Last Week's Tech Highlights

Instagram to Use AI to Catch Teens Lying About Their Age and Automatically Move Them to Restricted Accounts

Meta has introduced a new AI-powered system for Instagram that will detect young users who misrepresent their age and will automatically move them to restricted, age-appropriate accounts. This initiative comes amid growing concerns over the negative impact of social media on the mental health of young users. Accounts designated for users aged 13 to 17 come with specific restrictions, limiting the people they can interact with and the content they can access. The system, known as the "adult classifier," will analyze various elements such as profile information, user interactions, and follower lists to estimate the user’s age. Once implemented in 2024, it will ensure that users are appropriately categorized based on their age to enhance online safety for teens.

Google Accidentally Leaks Preview of its Jarvis AI That Can Take Over Computers

In a recent mishap, Google accidentally made its latest AI assistant, known as Jarvis, publicly available on the Chrome Web Store. Unlike conventional AI assistants that provide weather updates or help with reminders, Jarvis was described on the store page as an "assistant friend" that can perform a wide array of tasks, such as grocery shopping, booking flights, and researching topics by navigating the web autonomously. In other words, Google’s new AI prototype is designed to complete simple tasks by taking control of the computer without the need for manual human input. However, when a journalist tried to use the prototype, it was non-functional due to limited access permissions, meaning that Jarvis could not perform any actual tasks. This accidental preview indicates Google’s ongoing progress in creating an AI that can independently operate across the web for various tasks.

Australia Moves to Ban Children Under 16 from Social Media

Australia is planning to ban children under the age of 16 from using social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese highlighted the potential harms of platforms such as Facebook and TikTok on young users and announced that technology companies will be required to enforce age restrictions. Companies failing to implement these restrictions will face substantial fines. The proposed regulation is one of the strictest globally aimed at ensuring children’s safety on social media. Although the regulation could pose certain technical challenges in its implementation, the move sends a strong message to social media companies about protecting families and young users. Some educational platforms like YouTube used for learning purposes may be exempt. This proposed regulation follows similar measures in France, which passed age verification laws in 2023. Australia's move underlines its role as a leader in digital safety on a global scale.

First-of-Its-Kind Stem Cell Therapy Restores Sight for Patients with Vision Loss

In a groundbreaking treatment, researchers at Osaka University in Japan have successfully restored sight in four patients suffering from vision loss through a unique stem cell therapy. Led by Kohji Nishida, the team transformed blood cells from a healthy donor into embryonic-like stem cells, which were then transplanted into the patients' corneas. Following the procedure, three patients experienced permanent improvement in their vision, while one patient's gains were temporary. During a two-year follow-up period, the patients showed no severe side effects or signs of immune rejection. This therapy marks a promising step toward stem cell-based treatments for vision-related diseases. More comprehensive clinical trials are scheduled for March to further validate the treatment's efficacy and safety.

Scientists Develop Molecule that Triggers Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a molecule that prompts cancer cells to initiate a natural cell death process called apoptosis. This innovative approach targets diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by binding two proteins, BCL6 and CDK9, to activate "death genes" within the cancer cells. The molecule was tested on 859 cancer cell types, where it showed selective effectiveness in killing only lymphoma cells without harming healthy cells. By sending multiple death signals, the molecule aims to reduce the chance of cancer cells developing resistance to treatment. The research team continues to test the therapy in live animal models to assess its effectiveness and safety.

Human Body May Serve as Energy Source for 6G Technology

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst have developed a method to capture energy for 6G communication technology, called Visible Light Communication (VLC), through the human body. VLC transmits data via LED lights that blink at high speeds, and these signals release excess radio frequency (RF) energy. The researchers designed a bracelet made from copper wire, named "Bracelet+," that can capture this waste energy from the human body more effectively than from metal or plastic surfaces. Costing only 50 cents to produce, this device could charge low-power wearables, such as health monitoring devices, paving the way for sustainable energy use in 6G and beyond.

NASA Pursues Lunar Mining to Bring Helium-3 to Earth as a Clean Energy Source

NASA is advancing plans to mine Helium-3 from the Moon’s surface, an isotope that holds promise for nuclear fusion and offers a potential clean energy source. Unlike conventional nuclear reactions, Helium-3 fusion does not produce radioactive waste, making it an attractive alternative. The isotope is rare on Earth but abundant on the Moon, necessitating lunar mining efforts to obtain it. NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, enabling Helium-3 mining for future use. Other countries, including China, Russia, and Japan, are also eyeing lunar mining opportunities. Despite high costs and regulatory challenges, Helium-3 could eventually serve as a powerful substitute for fossil fuels.

