April 4, 2025

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AI Breakthroughs and Concerns: New Programs, Regulation, and Cybersecurity

There have been significant developments in the field of artificial intelligence, with various universities launching new AI-focused programs, such as West Virginia University's Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and Master of AI Science in Marketing, and Wright State University's undergraduate minor in business artificial intelligence. Additionally, experts are working towards achieving artificial general intelligence, and companies like IBM are introducing AI-powered features to enhance user experiences. However, there are also concerns about the risks associated with AI, including the potential for cyberattacks and the impact of AI chatbots on young users. Senators have called for tighter regulation of AI chatbots, while cybersecurity experts are working to develop defenses against AI-powered attacks. Meanwhile, startups like SandboxAQ are raising significant funding to develop commercial AI and quantum computing products.

WVU launches AI programs

West Virginia University's Board of Governors approved two new academic programs focusing on artificial intelligence. The programs include a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and a Master of AI Science in Marketing. These forward-facing business programs address the rapidly increasing demand for AI-related talents within the workforce. The university has been offering AI-centered courses since 2014 and aims to lead the way in the field of artificial intelligence.

WVU sets retention record

West Virginia University set a record with a 93.8% first-time freshmen retention rate. The university's Board of Governors also approved new AI-focused programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and a Master of AI Science in Marketing. The programs aim to prepare students for the increasing demand for AI-related talents in the workforce. The university's investments in student success have shown positive results, with a high fall-to-spring retention rate indicating that students are happy with their college experience.

AI experts discuss youth preparation

Experts at Texas Tech University will host events to prepare students, parents, and educators for an AI-driven future. The events will focus on how young people can use AI to fuel creativity and develop skills. AI strategist Amy Love will lead the events, which include 'Becoming Irreplaceable in the Age of AI' for Texas Tech students and 'From Screen Time to Self-Driven Success' for the public. The goal is to help kids use technology intentionally and turn screen time into learning opportunities.

Senators warn of AI risks

US Senators Alex Padilla and Peter Welch are calling for tighter regulation of AI chatbots aimed at teenagers. They sent letters to the CEOs of companies behind AI chatbots, urging them to do more to ensure their products do not contribute to self-harm or suicide among young users. The senators are concerned about the seductive risk of AI companions, which can lead to dangerous levels of attachment and unearned trust. They want companies to implement critical safeguards to protect users from the addictive and influential aspects of AI chatbots.

The rise of fluid intelligence

Experts are working towards achieving 'artificial general intelligence' (AGI), which matches or exceeds human capabilities. However, current AI models are not genuinely intelligent, according to French computer scientist François Chollet. Chollet created the Abstraction and Reasoning Corpus for Artificial General Intelligence (ARC-AGI) to test AI models' ability to think abstractly. While AI models have improved, they still struggle to pass the ARC-AGI test, which requires fluid intelligence and the ability to apply concepts to new situations.

IBM introduces AI-powered fan features

IBM has launched AI-powered digital fan features for the 2025 Masters Tournament. The features include Enhanced Hole Insights, which provides detailed analysis of historic, in-tournament, and projected play for every hole. The Masters app on Apple Vision Pro has also been revamped, offering 3D visuals, video on demand, and AI narration. IBM's watsonx AI models aim to deliver a more personalized and engaging experience for golf fans worldwide.

Cyberattacks by AI agents are coming

Cybersecurity experts warn that AI agents could be used to conduct cyberattacks, identifying vulnerable targets, hijacking systems, and stealing valuable data. Researchers have demonstrated the potential of AI-powered attacks, and cybersecurity experts are working to develop defenses against them. The AI research organization Palisade Research has built a system to detect and track AI agents attempting to hack into vulnerable servers.

Wright State boosts AI education

Wright State University's Raj Soin College of Business is launching an undergraduate minor in business artificial intelligence, designed to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to apply AI in business contexts. The college aims to democratize AI knowledge, making it accessible to students and professionals from various backgrounds and industries. The program is part of the university's efforts to boost the Dayton region's workforce and contribute to Ohio's goal of becoming AI-ready.

SandboxAQ raises $150M

SandboxAQ, an AI and quantum computing startup, has raised an additional $150 million in funding from investors including Google and Nvidia. The company is developing commercial products for telecom, financial services, healthcare, and security, and has already raised over $950 million in funding. SandboxAQ is working with customers on enterprise software and cybersecurity tools related to quantum computing.

Wharton launches AI MBA major

The Wharton School is launching a new MBA major in artificial intelligence for business. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply AI in business contexts. However, the article content is currently unavailable.

Key Takeaways

  • West Virginia University has launched two new AI-focused programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics and a Master of AI Science in Marketing.
  • Wright State University is launching an undergraduate minor in business artificial intelligence to equip students with foundational knowledge and practical skills to apply AI in business contexts.
  • Experts are working towards achieving artificial general intelligence, but current AI models still struggle to pass tests that require fluid intelligence and the ability to apply concepts to new situations.
  • IBM has launched AI-powered digital fan features for the 2025 Masters Tournament, including Enhanced Hole Insights and 3D visuals.
  • Cybersecurity experts warn that AI agents could be used to conduct cyberattacks, identifying vulnerable targets, hijacking systems, and stealing valuable data.
  • Senators have called for tighter regulation of AI chatbots aimed at teenagers, citing concerns about the potential for self-harm or suicide among young users.
  • SandboxAQ, an AI and quantum computing startup, has raised an additional $150 million in funding from investors including Google and Nvidia.
  • The Wharton School is launching a new MBA major in artificial intelligence for business, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply AI in business contexts.
  • Texas Tech University is hosting events to prepare students, parents, and educators for an AI-driven future, focusing on how young people can use AI to fuel creativity and develop skills.
  • Researchers are developing systems to detect and track AI agents attempting to hack into vulnerable servers, in an effort to stay ahead of potential AI-powered cyberattacks.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence AI Education AI Research AI Regulation AI Risks AI Applications