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We have entered the era of AI malaise
AI is spreading everywhere, and it’s not going away. But what will happen from this? What impact will this have on our society? Will this make life better, or worse? How will we know? what is the plan?
This technology could take away our jobs—or instead, destroy the economy. All our apps are getting an injection of AI, whether you want it or not. And it’s becoming impossible to tell whether we’re relying too much on AI or not using it enough.
We’re all sitting uncomfortably with AI right now. Read our essay on the strange, uncertain mood of this moment.
The era of AI malaise Here’s an essay written by our editor-in-chief, Matt Honan. it supports MIT Technology Review 10 things that matter in AI right nowOur list of the big ideas, trends and advances in the field that are driving progress today – and will shape what’s possible tomorrow.
Here’s how technology changed baby making
Technology is changing the way we have children. Doctors have improved hormonal treatments. Embryologists have long devised ways to culture embryos in the laboratory. IVF clinics today offer many genetic tests for embryos.
Technology has also had a major social impact, changing the structure of families and making more reproductive options available to prospective parents. Now, AI and robots are all set to usher in another new era for IVF.
Here’s how technology is reshaping baby making.
-Jessica Hamzelau
it Story It’s from The Checkup, our weekly newsletter giving you the inside scoop on all things biotech. Sign up To get it in your inbox every Thursday.
How Robots Learn: A Brief, Contemporary History
For decades, researchers have been inspired by science fiction robots that can move around the world, adapt to different environments and interact with people. But getting these devices into real-world dirt has proven incredibly difficult.
Now, advances in AI are changing this. Instead of relying on rigid rules, robots are learning through trial and error, simulations, and massive amounts of real-world data. This advancement represents a revolution in how machines interact with their surroundings.
It also means Silicon Valley roboticists are dreaming big again. Here’s how we got here.
-James O’Donnell
it Story This is from the latest issue of our print magazine, which is all about nature. Subscribe now To read it completely.
Must read
I’ve scoured the internet to find you today’s funniest/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 ICE plans to develop its own smart glasses
“ICE Glasses” will identify people in real time. (404 media)
+ ICE already uses facial recognition apps to track citizens. (NYT $)
+ A new lawsuit seeks to stop ICE from using DNA to track critics. (Ars Technica)
2 AI is distorting key economic signals
This makes growth look better and the job market look worse. (WSJ $)
+ Welcome to the economic singularity. (MIT Technology Review)
3 A cyber attack cripples thousands of schools
And stole data of 275 million people from edtech platform Canvas. (NYT $)
+ Digital learning software is used across America. (cnn)
+ This is the worst case scenario of an attack on a single education platform. (wired $)
4 US suspects Nvidia chips were smuggled to Alibaba via Thailand
Super Micro servers containing Nvidia chips were allegedly smuggled. (bloomberg $)
+ Through a firm associated with Thailand’s national AI initiative. (reuters $)
China’s 5 affordable AI models are raising concerns in Silicon Valley
They are often cheaper and more adaptable than American rivals. (bloomberg $)
+ China is betting big on open source. (MIT Technology Review)
6 Scientists Develop a New Energy Storage System Inspired by Sunburn
It stores solar energy by mimicking molecular changes in damaged DNA. (BBC)
+ Solar and wind are becoming cost-competitive with battery storage. (reuters $)
+ Here are three other important climate technologies. (MIT Technology Review)
7 Russia’s Internet Blockade Is Hurting Small Businesses
App restrictions and internet outages are causing headaches. (reuters $)
8 Young researchers more likely to produce “disruptive” science
A new study found that more experience led to fewer successes. (Nature)
9 Why Richard Dawkins Was Wrong To Believe Clouds Have Emotions
But the direction of his investigation was not entirely foolproof. (atlantic $)
+ Why it would be difficult to tell if AI would ever become conscious. (MIT Technology Review)
10 Golden Globes Have New AI Rules (And They’re Weaker Than The Oscars)
AI is allowed as an enhancement, but not as a replacement. (gizmodo)
+ Last week, the Oscars banned AI actors and writing. (npr)
today’s thought
“When I’m talking to these amazing creatures, I completely forget that they are machines. I treat them exactly as I would a very intelligent friend.”
-Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins reflects on his interactions with advanced AI systems in an essay published to unravel.
one more thing
How to prevent a state from collapsing
Over a 10-month period in 2020 and 2021, southwest Louisiana saw five climate-related disasters, including two devastating hurricanes and flash flooding. But there may be a better way to protect the area: height.
The $6.8 billion Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project is betting that this stretch of coastline can be preserved by erecting buildings while restoring coastal range lands that have long served as natural barriers.
Here’s how officials hope to protect vulnerable communities by moving homes out of flood zones.
-Xander Peters
we can still have good things
A place of relaxation, fun and distractions to brighten your day. (Any ideas? drop me a line.)
+ soaking in a hot tub May provide even more health benefits than a sauna.
+ a court officially Protected America’s largest rainforest From future logging.
+ experience The glory of the world’s largest owl collection Through these intimate, high-detail images.
+ has a father Changed your child’s random stories High-production pop songs that are surprisingly catchy.
