July 20, 2025

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Microsoft, Amazon AI Impact, Xaira Raises $1 Billion

Several developments are shaping the AI landscape. DuckDuckGo is rolling out new features that allow users to filter out AI-generated images from search results, using open-source blocklists and offering the feature in both general search settings and image-specific searches. This aims to help users find more authentic content and avoid misleading images. In AI for business, Akka launched its Agentic AI Platform, Atos introduced the Polaris AI Platform, and C-Gen.AI launched an AI infrastructure platform. Esri and Microsoft are collaborating to integrate AI features into ArcGIS. Rapid7 has entered the AI security market with tools available on the AWS Marketplace. Astera Labs, an AI company, has expanded with a new building in San Jose and is launching an AI internship program for high school students. Meanwhile, a new benchmark, 'Humanity's Best Exam,' is proposed to steer AI towards solving global issues like medical diagnoses and climate change. However, not all AI ventures are succeeding; CodeParrot, an AI startup focused on simplifying frontend development, has shut down due to growth and revenue challenges despite having raised $500,000. In healthcare, AI's potential to improve diagnoses and efficiency is recognized, but concerns about accuracy, bias, and data sharing remain. The pharmaceutical industry is also exploring AI, with companies like Recursion, Exscientia, and Insilico using AI to design new drugs; Xaira Therapeutics recently launched with $1 billion in funding to pursue this. On the environmental front, AI is aiding conservation efforts, such as helping scientists locate the threatened California red-legged frog. The increasing investment in AI by Big Tech is impacting the job market, leading to potential layoffs for middle-class coders as companies prioritize AI talent.

Key Takeaways

  • DuckDuckGo now allows users to filter out AI-generated images from search results using a new 'AI images' filter.
  • Akka, Atos and C-Gen.AI have launched new AI platforms for development, business automation and infrastructure respectively.
  • Esri and Microsoft are partnering to integrate AI features into ArcGIS.
  • Rapid7 is entering AI security with InsightCloudSec and InsightAppSec tools on the AWS Marketplace.
  • Astera Labs has opened a new building in San Jose and is starting an AI internship program for high school students.
  • 'Humanity's Best Exam' is a proposed benchmark to guide AI development towards solving global issues.
  • CodeParrot, an AI startup, has shut down due to growth and revenue challenges, despite raising $500,000.
  • AI in healthcare promises faster diagnoses and efficiency but faces challenges related to accuracy and bias.
  • Xaira Therapeutics launched with $1 billion in funding to design new drugs using AI.
  • AI is being used to aid conservation efforts, such as locating the California red-legged frog.

DuckDuckGo search lets you hide AI-generated images

DuckDuckGo now lets you filter out AI-generated images from search results. This helps reduce misleading or fake photos when searching for images. To use the filter, go to DuckDuckGo, search for an image, click the Images tab, and select 'Hide' under the AI Images option. The filter uses open-source blocklists and DuckDuckGo plans to add more filters in the future.

DuckDuckGo adds AI filter for real search results

DuckDuckGo has a new setting to filter out AI-generated images from search results. This helps users find real and relevant content. To use it, search for an image on DuckDuckGo, go to the Images tab, and choose 'hide' in the AI images menu. You can also enable the filter in your general search settings. DuckDuckGo uses open-source blocklists to identify AI images and plans to add more filters later.

DuckDuckGo lets you block AI images in searches

DuckDuckGo now has a feature to filter out AI-generated images from search results. Users can choose to hide AI images using a new dropdown menu labeled 'AI images'. DuckDuckGo uses resources like uBlockOrigin's block lists to identify AI images. The company also updated its Scam Blocker tool to protect against fake shops and crypto scams. The Scam Blocker is free and on by default in DuckDuckGo's browser and extension.

Block AI images on DuckDuckGo search engine

DuckDuckGo now lets users block AI-generated images in search results. This feature is not on by default, so users need to change the filters in the search menu.

