Good morning! This is your daily ☕️ Techpresso.
On this day, 86 years ago, Walt Disney premiered "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," the first full-length animated feature film, which took three years and $1.5 million to produce, leading Disney to mortgage his house to finance the groundbreaking project.
Here's the latest tech news from the last 24 hours:
🔬 Scientists discover first new antibiotics in over 60 years using AI
🧠 The brain-implant company going for Neuralink's jugular
🛴 E-scooter giant Bird files for bankruptcy
🤖 Apple wants AI to run directly on its hardware instead of in the cloud
🍎 Apple reportedly plans Vision Pro launch by February
🔬 Scientists discover first new antibiotics in over 60 years using AILINK
Scientists have discovered a new class of antibiotics capable of combating drug-resistant MRSA bacteria, marking the first significant breakthrough in antibiotic discovery in 60 years, thanks to advanced AI-driven deep learning models. The team from MIT employed an enlarged deep learning model and extensive datasets to predict the activity and toxicity of new compounds, leading to the identification of two promising antibiotic candidates. These new findings, which aim to open the black box of AI in pharmaceuticals, could significantly impact the fight against antimicrobial resistance, as nearly 35,000 people die annually in the EU from such infections.
🧠 The brain-implant company going for Neuralink's jugularLINK
Synchron's implantable brain-computer interface, Stentrode, allows severely paralyzed individuals to operate computers using their thoughts, avoiding complex brain surgery.
The company's largest human trial to date uses sensors in blood vessels to capture neural signals and translate them into computer commands like clicking and scrolling.
Competing with companies like Neuralink, Synchron's simpler and less invasive approach may lead to quicker market entry pending FDA approval, with less need for user-specific algorithm training.
🛴 E-scooter giant Bird files for bankruptcyLINK
Bird Global has filed for bankruptcy to address its financial instability after losing over $430 million since the end of 2021.
The company secured $25 million in financing to aid its restructuring during the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Despite challenges, interim CEO Michael Washinushi remains hopeful about Bird's future, even as its stock price plummeted by nearly 80%.
🤖 Apple wants AI to run directly on its hardware instead of in the cloudLINK
Apple is focusing on running large language models on iPhones to improve AI without relying on cloud computing.
Their research suggests potential for faster, offline AI response and enhanced privacy due to on-device processing.
Apple's work could lead to more sophisticated virtual assistants and new AI features in smartphones.
🍎 Apple reportedly plans Vision Pro launch by FebruaryLINK
Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset may hit stores as soon as February next year.
Production in China is increasing with a target to have customer units ready by the end of January.
The Vision Pro, priced at $3,500, will debut with a range of apps available in its App Store.
Other news you might like
AI death calculator predicts when you’ll die — it’s ‘extremely’ accurate.LINK
Apple's attempt to halt a sales ban on its Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 has failed, with an import ban set for December 26th.LINK
Airbnb employs AI to identify and block high-risk bookings, aiming to prevent disruptive New Year’s Eve parties in various countries.LINK
Researchers test 2,400-year-old leather and realize it's made of human skin.LINK
Steam is going to let you hide the games you don’t want your friends to see.LINK
Anthropic, the creator of Claude AI, is raising $750 million with a pre-round valuation of $18.4 billion, led by Menlo Ventures.LINK
SpaceX successfully tested Starship's six Raptor engines, moving closer to the next launch, with robust systems ready for more frequent flight tests.LINK
FTC proposes stricter COPPA rules to limit tech companies from monetizing and tracking children's data, emphasizing consent and reducing data retention.LINK
Amazon will stop selling donkey skin gelatin, but only in California.LINK
Want to get the latest news differently? Find us on:
See you tomorrow for a new dose of ☕️ Techpresso!
-min.png){kind=small}