Nvidia Surpasses Apple to Become World's Most Valuable Public Company

On Tuesday, Nvidia overtook Apple as the world’s most valuable publicly traded company, reaching a market valuation of $3.43 trillion, just ahead of Apple’s $3.4 trillion. Nvidia's stock has surged nearly threefold in 2024 as investors continue to bet on the company’s graphics processing unit (GPU) technology and its dominant position in the AI sector. Many analysts expect Apple’s upcoming AI feature package for iPhones to boost its sales, positioning it as a leader in edge AI, which is less dependent on GPU-based servers. However, Apple shares have risen only about 17% this year.

Ohio State Develops Water Harvester That Extracts Water from Air Using Half the Energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a portable water harvester that can convert moisture in the air into drinkable water with half the energy typically required by conventional systems. The device, built with nickel-titanium materials, quickly produces water in humid conditions, making it an ideal solution for areas with limited access to clean water. The device operates with elastocaloric cooling technology, allowing it to work efficiently and produce a substantial amount of water within 30 minutes. With potential applications in humid regions like the Philippines and Indonesia, this technology could help address water scarcity in remote communities.

Amazon Begins Testing New Delivery Drone in Arizona After FAA Approval

Amazon has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its new and quieter MK30 delivery drones, which have now begun test flights in Arizona. The FAA authorization allows the drones to fly beyond the line of sight, part of Amazon’s continued efforts to develop its Prime Air delivery program. Launched in 2022, the MK30 drone is capable of flying in light rain and has double the range of earlier models. Amazon plans to conduct deliveries near a fulfillment center in Tolleson, west of Phoenix, demonstrating the company's focus on reducing delivery times despite past challenges in its Prime Air project.

Lidar Technology Reveals Lost Maya City Hidden in Mexico’s Jungle

Researchers using Lidar technology have uncovered a lost Maya city, named "Valeriana," hidden beneath dense jungle in Mexico's Campeche region. The Lidar scans revealed over 6,764 structures, including temple pyramids, reservoirs, and extensive plazas, which challenge previous assumptions about Maya civilization being organized into independent city-states. The discovery of interconnected cities with sophisticated road systems and agricultural terraces suggests that the Maya civilization spanned a larger area than previously thought. These findings highlight the complex urban planning and environmental management strategies used by the Maya and underline the importance of conserving these historical sites.

Penn State Develops AI-Powered “Electronic Tongue” for Instant Food Safety Detection

Penn State University researchers have developed an AI-powered "electronic tongue" that can instantly assess food freshness and safety. This device, which incorporates a neural network, can detect subtle chemical variations in liquids like milk, juice, and coffee with over 95% accuracy. The electronic tongue analyzes data without human intervention, making decisions based on preloaded datasets. In addition to food safety, the technology could potentially be used in medical diagnostics. By observing the AI’s decision-making process, researchers gain insight into how AI systems "think," offering a new perspective on artificial intelligence applications.

Global Businesses Targeted in Widespread ChatGPT Phishing Campaign

Barracuda Networks has detected a large-scale phishing campaign aimed at ChatGPT users, attempting to steal user credentials by impersonating OpenAI. Attackers sent fake emails, claiming that ChatGPT subscription payments had failed and directing users to a link to update payment information. The phishing emails were sent from a domain called “topmarinelogistics.com” and passed security checks like SPF and DKIM verification. By redirecting victims to a fake ChatGPT login page, the attackers sought to capture new account information, likely to initiate further phishing attacks.

Alphabet Partners with Spotify and Paramount to Roll Out New Cloud Chip

Alphabet has signed agreements with Spotify and Paramount to integrate its latest cloud chip technology, which promises enhanced data processing capabilities and improved AI performance. Spotify aims to use this chip to enhance user experience and bolster its content recommendation systems, while Paramount plans to deliver video content faster and with higher quality. Investors believe this partnership will bolster Alphabet’s profitability in the long term and intensify competition in cloud technologies, potentially prompting other tech companies to adopt similar advancements.

South Korea Fines Meta $15 Million for Collecting User Data Without Consent

South Korea has imposed a $15.67 million fine on Meta, accusing it of collecting user data without a proper legal basis and sharing this data with advertisers. The Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) found that Meta had gathered sensitive data, including religion, political views, and sexual orientation, from approximately 980,000 South Korean users and shared it with nearly 4,000 advertisers. Additionally, Meta allegedly denied users’ requests to access their data and failed to protect it against hacks. This fine reflects South Korea’s strict stance on data privacy violations.

