A groundbreaking study from the University of Toronto has demonstrated the existence of ‘negative time’ through advanced quantum experiments. While once dismissed as an illusion caused by light waves interacting with matter, researchers now argue it is a real and measurable phenomenon. The findings, though not yet peer-reviewed, have sparked global interest and scepticism.
Led by Daniela Angulo, the research focused on how photons interact with atoms, showing that the duration atoms remain in an excited state can be less than zero. Visualised as cars exiting a tunnel before they seemingly enter, the experiments suggest a counterintuitive quirk of quantum mechanics, challenging conventional perceptions of time but adhering to Einstein’s theories of relativity.
The study required over two years of meticulous work to fine-tune experimental conditions. Aephraim Steinberg, a quantum physics professor, emphasised that the results do not imply time travel or backward motion of particles but rather an intriguing aspect of how quantum particles behave.
Critics, including German physicist Sabine Hossenfelder, argue the concept is a descriptive tool rather than a revelation about time itself. Despite the controversy, the team stands by their findings, believing it provides a fresh lens to study quantum phenomena, even if practical applications remain distant.
Hyundai has dissolved its Semiconductor Strategy Office, signalling a strategic shift in its in-house chip ambitions. Established in 2022, the office was a key part of the company’s plans for autonomous vehicle technology but has now been integrated into other divisions, including the Advanced Vehicle Platform and procurement departments. Vice President Jae-Seok Chae, who led the office, also stepped down as part of the reorganisation.
The move reflects Hyundai’s effort to streamline operations and enhance synergy, though it marks a significant challenge for its plans to develop in-house autonomous driving chips. The company has relied heavily on Mobileye’s ADAS chips while facing competition from industry leaders such as Tesla, NVIDIA, and Qualcomm.
Reports suggest Hyundai is reassessing its semiconductor projects, with one major autonomous driving chip programme under review. Alternatives could include collaborating with AI firm Tenstorrent or outsourcing chip production to Samsung, potentially using the tech giant’s 5-nm-based SF5A process.
Hyundai’s reshuffle highlights the growing pressure on automakers to innovate in the autonomous vehicle market while managing cost and resource challenges. Future developments may determine whether the company continues in-house efforts or pivots entirely to external partnerships.
Japanese farmers are embracing AI technology to address the challenges posed by climate change and labour shortages in agriculture. Farmers like Hiroaki Asakura in Aichi Prefecture are turning to smartphone apps that use machine learning to forecast pest outbreaks, enabling timely pesticide application. These tools help farmers optimise crop protection and reduce chemical usage, a significant step forward in modern farming.
One such app, developed by Mirai Vegetable Garden, analyses over a million pest and weather records to provide accurate predictions. For Asakura, this meant spraying pesticides earlier than usual to prevent black rot in his broccoli fields, a decision informed by the app’s warnings of rising risks. The technology, supporting crops like strawberries and tomatoes, also allows farmers to share outbreak information with neighbours for broader community protection.
These AI solutions are gaining traction nationwide. Apps developed by companies like Nihon Nohyaku Co and NTT Data CCS Corp identify over 1,100 pest species from photographs, offering farmers swift diagnosis and advice. As changing climate patterns lead to unusual pest behaviours, these innovations are vital. Japanese farmers and officials alike note that AI can bridge the gap between traditional know-how and modern challenges, ensuring sustainable crop production in the face of global warming.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has reopened five years after a devastating fire left the iconic landmark in ruins. Painstakingly restored to its original grandeur, the reconstruction relied on technologies, including lasers and 3D modelling, to recreate the historic structure.
The restoration effort was supported by data from art historian Andrew Tallon’s 2015 laser scans, which captured billions of precise points across the cathedral. These scans were combined with post-fire drone footage and modern technology to create a detailed 3D model that guided the process. Companies such as Autodesk and AGP donated their expertise to ensure accuracy.
The newly restored cathedral now includes updated features such as fire suppression systems, optimised lighting, and a modernised plaza, designed with the help of 3D visualisations. Experts believe these advancements set a precedent for using technology to preserve cultural heritage and assist in disaster recovery.
Looking ahead, the detailed 3D model will help maintain Notre Dame and safeguard its legacy for generations. This project serves as a testament to the power of innovation in protecting the world’s most treasured monuments.
Researchers have achieved a milestone in AI, teaching it to predict the complex aromas of whiskies and even identify their origins. The study, conducted in Germany, utilised AI to analyse the molecular makeup of 16 American and Scottish whiskies. It then predicted the five strongest aroma notes and distinguished between the two countries of origin with remarkable accuracy.
The AI surpassed human experts in consistency and precision, identifying aromas like menthol and citronellol for US whiskies and smoky, medicinal notes for Scotch. This innovation could ensure flavour consistency in whisky production, detect counterfeit goods, and even find applications in blending recycled materials to reduce odours.
While promising, the study was limited to a small selection of whiskies, raising questions about its performance on broader varieties or aged batches. Experts also noted that flavour perception depends on external factors, highlighting room for further exploration in this emotive domain. Nonetheless, this blend of technology and tradition signals a new step for the whisky industry.
