Artificial intelligence continues to permeate various sectors, from education to global business. Rice University is launching a new course, "AI Fictions," exploring AI's role in creative writing and its ethical implications, with students experimenting with tools like ChatGPT. Meanwhile, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is offering a graduate certificate in AI, focusing on machine learning and generative AI. In the realm of content creation, Deepdub and Verbit are partnering to use AI for more efficient and emotionally nuanced global content localization, integrating captioning with advanced text-to-speech technology. Roblox is also enhancing its platform for creators with new AI tools, including generative AI for 4D objects and real-time voice chat translation, aiming to boost content creation and earnings. On the business and government front, Jared Kushner's startup, Brain Co., has raised $30 million to help large organizations implement AI, partnering with entities like OpenAI. Journalist Lisa Pierpont is guiding readers on practical AI applications, suggesting tools like LLMs for tasks such as writing property descriptions in real estate. Security in the finance sector is also being bolstered, with Plume integrating Octane's AI security platform for real-world asset finance. However, AI's potential risks are also a significant concern, with Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, a prominent AI figure, warning of a 10-20% chance of human extinction within 30 years due to AI surpassing human intelligence. In a related effort to foster future talent, Howard University, with support from Amazon Fulfillment Technologies, is hosting an event to promote STEM careers in robotics and AI among students.
Key Takeaways
- Rice University is introducing a new course, "AI Fictions," to explore AI's impact on creative writing, using tools like ChatGPT.
- The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has launched a graduate certificate program in artificial intelligence, covering machine learning and generative AI.
- Deepdub and Verbit are collaborating to enhance global content localization with AI-powered dubbing, preserving emotional nuance.
- Roblox is rolling out new AI tools for creators, including generative AI for 4D objects and real-time voice chat translation.
- Jared Kushner's startup, Brain Co., has secured $30 million in funding to assist businesses and governments in implementing AI, working with partners like OpenAI.
- Journalist Lisa Pierpont is offering guidance on using AI for practical tasks, including real estate applications like writing property descriptions.
- Plume is integrating Octane's AI security platform to enhance protection for real-world asset finance initiatives.
- Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, a leading AI researcher, has voiced concerns about AI posing a potential extinction risk to humanity within the next three decades.
- Howard University, supported by Amazon Fulfillment Technologies, is hosting an event to encourage students to pursue careers in robotics and AI.
Rice University offers new AI fiction writing course
Rice University is introducing a new creative writing course this fall called "AI Fictions." Taught by Ian Schimmel, the course explores how artificial intelligence can be used or resisted in fiction writing. Students will critically examine AI's role in creativity and its ethical implications. The class involves hands-on experimentation with tools like ChatGPT. Schimmel aims to help students understand AI's capabilities and limitations, even its potential flaws, to empower their own creative process. The course also touches on concerns about AI's impact on academic progress and human creativity.
Rice University explores AI's role in fiction writing
Rice University has launched a new course, "ENGL 306: AI Fictions," to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on creative writing. Professor Ian Schimmel designed the class to encourage students to think critically about AI and how it can be incorporated into or resisted within the writing process. The course involves direct interaction with AI tools like ChatGPT, aiming to deepen understanding of their capabilities and limitations. Schimmel emphasizes that the goal isn't to speed up writing but to expand creative thinking. Ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as its data usage and environmental impact, are also key discussion points.
Godfather of AI warns of human extinction risk
Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, known as the Godfather of Artificial Intelligence, warns of a significant risk of AI causing human extinction within the next three decades. He estimates a 10 to 20 percent chance of this happening, with AI potentially becoming smarter than humans in the next 20 years. Hinton also questions AI's impact on religion, suggesting that creating thinking beings might make humans feel less special. The author humorously contrasts AI's potential dangers with human flaws, noting that some things computers won't do, unlike certain politicians. Despite the ominous warnings, the author finds personal value in human connection and creativity.
AI's potential for human extinction discussed
Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, a leading figure in artificial intelligence, has expressed serious concerns about AI's future. He believes there is a 10 to 20 percent chance that AI could lead to human extinction within the next 30 years, as AI is expected to surpass human intelligence. Hinton also speculates on how AI might affect religious beliefs by challenging the idea of human uniqueness. The article humorously compares AI's potential capabilities with human actions, suggesting that even advanced AI might not replicate certain human behaviors or political decisions. Ultimately, the author reflects on the importance of human connection over artificial intelligence.