Apple to Acquire Popular Photo Editing App Pixelmator

Apple has agreed to acquire the Lithuania-based photo editing app Pixelmator, known for its Mac-based tools, including Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator. While Apple assured users that there would be "no significant changes" to these products, it also hinted at "exciting updates." Pixelmator’s team will join Apple, but the acquisition price remains undisclosed. Pixelmator’s one-time payment model has raised questions among users about whether it will continue as an independent app, given Apple’s history of integrating acquired software like Dark Sky into its ecosystem while keeping others, like Final Cut Pro, as standalone offerings.

Non-Electric Circuit Technology Paves the Way for Autonomous Robots in Harsh Environments

Engineers at King’s College London have developed a pressure-based circuit that allows robots to perform complex tasks without using electricity, enhancing autonomy in difficult environments. The innovation mimics biological functions in humans, using pressure signals rather than electric ones to operate. This non-electric circuitry could be valuable in environments where electricity use is restricted or dangerous, such as in radioactive zones like Chernobyl. The development also frees up space for more complex AI software, offering a safer and more adaptable solution for robotics in hazardous settings.

Apple Invests $1.5 Billion in Globalstar to Expand Satellite Services

Apple has announced a $1.5 billion investment in satellite communications company Globalstar to expand satellite coverage for users in remote or hard-to-reach locations. This investment aims to create a robust satellite-based communication infrastructure that will be crucial for emergency situations and natural disasters. By strengthening Globalstar’s satellite network, Apple seeks to integrate satellite connectivity into its devices, enhancing user experience in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. This strategic move underscores Apple’s commitment to expanding its reach and staying competitive in the tech industry.

FBI Seeks Information on Chinese Hackers Targeting Sophos Firewalls

The FBI has issued a public call for information on Chinese hackers targeting Sophos security devices. These attacks, allegedly conducted by advanced threat groups such as APT41, APT31, and Volt Typhoon, have exploited vulnerabilities in Sophos devices since 2018, including a zero-day flaw known as CVE-2020-12271. The FBI noted that both public and private sector entities were affected by these breaches, which utilized the "Pygmy Goat" backdoor, as documented by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The FBI encourages those with knowledge of the attacks to come forward.

Google’s Big Sleep AI Model Discovers Zero-Day Vulnerability in SQLite

Google’s newly developed AI model, Big Sleep, has detected a previously unknown "stack buffer underflow" vulnerability in the SQLite database. This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to crash systems or execute malicious code. Reported to SQLite developers in early October, the issue was resolved on the same day, preventing any potential exploitation. Big Sleep, developed in collaboration with Google’s Project Zero and DeepMind, represents a significant advancement in AI-based security, highlighting AI’s potential to identify vulnerabilities that traditional methods might miss.

Interpol Cracks Down on Global Cybercrime with Operation Synergia II

In a massive international crackdown, Interpol’s Operation Synergia II resulted in the arrest of 41 individuals across 95 countries and the seizure of numerous devices suspected to be linked to cybercrime. The operation, supported by cybersecurity firms such as Group-IB, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Team Cymru, led to the shutdown of 22,000 IP addresses and the confiscation of 59 servers and 43 computers. Neal Jetton, head of Interpol’s Cyber Crime Directorate, emphasized the operation’s success in safeguarding thousands of potential victims and underscored the importance of global collaboration in combating cyber threats.

Palantir Integrates Anthropic’s Claude Model for U.S. Military and Intelligence Agencies

Palantir has partnered with Anthropic to integrate its Claude AI models into U.S. military and intelligence systems, increasing the company’s influence in defense technology. The Claude 3 and 3.5 models will be used by the Pentagon for tasks such as data processing, document analysis, and quick decision-making in critical scenarios. While specifics about Claude’s role in military operations remain undisclosed, this addition builds on Palantir’s existing relationship with the Pentagon and its recent integration of Microsoft’s large language models, reinforcing its position in government technology.

Interstellar “Tunnel” Near Solar System May Connect to Galactic Network

Astronomers have discovered an “interstellar tunnel” near the Solar System, potentially linking nearby star systems. Published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, the study describes the “Local Hot Bubble,” a bubble of hot gas extending hundreds of light-years that may serve as a passage into cooler, star-dense areas of the galaxy. Using data from the eROSITA telescope, researchers modeled the bubble’s structure and found it could connect to a larger network of intergalactic gas structures. This discovery could provide new insights into the galactic infrastructure and the dynamics of star formation.

Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Passes Away at 91

Quincy Jones, the iconic producer behind Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and numerous collaborations with artists like Frank Sinatra, passed away at his Los Angeles home on Sunday night. He leaves a profound legacy in music, having transcended racial barriers to become one of the first Black executives in Hollywood. His work spanned jazz, pop, and classical music, influencing countless artists across generations. Jones, who was set to receive an honorary Oscar later this month, will be remembered for his immense contributions to American music and entertainment.