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, has raised $6 billion in its latest funding round, doubling its total to $12 billion this year. The investment attracted high-profile backers such as Andreessen Horowitz, BlackRock, and Fidelity, with participation limited to existing investors. Reports suggest the company is now targeting a $50 billion valuation.
Founded last year, xAI released its flagship generative AI model, Grok, which powers features on X, formerly known as Twitter. Grok, known for its bold and unconventional responses, has integrated capabilities like image generation and news summarisation. The company has also launched APIs and a standalone app, aiming to compete with AI giants like OpenAI and Anthropic.
The company’s Memphis data centre, housing 100,000 Nvidia GPUs, is central to training the next generation of AI models. Plans are underway to double GPU capacity and secure additional power to support operations. However, these efforts have faced criticism over potential environmental impacts.
xAI envisions integrating its AI models with Musk’s other ventures, such as Tesla and SpaceX, sparking concerns among Tesla shareholders. Despite these challenges, xAI’s rapid growth positions it as a formidable contender in the expanding AI industry.
Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, has unveiled a standalone iOS app for its chatbot, Grok, marking its first major expansion beyond the X platform. The app, currently in beta testing across Australia and a few other regions, offers users an array of generative AI features, including real-time web access, text rewriting, summarisation, and even image generation from text prompts.
Grok, described as a ‘maximally truthful and curious’ assistant, is designed to provide accurate answers, create photorealistic images, and analyse uploaded pictures. While previously restricted to paying X subscribers, a free version of the chatbot was launched in November and has recently been made accessible to all users.
The app also serves as a precursor to a dedicated web platform, Grok.com, which is in the works. xAI has touted the chatbot’s ability to produce detailed and unrestricted image content, even allowing creations involving public figures and copyrighted material. This open approach sets Grok apart from other AI tools with stricter content policies.
As the beta rollout progresses, Grok is poised to become a versatile tool for users seeking generative AI capabilities in a dynamic and user-friendly interface.
A Google Street View image helped authorities in Spain in a missing person investigation. The image showed a person moving a large object into a car and another transporting a white bundle in a wheelbarrow. Authorities later located human remains in a cemetery in Soria province using advanced techniques.
Though Google Maps was involved, police clarified the image was not pivotal in solving the case of a 33-year-old man who disappeared in Tajueco. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the crime.
Google Maps has previously assisted law enforcement, including locating an Italian fugitive in 2022.
Manila Central University (MCU) has partnered with Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity, through its Academic Partner Program to address the growing talent shortage in the Philippines. That collaboration aims to equip students with essential skills to meet industry demands by integrating Fortinet’s Network Security Expert (NSE) training and certification program into the university’s curriculum, either as coursework or standalone offerings.
Faculty members will receive advanced training, and students will benefit from guest lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on learning in areas like network security, malware analysis, and defence strategies. Additionally, the partnership includes establishing a state-of-the-art Cyber Innovation Lab to provide immersive learning experiences.
The initiative aligns with findings from Fortinet’s ‘Cybersecurity Skills Gap 2024 Global Research Report,’ which revealed that 94% of organisations in the Philippines experienced security breaches in 2023, with 77% partly attributed to a lack of cybersecurity skills. MCU joins nine other institutions, including Mapúa University and Mindanao State University-Sulu, in Fortinet’s nationwide effort to strengthen cybersecurity education.
The partnership also represents a significant step toward bridging the cybersecurity skills gap in the Philippines. By combining Fortinet’s expertise with MCU’s academic foundation, the program offers students industry-recognised certifications and practical knowledge needed to excel as cybersecurity professionals.
Why does it matter?
The initiative addresses immediate challenges highlighted in the report and strengthens the country’s capacity to defend against evolving digital threats, ensuring a robust pipeline of future professionals ready to meet global cybersecurity standards.
Generative AI, has begun to mimic an intriguing aspect of human perception, the blending of sensory experiences. Research shows that humans naturally associate colours, shapes, and even sounds with flavours a phenomenon known as cross-modal correspondence. For instance, red hues often evoke sweetness, while sharp shapes suggest bitterness. AI systems, trained on human data, appear to be trained to replicate these associations, offering new perspectives on how deeply such connections are embedded in our perception.
This revelation emerged through studies where AI was tasked with answering prompts about the relationships between sensory elements, such as the sweetness of certain shapes or colours. The results closely mirrored human responses, particularly when using advanced models like ChatGPT-4. Researchers believe this reflects the biases in the data the AI was trained on, highlighting how common and universal these sensory links might be.
The potential applications of this technology are vast. Marketing, for example, could use AI to design products and packaging that enhance sensory appeal. However, experts warn that AI’s insights should complement, not replace, human creativity. While AI offers inspiration, the nuances of human perception remain essential for creating designs that resonate deeply with people.
By understanding how AI interprets sensory input, researchers hope to not only enhance technology but also unlock more about the mysteries of the human brain. As AI continues to explore the sensory dimensions, it might pave the way for innovative approaches to art, marketing, and even neuroscience.
