The search for the random numbers that run our lives

BBC ^ | https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240704-the-search-for-the-random-numbers-that-run-our-lives | Chris Baraniuk

[xoxox]

because “randomness” is a myth.

think about it.

[Gene Eric]

Are myths random?

[Sarcazmo]

I think AI could get close.

Come to think of it, why not just use some CCTV feed data from some busy street scene?

[dinodino]

Insufficient entropy.

[P.O.E.]

The set of integers alone is infinite. So a true random number might take weeks or years to even mention.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

"why not just use some CCTV feed data from some busy street scene?"

There have been many such attempts to use chaotic and seemingly random physical processes to generate the seed for random number generators. The article says researchers have "...looked practically everywhere for chaotic phenomena that can't be predicted or manipulated. They have listened to the racket of electrical storms, captured pictures of raindrops on glass, and played with the tiniest particles in the known Universe."

Wiki --> "Many natural phenomena generate low-level, statistically random "noise" signals, including thermal and shot noise, jitter and metastability of electronic circuits, Brownian motion, atmospheric noise. Researchers also used the photoelectric effect, involving a beam splitter, other quantum phenomena, and even the nuclear decay (due to practical considerations the latter, as well as the atmospheric noise, is not viable)."

How about Cosmic Rays? Using cosmic rays to generate and distribute random numbers and boost security for local devices and networks

[Bob434]

90210

[T. P. Pole]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cUUfMeOijg&pp=ygUhbGF2YSBsYW1wIHJhbmRvbSBudW1iZXIgZ2VuZXJhdG9y

The Lava Lamps That Help Keep The Internet Secure

[SaveFerris]

[The article says researchers have "...looked practically everywhere for chaotic phenomena]

Might I make a suggestion?

[6ppc]

Patterns of Walmart shoppers pushing carts. I swear it comes as close to Brownian motion as anything!

[ProtectOurFreedom]

LOL...I truly laughed out loud! There is nothing more chaotic than that!

[Sarcazmo]

I should have known someone thought of that already.

[SaveFerris]

😄😂😆🤣🤣

[E. Pluribus Unum]

42.

[BipolarBob]

That is funny.

[SaveFerris]

Wonder if it would calculate Powerball numbers?

(Because I don’t have ENOUGH problems in life........) LOL

[Doctor Congo]

I just watched the NCIS episode where they use lava lamps to generate random numbers. Torres got to destroy them to save the day, and get revenge for burning him when he was a kid. “now we’re even”

[Fresh Wind]

The best random number generator that I know of is Joe Biden’s brain.

[moovova]

I keep rolling snake eyes.