❌ Factor

Plus scientists may have discovered the fountain of youth...

This week’s drip: (4 minute read)

  • 🌌 Elon’s xAI: Embarking on a quest to understand the universe

  • 🪖 Replacing Gunpowder: A 19-year-old MIT drop-out is rethinking warfare

  • 💉 Fountain of Youth: Harvard researchers unlock potential age-reversing chemical method

  • 📰 Quick Bytes: This week’s roundup of the latest in the digital space

Generative AI could unlock over $4 trillion (with a T) in productivity annually

IN AI

Musk’s Universal Venture

Elon Musk is back in the AI game with xAI, his latest endeavor aimed to grasp the true nature of the universe. With a team of experts from AI giants like OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and DeepMind, they’re collaborating closely with Twitter, Tesla, and other companies. While the exact mission of xAI remains mysterious, it’s clear that Musk is pushing AI boundaries once again. Given his past involvement in OpenAI and recent criticisms of the organization, it’ll be interesting to observe xAI’s development and explore the implications of “understanding reality” in the AI realm.

IN MILITARY

Hydrogen Arsenal

From a Texas garage to an MIT dorm room, Mach Industries is transforming defense using hydrogen. Led by 19-year old Ethan Thornton, an MIT drop-out, this startup has secured Sequoia Capital’s first-ever defense tech investment, along with seed funding of $5.7 million. Their focus is developing hydrogen-powered military platforms that aim to replace costly missile systems with more cost-effective, projectile-based systems, essentially “replacing gunpowder.” Mach Industries’ innovative approach has the potential to alter the defense industry, proving that young and creative minds can disrupt even the most established sectors.

IN SCIENCE

Fountain of Youth

In a groundbreaking study, Harvard researchers have made a major breakthrough against aging. Using a chemical approach, they’ve discovered a way to reverse the aging process by activating special genes called the Yamanaka genes. In their lab experiments, they’ve successfully rejuvenated human cells, paving the way for potential applications in slowing down or even reversing aging in the future. While there’s still more research to be done, this discovery holds incredible promise for human health and longevity.

The mouse on the right has been aged 150% by disrupting its epigenome. Source: D. Sinclair, Harvard Medical School

QUICK BYTES

  • Varda’s “space factory” nears completion of its first orbital drug manufacturing experiment 💊 

  • Shopify invests in short-term productivity with roll-out of “Meeting Cost Calculator” 👨‍💼

  • Bard’s latest update includes support for 40+ languages, personalized responses, and ability to add image prompts 🤖 

  • Google’s medical chatbot is making its way to the hospital scene 🏥 

  • Celebrities and authors are suing OpenAI and Meta over copyright infringement ⚖️ 

  • Google’s medical chatbot is making its way to the hospital scene 🏥 

  • Beehiiv, our newsletter platform, just introduced AI features 🐝 

Unleashing Man’s Best Friend

A company called Throwflame has introduced Thermonator, a flame-throwing robot that can spew flames from its mouth. Interestingly, flamethrowers are unregulated in the US, adding an intriguing twist to the implications of such advanced technology. Click the tweet below to check it out 👇️ 

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