FEAR FACTOR.
OpenAI, before Sam Altman’s temporary dismissal, was developing a highly advanced AI system, Q*, which raised safety concerns among its researchers. Q*, pronounced “Q-Star,” demonstrated the ability to solve unfamiliar math problems, a significant advancement in AI. This development, along with the rapid pace of the system’s progression, alarmed some safety researchers at OpenAI. The situation coincided with organizational turmoil at OpenAI, leading to Altman’s brief removal and subsequent reinstatement after staff and Microsoft, OpenAI’s major investor, showed overwhelming support for him. Concerns are growing over companies like OpenAI rapidly moving towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), capable of tasks at or above human intelligence levels, potentially escaping human control. Experts view the math-solving capabilities of large language models like Q* as a major breakthrough. OpenAI, initially a nonprofit, now operates a commercial subsidiary under Altman, funded significantly by Microsoft. It aims to develop safe, beneficial AGI, with a new board chaired by Bret Taylor to ensure alignment with this mission. OpenAI’s emphasis on safety was a speculated reason for Altman’s sacking, but this was denied by his interim successor, Emmett Shear. OpenAI has not yet commented on these developments. (The Guardian)
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BRAIN CELLS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER-EATING.
Researchers have identified brain cells in mice that regulate eating speed and cessation. Published in Nature, this study enhances understanding of appetite control. Vagal nerves in the gut signal to the brainstem’s caudal nucleus of the solitary tract, containing prolactin-releasing hormone (PRLH) and GCG neurons, about food consumption and nutrients. Previously, it was unclear how these neurons functioned in awake mice. Zachary Knight and his team at the University of California, San Francisco, used genetically modified mice with light-sensitive PRLH neurons to study this. They discovered that PRLH neurons activate when mice lick liquid food and deactivate upon stopping, indicating that oral signals can override gut signals. By activating PRLH neurons with a laser, they could slow the mice’s eating pace. Additionally, mice lacking the ability to taste sweetness showed no PRLH neuron activation during feeding, linking taste to these neurons. The study also found that GCG neurons, activated by gut signals, determine when mice stop eating. Neuroscientist Chen Ran from Harvard University believes these findings are relevant to humans, as such neural circuits are typically conserved across species. This research provides new insights into how taste influences appetite regulation. (Nature)
LAB GROWN MEAT.
Believer Meats, among over 150 startups, is developing “cultivated” meat, produced from cells rather than traditional farming methods. This emerging industry aims to reduce environmental impacts and change global protein production, similar to electric cars’ influence on the auto sector. This approach starts with cells from tissue, fertilized eggs, or cell banks, which are then grown in bioreactors with nutrient-rich broth. The process, originating from medical research, allows for the creation of meat fibers mixed with plant proteins. However, challenges exist, such as mimicking complex meat structures, regulatory hurdles, and public perception. Many are hesitant to try this “lab-grown” meat, with concerns over safety and taste. Production costs, once exorbitant, are gradually decreasing. Companies are partnering with traditional meat producers, attracting investors, and building new facilities to scale up. Experts believe scientific challenges will be overcome, but changing public perception remains a significant hurdle. Despite skepticism, some who have tried cultivated meat find it comparable to traditional meat. The industry, growing rapidly, is seen as a potential long-term solution to meet increasing meat demand and address climate concerns, although it’s unlikely to transform human diets soon. (Associated Press)
FISHING CHIMPS.
Chimpanzees in western Tanzania primarily fish for termites during the early wet season when other foods are abundant, a study by the University of California Santa Cruz and University College London reveals. This seasonal activity suggests chimpanzees engage in termite fishing by choice, not necessity. The research involved replicating chimpanzee tool use and techniques, revealing termites are most accessible following initial rainfall. Termites, a vital nutrient source, become available as they leave their mounds through flight holes. The study, combining meteorological data, camera traps, and termite-fishing trials, shows a clear link between rainfall and termite availability. These findings indicate chimpanzees might anticipate termite availability, adjusting their foraging behavior with seasonal changes. While some chimpanzee communities fish for termites year-round, the activity peaks in the early wet season due to environmental factors like soil conditions. The study highlights the complexity of chimpanzee foraging and cognitive abilities. (Frontiers In)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Techcrunch.