Machine Learning

Latest news headlines about artificial intelligence

It's Time to Believe the AI Hype

May 17, 2024, 1 p.m. • WIRED • (8 Minute Read)
The news story, "It's Time to Believe the AI Hype", discusses the recent advancements in generative AI and the significant impact it may have on various industries. The article highlights the introduction of GPT-4o by OpenAI and Gemini Pro by Google, both of which possess the ability to process natural language, vision, and speech in various modes. These advancements are perceived as transformative and are expected to revolutionize AI technology. While some critics argue that the progress of these AI models has reached a plateau, industry experts maintain that AI technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, likening it to the internet revolution of the 1990s. There is a general consensus within the tech community that AI will redefine human interaction and daily life, with potential socioeconomic implications. Despite skepticism from some, the overall sentiment is that AI has the potential to truly revolutionize the way we live and work.

Google I/O 2024: What Google doesn't want you to know about their huge A.I. update

May 16, 2024, 5:17 p.m. • Slate • (5 Minute Read)
Google I/O 2024: What Google doesn't want you to know about their huge A.I. update Google's recent I/O 2024 conference unveiled the tech giant's plans to implement widespread artificial intelligence and machine learning software across its products. The most significant change is the transformation of Google Search into a self-ingesting singular webpage powered by AI-generated answers at the top of search results. However, this shift has been shrouded in secrecy, with Google tweaking its search algorithm to suppress prominent websites and surfacing AI-generated webpages that plagiarize content. These updates raise concerns about the reliability of information and the prioritization of ad-centric content over trustworthy sources. As Google pushes forward with its AI-driven overhaul, questions arise about the company's commitment to serving factual and reliable information.

Scientists use generative AI to answer complex questions in physics

May 16, 2024, 4 a.m. • MIT News • (6 Minute Read)
Researchers at MIT and the University of Basel have developed a new technique using generative artificial intelligence to automatically classify phases of physical systems, particularly in the context of investigating novel materials. This approach aims to efficiently map out phase diagrams for unknown physical systems, alleviating the need for laborious manual techniques and extensive labeled training datasets. The physics-informed machine-learning framework leverages generative models to detect phase transitions in materials, potentially enabling scientists to autonomously discover unknown phases of matter. This innovative method, detailed in a paper published in Physical Review Letters, could significantly enhance the computational efficiency of identifying phase transitions and has potential applications in studying thermodynamic properties and quantum systems.

When AI helps you code, who owns the finished product?

May 15, 2024, 7:32 a.m. • The Register • (5 Minute Read)

The news story explores the evolving issue of ownership in software development, particularly when AI is involved in generating code. The article discusses the author's personal experience with using generative AI to expedite coding tasks, highlighting the challenges and ethical questions that arise. The author reflects on the implications of using AI to write code, questioning the ownership of the resulting content and the impact on copyright protection. The article also includes insights from an attorney specializing in Intellectual Property Law, who acknowledges the complexity of determining ownership in code that incorporates AI-generated content. The story emphasizes the need for legal clarity in addressing the potential devaluation of software copyrights due to the integration of AI in coding processes.

AI Uncovers Hidden Differences in Male and Female Brain Structures

May 14, 2024, 7:11 p.m. • Neuroscience News • (5 Minute Read)

Artificial intelligence (AI) computer programs that process MRI results reveal differences in how the brains of men and women are organized at a cellular level, a new study shows. These variations were spotted in white matter, tissue primarily located in the human brain’s innermost layer, which fosters communication between regions. Men and women are known to experience multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, migraines, and other brain issues at different rates and with varying symptoms. A detailed understanding of how biological sex impacts the brain is therefore viewed as a way to improve diagnostic tools and treatments. The study used an AI technique called machine learning to analyze thousands of MRI brain scans from 471 men and 560 women. The computer programs could accurately distinguish between biological male and female brains by spotting patterns in structure and complexity that were invisible to the human eye. The findings suggest that acknowledging these differences can enhance diagnostic tools and treatments for brain disorders. The results were published online on May 14 in the journal Scientific Reports. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Defense. The researchers involved in the study work at NYU Langone Health and NYU Tandon School of Engineering. They plan to explore the development of sex-related brain structure differences over time to better understand environmental, hormonal, and social factors that could play a role in these changes.

