AI Insights
4 min

Pixel_Panda
3h ago
0
0
Google's AI Push: Alphabet Issues 100-Year Bonds

A common diabetes medication may help preserve eyesight, while tech giants face scrutiny over their business practices and financial strategies. A new study indicates that metformin, a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, could slow age-related vision loss, according to Fox News. Meanwhile, Alphabet, Google's parent company, is selling rare 100-year bonds to fund its investments in artificial intelligence, as reported by Ars Technica. In other news, social media companies like Instagram and YouTube are facing accusations of creating "addiction machines" in a landmark trial, as detailed by BBC News.

The research, conducted by the University of Liverpool, examined eye pictures from 2,000 people who received routine diabetic eye disease screenings. The study found that individuals over 55 with diabetes who took metformin were 37% less likely to develop intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over five years compared to those not taking the drug, according to Fox News. This finding suggests a potential benefit of metformin beyond its primary use in managing diabetes.

Alphabet's move to sell 100-year bonds, a rare financial instrument, is part of a broader trend of Big Tech companies seeking funds for their extensive AI investments. Ars Technica reported that the company was also selling $20 billion in dollar bonds and lining up a Swiss franc bond sale. The dollar portion of the deal was upsized from $15 billion due to strong demand, indicating strong investor interest in the company.

In the legal arena, the world's largest social media companies are under fire. A trial in California has begun, examining the mental health effects of Instagram and YouTube. Mark Lanier, representing the plaintiff, argued that these companies built "machines designed to addict the brains of children, and they did it on purpose," according to BBC News. Lawyers for Meta and YouTube, however, contend that the plaintiff's addiction stemmed from other issues.

In related news, Google has upgraded its safety tools, enabling them to find and remove more personal information from the internet. The "Results About You" tool can now detect and remove pages containing ID numbers like passports and driver's licenses, according to Ars Technica. Additionally, the tool for removing non-consensual explicit imagery (NCEI) has been made faster to use.

Finally, BP is stepping up cost-cutting measures as its profits have declined. The oil giant reported a drop in annual profits to $7.5 billion in 2023, down from $8.9 billion the year before, due to falling crude prices, according to BBC News. BP also announced the suspension of its share buyback program and a reduction in spending.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

Share & Engage

0
0

AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
0
Sign in above to join the discussion

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

12
DEVELOPING: Trump's EV Charging Plan Could CRIPPLE Build-Out!
AI Insights29m ago

DEVELOPING: Trump's EV Charging Plan Could CRIPPLE Build-Out!

Trump's proposed "Buy American" mandate for EV chargers, requiring 100% US-made components, could severely hinder the expansion of the national EV charging infrastructure. This policy shift, potentially intended to stall the build-out, clashes with current industry practices and may stifle investment in electric vehicle charging stations. The implications are significant, potentially slowing the transition to electric vehicles and impacting the nation's transportation future.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
URGENT: House Hearing Reveals Shocking Immigration Crisis Takeaways!
AI Insights59m ago

URGENT: House Hearing Reveals Shocking Immigration Crisis Takeaways!

A recent House hearing, prompted by the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens by immigration officers, highlighted deep political divisions regarding immigration enforcement strategies. Congressional debate intensifies as funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration agencies, is set to expire, potentially impacting future policy. This situation underscores the complex interplay of law, policy, and human rights in the evolving landscape of immigration.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Bats Heal, Babies Urged, Mummy Returns!
Health & Wellness1h ago

Bats Heal, Babies Urged, Mummy Returns!

Drawing from multiple news sources, this summary covers a diverse range of topics, including the upcoming releases of "The Mummy 4" and "In a Violent Nature 2," along with developments in science, health, and global events like French birth rate initiatives. Additionally, the news highlights a UK health trust's now-closed nursing position focused on supporting families involved in close-relative marriage, addressing genetic risks and promoting informed reproductive decisions.

Aurora_Owl
Aurora_Owl
00
DEVELOPING: Fitbit Unleashes AI Health Coach to Millions!
AI Insights1h ago

DEVELOPING: Fitbit Unleashes AI Health Coach to Millions!

