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As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that open doors leading to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. Mohammad Hosseini But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let’s consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, researchers used DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering has facilitated extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic exploration. But given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNA and genome editing methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal’s genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, because they are closely related. Then, scientists could use the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon. But based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less effort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed. But the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers’ time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation? Hosseini is an assistant professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. He wrote this for . Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!365 jili 。

Sedgwick shares major trends in Forecasting 2025 reportApple continues to push boundaries with its iOS updates , and the upcoming iOS 18.2 is no exception. Currently in its fourth beta stage for developers, this version introduces refinements to user interfaces, enhanced accessibility options, and advanced AI-powered features. The public release, expected in December, promises a host of innovative tools that cater to both casual and professional users. This article explores the standout features in iOS 18.2 and their potential impact on the user experience. Refinements and Enhancements in iOS 18.2 Beta Apple's beta releases are designed to give developers and public beta testers a sneak peek at the new functionality while providing time to address bugs and fine-tune the system. The iOS 18.2 beta brings several noteworthy improvements: For the i Phone 16 series , Apple introduces accessibility settings for Camera Control , simplifying access to advanced camera features. By integrating these settings into the standard Camera Control options, Apple ensures a more intuitive experience for users with varying levels of expertise. The Photos app now supports millisecond timestamps for videos, a highly requested feature among creators and videographers. This update makes it easier to identify precise moments in video content, catering to professionals who require high accuracy in editing and analysis. The updated profile picture icon in the Mail app reflects Apple's commitment to small yet impactful design changes that improve the overall aesthetic and usability of its apps. Beyond these specific updates, iOS 18.2 beta features subtle interface tweaks across multiple apps and settings, enhancing navigation and creating a more cohesive user experience. Apple Intelligence: Advanced AI Features in iOS 18.2 iOS 18.2 represents a significant leap forward in artificial intelligence integration, providing users with tools that enhance creativity, productivity, and interactivity. Below are the major AI-driven features set to debut in iOS 18.2: A standalone app called Image Playground is making its debut, allowing users to create custom images from text prompts and themes . Whether for professional projects or personal use, this tool empowers users to generate stunning visuals effortlessly. Integration : The app is also embedded in native apps like Notes , enabling seamless use of custom images within documents. Applications : Ideal for creating social media content, presentations, and personalized artwork. The Image Wand feature transforms rough sketches into polished, professional-grade images. This tool is especially useful for designers, artists, and professionals in need of quick visuals without compromising on quality. How It Works : Users sketch an idea, and the app refines it with precision and detail. Impact : Encourages creativity while saving time and effort. Apple introduces Genmoji , a dedicated editor for creating custom emojis. This feature is embedded directly into the emoji keyboard , making it easy for users to design personalized emojis for fun or branding purposes. Customizability : Users can tweak facial expressions, colors, and accessories to create unique emojis. Use Case : Adds a personal touch to messages and enhances communication. Two standout updates to the Writing Tools feature include: Compose : Leveraging OpenAI’s ChatGPT , this tool generates high-quality text based on user prompts. It is ideal for drafting emails, writing essays, or creating professional content quickly. Describe Your Change : This allows users to specify precise text modifications rather than relying on preset options, offering unparalleled control and accuracy in content editing. Apple takes Siri to the next level by integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT . This enhancement enables Siri to process more complex requests, such as generating detailed reports or answering in-depth queries. Privacy : Users must grant explicit permission to enable this feature, ensuring privacy remains a priority. Applications : From scheduling tasks to providing tailored recommendations, Siri becomes more versatile and intelligent. Exclusive to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro , Visual Intelligence introduces a cutting-edge feature that allows users to gather environmental information quickly. Quick Viewfinder : Holding the Camera Control button on the lock screen opens a rapid photo viewfinder that analyzes the surroundings for relevant data. Applications : Useful for identifying landmarks, scanning QR codes, or retrieving contextual information in real time. Why These Features Matter The features in iOS 18.2 are more than just updates; they represent a shift toward enhancing creativity, accessibility, and intelligence in everyday use. By refining existing tools and integrating AI seamlessly, Apple ensures that users spend less time navigating and more time creating. The accessibility updates reflect Apple’s commitment to inclusivity, making its technology more approachable for users with varying needs. Tools like Image Playground , Compose , and Describe Your Change empower users to complete tasks faster and with greater precision, making iOS 18.2 a valuable update for professionals. Features such as Genmoji and Visual Intelligence set Apple apart from competitors, showcasing the company’s ability to blend innovation with practicality. Device Compatibility and Availability iOS 18.2 will be available for all iPhones starting from the iPhone 12 series and later, ensuring a broad user base can benefit from these enhancements. However, features like Visual Intelligence will remain exclusive to the latest iPhone models. The final version of iOS 18.2 is expected to roll out in December 2024. Users enrolled in the public beta program can access these features early. The iOS 18.2 update is a game-changer for Apple users, bringing a mix of practical refinements and cutting-edge AI capabilities. From Genmoji for personalized emojis to advanced tools like Image Playground and Visual Intelligence , this update caters to a diverse range of needs. Whether you're a creative professional, a productivity enthusiast, or simply someone who values seamless functionality, iOS 18.2 offers something for everyone. As Apple continues to innovate, it solidifies its position as a leader in the tech industry, delivering features that enhance usability, creativity, and connectivity. With its anticipated release just around the corner, iOS 18.2 promises to set new benchmarks for smartphone operating systems, ensuring Apple remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

