Latest news with #Crow
NZ Herald
a day ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Popular services keep adding AI. Some customers want them to stop.
For 581 days in a row, artist Karen Crow dutifully opened language-learning app Duolingo and practised her French. For the past decade, she used audiobook service Audible to listen to books while working and travelling. But at the end of May, Crow cancelled both subscriptions over the companies' decisions to
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
See what's in the Supreme Court justices' annual financial disclosures
Washington — Annual financial disclosures for members of the Supreme Court were released to the public Tuesday, detailing the gifts and incomes the justices received in 2024, as well as any positions held outside of the court. Reports for eight of the nine sitting members of the high court were due on May 15. Justice Samuel Alito requested a 90-day extension, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, as he has done in the past. The financial disclosure report showed three of the justices — Sonia Sotomayor, Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson — brought in money from books last year. Jackson raked in $2 million from Penguin Random House, the publisher of her memoir, "Lovely One," while Sotomayor earned more than $130,000 in royalties and an advance. Gorsuch brought in $250,000 in royalties from HarperCollins Publishers, and an additional $259 from Princeton University Press. Sotomayor said that she visited the Coterie Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri, to "review a workshop performance" of "Just Ask," her children's book that was adapted as a musical. The trip was valued at $1,437, according to her report. The justice also listed reimbursements for travel, lodging and meals from universities in the U.S., Panama, Switzerland and Austria, where she participated in conferences and other speaking events. Justice Clarence Thomas, whose disclosures have come under scrutiny because of travels with his longtime friend and real estate developer Harlan Crow, reported no gifts, reimbursements or outside income from last year. He remains an honorary member of the Horatio Alger Association, according to his filing. Several Supreme Court members disclosed teaching positions, including Chief Justice John Roberts, who taught a two-week course for New England Law's summer program in Galway, Ireland, in July 2024. Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett each were adjunct professors at Notre Dame Law School, earning just over $31,800 apiece, according to their reports. Gorsuch taught at George Mason University last year and was paid $30,000. Kavanaugh continues to coach girls' basketball, his disclosure shows. Filed annually to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, the disclosures have received heightened attention since ProPublica revealed in 2023 luxury trips Thomas accepted from Crow, a major GOP donor, across their more than two-decade-long friendship. The justice's vacations to Bali and a private club in California had not been included on his financial disclosure reports at the time, and flights on Crow's private plane had also been omitted. Thomas has long maintained that he did not believe he had to disclose the travel and vowed to comply with guidelines about personal hospitality issued in 2023 by the Judicial Conference, the policymaking body for the federal judiciary. His report for 2022 did include flights Thomas took aboard Crow's private jet, as well as lodging at the developer's property in the Adirondacks. Thomas' disclosure form covering 2023 included an amendment to his 2019 report that listed two trips he took with Crow that year to Bali and Monte Rio, California. Still, the details about his travels with Crow ignited calls for a code of conduct for the Supreme Court. The high court adopted formal ethics rules and principles in November 2023, which all nine justices pledged to adhere to. But the code came under scrutiny because it does not include a mechanism for enforcement. American stranded in Israel with her family speaks out amid airstrike exchanges with Iran May retail sales drop more than expected Everything we know about Israel, Iran and where Trump stands on the conflict
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
This AI system found a potential cure for blindness
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission. People developing frontier AI models often speculate about how amazing the world will be once AGI and AI superintelligence are available. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's recent essay is the latest example of that. Once superhuman intelligence is reached, the AI will make scientific discoveries that are beyond our reach for now, significantly improving our lives and well-being. There's also the possibility of AI taking over the world, of course. But we don't like to entertain it too much. Once that age of AI superintelligence arrives, we might see cancer eradicated, or a cure for diabetes and other types of illnesses that impact hundreds of millions of people. One can hope that AI will lead us there, at least. Today's Top Deals Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales Best Ring Video Doorbell deals Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98 But we don't have to wait for one AI firm or another to proclaim that AGI is here to see meaningful developments in the field of medicine driven by AI. AGI, by the way, is the intermediate AI step we need to reach before superintelligence. Researchers from FutureHouse designed an AI system to automate scientific discovery. Called Robin, it's a scientist's companion that has several AI models to assist with the various stages of a discovery. Robin AI