October 1, 2025

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Microsoft Copilot Portraits, Nvidia Rubin GPU

The U.S. is significantly boosting its investment in artificial intelligence, with President Trump signing an executive order to allocate an additional $50 million annually towards pediatric cancer research. This funding, part of a broader initiative to double the budget for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, aims to leverage AI for improved diagnoses, treatments, and clinical trials for childhood cancers. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of AI data centers is driving up electricity prices, with wholesale costs surging by up to 267% in some areas, impacting consumer bills. In the cybersecurity realm, AI is becoming a dual-edged sword, with hackers employing generative AI for sophisticated attacks while organizations increasingly rely on AI to combat a widening talent gap and a near doubling of weekly cyberattacks since 2021. Microsoft is enhancing its Copilot AI assistant with 'Copilot Portraits,' introducing stylized human avatars with natural expressions to make voice interactions more approachable. Nvidia is targeting AI inference with its new Rubin CPX GPU, designed for efficiency and cost reduction in large language model processing. In the retail sector, generative AI search is influencing shopper behavior, particularly among younger consumers, and AI advisors like ChatGPT are impacting retail investment decisions, with AI-selected portfolios showing strong performance. Cybersecurity startup Dope.security has launched DOPAMINE DLP, an endpoint data loss prevention solution powered by large language models for more accurate monitoring and blocking of sensitive data. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges the risk of an AI investment bubble but supports continued aggressive spending in the U.S. tech sector.

Key Takeaways

  • President Trump has ordered an additional $50 million in annual funding for AI-driven pediatric cancer research, doubling the budget for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative.
  • The growth of AI data centers is causing significant increases in electricity prices, with wholesale costs rising up to 267% in some regions.
  • Cyberattacks have nearly doubled weekly since 2021, with AI being used by both attackers for sophisticated threats and defenders to address a cybersecurity talent shortage.
  • Microsoft is introducing 'Copilot Portraits,' featuring stylized AI avatars with natural expressions to improve user interaction with its Copilot assistant.
  • Nvidia's new Rubin CPX GPU is designed to accelerate AI inference for large language models, aiming for greater efficiency and lower costs.
  • Generative AI search is influencing shopper behavior, with a notable adoption rate among younger consumers, according to Bazaarvoice.
  • AI chatbots like ChatGPT are increasingly used for retail investment advice, with AI-selected portfolios outperforming some human-managed funds.
  • Dope.security has launched DOPAMINE DLP, an endpoint data loss prevention tool that uses large language models for context-aware monitoring of sensitive data.
  • Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recognizes the potential for an AI investment bubble but advocates for continued aggressive spending in AI development.
  • AI has the potential to automate up to 26% of tasks in creative sectors like arts, design, and media.

Trump orders $50M for AI in pediatric cancer research

President Trump signed an order on Tuesday to invest $50 million in artificial intelligence for pediatric cancer research. This initiative aims to use AI to improve clinical trials, diagnoses, and treatments for childhood cancer. The funding will double the budget for a childhood cancer data initiative established by Trump in his first term. This effort is part of a broader push for AI across federal agencies, though it occurs alongside cuts to other biomedical research. Officials believe AI can help researchers find cures and minimize treatment side effects.

Trump pledges to conquer childhood cancer using AI

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday to utilize artificial intelligence in the fight against pediatric cancer. The administration is investing $50 million into this initiative, which will also boost the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative launched in 2019. Trump stated the order will accelerate research and harness AI's potential to find cures for the disease. He expressed confidence that children battling cancer will get better soon. The initiative aims to use AI to find answers and improve treatments.

Trump doubles AI pediatric cancer research funding

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on September 30th, doubling the federal budget for AI-driven childhood cancer research. This builds on his 2019 Childhood Cancer Data Initiative, which collects and shares data on childhood cancer cases. The order adds $50 million annually to the program, directing the National Cancer Institute to collaborate with the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Health Secretary Alex Azar emphasized the need for modern tools in fighting cancer. Officials believe AI will revolutionize clinical research and patient care.

HHS doubles AI childhood cancer research funds

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is doubling funding for its Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) to $100 million annually. This move follows President Trump's executive order to accelerate the development of better diagnostics and treatments for pediatric cancer. The CCDI, established in 2019, will now use advanced artificial intelligence with private-sector partners to speed up cures. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. stated that AI will be harnessed to find cures for pediatric cancer. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya added that AI will ensure state-of-the-art science is used to find answers.

Trump order uses AI to boost childhood cancer treatment

President Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to use artificial intelligence for improving childhood cancer research and treatments. The order enhances a 2019 database of childhood cancer data, directing agencies to use AI for analysis. Trump stated AI will empower scientists to find new treatments and cures, making them more accessible. The Department of Health and Human Services is doubling funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya highlighted that this initiative gives families hope and leads to faster diagnoses and more precise treatments.

Trump order boosts AI childhood cancer research

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to increase the use of artificial intelligence in childhood cancer research, allocating an additional $50 million in grants. This initiative builds on the National Cancer Institute's Childhood Cancer Data Initiative. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, noted that AI can now improve clinical trials, diagnoses, and treatments. The National Institutes of Health will double its investment by an additional $50 million to enhance existing data. This funding aims to attract scientific teams through competitive research grants.

Trump order harnesses AI against childhood cancers

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Tuesday to improve the identification and treatment of pediatric cancers using artificial intelligence. The order directs the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission to work with the Office of Science and Technology Policy on using AI for diagnosis, treatment, and finding cures. The U.S. is adding $50 million to the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative. Trump stated the government will fully utilize AI to supercharge pediatric cancer research and aims to defeat childhood cancer. The initiative leverages a vast database of childhood cancer information.