US races to develop AI-powered, GPS-free fighter jets, outpacing China

May 13, 2024, 11:02 a.m. • Interesting Engineering • (2 Minute Read)

The United States is leading a race to develop AI-powered, GPS-free fighter jets, outpacing China in the development of military AI. After a recent dogfight between an AI-piloted F-16 and a regular piloted one, the US Air Force (USAF) reaffirmed its commitment to stay ahead of potential competitors. The US is working on AI pilot training through a combination of machine learning and autonomy, and also developing an AI-based alternative to satellite-dependent GPS navigation to mitigate potential risks to communication, navigation, and banking systems. With the rapid advancement in AI technology, safety and ethical considerations remain at the forefront of the US military's efforts.

Exponential Baby! Navigating The AI Convergence Of Tech With Nvidia

May 11, 2024, 1 p.m. • Forbes • (6 Minute Read)

Sandy Carter explores the exponential growth and convergence of various technological sectors, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). She highlights the overwhelming success of NVIDIA as a pivotal player in powering AI operations, with the company significantly contributing to the rising tide of AI and its exponential impact. CEO Jensen Huang points out the rapid growth of NVIDIA's advanced computing platforms and the exponential increase in compute throughput, spanning nearly 1,000 times in just a couple of years. Furthermore, Carter delves into the convergence of AI and spatial computing, emphasizing the profound implications for industries and the workplace of the future. Moreover, she discusses the resurgence of cryptocurrency and the challenges posed by the exponential growth of data. Amid these rapid technological advancements, Carter underscores the importance of dynamic, empathetic, and forward-thinking leadership in navigating the exponential age. She emphasizes the need for leaders to anticipate and embrace innovation, shaping a culture where technology is an integral part of our evolving humanity.

'Lightning fast': China urged to watch out as US chases unmanned AI-driven F-16s

May 11, 2024, noon • South China Morning Post • (2 Minute Read)

In a recent report, Chinese military observers have raised concerns over America’s pursuit of unmanned AI-driven F-16 fighter jets. The US Air Force Secretary, Frank Kendall, flew in an AI-powered F-16, which showcased lightning-fast maneuvers at speeds exceeding 550 mph. However, analysts in China highlighted the US's long journey before implementing this technology in actual air-to-air combat. While AI-controlled F-16s are anticipated to provide the US with an advantage in air combat due to their superior maneuverability, the intricacies of air combat tactics present considerable challenges for automated platforms. This technological development has prompted China to focus on advancing its own AI-led unmanned warplanes, with both military analysts and state media acknowledging the potential game-changing impact of AI in future combat scenarios.

Apple plans to use M2 Ultra chips in the cloud for AI

May 9, 2024, 10:13 p.m. • The Verge • (1 Minute Read)

Apple is reportedly planning to incorporate its M2 Ultra chips into cloud servers to handle complex artificial intelligence (AI) queries, while keeping simpler tasks on-device. The company is venturing into generative AI by utilizing M2 Ultra chips in data centers before transitioning to more advanced M4 chips. Initially, Apple sought to develop custom chips for data centers under Project ACDC, but now believes its existing processors have sufficient security and privacy measures. The M2 Ultra chips will be deployed in Apple's data centers and eventually extended to third-party servers. Despite not progressing as rapidly as competitors, Apple has released research on AI technology, and its new M4 chip places great emphasis on AI performance.

OpenAI Offers an Olive Branch to Artists Wary of Feeding AI Algorithms

May 7, 2024, 6:54 p.m. • WIRED • (4 Minute Read)

OpenAI has announced a new tool, Media Manager, set to launch in 2025, that will grant artists and content creators more control over how their work is used in AI development. The tool will allow creators to specify whether they want their work to be included or excluded from machine learning research and training. OpenAI says it is working with creators, content owners, and regulators to develop the tool and intends it to "set an industry standard," but many details of the scheme remain unclear. The move comes amid lawsuits against OpenAI from artists, writers, and publishers who allege inappropriate use of their work to train AI algorithms. Some experts are cautiously optimistic about OpenAI's apparent shift on training data, though they emphasize that the implementation will be critical. There are also concerns about the potential complexity of multiple opt-out systems being developed by different AI companies and the burden this may place on artists and creators.