helped the researchers find a potential cure for a condition called dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) that can lead to irreversible blindness in the elderly. As many as 200 million people suffer from dAMD. The Robin AI system helped the scientists come up with a potential treatment by repurposing a drug called ripasudil, which is also used to treat glaucoma. Robin AI isn't just one large language model. It has three components, each made of separate LLMs that handle specific aspects of the research process: Crow, Falcon, and Owl perform literature searches and synthesis Phoenix is responsible for chemical synthesis design Finch does complex data analysis The way Robin works is actually brilliant. First, Crow analyzed the relevant literature for dAMD (around 550 studies) and proposed a hypothesis for the study. Crow suggested that enhancing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) phagocytosis could be a potential treatment for dAMD. Robin's Falcon then looked at candidate molecules that might be able to achieve the goal above. The RPE layer of cells eats debris from the photoreceptors. RPE failure leads to dAMD. Falcon found 10 candidates that the scientists tested in the lab. Finally, Finch analyzed the data from the tests that humans ran in the lab. This AI agent found a Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor called Y-27632 would increase RPE phagocytosis in cell cultures. The research didn't stop here. The scientists had Robin look at the data and propose a new round of testing based on the previous findings. This time, the AI co-scientist system proposed a genetic experiment. It suggested an RNA-sequencing test to see if the ROCK inhibitor found during the previous stage could induce gene expression changes that would convince the RPE layer to eat more of the debris that builds up. The new experiment ended with Finch discovering that Y-27632 upregulated ABCA1, a gene that acts as a pump for lipids (cholesterol) in RPE cells. The ROCK inhibitor practically told cells to eject more fat. Robin looked at the data from the first round of testing and then proposed a second set of drug candidates. The list included ripasudil, a drug that's already approved to treat eye conditions (glaucoma). Ripasudil raised phagocytosis 7.5 times. That is, the drug might increase the rate at which RPE destroys debris significantly. Preventing that accumulation would prevent blindness. The entire process took only two and a half months, allowing researchers to discover a potential cure for blindness much faster than traditional methods that do not involve AI models. The scientists picked the dAMD project to put the Robin AI to the test, but they could have used any disease that impacts a large number of people. That's not to say that ripasudil will become the standard dAMD treatment to prevent blindness. But it's very likely that doctors will consider the therapy once additional tests prove the AI's hypothesis and solution are correct. Only after human trials are successful will the drug be used for dAMD. What's great about this process is that Robin found a drug that's already approved for use rather than discovering a new molecule that might need years of additional testing. The Robin experiment isn't the first to use AI for repurposing existing drugs to treat other conditions. But this system is more complex than having an AI read massive amounts of studies to find side effects in existing drugs that might treat illnesses other than the conditions they were made for. Here, one of Robin's LLMs does the reading and suggests solutions. The other AI models in Robin come up with molecules and then analyze the data from lab experiments. The humans are needed only to run the experiments, verify the output from AI models, and tweak algorithms and prompts. I wouldn't be surprised if similar research leads to the discovery of brand-new therapies for all sorts of conditions in the future. Also important is the researchers' decision to release Robin as an open-source project. Others might use it to run similar experiments or build their own AI systems that can act as co-scientists. The following clip does a great job explaining this AI breakthrough. You'll find the full study at this link. Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more More Top Deals Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free See the
American Press
4 days ago
- General
- American Press
Moccasin-making tradition passed along at Coushatta Tribe workshop
Caspie Abbey of Mandaree, N.D. helps Thunder John of Lake Charles stitch his moccasins during a recent workshop in Elton. Participants actively participated in the process of creating moccasins while learning from experienced instructors. (Doris Maricle / American Press) The Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana is working to preserve and revitalize their Native American culture and traditions while connecting future generations with their tribal roots This week, the tribe's Heritage Department hosted a moccasin making workshop for its members. According to Director Missy Stanford, the goal of the workshop was to provide tribal members of all ages with a tangible link to their ancestral past by teaching them a significant cultural skill. 'It is very important that we are bringing tribal members of all ages to carry on a tradition that was done by our ancestors,' Stanford said. 'Moccasins hold a historical significance as traditional footwear of our ancestors, while some still wear them today. It's nice to see the interest being shown in learning the craft.' The workshop was led by experienced moccasin makers and beaders Caspie Abbey, from the Hidatsa, Mandan, Dakota, and Crow tribes, and her husband, Donovan, a member of the Coushatta Tribe from Mandaree, N.D.. Together they shared their knowledge of the history, artistry, and techniques of moccasin making with nearly 20 local Coushatta Tribe members. 