Rupert Murdoch, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg among industry leaders at 11th Breakthrough Prize gala

Hollywood, business and tech heavyweights turned out for the 11th Breakthrough Prize gala on Saturday in Los Angeles, bringing A-list entertainment stars and industry leaders together with luminaries from the world of science and math.
Often dubbed the "Oscars of Science," the Breakthrough Prize celebrates research achievements and the world's top scientists. Six Breakthrough Prizes worth $3 million were presented to some of the world's brightest minds in the fields of Life Sciences, Fundamental Physics, and Mathematics.
FOX Corporation Chairman Emeritus Rupert Murdoch, who was joined by his wife Elena Zhukova, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and META CEO Mark Zuckerberg were among the leaders in attendance.
Katy Perry and Sia performed at the star-studded event that was also attended by Christina Aguilera, Drew Barrymore, MrBeast, Jessica Chastain, Glenn Close, Lily Collins, Danny DeVito, Vin Diesel, Jodie Foster, Salma Hayek, Paris Hilton, Kate Hudson, Lizzo, Rob Lowe, Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ke Huy Quan, Edgar Ramírez, Seth Rogen, Lionel Richie, Gal Gadot, Zoe Saldaña, Lauren Sanchez, Bill Gates, Jeremy Strong, Sydney Sweeney and many more.
In addition, the foundation announced that eight early-career physicists and mathematicians are sharing six $100,000 New Horizons Prizes.
Daniel J. Drucker, Joel Habener, Jens Juul Holst, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen and Svetlana Mojsov shared a Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for ushering in a new era of GLP-1 medicines for cardiometabolic disorders, while Stephen L. Hauser and Alberto Ascherio share a Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for transforming the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis. David R. Liu was also awarded a Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for developing two widely used gene-editing technologies.
The Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics was awarded to thousands of researchers from more than 70 countries representing four experimental collaborations at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) – ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb.
Dennis Gaitsgory won the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics for his role in the proof of the geometric Langlands conjecture and Gerard 't Hooft won a Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics.
The Breakthrough Prizes were founded by Zuckerberg, Sergey Brin, Priscilla Chan, Julia and Yuri Milner, and Anne Wojcicki.

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Buzz Feed

2 hours ago

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You Need Comfy Shoes If You're Going On A Trip, So Here Are 28 Pairs

