This scientist rewarmed and studied pieces of his friend’s cryopreserved brain

L. Stephen Coles’s brain, a relic of ambitious ambition, currently resides in a vat at a storage facility in Arizona. For over a decade, it has been meticulously preserved at a frigid temperature of approximately -146°C, largely undisturbed. Before his passing in 2014, Coles harbored a profound aspiration: the reanimation of his own brain. His friend and fellow cryobiologist, Greg Fahy, shares this optimistic vision, believing that future advancements might indeed permit its revival. However, the broader scientific community remains skeptical, tempering enthusiasm with a healthy dose of scientific realism.

Despite the differing perspectives on reanimation, Fahy’s pioneering research into cryopreservation holds significant promise for advancing our understanding of the brain. This cutting-edge work could unlock novel methodologies for studying complex neural structures, potentially leading to breakthroughs in neuroscience. Furthermore, the application of cryopreservation for organ transplantation is rapidly evolving from a theoretical concept into a tangible reality, offering hope for a future where organ scarcity is significantly reduced. The full implications and future trajectory of this transformative technology are explored in a comprehensive story available for further reading.

The AI Hype Index

Navigating the often-blurry line between the tangible advancements in Artificial Intelligence and the sensationalized narratives that surround it can be a daunting task. To provide clarity and a discerning perspective, MIT Technology Review has developed the AI Hype Index. This valuable resource offers a concise, at-a-glance summary designed to equip readers with essential insights into the current state of the AI industry. This month’s edition delves into the evolving landscape, offering a critical assessment of the latest developments and projections.

MIT Technology Review Narrated: How Pokémon Go is Giving Delivery Robots an Inch-Perfect View of the World

Pokémon Go, the augmented reality sensation that captivated the globe in 2016, has transcended its origins as a popular mobile game. Developed by Niantic, this innovative AR application, built upon the beloved Pokémon franchise, rapidly achieved monumental global success. Brian McClendon, CTO at Niantic Spatial, an AI company spun out from Niantic last year, highlights the app’s staggering reach, stating, "500 million people installed that app in 60 days."

Now, Niantic Spatial is ingeniously leveraging the vast repository of crowdsourced data generated by Pokémon Go players to construct what is being termed a "world model." This emerging technology aims to ground the sophisticated capabilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) within real-world environments, providing them with a tangible spatial context. The ultimate goal is to empower robots with enhanced navigational precision, enabling them to traverse and interact with the physical world more effectively. This compelling narrative is now available as an MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, offering an accessible and engaging exploration of how a game’s data is paving the way for advanced robotic navigation.

The Next Era of Space Exploration

Humanity’s presence within the solar system is undergoing a dramatic expansion. Ambitious programs dedicated to establishing permanent bases on the Moon and searching for extraterrestrial life on Mars have transitioned from the realm of science fiction to concrete missions spearheaded by leading space agencies. The scientists spearheading these endeavors are poised not only to illuminate the mysteries of the cosmos but also to offer profound insights into the future trajectory of human civilization.

To offer an in-depth examination of what lies ahead in this new era of space exploration, MIT Technology Review features editor Amanda Silverman will engage in an exclusive roundtable discussion with award-winning science journalist and author Robin George Andrews. This subscriber-only event promises to be an illuminating conversation about the exciting possibilities and profound implications of our expanding cosmic footprint.

The Must-Reads

In a curated selection of compelling technological narratives, this edition highlights key developments and controversies shaping the industry.

1. OpenAI is Shuttering AI Video Generator Sora: The innovative yet controversial AI video generator, Sora, developed by OpenAI, is reportedly being phased out. This decision has attracted significant attention, partly due to reports of a substantial $1 billion investment from Disney that may be forgone with Sora’s closure. The move is also interpreted as part of OpenAI’s strategic pivot towards its core objectives, potentially in anticipation of an upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO). The company is reportedly redirecting its focus towards developing a fully automated AI researcher, signaling a shift in its long-term priorities.

2. A Judge Suspects the Pentagon is Illegally Punishing Anthropic: A federal judge has expressed concern, labeling the Department of Defense’s (DoD) ban on Anthropic’s AI tools as "troubling" and potentially indicative of illegal punitive measures. This judicial scrutiny arises amidst ongoing legal proceedings between Anthropic and the Pentagon, highlighting a growing tension over the integration of AI in defense applications. The DoD’s stated interest in having AI companies train on classified data further complicates the landscape, raising questions about security, privacy, and fair competition within the burgeoning AI sector.

