Q1: How do you see AI evolving over the next five years? In the next five years, while large language models (LLMs) will continue to evolve, I anticipate a growing focus on computer vision (CV), particularly spatial intelligence. Technologies enabling AI to understand and interact with physical spaces are gaining traction. For instance, Fei-Fei Li’s new startup, World Labs , focuses on integrating spatial AI into the real world, reflecting this trend. This concept is known as “large world models”. Additionally, developing countries like Brazil are seeing AI startups grow, such as Nama , a Brazilian company leveraging AI to improve customer service systems. These regions are accelerating AI adoption due to increased access to affordable cloud computing and government initiatives like Brazil's AI Strategy launched in 2021. Q2: Which industries stand most to benefit from AI? While healthcare, finance, and manufacturing will gain significantly from AI, I also foresee industries like autonomous transportation seeing breakthroughs. Notably, startups outside the US are stepping up. Wayve , a UK-based autonomous vehicle company, recently raised $1 billion to advance its technology, focusing on AI-driven camera-based systems which was first pioneered by Tesla. These innovations show that the field of self-driving cars is no longer dominated solely by US giants like Waymo or Tesla, but includes global players contributing significantly to the ecosystem. Q3: What are some of the challenges that organizations face in the way of AI implementation? One major challenge is the slow adoption of AI in large, bureaucratic organizations. Based on my industry experience, companies with legacy systems often face significantly longer AI implementation timelines compared to agile startups. For example, many European banks still rely on outdated mainframes, making AI implementation a long and costly process. Meanwhile, in developing countries like India and Brazil, a lack of skilled AI professionals remains a hurdle. According to the State of AI Talent Report by Zeki Research (2024), despite its universities training top AI talent and national AI ambitions, India faces significant loss of skilled AI professionals to other countries. This gap underscores the need for international collaboration and localized training programs to speed up adoption. Q4: Generative AI is picking up speed. What is your take on the potential and risks thereof? Generative AI continues to captivate attention, but we must not overlook advancements in mixed and augmented reality and spatial intelligence. Mixed reality has immense potential for reshaping industries. For example, Microsoft HoloLens and Meta’s Quest Pro are blending physical and digital environments for training simulations, remote collaboration, and immersive gaming. Facebook's recent presentation of Orion , its first true augmented reality glasses, underlines the rising focus on AR. Orion merges the latest AI with wearable technology to create immersive experiences, such as frictionless digital overlays in the real world, enabling new ways to interact with our surroundings. As Orion and similar devices continue to evolve, AI will be at the heart of these platforms, making user experiences more personalized and improving accessibility. According to IDC , the mixed reality market shows strong growth projections, with VR headset shipments expected to reach 24.7 million units growing at 29.2% CAGR and AR headsets expanding from under 1 million to 10.9 million units at 87.1% CAGR by 2028.. However, alongside these opportunities, generative AI faces risks, such as the rising prevalence of deepfakes. For instance, in 2024, a finance employee in Hong Kong was deceived into transferring $25 million after participating in a video call with what appeared to be their company's CFO but was actually a deepfake, highlighting the urgent need for safeguards. Q5: How is AI transforming businesses of today? AI is transforming businesses by automating repetitive tasks and optimizing operations. Beyond these applications, technologies like mixed reality and spatial intelligence are revolutionizing customer experiences. For example, IKEA’s AR-powered Place app allows customers to visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing, blending AI and real-world contexts seamlessly. Additionally, in developing nations, companies like d.light , which provides AI-enabled solar energy solutions in Africa, show how AI can drive growth even in resource-constrained environments. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets quickly empowers businesses in fast-moving markets with actionable insights. However, these AI-based updates and augmentations are not meant to undermine and replace humans, but to rather help mankind by optimizing repetitive tasks. Q6: What is the role of regulations in shaping AI's future? Regulations are crucial not only for addressing ethical concerns but also for ensuring global AI adoption. For example, the EU’s AI Act , finalized in 2024, categorizes AI applications by risk level and mandates stricter requirements for high-risk systems, such as facial recognition. This approach is particularly significant for developing countries, where regulatory clarity can attract foreign investment. Brazil’s AI Strategy 2021 (EBIA) also exemplifies how emerging economies are crafting policies to integrate AI responsibly while fostering