October 17, 2025

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Google AI Cancer Therapy, University of Florida $805M Research

Artificial intelligence continues to make significant strides across various sectors, from scientific discovery to industrial applications. Google DeepMind, in collaboration with Yale University, has developed an AI model, C2S-Scale 27B, that can predict potential cancer therapies. This AI has hypothesized that combining silmitasertib with interferon could make difficult-to-treat "cold" tumors visible to the immune system, showing a 50% increase in immune response in lab tests. Google CEO Sundar Pichai hailed this as a major step for AI in science. Meanwhile, the University of Florida has launched HiPerGator 4.0, a powerful AI supercomputer that has supported over $805 million in research, aiming to integrate AI across all academic disciplines. In the business world, Starbucks is leveraging AI with its 'green dot' system to assist baristas in real-time drink preparation and operations, enhancing efficiency without replacing staff. Investors are navigating the AI landscape with caution, as UBS GWM notes signs of a potential AI bubble but still recommends tech investments, advising diversification across hardware, software, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. TransHumanity has secured funding for its AptIq AI tool, which uses large language models to help transport authorities analyze data. The aluminum trade is also feeling the impact of AI demand, contributing to rising energy costs and potential shortages, exacerbated by US tariffs and a focus on increasing domestic production. On a different note, the University of Nevada, Reno is offering a unique course, 'AI in the Wild,' blending nature observation with AI tools, while the AI pet Moflin offers comfort but raises questions about social skill development.

Key Takeaways

  • Google DeepMind and Yale University's AI model, C2S-Scale 27B, has identified a potential cancer therapy by predicting that a combination of silmitasertib and interferon could increase immune response by 50% against "cold" tumors.
  • The University of Florida's new AI supercomputer, HiPerGator 4.0, has supported over $805 million in research and aims to integrate AI across all university studies.
  • Starbucks is using an AI system called the 'green dot' to assist baristas with drink preparation and operations, improving efficiency.
  • UBS GWM observes potential signs of an AI bubble but recommends continued investment in the tech sector, suggesting diversification into hardware, software, infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
  • TransHumanity has received funding for its AptIq AI tool, designed to help transport authorities analyze data using large language models.
  • Rising demand for AI and electric vehicles is contributing to increased energy costs and a projected global aluminum shortage around 2027, further complicated by US tariffs.
  • The University of Nevada, Reno is offering an 'AI in the Wild' course that combines nature observation with AI tools for learning.
  • The AI pet Moflin, priced at $429, offers comfort through simulated emotions but raises concerns about its impact on social skill development.
  • Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the AI's ability to generate and validate scientific hypotheses as a significant advancement for AI in research.
  • Aluminum trade is influenced by 50% US tariffs and high energy costs, with ongoing negotiations between the US and Canada to potentially lower these tariffs.

Google AI finds new way to make tumors treatable

Google DeepMind and Yale University have created an AI model called C2S-Scale 27B that can understand how cells behave. The AI predicted that combining the drug silmitasertib with low-dose interferon could make difficult to treat "cold" tumors visible to the immune system. This combination therapy showed a 50 percent increase in immune response in lab tests. Researchers are now testing these findings, which could lead to new cancer treatments.

Google AI and Yale discover potential cancer therapy

Google DeepMind, in collaboration with Yale University, has developed a new AI model named C2S-Scale 27B. This model can understand cellular behavior and has generated a hypothesis for a new cancer therapy. The AI predicted that combining silmitasertib with interferon could make "cold" tumors more visible to the immune system. This discovery has been confirmed in experiments with living cells and is seen as a significant milestone for AI in scientific research.

Google AI generates and validates cancer hypothesis with Yale

Google's C2S-Scale 27B AI, developed with Yale University, has created and confirmed a new idea about how cancer cells act. This AI can understand biological processes and suggest testable hypotheses for scientists. Google CEO Sundar Pichai called this a major step for AI in science, moving beyond just analyzing data to generating and testing new ideas. This collaboration could speed up discoveries in fighting diseases like cancer.

Aluminum trade faces energy costs and AI demand

Aluminum production is facing challenges due to US tariffs, high energy prices, and increasing demand from electric vehicles and data centers. The US government wants to increase domestic aluminum production, but this will compete for energy with the growing needs of AI and data centers. Analysts predict a global aluminum shortage starting around 2027. The US and Canada are working to resolve trade issues related to aluminum tariffs, which could benefit companies like Alcoa.

