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Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label technology. Show all posts

THE EDGE: Stem Cells from Foreskin of Circumcised Baby Penis' used to Grow 'Mini-Brains' able to Process Data and Run AI, Faster - While Consuming Almost NO ENERGY...

The Edge By Ross Davis

Welcome to THE EDGE, a series that focuses on the edge of technology. This series will not be about obscure, small advances in technology—our goal is to be where you will first hear about something that everyone will be talking about in the next few years. This is where you'll discover tech with the ability to transform and shape our future, and follow its development from its earliest phases.

Personally, as someone who's been interested in the evolution of technology for as long as I can remember, I feel the next wave of technology comes with a risk factor we haven't seen before.

AI brings with it the disruption of human-to-human interaction, whether it be professionally, as it replaces co-workers or entire departments in the workforce, or in the still little-explored but very real issue of AI replacing intimate personal relationships. Virtual reality opens the doors to everything from entertainment reaching new levels of immersion to face-to-face interactions, meetings, and even family gatherings, regardless of the miles separating people. But it also comes with the very real risk of people choosing virtual worlds over real life, replacing themselves with an avatar based on their idealized version of themselves. It can feel real enough that it's easy to ignore the fact that the only interactions in this virtual world are between façades.

The source of the most dangerous technology has remained the same for most of human history, probably because it has always had the largest budget—and that is military technology. Even here, advances introduce entirely new levels of danger, where the atom bomb has become just one of several weapons that could end mankind.

But I chose the topic for this first issue for several reasons: the ability of this technology to have major implications on all the other technologies I've mentioned, the pace at which it is progressing, and the very real concerns that come with it. However, my primary reason for choosing this topic is that while people are familiar with the general concept, outside of the labs where its development is taking place, people seem completely unaware of just how deep scientists are into this uncharted territory.

I’m talking about where life meets machine—the point where the lines between the biological and the artificial are not just blurred, they’re rapidly becoming entirely erased.

Human Stem Cells Used to Create Lab-Grown Brain Tissue, Now Being Used for Organoid Intelligence (OI)...

The human brain can rapidly process massive amounts of data, and brain cells also require less energy to do the work. It turns out when these cells are given data, they return data as well.  This has scientists now working towards a new kind of computer processor, one powered by the neurons we have in our brains instead of silicon. 

Lab-Grown Brains:
The stem cells can come from a number of sources, one popular source for researchers are the previously-discarded foreskin from circumcised infants. These cells can can basically be re-programmed to become stem cells.  Stem cells can be thought of as a human cell that hasn't yet been told what it should become, it can turn into tissue, skin, organs, bone - this is when OI researchers are able guide these cells to become neurons, by putting them in a culture dish with already formed neurons, the neurons secrete molecules that (for lack of better words) tricks the stem cell in to thinking it is supposed to help grow a human brain. Done repeatedly, and eventually you have a lab grown brain.

This image shows a lab-grown mini brain created by Cortical Labs, which learned to play the video game 'pong'. 

Organoid Intelligence represents a new frontier, utilizing lab-grown brain organoids in order to accomplish some sort of computational task. While artificial intelligence today depends on silicon chips and machine-learning algorithms, OI would exploit inherent biological neuron capabilities for information processing and storage. The idea is that self-organizing, adaptive brain-like structures might be far more powerful and flexible for computer systems today, even opening new routes for information processing and cognitive studies.

Controversy
The largest concern with Organoid Intelligence is the eventuality of such brain organoids becoming conscious or sentient. Currently, scientists agree that so far, the  organoids used in research are too simple to become conscious. 

However, as these systems become more complex, and lab grown 'mini-brains' are no longer 'mini' - these artificially constructed brains could develop the the capacity to feel or, worse, think. 

This Tech is Classified as 'Wetware'...

Wetware is our human 'hardware' - the parts of human biology able to process data, such as the brain and central nervous system.  Wetware, in more advanced contexts, embraces also engineered or synthetic biological constructs merging the natural, real capabilities of the brain with advanced technology.

Controversy
Wetware falls into that gray area between biology and technology, begging questions of autonomy, human identity, and the ethics involved in manipulating living systems for technological ends. Some critics see it as the commodification of life or reducing human beings to mere components of larger machine-driven systems. The most heated debates will continue to revolve around privacy and control—are these systems vulnerable to being hacked or manipulated? What might happen when biological and digital components have become so intertwined as to be inseparable?