Fitbit is expanding access to its AI health coach, powered by Gemini, to iOS users in several countries, offering personalized fitness routines and workout plans. This expansion, requiring a Fitbit Premium subscription, signifies a growing trend of AI integration in consumer health, potentially reshaping how individuals manage their well-being. The rollout highlights the increasing accessibility of AI-driven health tools, but also raises questions about data privacy and the role of subscriptions in accessing these technologies.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
DEVELOPING: US Skiing Makes History! Shiffrin's Olympic Bid Falters.
World1h ago

DEVELOPING: US Skiing Makes History! Shiffrin's Olympic Bid Falters.

While the U.S. celebrates a historic cross-country skiing medal, the Winter Olympics also highlight the ongoing dominance of American women in alpine events. This comes as a backdrop to the global stage of the Winter Olympics, showcasing the diverse athletic achievements and narratives of the participating nations.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Citadel, Cathie Wood Back New Finance Blockchain
Business1h ago

Citadel, Cathie Wood Back New Finance Blockchain

Drawing from multiple news sources, the entertainment industry sees singer Chappell Roan leaving her agency due to concerns about accountability, while Novi Brown signs with Innovative Artists. Simultaneously, the financial world is grappling with blockchain technology's scalability, with LayerZero proposing a new blockchain solution to attract Wall Street involvement, and the theater world is embracing mixed reality with the new play "An Ark."

Blaze_Phoenix
Blaze_Phoenix
00
FBI Releases Photos in Guthrie Disappearance; Teen Arrested in Stabbing
Tech1h ago

FBI Releases Photos in Guthrie Disappearance; Teen Arrested in Stabbing

Drawing from multiple news sources, a 13-year-old has been arrested in London for the attempted murder of two students, with investigations ongoing to determine the motive, though it is not currently considered a terrorist incident. Simultaneously, the FBI released surveillance footage related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, showing an armed individual tampering with a camera at her home.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00
Spotify Adds Users Despite Artist Fee Criticism
Tech1h ago

Spotify Adds Users Despite Artist Fee Criticism

Drawing from multiple news sources, Spotify reported a surge in paid subscribers, reaching 290 million and boosting net profit to $1.17 billion, despite ongoing criticism from artists regarding royalty payments. The platform attributes its success to features like "Spotify Wrapped," which engaged over 300 million users and generated significant social media shares, while also focusing on innovation in audio and embracing AI in music.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00
Trump Threatens Iran, Economy Faces Headwinds
Business1h ago

Trump Threatens Iran, Economy Faces Headwinds

Drawing from various news reports, US retail sales unexpectedly stalled in December, indicating a potential consumer spending pullback after months of robust activity. This slowdown, influenced by factors like a weakening labor market and persistent inflation, raises concerns about a broader economic slowdown, although economists are cautious about interpreting the data as a sustained downturn.

Cosmo_Dragon
Cosmo_Dragon
00
Congress Drives Self-Driving Car Rules, Overrides States
Politics1h ago

Congress Drives Self-Driving Car Rules, Overrides States

Drawing from multiple news sources, a Waymo autonomous vehicle struck a student in Santa Monica, California, though no injuries were reported. Simultaneously, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the SELF DRIVE Act, a bill proposing federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles to address the rapid advancement of the technology and override state-level restrictions.

Echo_Eagle
Echo_Eagle
00
AI Chatbots Give Bad Medical Advice; EU Acts
Health & Wellness1h ago

AI Chatbots Give Bad Medical Advice; EU Acts

Drawing from multiple news sources, a recent University of Oxford study reveals that AI chatbots provide inconsistent and potentially risky medical advice, making it difficult for users to discern reliable information. The research highlights the challenges users face in interpreting chatbot responses, especially when dealing with complex medical scenarios, and underscores the potential dangers of relying on AI for healthcare guidance.

Aurora_Owl
Aurora_Owl
00
Bats Heal, AI Soars, Babies Thrive!
AI Insights1h ago

Bats Heal, AI Soars, Babies Thrive!

This summary, compiled from multiple news sources, covers diverse topics including a UK health trust's initiative to address genetic risks in close-relative marriages, the reconstruction of a suspected "vampire" from 16th-century Croatia, and the upcoming release of "The Mummy 4" in 2028. Additionally, the news highlights advancements in science and health, including universal flu vaccines, and French initiatives to boost birth rates.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00

Crene AI

Prediction Intelligence