Category: Knowledge

Posted on

Voyager One phones home for the first time in 5 months

Voyager One

Voyager 1, launched in September 1977, holds the distinction of being the furthest human-made object from Earth.

It embarked on an incredible journey, venturing beyond the boundaries of our solar system and into interstellar space.

Here’s the latest update on this iconic spacecraft

Communication

On 14th November 2023, Voyager 1 experienced an unexpected glitch, rendering its binary communication code with NASA’s flight team incomprehensible.

However, after several months of indecipherable signals, Voyager 1 has resumed clear communication with Earth. On 20th April2024, the spacecraft reported back to its NASA team, detailing its health status for the first time in five months.

Although it is not yet transmitting scientific data, Voyager 1 is providing valuable information regarding the health and functionality of its onboard engineering systems.

Historic

Thirty-five years post-launch, Voyager 1 marked a milestone as the first human-made object to exit the solar system and enter interstellar space.

Six years thereafter, in 2018, Voyager 2 emulated its predecessor, venturing beyond the sun’s dominion. Together, these spacecraft stand as humanity’s lone envoys in the cosmic expanse, bearing our scientific endeavours and inquisitive spirit.

Technical repair

In March, the team operating NASA’s Voyager 1 sent a command to the spacecraft, which triggered its flight data subsystem (FDS) to transmit a complete memory readout to Earth.

The analysis of the memory dump reportedly indicated that the malfunction was due to a piece of corrupted code on a single chip, accounting for approximately 3% of the FDS’s memory.

While it’s not possible to physically repair or replace the chip, the team is adeptly shifting the problematic code within the FDS’s memory. This process apparently involves dividing the code into segments and reallocating them to different storage areas, with the goal of maintaining the smooth operation of Voyager 1’s systems.

Clever

Ultimately, Voyager 1’s recent successful communication serves as a remarkable example of human creativity and determination in space exploration. Even from its extraordinary distance from Earth, the venerable spacecraft continues to provide important updates on its status and insights into the unknowns of interstellar space.

15 billion miles and counting

Voyager 1 is approximately 15 billion miles from home. It takes about 1 day for information to travel from Voyager to Earth. Voyager 1 is travelling at an estimated speed of: 38026

Voyage One mission status

Posted on

Will Bitcoin experience another growth spurt after the latest halving event?

Bitcoin halving is a significant event in the cryptocurrency world

What is Bitcoin Halving?

Bitcoin halving, which happens roughly every four years, cuts the rate of new Bitcoin creation by half. This event is tied to the method of recording and generating Bitcoins. Transactions are logged on a blockchain, a ledger accessible to all.

Miners compile transactions into blocks and connect them by resolving cryptographic challenges, earning new bitcoins as their reward.

Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin, designed the cryptocurrency to have a maximum circulation of 21 million coins. To ensure this, the Bitcoin protocol halves the reward given to miners every 210,000 blocks, an event that occurs approximately every four years.

The Latest Halving

The latest Bitcoin halving took place in the early hours of Saturday 20th April 2024, reducing the reward for adding a new block of transactions to the blockchain from 6.25 Bitcoins to 3.125. Bitcoin’s halving will persist until the total supply approaches the 21 million cap, anticipated around the year 2140.

Impact on Bitcoin Price

The halving of Bitcoin reduces the number of new coins entering circulation, which, in theory, could drive up the price if demand remains constant.

According to economic principles, a stable demand coupled with a reduced supply should lead to a price increase.

Analysis of the three previous halvings (in 2012, 2016, and 2020) indicates an average price surge of 16% in the 60 days post-halving.

Typically, investors see the highest price increase approximately 500 days following a halving event.

Despite a recent drop from its peak, Bitcoin holds a high-level interest for crypto investors, even with its volatile behaviour. It has posted a 40% increase in 2024 compared to the same period last year.

In summary, the halving of Bitcoin reduces the availability of new coins, which could lead to an increase in value. However, the complete effects may only become apparent gradually over time.

Posted on

Global police forces take down massive scam website that defrauded thousands of victims

Online fraud

UK police have dismantled a gang that provided a technology service enabling criminals to use fraudulent text messages to defraud victims

Britain’s Metropolitan Police announced on Thursday 18th April 2024 that the ‘LabHost‘ website had been utilised by 2,000 criminals to pilfer personal details from users.

The police have reportedly identified approximately 70,000 UK individuals whose details were compromised via LabHost’s websites. The websites of LabHost have been disrupted and now displays a notice indicating that the services have been seized by law enforcement.

They have arrested 37 people worldwide and are contacting victims affected by the scam.

Phishing scam

Officers say younger people who grew up with the internet were the most likely to fall for the ‘phishing’ scam.

What is ‘phishing’

‘Phishing’ is a type of social engineering attack where perpetrators trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information or downloading malware. This often entails the use of deceptive emails or messages that mimic reputable entities, luring users to input their login details on counterfeit websites.

See Wikipedia definition.

The technology enabled scammers without technical expertise to inundate victims with deceptive messages aimed at eliciting online payments.

Authorities focused on the gang’s website, LabHost, which facilitated the despatch of these messages and steered victims towards counterfeit websites. These sites mimicked authentic online payment or shopping platforms.

ID theft

This operation allowed the perpetrators to pilfer personal identity details, including 480,000 card numbers and 64,000 PIN codes. It was referred to as ‘fullz data‘ in criminal circles, according to the police.

The exact amount of money stolen remains unknown. However, detectives estimate that the LabHost site generated close to £1 million ($1.25 million) in profits.

Posted on

IMF says Russia is expected to grow faster than all advanced economies in 2024

Oil

The International Monetary Fund calculates that Russia’s economy will expand more rapidly than all advanced economies this year.

According to the latest World Economic Outlook released by the IMF, Russia’s economy is projected to expand by 3.2% in 2024.

This growth outpaces the anticipated growth rates for the U.S. at 2.7%, the U.K. at 0.5%, Germany at 0.2%, and France at 0.7%.

