Several developments are shaping the AI landscape. GE Vernova is set to acquire Alteia, a French company specializing in AI-powered visual data analysis for power grids, with the deal expected to close on August 1. This acquisition aims to enhance GE Vernova's GridOS Visual Intelligence system. Meanwhile, Bryan Johnson, who previously sold Braintree for $800 million, continues his pursuit of reversing aging through Project Blueprint, leveraging technology and AI. Concerns are also being raised about the safety of AI chatbots as some companies reduce medical disclaimers, potentially leading users to trust inaccurate health advice. Hyperfine has commercially launched its new AI-powered Swoop MRI system in U.S. hospitals, improving image quality and accessibility. In education, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is launching an AI associate degree program in Fall 2025 to prepare students for AI-related careers. Experts are also cautioning about the potential developmental risks for young children interacting with AI chatbots, which could affect their social and emotional development. On the technology front, Ambiq Micro has introduced HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, new edge AI runtime solutions designed to improve AI performance on battery-powered devices. Finally, philosophical perspectives continue to question whether AI can truly "think" in the same way as humans, while others argue that the development of human-level AI is not inevitable and can be guided by human choices.
Key Takeaways
- GE Vernova is acquiring Alteia to enhance its AI capabilities for power grid inspections, with the deal expected to close on August 1.
- Bryan Johnson, who made $800 million from Braintree, is using AI in his Project Blueprint to try and reverse aging.
- AI companies are reducing medical disclaimers on chatbots, raising concerns about users trusting potentially unsafe medical advice.
- Hyperfine has launched its new AI-powered Swoop MRI system in U.S. hospitals, offering improved image quality and faster scan times.
- CCBC will launch an AI associate degree program in Fall 2025, focusing on machine learning and data-driven decision-making.
- Experts warn that AI chatbots may pose developmental risks to young children, potentially affecting their social and emotional skills.
- Ambiq Micro has released HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, edge AI runtime solutions for improving AI performance on battery-powered devices.
- Philosophical perspectives question whether AI can truly "think" like humans, citing the lack of consciousness and emotions.
- Some argue that the development of human-level AI is not inevitable and can be regulated to address potential risks.
- AI cannot replace the personal connection and experience of practices like yoga.
GE Vernova buys Alteia to boost AI for power grid checks
GE Vernova is buying Alteia, a French software company, to improve its AI for electric grids. Alteia's software uses AI to analyze visual data, helping power companies inspect infrastructure and assess damage after storms. This deal helps GE Vernova provide better support to utility companies and prevent power disruptions. The transaction is expected to be completed on August 1.
GE Vernova acquires Alteia to enhance AI tools for utilities
GE Vernova will purchase Alteia, a French company that creates AI tools for utility companies to check their grids. GE Vernova already uses Alteia's software in its GridOS Visual Intelligence system. The acquisition will improve this system by adding visual and operational data. The deal is expected to close on August 1, but the financial details were not shared.
GE Vernova to acquire Alteia for AI grid tech
GE Vernova plans to buy Alteia, a French startup that makes computer vision tech for power grids. GE Vernova already uses Alteia's software for utility customers. The company will add Alteia's software to its Electrification Software business and GridOS software. The deal is expected to close on August 1, but the financial terms were not released.
Bryan Johnson's quest for immortality faces reality
Bryan Johnson, who sold his company Braintree for $800 million, is trying to reverse his body's aging through Project Blueprint. This involves strict routines, many tests, and unconventional methods. Johnson believes that technology, especially AI, can help extend lifespans significantly. He even has a Bryan AI that has learned from everything he has ever said. Johnson envisions a future where existence and immortality are highly valued.
Human-level AI not inevitable we can change course
Some experts believe that creating human-level AI (AGI) is inevitable, but this article argues that technology is a result of human choices. Concerns exist that AGI could lead to human extinction. Throughout history, humans have resisted and controlled technologies due to risks. Regulating AGI development is possible and doesn't require stopping the use of existing AI systems. Governments should consider the effects of AGI on employment and social stability.
Can AI think Greek philosophers offer insights
This article explores whether AI can truly "think" by examining the ideas of Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Plato believed that true understanding comes from intuition, a property of the soul. Aristotle distinguished between active and passive intellect, suggesting that thinking requires a body and experience. ChatGPT itself admits it can simulate thinking but lacks consciousness and emotions. These philosophical views suggest AI may not "think" in the same way humans do.
AI chatbots stop medical warnings raising safety concerns
AI companies are reducing medical disclaimers on chatbots, which could lead users to trust unsafe medical advice. A study found that fewer AI models in 2025 include warnings when answering health questions or analyzing medical images, compared to 2022. Experts worry this could confuse patients, especially with headlines claiming AI is better than doctors. Some AI models, like Grok and GPT-4.5, included no medical disclaimers at all. The disappearance of these disclaimers poses a risk as AI models become more powerful.
Hyperfine sells new AI-powered Swoop MRI system
Hyperfine has made its first commercial sales of the next-generation Swoop system with Optive AI software to two hospitals in the USA. These hospitals will use the technology in intensive care units and emergency departments. The new Swoop system has better image quality, resolution, and faster scan times. It is designed to be user-friendly and accommodate different patients, making MRI more accessible.
AI can't replace yoga's peace and connection
This article discusses how AI cannot replace the personal experience of yoga. While AI can provide information about yoga, it cannot replicate the physical and emotional connection one feels during practice. Yoga requires presence and contact with oneself, tradition, and sensation. The author suggests that as technology advances, the need for tangible practices like yoga will increase to balance and resist the artificiality of AI.
CCBC launches AI associate degree program for 2025
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) will start a new Associate of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Fall 2025. The program will teach machine learning, natural language processing, and data-driven decision-making. It is designed to prepare students for jobs in software development, data science, and information technology. The program also helps students transfer to Bachelor of Science programs at the University of Maryland Global Campus and the University of Baltimore.
AI chatbots may rewire young children's brains
Young children interacting with AI chatbots may face developmental risks, according to pediatricians and psychologists. Interacting with AI could change how children's brains develop and affect their social connections. Experts worry that chatbots could reshape how children learn trust and empathy. While AI can be creative and answer questions, it may crowd out important human interactions. Some studies show children trust robots more than humans, even when the robot is less reliable.
New tools speed up AI on devices like wearables
Two new edge AI runtime solutions aim to help use AI on battery-powered devices. Ambiq Micro introduced HeliosRT and HeliosAOT, tools designed for its Apollo system-on-chips (SoCs). Edge AI refers to AI running on devices like smartwatches instead of servers. HeliosRT improves performance for audio and speech processing. HeliosAOT reduces memory needed for AI deployment. These tools help make AI more efficient on devices with limited power.
Sources
- GE Vernova Buying AI Company for Utilities to Check Grid Damage
- GE Vernova to buy France's Alteia for enhancing AI tools for utilities
- GE Vernova says it's acquiring French startup Alteia to deliver grid AI to utilities
- Bryan Johnson Is Going to Die
- Human-level AI is not inevitable. We have the power to change course
- Can AI think? Here's what Greek philosophers might say
- AI companies have stopped warning you that their chatbots aren’t doctors
- Hyperfine announces first commercial sales of next-generation Swoop system powered by Optive AI software
- AI Will Never Recreate the Peace Yoga Brings Me
- CCBC unveils new AI associate degree program for Fall 2025
- Chatting with bots could rewire the youngest brains
- Two new runtime tools to accelerate edge AI deployment