This is the latest issue of The Download, our weekday newsletter offering a daily insight into what’s happening in the tech industry.
What lies ahead for AlphaFold: A dialogue with a Nobel laureate from Google DeepMind
After completing his PhD in theoretical chemistry in 2017, John Jumper discovered that Google DeepMind had transitioned from developing game-playing AI to a covert initiative aimed at forecasting protein structures. He sought employment there.
In just three years, Jumper alongside CEO Demis Hassabis spearheaded the creation of an AI system called AlphaFold 2, which could determine protein structures with atomic precision, achieving laboratory-quality accuracy while significantly accelerating the process—providing results in hours rather than months.
Last year, Jumper and Hassabis were awarded a Nobel Prize in chemistry. With the initial excitement subsided, what is the true influence of AlphaFold? How are scientists leveraging it? What are the upcoming steps? I engaged in discussions with Jumper (along with a few other researchers) to explore these questions. Read the full story.
—Will Douglas Heaven
The Landscape of AI: Chatbot friends and the future of privacy
—Eileen Guo & Melissa Heikkilä
If you don’t yet have an AI companion, chances are you know someone who does. A recent report revealed that one of the primary applications of generative AI is companionship: On platforms like Character.AI, Replika, or Meta AI, users can engineer bespoke chatbots to embody the ideal friend, lover, parent, therapist, or any other character they envision.
Some state administrations are beginning to pay attention and initiate regulations on companion AI. Notably, a crucial area that the regulations overlook is user privacy. Read the full story.
This marks the fourth issue of The State of AI, our exclusive collaboration with the Financial Times and MIT Technology Review. Sign up here to receive upcoming editions every Monday.
Subscribers to The Algorithm, our weekly AI newsletter, gain access to an extended excerpt, while MIT Technology Review subscribers can read the full content on our platform.
The essential reads
I’ve scoured the web to bring you today’s most entertaining/important/alarming/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Donald Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at enhancing AI innovation
The “Genesis Mission” aims to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. (Politico)
+ The order instructs government scientific agencies to enthusiastically adopt AI technologies. (Axios)
+ It is also being presented as a strategy to reduce energy costs. (CNN)
2 Anthropic introduces a new AI model focused on enhanced coding capabilities
We’ll gauge its efficiency once Claude Opus 4.5 is rigorously tested. (Bloomberg $)
+ The model reportedly surpassed human candidates in an internal coding evaluation. (VentureBeat)
+ What exactly is vibe coding? (MIT Technology Review)
3 The AI surge is causing India to rely on coal
Reducing opportunities for curbing the notoriously hazardous pollution in Mumbai. (The Guardian)
+ Currently, it’s a deadly smog season in New Delhi. (CNN)
+ The expansion of data centers in arid areas. (MIT Technology Review)
4 Adolescents are facing restrictions on their AI interactions
Character.AI is reducing the time underage individuals can engage with its chatbots. (WSJ $)
+ A significant portion of the user base comprises young females. (CNBC)
+ One of OpenAI’s leading safety figures is departing the organization. (Wired $)
+ The anticipated clampdown on AI companionship. (MIT Technology Review)
5 Weight-loss medications could pose increased risks during pregnancy
Users may have a higher likelihood of preterm births. (WP $)
+ The oral version of Ozempic did not succeed in stopping Alzheimer’s progression in a clinical trial. (The Guardian)
+ We are gaining further insights into the effects of weight-loss drugs on the body. (MIT Technology Review)
6 OpenAI is initiating a new “shopping research” application
All set to monitor your shopping habits closely. (CNBC)
+ It’s tailored for price comparisons and creating buyer’s manuals. (The Information $)
+ The organization is evidently striving for a slice of Amazon’s e-commerce market. (Semafor)
7 Residents of LA displaced by wildfires are relocating to prefabricated homes 🏠
Their new residences are inexpensive to construct and easy to set up. (Fast Company $)
+ Exploring how AI can enhance wildfire detection. (MIT Technology Review)
8 Why ex-Uber drivers are taking on the toughest driving exam
They’re undertaking the Knowledge—London’s rigorous street test that avoids GPS assistance. (NYT $)
9 How to identify a counterfeit battery
Great, just one more concern to add. (IEEE Spectrum)
10 Where is the Trump Mobile?
Nearly six months post-announcement, there’s been no update. (CNBC)
Quote of the day
“AI is a tsunami that will forever alter the landscape. Therefore, I’m distributing surfboards.”
—Filmmaker PJ Accetturo explains to Ars Technica his rationale for penning a newsletter aimed at guiding fellow creators on adapting to AI technologies.
One more note
The next phase of AI coding has arrived
When inquiring with those involved in building generative AI about its current strengths—what truly excites them—many will respond: coding.
Companies ranging from prominent AI firms to emerging startups are assuring to elevate coding assistants to a groundbreaking level. This subsequent generation has the capability to prototype, test, and debug code on your behalf. The implication is that developers may essentially transition into managerial roles, spending more time on reviewing and amending code generated by a model than writing it themselves.
Moreover, numerous individuals developing generative coding assistants are optimistic that these tools could serve as a fast track to artificial general intelligence, the theoretical superhuman technology that various leading companies claim to be pursuing. Read the full story.
—Will Douglas Heaven
We can still enjoy nice things
A hub for comfort, enjoyment, and entertainment to uplift your spirits. (Have suggestions? Reach out or send me your thoughts.)
+ If you plan to visit Istanbul, I hope you’re fond of cats—the city is a haven for them.
+ Honoring reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.
+ Did you realize that the ancient Egyptians had a remarkably effective method of detecting pregnancy?
+ As our American readers get ready for Thanksgiving, take a moment to think about Astoria the lovesick turkey 🦃
