Sign up to save tools and stay up to date with the latest in AI
bg
bg
1

The Download: a microbiome gold rush, and Eric Schmidt’s election misinformation plan

Dec 18, 2023 - technologyreview.com
The article discusses the importance of microbiomes in human health and the potential of hunter-gatherer societies, such as the Yanomami in the Amazon, to hold the key to healthier microbiomes. However, the benefits of these microbiomes and their potential to be shared with others are yet to be confirmed. The article also highlights concerns about biopiracy, where natural resources are taken from poorer countries for the benefit of wealthier ones.

In another section, the article presents Eric Schmidt's six-point plan for combating election misinformation. Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, emphasizes the need for platforms and regulators to act quickly to regain user trust and safeguard democracy. His plan proposes technical approaches that platforms should adopt to protect their users. The article also mentions various technology-related news, including Blue Origin's rocket launch, AI companies' fixation on the media, the bursting of the EV hype bubble, and the use of AI in self-driving cars.

Key takeaways:

  • Scientists are studying the microbiomes of hunter-gatherer groups, such as the Yanomami, to understand if they host microbes that have been lost in more sanitized societies. However, it's unclear if these microbiomes are "healthier" and if their benefits can be shared.
  • Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt proposes six technical approaches to combat election misinformation, as AI is making social media more toxic. Over 4 billion people are expected to vote in 2024, making it the biggest election year in history.
  • Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket is set to launch, but without a crew on board. Meanwhile, China has launched a spy satellite using its tallest ever rocket.
  • Startups are using reinforcement learning, an AI technique, to teach cars to drive from scratch on real roads. This approach could potentially make driverless cars an everyday reality.
View Full Article

Comments (0)

Be the first to comment!