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‘Their capacity to emulate human language and thought is immensely powerful’: Far from ending the world, AI systems might actually save it

Over the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been firmly in the world’s spotlight, and the rapidly advancing technology can often be a source of anxiety and even fear in some cases. But the evolution of AI doesn’t have to be an inherently scary thing — and there are plenty of ways that this emerging technology can be used for the benefit of humanity.

Writing in “AI for Good” (Wiley, 2024), Juan M. Lavista Ferres and William B. Weeks, both senior directors at Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab, reveal how beneficial AI is being used in dozens of projects across the world today. They explain how AI can improve society by, for example, being used in sustainability projects like using satellites to monitor whales from space, or by mapping glacial lakes. AI can also be used in the wake of natural disasters, like the devastating 2023 earthquake in Turkey, or for social good, like curbing the proliferation of misinformation online. In addition, there are significant health benefits to reap from AI, including studying the long-term effects of COVID-19, using AI to manage pancreatic cysts or detecting leprosy in vulnerable populations.

In this excerpt, the authors detail the recent rise of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT or Claude 3 and how they have grown to become prominent in today’s AI landscape. They also discuss how these systems are already making a significant beneficial impact on the world.

Scientists mapped the genome of a shark that can live 400 years. It could unlock new secrets to longevity

DNA that can repair DNA similar to Digital Error Correction!

This could make human live longer!

Before the researchers sequenced the Greenland shark’s genome, only about 10 genomes were available for all elasmobranchs — a subclass of fish including sharks, rays and skates — said Dr. Nicole Phillips, an associate professor of ecology and organismal biology at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Phillips was not involved in the research conducted by Hoffman, Sahm and their team.

“The more high-quality genomes that are sequenced, the better we can understand the genetic underpinnings of shared as well as unique traits of this ancient group,” Phillips said in an email. “Identification of the genetic basis of lifespans across different species, including long-lived sharks, allows researchers to understand the biology of aging and longevity.”

Because of the sharks’ preference for deep waters, historically most information on the Greenland shark came from commercial fishing records. In the past decade, researchers have increasingly used video, including remotely operated vehicles and baited cameras, as well as observations in captured specimens to research the elusive shark.

Scientists Crack the Code of Titanium’s Strength and Flexibility

A research team from Yokohama National University has developed a novel approach to investigate how the orientation and behavior of electrons in titanium affect its physical properties. Their findings, published in Communications Physics on December 18, 2024, offer valuable insights that could lead to the creation of more advanced and efficient titanium alloys.

Titanium is highly prized for its exceptional resistance to chemical corrosion, lightweight nature, and impressive strength-to-weight ratio. Its biocompatibility makes it an ideal material for medical applications such as implants, prosthetics, and artificial bones, while its strength and durability make it indispensable in aerospace engineering and precision manufacturing.

Plasma proteomic signatures of social isolation and loneliness associated with morbidity and mortality

A study in Nature Human Behaviour characterizes protein signatures in the blood associated with social isolation and loneliness, demonstrating how these link social isolation and loneliness to an increased risk of disease and mortality.

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Shen et al. characterize protein signatures in the blood associated with social isolation and loneliness, demonstrating how these link social isolation and loneliness to an increased risk of disease and mortality.

Dopamine and Serotonin Drive Emotional Word Processing

The brain’s response to emotional words is guided by neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, shaping how we interpret language. Surprising new research shows even the thalamus is involved, bridging emotion and cognition.

Summary: Researchers have uncovered how neurotransmitters in the brain respond to the emotional content of language, shedding light on the intersection of emotion, cognition, and communication. Using advanced techniques, the team simultaneously measured dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine release in patients during exposure to emotionally charged words.

They found distinct patterns of neurotransmitter activity across brain regions like the thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex, challenging assumptions about their roles in emotional and linguistic processing.

These findings suggest that brain systems evolved for survival also support complex human functions like language interpretation. Validation in animal models confirmed these patterns, paving the way for future studies on decision-making and mental health.

Neuralink Brain Chip Implanted In 3rd Patient, Elon Musk Says “Working Well”

Neuralink Corp.’s brain-computer device has been implanted in a third patient and the company has plans for about 20 to 30 more implants in 2025, founder Elon Musk said.

“We’ve got now three humans with Neuralinks implanted and they’re all working well,” Musk said during an event in Las Vegas this week that was streamed on X, his social media service.

Neuralink is one of a growing group of startups developing brain implants that can help treat conditions such as paralysis and ALS. They are experimental procedures that usually require opening up the skull to place electrodes in the brain tissue. A year ago, Neuralink said it had implanted its device in its initial patient, Noland Arbaugh.

Researchers Find A Cancer Kill Switch That Could Replace Chemotherapy

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Imagine a world where cancer treatment doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals or debilitating side effects, but instead harnesses a natural defense mechanism embedded in every cell of our bodies. Recent breakthroughs by scientists at Northwestern University suggest this may soon be a reality. They’ve uncovered a “kill switch” that could change everything we know about cancer treatment, offering a new path that sidesteps the harmful impacts of chemotherapy. But how does this hidden code work, and could it truly offer a more effective way to fight cancer?

Northwestern University scientists have uncovered a powerful “kill switch” embedded in every cell of the body, which may provide a natural defense mechanism against cancer. This kill switch operates using small RNA molecules, known as microRNAs, and large protein-coding RNAs that trigger cell self-destruction when they detect signs of cancer. The key discovery is that these molecules can effectively induce cancer cell death without allowing the cancer to develop resistance, a significant advantage over traditional chemotherapy.

The microRNAs use a mechanism called DISE (Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination) to initiate cancer cell death. DISE works by eliminating multiple genes essential for cancer cell survival, making it impossible for the cells to adapt or become resistant. Researchers found that the most effective microRNAs contain a specific sequence of six nucleotides, referred to as “6mers,” which are particularly toxic to cancer cells. This finding emerged from an exhaustive study where scientists tested all 4,096 possible combinations of these nucleotide sequences, eventually identifying the most lethal ones, which are rich in guanine (G) nucleotides.

Scientists make groundbreaking discovery as they find cause of so many unexplained cancers

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Scientists believe that they may have identified the cause of so many unexplained cancers.

Scientists believe they have made a breakthrough in finding the cause of certain cancers. Credit: Flying Colours Ltd / Getty

A groundbreaking scientific review has uncovered a potential cause for certain cancers and health conditions that can’t be fully explained by genetics, diet, or lifestyle.

Is Longevity Science Worth It?

How long would you like to live, and could science and technology make it possible?

Longevity science aims to extend our healthy years through advancements in CRISPR, cellular reprogramming, and drug development. While private companies and philanthropists invest heavily in these innovations, should the government be responsible for funding these efforts? Those who say yes to government funding say that longevity research could revolutionize public health, keep aging populations productive in the workforce, and reduce the economic burden of age-related illnesses. Those opposed to public funding of longevity science say that true life extension beyond a decade might be unachievable, and it will take years before results are measurable.


They argue that when and if these advances become available, they may only be for a smaller, affluent population. They also argue that long-known behavior choices like good nutrition and sleep should be adopted by all now, instead of chasing uncertain longevity advancements.

With this context, we debate the question: Could Longevity Science Extend Your Health Span By Decades? Should the Government Fund It?

Immunosenescence, Inflammaging, And Immune Resilience: Matt Yousefzadeh, PhD

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