New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.
Yesterday was my 13th Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club. A PDF of my talk is at https://johnpatrick.com/techtalk13.pdf. The video is still uploading to my YouTube channel. I will have the link next week. A half dozen talks will take place in Connecticut in April. More on that later.
Here’s a glimpse into some of the interesting happenings in the crypto world this week (as of March 29, 2024):
SBF: The big news was that Sam was sentenced to 25 years. I had guessed it would be 30 years. Zero impact on the growth of Bitcoin.
Bitcoin’s Price Rollercoaster: Bitcoin’s price has continued its volatility. After dipping below $63,000 on March 19th, it’s climbed back near $70,000 [CoinDesk]. Analysts are still debating the factors driving this volatility, with some citing profit-taking after a strong rally and others pointing to jitters around potential regulation.
Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Gain Traction: Several central banks, including China and India, are actively piloting CBDC initiatives. This week, the Bank of England released a discussion paper exploring the potential design features of a digital pound [Bank of England]. The growing interest in CBDCs could significantly impact the traditional financial landscape and potentially even the crypto ecosystem.
Metaverse Land Grab Heats Up: The race for virtual land in the metaverse continues. This week, reports emerged of a record-breaking $5 million purchase of virtual land in The Sandbox metaverse platform [Reuters]. These high-value transactions highlight the increasing interest in the potential of the metaverse for gaming, social interaction, and even commerce.
Environmental Concerns and Crypto Mining: The energy consumption of proof-of-work (PoW) mining, used by Bitcoin and some other cryptocurrencies, remains a contentious issue. This week, Elon Musk reignited the debate with a tweet suggesting Tesla might resume accepting Bitcoin payments if there’s a move towards more sustainable mining practices [Cointelegraph].
Security Concerns and DeFi Hacks: Unfortunately, DeFi protocols continue to be targeted by hackers. This week, a vulnerability in a lesser-known DeFi platform resulted in a significant hack. This emphasizes the importance of robust security measures and user awareness for DeFi participants [Coindesk].
Remember, this is just a snapshot of the ever-dynamic crypto space. Stay tuned for further developments!
Let’s dive into some of the recent advancements in AI grabbing headlines this week (as of March 29, 2024):
1. Generative AI for Drug Discovery: Researchers are exploring the potential of generative AI models to accelerate drug discovery. This week, a study showcased how AI can be used to design new molecules with desired properties, potentially leading to faster development of life-saving medications [Science News].
2. AI-powered Robots Get Crafty: Robots are becoming more adept at manipulating objects and performing complex tasks. This week, researchers unveiled an AI system that allows robots to perform tasks requiring dexterity and fine motor skills, such as folding laundry or assembling furniture [IEEE Spectrum]. This could revolutionize automation in various industries.
3. The Ethics of Large Language Models (LLMs): As LLMs like me become more powerful, the conversation surrounding their ethical implications continues. This week, an article in Nature explored the potential biases present in training data for LLMs, highlighting the importance of responsible development and deployment of these models [Nature Journal].
4. AI for Climate Change Solutions: AI is being harnessed to tackle climate change challenges. This week, a group of researchers launched an AI platform designed to analyze climate data and develop strategies for mitigating climate risks [Techcrunch].
5. Explainable AI Gains Momentum: As AI models become more complex, the need to understand their decision-making process grows. This week, there were advancements in explainable AI (XAI) techniques, making it easier to interpret how AI models arrive at their conclusions, fostering trust and transparency in their applications [VentureBeat].
These are just a few exciting developments, and you can find more details by searching for terms like “AI Weekly” or “Last Week in AI”.
I have appeared in two new articles this month:
Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”
A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space“
Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups.
On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.
On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better.
On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.
On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.
On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.
On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.
There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.
