The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield for their pioneering work on artificial neural networks and deep learning, technologies that have revolutionized artificial intelligence (AI). Their research has not only pushed the boundaries of physics, but has opened new avenues in the world of AI technology and practical applications.
Geoffrey Hinton, born in London in 1947 and a professor at the University of Toronto, is considered one of the fathers of AI. His most famous contribution was the development of the Boltzmann Machine, a type of neural network that uses principles of statistical physics to recognize and learn from data. The use of this model has allowed the birth of deep neural networks (deep learning), used today in a wide range of applications, from artificial vision to image and text recognition.
Hinton, who won the 2018 Turing Award for his groundbreaking work, has always expressed concern about AI risks, so much so that in 2023 he left Google to openly discuss these issues. Nevertheless, its contribution remains crucial to the development of current artificial intelligence systems.
John Hopfield, born in Chicago in 1933, developed neural networks capable of reproducing the functioning of the associative memory of the human brain. The Hopfield network, introduced in the 1980s, is a mathematical model that can store and reproduce complex data, such as images, even when they are partially damaged or incomplete. Using concepts derived from physics, Hopfield has created a system which Like the human brain, it can complete and reconstruct missing information.
His research has laid the foundation for many of today’s modern machine learning applications, helping to develop increasingly sophisticated machine learning techniques.
Hinton and Hopfield were awarded for their innovative approach, which combined concepts from physics with computer technology to create learning models capable of mimicking human cognitive processes. Artificial neural networks, inspired by their discoveries, are now the basis for everyday applications such as speech recognition and algorithmic cues.
The 2024 Nobel Prize reflects the importance of these discoveries not only for physics but also for humanity, highlighting the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the future of science and society
SOURCE: Sky TG24
NobelPrize.org
Ilsoftware
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
In London, David Game College is set to take a revolutionary step in the world of education by introducing a class entirely managed by artificial intelligence (AI). The program, named Sabrewing, will have its first implementation starting on September 23, with a class of 20 students aged 15 to 17, without human teachers but guided by AI-based learning platforms that will lead their educational journey.
The Sabrewing program is named after a species of hummingbird, known for its agility, resilience, and ability to navigate independently in complex environments. This symbolism reflects the values that David Game College aims to instill in its students: independence, self-sufficiency, and adaptability. Through the AI-based system, students will progress at their own pace without the need to synchronize with the entire class, allowing for highly personalized learning.
The model proposed by David Game College breaks away from the traditional educational paradigm, where a teacher uniformly manages a class. In this innovative context, students will interact directly with adaptive learning platforms that will analyze their progress, recognize any gaps, and provide targeted support. Core subjects include mathematics, English, and sciences such as biology, chemistry, and physics, while students will have the option to choose other subjects like computer science, geography, and history, tailoring a curriculum to their interests and ambitions.
Afternoon sessions will focus on developing life skills, such as critical thinking, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. However, despite the technological dominance, human support will not be absent: so-called "coaches" will act as facilitators, motivating and guiding students along their learning journey, while bridging the gap between technology and social interaction.
The Sabrewing project promises to harness the full benefits of artificial intelligence in education. Supporters believe that AI has the potential to revolutionize learning by offering precision and data analysis that would otherwise be impossible to replicate manually. A human teacher, while competent, may not be able to immediately recognize the individual difficulties of each student, whereas AI, with its ability to process large-scale data, can quickly identify and address each student's challenges.
Despite these potential advantages, the project has raised concerns. Critics fear that full reliance on AI may reduce human interactions, crucial for developing interpersonal skills. Furthermore, the human aspect of teaching, such as empathy and the ability to inspire, could be compromised. There are also concerns about privacy and data management, in a context where students' progress is constantly monitored by intelligent algorithms.
One of the most controversial aspects of the Sabrewing program is its cost. With an annual tuition fee of £27,000, this educational model seems accessible only to a select elite. This could further widen the socio-economic divide, creating a class-based education system where only those with greater financial resources can access the benefits of AI-driven education.