G7 growth percentages

  • Russia at 3.2%
  • U.S. at 2.7%
  • France at 0.7%
  • U.K. at 0.5%
  • Germany at 0.2%

The forecast may be galling for Western countries that have endeavoured to economically isolate, restrict and punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russia has demonstrated that Western sanctions on its industries have made it more self-sufficient and that private consumption and domestic investment remain resilient.

Oil exports

Oil and commodity exports to nations such as India and China, (two of the largest countries in the world by population) – as well as alleged sanction evasion and high oil prices, have allowed Russia to maintain strong oil export incomes streams.

UK and Europe growth

Outside of Russia, the IMF has revised its forecasts for Europe and the UK, projecting a growth of 0.5% for this year. This positions the UK as the second-lowest performer within the G7 group of advanced economies, trailing behind Germany.

The G7 also includes France, Italy, Japan, Canada and the U.S.

However, UK growth is expected to improve to 1.5% in 2025, placing the UK in the top three best G7 performers, according to the IMF.

The IMF also reported said that interest rates in the UK will remain higher than other advanced nations, close to 4% until 2029.

Posted on

Bank of England school report: must try harder – a brutal analysis of ‘out of date’ systems

Bank of England forecasts

The Bank of England (BoE) stands as a bastion of economic stability, guiding the United Kingdom through the ebbs and flows of financial tides. 

Modernising the Bank of England’s forecasting system has become a critical necessity. A recent independent review has cast a spotlight on the ‘serious deficiencies’ within its economic forecasting system, calling for an urgent modernisation.

Out of date forecasting methods

What have they all been doing for all these years to not have updated their systems?

The review, led by Dr. Ben Bernanke, a former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, paints a picture of an institution grappling with outdated systems and under-investment in critical infrastructure. The Bank’s staff, the report suggests, are hindered by software that is not just out-of-date but also complicates the already intricate task of economic forecasting.

This revelation comes at a time when accurate economic forecasting is more vital than ever. The world is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, the 2008/2009 financial crisis and the UK faces unique challenges post-Brexit. The Bank’s ability to predict economic trends accurately is paramount in crafting policies that safeguard the nation’s financial health.

Deficiencies

The deficiencies highlighted are not just a matter of outdated software; they reflect a deeper need for a paradigm shift in how economic data is handled and analysed. The report recommends a complete overhaul of the system, emphasizing the need for automation of tasks that are currently performed manually.

Governor Andrew Bailey’s reportedly responded to the review by acknowledging the gravity of the situation, stating that updating the Bank’s systems is a ‘high priority’. This commitment to modernisation is a step in the right direction, but it should be followed by swift and decisive action, surely.

A broken compass?

The Bank of England’s forecasting system is more than a tool; it is the compass by which the nation navigates its economic future. Modernising this system is not just a recommendation; it is an imperative. As the UK charts its course in a rapidly changing global economy, the reliability and sophistication of its economic forecasting are not just beneficial but essential for continued prosperity.

In conclusion, the Bank of England’s economic forecasting system is at a crossroads. The call to modernise is clear, and the path forward must be paved with innovation, investment, and a steadfast commitment to excellence in economic stewardship.

The future of the UK’s economy depends on it.

Posted on

Does extreme flooding pose a threat to UK food security?

UK floods

Record-breaking rain has inundated the United Kingdom over the past few months, leaving fields submerged and livestock at risk.

The relentless downpours, likely exacerbated by climate change, are now threatening the very foundation of UK food production.

Challenges faced by farmers

UK farmers are facing the repercussions of extreme weather events. Fields that would normally be abundant with crops are currently waterlogged, making them barren. Livestock are also suffering, unable to graze in the inundated fields, leading to a shortage of feed. The circumstances are critical, prompting the National Farmers Union (NFU) to raise the alarm.

NFU’s concerns and calls for action

The NFU emphasizes that climate change-induced flooding imperils food security. Rachel Hallos, NFU vice president, warns that these extreme conditions could become the norm. Urgent action is needed to safeguard our agricultural systems.

  • Compensation and Support: The NFU urges the government to provide more substantial compensation to flooded farmers. The recently launched Farm Recovery Fund offers grants, but broader and longer-term assistance is essential.
  • Reduced Crop Output: Weeks of incessant rain have already impacted this year’s harvest. Crop quality may suffer, affecting both farmers and consumers.
  • Resilience and Adaptation: We cannot rely solely on imports. A clear government plan is necessary to prepare for the potential effect of extreme weather, adapt to its effects, and ensure continued food production.

Voices from the fields – case study example

A recent report from a mixed dairy, beef, and arable farmer in Gloucester whose land lies in the floodplain reportedly said that floods occurred every six years, but now they occur with alarming frequency. Cattle, unable to graze, face dwindling feed supplies. Livelihoods hang in the balance.

The farmer went on to say, ‘climate change affects us all. It threatens our food supply and prices. We must think about resilience and feeding the world amidst a changing climate.’

Conclusion

Extreme flooding transcends a natural disaster; it poses a threat to our very sustenance. In the face of such challenges in the UK, it is imperative that farmers, policymakers, and communities collaborate.

Prompt action is essential to safeguard our food security and foster resilience for the future.

Building and farming on low-lying land, often on floodplains, is likely a big part of the problem, along with the potential effects of the ever-changing climate and weather patterns.

Safety valve

Low lying land has always flooded – isn’t it natures safety valve? We cohabit with nature and low-lying land, as good as it is for farming (and building), will always flood – as it has for thousands of years.

But we do need to do more to protect our food production in the UK.

Posted on

GEN AI – The AI ‘generation’

AI Generation

The Generation AI: How the next wave of young innovators will shape the future

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only a technology that is transforming the world, but also a culture that is inspiring the next generation of young innovators.