innovation. However, these regulations might be so strict that these companies would choose not to roll out AI-based systems in restricted markets. Q7: As an expert, what advice would you give to businesses looking to adopt AI? For businesses, my advice is to look beyond the hype of generative AI and explore much more developed areas that help automating processes. Systems for spatial intelligence and mixed reality are also gaining traction and proving to be very helpful. Amazon uses Object detection and tracking in their Amazon fresh stores to drive efficiency and reduce costs and delays in the process. Developing countries have also demonstrated how focusing on accessible AI tools can drive adoption. Additionally, retailers leveraging mixed reality—such as Walmart , which uses VR for employee training—have reported a reduction in training time from 8 hours to 15 minutes, proving the value of these technologies. India’s Aarogya Setu app , which uses AI for COVID-19 contact tracing, highlights how simple yet impactful AI solutions can thrive with minimal infrastructure. Q8: What excites you most about the future of AI? I’m most excited about how AI can bridge gaps between developed and developing countries. For example, FarmBeats, the AI for Agriculture project by Microsoft in India, helps farmers predict weather patterns and optimize crop yields, directly addressing food security challenges. Similarly, combining AI with emerging technologies like quantum computing , as seen in Google’s Sycamore project , could unlock breakthroughs in energy optimization and disease research. These advancements demonstrate AI’s potential to solve global challenges and create a more sustainable and equitable future.December 17, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by Nanyang Technological University Leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers can perform calculations at lightning-fast speeds, enabling them to solve complex problems faster than conventional computers. In quantum technology applications such as quantum computing, light plays a central role in encoding and transmitting information. NTU researchers have recently made breakthroughs in manipulating light that could potentially usher in the era of quantum computing . Details of this research have been published in Nature Photonics , Physical Review Letters , and Nature Communications . Emitting photons on demand Quantum information can be carried in particles of light called photons. Single photon emitters that emit precisely one photon at a time are important components for many quantum technologies, including quantum computing. However, it is challenging for a photon emitter to achieve high quantum efficiency—the ability of the device to emit a photon on demand. It is also difficult to have high collection efficiency, meaning the emitted photon is easily collected and routed for application. Using ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials that are one atom thick, a team of researchers led by Prof. Gao Weibo of NTU's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences (SPMS) has devised photon emitters that reached a quantum efficiency of 76.4% on average and more than 90% for some, approaching what is known as a unity quantum efficiency of 100%. Prof. Gao is also a President's Chair Professor in Physics at NTU and principal investigator at the Center for Quantum Technologies (CQT). This result is the first time that near unity quantum efficiency has been achieved in 2D materials. The emitters are made by overlaying a 2D layer of tungsten diselenide (WSe 2 ) on top of an array of gold pillars. To get a single photon from the 2D WSe 2 , the researchers first used a laser to generate excited particles called excitons. As an exciton decays back to its ground state, it undergoes either radiative or non-radiative decay. A photon is emitted only if the decay is radiative. According to Dr. Abdullah Rasmita, research fellow at NTU's EEE, who was the co-first author of the research paper together with Dr. Cai Hongbing, research fellow at the Center for Disruptive Photonics Technologies at NTU, near-unity efficiency can be achieved if the probability of non-radiative decay is close to zero. To suppress non-radiative decay, the researchers applied an electric field to separate positive and negative charges from the exciton. This depletion of charges enabled the device to achieve near-unity efficiency. "Our on-demand quantum emitter is desirable for many applications, including quantum communications and scalable optical quantum computation," said Prof. Gao. Putting the brakes on light Slowing down the speed at which light travels is also vital for quantum information processing as it enables quantum information encoded in photons, known as qubits, to be processed effectively. Photonic chips are usually used to slow down light. Light passing through the chip interacts with it and slows down. However, light is frequently backscattered in conventional photonic chips due to diffraction—the bending of light as it passes around corners or through narrow openings. The slower the light is, the more backscattering it suffers. This limits the range of frequencies that can be used for slow light, reducing its transmission efficiency. To address this drawback, researchers co-led by Prof. Zhang Baile of NTU's SPMS proposed a design strategy in 2021. This year, building on that idea, they have developed a chip that enhances light-matter interactions, slowing down light without backscattering over a wide range of frequencies. Using an electromagnetic material called a photonic Chern insulator, they demonstrated that light could be slowed down over a broad range of frequencies. Like water swirling down a drain, the light winds around points in the imaginary space of the crystal lattice of the material, known as Brillouin zones, which slows it down. According to the researchers, the chip overcomes the limitations of conventional slow-light devices, enabling applications such as quantum memory, which is essential for quantum information processing. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter— daily or weekly . Enhancing light-matter interactions at room temperature In superconducting quantum circuits, the interplay between light and matter is critical for quantum information processing. However, these circuits are traditionally operated at ultra-low temperatures, requiring significant energy for cooling and resulting in high costs. Now, researchers—co-led by Prof. Wang Qi Jie of NTU's EEE and SPMS and Assoc Prof. Wei Lei of NTU's EEE—have observed ultra-strong coupling between excitons in tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) flakes and surface plasmons at room temperature. Surface plasmons are generated when light interacts with electrons on a metal surface. This is the first observation of such a phenomenon. The team achieved this by transferring an ultrathin layer of WS 2 onto an array of gold nanostructures with densely packed nanometer-sized gaps on a flexible polymer substrate. By applying mechanical strain, they successfully tuned the coupling strength between the WS 2 excitons and the gold plasmons. "Strong and stable light-matter interactions at room temperature open the door to quantum computing applications at ambient temperatures, reducing the stringent cooling requirements for quantum computers," said Prof. Wang. "Our work could also pave the way for more exotic light-matter interactions and lead to new insights in fundamental science," added Assoc. Prof. Wei. Simulating molecules to discover new drugs Light can also help quantum computers solve complicated problems, such as predicting the chemical properties of molecules to discover new drugs. NTU scientists have devised a quantum processing chip that uses photons to deduce the chemical properties of molecules, opening the door to faster drug discovery. Molecules vibrate, and each of their vibronic modes is associated with some energy levels. Understanding the probability that a molecule will transit from one level to another can uncover its chemical characteristics. Prof. Kwek Leong Chuan of NTU's EEE and Prof. Liu Ai Qun, who was an NTU researcher at the time of the study, together with an international team of researchers, calculated these transition probabilities using the integrated photonic chip. As a proof-of-concept, they simulated the vibronic spectra of several molecules, including formic acid and thymine. The researchers used a technique known as scattershot boson sampling to simulate the molecules' vibronic spectra. In boson sampling, photons enter and travel through a circuit to output channels. As the photons travel, they interfere with each other in a way that can be programmed. By programming the circuit to simulate the vibronic modes of a molecule, the researchers could obtain the vibronic spectra by measuring the output distribution of the photons. As quantum photonic chips provide greater computation power than classical computers, they are vital for solving larger molecules, said Prof. Kwek, co-director of NTU's Quantum Science and Engineering Center and a professor at the National Institute of Education and NTU's EEE. He is also a CQT principal investigator. Another advantage of the chip is that it is compact and can operate at room temperature. The researchers are now working on simulating complex molecules and studying the transitions between the excited states of a molecule. More information: Hongbing Cai et al, Charge-depletion-enhanced WSe2 quantum emitters on gold nanogap arrays with near-unity quantum efficiency, Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01460-9 Fujia Chen et al, Multiple Brillouin Zone Winding of Topological Chiral Edge States for Slow Light Applications, Physical Review Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.156602 Tingting Wu et al, Ultrastrong exciton-plasmon couplings in WS2 multilayers synthesized with a random multi-singular metasurface at room temperature, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47610-z Hui Hui Zhu et al, Large-scale photonic network with squeezed vacuum states for molecular vibronic spectroscopy, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50060-2 Journal information: Nature Photonics , Physical Review Letters , Nature Communications Provided by Nanyang Technological University
Ryan McMahon Needs to Avoid Extended Second-Half Slump