Aluminum trade dynamics impacted by tariffs and AI

Aluminum is currently influenced by several factors including 50% US tariffs, high energy costs, and its use in green energy and AI technology. The demand for aluminum is rising, especially for EVs and data centers, while China is reducing its production capacity. The US-Canada trade deal is a key issue, as about 40% of US aluminum comes from Canada. Officials are negotiating to lower tariffs, which could affect companies like Alcoa.

University of Nevada offers 'AI in the Wild' nature course

The University of Nevada, Reno is offering a new weekend course called 'AI in the Wild: Exploring Artificial Intelligence Through Nature'. Professor Lyndsay Munro developed the course to help students understand and use AI, recognizing its growing importance in the workforce. The course, held from October 17 to 19 at the Lake Tahoe campus, will involve hands-on outdoor activities. Students will combine nature observations with AI tools to foster technical understanding and creative problem-solving.

UBS GWM sees AI bubble signs but advises tech investment

Kelvin Tay from UBS Global Wealth Management observes signs of a potential bubble in artificial intelligence investments. However, he still recommends maintaining investments in the technology sector. Tay suggests diversifying within tech by focusing on four key areas: hardware, software, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. This approach allows investors to benefit from AI's growth while managing potential risks.

TransHumanity secures funding for AptIq AI tool

Data analysis company TransHumanity has received investment for its AptIq AI tool, formerly known as TraffEase. AptIq uses large language models to help transport authorities quickly analyze data and make decisions in plain English. This agentic AI system aims to improve insights for initiatives like congestion reduction and road safety. TransHumanity was founded in January to commercialize AptIq, with SFC Capital and Plug and Play among the investors.

Insomniacs AI tools transform Indian real estate sales

Insomniacs is using its AI tools, Convo AI and TrustED AI, to enhance sales and customer engagement for top Indian real estate developers. These systems handle queries, analyze interactions in multiple Indian languages, and personalize communication, leading to improved conversions without extra staff. Convo AI manages engagement from marketing to post-sales, while TrustED AI analyzes interactions for data-backed decisions. The ACX Convo AI Web turns developer websites into intelligent service points.

Investing strategies beyond the AI bubble

As concerns grow about a potential artificial intelligence bubble, investors can focus on companies that stand to benefit from AI's advancement. AI technology is expected to become cheaper, faster, and more capable over time. While some dismiss the AI trend, its compounding gains and potential to shift competitive advantages are significant. AI deployments often require customization, making it a complex but rewarding area for investment.

University of Florida launches powerful new AI supercomputer

The University of Florida has unveiled its fourth-generation AI supercomputer, HiPerGator 4.0, on October 15. It is the fastest supercomputer on a college campus and has supported over $805 million in research since 2020. This upgrade is part of UF's AI initiative to integrate artificial intelligence across all studies and research. The supercomputer is available to Florida's other public universities and will be shared nationally.

AI pet Moflin offers comfort but raises questions

The Moflin, an AI-powered pet designed to ease stress and provide comfort, has launched in the U.S. for $429. This small, fluffy robot uses AI to simulate emotions and respond to interaction, with users tracking its feelings via the MofLife app. While some find it a calming presence, psychologists question if relying on AI for comfort could hinder social skill development, especially for Gen Z. The Moflin is seen more as a toy than a replacement for human connection.

Starbucks uses AI 'green dot' to assist baristas

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol revealed that the company uses an AI system called the 'green dot' to help baristas in real time. This tool assists with making drinks and managing operations, improving efficiency without replacing human staff. Another system, 'smart Q', optimizes order processing to reduce wait times. Starbucks is also exploring AI for predicting customer orders through its app to create a more seamless experience.

Sources

AI in Healthcare Cancer Research Drug Discovery Machine Learning Tumor Treatment Google DeepMind Yale University AI in Materials Science Aluminum Industry Energy Costs Data Centers Electric Vehicles Tariffs AI in Education Nature Studies University of Nevada AI in Finance Investment Strategies Technology Sector AI Bubble AI in Transportation Data Analysis Large Language Models Congestion Reduction Road Safety AI in Real Estate Customer Engagement Sales Automation Indian Real Estate AI in Food Service Barista Assistance Operational Efficiency Starbucks AI in Research Supercomputing University of Florida AI Ethics AI Companions Mental Well-being