What's Next?

Wetware systems are here, and just weeks ago, became accessible to people outside of research labs when a Swiss company announced the world's first 'neuroplatform' where a 4-Organoid biocomputer can be accessed for a $500/month fee. 

Now that it's here, the future of wetware is about increasing its capabilities, by growing larger networks of lab-grown neutrons. The successive stages of development into brain-computer interfaces will be advanced neuroprosthetics, neural interfaces that WOULD enable real-time interaction between the activity of a brain and machine learning algorithms. Among other things, this might have serious implications from both the medical and enhancement ends, pushing us toward a world where thoughts can directly control computers—and conceivably vice versa.

Neural Dust: Tiny Sensors Inside Your Brain

Neural Dust is formed from micro-sized, wirelessly powered sensors that can be implanted in the human body and, more particularly, inside the brain, for the perception and manipulation of neural activity. These speck-of-dust-sized particles operate on the power provided by external ultrasound to send information about real-time brain activity to the outside world. Some of the other potential uses of Neural Dust include the treatment of various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, and deeper brain-computer interfacing that could enable people to control machines with their minds.

Controversy
The very notion of dust-sized sensors nestled inside our bodies or brains conjures up certain immediate implications of privacy and self-governance. That such sensors may, in fact, be capable of monitoring brain activity and maybe even altering it opens up a Pandora's box of ethical considerations: who does the information belong to, and what are the safeguards against misuse or surveillance? In theory, Neural Dust might allow for highly invasive monitoring; it could be a tool for government overreach or corporate exploitation. There are also medical risks since the long-term effects of having foreign objects implanted in the body—let alone the brain—are not yet fully understood.

What's Next?
But despite these cautions, researchers forge ahead. The next generation of Neural Dust sensors will be even smaller and could, in theory, be used to monitor individual neurons and directly respond with artificial intelligence. Applications could range from advanced medical treatments to human augmentation and more: the direct integration of the brain with the machinery around it. At every single step, there will be the need to discuss exhaustively privacy, consent, safety, and security.

In Closing...

Organoid Intelligence, Wetware, and Neural Dust are only the very cutting edges of technologies where biology and computing meet. While such technologies have the power to disrupt businesses, from medicine to artificial intelligence, by providing never-before-imagined capabilities, they also face us with a completely new world of ethical dilemmas and beg questions about our stance toward technology, biology, and our perceived sense of self.

The crazy thing is, this still barely scratches the surface. But the goal isn’t to cover everything there is to know, but instead to cover what you need to know to stay informed, aware, and ready for how emerging new technologies can shape our world - and our lives.

Stay tuned for more as we continue to explore the edge of innovation.

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Author: Ross Davis
Silicon Valley Newsroom

Video: As Robotics and AI Merge, a Huge Competition for Progress, and Funding, is Developing...


In This Video: Major technology and robotics companies are advancing their efforts to develop and train artificial intelligence models. These AI systems are being designed to perform a wide range of roles and functions, preparing for a future where AI is integral to various industries and aspects of everyday life.

Video Courtesy of NBC News

Major Windows Security Hole Went Unpatched by Microsoft for Over a YEAR...

 

Windows Exploit

Hackers have been targeting Windows 10 and 11 users with malware for over a year, but a fix has finally arrived in the latest Windows update released on July 9th.

This vulnerability, exploited by malicious code since at least January 2023, was reported to Microsoft by researchers. It was fixed on Tuesday as part of Microsoft’s monthly patch release, tracked as CVE-2024-38112. The flaw, residing in the MSHTML engine of Windows, had a severity rating of 7.0 out of 10.

Security firm Check Point discovered the attack code, which used “novel tricks” to lure Windows users into executing remote code. One method involved a file named Books_A0UJKO.pdf.url, which appeared as a PDF in Windows but was actually a .url file designed to open an application via a link.

Internet Explorer Continues to Haunt Windows...

When viewed in Windows, these files looked like PDFs, but they opened a link that called msedge.exe (Edge browser). This link included attributes like mhtml: and !x-usc:, a trick long used by threat actors to open applications such as MS Word. Instead of opening in Edge, the link would open in Internet Explorer (IE), which is less secure and outdated.