AI data centers drive up power bills

The rapid growth of AI data centers is causing wholesale electricity prices to surge, with costs increasing by up to 267% in areas near these facilities over the past five years. This rise in wholesale prices is being passed on to consumers, leading to significantly higher electricity bills for households. For example, a man in Baltimore saw his energy bills increase by 80% in three years due to proximity to data center activity. These energy-hungry facilities are crucial for the global AI race but are straining power grids and impacting affordability.

Data center boom raises electricity prices significantly

The boom in data centers powering the AI revolution is causing electricity prices to skyrocket, with wholesale costs rising up to 267% in five years near these facilities. This surge is straining regional power grids and making electricity unaffordable for some residents. For instance, one individual saw an 80% increase in their electricity costs over three years. Experts predict that power consumption for AI could double by 2026, potentially worsening the issue. Some companies are exploring on-site power generation to manage costs and environmental impact.

Dope.security launches DOPAMINE DLP with AI

Cybersecurity startup Dope.security has launched DOPAMINE DLP, a new endpoint data loss prevention solution powered by large language models (LLMs). This AI-driven tool aims to monitor and block sensitive file uploads with greater accuracy by understanding content context, unlike older methods relying on pattern matching. DOPAMINE DLP is designed to reduce alert fatigue and improve data security for enterprises. It can identify, monitor, and block uploads containing sensitive information like PII and PCI with zero configuration required. The solution is available in early access starting today.

Dope.security introduces DOPAMINE DLP using AI

Dope.security has unveiled DOPAMINE DLP, the first endpoint data loss prevention solution powered by large language models (LLMs). This new feature, integrated into dope.security's existing agent, allows security teams to monitor and block sensitive uploads with high precision by understanding content context. Unlike traditional DLP tools that use pattern matching and often generate many false positives, DOPAMINE DLP uses LLMs for more accurate classification. It can identify and block uploads containing PII, PCI, and PHI with no configuration needed, reducing alert fatigue for security administrators. Early access is available now.

Zuckerberg sees AI bubble risk but backs US tech investment

Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg acknowledges the risk of an artificial intelligence (AI) investment bubble in the US tech sector. However, he supports aggressive spending in AI to avoid missing out on its transformative potential. Zuckerberg shared these views during a recent podcast. His comments highlight concerns about the rapid pace of AI investment while emphasizing the importance of continued development and infrastructure spending in the United States.

Nvidia's new CPX GPU targets AI inference

Nvidia has introduced its Rubin CPX GPU, designed to accelerate the context phase of AI inference, especially for large language models. This new GPU uses GDDR7 memory, which is cheaper and more power-efficient than the HBM memory used in traditional data center GPUs. The Rubin CPX will work alongside Rubin GPUs and Vera CPUs in the Vera Rubin NVL144 CPX system. This specialized hardware aims to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of AI inference, particularly for tasks requiring long-context processing.

AI and cybercrime: 2025 threats and defenses

Cyberattacks have significantly increased in 2025, with organizations facing nearly double the weekly attacks compared to 2021. The World Economic Forum's Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 highlights a complex threat landscape where AI is both a defense tool and a growing threat. Hackers are using generative AI for sophisticated phishing and social engineering, while organizations are increasingly relying on AI to fill a widening cybersecurity talent gap. Deepfakes and stolen credentials are also major concerns. Addressing these challenges requires global collaboration and public-private partnerships.

Microsoft Copilot gets animated AI faces

Microsoft is making its Copilot AI assistant more approachable by introducing 'Copilot Portraits.' This new feature provides users with 40 stylized human avatars that display natural expressions during voice conversations. Developed using Microsoft Research's advanced AI technology, Portraits aims to make verbal interactions with Copilot feel more natural. The feature is currently in an experimental phase and available to a limited set of users in the US, UK, and Canada. Microsoft emphasizes that these avatars are stylized and not photorealistic, ensuring safety and clarity that users are interacting with AI.

AI search influences shopper behavior, Bazaarvoice reports

Bazaarvoice's 2025 Shopper Experience Index reveals that generative AI search is becoming popular, especially among younger consumers. Nearly a quarter of consumers have used AI tools for product searches, with 41% of those aged 18-34 doing so. AI systems analyze customer reviews to recommend products, favoring those with high ratings and review volumes. The report also notes a significant increase in private label purchases and a fourfold rise in in-store foot traffic. Brands are advised to prioritize AI search strategies and provide authentic user-generated content.

AI advisors changing retail investment landscape

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing retail investment, with some reports suggesting that at least 10% of retail investors are asking AI chatbots like ChatGPT for stock recommendations. Studies show that AI-selected portfolios have outperformed popular human-managed funds in growth. However, AI models often work with outdated data and cannot access exclusive information behind paywalls, potentially limiting their performance compared to the best human managers. This trend could lead to more uniform investment decisions and prompt companies to optimize for AI signals.

AI could automate 26% of creative tasks

Artificial intelligence has the potential to automate up to 26% of tasks in the arts, design, entertainment, media, and sports sectors. Generative AI can assist in idea creation, brainstorming, and research, enhancing rather than replacing human creativity. While AI adoption is driven by performance, support, and brand trust, factors like fear of change, financial constraints, and the need for continuous training can hinder its integration. Creative professionals increasingly find AI useful for tasks like image editing and searches, shifting focus towards strategic thinking and collaboration with AI systems.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence Pediatric Cancer Research Executive Order Childhood Cancer Data Initiative National Cancer Institute Department of Health and Human Services AI Data Centers Electricity Prices Data Center Boom Cybersecurity Data Loss Prevention Large Language Models Dope.security Nvidia GPU AI Inference Microsoft Copilot AI Avatars Generative AI Search Retail Investment AI Chatbots Creative Tasks Automation