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Nov 26, 2023

Deepmind founder says his latest LLM Inflection-2 is the second best in the world

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

Inflection claims that its new language model, Inflection-2, outperforms direct competitors such as Google PaLM-2 and Claude 2, and is second only to GPT-4.

The new model is said to be significantly more powerful than its predecessor, Inflection-1, and, according to the startup, demonstrates improved factual knowledge, better style control, and significantly improved reasoning.

Inflection-1 was released in July. It was roughly on par with GPT-3.5 and PaLM-540B. Inflection-2 should now catch up with GPT-4, the company claims.

Nov 26, 2023

Expedition reveals enormous ocean mountain twice as high as Burj Khalifa

Posted by in category: mapping

“While there is so much we’ve come to understand, so much remains unknown in our Ocean–and we are thrilled to continue exploring.”

Ocean explorers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute have unveiled a colossal underwater mountain, challenging our perceptions of the ocean’s mysterious depths.


Schmidt Ocean Institute.

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Nov 26, 2023

How do noise-canceling headphones work and why are they so popular?

Posted by in category: mobile phones

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to block out the ambient noise and let you focus on what you want to hear.


Wirestock, photoschmidt via iStock.

This feature used to be a niche product for a select group of users, primarily frequent air travelers. But now, with technology being more affordable, it has become more vividly seen in many of the current market offerings. Take Apple’s AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, for example, or Sony’s WH 1,000 XM5 or WF 1,000 XM5 series or, say, the Bose Quite Comfort series. There are many options, from affordable to expensive ones, and the ANC performance varies across the price range.

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Nov 26, 2023

Scientists 3D-Print Hair Follicles in Lab-Grown Skin

Posted by in categories: 3D printing, bioprinting, biotech/medical, chemistry, engineering, life extension

The technique represents an important step in engineering skin grafts, drug testing. A team led by scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has 3D-printed hair follicles in human skin tissue cultured in the lab. This marks the first time researchers have used the technology to generate hair follicles, which play an important role in skin healing and function.

The finding, published in the journal Science Advances, has potential applications in regenerative medicine and drug testing, though engineering skin grafts that grow hair are still several years away.

“Our work is a proof-of-concept that hair follicle structures can be created in a highly precise, reproducible way using 3D-bioprinting. This kind of automated process is needed to make future biomanufacturing of skin possible,” said Pankaj Karande, Ph.D., an associate professor of chemical and biological engineering and a member of Rensselaer’s Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D. Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, who led the study.

Nov 26, 2023

AI tool could help thousands avoid fatal heart attacks

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, robotics/AI

An AI tool that can predict 10-year risk of deadly heart attacks, could transform treatment for patients who undergo CT scans to investigate chest pain, according to British Heart Foundation-funded research presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Philadelphia.

In the first real-world trial of the AI tool, it was found to improve treatment for up to 45 per cent of patients. The AI technology could potentially save the lives of thousands with chest pain, who may not have been identified as at risk of a heart attack, and therefore may not have received appropriate treatment to lower their risk. With the technology also found to be cost-effective, the researchers hope it could change the management of patients who are referred for chest pain investigations, across the NHS.

Every year in the UK around 350,000 people have a cardiac CT scan – the standard test to identify any narrowings or blockages in the coronary arteries. In around three quarters of cases, there is no clear sign of significant narrowings, so patients are often reassured and discharged. Unfortunately, many of these people will die from a heart attack in future, because small, undetectable narrowings may break up if they are inflamed, blocking the arteries. Until recently, it was not possible to identify these patients at risk.

Nov 26, 2023

Researchers develop biodegradable polymers that are traceable without toxic contrast agents

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, chemistry

Polyphosphoesters, molecules containing phosphorus as the central element, are easily traceable without the need for contrast agents, thanks to developments by researchers from the University of Twente (UT). Normally, these molecules display a similar molecular composition to our DNA, leading to considerable “noise” in the image.

The UT researchers provided a solution and developed unique polymers that are traceable with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Dr. Olga Koshkina, Project Leader in the Sustainable Polymer Chemistry Group, published this new concept of traceable polymers in Communications Chemistry.

The researchers adjusted the properties of polyphosphoesters (special polymers with a molecular structure inspired by DNA and RNA). As a result, the polymers acquired a different “MRI color,” making them more distinguishable from the natural background. Additionally, they exhibit other physical MRI characteristics suitable for imaging.

Nov 26, 2023

Man spends millions to attempt to reverse aging

Posted by in categories: innovation, life extension

Bryan Johnson, 45, is using his life as a science experiment to see how long he can live and to reverse signs of aging as he goes. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz reports.

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Nov 26, 2023

What the World Will Be Like in 2123

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, media & arts, transportation

Let’s take a leap into the future, shall we? In 2,123, envision a world where technology is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our lives. Flying cars might not be the norm, but sustainable modes of transportation dominate the scene, with eco-friendly solutions at the forefront. Advanced medical breakthroughs have extended human life expectancy, and perhaps we’ve even cracked the code on combating climate change. Social structures may have evolved, embracing inclusivity and diversity. It’s a realm where innovation and a collective global effort have paved the way for a balanced and interconnected planet. 🌐🚀🔮

Credit:
IKAROS: Andrzej Mirecki, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: IKAROS_solar_sail.jpg.
Press Conference: ESO, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File: Press_Conference_at_ESO_HQ2.tif.

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Nov 26, 2023

Oral Microbiome Tests #8 and 9: Serratia marcescens Is Still A Problem

Posted by in categories: biotech/medical, genetics, life extension

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Nov 26, 2023

‘Huge egos are in play’: behind the firing and rehiring of OpenAI’s Sam Altman

Posted by in category: robotics/AI

The surprise sacking of the AI venture’s CEO was followed by a near mutiny at the company and his reinstatement.