Internet Explorer, Microsoft's infamously insecure browser has been discontinued for years, and even more previously unknown vulnerabilities are still occasionally discovered.  The point being - once a hacker has Internet Explorer open, and the ability to tell it to open a URL, they can choose from a wide variety of methods to install software, execute code, or destroy data.

IE would prompt the user with a dialog box to open the file, and if the user clicked “open,” a second dialog box appeared, vaguely warning about opening content on the Windows device. Clicking “allow” would cause IE to load a file ending in .hta, running embedded code.

Haifei Li, the Check Point researcher who discovered the vulnerability, summarized the attack methods: the first technique used the “mhtml” trick to call IE instead of the more secure Chrome/Edge. The second technique tricked users into thinking they were opening a PDF while actually executing a dangerous .hta application. The goal was to make victims believe they were opening a PDF using these two tricks.

Check Point’s report includes cryptographic hashes for six malicious .url files used in the campaign, which Windows users can use to check if they’ve been targeted.

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Author: Stephen Hannan
New York Newsroom

'Godfather of AI' on AI's Potential Risk To Society...

Geoffrey Hinton is one of the leading voices in the field of AI,  he quit his job at Google over concerns about what AI could eventually lead to if unchecked.

Video courtesy of PBS Newshour

19 of The World's Largest Tech Companies ORDERED to REVEAL Algorithms Behind Their Latest AI Developments....

ai in europe

The European Commission is making 19 tech giants, including Amazon, Google, TikTok, and YouTube, reveal their AI algorithms under the Digital Services Act. This is a significant step towards making AI more transparent and accountable, and ultimately, improving our lives.

As we know, AI is expected to impact every aspect of our lives, from healthcare to education, to even how well we write. However, it also generates fear, such as concerns about machines becoming smarter than us or causing harm inadvertently. To avoid these risks, transparency and accountability will be crucial for AI to benefit us positively.

The EU Artificial Intelligence Act aims to achieve this goal. By sharing commercial information with regulators before using AI for sensitive practices such as hiring, companies can be held accountable for the outcomes of their algorithms. EU rules could quickly become the global standard, making this a significant development in AI regulation.

However, there's always a balance to strike when it comes to regulation. The major tech companies view AI as the next big thing, and innovation in this field is now a geopolitical race. Too much regulation could stifle progress, but at the same time, we need to make sure that companies are accountable for their algorithms' outcomes.

Companies will also need to answer any questions the commission members have about their AI projects.

\This is a significant development for AI regulation that will benefit everyone. By making AI more transparent and accountable, we can ensure that it improves our lives and avoids the potential risks.

Will They Even Have The Answers?

Interestingly, AI researchers are increasingly devoting time to understanding what AI is doing. Sometimes they can dig into the data and identify particular parameters on which the AI relies heavily. However, explaining why AI did or said something can be like explaining a magic trick without knowing the secret. 

This may be the most alarming revelation from these hearings – the creators don't always understand their creations.

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Author: Trevor Kingsley
Tech News CITY /New York Newsroom

Banking App PAYS YOU To Try It Out - Stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr Fund New 'Green' Banking Startup...

Aspiration Mobile App Download and Review

From Hollywood to finance? This banking app is backed by stars Leonardo DeCaprio and Robert Downey Jr - they're entering the financial sector, and keeping their involvement 'behind the scenes' for this one.  

With DiCaprio's Investment This "Environmentally Cconscious" Banking App is PAYING People to Try It...

Yes, the rumors are confirmed that a "green digital banking" solution that just launched is backed by the funds of DiCaprio himself.

With these funds they can afford the expensive but effective marketing strategy of  paying people to try it out - you can claim $50 once you setup the app and your first transaction.

DiCaprio is going all in on his 'stop global warming' campaign, so this is part of multiple earth-friendly investments, others include the climate technology fund with Princeville Capital, and new adviser role with green start-up Bluon Energy. 


The app is called Aspiration, which NerdWallet described as "the only socially conscious bank on their list" caught his eye. Now it's caught ours, so lets get right in to this Aspiration Review!

"Each year, $100 billion worth of pipelines, drilling and other fossil fuel-extraction projects are funded with money deposited at traditional banks. To bring about long-term solutions for our planet, we need alternatives that empower everyday consumers to take action against climate change…" is how DiCaprio decided to invest in the new app, he tells us.

