Big Tech’s AI stranglehold, and gene-editing treatments

—By Amba Kak, Sarah Myers West and Meredith Whittaker, members of the AI Now Institute

Till late November, when the epic saga of OpenAI’s board breakdown unfolded, the informal observer could possibly be forgiven for assuming that the ecosystem round generative AI was vibrant and aggressive.

However this isn’t the case—nor has it ever been. And understanding why is key to understanding what AI is, and what threats it poses. Put merely, within the context of the present paradigm of constructing larger- and larger-scale AI techniques, there isn’t a AI with out Huge Tech.

With vanishingly few exceptions, each startup, new entrant, and even AI analysis lab relies on these corporations. These with the cash make the foundations. And proper now, they’re engaged in a race to the underside, releasing techniques earlier than they’re prepared in an try to retain their dominance. Read the full story.

I obtained the brand new gene-editing drug for sickle cell illness. It modified my life.

—By Jimi Olaghere, a affected person advocate and tech entrepreneur

At some point a couple of years in the past, I obtained a package deal that will change my life. It was from Vertex Prescribed drugs, and it contained a consent type to take part in a scientific trial for a brand new gene-editing drug to deal with sickle cell illness.

I’d lived with sickle cell my complete life—experiencing continual ache, organ injury, and hopelessness. To me, this chance meant lastly taking management of my life.

The drug I obtained, known as exa-cel, may quickly turn into the primary CRISPR-based therapy to win approval from the US Meals and Drug Administration. However many individuals who want these therapies could by no means obtain them. Read the full story.