Prize-winning black hole theoretical physicist Alex Lupsasca has joined OpenAI's new science team, Axios has learned.
The big picture: Lupsasca is the first person to join the OpenAI for Science initiative led by Kevin Weil. In addition to his post at OpenAI, Lupsasca will continue his current job as a professor at Vanderbilt University.
Amazon on Thursday unveiled plans and renderings of its forthcoming small modular reactor facility in Washington state to power AI and cloud services.
Why it matters: The Cascade Advanced Energy Facility is one of the country's first SMR projects, with Energy Northwest and X-energy planning to build up to 12 SMRs.
The number of U.S. states with adult obesity rates at or above 35% dropped slightly in 2024 compared to a year prior, a new report finds, yet remains far higher than just a decade ago.
Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, COVID-19 complications and more.
The Florida man accused of starting the deadly Palisades Fire, one of California's most destructive blazes, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday.
The big picture: Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, who was originally charged with destruction of property by fire over the blaze that erupted during powerful Santa Ana winds in the Los Angeles area in January and led to the death of 12 people, faced two additional charges in the indictment.
For the past few weeks they've been all over the asters in our yard. Walk outside our house, and you'll see them (and so much more) on the blanket flowers, the blazing stars and the zinnias.
Why it matters: "Sleep, creep, leap" — a gardening adage used to describe the three-year growth pattern of perennial plants — has played out at our home since the summer of 2023. In the process, my wife and I have befriended neighbors and learned to love looking outside the window.
Billionaire businessman Mark Cuban said Sam Altman and OpenAI's plan to introduce adult material to ChatGPT will backfire and potentially harm young people.
Why it matters: OpenAI has promised to keep ChatGPT safe for children and teens as it has faced criticism over how the chatbot responds to young people and those in emotional distress.
The largest federation of labor unions representing nearly 15 million Americans launched the first comprehensive agenda for a future fueled by "worker-centered" artificial intelligenceon Wednesday, promoting what they say are benefits for everyone, "not just tech billionaires and corporate shareholders."
Why it matters: Deemed the "Workers First Initiative on AI," the federation warns of the looming worker bloodbath many leaders in AI have predicted, and proposes a list of principles that would protect workers rights if implemented.
The TED conference is changing hands, and education pioneer Sal Khan will be the new "vision steward" for the institution long headed by Chris Anderson.
Why it matters: The move aims to ensure the future of the organization, while keeping it a not-for-profit entity.
