Major developments in artificial intelligence, energy, science and technology include Anthropic’s filing for an initial public offering, solar power’s growing lead over nuclear power, new scientific results from OpenAI and Microsoft buyouts linked to rising AI costs. Other reports examine decades-old concerns about microplastics, the risks of reflecting sunlight from space, helium’s new critical-material designation in the United States and opposition among Boston Dynamics employees to a contract with ICE.
1. Anthropic files for an IPO of its blockbuster product
Anthropic’s listing could help determine the future of the AI investment boom. (CNBC)
The filing warns about the potentially devastating risks and massive computational costs of AI. (BBC) It also reveals safety deficiencies and a month-long hiatus in training. (Reuters $)
Although the prospectus reports soaring revenue, it also shows staggering losses. (The New York Times $) Anthropic’s founders will retain voting rights after the IPO. (The Verge)
2. Solar power is quietly overtaking nuclear power as the world’s power source
Cheap solar panels and batteries are accelerating the shift toward solar power. (BBC) A boom in balcony solar power is also coming to the United States. (MIT Technology Review)
3. OpenAI announces three new scientific discoveries
OpenAI says the discoveries span mathematics, computer science and physics. (The Verge)
The company is enlisting expert “shepherds” to help publish its breakthrough results. (Gizmodo)
4. Microsoft offers buyouts to a quarter of its employees as AI costs rise
Approximately 60,000 Microsoft employees will be included in the buyout program. (Bloomberg $)
Microsoft plans to spend $190 billion on AI this year. (The New York Times $)
5. Plastics industry knew decades ago that microplastics could enter the body
Company documents reveal concerns about microplastics dating back to 1974. (The Los Angeles Times $)
There is no place on Earth that is completely free of human fingerprints. (MIT Technology Review)
6. Space-based lighting demonstration sparks alarm
Startup Reflect Orbital used a space mirror in a test in California to demonstrate lighting up the Earth from space. (The Guardian)
The technology could endanger the night sky. (MIT Technology Review)
7. United States designates helium as a critical substance
The United States has designated helium as a critical substance, a move that is important for semiconductor production. (AP)
800 Boston Dynamics employees protest contract with ICE
Employees called for an end to the sale of robot dogs under the contract. (Ars Technica)
Source: www.technologyreview.com