The Generation AI is a term that refers to the children and teenagers who are growing up with AI as a natural part of their lives, and who are using it to express their creativity, solve problems, and pursue their passions. 

Generation AI is different from the previous generations in many ways. They are more diverse, more connected, more curious, and more entrepreneurial. GEN AI are also more aware of the social and ethical implications of AI, and more eager to use it for good. They are not just passive consumers of AI, but active creators and collaborators. 

The Generation AI is already making an impact in a variety of domains and industries.

Education

Generation AI is learning with and from AI, using it to enhance their learning experiences, personalise their curricula, and access global resources. They are also teaching AI, using it to share their knowledge, mentor their peers, and build their portfolios. For example, CodeGPT is a platform that allows students to learn coding with AI, and to create their own AI projects. 

Healthcare

The Generation AI is improving their health and well-being with AI, using it to monitor their fitness, nutrition, and mental health, and to access reliable and personalized health information and services. They are also contributing to the health of others, using AI to support health research, diagnosis, and treatment. For example, Cureskin is an app that uses AI to detect and treat skin conditions. 

Entertainment

The Generation AI is enjoying and creating entertainment with AI, using it to discover and consume content that suits their tastes, preferences, and moods, and to generate their own content, such as music, art, games, and stories. They are also engaging and interacting with AI, using it to play, chat, and socialise with others.

For example, OpenART, Microsoft Copilot, Stable Diffusion or PopAI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT are just a small selection of generative AI systems that can create realistic and diverse images from text descriptions.  The Generation AI is not only the future of AI, but also the future of humanity.

They are the ones who will shape the direction and impact of AI, and who will benefit from its opportunities and challenges. They are the ones who will unleash the full potential of AI, and who will make the world a better place a discerned use of AI.

Note: apps mentioned in this article are not recommendations. They are just for reference only.

Posted on

Generative AI: A New Frontier of Creativity and Innovation

AI generated art

Generative Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only a powerful tool for solving problems but is also a source of creativity and innovation.

Generative AI is a type of AI that can create new and realistic content, such as images, text, music, software, and product designs, by learning from existing data and generating novel outputs that reflect the characteristics of the training data but do not repeat it. 

Gen AI uses various techniques, such as deep neural networks, transformers, and generative adversarial networks, to model the complex patterns and structure of the input data and produce diverse and high-quality outputs.  Generative AI can also respond to natural language prompts, allowing users to interact with the system and specify their desired outcomes. 

Generative AI has many potential applications across different domains and industries.

Software development

GAI (Generative AI) can help developers write code faster and easier by generating suggestions, corrections, or completions based on the context and the user’s intent. For example, Copilot is a generative AI system that can assist developers with coding tasks by learning from billions of lines of code. 

Healthcare

Generative AI can help researchers discover new drugs, treatments, or vaccines by generating novel molecules, proteins, or antibodies that have the desired properties and functions. For example, Insilico Medicine is a company that uses generative AI to design new drugs for aging and age-related diseases.

Entertainment

Generative AI can help artists, musicians, writers, or filmmakers create original and engaging content by generating images, sounds, text, or video that match their style and preferences. For example, Stable Diffusion is a generative AI system that can create realistic and diverse images from text descriptions.

Customer service

Generative AI can help businesses provide better and more personalised service to their customers by generating natural and human-like responses, recommendations, or solutions based on the customer’s needs and preferences. For example, ChatGPT is a generative AI chatbot that can have very human-seeming interactions with users.

Unlocking potential or unleashing the ‘genie’?

Generative AI is a new frontier of creativity and innovation that can unlock new possibilities and opportunities for humans and machines.

Unlocking potential or unleashing the ‘genie’?

However, generative AI also poses some challenges and risks, such as ethical, legal, social, and security issues, that need to be addressed and regulated. Therefore, it is important to develop and use generative AI responsibly and ethically, with respect for human values and dignity. 

Posted on

Ripple CEO predicts crypto market will reach $5 trillion in 2024

Ripple

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse anticipates the total value of the cryptocurrency market will double this year.

He references the launch of the first U.S. Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) and the forthcoming Bitcoin halving event as key factors.

“The overall market capitalization of the cryptocurrency industry is expected to double by the end of this year, influenced by a range of macroeconomic factors,” Garlinghouse reportedly said.

He also considers the potential for favorable regulatory changes in the United States as another catalyst for the market’s growth.

SNAPSHOT: Cryptocurrency market value as of 8th April 2024

Let’s check in on the prediction at the end of the year and see where the crypto market is.

Posted on

Clean energy gold rush for natural hydrogen

Natural hydrogen

The natural hydrogen gold rush is captivating attention worldwide as a potential game-changer in the quest for cost-effective, low-carbon energy sources.

Countries such as the U.S., Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, and South Korea are actively engaged in exploratory efforts for geological hydrogen.

What Is Natural Hydrogen?

Natural hydrogen, also referred to as white or gold hydrogen, is hydrogen gas that occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface. It is thought to form from high-temperature reactions between water and minerals rich in iron.

Unlike current hydrogen production, which is mainly produced using fossil fuel, natural hydrogen holds promise as a cleaner option.

Why the Hype?

Hydrogen is often reported as a potential energy source for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Yet, the methods used to produce it frequently result in substantial greenhouse gas emissions.

Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity, is an exception. Unfortunately, its development has been hindered by high costs and economic challenges.

Geologic hydrogen is a ‘natural’ hydrogen. Companies are now actively exploring this untapped resource. Countries like Australia, France, Spain, U.S., Canada, Colombia, and South Korea.

Research by Rystad Energy reportedly suggests that forty companies were actively searching for geologic hydrogen deposits by the end 2023. That’s up from just 10 in 2020. The term ‘white gold rush’ has emerged from this surge in interest.

Potential Impact

Advocates hope that natural hydrogen could be a gamechanger in the clean energy transition.

Although it’s not an entirely novel concept, interest in geologic hydrogen is gaining traction. Both researchers and corporations are eager to explore its possibilities.

