In conjunction with our previous blog post, another very interesting article within The Economist’s special report on the current deluge of data discussed the role of machines in handling the massive amount of data generated every day. The human brain, complex as it is, can only process a limited number of pieces of information simultaneously. Theories quoted in the article place the number of pieces at around seven, and it claims that when it comes to simultaneous concepts or relationships that number drops to four. The molecular biologist dispensing these numbers, Carl Pabo, says that, “there is an immense risk of cognitive overload,” with the rising torrent of information. Read more…