The Download, our daily newsletter, provides a daily dose on what’s happening in the worlds of technology.The Download is today’s edition
A new generation of neural network could be embedded in hardware
Computer chips programmed with networks can identify images much faster and use less energy than traditional neural networks. According to research presented at a leading conference on machine learning in Vancouver last week, this is the case.
The wiring of perceptrons – highly simplified simulations – of neurons in the brain is used to build neural networks. Perceptrons are very powerful, but they consume a lot of energy.
Part of the trouble is that perceptrons are just software abstractions–running a perceptron network on a GPU requires translating that network into the language of hardware, which takes time and energy. By building a network directly out of hardware components, you can avoid a lot these costs. One day, they may even be built into the chips of smartphones and other devices. Read the complete story.
–Grace Huckins
Drugs such as Ozempic make up now 5% of US prescriptions
New? US physicians write billions of prescriptions every year. In 2024, however, one class of drugs stood out: “wonder medicines” known as GLP-1 antagonists. Truveta, a health data company, reported that as of September, 1 in 20 prescriptions for adults were for these drugs.
Big picture: Data shows that people who receive prescriptions for these medications are younger, more white, and more likely female. Women are twice as likely to receive a prescription as men. Despite this, not everyone who is prescribed these drugs actually takes them. Half of the new prescriptions for obesity go unfilled. Read the complete story.
–Antonio Regalado.
Why childhood vaccinations are a success in public health.
The success of childhood vaccinations is well documented. In the 50 years that the World Health Organization has been implementing its ambitious global childhood vaccine program, vaccines have prevented 154 million deaths. This includes 146 millions children under five years of age.
Yet, vaccine concerns persist. Donald Trump’s choices to lead the US health agencies in January are a prime example. Let’s look at what they say and the real evidence on childhood vaccinations. Read the complete story. This story is taken from The Checkup, a weekly newsletter on health and biotech. Sign up for it to be delivered in your inbox each Thursday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
Elon Musk, the “shadow president” is the United States.
Despite not having an official government role, the billionaire pushed Republicans to stall a spending bill. (WP $ )
+ Musk posted about the bill over 100 times on just Wednesday… (NBC News)
+ …but these posts were often misleading or outright wrong. Rolling Stone $]
+ The lawmakers aren’t happy about Musk’s involvement. NOW $]
Two Amazon workers are on strike during the Christmas rush.
These walkouts may delay parcel deliveries across the US. (WSJ $ )
+ Amazon refuses to recognize the workers’ union. (WP $)
3 The US is becoming increasingly wary of Nvidia’s overseas sales spree.
Officials are worried that the chipmaker’s deals could empower its opponents. (NYT $ )
& US venture firms have pledged not to accept funding from China. WP $]
+ Broadcom’s custom chip maker stock is surging at the moment. (Insider $),
4 Dozens are suing Snap for teen overdoses.
They allege that Snapchat helped dealers sell deadly counterfeit drugs. (Bloomberg $),
5, Ukraine’s drone footage is being used to train AI models.
This country has collected data for 228 years during its conflict with Russia. (Reuters)
+ A drone attack in the early hours of the morning set a refinery on fire in south Russia.
Meet a radio-obsessed Ukrainian civilian who is shaping Ukraine’s drone defence. MIT Technology Review
Six Jailbreaking AI Models can be as Simple as TyPiNg LIke ThIs
The methods are also simple to automate. (404 Media)
+ Text to image AI models can be manipulated into producing disturbing images. MIT Technology Review
India’s answer is Silicon Valley is under enormous pressure
Bengaluru is being pushed to its absolute limit by the rapid expansion of the city. (Insider $ )
+ India’s gig economy is focused on 10-minute delivery. – (Bloomberg $ -)
– How Indian healthcare workers use WhatsApp to help pregnant women. MIT Technology Review
What’s next for AI gadgets?
In 2024, consumers weren’t too enamored of them. (Fast Company $).
9 A man who claimed to be the creator of bitcoin was sentenced.
Craig Wright received a suspended one-year sentence for refusing to stop suing software developers. He will face jail if continues to claim he is Satoshi Nakamoto.BBC
10 Online Returns aren’t What They Used To Be
Customers and retailers are fed up. (The Atlantic $).
Today’s Quote
You guys scared a lot people.
Geno, an Arizona resident tells Amazon employees that their drone delivery is making his neighbors uncomfortable.
Big story
Bright leds could mean the end of darkness
August 20, 2022
Scientists know that light pollution is increasing and can harm humans and wildlife. Increased exposure to light at nights disrupts sleep patterns and is linked to cancer and heart disease in humans, while increased danger and disruption to wildlife’s reproductive patterns are also a result of increased exposure to nightlight.
Scientists, policymakers, lighting professionals, and others are all trying to find ways to reduce the light pollution. Many of them recommend installing light-emitting dimmers, or LEDs in outdoor fixtures, such as city streetlights. This is primarily because they can direct light into a specific area.
However, the high initial cost and durability of LEDs means that cities must make the right decision the first time. Otherwise, they could face serious consequences for decades. Read the complete story.
Shel Evergreen
You can still enjoy nice things
This is a place of comfort, fun, and distraction that will brighten your day. (Any ideas? Drop a line orshoot ’em my way)
+ How the Black Diaspora celebrates the Christmas around the world with Motown music and a tasty salfish salad.
+ We love you Pamela Anderson! Test your science knowledge in this year’s most bizarre quiz.
– Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting films coming next year, including Bridget Jones and the bonkers sounding Mickey 17.