As the exploration unfolds, the world looks on with eager anticipation. Hopefully natural hydrogen will play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable energy future.

The natural hydrogen will have to be mined and that in itself may bring environmental issues. Remember the concerns fracking created?

Posted on

Cocoa prices have soared to record levels

Cocoa prices at extreme highs!

The cocoa futures price for May 2024 delivery surged to an all-time intraday high of $10,080 per metric tonne Tuesday 26th March 2024

Cocoa prices have soared, hitting unprecedented highs. This dramatic increase has profound consequences for both consumers and the chocolate industry.

Chocolate enthusiasts might have to prepare for increased prices or changes in product sizes (or both), due to the persistent challenges in the cocoa market.

Historic Supply Deficit

The world is experiencing the most significant cocoa supply shortfall in over six decades. In West Africa, a key region for cocoa production, farmers are struggling with adverse weather conditions, diseases, and aging trees. These persistent problems have resulted in a critical reduction of cocoa supplies, and there appear to be no simple resolutions on the horizon.

Price Volatility

Recently, cocoa futures contracts for May 2024 delivery reached a record intraday peak of $10,080 per metric tonne. In the past year, cocoa prices have more than tripled, with a 129% surge in 2024 alone. Major chocolate producers have implemented hedging strategies to cope with price volatility and prevent the direct transfer of increased costs to consumers.

Impact on Consumers

Large chocolate companies, well-hedged last year, are reaching the limit of cost absorption. As cocoa prices rise, consumers might begin to feel the impact. The National Confectioners Association is collaborating with retailers to reduce costs and maintain chocolate affordability. Nonetheless, there’s a finite extent to which the impact of escalating cocoa prices can be lessened.

Future Outlook

The International Cocoa Organization predicts a supply shortfall of 374,000 tonnes for the 2023/2024 season, marking a substantial rise from the previous season’s 74,000-ton deficit. Experts caution that ‘the worst is yet to come,’ suggesting that cocoa prices may stay high due to persistent market challenges lacking swift solutions.

Possible Consumer Impact

With the ongoing surge in cocoa prices, consumers may encounter higher costs or “shrinkflation,” resulting in smaller chocolate bars. Manufacturers might alter their recipes to include less cocoa. Dark chocolate, known for its high cocoa content, could be most affected.

In summary, a mix of supply shortages, fluctuating prices, and industry limitations is pushing cocoa prices to record levels.

Posted on

The World’s largest pension fund explores Bitcoin as an investment option

Japan and Bitcoin

Japan’s Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), the world’s largest pension fund, is reportedly considering Bitcoin as a potential investment.

With an impressive $1.4 trillion in assets under management, the GPIF’s exploration of Bitcoin represents a notable departure from its conventional investment approach.

This development occurs during a significant increase in Bitcoin’s value, showcasing its potential as a profitable asset, despite its volatility. The GPIF is gathering information on Bitcoin, seeking academic research, analytical tools, and examples of investments. This inquiry demonstrates the GPIF’s willingness to consider innovative financial tools.

It is important to appreciate that although the GPIF is researching Bitcoin, it is not certain that they will invest in it. The decision will likely hinge on various elements, such as risk evaluation, market fluctuations, and regulatory factors.

The GPIF’s actions may influence other institutional investors to contemplate including cryptocurrencies in their portfolios. This event could significantly impact the global financial scene. With the world’s largest pension fund examining Bitcoin, the debate over cryptocurrencies as valid investments continues.

Posted on

Fun fact: metals stick together in space

Metal stick together in space

Cold welding is a fascinating phenomenon that allows metals to bond in space

Cold Welding: In the vacuum of space, two metal pieces can fuse without heat or flame when they come into contact. This occurs because:

Metallic Bonds: Metals consist of positively charged ions immersed in a sea of free-moving electrons, which are essential for bonding atoms within the metal.

Oxide Layer: On Earth, metals typically develop an oxide layer on their surfaces due to exposure to air, preventing them from bonding directly.

In Space: Without oxygen in space to create an oxide layer, touching metal pieces can merge through their metallic bonds, forming one solid piece.

Practical Implications

In practice, such occurrences are rare on Earth due to irregularities and the presence of a protective oxide layer.

Even in space, this oxide layer persists unless it is intentionally removed. If it were to be polished away, the metals could indeed weld together.

Designers of satellites and spacecraft must take this into account when selecting metal components for space missions.

Designers of satellites and spacecraft must consider this when selecting metal parts for space missions.

Although it’s not as straightforward as magnets sticking together, cold welding in space is truly possible!

Posted on

Tyre companies love electric vehicles

EV tyres

The tyre industry is marked by fierce competition, static growth, and slim profit margins. But that is about to change.

In recent years, the total market value has consistently hovered around $50 billion, with an annual growth rate of approximately 2%, according to research. However, the advent of electric vehicles (EVs) is creating new possibilities.

Due to their substantial weight and rapid acceleration, EVs typically wear out tires around 20% quicker than vehicles with internal combustion engines, research suggests. Additionally, the cost of these tyres is roughly 50% higher.

Additional technical challenges encompass mitigating tyre noise, which becomes significantly more discernible inside of an otherwise quiet electric vehicle (EV) and enhancing an EV’s driving range. Research conducted by Michelin reportedly indicates that tyre selection can influence an EV’s range by 10% to 15%.

Summary Electric Vehicle (EV) Tyre Wear

Weight and Acceleration: EVs are heavier due to their batteries, and they often have quick acceleration.

Wear Rate: On average, EV tyres tend to wear down about 20% faster than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle tyres.

Cost: EV-specific tyres can be more expensive, costing approximately 50% more than regular tyres.

EV tyres are more expensive, and you get less use from them – remember to factor this into your purchasing decision.