David Game College's project represents an ambitious test for the future of education. It could pave the way for a radical transformation in how education is conceived, making it more personalized and efficient. However, it remains to be seen whether this approach will successfully balance the benefits of technology with the need to maintain meaningful human interaction.
The implications of this innovation will likely be debated for a long time. While AI offers new opportunities, it also presents ethical and pedagogical challenges that cannot be ignored. What is certain is that David Game College has opened a new chapter in the history of education, and the world is closely watching the results of this experiment.
In Italy, efforts are underway to introduce AI into schools. Currently, the project is in the development phase, but it could soon be integrated into the already available online orientation module provided by the Italian company Advepa.
Advepa’s perspective, with its experience gained through the Advepa Educational platform launched in 2023, serves as a reference point for understanding the evolution of learning models within the educational system.
AI-powered tutor avatars that answer students' questions on various subjects, 3D object labs to understand physics and science in general, immersive orientation areas, spaces to create live-streaming events, and virtual exhibition setups showcasing students' projects are just a few of the functions that Advepa Educational offers to both students and teachers.
Online school orientation through digital platforms is a modern approach to helping students make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths. In addition to various solutions from the “traditional” web, the advent of immersive 3D environments now allows students to explore the curriculum content of different institutions interactively. These tools are accessible via the web but offer features that provide greater engagement for students.
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an essential part of the world of work, both for job seekers and companies looking to streamline their recruitment processes. The adoption of AI has made the job search process more accessible and faster, but also more complex, bringing new opportunities and challenges for both applicants and recruiters.
According to data from the AI Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano, 26% of job seekers have used AI tools to facilitate their application. This may include the use of platforms for automated CV creation, writing personalized cover letters and optimizing LinkedIn profiles to improve visibility in the eyes of recruiters. Thanks to AI, you can find the most relevant job offers for your skills by analyzing thousands of ads in a few seconds.
Among the platforms that are revolutionizing this approach is LazyApply, a service that uses an AI bot, called Job GPT, to automatically respond to thousands of jobs with a single click. Users provide basic information and the bot finds the most suitable offers. However, as evidenced by the experience of Joseph, an engineer who tested LazyApply, the success rate of these automatic applications remains low: after 5,000 applications sent, only twenty have led to an interview, corresponding to a poor 0,5% success rate.
Although AI can automate much of the process, it is not without its limitations. Joseph, despite the low success rate, was positive about the time saved compared to filling in applications manually. This highlights how technology can be useful in reducing workload, but does not always produce optimal results.
While AI is an opportunity for job seekers, it is a resource for companies to improve efficiency in selection processes. According to the Politecnico di Milano, 31% of companies use AI tools to analyse CVs. These systems are able to process a large number of applications in a short time, allowing the most suitable profiles to be identified according to pre-defined criteria. In today’s competitive world, reducing selection times is crucial for companies, allowing them to attract and hire talent before their competitors.
However, not all recruiters are enthusiastic about this new reality. Some, such as Christine Nichlos, CEO of People Science, are concerned about the use of bots to automatically apply for many jobs, as it may be perceived as a sign of low interest on the part of the candidate. Others, like Emi Dawson of NeedleFinder Recruiting, are more pragmatic and only interested in the validity of the candidate, regardless of how the CV got on their desk.
The market for bots for automatic applications is expanding. In addition to LazyApply, there are companies like Sonara and Massive, which offer automatic paid application services. Sonara, for example, enables its users to educate the algorithm on job preferences, improving accuracy in selecting ads to apply for. Massive also offers a human review of applications to ensure the accuracy of information, highlighting how AI can be integrated with human intervention for better results.
The indiscriminate use of AI bots to apply can present risks. Josh Bersin, CEO of a human resources consultancy, warns that the mass sending of applications could trigger spam alerts in companies' systems. Moreover, automation is not always able to adapt optimally to open questions or to capture the nuances required by particular roles.