With this, the Aspiration Banking App has $100 Million in venture capital to play with, and they're spending it.

This graphic shows some of the new things they're bringing to banking....:
Aspiration app review bank Zelle cash back app
A look at some features.

Get Your Piece of the $100 Million Pie…

Now you can get those good feelings Leo got, by getting the app, getting a $50 'welcome' deposit from then, and then choosing a charity you'd like them to donate another $25 to.

At a price tag of $75 spent on every new user it's the biggest mobile banking app bonus we've seen so far.

…and that's not even everything, lastly, being a user comes with cell phone insurance up to $600 included for free!

I have to admit, it feels good getting some perks from a bank, that's something I only heard of as a 'back in my day' story from parents and grandparents.

Is It Actually Worth Using?


It actually is! They refund your ATM charges (not just the ones your bank charges, they literally pay you $3 if an ATM charged you $3!)

The app is free, with the option to donate if you like it, or not.

They pay you interest on the funds you save with them, and those profits won't be made by investing in companies that pollute.

So do some good for the world, and claim your $50 by joining the free app now.

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Author: Don Kennedy
Austin Newsdesk Aspiration Review

Like Free Money? You like this app too: Cash Back on Gas!

FINALLY - We Have DoorDash, UberEats and Uber Promo Codes... For EXISTING Users! (2022 Updated!)

Promo Code Discounts For Existing Users Of DoorDash and Uber Eats

There's A New App That Will Give Users A Discount On EVERY ORDER...

If you’re using Uber, UberEats, or DoorDash in 2022, you likely placed your first order using a promo code that was strictly for brand spanking new users. Since then, you’ve spent plenty but haven’t gotten any discounts, like they forgot about existing customers.

Finally there’s an answer for everybody asking when these apps will have promo codes for existing users! It’s about time those that faithfully and frequently get rides from Uber, or food delivered from Doordash and Uber Eats get something too.

The Existing Users Discount Comes Easier Than You'd Think.

All You Need Is This App For iPhone Or Android...

It's called Fluz, and yes it’s totally free — no membership fees ever! you merely use it when ordering your food from Doordash/UberEats, or before you invite a ride from Uber.

Available for both iPhone and Android, and it gives you discounts on EVERY ORDER you make on any of these popular apps, regardless of how long you've been a customer.

Promo Code and Existing Customer Makes A Happy User  doordash existing user discount

Up To 45% Off EVERY Time…

Yep, we’re not talking a few small discount either. This really adds up if you employ these apps often like I do.

At the time of publishing this , the present offer is 20% but I think it goes as high as 38% and as low as 2% (there’s dozens of popular places you'll earn cashback from on here, and it looks like they rotate which of them pay high or low).

Better than Getting A Promo Code As An Existing User of Uber and DoorDash.

The Fluz App Is Quick Cashback Earnings From Dozens Of Popular Places. catch on at https://www.fluz.rocks

Actually Get Your ‘Cash Back’…

You may have wasted time on other apps that used the term ‘cash back’ just to see future discounts  had a limited place to use them.

I’m happy to report, none of that BS here. You’re able to transfer money to your checking account via PayPal — whenever you want… the cash = back!

With No Fees, Ever…

This isn’t some scheme where they’ll let a bunch of individuals join free, then slap a monthly fee on once it’s popular enough. Fluz promises to NEVER charge a fee.

“No transaction fees. No signup fees. No payout fees” - just discounts! 

How are they able to give these discounts?

My first concern was — are they selling my personal info?  Not only is that not happening — but they’re actually protecting it. They guard your info with “Bank level-security” AES-256 encryption.

You only got to link your card once then can begin spending at dozens of places earning cash back. Before Fluz, you'd have needed to type in your card to each of them.

They’ve simply arranged partnerships with the businesses you see inside. Apps like this attract smart spenders — the people that search for good rewards programs actually tend to earn extra money. They’re people that are smart with their money, because they worked hard to earn it.

So — existing users of Uber, Uber Eats, and Doordash — enjoy this one! Life isn’t so bad as an existing customer.

Grab your discounts at https://www.fluz.rocks/


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Author: Cody Garrison
Palo Alto Newsroom