Posted on

Nvidia plan to enhance AI induced success

AI GPU

Nvidia have announced a new generation of artificial intelligence chips and software for running AI models. It’s called: The Blackwell B200 GPU

Blackwell B200 GPU

The Blackwell B200 is the successor to Nvidia’s Hopper H100 and H200 GPUs.

It represents a massive generational leap in computational power.

AI Performance: The B200 GPU delivers 4 times the AI training performance and 30 times the inference performance compared to its predecessor.

Transistor Count: It packs an impressive 208 billion transistors, more than doubling the transistor count of the existing H100.

Memory: The B200 features 192GB of HBM3e memory with an impressive bandwidth of 8 TB/s.

Architecture: The Blackwell architecture takes over from H100/H200.

*Dual-Die Configuration: The B200 is not a single GPU in the traditional sense. Instead, it consists of two tightly coupled die, functioning as one unified CUDA GPU. These chips are linked via a 10 TB/s NV-HBI connection to ensure coherent operation.

*Dual-die packaging technology is used to pack two integrated circuit chips in one single package module. It doubles functionality levels.

Process Node: The B200 utilizes TSMC’s 4NP process node, a refined version of the 4N process used by Hopper H100 and Ada Lovelace architecture GPUs.

The Blackwell B200 is designed for data centres and AI workloads but will likely be available to expect consumer in the future, although these may differ significantly from the data centre model.

Grace Blackwell GB200 Superchip:

Nvidia’s GB200 Grace Blackwell Superchip, with two B200 graphics processors and one Arm-based central processor

This superchip pairs the Grace CPU architecture with the updated Blackwell GPU.

It’s another addition to Nvidia’s lineup, combining CPU and GPU power for advanced computing tasks.

Nvidia continues to push the boundaries of accelerated computing, and these new GPUs promise remarkable performance improvements for AI and other workloads.

Onwards and upwards for Nvidia and the advancement of AI.

Posted on

More than 20% of UK adults not seeking work

Not working

More than a fifth of working-age adults in the UK are currently not actively seeking employment, according to recent figures.

The economic inactivity rate during the period from November 2023 to January 2024 stood at 21.8%, a slight increase compared to the previous year. This means that approximately 9.2 million people aged between 16 and 64 are neither employed nor actively searching for jobs. The total figure has risen by over 700,000 since before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Several factors contribute to this problem

Long-Term Illness: Approximately one-third of the working-age population not participating in the labour force cite long-term illness as the primary reason for their inactivity. Health-related issues have kept a significant portion of the population away from work.

The pandemic: of 2020 caused work flight. 700,000 extra out of the workplace since the coronavirus pandemic Covid 19 hit the UK in 2020.

Students and Education: Students pursuing education are often classified as economically inactive. Their focus on studies and lack of job-seeking activity contribute to this category.

Care Responsibilities: Individuals who care for family members or manage household responsibilities fall into this bracket. Caring duties can be time-consuming and prevent active job hunting.

People with Disabilities: Those with disabilities may face barriers in accessing employment opportunities. Accommodations and inclusive policies are essential to address this issue.

Early Retirement: Some adults choose early retirement, and once retired, they rarely express a desire to return to work. This group contributes significantly to the inactive population.

Discouraged Workers: Individuals who have given up on job searches due to discouragement or lack of suitable opportunities are also part of this category.

Gender Gap: Historically, more women have been classified as economically inactive compared to men. However, this gap has narrowed over the years as more women have entered the workforce.

Age Trends: Recent data indicates that while the number of economically inactive individuals due to illness has decreased, there has been an increase among those aged 16 to 34. Mental health issues are believed to be a contributing factor in this age group.

Persistently high level

The persistently high level of economic inactivity poses challenges for the UK economy. As the country emerges from the pandemic, addressing workforce shortages becomes crucial. Measures such as reducing National Insurance Contributions and extending free childcare services aim to encourage people to seek employment or increase their working hours. 

More effort is needed to further incentivise workforce participation, if not, the UK economy will suffer for many more years than would otherwise be necessary.

Office for national statistics

Posted on

AI will be smarter than entire humanity by 2029 according to Elon Musk

Artificial intelligence

Elon Musk sparked intense debate on the trajectory of artificial intelligence (AI) after he shared a clip from the Joe Rogan Experience podcast via his X account. 

In the video, futurist Raymond Kurzweil explored the future of artificial intelligence (AI), proposing that it might soon outstrip human intellect.

Elon Musk, noted for his candid opinions on AI, echoed Kurzweil’s forecast by stating, ‘AI will likely be more intelligent than any individual human by next year.’ Furthermore, he speculated that by 2029, AI could surpass the combined intelligence of all humanity.

Screen capture of Elon Musk’s post on X

Artificial General Intelligence

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), capable of outperforming human intelligence, has recently drawn widespread attention from technology leaders worldwide, especially with the advent of sophisticated AI systems such as ChatGPT, Bing AI, and Gemini. Despite its increasing prominence, a unified definition of AGI remains elusive. Typically, AGI is understood to be a phase in AI evolution where the system can undertake any human task, potentially excelling beyond human expertise in certain domains.”

In the realm of technology leadership, a broad range of views exists on the feasibility and consequences of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). While some leaders speculate about the timeline for AGI’s realization, others doubt its eventual occurrence. Opinions also differ on whether AGI will lead to beneficial progress or present risks to human society. Comprehending the varied stances of tech leaders sheds light on the active debate regarding AGI and its prospective influence on society.

Musk’s choice to disseminate the podcast excerpt has intensified the discourse on AI advancement’s ramifications. His use of his platform to broadcast Kurzweil’s insights has sparked additional discussion and contemplation about artificial intelligence’s revolutionary capabilities.

His tweet has ignited wider conversations concerning the swift advancement of technology and its significant consequences for the future of humanity.

Raymond Kurzweil

Raymond Kurzweil, born 1948, is an American computer scientist, author, inventor, and futurist renowned for his contributions to various fields, including optical character recognition (OCR), text-to-speech synthesis, speech recognition technology, and electronic keyboard instruments.