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President-elect Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are reportedly considering sweeping changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The GOP hopes to curtail the powers and funding of the CFPB, the Washington Post reported Sunday (Nov. 25), putting them in the same camp with banks, credit card and mortgage lenders and other big financial companies. These financial institutions, the report noted, have been battling the CFPB under Democratic control, particularly regulations against things like “ junk fees.” Rohit Chopra, the Democrat who heads the bureau, has aggressively pursued efforts to help consumers switch banks and avoid overdraft fees . Republicans have opposed these works, accusing the CFPB of regulatory overreach. Now, with their party in control of the White House, Senate and House, there are signs of the Republican plan to impose new limits — some of them permanent — on the CFPB’s power. “There will be a pretty significant change from the direction the agency has been going in, and I think in a positive way,” said Kathy Kraninger , who oversaw the CFPB during Trump’s first term, and now serves as CEO of lobbying group the Florida Bankers Association . Sources told the Post that aides on Trump’s transition team have begun considering candidates to lead the CFPB and would scale back its oversight. Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have proposed changing the bureau’s leadership structure and funding source. Democrats, meanwhile, argue that abolishing the CFPB altogether would draw criticism from the public at large, pointing to the bureau’s popular work in stamping out scams and saving consumers money. “The CFPB is here to stay,” said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, who led the agency during the Obama administration. “So I get there’s big talk, but the laws supporting the CFPB are strong, and support across this nation from Democrats, Republicans and people who don’t pay any attention at all to politics, is also strong.” As PYMNTS wrote earlier this month on the morning after Trump was elected, the Supreme Court has ruled that the CFPB’s funding mechanism is constitutional, “in effect short-circuiting some conservative lawmakers’ efforts to raise existential questions about the bureau and pave the path toward its shuttering .” That report also noted that one of the biggest unanswered questions related to the CFPB and the new administration is the fate of the open banking rule, which was finalized and subsequently challenged in court by the Bank Policy Institute and the Kentucky Bankers Association in October. The CFPB argued that the rule promotes competition among banks by providing consumers with control over their data and making that data portable so that people can more easily switch financial service providers if they wish. “Banks have pushed back, charging that data-sharing has poorly defined parameters of liability and the compliance timelines are onerous,” PYMNTS wrote. “They also allege that the CFPB has overstepped its legal authority.”

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They were all exceptional – Mikel Arteta loved seeing Arsenal run riot in Lisbon - The IndependentWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and is pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. It's the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history. The commutations announced Thursday are for people who have served out home confinement sentences for at least one year after they were released. Prisons were uniquely bad for spreading the virus and some inmates were released in part to stop the spread. At one point, 1 in 5 prisoners had COVID-19, according to a tally kept by The Associated Press. Biden said he would be taking more steps in the weeks ahead and would continue to review clemency petitions. The second largest single-day act of clemency was by Barack Obama, with 330, shortly before leaving office in 2017. “America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances,” Biden said in a statement . “As president, I have the great privilege of extending mercy to people who have demonstrated remorse and rehabilitation, restoring opportunity for Americans to participate in daily life and contribute to their communities, and taking steps to remove sentencing disparities for non-violent offenders, especially those convicted of drug offenses.” The clemency follows a broad pardon for his son Hunter , who was prosecuted for gun and tax crimes. Biden is under pressure from advocacy groups to pardon broad swaths of people, including those on federal death row, before the Trump administration takes over in January. He’s also weighing whether to issue preemptive pardons to those who investigated Trump’s effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and are facing possible retribution when he takes office. Clemency is the term for the power the president has to pardon, in which a person is relieved of guilt and punishment, or to commute a sentence, which reduces or eliminates the punishment but doesn’t exonerate the wrongdoing. It’s customary for a president to grant mercy at the end of his term, using the power of the office to wipe away records or end prison terms. Those pardoned Thursday had been convicted of nonviolent crimes such as drug offenses and turned their lives around, White House lawyers said. They include a woman who led emergency response teams during natural disasters; a church deacon who has worked as an addiction counselor and youth counselor; a doctoral student in molecular biosciences; and a decorated military veteran. The president had previously issued 122 commutations and 21 other pardons. He's also broadly pardoned those convicted of use and simple possession of marijuana on federal lands and in the District of Columbia, and pardoned former U.S. service members convicted of violating a now-repealed military ban on consensual gay sex. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., and 34 other lawmakers are urging the president to pardon environmental and human rights lawyer Steven Donziger, who was imprisoned or under house arrest for three years because of a contempt of court charge related to his work representing Indigenous farmers in a lawsuit against Chevron. Others are advocating for Biden to commute the sentences of federal death row prisoners. His attorney general, Merrick Garland, paused federal executions. Biden had said on the campaign trail in 2020 that he wanted to end the death penalty but he never did, and now, with Trump coming back into office, it’s likely executions will resume. During his first term, Trump presided over an unprecedented number of federal executions, carried out during the height of the pandemic. More clemency grants are coming before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20, but it's not clear whether he'll take action to guard against possible prosecution by Trump, an untested use of the power. The president has been taking the idea seriously and has been thinking about it for as much as six months — before the presidential election — but has been concerned about the precedent it would set, according to people familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal discussions. But those who received the pardons would have to accept them. New California Sen. Adam Schiff, who was a part of the House committee that investigated the violent Jan. 6 insurrection, said such a pardon from Biden would be “unnecessary,” and that the president shouldn’t be spending his waning days in office worrying about this. For Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., another target of Trump's threats, said in a statement this week that his suggestion that she and others be jailed for the investigations "is a continuation of his assault on the rule of law and the foundations of our republic.” Before pardoning his son, Biden had repeatedly pledged not to do so. He said in a statement explaining his reversal that the prosecution had been poisoned by politics. The decision prompted criminal justice advocates and lawmakers to put additional public pressure on the administration to use that same power for everyday Americans. It wasn’t a very popular move ; only about 2 in 10 Americans approved of his decision, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research .