That is as we speak’s version of The Obtain, our weekday publication that gives a every day dose of what’s happening on this planet of expertise.
We’re in a brand new period of AI-driven scams
When ChatGPT was launched in late 2022, it confirmed how simply generative AI may create human-like textual content. This shortly caught the attention of cybercriminals, who started utilizing LLMs to compose malicious emails. Since then, they’ve adopted AI for the whole lot from turbocharged phishing and hyperrealistic deepfakes to automated vulnerability scans.
Many organizations are actually struggling to deal with the sheer quantity of cyberattacks. AI is making them sooner, cheaper, and simpler to hold out, an issue set to worsen as extra cybercriminals undertake these instruments—and their capabilities enhance. Learn the total story on how AI is reshaping cybercrime.
—Rhiannon Williams
“Supercharged scams” is likely one of the 10 Issues That Matter in AI Proper Now, our important information to what’s actually value your consideration within the discipline.
Subscribers can watch an unique roundtable unveiling the applied sciences and traits on the checklist, with evaluation from MIT Know-how Assessment’s AI reporter Grace Huckins and government editors Amy Nordrum and Niall Firth.
Healthcare AI is right here. We don’t know if it really helps sufferers.
Docs are utilizing AI to assist them with notetaking. AI-based instruments are trawling by means of affected person data, flagging individuals who could require sure help or remedies. They’re additionally used to interpret medical examination outcomes and X-rays.
A rising variety of research recommend that many of those instruments can ship correct outcomes. However there’s a much bigger query right here: Does utilizing them really translate into higher well being outcomes for sufferers? We don’t but have a very good reply—right here’s why.
—Jessica Hamzelou
The story is from The Checkup, our weekly publication that provides you the newest from the worlds of well being and biotech. Join to obtain it in your inbox each Thursday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you as we speak’s most enjoyable/necessary/scary/fascinating tales about expertise.
1 DeepSeek has unveiled its long-awaited new AI mannequin
The Chinese language firm has simply launched preview variations of DeepSeek-V4. (CNN)
+It says V4 is essentially the most highly effective open-source platform. (Bloomberg $)
+ And rivals high closed-source fashions from OpenAI and DeepMind. (SCMP)
+ The mannequin is customized for Huawei chip expertise. (Reuters $)
2 Extra international locations are curbing youngsters’s social media entry
Norway is ready to implement the newest ban. (Reuters $)
+ The Philippines may observe quickly. (Bloomberg $)
+ Individuals are pushing to get AI out of faculties. (The New Yorker)
3 The US has accused China of mass AI theft as tensions rise
A White Home memo claims Chinese language companies are exploiting American fashions. (BBC)
+ Beijing calls the accusations “slander.” (Ars Technica)
4 OpenAI set itself other than Anthropic by extensively releasing its new mannequin
It’s releasing GPT-5.5 to all ChatGPT customers, regardless of cybersecurity considerations. (NYT $)
+ OpenAI says the brand new mannequin is best at coding and extra environment friendly. (The Verge)
5 Meta is slicing 10% of jobs to offset AI spending
Roughly 8,000 layoffs are set to be introduced on Might 20. (QZ)
+ Anti-AI protests are rising. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
6 Palantir is going through a backlash from staff
Due to its work with ICE and the Trump administration. (Wired $)
+ Surveillance tech is reshaping the battle for privateness. (MIT Know-how Assessment)
7 The period of free entry to superior AI is coming to an finish
AI labs are below mounting strain to begin turning earnings. (The Verge)
8 Elon Musk’s feud with Sam Altman is heading to court docket
The case has already revealed a number of unflattering secrets and techniques. (WP $)
9 A brand new motion is encouraging folks to ditch their smartphones for a month
“Month Offline” is sort of a Dry January for smartphones. (The Atlantic)
10 Spotify has revealed its most-streamed music of the final 20 years
That includes Taylor Swift, Dangerous Bunny, and The Weeknd. (Gizmodo)
Quote of the day
“We wish a childhood the place youngsters get to be youngsters. Play, friendships, and on a regular basis life should not be taken over by algorithms and screens.”
—Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Retailer publicizes age restrictions for social media.
One Extra Factor
The seek for extraterrestrial life is focusing on Jupiter’s icy moon Europa
As astronomers have found extra about Europa over the previous few a long time, Jupiter’s fourth-largest moon has excited planetary scientists within the geophysics of alien worlds.
All that water and vitality—and hints of components important for constructing natural molecules —level to a rare risk. Within the depths of its ocean, or maybe crowded in subsurface lakes or beneath icy floor vents, Jupiter’s massive, vibrant moon may host life.
To seek out additional proof, NASA is now looking for indicators of alien existence on Europa. Learn the total story on the mission.
—Stephen Ornes
We are able to nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction to brighten up your day. (Acquired any concepts? Drop me a line.)
+ Right here’s a enjoyable have a look at the secret collaborations of pop historical past.
+ Meet the mannequins exhibiting how the “best” physique has advanced.
+ A photographer has cataloged all 12,795 objects in her residence into an archive of a life.
+ Slime molds are unexpectedly stunning when considered by means of these high-detail macro pictures.