Technology has shown several advancements worldwide, leading many industries into swift evolution with their operations. Businesses and business owners must realize their full potential through sustainable solutions. In claims management, insurance, and law, outdated processes hog the spotlight, slowing overall performance. The Records Company , a nationwide record retrieval company, could answer these commonplace predicaments. Boasting more than 20 years of resilient leadership and entrepreneurial experience, it should come as no surprise that Grady Marin would soon create his business, The Records Company . While Marin's advanced educational endeavors at Harvard Business School and the University of Oxford allowed him to fine-tune his methods, life's hurdles authentically outlined his authority and influence. Marin began his business proposition while working in various law firms. The soon-to-be legal services expert recognized that chasing records was a time-consuming task that often required substantial amounts of physical and emotional energy. To Marin, receiving payments to send requests seemed counterproductive, especially when higher-quality work could be done with those resources instead. "It was frustrating to see talented staff buried in busywork," he explained. Subsequently, the legal specialist would build The Records Company to resolve these ceaseless concerns. The Records Company's Unique Approach to Record Retrieval Marin first launched The Records Company in 2012, aiming to blend novel technologies with tailored services focusing on client success and efficiency. Deeply influenced by small-community lifestyle values like resourcefulness and trust, Marin's business provides genuine worth and continuity within its legal record retrieval services. The Records Company also offers a comprehensive suite of services beyond standard record retrieval, including auditing services to verify compliance and accuracy for requesters. It offers detailed financial tools, including reports that track every charge—categorized by client, case, amount, and date. Clients of The Records Company also benefit from performance-tracking systems that monitor employee productivity, turnaround times, and issues related to requests to help streamline internal cost management, improve employee reviews, and make better budgeting decisions. The business runs 24/7 with fast turnaround times and a cash-back rewards program for clients. Marin notes, "It's about freeing up business owners to focus on the things that matter," including achieving their goals, developing their operations, and solving significant challenges. The Records Company also prides itself on never outsourcing. Its custom-tailored services are supported by a team of professionals, including MBAs, attorneys, physicians, and nurses, who bring a wealth of expertise to each project. While other companies might focus on piecemeal costs, Marin has engineered The Records Company for high-volume efficiency. The Records Company may not be the only legal services organization on the market, but it still stands out among its competitors. Upholding its dedication to efficiency, the company prioritizes client empowerment, innovation, and transparency throughout its partnerships. Unlike other legal firms, which outsource their record retrieval services while encouraging a transactional mindset, The Records Company offers financial incentives that supplement clients with real value. Having witnessed the market's inefficiencies firsthand, Marin designed The Records Company to do more than "sell a service." The business extends a collaborative opportunity for clients to focus on their central operations. Marin believes that with his initiative, clients can receive personalized service that will ultimately redefine the standard within the law industry. From Tribulations to Triumph Of course, triumph is often accompanied by challenges. Marin's greatest obstacle while developing The Records Company occurred when he encountered public misconceptions frequently placed on legal firms. The common belief that firms can efficiently handle insurance claims record retrieval to save businesses money temporarily gave Marin's company some vigorous competition. Hurdles such as cultural differences, language barriers, and time zone disparities habitually lead to delays, diminished service quality, and miscommunication. Despite these tribulations, Marin proved that his approach with The Records Company could serve as a stalwart solution for growing enterprises in the long term. Altering business owners' obsolete mindsets has led to numerous accolades and accomplishments. In 2024, Marin was named the "Most Passionate Leader to Look For" by Insights Success Magazine . His leadership perspective and inventive solutions also earned him features in Fast Company , Forbes , and Tech Times . Throughout his various experiences, Marin has realized that adaptability, continuous improvement, and persistence are crucial to garnering meaningful impact and lifeline success. Grady Marin's Future Vision for The Records Company As Marin looks ahead, he hopes to step into public service with the lessons he's learned from his failures and successes. He envisions The Records Company as a game-changer in litigation support services, continuing to build its reputation and expand its prominence worldwide. At its core, Grady Marin's contributions are dedicated to accountability and integrity. Finally, the lawful leader shares a powerful takeaway from his journey over the last two decades. "My word means everything to me, and I believe progress comes from being connected to the work, not just delegating tasks. Whether I'm leading a business, mentoring others, or preparing to enter public service, my focus is on aligning action with purpose to create sustainable, meaningful change."
