another crazy day in ai

Another Crazy Day in AI: A study on LLMs' capacity for research ideas

Sep 10, 2024
3 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Tuesday night rolls around and the workday fades, it's time to relax with some intriguing AI content. Tonight, we’re spotlighting a large-scale study from Stanford University where 100+ NLP researchers examined how LLMs can generate novel research ideas.

Plus, discover how UD professors are harnessing AI to enhance study resources and check out a roundup of AI productivity tools you should try—along with one you might want to skip.

Have a great evening with these insightful reads!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

LLMs and Novel Research Ideas: A Comprehensive Study with 100+ NLP Experts
UD professors harness AI to boost study resources
AI tools to boost your workday and what to skip
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Can LLMs generate more novel research ideas?

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram 2.0) | Prompt: "Two hands—one human, one robotic—holding research papers with novel ideas."

Can machines generate more innovative research ideas than human experts?

A recent study from Stanford University, led by Chenglei Si, Diyi Yang, and Tatsunori Hashimoto, explores this very question. With the rapid advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs), there's increasing curiosity about whether AI can come up with research ideas that rival or even surpass those of human experts. The study, titled Can LLMs Generate Novel Research Ideas?, conducts a large-scale comparison of AI-generated ideas against those created by over 100 NLP researchers.

So, what did they find?

The study discovered that LLMs actually produced ideas considered more novel than those from human experts, though the human-generated ideas slightly outperformed in feasibility. However, this research didn't stop at the results; it also shed light on some of the challenges AI faces in this domain, such as a lack of diversity in generated ideas and struggles with self-evaluation. Additionally, they found that blending AI-generated ideas with human rankings could further improve results.

Here’s what stood out:

AI outshines in novelty: LLMs generated ideas rated as more novel than those from human experts (p < 0.05).
Feasibility gap: While AI excels at innovation, human ideas had a slight edge in terms of practical feasibility.
Room for improvement: LLMs face limitations like a lack of diversity and unreliable self-evaluation mechanisms.
Human-AI collaboration works: When human experts helped rank AI-generated ideas, the overall quality improved.

This study opens up important discussions about the future of scientific research and innovation. It raises questions about how we might integrate advanced language models into the research process, and what this could mean for scientific discovery.

As we consider these findings, it's crucial to think about the implications for the scientific community and beyond. How might this change our approach to generating research ideas? What new possibilities could emerge from combining human expertise with machine-generated insights? And how do we ensure that this technology is developed and used in ways that benefit society as a whole?

Read the paper here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

UD professors harness AI to boost study resources

/Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

The University of Delaware has launched an initiative using AI to transform lecture recordings into study tools like flashcards and quizzes. This pilot, built on ethical principles and faculty content ownership, aims to enhance learning for students. Professors can review and modify the AI-generated materials to ensure relevance. The program is currently being tested in psychology courses.

Read more here.

AI tools to boost your workday and what to skip

/Corinne Reichert, CNET

AI tools can help streamline mundane tasks, like summarizing documents or transcribing meetings. From Microsoft Copilot’s summaries to Grammarly's editing features, AI enhances productivity. But not everything works perfectly—creating logos with AI, for example, falls flat.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

SciSpace - research writing tool that enhances academic writing with citations, autocomplete, and simplified explanations of complex papers
Mokkup AI - transform paper sketches into aesthetic designs with this dashboard wireframe tool
Sprig - get actionable product insights from AI by asking anything about your user experience

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Content: As part of our commitment to exploring new technologies, we used AI to help curate and refine our newsletters. This enriches our content and keeps us at the forefront of digital innovation, ensuring you stay informed with the latest trends and developments.

Another Crazy Day in AI: How generalists win

Sep 9, 2024
3 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Monday night rolls in and the first day of the workweek wraps up, we hope your day went smoothly. If you're settling in after work, we’ve got some intriguing reads to dive into.

