Several developments highlight AI's growing influence across industries. Jad Tarifi, formerly with Google, argues that traditional degrees like PhDs in law and medicine may become less valuable as AI rapidly advances, potentially solving problems in these fields faster than students can graduate. He, along with figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman, suggests focusing on unique skills and interpersonal connections instead. In fact, Altman believes OpenAI's GPT-5 could perform as well as a PhD. Historically, B.F. Skinner's work with pigeons in 1943 laid some groundwork for AI reinforcement learning techniques now used by companies like Google and OpenAI. On the business front, Parag Agrawal, ex-CEO of Twitter, has launched Parallel Web Systems Inc., an AI startup focused on AI agents for internet research, having already raised $30 million. Foxconn is shifting focus from Apple products to AI servers for Nvidia, driven by growing demand. ServiceNow is enhancing its AI platform through partnerships with Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic to improve business operations and customer service. BRF, a food company, is using SAP's AI-driven Integrated Business Planning to optimize its supply chain, including testing SAP's AI assistant, Joule. Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg, is pursuing AI superintelligence, envisioning AI that surpasses human intelligence and integrates with devices like smart glasses. In marketing, AI is becoming essential for personalized messaging and real-time data analysis. Finally, Amy Chen, a Stony Brook student, is using AI to detect and visualize air pollution's impact on plants, demonstrating AI's potential in environmental monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- Former Google AI lead Jad Tarifi suggests PhDs in fields like law and medicine may become less valuable due to rapid AI advancements.
- Tarifi, Zuckerberg, and Altman advocate for focusing on unique skills and interpersonal connections over traditional degrees.
- B.F. Skinner's pigeon experiments in 1943 contributed to AI reinforcement learning techniques used by Google and OpenAI.
- Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal's new AI startup, Parallel Web Systems Inc., focuses on AI agents for internet research and has raised $30 million.
- Foxconn is shifting from Apple products to AI servers for Nvidia, driven by growing AI demand.
- ServiceNow is partnering with Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic to enhance its AI platform for business operations.
- BRF is using SAP's AI-driven Integrated Business Planning to optimize its supply chain and is testing SAP's AI assistant, Joule.
- Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, is developing AI superintelligence, envisioning AI surpassing human intelligence.
- AI-driven marketing is becoming essential for businesses to personalize messaging and analyze data in real-time.
- A Stony Brook student is using AI to detect and visualize air pollution's impact on plants.
AI expert says skip the Ph.D. to cash in on AI
Jad Tarifi, who started Google's first AI team, says getting a Ph.D. to profit from AI is too late. He suggests focusing on niche areas like AI for biology or developing social skills instead. Tarifi believes skills like empathy and emotional understanding are now more valuable than advanced degrees in the fast-changing AI world. He also notes that many things learned in long degree programs become outdated quickly.
Ex-Google exec says AI makes law and medicine degrees a waste
Jad Tarifi, a former Google AI leader, believes degrees in law and medicine may soon be outdated due to AI's rapid growth. He suggests that Gen Z might waste time pursuing PhDs, as AI could solve many problems in those fields by the time they graduate. Tarifi recommends focusing on connecting with others and self-awareness instead of just collecting degrees. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, even says their AI model, GPT-5, can perform as well as someone with a PhD.
Ex-Google exec says AI makes law and medicine degrees a waste
Jad Tarifi, who used to lead AI at Google, thinks getting a PhD might not be worth it because AI is improving so fast. He says AI could solve many problems in fields like law and medicine before students even finish their degrees. Tarifi suggests focusing on unique skills and connecting with people instead. Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman also agree that college might not be preparing people for the jobs of the future.
Pigeons helped create AI breakthroughs a surprising history
In 1943, psychologist B.F. Skinner used pigeons in a secret project to guide bombs during World War II. Although the military didn't use the pigeons, Skinner's experiments showed how learning works. His work influenced computer scientists who developed AI tools used by companies like Google and OpenAI. These AI tools use reinforcement learning, which is based on how pigeons learn. This shows that simple learning processes can power complex AI, making our computer systems a bit like "rats with wings."
AI's pigeon past Native art and tech insights
This article discusses how pigeons helped with AI development through B.F. Skinner's research. It also explores how Native American artists use technology, focusing on relationships instead of just taking data. Other topics include Anthropic's plan for safer chatbots, CEO's pushing AI on workers, and the dangers AI poses for hackers.