Sinn Fein ‘ignored role of 3,000 deaths in damaging community relations’
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Dec. 17, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN will webcast its presentation at the 43 rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 13, 2025. The presentation is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. Pacific Time (5:15 p.m. Eastern Time) and may be accessed from the "Investors & Media" page of Regeneron's website at http://investor.regeneron.com/events-and-presentations.com/events-and-presentations . A replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for at least 30 days. About Regeneron Regeneron REGN is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases, and rare diseases. Regeneron pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery and accelerates drug development using our proprietary technologies, such as VelociSuite ® , which produces optimized fully human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. We are shaping the next frontier of medicine with data-powered insights from the Regeneron Genetics Center ® and pioneering genetic medicine platforms, enabling us to identify innovative targets and complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases. For more information, please visit www.Regeneron.com or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook or X . Contact Information: Investor Relations Ryan Crowe 914.847.8790 ryan.crowe@regeneron.com Corporate Communications Christina Chan 914.847.8827 christina.chan@regeneron.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Former 'New Mexican' owner changed paper, served in Senate
World News | Pakistan: Karachi Market Sales Plunge as Inflation and Political Unrest Squeeze RetailersLOS ANGELES — He’d been battered for weeks, lingering on the turf in pain at various points in previous wins over Nebraska and UCLA, always game enough to return a few players later after gingerly limping off. But running back Woody Marks, long USC’s Iron Man at running back, couldn’t return after another blow Saturday against Notre Dame. After a first-quarter handoff for nine yards, Marks laid on the turf for a few beats before stumbling to his feet, appearing slightly disoriented as he entered a medical tent on USC’s sideline. He eventually returned to the sideline as redshirt freshman Quinten Joyner took his place, but walked off into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum tunnel at the two-minute mark of the first half as the CBS broadcast reported he’d be out for the rest of the afternoon . It was a massive loss for USC’s offense, and could’ve served as the end of Marks’ time in a Trojans jersey depending on his bowl-game decision. If so, what a run it has been for the Mississippi State transfer: finishing with 1,133 yards on the ground in 12 games, putting together one of the more complete seasons by any USC running back in recent memory. Senior Day They came marching one by one down the barrel of the Coliseum, adorned with wreaths of honor, USC’s Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Jaylin Smith and Woody Marks all exchanging hugs with Lincoln Riley as an early crowd erupted in claps for its program pillars. It was a moment of levity, USC honoring beloved seniors Saturday afternoon on the final day of its regular season. It was also, however, a sobering reality. With Mascarenas-Arnold, Smith and Marks went 138 combined tackles and four interceptions and 1,421 yards from scrimmage; with left guard Emmanuel Pregnon and center Jonah Monheim went two crucial pieces of a much-improved Trojans offensive line. Walking out from the tunnel on Senior Day, certainly, doesn’t provide an end-all, be-all on players’ futures. But it gave a hint, certainly, that several names who still carried eligibility – Mascarenas-Arnold, Smith, wide receiver Kyron Hudson – could be moving on come the winter. “We’ll have a few guys, obviously, who will have some decisions to make on if they go pro or if they stay and play another year,” Riley said Tuesday, when asked how he might adjust USC’s offensive personnel in the offseason. “Not a ton, but we’ve got a couple guys that have those decisions. We’ll just see. We’re going to try to get the right talent in here.” USC will be hard-pressed to add that talent, certainly, as eyes turn ahead to a bowl-game slot and the 2025 season. If every player honored on USC’s announced Senior Day graphic moves on , either via the NFL draft or the transfer portal, USC stands to lose 17 players from its offense, defense and special teams who started Saturday against Notre Dame. Here’s the breakdown: Offense: WR Kyle Ford, TE Lake McRee, RB Woody Marks, C Jonah Monheim, LG Emmanuel Pregnon, RT Mason Murphy, WR Kyron Hudson Defense: S Akili Arnold, LB Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, LB Mason Cobb, CB Jacobe Covington, DT Nate Clifton, DT Gavin Meyer, CB Jaylin Smith, CB Greedy Vance Jr. Special teams: P Eddie Czaplicki, K Michael Lantz It’s still probable, as Riley mentioned, that a few of those names elect to stay at USC for another season. McRee, Murphy and Hudson, in particular, are redshirt juniors and would likely see their draft stock elevated by a return for a prominent senior year at USC. Still, the Trojans will have major work to do in the transfer portal and with depth development this offseason, particularly at center, replacing Monheim, and cornerback. Caleb Williams returns Not a day after the NFL’s Chicago Bears canned head coach Matt Eberflus following a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions , former star quarterback and No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams was back at the Coliseum on for his USC jersey-retirement ceremony in a palate cleanser of a Saturday afternoon. Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner who conquered opposing defenses and NIL riches in his time at USC, took a moment to thank the Coliseum crowd upon leading the Trojans out of the tunnel Saturday. “Number 13 is back,” Williams announced over the PA, speaking in a microphone to wide cheers. “And not only – is in the rafters now, because of all of you.”
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