days, could form the basis of NASA's ambitious Artemis programme that aims to put humans back on the moon as soon as 2028
By: Matthew Sparkes
The modern world depends on open-source software maintained by volunteers, but the added demands of checking and fixing AI-written submissions are causing some to burn out and quit
Anthropic has warned that recursive-self-improving AI could be on the horizon, but the truth is the company is more immediately concerned with marketing itself for a blockbuster initial public offering on the stock market, says Matthew Sparkes
By: Matthew Sparkes
A near miss with a Waymo while cycling through London hasn't changed my optimistic stance on driverless cars, but we can't ever let our guard down, says Matthew Sparkes
By: Matthew Sparkes
A senior figure in the Ukrainian defence industry told New Scientist that a test took place two years ago involving fully autonomous drones set to destroy anything in a given area, with confirmed casualties
By: Matthew Sparkes
Student Gunnar Hartmann wins Natureβs 2026 Scientist at Work photography competition for this shot of migrating northern bald ibis in Spain
By: Matthew Sparkes
Scientists have long grappled with how to measure the effect of social media on children. Now, the UK government has announced a total ban for everyone under 16, and researchers are rushing to design rigorous studies before it comes into effect
By: Matthew Sparkes
The next generation of AI models are meant to be trained by people paid to have conversations with them, but several of these workers have admitted to New Scientist that they simply get chatbots to do it instead. This "AI inbreeding" may reduce the power and usefulness of future models, warn experts
By: Matthew Sparkes
IBM's latest chip packs in twice as many transistors as the current state-of-the-art chip by adding a second layer of silicon circuitry