'We like to see young and old, men and women, learn the art and teach it to others, passing it down from generation to generation,' Donovan Abbey said, noting that many attendees were new to hand sewing and beadwork. 'Our goal when we leave Monday is that they will have a complete pair of moccasins to wear to the powwows or share with their grandchildren and that they pass on this knowledge.' According to Caspie Abbey the hands-on workshop is crucial to preserving traditions, honoring the tribe's legacy and building community by providing a space for tribal members to connect and share their stories. Donavan Abbey added that the initiative demonstrates the Coushatta Tribe's deep dedication to maintaining their cultural identity. Participants learned about the history and cultural importance of moccasins and the cultural significance across various tribes. While some created moccasins for themselves, others created a meaningful expression of care and tradition. Looking ahead, Donovan Abbey also hopes the skills will empower tribal members to become self-sufficient by selling their handmade creations. Caspie Abbey said moccasins are not merely footwear, but hold sacred meaning and are often cherished family heirlooms. The moccasins incorporate family designs and geometric motifs, with specific bead colors and symbols like crosses and flowers reflecting each tribe's heritage. She noted that each tribe has its own distinct style, stitch, and beadwork. The styles can range from contemporary to traditional, frequently crafted from smoke elk and deer hide, with many created for ceremonial purposes such as powwows and special dances. Some are even known as 'going home shoes,' designed for burial rituals to symbolize the journey to the afterlife. 'The moccasins are a symbol of who we are and where we are going,' Caspie Abbey said, noting that the moccasins they make and wear reflect the unique history, culture and traditions of the tribe. Bryson Robinson, 18, of Elton, who is learning to make moccasins shared his motivation for learning, stating he needs a pair for his dance regalia and has always wanted to master the craft. He also stressed the deep cultural importance of moccasins to Native Americans, pointing out that the beads and colors represent different tribes. Thunder John of Lake Charles was excited to make his first part of moccasins. 'I'm trying to learn the craft because I've never had a pair of moccasins that I've made before,' John said. Aletha Istre of Elton, who attended with her seven-year-old daughter, Grai 'Grey Bear,' underscored the importance of passing down these traditions. 'I think it's very important to teach the next generation so we can keep the tradition alive,' she said. Loretta Williams of Elton echoed the sentiment. 'I think we need to keep it going, especially for the ones who enjoy dancing,' Williams said. Williams, who has made moccasins with her son, is now hand-stitching a pair for her granddaughter to wear at the powwow. Carolyn Langley of Kinder found the process of working on the moccasins and beadwork to be a relaxing experience. Having taught herself to do beadwork three years ago, this was her first attempt at making moccasins, a new skill she hopes to share with the children she babysits. Issiah Richard of Topsy and his wife Justine, both new to moccasin making, were enthusiastic about creating their own footwear. Issiah is looking forward to powwow dancing in his own creation, while Justin is crafting moccasins to complement her husband's red, black, orange regalia, also incorporating a touch of her mother's Navajo heritage into her design. 'I'm trying my best,' she said. 'I've made some mistakes here and there.'
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
NYT Connections hints and answers for June 11 revealed: How many were you able to crack?
NYT Connections hints and answers for June 11, 2025: NYT Connections, a much in-demand word game associated with The New York Times, has become a sensation on social media as the puzzle requires a strong vocabulary and the ability to connect the dots. Those attempting to play the game are needed to sort a grid of 16 words with seemingly little in common into four groups of four, based on the underlying common associations. The aim is to identify these 16 words that share a common category. The words are divided into four groups: Yellow (easiest), Green (medium), Blue (hard), and Purple (most difficult). With that, here's a look at the hints and solutions for NYT Connections' June 11 edition. NYT Connections: June 11 categories hints Here are a few hints for the categories to help you figure out the groupings Yellow Category – It's not good to brag Green Category – These all follow a specific path Blue Category – All found on cereal boxes Purple Category – Used to show where information came from Those keen to solve the game/puzzle on their own should avoid reading this. However, those who are stuck and want to preserve your chances need not worry anymore as here are the answers Yellow group – Bluster, Crow, Show Off, Strut Blue group – Count, Elves, Leprechaun, Rooster Green group – Banana, Eyebrow, Flight Path, Rainbow Purple group – Asterisk, Dagger, Number, Parens How to play NYT Connections The game is accessible online. To play, you need to select the four words you feel have a concrete connection and press the 'submit' button. If the answer is spot on, the words will be arranged together and the category will be revealed with the corresponding colour. However, if you go wrong you lose one of your four chances. In other words, make four mistakes and the game ends. So think well and make your choice well.