Build generative AI applications with Amazon Bedrock Studio (preview) | Amazon Web Services

May 7, 2024, 4:01 p.m. • AWS Blog • (5 Minute Read)

Amazon recently launched Amazon Bedrock Studio, a web-based generative artificial intelligence (AI) development tool, now available in public preview. This tool aims to streamline the development of generative AI applications by providing a rapid prototyping environment with key Amazon Bedrock features. With this platform, developers can utilize a wide array of top-performing models, experiment, evaluate, and share their generative AI apps within Bedrock Studio. The user interface guides developers through various steps to improve a model’s responses and allows for collaboration with team members without needing advanced machine learning expertise or AWS Management Console access. This initiative is set to provide developers with a focused, secure environment to work with generative AI applications. The Amazon Bedrock Studio is currently available for preview in the US East (N. Virginia) and US West (Oregon) AWS Regions. It promises to offer an effective tool for building generative AI applications and has the potential to shape the future of AI development.

New Microsoft AI model may challenge GPT-4 and Google Gemini

May 6, 2024, 7:51 p.m. • Ars Technica • (2 Minute Read)

Microsoft is reportedly working on a new large-scale AI language model called MAI-1, led by former Google AI leader Mustafa Suleyman. The model, with approximately 500 billion parameters, is said to rival state-of-the-art models from Google, Anthropic, and OpenAI. The development of MAI-1 suggests a dual approach to AI within Microsoft, focusing on both small locally run language models for mobile devices and larger state-of-the-art models powered by the cloud. This marks the first time Microsoft has developed an in-house AI model of this magnitude since investing in OpenAI. Depending on its progress, Microsoft may preview MAI-1 at its Build developer conference later this month.

Unraveling Alzheimer’s: Gut Microbiota Metabolites and Their Interaction with GPCRome

April 24, 2024, 12:47 a.m. • AiDebrief.com • (2 Minute Read)

In a significant advance, researchers have developed a systems biology framework that integrates machine learning with multi-omics to explore the interactions between gut microbial metabolites and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in Alzheimer's disease. The study identified over a million potential interactions and pinpointed specific GPCRs and metabolites linked to the disease, including agmatine and phenethylamine, which significantly reduce Alzheimer’s-associated biomarkers in patient-derived neurons. These findings highlight the potential of targeting GPCR pathways influenced by gut metabolites as novel therapeutic approaches, offering new insights into the gut-brain axis's role in Alzheimer’s pathology.

Microsoft introduces smaller AI model

April 23, 2024, 1:44 p.m. • Reuters

Microsoft has introduced a new lightweight artificial intelligence model called Phi-3-mini, designed to appeal to a broader client base with its cost-effective options. According to Sébastien Bubeck, Microsoft's vice president of GenAI research, the new model is significantly more affordable compared to other models with similar capabilities, offering a 10x cost difference. This move reflects the company's focus on technology that is expected to have a wide-ranging impact on the world and the way people work. The small language models (SLMs) are tailored for simpler tasks, making them accessible to companies with limited resources. Phi-3-mini is now available on Microsoft's cloud service platform Azure's AI model catalog, the machine learning model platform Hugging Face, and the Ollama framework for running models on a local machine. This development comes after Microsoft's recent $1.5 billion investment in UAE-based AI firm G42 and its partnership with French startup Mistral AI to make their models available through its Azure cloud computing platform.

Top 12 AI podcasts to listen to

April 19, 2024, 7:15 p.m. • TechTarget • (6 Minute Read)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field with widespread applications in industries such as marketing, customer service, and data analysis. With the constant advancements in AI technology, staying updated on the latest developments and news can be challenging. Fortunately, podcasts offer an effective way to stay current in the AI world. The top 12 AI podcasts recommended by TechTarget cover a wide range of topics, from daily AI news analysis to discussions with expert guests, making them suitable for listeners of all levels. Hosted by long-time tech journalists, industry experts, and researchers, all of these podcasts have received above 4-star ratings and some are award-winning. Whether you're a nontechnical business leader looking to integrate AI into business practices or a tech-savvy professional interested in machine learning and neural networks, there's a podcast tailored to meet your AI needs.