Through his comprehensive body of work, Kurzweil has researched a variety of subjects including health, artificial intelligence (AI), transhumanism, the technological singularity, and futurism.

Posted on

EU passes world’s first major ‘act’ to regulate AI

The European Union (EU) has made history by approving the world’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI).

Artificial Intelligence Act

Known as the Artificial Intelligence Act, this groundbreaking legislation is expected to serve as a global signpost for other governments grappling with how to regulate this fast-developing technology.

The AI Act takes a risk-based approach, categorizing AI applications based on their risk levels. It prohibits certain high-risk uses, emphasizes transparency, and aims to keep AI development human centric. This landmark regulation should help set a precedent for responsible AI deployment worldwide.

The regulation is expected to become enforceable in May 2024, after passing final checks and receiving endorsement from the European Council.

Posted on

World Wide Web turns 35 today 12th March 2024

World Wide Web

The World Wide Web (WWW), the invention attributed to Tim Berners-Lee while working at CERN, was conceived on 12th March 1989. This makes the World Wide Web 35 years old today.

It is important to recognise that the Web and the Internet are two different entities; the Web is a service that functions via the Internet, a worldwide network of interconnected computer networks. Whereas the Internet is the system.

The first successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and server through the Internet took place in mid-November 1989.

The Web has since evolved significantly, with the release of the first web browser and server, and the development of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which have shaped the modern digital experience.

First website

The inaugural website was launched at CERN and became accessible on 20th December 1990. Tim Berners-Lee developed this site to disseminate information about the World Wide Web project. In August 1991, it was made available to the public. Today, it is still possible visit this site, offering an intriguing look into the web’s nascent stages.

The internet

The internet, as we know it today, began to evolve in the mid-20th century. This era, known as the Information Age, Digital Age, or Computer Age, is characterised by a transition from traditional industry to an economy driven by information technology. This shift commenced in the 1940s and 1950s. The invention of the transistor in 1947 and the optical amplifier in 1957 were pivotal developments that propelled the advent of the internet.

The term ‘internet’ commonly denotes the worldwide system of interconnected computer networks that utilize the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to connect devices globally. It is an extensive network comprising private, public, academic, business, and government networks of local to global systems.

ARPANET

Since the ARPANET’s inception, which is the internet’s precursor, the internet has been in existence for over 50 years. The ARPANET was conceived in the late 1960s and became operational in 1969. The internet is approximately 55 years old.

Art illustration depicting users on the World Wide Web – 35 years old today, 12th March 2024

The ARPANET, also known as the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network, represented the first wide-area packet-switched network featuring distributed control and was among the earliest to adopt the TCP/IP protocol suite.

These innovations laid the groundwork for what would become the Internet. Initiated by the U.S. Department of Defence’s Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), the primary goal of ARPANET was to connect computers at Pentagon-funded research institutions via telephone lines, facilitating resource sharing and communication across distant computers.

The project commenced in 1966, with the initial computers being connected in 1969. By 1971, the network was operational and underwent rapid expansion. ARPANET was instrumental in introducing several protocols pivotal in today’s Internet communication, including the Network Control Protocol (NCP) and subsequently, TCP/IP.

Following the advent of the wider Internet, which ARPANET played a crucial role in catalyzing, the network was officially decommissioned in 1990.

Happy Birthday WWW and thank you Tim-Burners-Lee (I think)

Let’s see how far artificial intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in the next generation of the World Wide Web and of further internet development. Will the big tech companies of today still be running the AI projects of tomorrow?

Posted on

New UK British ISA announced in the March 2024 budget

British ISA

The new UK British ISA 

UK chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed the British ISA as part of the Spring Budget 2024.

The British ISA aims to boost demand for UK businesses and encourage investment in UK-focused assets.

Key Features

Additional Allowance

The British ISA provides a separate £5,000 annual allowance in addition to the existing £20,000 ISA allowance.

Tax Advantages

Like other ISAs, investors in the British ISA will not pay tax on capital gains or income.

Investment Focus

While it’s not yet clear whether the new ISA will be exclusively for UK shares, it is expected to support UK-focused funds and investment trusts.

Eligibility Uncertainty

The inclusion of UK gilts or UK corporate bonds remains uncertain.

Consultation Period

The consultation period for the British ISA runs until June 6, 2024.

Potential Impact – Reviving UK Stock Market

The British ISA aims to revive interest in the UK stock market, which has faced challenges since the Brexit vote in 2016.

Supporting UK Companies

By providing tax-free savings opportunities, the ISA encourages investment in UK businesses.

Fund Industry Support

Fund management firms, including Premier Miton, lobbied for the British ISA’s creation.

Historical Context

The British ISA draws parallels with its predecessor, the personal equity plan (PEP), which focused on UK shares and funds.

ISAs replaced PEPs in 1999.

Conclusion

In summary, the British ISA introduces an additional allowance for UK-focused investments, supporting savers and UK companies alike. Its impact on the stock market and investor sentiment remains to be seen, but it represents a step toward bolstering the UK’s economic landscape

By ensuring that companies are valued fairly, a stronger stock market will facilitate the capital raising process for companies that seek to grow and attract more listings. This will have a positive impact on the economy and employment and is ultimately in everyone’s interest.

Posted on

A brief explanation of Bitcoin halving

Bitcoin

Bitcoin halving is an event that occurs approximately every four years, when the reward for mining Bitcoin transactions is reduced by 50%. This means that the number of new Bitcoins created and entering circulation is also cut in half. 

Bitcoin mining

Bitcoin mining is the process of using computers to validate transactions and add them to the blockchain, a distributed ledger that records all Bitcoin activity. Miners compete to solve complex mathematical problems and the first one to find a valid solution gets the block reward, which is currently 6.25 Bitcoins per block. 

Bitcoin halving

The Bitcoin halving is coded into the Bitcoin protocol by its perceived creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, as a way to control the total supply of Bitcoin and make it scarcer and more valuable.