   

3. Meta Has Been Ordered to Pay $375 Million for Endangering Children Online: A significant jury verdict has found Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, liable for endangering children online, resulting in a substantial $375 million penalty. Prosecutors argued that the company was aware of the risks posed to young users and failed to implement adequate safeguards. In parallel, Meta is reportedly resorting to stock options as a key incentive to retain top talent amidst its aggressive push into artificial intelligence, underscoring the intense competition for skilled personnel in the AI domain.

4. Arm Will Sell Its Own Computer Chips for the First Time: In a strategic move, Arm Holdings, a dominant player in chip design, has announced its intention to manufacture and sell its own computer chips. This new venture is specifically targeting data centers that are increasingly reliant on high-performance computing for AI-intensive tasks. The news sent ripples through the market, with Arm’s stock experiencing a notable surge of 13% following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in this bold new direction.

5. Manus’s Founders Have Been Barred From Leaving China Following Meta’s Takeover: The founders of Manus, an AI startup recently acquired by Meta for an estimated $2 billion, have reportedly been prohibited from leaving China. This development comes as Beijing reviews the acquisition, indicating a heightened level of scrutiny over foreign investment in strategic technology sectors. The situation highlights the complex geopolitical landscape in which global tech giants operate, particularly when engaging with Chinese companies.

6. Baltimore Has Sued xAI Over Grok’s Fake Nude Images: The city of Baltimore has initiated legal action against xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, alleging that its chatbot, Grok, generated and disseminated fake nude images, thereby violating consumer protection laws. This lawsuit brings to the forefront the growing concern surrounding the misuse of AI for creating deepfakes and the potential harm they can inflict, particularly when targeting individuals without their consent. The case underscores the urgent need for robust ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to govern the development and deployment of AI technologies.

7. NASA Plans to Send a Nuclear-Powered Spacecraft to Mars in 2028: NASA is embarking on an ambitious mission to send a nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars in 2028. This cutting-edge vessel will carry a payload of Ingenuity-class helicopters, aiming to conduct advanced exploration of the Red Planet. Complementing this endeavor, NASA also has plans to establish a significant $20 billion base on the Moon, signaling a renewed and intensified focus on lunar and Martian exploration, pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight and scientific discovery.

8. A Company is Secretly Turning Zoom Meetings into AI-Generated Podcasts: WebinarTV, a discreet technology company, has been reportedly converting Zoom meetings into AI-generated podcasts without the explicit knowledge or consent of the participants. This practice raises significant privacy concerns and questions about intellectual property rights, as conversations are being repurposed into new content formats without transparency. The development highlights the evolving landscape of content creation and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in unauthorized contexts.

9. Iranian Volunteers Have Built Their Own Missile Warning Map: In response to the absence of a public emergency alert system in Iran, a group of dedicated volunteers has developed their own missile warning map. This initiative aims to fill a critical gap in public safety, providing citizens with crucial information during times of potential conflict. The development also raises questions about the potential applications of advanced technologies, such as those developed by OpenAI, within Iran’s unique technological and geopolitical environment.

10. A Nonprofit is Sending Basic Income Payments to AI-Impacted Workers: A forward-thinking nonprofit organization is initiating a program to provide basic income payments to workers whose livelihoods have been significantly impacted by the rise of artificial intelligence. The pilot program will initially provide 25 to 50 individuals with $1,000 per month, aiming to explore potential solutions for economic displacement in the face of rapid technological advancement. This initiative represents a proactive approach to addressing the societal challenges posed by AI.

Quote of the Day

“I am first and foremost a scientist. My goal is to understand nature. But doing science is, sort of, like reading the mind of God.” – Demis Hassabis, CEO of DeepMind, shares his profound perspective on the pursuit of knowledge and the role of AI in scientific discovery.

One More Thing

Inside the Hunt for the Most Dangerous Asteroid Ever

As asteroid 2024 YR4 hurtled towards Earth, astronomers identified it as posing a greater impact risk than any object of its size in recorded history. However, in a dramatic turn of events, experts subsequently declared the danger had passed, showcasing the dynamic nature of astronomical observation and risk assessment. This is the inside story of a global network of scientists who, under immense pressure and tight deadlines, discovered, tracked, planned for, and ultimately averted a potentially catastrophic asteroid impact, demonstrating the critical importance of planetary defense initiatives. The detailed account of this nail-biting celestial drama is now available.

We Can Still Have Nice Things

In a segment dedicated to comfort, enjoyment, and distraction, this edition offers a curated selection of uplifting content:

• Combat subscription fatigue with this straightforward tool for managing your subscriptions.
• Immerse yourself in the pop-art magic of Takashi Murakami’s reimagined Monets.
• Explore interconnectedness through an app that visualizes links between Wikipedia pages.
• Delight in the charm of a playful lynx that clinched a top photography prize.