Boston Dynamics Ushers in a New Era with Electric Atlas

April 18, 2024, 6 a.m. • AiDebrief.com • (2 Minute Read)

Boston Dynamics has introduced a new fully electric Atlas robot, marking a shift from R&D to practical solutions in robotics. This latest model is designed to handle complex tasks in real-world industrial settings, starting with deployments at Hyundai's automotive manufacturing facilities. The electric Atlas features enhanced strength, a broader range of motion, and advanced AI and machine learning capabilities. The launch is supported by Boston Dynamics' new Orbit™ software platform, aimed at managing robot fleets and facilitating digital transformations. This development reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovating humanoid robotics that exceed human capabilities in efficiency and performance.

JPMorgan and other big banks leading on AI 'are really doubling down.' Is it too late for competitors to catch up?

April 16, 2024, 11 a.m. • Fortune • (5 Minute Read)

In a panel discussion at the Fortune Brainstorm AI conference in London, experts discussed the leading role of big banks in adopting AI and the challenges for competitors to catch up. JPMorgan Chase emerged as a top player, with a long-term AI focus and significant investment in innovation and talent. Alexandra Mousavizadeh from Evident Insights noted the growing gap between AI leaders and lagging organizations. Additionally, Edward J. Achtner from HSBC highlighted the challenges in transitioning from proof-of-concept to production. The need for clear vision and attracting AI talent was emphasized by panelists, while Brian Mullins from Mind Foundry stressed the importance of understanding the limitations of generative AI models. The insight gained from the panel suggests that catching up to AI leaders will be challenging but not impossible for banks. Sheryl Estrada, the author of the news story, provided comprehensive coverage of the panel discussion, presenting insights from the key experts and their views on the future of AI in the banking sector. The article also highlighted the challenges faced by banks in adopting AI, offering a well-rounded perspective on the topic.

MIT launches Working Group on Generative AI and the Work of the Future

March 28, 2024, 7 a.m. • MIT News • (5 Minute Read)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has launched a new initiative called the Working Group on Generative AI and the Work of the Future to explore the impact of generative artificial intelligence (AI) on the way we live and work. This working group, with support from Google's Community Grants Fund, is set to examine the implications of generative AI tools on the workforce. MIT President Sally Kornbluth stated that the working group aims to develop practical strategies for using generative AI to improve existing jobs and people's lives, addressing concerns about AI's potential to eliminate jobs. The multidisciplinary team, led by MIT's Industrial Performance Center and involving leading companies and nonprofits, will conduct research, host virtual quarterly meetings, and develop training resources to prepare or retrain workers integrating generative AI tools into their teams. Companies such as Liberty Mutual Insurance and IBM have already joined the initiative, recognizing the need to harness AI to empower employees and drive future capabilities. The working group's research findings and best practices will be shared with the public through various channels. This collaborative effort across sectors and disciplines reflects MIT's commitment to addressing the opportunities and challenges of AI for the benefit of society.

How Artificial Intelligence Helped Write this Award-Winning Song

March 22, 2024, 10:01 a.m. • Scientific American • (7 Minute Read)

Scientific American has recently reported on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolutionized the music industry with award-winning compositions. Yaboi Hanoi, a music technologist from Bangkok, Thailand, created a unique blend of Thai and Western music with the help of machine learning. This allowed him to break away from the constraints of the 12-tone equal temperament tuning that has dominated Western music for centuries. Through AI tools like Mawf, Hanoi transformed recordings of traditional Thai instruments into a fusion EDM track named "Enter Demons & Gods". The piece won the AI Song Contest in 2022, marking a significant leap in diversifying music styles with the aid of AI. This landmark achievement hints at the potential of AI to empower creative individuals in preserving and reinvigorating diverse cultural music traditions.

Qualcomm infuses AI support into Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 platform

March 21, 2024, 10:35 a.m. • The Register • (4 Minute Read)

In a significant move, Qualcomm has integrated AI support into its Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 platform, targeting high-end devices at a lower price point than flagship premium smartphones. This new platform offers on-device generative AI capabilities, improved CPU and GPU performance, and Wi-Fi 7 support. Qualcomm's SVP of mobile handsets, Chris Patrick, highlighted that the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 promises to deliver new levels of entertainment by integrating next-generation technologies for richer experiences. Notably, the platform includes features such as the Hexagon neural processing unit for generative AI support, a 15% increase in CPU performance, a 45% increase in GPU performance, and support for 5G networks with downlink speeds of up to 4.2 Gbps. This development is expected to impact smartphone makers including OnePlus, Realme, and Sharp in the coming months, as they bring devices to market with the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 platform.