There can only be 21 million Bitcoins in existence, and the halving ensures that the last Bitcoin will be mined around the year 2140. 

The Bitcoin halving has implications for the Bitcoin network and the price of Bitcoin. On one hand, the halving reduces the inflation rate of Bitcoin and increases its scarcity, which could lead to higher demand and upward pressure on the price.

A brief explanation of Bitcoin halving

On the other hand, the halving also reduces the profitability of mining and could cause some miners to exit the network, which could affect the security and stability of the network. 

Important

The Bitcoin halving is an important event for the Bitcoin community and the cryptocurrency industry, as it reflects the unique and innovative nature of Bitcoin as a digital and decentralized form of money.

Posted on

Is it acceptable to use the North Sea as a dumping ground for carbon waste?

Carbon waste

Norway has a long history of carbon management. For nearly 30 years, it has captured and reinjected carbon from gas production into seabed formations on the Norwegian continental shelf.

Norway’s government wants to show the world it is possible to safely inject and store carbon waste under the seabed, saying the North Sea could soon become a ‘central storage camp’ for polluting industries across Europe.

Norway’s carbon management projects (Sleipner and Snøhvit) have been in operation since 1996 and 2008, respectively, and are often held up as proof of the technology’s viability. These facilities separate carbon from their respective produced gas, then compress and pipe the carbon and reinject it underground.

Carbon capture storage – nothing new

Offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a range of technologies that seek to capture carbon from high-emitting activities, transport it to a storage site and ‘lock’ it away indefinitely under the seabed.

Norway is currently a leading pioneer in carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by trapping carbon dioxide from industrial sources and injecting it into underground reservoirs. Norway has been operating CCS projects in the North Sea since 1996, using depleted oil and gas fields as storage sites.

Norway’s ambitious plan to expand CCS is called Project Longship, which involves building a full-scale CCS value system that can serve as a model for other countries and industries. The project consists of two parts: a capture facility in Brevik that will process emissions from a cement factory, and a transport and storage system that will ship the captured CO2 by ship to an offshore terminal and inject it into a permanent storage location in the North Sea. 

Project Longship is expected to be completed by 2024, with a reported capacity to store 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year. The project has a total cost of 1.7 billion euros, of which the Norwegian government will cover 80%. The project is also supported by the European Union, which sees CCS as a key climate solution. 

Norway’s current Energy minister (2004) reportedly said that the project will prove to the world that CCS is possible and necessary to meet the Paris Agreement goals. He also said that the North Sea could become a ‘central storage camp’ for CO2 from other countries and industries, as it has the potential to store up to 1.25 billion tonnes of CO2. That’s a real concern to me.

Long-term safety concerns

However, not everyone is convinced by Norway’s CCS vision. Some critics have raised concerns about the long-term safety and environmental impacts of storing CO2 under the seabed, as well as the ethical and moral implications of using the North Sea as a dumping site for carbon waste.

Norway’s CCS project is a controversial and complex undertaking that will test the feasibility and acceptability of this technology.

Whether it will succeed or fail remains to be seen, but it will certainly have a significant impact on the future of climate action.

Is it safe or wise to pump waste into and hide it under the sea? Humankind doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to clearing up after itself, does it? Go look at the rubbish in space!

Is it safe or wise to pump waste into and hide it under the sea? Humankind doesn’t have a very good track record when it comes to clearing up after itself, does it? Go look at the rubbish in space!

Only time will tell?

Posted on

Water scarcity and its impact on semiconductor production

Water scarcity

Water scarcity is a pressing global issue and has far-reaching consequences across various industries. One sector significantly affected is semiconductor manufacturing.

How does water scarcity pose a threat to the production of essential microchips.

Water in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Ultra-pure water is a critical resource in semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs). It is used for cleaning, cooling, and various processing steps during chip production.

Microchips power our devices—computers, smartphones, sensors, and LEDs—all of which rely on water-intensive manufacturing processes.

Global Water Scarcity

Freshwater availability is unevenly distributed worldwide. While oceans contain 97% of water (mostly saline), accessible freshwater constitutes only a small fraction.

Approximately four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month annually, and half a billion face it year-round.

Taiwan’s Drought and Chip Production

Taiwan, a semiconductor manufacturing hub, faces a severe drought. Over 20% of global microchips are produced there.

Water shortages threaten supply chains, potentially impacting chip production.

Cost and Sustainability

Creating fully self-sufficient local supply chains would cost $1 trillion. Such self-reliance could increase semiconductor costs by up to 65%.

Urgent action is needed to ensure sustainable water management in fabs, as chips control everything from cars to appliances.

In conclusion, water scarcity poses a real danger to semiconductor production. Addressing this challenge requires strategic planning, conservation efforts, and global cooperation.

AI a problem or a solution?

Will the problem of water scarcity exacerbate the uneven distribution of water around the world as the rich have easier access to the precious resource.

Will the explosion of AI tech push the imbalance – water is a basic necessity to maintain human life. Will AI have a hand in controlling the distribution of water – even for its own needs?

Posted on

Google’s woke AI needs fixing!

Chatbot learning

Google’s ‘Woke’ AI Problem needs attention

In recent days, Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) tool, Gemini, has faced intense criticism online. As the tech giant’s answer to the OpenAI/Microsoft chatbot ChatGPT, Gemini can respond to text queries and even generate images based on prompts. However, its journey has been far from smooth.

The AI answer is wrong

The issues began when Gemini’s image generator inaccurately portrayed historical figures. For instance, it depicted the U.S. Founding Fathers with a black man, and German World War II soldiers included both a black man and an Asian woman.

AI answer from Google’s Gemini Chatbot

Google swiftly apologized and paused the tool, acknowledging that it had “missed the mark.”