A handmade pair of closed-toe huarache platform sandals if you need some extra height (those flowy pants you just bought are a little on the long side), but also refuse to commit to walking around in heels all day. These beauts are the perfect compromise! A pair of Birkenstocks, aka the go-to summer vacation sandal. Reviewers rave about their signature cork footbed and for good reason — it molds to the foot for unrivaled comfort and support. A pair of Dr. Scholl's kicks so you can ditch the laces while still enjoying the benefits of supportive and comfy sneakers. Did I mention these have memory foam cushioning? Because they do, and you will love it. A classic pair of ballet flats since these darling little shoes fold up nice and compact for easy packing — and good thing, too, because you've only got about an inch of space left in your suitcase! Or, these memory foam-cushioned knit flats that are just as convenient (and comfy!) but offer a more elevated look with their textured design. Promising reviews: "These shoes are so comfortable. I used them on a trip where I did a lot of walking, and there was no need to break them in, and I had no blisters. I have not had to clean them yet, so don't know how they will wash up." —Charlotte"I wore these, new, on a recent trip and couldn't have been more pleased with the fit and comfort. Added bonus, you can toss them in the wash and they come out great!" —Amazon CustomerGet them from Amazon for $23.95+ (available in sizes 5–11, wide sizes, and in five colors). A gorgeous leather slide because it'll take you about .0002 seconds to throw them on and complete the day's ~lewk.~ There's not a second to be wasted when you're on vacation, right?! A cute pair of Toms block heels to wear at brunch, art galleries, high tea, happy hour, you name it! You deserve to ~treat yoself~ on vacation and these are shoes you'll want for all those fun, splurge-y activities. A chunky pair of Fila platform sneakers that just might be the ultimate travel hack. A comfy, supportive sneaker that also gives you a boost so you can see above the crowd and actually watch the busker's performance? Genius! A flexible pair of water shoes if your itinerary's got some water-based activities. Don't let soggy feet ruin the day's fun. Wear these, and thank me later. A cute and casual Sperry sneaker you can wear with just about anything and everything in your suitcase. Plus, they come with a removable footbed for added arch support. A pair of braided chunky heels to slip on whenever you need a chic little going-out shoe, like when you're checking out that cool speakeasy you saw on TikTok. According to reviewers, these are actually comfy enough to wear all night long, too! Keen rose sandals that I just adore and almost always bring on my warm-weather trips. They look so darn cute, are unbelievably comfy, and best of all, can handle miles and miles of walking (even if I decide to stroll through the waves a bit). I've brought these on hiking/camping trips, but also on city vacations, too. I love knowing I can tackle any sort of terrain I might stumble upon in my adventures, even though they don't really look like your typical "hiking sandals."Promising review: "I bought these sandals about a month before I went on vacation. I walked around in them all day in very hot temperatures (38–40 degrees Celsius) with my feet sweating and swelling, and did not get any blisters or hot spots. I thought for sure they would start to smell, but they didn't! I read reviews of others not liking the ankle strap not being adjustable, but I did not have any issues. I definitely would not go hiking in these sandals, but they are great for everyday casual wear and are super cute. I love the wide-toe box for my problem feet. I will definitely be buying more pairs in different colors. These are the most comfortable sandals I have ever bought! I did have some rubbing on my big toe from the toe box material, but I got used to it quickly with no issues." —Ldc8Get them from Keen for $120 (available in sizes 5–12 and six colors — not all styles available in all sizes). A lightweight mesh sneaker if you (or your S.O.) want to look ~sharp~ without having to sweat away in stiff, uncomfy dress shoes. In the words of one reviewer, they're "absurdly comfortably" while offering a business-casual kinda vibe. My boyfriend has these in black, and the first thing he commented on was how light and breathable they are. He's definitely a comfort first, style second kind of person, but he doesn't have to compromise anymore, thanks to these. They're pretty much his new go-to shoe when we're heading downtown or out on a date (and he always looks so good in them). Promising review: "I love them, I originally bought a pair for a vacation where I needed something business casual and comfortable for walking… I wore them on my first day back to the office (left my $750 pair of Ferragamo's at the office). I intended to throw on the expensive pair… I got more compliments on these than I have for a high-end shoe + they're way more comfortable!" —Bobby DGet them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in men's sizes 6.5–14 and 13 colors) A beautiful pair of Greek gladiator-inspired sandals so you can feel like a real Mediterranean local as you navigate the streets and local seaside markets. Even if you're not headed to Greece, you'll still feel like a goddess wearing these. A pair of Swedish wooden clogs, just in case you're worried you lack the... uhhh... coordination for