University of Nebraska launches AI graduate certificate
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's School of Computing now offers a new graduate certificate in artificial intelligence. This program is designed for graduate students and computing professionals to gain advanced AI skills and apply them in their fields. The certificate requires 15 credit hours, covering core AI topics like machine learning and applied AI subjects such as generative AI. It aims to equip students with expertise to analyze, design, and apply intelligent solutions responsibly. Credits earned can also be applied towards a master's degree in computer science or computer engineering.
Deepdub and Verbit partner for AI-powered dubbing
Deepdub and Verbit have joined forces to enhance global content localization using AI-driven dubbing. Their collaboration integrates Verbit's Captivate captioning technology with Deepdub's Emotive Text-to-Speech (eTTS) system. This allows for the creation of broadcast-ready dubbed audio directly from captions, significantly reducing time and cost. The combined solution aims to preserve the emotional nuance of original performances. Features like voice tuning and emotional expression are included to maintain authenticity. This partnership streamlines the localization process, enabling faster content release across multiple markets.
Roblox introduces new AI tools for creators
Roblox Corporation has unveiled a suite of new AI tools at its annual Developers Conference to help creators build content, grow audiences, and increase earnings. Key innovations include generative AI for 4D object creation, expected in Q4 2025. The platform will also introduce real-time voice chat translation for multiple languages next year. Additionally, text-to-speech and speech-to-text APIs are being added, with the latter enabling voice commands for enhanced immersion. The AI assistant tool, which helps creators code using plain language, is also being improved for better context awareness and integration with third-party services.
Plume partners with Octane for AI security in finance
Plume has integrated Octane's AI-powered security platform to offer enhanced protection for builders in the real-world asset finance (RWAFi) ecosystem. This partnership brings institutional-grade security to Plume's blockchain network. Octane's technology is already utilized by major crypto organizations like Circle, Avalanche, and Uniswap Foundation. The integration aims to strengthen security measures for developers creating RWAFi solutions on Plume's infrastructure. This collaboration ensures that projects on Plume benefit from the same robust security standards used by established crypto companies.
Journalist Lisa Pierpont guides readers on using AI
Journalist Lisa Pierpont launches a new column, "Ask Little Miss AI," to help people understand and utilize artificial intelligence. She emphasizes the importance of educating ourselves about AI during this technological revolution. In the first column, Pierpont addresses a real estate CEO's question about efficiency, suggesting AI tools like large language models (LLMs) for tasks such as writing property descriptions and data collection. She advises using precise prompts and exploring different AI models for the best results. For more complex data gathering, she recommends tools like Perplexity or hiring an AI consultant.
Jared Kushner launches AI startup Brain Co.
Jared Kushner, along with investor Elad Gil and former Mexican foreign minister Luis Videgaray, has cofounded Brain Co., a new startup focused on helping large businesses and governments implement AI. The company, which raised $30 million in Series A funding, partners with AI labs like OpenAI to build custom applications for clients. Brain Co. aims to bridge the gap between foundational AI models and practical business needs, developing unique solutions for various industries. The startup addresses the common challenge of companies struggling to integrate AI effectively, with a goal of driving global impact through AI adoption.
Howard University event promotes STEM careers in robotics and AI
Howard University is hosting a two-day event on September 11-12, 2025, to encourage high school and college students to pursue careers in robotics and artificial intelligence. Sponsored by Amazon Fulfillment Technologies and First Robotics, the event will feature demonstrations of robots and discussions about graduate pathways. Students will interact with professionals from companies like Amazon and government agencies. The initiative aims to increase access to STEM fields and build talent pipelines through partnerships and hands-on experiences with robots, drones, and AI-controlled devices.
AI faces challenges in drug discovery
The article discusses the difficulties artificial intelligence is encountering in the process of discovering new drugs. Despite advancements in AI technology, its application in pharmaceutical research faces significant hurdles. The provided content is incomplete, and further details on the specific challenges and reasons for AI's struggles in drug discovery are not available.
Sources
- Rice University creative writing course introduced Artificial Intelligence, AI
- Rice University creative writing course introduced Artificial Intelligence, AI
- YARBROUGH: A semi-intelligent look at artificial intelligence
- A semi-intelligent look at artificial intelligence
- School of Computing introduces AI graduate certificate
- Deepdub partners with Verbit on artificial intelligence-based dubbing
- Roblox announces new AI tools for creators
- Plume integrates Octane to deliver AI-powered security for RWAfi builders
- Ask Little Miss AI: How Can I Make AI Work for Me?
- Jared Kushner’s New Startup Helps Businesses Figure Out How To Use AI
- Howard University Hosts Two-Day Robotics and AI Event to Create STEM Pathways for Local Youth.
- Why is AI struggling to discover new drugs?
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