Can AI help humans talk to animals? | Zulily transfers assets to liquidator

Using artificial intelligence to talk to animals: A nonprofit called Earth Species Project , or ESP, backed by $1.2 million from the Seattle-based Paul G. Allen Family Foundation , is working with more than 40 research efforts around the globe, using machine learning and AI to help scientists understand animal communications in pursuit of saving imperiled species.?

• The technology could unlock valuable insights into the lives of wild animals and lead to more effective conservation, while also inspiring a greater human kinship with the natural world, say ESP leaders and supporters.
• But while ESP’s intentions are to bolster a connection to animals and increase protections, the work raises serious moral and safety concerns for wildlife. Read more.

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The latest chapter in the meltdown of Zulily is reading like a bad holiday fairy tale.?The Seattle online retailer? —?battered after weeks of layoffs, website outages and management reversals —?posted a message on its website late last week saying that it has made “the difficult but necessary decision to conduct an orderly wind-down of the business to maximize value for the companies’ creditors.” It has transferred assets to a professional liquidator. Read more .

In August, Ramberto Torruella (above) took a major career turn — leaving his high-ranking technical post with Department of the Navy to join Seattle’s progressive radio station KEXP as chief technology officer. Talk about a career shift — from submarines to Sub Pop and dress whites to the White Stripes. Read our interview with Torruella .

Orbite Inc Space, a venture that organizes orientation and training sessions for would-be spacefliers, says in a regulatory filing that it's in the midst of a funding round. The company, which traces its roots to Seattle, has big plans for a training facility in Florida. Read more .

Riding a wave of advances since “Boys in the Boat”: Thanks to tectonic shifts in technology and training, Olympic-level rowing has come a long way since the University of Washington’s eight-man crew pulled off the ultimate underdog win at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany (as depicted in the popular book and new movie). Lightweight racing shell materials, hydrodynamics and computer modeling have transformed the sport. Read more.

Valve Software caught some people by surprise when it launched a new version of its handheld PC gaming device last month. Here’s why the company did it.?

Hot Links:

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is CNN’s “CEO of the Year” on the strength of his leadership around artificial intelligence, as the company “is re-emerging as a tech innovator after years of riding the success of Windows.” (CNN Business )
• As one Washington state school district has restricted student access to cell phones, the question emerges about whether broader legislation should target distracting behavior in classrooms. (The Seattle Times )

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