It gets worse

But the controversy didn’t end there. Gemini’s text responses veered into over-political correctness. When asked whether Elon Musk posting memes was worse than Hitler’s atrocities, it replied that there was “no right or wrong answer.” In another instance, it refused to misgender high-profile trans woman Caitlin Jenner, even if it meant preventing nuclear apocalypse. Elon Musk himself found these responses “extremely alarming.”

Nuance

The root cause lies in the vast amounts of data AI tools are trained on. Publicly available internet data contains biases, leading to embarrassing mistakes. Google attempted to counter this by instructing Gemini not to make assumptions, but it backfired. Human history and culture are nuanced, and machines struggle to grasp these complexities.

Political bias

Google now faces the challenge of striking a balance: addressing bias without becoming absurdly politically correct. As Gemini evolves, finding this equilibrium will be crucial for its survival.

After all, it’s not just about AI, is it? It’s about navigating the delicate intersection of technology, culture, and ethics.

Definition of nuance – I asked ChatGPT for its definition…

Nuance refers to the subtle, intricate, or delicate aspects of something. It encompasses the fine distinctions, shades of meaning, and context-specific interpretations that add depth and complexity to a situation, conversation, or piece of art. In essence, nuance recognizes that not everything can be neatly categorized or expressed in black-and-white terms; rather, it acknowledges the richness and variability of human experiences and ideas. Whether in literature, politics, or everyday interactions, appreciating nuance allows us to navigate the complexities of life with greater understanding and empathy.

Posted on

Magnificent 7 company profits now exceed almost every country in the world

Magnificent Seven market cap at $15 trillion

The Magnificent Seven, or MAMA ANT, is a term coined by Bank of America to describe the seven most dominant tech companies in the world

The Seven are: Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Apple, Nvidia, Tesla, and Alphabet. These companies have not only led the tech sector in terms of innovation, growth, and profitability, but have also become some of the most valuable entities in the world by market capitalization.

Valuation at $15 trillion

Market capitalization, or market cap, is the total value of all the shares of a company that are traded on the stock market. It reflects the market’s perception of the company’s future prospects and earnings potential. 

As of January 2023, the Magnificent Seven had a combined market cap of about $15 trillion, which was more than the gross domestic product (GDP) of almost every country in the world, except for the United States, China and Japan (just).

Magnificent Seven

The Magnificent Seven have achieved such a remarkable feat by leveraging their core competencies in various fields of technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, social media, e-commerce, gaming, electric vehicles, and online advertising. They have also diversified their revenue streams by acquiring or developing new products and services, such as Activision Blizzard, AWS, Oculus, iPhone, GeForce, SpaceX, and YouTube. They have also benefited from the increased demand for digital solutions amid the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of online platforms, remote work, and entertainment.

Challenges

However, the Magnificent Seven also face some challenges and risks that could threaten their dominance and valuation. These include increasing competition from other tech companies, especially from China, such as Alibaba, Tencent, Baidu, and Huawei.

They also face regulatory scrutiny and pressure from governments and consumers over issues such as antitrust, privacy, taxation, content moderation, and environmental impact. Furthermore, they may encounter technical difficulties, security breaches, or ethical dilemmas that could damage their reputation and customer trust.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Magnificent Seven are the most powerful and influential tech companies in the world, and their market cap surpasses that of almost every country in the world.

List of 10 countries by stock market capitalization

List of 10 countries by stock market capitalisation

The meteoric rise in the profits and market capitalisations of the Magnificent 7 U.S. tech giants: Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia and Tesla – outstrip those of all listed companies in almost every G20 country. Of the non-U.S. G20 countries, only China and Japan (and the latter, only just) have greater profits when their listed companies are combined.

They have achieved this by exploiting their competitive advantages in various domains of technology and expanding their offerings and markets. However, they also need to overcome some challenges and risks that could hamper their growth and value in the future.

A forced size reduction to stop the monopolising of market share could help tame these beasts too and open up fairer competition.

Should we worry?

Basically, yes, we should be concerned about the size and dominance of these companies.

This level of wealth and power concentrated in just a handful of companies has led some analysts to voice concerns over related risks in the U.S. and global stock markets.

Economists and stock market analysts have cautioned that the U.S. stock market is rivalling 2000 and 1929 in terms of being at its most concentrated in history.

The rest is history…

Posted on

Big tech vows action on ‘fake’ AI in elections

Fake AI news

Most of the world’s largest tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon and Google have agreed to tackle what they are calling deceptive artificial intelligence (AI) in elections

The tech accord

The twenty companies have signed an accord committing them to fighting voter-deceiving content. They say they will deploy technology to detect and counter the material.

The Tech Accord to Combat Deceptive Use of AI in 2024 Elections was announced at the Munich Security Conference on Friday 16th February 2024.

The issue has come into sharp focus because it is estimated up to four billion people will be voting this year in countries such as the U.S., UK and India.

Technology to mitigate risk

Among the accord’s pledges are commitments to develop technology to mitigate risks related to deceptive election content generated by AI, and to provide transparency to the public about the action firms have taken.

Other steps include sharing best practice with one another and educating the public about how to spot when they might be seeing manipulated content.

Signatories include social media platforms X, Snap, Adobe and Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Proactive

However, the accord has some shortcomings, according to computer scientist Dr Deepak Padmanabhan, from Queen’s University Belfast, who has co-authored a report on elections and AI.

But he reportedly said they needed to take more proactive action instead of waiting for content to be posted before then seeking to take it down.

That could mean that realistic AI content, that may be more harmful, may stay on a platform for longer compared to obvious fakes which are easier to detect and remove, he suggested.

Target

The accord’s signatories say they will target content which deceptively fakes or alters the appearance, voice, or actions of key figures in elections.

It will also seek to deal with audio, images or videos which provide false information to voters about when, where, and how they can vote.

We have a responsibility to help ensure these tools don’t become weaponised in elections, Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft is reported to have said.

These measures, in my opinion, are a sticking plaster and will not stop the spread of dishonest and fake news!