Despite this, platforms like Massive are moving to improve the quality of matches between candidates and companies, using AI to analyze data from sites such as Glassdoor and provide applicants with valuable information to refine their job search.
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
It is the time of year when big giants present their new products. After Apple and Samsung, it’s time for Google to present to Google I/O a series of new hardware based on the Gemini AI assistant.
Very soon, subscribers to the Advanced, Business and Enterprise plans will have access to Gems: customizable virtual entities that act as real experts on specific topics. From creating social media posts to professional advice, Gems can perform complex tasks and provide tailored assistance, opening up new possibilities for businesses and professionals.
In addition, Google will introduce Imagen 3, an advanced image generator that will allow users to create visual content from simple text commands. This tool offers total creative control, allowing you to fine-tune the results until you get the image you want. The generation of people images will be available in early access for subscribers, with strict ethical limitations to ensure responsible use of technology.
Gemini Live, one of the most anticipated functions, allows you to converse with the AI assistant in a natural way, as in a normal chat. Launched in English for Advanced subscribers, this tool allows you to interact with the voice assistant without even unlocking your phone, with the possibility of choosing between different voices and styles. Thanks to the integration with other apps, Gemini Live can manage appointments, create shopping lists and much more, simplifying users' daily lives.
With Gemini, Google is introducing a new era of digital assistance by integrating advanced features that go far beyond the capabilities of old voice assistants. Although the Google Assistant remains available, Gemini is set to become the reference point for personal and professional interaction thanks to its ability to adapt to individual user needs.
SOURCE: Wired
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the realm of copyright has sparked significant debates about the ownership of rights for AI-generated works. Simultaneously, critical issues arise concerning the legal use of data required for training AI systems. Recent legal decisions are helping to shape an evolving regulatory framework, addressing the complex intersections between technology and law.
Issue: The creation of content by generative AI raises questions about who holds the copyright.
Key Point: Determining when the use of AI constitutes a copyright infringement.
Deep Dive: Traditionally, copyright is attributed to natural persons or legal entities. The absence of a human author in generative AI complicates the question of ownership. In traditional copyright law, an author must be a natural person or a legal entity capable of holding rights. With AI-generated works, there is no clear human creator, which raises significant questions about who, if anyone, can claim ownership.
Issue: The data used to train AI may include copyrighted works.
Key Point: Using such data for training could be a copyright violation.
Deep Dive: Jurisprudence and legal scholarship have yet to clearly establish whether using copyrighted works for training constitutes a violation, and if AI-derived works infringe on the original rights. The crux of the issue lies in whether the use of these works for training an AI system is considered fair use or a copyright infringement. Current legal interpretations vary, and clear guidelines are still being developed.
Issue: Can a work generated by AI be considered original?
Key Point: Attribution of authorship - AI, AI developer, or the contribution of training data.
Originality: For a work to be considered original, it must reflect a minimum level of creativity.
Attribution: Several possibilities:
The question of originality and authorship in AI-generated works remains contentious. Traditionally, originality requires a modicum of creativity, typically attributed to a human. With AI, this criterion becomes challenging to apply.
Key Point: AI-generated works do not enjoy copyright protection.
Rationale: The Washington district court, agreeing with the U.S. Copyright Office, upheld that only humans can be considered authors under U.S. copyright law. Therefore, an AI-generated work cannot be protected by copyright (Thaler v. Perlmutter, No. CV 22-1564 (BAH), 2023 WL 5333236 (D.D.C. Aug. 18, 2023)).
Additional Insight: The court ruled that copyright requires direct human creative input; thus, works created entirely by AI are not eligible for protection. According to U.S. law (and many other countries adhering to the Berne Convention), only original works created by a human author are protected by copyright.
