The week's developments in AI, quantum, and biotech, explained | 03.04.24

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This week, we spotlight innovations from Ukraine's drone sector, which is transitioning from military to civilian use, aiming for global UAV supremacy with over 200 firms (up from only 7 last year). Meanwhile in China, flying cars approach reality with KleinVision and Hebei Jianxin's commercial AirCar deal — is the future of tech aerial?

Tech-wise, researchers from the University of Texas have found a way to play games with your mind, foretelling broader applications for disability aids. Meanwhile, a Stanford study highlights the surge in LLMs in scientific research, especially in Computer Science.

Keep reading for the latest updates on TikTok’s STEM ambitions, iPhones for diabetes, and the three most powerful AI chips: explained — plus the coolest AI tools to run, code and eat.

— Charlie and the Research & Intelligence Team 

PS. We’ve just launched The CogX Transatlantic Accelerator; a joint campaign with the UK Government to connect the most innovative UK startups with US markets. If you are or know a UK startup they can apply for over $20k worth of support to attend, exhibit and network at CogX Festival in LA on 7th May here

Innovation and Releases

🛩️ From war to peace, Ukraine's drone startups pivot their battlefield expertise to explore dual applications in civilian and military markets. The conflict has spurred rapid growth in the domestic drone industry, boasting over 200 companies aiming for global UAV leadership.

🚗 Flying cars are on the horizon in China after KleinVision's deal with Hebei Jianxin for commercial AirCar production. The Slovakian firm, having tested and certified its design, is pushing for European approval to boost manufacturing and improve the car’s performance.

💬 ChatGPT no longer requires an account, here’s the catch: users accessing it without an account face feature limitations and stricter content policies. While they can chat freely, they can't save or share chats, and their interactions may still be used for training unless they opt out. 

🔬 TikTok is launching its STEM feed in Europe to promote educational content, starting in the UK and Ireland. The feed will automatically appear for users under 18 (optional for others) and is part of a commitment to educational content amid scrutiny over harmful material.

AI Tools of the Week

Run 🖥️ LM Studio enables users to run LLMs offline on their local devices, ensuring enhanced privacy and data security without requiring an internet connection.

Code 💻 Otto Engineer is AI-powered coding assistant for browser-based code writing, testing, and iteration — until it works.

Eat 🍽️ Meals.Chat is a diet tracking that analyses photos of meals to provide quick calorie, macro, and caffeine estimates without manual logging

Latest Research

🎮You can now play games with your thoughts with a brain-computer interface from the University of Texas, which requires no individual calibration. This ML enhanced tech is poised to control wheelchairs and rehabilitation robots to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

📱Smartphones can now check for diabetes signs using their compass sensor, thanks to a new method by NIST researchers. This cheap and simple way uses hydrogels that react to biological and environmental stimuli to monitor health conditions and detect environmental toxins.

📚The use of LLMs in scientific publishing is increasing, with a Stanford University study analysing nearly a million papers to gauge this trend. Computer Science has seen the fastest rise in LLM use, while Mathematics and Nature portfolio journals have the least. 

⚛️ Quantum algorithm to discover new materials was developed by scientists to reduce the need for repeated quantum circuit executions, speeding up previously time-consuming calculations . This breakthrough will provide valuable insights for material and chemical research.

In case you missed it

Three new groundbreaking AI chips, explained:

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🚀 Remember to register your interest for CogX Festival LA 7 May!