navigating cobblestone and brick streets in heels. Have no fear — these shoes are extra sturdy and even have a heel strap for added reinforcement. No wobbling here! A pair of Crocs sandals featuring the same comfort and convenience the brand is known for, only a more aesthetic design. Whether you're a diehard Crocs lover or new to the cult, you're gonna want these cuties in your collection. A pair of quilted sneakers featuring memory foam insoles beneath that stylish exterior, because you deserve to look and feel like a million bucks when you're out and about globe-trotting. Psst! Some reviewers say these shoes run big, and recommend ordering a size down. Promising review: "I bought these shoes for my trip to the UK in September. They proved to be some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. We toured English stately homes and gardens and walked everywhere we went, and these shoes gave me great support and comfort. I wore them on the plane and in the airports, and they stood the test. Love these shoes, and I have put them aside to wear for my next UK trip!" —Louisa CornellGet them from Amazon for $31.19+ (available in sizes 6–11, including wide sizes, and eight colors — not all colors available in all sizes). A pair of cushioned slides for an easy-on, breathable shoe that's pretty darn supportive. Ideal for TSA, but more importantly, for heading to the pool (or beach) and back a bajillion times. Promising review: "These shoes are amazing. I have plantar fasciitis, and by the end of the day, my feet are in a lot of pain. I can now stand and walk with no pain wearing these shoes. They appear to be cheap, but whatever material these are made of is more comfortable than Crocs! I bought the grey and loved them, so I bought another pair in brown. I'm going to take them with me on vacation because I know I can walk long distances with them. My feet do not sweat in them either!" —GGet them from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in sizes 5.5–17W, 4–16M, and 30 colors). A waterproof sneaker so you can tackle all that sightseeing, regardless of the weather forecast. These will keep your feet dry, and unlike typical rain boots, are actually comfy enough for endless walking! Promising review: "Probably the best item I've ever ordered from Amazon. I wanted to look stylish, and rain boots would have looked silly. Found these all rubber sneaker/rain shoes, and man! I'm glad I got these. Wore them to Europe during quite a bit of rain. Walked a lot and they were surprisingly very comfortable, too." —Its meGet them from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–11, in four colors in the high-top style, and in five other styles). Braided Plaka sandals that combine functionality with a breezy boho aesthetic, aka the perfect combo for oceanside strolls. The straps fit snugly around the foot without rubbing or pinching while the rubber soles are durable enough for sand, beach rocks, and other rough terrain. The famous Allbirds runner — uber soft and supportive everyday sneakers made from lightweight and breathable eucalyptus fibers, which means they're 100% up to the task of keeping you cool and comfy as you explore the world. Promising review: "Love these shoes!! So comfortable and look great. Wore them as all-day shoes at Disneyland, no blisters or other issues. I am already looking at other pairs to buy. Also great for traveling, extremely lightweight." —Michaela them from Allbirds for $98 (available in sizes 5–11W, 8–14M, and 21 colors). Elastic-strap sandals since the twisted strap is not only super cute but also super stretchy, which means the sandal conforms perfectly to your foot for a secure, comfy fit. A pair of Cole Haan leather sneakers because they're a sleek, lightweight shoe that can be dressed up or down. Pretty much a no-brainer for vacation. Promising review: "This is the third pair I have bought for my husband (navy, tan, and black). 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A pair of combat boots if your personal style is best described as pop-punk. These are just the edgy-chic traveling companion you've been waiting for. Promising review: "I am in love with these boots! First, they are great-looking. I've worn them 10 times in the past two and a half weeks and received compliments five times. They look amazing with leggings, maxi dresses, and short skirts. The ankle doesn't gap and is adjustable with laces, but they actually open by way of a zipper on the inside ankle. So, once you get them fitted to your arch and ankle, putting them on and taking them off is easy. I know as I had to remove them for TSA at two airports. I've worn them in rain, slushy snow, sub-freezing temps, and 70-degree weather. So far, with a wipe of a cloth, they still look brand new. No scuffs and no cracks. Yesterday, I took them off after 31 hours of travel, involving a number of airports and lots of walking, and they still felt good." —AliceGet them from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in sizes 5.5–10 and in four colors). Or Dr. Marten gladiator sandals so you can rock those spunky pop-punk vibes without your feet overheating. These are definitely the summertime equivalent of your fave combat boots, offering a similar aesthetic in a more breathable and lighter open-foot design. A classic pair of slip-on sneaks made from a breathable and stretchy canvas material, which means your feet will sweat less and probably won't rub too much either... the two things that tend to cause blisters.