Case: Cass. civ., Sez. I, Ordinanza, 16/01/2023, n. 1107
Key Point: Measuring the human creative contribution in the generative process of a digital work.
Rationale: If the artist has managed, instructed, corrected, and consciously utilized the AI.
Deep Dive: The ruling implies that if there is significant artistic contribution in the creative process, the work can be protected by copyright.
Reflection on Current Law: Copyright laws need to adapt to new technologies.
Clear and Updated Legal Framework: There is a pressing need for a legal framework that addresses emerging AI and copyright issues.
Possible Solutions: Proposals for regulatory reform to adequately recognize and regulate AI-generated works.
As AI continues to advance, it is essential for the legal landscape to evolve alongside it. The challenges posed by AI in the context of copyright highlight the need for clear and updated laws that can effectively address these new technological realities. By fostering a legal environment that accommodates AI advancements, we can ensure that the rights of all stakeholders are protected while promoting innovation and creativity.
SOURCE: BSF - Boies Schiller Flexner Italy
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
From 10 September 2024, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy will launch an important initiative to promote research and development (R&D) projects through the facilitations for "Smart Specialization". This strategic intervention is intended to support R&D projects with a budget of between 3 and 20 million euros, in line with the thematic areas of the National Strategy for Smart Specialisation.
The facilities are reserved for projects consistent with the following thematic areas:
Projects must aim to create new products, processes or services, or to significantly improve existing ones.
The facilities are open to companies of all sizes and research centres, focusing on industrial research and experimental development projects of strategic importance for the production system in the following regions: Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily.
Projects must meet the following criteria:
To support projects, more than 450 million euros are available, divided into:
Contributions to expenditure will cover a maximum percentage of eligible expenditure and costs as follows:
Soft loans will cover up to 50% of eligible costs and expenses. In addition, at least 20% of eligible costs and expenses will be financed by banks, subject to a positive credit assessment by a financing bank.
The initiative will also involve Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and the financing banks affiliated to the Italian Banking Association, thus ensuring comprehensive and structured support for the development of R&D projects in the priority areas of the National Smart Specialisation Strategy.
SOURCE: Boies Schiller Flexner Italy
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
On July 12, according to Arkham Intelligence data, the German government completed the sale of its Bitcoin reserves, transferring the last 3,846 BTCs to "Flow Traders and 139Po," identified as institutional/OTC deposit services. This transaction followed weeks of intense sales, during which the government liquidated a total of 50,000 Bitcoins, derived mainly from an asset seizure linked to Movie2K, a film piracy site.
The massive sale by the German government exerted considerable pressure on the market, keeping the price of Bitcoin below $60,000 and influencing its exponential moving average to 200 days. However, despite pressure to sell, institutional investors took advantage of the downturn. CoinShares reported inflows of $295 million into US exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the week of July 8, reversing a trend of reduced inflows.
The future of the Bitcoin market is now under the shadow of Mt. Gox’s repayment schedule, which could introduce additional sales pressure. Mt. Gox, an exchange that collapsed in 2014, is planning to return $8.2 billion in Bitcoin to its creditors. Analysts are divided on the impact this move will have on the market. Jacob King predicts that investors could sell up to 99% of Bitcoins received, while Tony Sycamore of IG Markets believes that the effect could be limited, as the market has already priced this news.
Despite initial fears, the Bitcoin market has shown remarkable resilience. After Germany’s final transfers, the price of Bitcoin underwent significant fluctuations, but showed signs of recovery. On June 24, the price dropped from $64,000 to less than $59,000, before suffering a further drop to $54,000 between July 3 and July 5. However, after the completion of German sales, the price rose above $60,000.
The German government’s mass sale represented one of the largest Bitcoin liquidations on the market, influencing investor sentiment and the price of Bitcoin. German legislator Joana Cotar criticized the decision, arguing for the adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve currency. In addition, the liquidations have fueled concerns among users, highlighted by critical messages and trolling on Germany’s public wallet.