Can ServiceNow's AI platform boost its stock value
ServiceNow is developing its AI platform to improve its business. They are using AI to help companies manage their operations and customer service. ServiceNow partners with NVIDIA, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic to enhance its AI capabilities. Despite facing challenges like budget cuts and competition, ServiceNow is working to expand its AI offerings. The company's stock is currently rated as a hold, suggesting investors should wait before buying.
Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal starts new AI company
Parag Agrawal, the former CEO of Twitter, has created a new AI startup called Parallel Web Systems Inc. The company focuses on AI agents that can gather and analyze information from the internet. Agrawal says their first product, Deep Research API, is better than humans and other AI models at research tasks. Parallel has already raised $30 million and is automating tasks for other companies. Agrawal believes AI agents will soon be common on the internet.
AI transforms supply chains from farm to table with SAP
BRF, a large food company, uses AI with SAP Integrated Business Planning to improve its supply chain. This helps them forecast better, manage inventory, and plan more effectively. By using AI, BRF has made its processes faster and more efficient, allowing them to operate in over 127 countries. The company uses AI for tasks like demand planning, statistical modeling, and analyzing data. BRF is also testing SAP's AI assistant, Joule, to help employees and improve supply chain processes.
Can AI pick stocks better than humans Experts weigh in
AI is being tested to see if it can pick stocks better than humans. Some experiments show AI doing well, but it often follows common market trends. Humans tend to make mistakes because of emotions like fear and greed. AI could help avoid these mistakes, but it depends on how it's programmed. Experts say that even if AI is good at trading, people might still interfere when things go wrong.
Foxconn shifts from Apple to AI servers for growth
Foxconn, known for making iPhones, now earns more from AI servers and cloud products. This shift is due to the growing demand for AI technology. The company is a major server maker for Nvidia and is expanding into electric vehicles and semiconductors. Foxconn expects its AI server business to keep growing quickly. This change reflects a wider trend in Taiwan's tech industry, where companies are focusing on AI servers instead of just consumer electronics.
Zuckerberg says Meta is working on AI superintelligence
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, says the company is making progress toward AI superintelligence. This is when AI can improve itself beyond human intelligence. Zuckerberg believes AI can help people achieve goals and connect better. He also suggests using smart glasses as a way to interact with AI. However, some people are concerned about trusting the future of AI to companies like Meta.
Stony Brook student uses AI to find hidden air pollution
Amy Chen, a student at Stony Brook University, is using AI to detect ozone damage on plants. She created an ozone garden where plants show signs of pollution. Chen uses a GoPro to take pictures of the leaves and then uses AI to analyze the damage. The goal is to show people that air pollution is real and can harm both plants and human health. The project is part of a national network that collects data on ozone levels.
AI marketing is essential for entrepreneurs now
AI-driven marketing helps businesses reach the right customers faster. It allows for personalized messages, real-time data analysis, and better decision-making. Companies that use AI in marketing can see a better return on investment. AI tools can analyze customer preferences and provide insights to marketing teams. Businesses that don't use AI may struggle to keep up with the competition.
Sources
- An early member of Google's generative AI team says it's too late to get a Ph.D. to cash in on the AI hype
- Ex-Google exec says degrees in law and medicine are a waste of time because they take so long to complete that AI will catch up by graduation
- Ex-Google exec says degrees in law and medicine are a waste of time because they take so long to complete that AI will catch up by graduation
- Why we should thank pigeons for our AI breakthroughs
- The Download: pigeons’ role in developing AI, and Native artists’ tech interpretations
- Can ServiceNow's Expanding AI-Powered Platform Drive the Stock Higher?
- Former Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal emerges with AI startup
- Using AI for Transformative Supply Chain Planning from Farm to Table
- CAPITAL IDEAS: Is artificial intelligence any good at picking stocks?
- Foxconn’s Apple era fades as AI servers drive growth in Taiwan tech sector
- Mark Zuckerberg Is Working Toward AI Superintelligence. Does Anyone Actually Want It?
- SBU Student Cultivates AI To Unmask Hidden Air Pollution
- Why Every Entrepreneur Should Be Leveraging AI-Driven Marketing Right Now
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