Forbes

4 hours ago

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Preventing Skynet And Safeguarding AI Relationships

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Ruminating on the Relationships Knowing that we're standing on the brink of a transformative era, our experts in IT are looking at what we can do to shepherd us through the process of integrating AI into our lives, so that we don't end up with a Skynet. For more, let's go to a panel at Imagination in Action this April where panelists talked about how to create trustworthy AI systems. Panelist Ra'ad Siraj, Senior Manager of Privacy and Responsibility at Amazon, suggested we need our LLMs to be at a certain 'goldilocks' level. 'Those organizations that are at the forefront of enabling the use of data in a responsible manner have structures and procedures, but in a way that does not get in the way that actually helps accelerate the growth and the innovation,' he said. 'And that's the trick. It's very hard to build a practice that is scalable, that does not get in the way of innovation and growth.' Google software engineer Ayush Khandelwal talked about how to handle a system that provides 10x performance, but has issues. 'It comes with its own set of challenges, where you have data leakage happening, you have hallucinations happening,' he said. 'So an organization has to kind of balance and figure out, how can you get access to these tools while minimizing risk?' Cybersecurity and Evaluation Some of the talk, while centering on cybersecurity, also provided thoughts on how to keep tabs on evolving AI, to know more about how it works. Khandelwal mentioned circuit tracing, and the concept of auditing an LLM. Panelist Angel An, VP at Morgan Stanley, described internal processes where people oversee AI work: 'It's not just about making sure the output is accurate, right?' she said. 'It's also making sure the output meets the level of expectation that the client has for the amount of services they are paying for, and then to have the experts involved in the evaluation process, regardless if it's during testing or before the product is shipped… it's essential to make sure the quality of the bulk output is assured.' The Agents Are Coming The human in the loop, Siraj suggested, should be able to trust, but verify. 'I think this notion of the human in the loop is also going to be challenged with agentic AI, with agents, because we're talking about software doing things on behalf of a human,' he said. 'And what is the role of the human in the loop? Are we going to mandate that the agents check in, always, or in certain circumstances? It's almost like an agency problem that we have from a legal perspective. And there might be some interesting hints about how we should govern the agent, the role of the human (in the process).' 'The human in the loop mindset today is built on the continuation of automation thinking, which is: 'I have a human-built process, and how can I make it go, you know, automatically,' said panelist Gil Zimmerman, founding partner of FXP. 'And then you need accountability, like you can't have a rubber stamp, but you want a human being to basically take ownership of that. But I look at it more in an agentic mindset as digital labor, which is, when you hire someone new, you can teach them a process, and eventually they do it well enough … you don't have to have oversight, and you can delegate to them. But if you hire someone smart, they're going to come up with a better way, and they're going to come up with new things, and they're going to tell you what needs to be done, because they have more context. (Now) we have digital labor that works 24/7, doesn't get tired, and can do and come up with new and better ways to do things.' More on Cybersecurity Zimmerman and the others discussed the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, and how the technology is changing things for organizations. Humans, Zimmerman noted, are now 'the most targeted link' rather than the 'weakest link.' 'If you think about AI,' he said, 'it creates an offensive firestorm to basically go after the human at the loop, the weakest part of the technology stack.' Pretty Skynettian, right? A New Perimeter Here's another major aspect of cybersecurity covered in the panel discussion. Many of us remember when the perimeter of IT systems used to be a hardware-defined line in a mechanistic framework, or at least something you could easily flowchart. Now, as Zimmerman pointed out, it's more of a cognitive perimeter. I think this is important: 'The perimeter (is) around: 'what are the people's intent?'' he said. ''What are they trying to accomplish? Is that normal? Is that not normal?' Because I can't count on anything else. I can't tell if an email is fake, or for a video conference that I'm joining, (whether someone's image) is actually the person that's there, because I can regenerate their face and their voice and their lip syncs, etc. So you have to have a really fundamental understanding and to be able to do that, you can only do that with AI.' He painted a picture of why bad actors will thrive in the years to come, and ended with: well… 'AI becomes dual use, where it's offensive and it's always adopted by the offensive parties first, because they're not having this panel (asking) what kind of controls we put in place when we're going to use this - they just, they just go to town. So this (defensive position) is something that we have to come up with really, really quickly, and it won't be able to survive the same legislative, bureaucratic slow walking that (things like) cloud security and internet adoption have had in the past – otherwise, Skynet will take over.' And there you have it, the ubiquitous reference. But the point is well made. Toward the end, the panel covered ideas like open source models and censorship – watch the video to hear more thoughts on AI regulation and related concerns. But this pondering of a post-human future, or one dominated by digital intelligence, is, ultimately, something that a lot of people are considering.

Yahoo

4 hours ago

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Amazon's Fire TV Soundbar Just Dropped to Its Lowest Price Yet

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