Project Aims to Merge AI with Human Brain Cells

Pivot 5: 5 stories. 5 minutes a day. 5 days a week.

1. Project Aims to Merge AI with Human Brain Cells

A team of researchers has received a $600,000 grant from Australia's Office of National Intelligence to explore the merging of human brain cells with artificial intelligence. In collaboration with Melbourne-based startup Cortical Labs, the team has already demonstrated how a cluster of roughly 800,000 brain cells in a Petri dish can play a game of ""Pong.""

The goal is to merge biology with AI, potentially advancing machine learning tech for applications such as self-driving cars, autonomous drones, or delivery robots. The researchers believe that this new technology could eventually surpass the performance of existing, purely silicon-based hardware.

According to team lead Adeel Razi, the tech could allow a machine intelligence to ""learn throughout its lifetime"" like human brain cells. This would enable it to learn new skills without losing old ones and apply existing knowledge to new tasks. The researchers are aiming to grow brain cells in a lab dish to investigate this process of ""continual lifelong learning.""

While the project is highly ambitious and will likely take some time to complete, the researchers believe that it will help develop better AI machines that replicate the learning capacity of biological neural networks. This could potentially make them a viable replacement for in silico computing.

Read the full story here

2. Virtual Hosts Driven by AI Disrupt China's Live-Streaming Commerce

China's live-streaming e-commerce market is undergoing a significant disruption due to the emergence of AI-powered virtual hosts. These virtual hosts, created using generative AI, are capable of round-the-clock sessions, providing a more cost-effective alternative to human live-streamers. This application of generative AI highlights the technology's potential to bring about sweeping changes to traditional occupations in China.

Major brands in China are showing interest in using generative AI-driven virtual hosts for their online campaigns. For instance, Beijing-based startup WH Zones is collaborating with local electronics giants and international cosmetics conglomerates to launch online campaigns featuring virtual live-streamers. The integration of virtual host technology with the influence of human celebrities is expected to boost online sales.

However, the rise of AI-powered virtual hosts also poses a threat to the jobs of over 400,000 human live-streamers across various platforms, including Alibaba Group Holding's Taobao Live, Tencent Holdings' WeChat, ByteDance-owned Douyin, and Kuaishou Technology. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on traditional occupations and industries is becoming increasingly evident.

Read the full story here

3. AI Boom Fuels Tech Sector Optimism, Stocks Soar

The recent boom in the AI sector has sparked optimism in the tech industry, leading to a surge in tech stocks. This resurgence is largely attributed to breakthroughs in generative AI, such as the ChatGPT chatbot, which have promised a new era of growth for the sector. The S&P 500 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite have seen significant gains, with increases of 18.6% and 35.7% respectively so far in 2023.

Major tech companies, including Meta, Alphabet, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft, have been major beneficiaries of this AI-driven growth. The AI frenzy has provided a general lift to the sector, with chipmaker Nvidia becoming a $1tn company due to demand for its products that provide processing power for the new technology. Cloud computing services, which rent out server capacity to companies, are also benefiting as they are being used to train and operate generative AI models.

However, some investment professionals urge caution, noting that the tech sector has become a ""very narrow, thematically driven market"" fueled by generative AI. Despite the AI frenzy, tech companies are not immune to the wider US (and global) economy. For instance, Apple is forecast to post a drop in revenue. Yet, the optimism generated by AI seems to be providing a convincing answer to any concerns.

Read the full story here

4. OpenAI Launches Custom Instructions for Enhanced ChatGPT Interaction

OpenAI has introduced custom instructions for ChatGPT users, significantly enhancing the chatbot's user experience. This feature allows users to set context without having to prompt the chatbot every time they interact with it. For example, a teacher can specify they are teaching fourth-grade math, or a developer can specify their preferred code language.

The custom instructions also work with plug-ins, making it easier for them to suggest restaurants or flights based on the user's location. While users can already specify these things while chatting with the bot, custom instructions are helpful if users need to set the same context frequently.

However, the feature is currently in beta and available for Plus plan users, excluding those based in the EU and the U.K. Users can try out this feature on the web by opting into Custom instructions under Beta features in the Settings. OpenAI notes that the information given to customize responses will be used to train its API models to adapt to different instructions. Despite these advancements, OpenAI ensures that user safety is prioritized by using its moderation API to scan customized instructions for any unsafe content.

Read the full story here

5. Guiding Engineering Teams Through the Generative AI Hype

As generative AI continues to make headlines, engineering teams are faced with the challenge of navigating the hype and making the most of the technology. While the potential of generative AI is significant, it's crucial for teams to channel ideas into realistic projects and understand the limitations of the technology.

A checklist for evaluating potential machine learning projects can be a valuable tool in this process. Key considerations include whether a simpler approach has already been tried, the availability of high-quality data, and the definition of 'good enough'. It's also important to consider whether there's an analogous problem with a documented machine learning solution.

While the hype around generative AI is inevitable, the depth of the 'Trough of Disillusionment' can be controlled by setting realistic expectations and delivering value. By channeling new ideas into realistic projects and upskilling teams, engineering leaders can capitalize on the opportunities that advances in machine learning are creating. Despite the hype, generative AI can become a useful tool in an engineering team's repertoire, provided it's approached with a healthy dose of skepticism and a clear understanding of its potential and limitations.

Read the full story here