Synthetic Minds | AI is Taking Over, from Education to CRISPR to Predicting Your Next Move

Dr Mark van Rijmenam, CSP -

'Synthetic Minds' serves as a mirror to the multifaceted, synthetic elements that are beginning to weave into the fabric of our society. The name acknowledges the blend of artificial and human intelligence that will shape our collective future, posing incredible opportunities and ethical dilemmas.

Learning 2.0: The Rise of AI Tutors

My latest article:

Imagine a world where education is tailored to each student's unique needs, pace, and learning style. Welcome to the era of AI tutors! 

AI tutors represent a revolutionary leap in educational technology, offering personalised learning experiences, immediate feedback, and unprecedented accessibility. By analysing student data, these systems adapt lessons to individual learning styles and paces, ensuring no one is left behind. 

Real-time feedback accelerates the learning process, while the flexibility of AI tutors allows education to happen anytime, anywhere. Moreover, these digital platforms have the potential to bridge the gap in educational access, providing high-quality education regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers. 

While challenges like data privacy and the digital divide must be addressed, the potential of AI tutors to democratise access to quality education is truly transformative.

Synthetic Minds Podcast - Teaser!

I have started recording my new podcast, where I move from science fiction to science reality by interviewing science fiction writers. The objective is to learn and share how organisations can become better at futures thinking. So far, I have done five interviews, with more to come, and the podcast will launch in the coming weeks. If you know of any science fiction writer I should interview, please reply to this newsletter.

Synthetic Snippets: Quick Bytes for Your Synthetic Mind

Quick, curated insights to feed your quest for a better understanding of our evolving synthetic future. The below is just a small selection of my daily updates that I share via The Digital Speaker app. Download and subscribe today to receive real-time updates. Use the coupon code SynMinds24 to receive your first month for free.

1. THIS AI MODEL CAN PREDICT YOUR NEXT MOVE

MIT's groundbreaking Latent Inference Budget Model (L-IBM) AI predicts human and AI actions by evaluating decision-making limitations and resource management. This model, by analysing past behaviours and computational constraints, offers profound implications for privacy, autonomy, and reliance on technology across various fields, from chess to communication. (Interesting Engineering)

2. SMALL WONDERS: WHY LESS COULD MEAN MORE IN AI’S FUTURE

Microsoft's Phi-3 Mini may be the "small fry" of AI models, but it packs a punch, rivalling goliaths with ten times its parameter count. This lean machine signals a trend towards Small Language Models (SLMs) that might make the tech world ask: "Is bigger really better?" As these nimble, specialised AIs outsmart and outpace their bulkier brethren, we're left wondering if the future of AI will favour the swift and smart over the big and bulky. Could this be the dawn of a David-versus-Goliath era in technology? (Microsoft)

3. REVOLUTIONISING GENETICS: AI OPENS NEW FRONTIERS IN CRISPR TECHNOLOGY

AI-driven CRISPR is not just tweaking genes; it's revolutionising them! The advent of OpenCRISPR-1, crafted from scratch via deep learning, promises surgical precision in gene editing, reducing off-target mishaps—a huge leap from traditional CRISPR. This new tool in our genetic toolkit could make personalised medicine not just a buzzword but a reality, offering custom-tailored therapies that are as unique as the individuals receiving them. It’s a bold step forward, blurring the lines between nature and technology. (New York Times)

4. THE RISE OF 'ANTI-WOKE' AIS AND THE FIGHT FOR OPEN DISCOURSE

The AI landscape is getting a shake-up with the rise of 'Anti-Woke' AIs, signalling a digital tug-of-war over free speech versus responsible discourse. As companies like Meta push the envelope with models that shun traditional content guardrails, these AIs are stepping into the ring as uncensored platforms, echoing the full spectrum of human opinion—from mainstream to marginal. This bold move celebrates open digital dialogue but also courts controversy by potentially amplifying misinformation and polarising content. Is this the dawn of true digital freedom, or are we opening Pandora’s box? (Wall Street Journal)

5. META LAUNCHES LLAMA 3: A LEAP OR JUST A STEP IN AI'S EVOLUTION?

Meta's launch of Meta Llama 3 is heralded as a significant evolution in AI, claiming the crown as the most advanced open-source large language model to date. It has been only a week since its launch, and the internet is already flooded with new applications. Available in both heavyweight and lightweight configurations, Llama 3 boasts unparalleled efficiencies, aiming to democratise AI and spark widespread innovation. Will Llama 3 prove to be a true leap in AI development or just another step? The tech world watches with bated breath. (Meta)

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