DuckDuckGo filters AI images and blocks scams

DuckDuckGo has added a new image filter and security tool. The new 'AI images' filter lets users hide AI-generated images from search results. DuckDuckGo also improved its Scam Blocker tool to protect against fake online stores and scams. The Scam Blocker is free in DuckDuckGo’s browser and extension. Privacy Pro users get the protection on other browsers too.

AI news July 18 Akka IBM OutSystems updates

Akka launched its Agentic AI Platform for faster development. Atos introduced the Polaris AI Platform for business automation. C-Gen.AI launched its AI infrastructure platform to cut cloud costs. Concentric AI received two new patents for data security. Esri and Microsoft are working together to add AI features to ArcGIS.

Rapid7 enters AI security with AWS integration

Rapid7 is now in the AI security market with its InsightCloudSec and InsightAppSec tools on the AWS Marketplace. These tools help businesses secure their AI development. InsightCloudSec checks cloud security and ensures compliance. InsightAppSec tests AI systems for weaknesses. Rapid7's Exposure Command platform combines cloud security and policy enforcement.

Astera Labs AI company opens new San Jose building

Astera Labs, an artificial intelligence company, opened a new building in San Jose. This expansion occurs as AI-related jobs increase. Astera is also starting an internship program to help high school students learn about AI and prepare for future jobs in the field.

Astera Labs AI company opens new San Jose building

Astera Labs, an artificial intelligence company, opened a new building in San Jose.

AI needs Humanity's Best Exam for social good

A new benchmark called 'Humanity's Best Exam' could help AI focus on solving public problems. It would challenge AI to improve medical diagnoses, create new antibiotics, and develop climate solutions. This exam could also change how people see AI by showing its positive uses. It would guide policymakers and investors to support AI projects that benefit society.

AI startup CodeParrot shuts down after growth issues

CodeParrot, an AI startup that aimed to simplify frontend development, has shut down. The company made tools to turn designs into code using AI. Despite raising $500,000, they struggled to grow and make money. The team faced challenges in the AI market and had to let go of engineers. The founder plans to help other AI startups and explore new ideas.

AI in health care could save lives but faces challenges

AI could help doctors diagnose illnesses faster and more accurately. It can also make health care more efficient and save money. However, AI systems can make inaccurate diagnoses and show racial bias. Data sharing concerns and unrealistic expectations also slow down AI's use in medicine. AI's growth in health care will be gradual.

Religion and AI what happens when God's word comes from AI

What if your church sermon was written by AI? What does it mean when the word of God comes from a chatbot?

Big Tech's AI race hurts middle class coders

Big Tech companies are spending a lot on AI and hiring top AI talent. This is leading to layoffs for many regular software engineers. Companies are competing for AI experts, driving up salaries for the best. This creates a divide where a few earn a lot, while others face job insecurity.

AI helps threatened frog make a comeback

Scientists are using AI to help the California red-legged frog, a threatened species. They are using AI to listen to audio recordings and find the sound of the frogs. This helped them find the frog in San Diego County for the first time in 25 years. The AI model sifted through thousands of hours of audio.

Where are all the AI drugs?

Drug companies are using AI to design new drugs. Recursion, Exscientia and Insilico are startups betting on AI. Recursion acquired Exscientia, and Xaira Therapeutics launched with $1 billion in funding. There are currently no AI-designed drugs on the market, but Recursion and Insilico have drugs in phase II clinical trials.

Sources

DuckDuckGo AI-generated images Image filter Search results Scam Blocker Privacy Akka Agentic AI Platform Atos Polaris AI Platform C-Gen.AI AI infrastructure Concentric AI Data security Esri Microsoft ArcGIS Rapid7 AI security InsightCloudSec InsightAppSec AWS Marketplace Astera Labs San Jose Internship program Humanity's Best Exam Social good Medical diagnoses Climate solutions CodeParrot Frontend development AI startup Health care Diagnosis Bias Religion AI sermon Big Tech Layoffs Software engineers California red-legged frog Threatened species Audio recordings Drug discovery Recursion Exscientia Insilico Clinical trials