Scientists from the University of Amsterdam claim they have successfully eliminated HIV from infected cells using CRISPR gene-editing technology. The work remains a proof-of-concept and will not become a cure for the disease any time soon. The study's findings are still being scrutinized.

The discussion surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI) has gained significant traction, particularly among employees of major tech companies like OpenAI and Google DeepMind, who often assert that the development of AGI is inevitable. However, researchers from Radboud University and other institutions challenge this notion, presenting evidence that suggests the realization of AGI is not only unlikely but fundamentally impossible. Their findings, published in the journal *Computational Brain & Behavior*, highlight the complexities and limitations inherent in replicating human-level cognition through artificial means. Iris van Rooij, the lead author and a professor of Computational Cognitive Science at Radboud University, argues that while some theorists believe AGI could be achieved in principle, this belief does not translate into practical feasibility. The researchers emphasize that pursuing AGI is a misguided endeavor that squanders valuable resources. They propose a thought experiment in which AGI development occurs under optimal conditions, with access to perfect datasets and advanced machine learning techniques. Despite these ideal circumstances, the researchers conclude that there is no viable method to achieve the cognitive capabilities that tech companies promise. The paper elaborates on the inherent challenges of replicating human cognition, which involves complex processes such as memory recall and contextual understanding. Van Rooij illustrates this by explaining how humans can seamlessly integrate knowledge from various points in time during conversations, a feat that current AI systems cannot replicate. Olivia Guest, a co-author and assistant professor, adds that the computational power required to create AGI would deplete natural resources long before reaching the necessary capabilities. The collaboration among researchers from various universities underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding AI. The team advocates for critical AI literacy, emphasizing the need for the public to develop a nuanced understanding of both human cognition and AI capabilities. They warn against the tendency to overestimate what AI can achieve while underestimating the complexities of human thought processes. Van Rooij stresses the importance of skepticism towards the promises made by tech companies, urging individuals to apply critical thinking to claims about AI advancements. In summary, the researchers at Radboud University present a compelling argument against the inevitability of AGI, highlighting the significant cognitive challenges and resource limitations that make such advancements unlikely. They call for a more informed public discourse on AI, encouraging critical evaluation of the technology's capabilities and the motivations behind its promotion by the tech industry.

Durk Kingma, a co-founder of OpenAI, has announced his new position at Anthropic, a company focused on AI development. In his announcement on social media, Kingma shared that he will primarily work remotely from the Netherlands but plans to visit the San Francisco Bay Area regularly. He expressed enthusiasm for joining Anthropic, highlighting that the company's approach to AI aligns with his own values. Kingma looks forward to collaborating with a talented team, including former colleagues from OpenAI and Google, to address the challenges in AI development. Kingma holds a Ph.D. in machine learning from the University of Amsterdam and has a rich background in AI research. Before co-founding OpenAI, he was a doctoral fellow at Google and later became a research scientist at OpenAI, where he led efforts in developing algorithms for generative AI models, such as DALL-E 3 and ChatGPT. After leaving OpenAI in 2018, he took on roles as an angel investor and advisor for AI startups, and he rejoined Google, contributing to its AI research division, Google Brain, until its merger with DeepMind in 2023. His hiring at Anthropic is part of a broader trend of the company attracting talent from OpenAI. Recently, Anthropic has also brought on Jan Leike, a former safety lead at OpenAI, and John Schulman, another co-founder. The company has made significant hires, including Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram, as its first head of product. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, previously served as VP of research at OpenAI and left due to differences over the company's direction, particularly its increasing commercial focus. Anthropic aims to distinguish itself by emphasizing safety in AI development, a commitment that resonates with Kingma's professional philosophy.

Nathan Beck, a digital product designer based in Amsterdam, explores the intricate journey of design in his essay "The Roads Not Taken." He likens the design process to navigating forest trails, where each decision leads to a unique path, often obscured by the complexity of choices made along the way. The act of designing is portrayed as a series of forks in the road, where the final solution is shaped by countless small and significant decisions. Upon reflection, designers often find the path behind them cluttered and difficult to retrace, emphasizing the importance of understanding and articulating the rationale behind their design choices. Beck highlights the necessity of defending one’s design work during critiques and presentations, where feedback can be both challenging and enlightening. He draws a parallel to the philosophy of Bob Ross, who famously stated that "we don’t make mistakes," suggesting that what are often perceived as errors can instead be viewed as "happy accidents." This distinction, as explained by Don Norman, lies in the intention behind actions—slips occur when the action does not align with the intended outcome, while mistakes arise from a lack of understanding. The essay delves into the significance of exploration in the design process. Beck argues that rushing to a solution can be detrimental, as true exploration involves questioning the problem itself and considering various potential interventions. He acknowledges that while mapping out possibilities is essential, it also reveals the limitations of knowledge—what is known and what remains unknowable. Designers face both intrinsic and extrinsic constraints that can limit their explorations, yet these boundaries can also inspire creativity and innovation. As designers navigate their creative journeys, they must balance exploration with purpose. Beck introduces the concept of "design discovery," which emphasizes uncovering the unknown rather than merely exploring for curiosity's sake. This process involves rationalizing design decisions and reflecting on overlooked aspects, allowing designers to retrace their steps and consider alternative paths. The essay references Robert Frost’s poem "The Road Not Taken," illustrating how decisions can be reframed in retrospect. Beck suggests that while designers may not always consciously choose their paths, the act of reflecting on their choices can lead to greater understanding and intentionality in future projects. He concludes by reiterating that the creative process is not about avoiding mistakes but embracing the journey of discovery, where happy accidents can lead to unexpected insights and growth. In addition to his reflections, Beck provides further reading recommendations, including works by Daniel Kahneman and Don Norman, which delve into the psychology of decision-making and design. Through this exploration, he encourages designers to cultivate curiosity and patience, ultimately fostering a richer experience in their creative endeavors.