A new startup, Logical Intelligence, is pursuing an alternative approach to artificial general intelligence (AGI) that diverges from the dominant large language model (LLM) paradigm. Co-founded by AI pioneer Yann LeCun and others, the company focuses on developing AI systems capable of reasoning, planning, and understanding the physical world through logical and symbolic methods. This …

A recent study suggests that the perceived benefits of microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin for depression may be largely due to placebo effects. The research found that participants who believed they were microdosing, but were actually given a placebo, reported similar improvements in mood and mental health as those taking the actual substances. The study highlights …

This edition of The Download covers two significant technological developments. The first is a major clinical trial for a new gene therapy aimed at treating a form of inherited blindness, representing a promising step forward for genetic medicine. The second focuses on efforts to bridge the persistent digital divide, highlighting new initiatives and technologies designed …

This article from MIT Technology Review covers two distinct technology topics. The first part explores the 'Vitalism' movement, a growing trend where individuals use technology to meticulously track and optimize their personal health and biological data, aiming to extend lifespan and enhance well-being. The second part examines a critical privacy concern emerging from advanced AI …

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leveraging artificial intelligence tools from Google and Adobe to create training and public awareness videos. This initiative aims to produce content more efficiently and at a lower cost than traditional video production methods. The AI-generated videos are intended for internal training programs and public service announcements, covering topics …

The article examines two major technology trends of 2025. First, it details the ongoing correction in the artificial intelligence sector, where inflated expectations are meeting the practical realities of deployment, cost, and technical limitations. This shift is prompting more measured investment and a focus on tangible applications over speculative potential. Second, it explores the growing …

A group of researchers and technologists, often labeled 'AI doomers,' continue to warn about the existential risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence, despite facing criticism and accusations of alarmism. Their core argument is that as AI systems approach or surpass human-level intelligence, they could become uncontrollable and pose a catastrophic threat to humanity. Proponents advocate …

OpenAI has temporarily disabled the model router system for most ChatGPT users, a feature that automatically directed queries to different AI models like GPT-4o or GPT-3.5 based on complexity. The company stated the rollback is a temporary measure to ensure quality and reliability, allowing them to gather more feedback and improve performance. This system was …

Hannah Wong, the Chief Communications Officer at OpenAI, is departing the company. Her exit follows a period of significant public attention and internal changes at the AI research organization. The company has not yet announced a direct replacement for the role. This leadership change occurs as OpenAI continues to navigate the complex landscape of AI …

Nvidia, traditionally known for its hardware dominance in AI chips, is now emerging as a major player in creating the AI models themselves. The company has launched Nemotron 3, a family of open-source large language models designed for commercial use. This move positions Nvidia directly against other major model developers like Meta and Google. Nemotron …