With the sale completed, the focus now shifts to Mt. Gox and the potential impact of its refunds. The Bitcoin market, although currently under pressure, has shown remarkable resilience, leaving investors to look carefully at future developments.
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
During the EthCC event in Brussels, Filecoin and SingularityNET announced a strategic collaboration to revolutionize the integration between the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePin) and artificial intelligence (AI). This partnership aims to build a digital hub that challenges the dominance of large technology companies, while promoting decentralization and transparency.
The synergy between Filecoin and SingularityNET aims to create a decentralized and secure data network that offers a robust alternative to the currently dominant centralized models. Filecoin, renowned for its cloud data storage system, and SingularityNET, a leading platform in AI, will combine their technologies to develop innovative solutions in the field of data management and analysis.
Support of Other Strategic Partners
The collaboration also extends to other major organizations such as Theoriq, Bagel and Nuklai. These entities are working with Filecoin to improve their cryptographic infrastructure and expand data storage capabilities. Theoriq, for example, is developing AI agents over the Filecoin network to make crypto data more accessible, while Bagel leverages Filecoin’s computing power to support the development of advanced AI models. Nuklai is creating a collaborative data market, using Filecoin to facilitate secure data storage.
During the event, the use of methanol as an alternative fuel was also discussed, highlighting its high energy density and ease of management. Bernhard Urban of Lurssen explained that methanol is promising for recreational boating due to its safety and storage capacity. In addition, the potential of nuclear energy for yachts has been explored, although its practical application requires further research and development due to costs and safety issues, as pointed out by Ronno Schouten of Feadship.
Filecoin and SingularityNET are not alone in this initiative. Projects such as Fetch.ai and Ocean Protocol have joined SingularityNET to form the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, an alliance that aims to promote decentralized AI technologies. This group aims to counter the influence of large technology companies such as Google and Microsoft, offering an open and transparent alternative.
A crucial element of the partnership is the commitment to AI ethics. The collaboration involves the creation of a working group to ensure ethical development of AI technologies. Ben Goertzel, founder of SingularityNET, stressed the importance of minimising bias in AI models and directing the use of artificial intelligence towards beneficial applications for society.
SOURCE: Cryptonomist
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
In early July, a significant Bitcoin correction seemed to have dampened expectations of a new upswing in the cryptocurrency market. However, recent positive signs and encouraging macroeconomic data could change this scenario.
Among the most optimistic figures is JPMorgan. Although the institute revised its 2024 capital inflows forecast from $12 billion to $8 billion, it remains confident that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will recover, as reported by Beincrypto.
JPMorgan claims that if Bitcoin can recover the crucial psychological support of $60,000 in the coming weeks, the altcoins could also see a significant recovery, similar to what happened in the second half of 2023. A key indicator for initiating the altcoin season would be a 75% over-performance of the top 50 altcoin compared to Bitcoin by August.
Despite the negative climate, some players in the altcoin market see signs of a possible turnaround. Prominent projects such as Celestia (TIA) and Optimism (OP) have seen significant rebounds, suggesting that a wider recovery may be on the horizon in the coming months.
At present, however, the achievement of these objectives seems distant. Over the past 90 days (today is 07/12/2024 ndr), 70% of major altcoins have performed less than Bitcoin. The only exceptions include:
which have shown increased resilience.
In addition, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index, down to 25 points in the "extreme fear" zone, highlights a marked pessimism among investors. Bitcoin’s response to the ICC post-data downturn was not considered sufficient, and the failure to regain the $60,000 support further intensified the pessimism in the community.
Before this July chapter, Forbes ranked the top 10 altcoins in June 2024. Here is the list with the respective market capitalizations.
SOURCES: Forbes
The Crypto Gateway
Viola Meacci, student of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pisa, has always been interested in the world of journalism. In her job, she explored the world of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFT and metaverse which she now very is passionate about it .
