Lifeboat Foundation

OpenAI says no money changed hands in the collaboration. But because the work could benefit Retro—whose biggest investor is Altman—the announcement may add to questions swirling around the OpenAI CEO’s side projects.

Last year, the Wall Street Journal said Altman’s wide-ranging investments in private tech startups amount to an “opaque investment empire” that is “creating a mounting list of potential conflicts,” since some of these companies also do business with OpenAI.

In Retro’s case, simply being associated with Altman, OpenAI, and the race toward AGI could boost its profile and increase its ability to hire staff and raise funds. Betts-Lacroix did not answer questions about whether the early-stage company is currently in fundraising mode.

Researchers have revolutionized quantum technology by achieving long-lasting entanglement between molecules using ‘magic-wavelength optical tweezers.’

This breakthrough enhances the potential for quantum computing.

Performing computation using quantum-mechanical phenomena such as superposition and entanglement.

New research challenges the ease of implanting false memories, highlighting flaws in the influential “Lost in the Mall” study.

By reexamining the data from a previous study, researchers found that many supposed false memories might actually be based on real experiences, casting doubt on the use of such studies in legal contexts.

Reevaluating the “Lost in the Mall” Study.

Stanford researchers have introduced a software tool that accelerates and enhances the analysis of single atom catalysts, offering profound implications for the development of more efficient catalysts.

Catalysts play an essential role in everyday life, from helping bread rise to converting raw materials into fuels more efficiently. Now, researchers at SLAC have developed a faster method to advance the discovery of an exciting new type of catalyst known as single atom catalysts.

The role of catalysts in modern chemistry.

In the early 20th century, the mathematician Godel showed that any mathematical system is incomplete, using a version of the self-referential paradox: ‘this sentence is not true’. Here, neuroscientist and philosopher, Erik Hoel, argues this incompleteness extends to the scientific project as a whole; in part due to science’s reliance on mathematics. More radically, Hoel argues, this incompleteness of science may account for why we can’t find scientific evidence for consciousness anywhere in the world.

Let’s say you lived in a universe where you really were some sort of incarnated soul in a corporeal body. Or some sort of agent from a vaster reality embedded in a simulation (depending on definitions, the two scenarios might not be that different). What would the science in such a dualistic universe look like?

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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.

Continue reading “Is Longevity Science Worth It?” »

Optical metrology has long relied on interference principles, but a recent review highlights how orbital angular momentum (OAM) is redefining the field.

By integrating OAM into metrological tools, researchers are now capable of tracking motion in all directions, including rotational dynamics.

Advancing Optical Metrology with Orbital Angular Momentum.

Students with high confidence, enjoyment, and recognition of science’s value, combined with low perceived effort, achieved the highest science scores and aspirations.

A Stanford geophysicist and lawyer team up to use big data for water quality monitoring and governance.