⚠️ AI could end humanity in 30 years

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☀️ On this day: On December 28, 1962, computer scientist John Mauchly envisioned a future where individuals would carry their own personal computers, highlighting the early conceptualization of personal computing devices.

What’s happening:

• ⚠️ Hinton warns, AI could end humanity in 30 years

• 💼 OpenAI plans for-profit shift as PBC

• ⚖️ Trump is pushing to delay TikTok ban

• 🌍 Universal USB-C charging arrives in the EU

• 🧬 New treatment flips cancer cells back to healthy

• + 📊 Daily poll and results

• + 📈 Trending tools and resources

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Hand-picked news:

⚠️ Hinton warns, AI could end humanity in 30 years ↗️LINK

• What: Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI and Nobel laureate, now estimates a 10-20% chance of AI causing human extinction within 30 years. He attributes this to the rapid pace of AI advancements, far exceeding earlier expectations.

• Why: Hinton believes AI systems smarter than humans could evade control, posing existential risks. He emphasizes the need for regulation, criticizing the profit-driven motives of big tech as insufficient for ensuring safety.

• Impact: Hinton’s warnings add urgency to global debates on AI governance. His stark analogy—humans as toddlers compared to AI—underscores the potential for a power imbalance. Without regulation, the risks of unrestrained AI development may grow unchecked.

💼 OpenAI plans for-profit shift as PBC ↗️LINK

• What: OpenAI announced plans to transition its for-profit entity into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), retaining a nonprofit to oversee charitable efforts. The move aims to balance public benefit with shareholder interests while raising capital on conventional terms. The nonprofit would hold PBC shares and pursue initiatives in healthcare, education, and science.

• Why: OpenAI cites the need for structural evolution to support its AGI mission. Critics argue the shift prioritizes profit over its original altruistic goals. Billionaire Elon Musk and Meta have raised objections, claiming governance and ethical concerns.

• Impact: The transition could reshape AI governance, with potential benefits in funding but risks to OpenAI’s credibility. Stakeholder skepticism highlights tensions between profit motives and public trust.

⚖️ Trump is pushing to delay TikTok ban ↗️LINK

• What: President-elect Donald Trump is pushing to delay a TikTok ban in the U.S., set to take effect before his inauguration on Jan. 20. His legal team has asked the Supreme Court to withhold action, citing Trump’s intent to negotiate a resolution addressing national security concerns once in office.

• Why: Trump argues his dealmaking expertise and influence position him uniquely to resolve TikTok's security issues while preserving the platform. TikTok has also emphasized Trump's past support and his role as a prominent social media figure.

• Impact: Delaying the ban could avert immediate shutdowns, giving Trump leverage to shape a political resolution. The Supreme Court's Jan. 10 hearing will determine if a compromise can be reached.

🌍 Universal USB-C charging arrives in the EU ↗️LINK

• What: Starting December 28th, most gadgets sold in the EU must charge via USB-C under Directive 2022/2380. This law covers mobile phones, tablets, cameras, headphones, and more, aiming to reduce e-waste and simplify charging standards. Laptops have until 2026 to comply.

• Why: The directive tackles market fragmentation and environmental concerns by standardizing charging ports. While wireless charging and proprietary ports are not banned, devices must support USB-C charging.

• Impact: Non-compliant devices cannot be sold in the EU unless already in circulation. Apple and other companies are phasing out older products with proprietary ports. This shift simplifies charging for consumers and supports sustainability goals.

🧬 New treatment flips cancer cells back to healthy ↗️LINK

• What: Korean researchers at KAIST have developed a technique to revert colon cancer cells to a healthy state by suppressing key "master regulator" molecules (MYB, HDAC2, and FOXA2). This eliminates cancerous behavior without damaging healthy cells or tissues, marking a shift from traditional cancer treatments that rely on destroying rogue cells.

• Why: Current treatments often cause harmful side effects by killing both cancerous and healthy cells. This new approach avoids such collateral damage and could revolutionize cancer therapy by focusing on reversion rather than destruction.

• Impact: Beyond colon cancer, the technique shows promise for other cancers, including brain cancer, through its digital modeling tool. It opens the door to "reversible cancer therapy," offering a less invasive, targeted solution for combating the disease.

Today’s Poll:

Vote and find out about the result tomorrow.

Yesterday’s Poll Result:

Would knowledge of toxic chemicals in bands affect your purchase decisions?

• A) Yes – I’d seek safer alternatives - 86% 🏆

• B) No – It wouldn’t change my decision - 14%

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