That is at this time’s version of The Obtain, our weekday e-newsletter that gives a each day dose of what’s occurring on this planet of know-how.
OpenAI teases a tremendous new generative video mannequin known as Sora
OpenAI has constructed a putting new generative video mannequin known as Sora that may take a brief textual content description and switch it into an in depth, high-definition movie clip as much as a minute lengthy. It’s significantly impressive-looking.
Based mostly on 4 pattern movies that OpenAI shared with MIT Expertise Overview, the agency has pushed the envelope of what’s attainable with text-to-video technology (a sizzling new analysis route that we flagged as a development to look at in 2024).
It’s arduous to know precisely how spectacular a step that is till we get extra data from OpenAI—and we might have a wait on our palms. The corporate has no plans to launch it to the general public presently, although it does hope to in future. For now, aware of the potential for misuse, OpenAI might be doing intensive security testing. Learn the complete story—and take a look at a few of the movies!
—Will Douglas Heaven
Google’s new model of Gemini can deal with far greater quantities of knowledge
The information: Google DeepMind has launched the subsequent technology of its highly effective artificial-intelligence mannequin Gemini, which has an enhanced capacity to work with giant quantities of video, textual content, and pictures.
For instance: In a single demonstration video proven by Google, the mannequin was fed the 402-page transcript of the Apollo moon touchdown mission. Then they confirmed Gemini a hand-drawn sketch of a boot, and requested it to establish the second within the transcript that the drawing represents. The mannequin was additionally in a position to establish moments of humor.
What it means: These types of AI capabilities are very spectacular, Oren Etzioni, former technical director of the Allen Institute for Synthetic Intelligence, instructed us. Nevertheless, he did give one main caveat: “By no means belief an AI demo.” Learn the complete story.
—James O’Donnell
How bacteria-fighting viruses may go mainstream
Lynn Cole had a blood an infection she couldn’t shake. For years, she was out and in of the hospital. Every time antibiotics would power the an infection to retreat. Every time it got here roaring again.
In the summertime of 2020, the micro organism flooding Cole’s bloodstream stopped responding to antibiotics. She was operating out of time. Her docs determined they needed to attempt a special method: phages, that are tiny viruses that infect and destroy micro organism.
The phages labored. Cole recovered with outstanding pace. However then the remedy failed. Cole’s case highlights the large promise of phage remedy, however it additionally reveals simply how a lot now we have to study. Learn the complete story.
—Cassandra Willyard
This story is from The Checkup, our weekly e-newsletter all about biotech and well being. Join to obtain it in your inbox each Thursday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the web to seek out you at this time’s most enjoyable/vital/scary/fascinating tales about know-how.
1 The Senate might be about to cross some main tech regulation
If it passes, the Children On-line Security Act would be the largest piece of tech regulation within the US in a long time. (WP $)
+ Why youngster security payments are popping up all around the US. (MIT Expertise Overview)
+ New York Metropolis is suing TikTok and Instagram for ‘addicting’ children. (NBC)
2 A brand new period of deepfakes is colliding with pivotal elections
And it’ll be very arduous to determine how huge an impression AI-generated content material has on outcomes, even after the very fact. (WSJ $)
+ A Chinese language affect marketing campaign is utilizing AI-generated content material to amplify division within the US. (NYT $)
3 TikTok has launched an app for the Imaginative and prescient Professional
YouTube says it’s constructing an app for the headset too. (The Verge)
4 AI is nothing to concern for white collar staff
That’s as a result of it’s not likely an alternative to experience—it’s a lever for its utility. (Noema)
+ Individuals are nervous that AI will take everybody’s jobs. We’ve been right here earlier than. (MIT Expertise Overview)
+ Right here’s how AI is shaking up the best way we work. (The Verge)
5 What it’s prefer to be a content material moderator in Pakistan
Fairly soul-crushing—and with little hope of a promotion or transferable abilities. (Remainder of World)
6 {Hardware} nonetheless issues
In actual fact, within the AI period, it’s about as vital because it’s ever been. (FT $)
7 Discredited well being claims are getting a second airing on TikTok
It’s giving new life to lectures by a girl completely banned from offering well being providers in Australia. (Vox)
8 Electrical automobiles aren’t nice at dealing with excessive warmth
However they may get higher, due to new supplies. (Scientific American $)
+ Tesla’s chrome steel Cybertrucks are already rusting. (Futurism)
9 Meat-injected rice, anybody? 
I’ve some severe beef with this new foodstuff (sorry, sorry.) (CNN)
10 Some younger individuals need landlines 
There are some upsides to having a landline cellphone, however they’re disappearing quick. (The Guardian)
Quote of the day
“Critics try to write down our obituary and are working to ban our business in its infancy.”
—Uma Valeti, CEO of cultivated meat firm Upside Meals, responds to criticism and pushback in the direction of his business from lawmakers, Wired stories.
The massive story
This scientist is attempting to create an accessible, unhackable voting machine
November 2022
For the previous 19 years, pc science professor Juan Gilbert has immersed himself in maybe probably the most contentious debate over election administration in the US—what position, if any, touch-screen ballot-marking units ought to play within the voting course of.
Whereas advocates declare that digital voting programs might be comparatively safe, enhance accessibility, and simplify voting and vote tallying, critics have argued that they’re insecure and ought to be used as sometimes as attainable.
As for Gilbert? He claims he’s lastly invented “probably the most safe voting know-how ever created.” And he’s invited a number of of probably the most revered and vocal critics of voting know-how to show his level. Learn the complete story.
—Spencer Mestel
We will nonetheless have good issues
A spot for consolation, enjoyable and distraction in these bizarre instances. (Acquired any concepts? Drop me a line or tweet ’em at me.)
+ It’s Friday! These recipes can grow to be both cocktails or mocktails, if that’s extra your factor.
+ Why ‘Wonderboy’ was John Lennon’s favourite Kinks observe.
+ Reckon I just about had this precise chat with my Dad once I was a child.
+ Soup doesn’t need to be a faff, as this recipe reveals.
+ Seems extra money actually can imply extra issues.
+ Some bizarre and wacky methods individuals with busy jobs loosen up.