Have you heard about the idea that being a jack-of-all-trades might be a major advantage today? The CEO and cofounder of Every has shared some thought-provoking insights on why generalists—those with a bit of knowledge across many areas—might just have the upper hand.

Also, discover how AI can make your emails more polite and catch up on the US's new plans for AI and cloud safety regulations. Enjoy your evening with these engaging updates!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Why generalists have an edge in AI's age
Using AI to make emails more polite
US demands more reporting on AI technologies
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Generalists in a Specialized World

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram 2.0)

Is it better to know a little about a lot rather than being an expert in one thing?

In an era where axrtificial intelligence dominates many industries, there's a debate about whether being a generalist—or knowing a little about a lot—is still a good career move. Dan Shipper, CEO and cofounder of Every, shares his take in his column "Chain of Thought."

Contrary to the popular belief that specialization is the only path to success, He argues that generalists—those who have broad knowledge across different fields—are actually better positioned to thrive in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Shipper suggests that generalists excel in what he terms "wicked" environments - situations where rules are unclear, patterns are not obvious, and feedback is often delayed or inaccurate. These conditions characterize many of today's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Here’s what makes generalists stand out:

Adaptable problem solvers: Generalists have the unique ability to navigate complex, unpredictable environments. While specialists shine in areas with clear rules and patterns, generalists excel where those rules don’t exist. They draw on their diverse knowledge to come up with creative solutions.
AI as an ally, not a threat: Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 excel in predictable tasks, but they’re less effective when faced with novel problems. Generalists, with their broad perspective, can use AI to rapidly learn new things and apply them to unfamiliar situations.
A new kind of expertise: While specialists might worry about AI replacing their skills, generalists can use it as a tool to enhance their adaptability. In an AI-powered world, the winners aren’t the ones with all the answers—it’s those who know how to ask the right questions.

It's an interesting take, right? Instead of going deep into one area, maybe there's value in being able to understand and connect different fields. It's not about knowing everything, but about being able to learn and adapt quickly.

Generalists are not just surviving—they’re thriving by using their wide-ranging knowledge to navigate complex situations and find unique solutions. If you’re a generalist, you’re actually ahead of the curve.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you see this perspective aligning with your own experiences in work or life? How does being a generalist—or a specialist—play out in your own journey?

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Using AI to make emails more polite

/Carly Quellman, CNET

This article explores a neurodivergent-focused AI tool called Goblin.tools, which helps users manage tasks that are overwhelming, including writing less emotional, more professional emails. The AI platform is especially useful for neurodivergent individuals dealing with heightened emotions at work, providing customizable language options to help adjust the tone of emails.

Read more here.

US demands more reporting on AI technologies

/David Shepardson, Reuters

The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed a new regulation requiring detailed reporting from advanced AI developers and cloud providers to ensure their technologies are safe, secure, and cannot be misused for cyberattacks. The proposal includes mandatory reports on AI models, cybersecurity measures, and red-teaming results to protect national security and public safety.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Remind - capture your digital activity and use AI to store it as memory
Trupeer - easily create product guides and videos
Marshmallow - organize small meetups for people with shared interests

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉

EXCITING NEWS:

The Another Crazy Day in AI newsletter is now on LinkedIn!!!

Another Crazy Day in AI: Assets, Costs, Gaps

Sep 6, 2024
4 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Cheers to Friday night! 🌙

As you kick off your weekend, check out this edition's featured podcast. It dives into key trends shaping the future of AI in associations, including strategies for leveraging existing assets, the drop in AI token costs, and generational differences in adoption.

Plus, explore TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024 to see who made the cut and how they were selected, and discover how Google’s new AI feature enhances photo searches.

Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy these insights! 🎉

Here's another crazy day in AI:

AI Insights: Effective Asset Use, Declining Costs, and Generational Impact
Inside TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024
Google launches AI-powered Ask Photos in the US
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Key AI Aspects: Data, Costs, Generational Insights

Image Credit: Wowza | Canva mockups + Screenshot from Sidecar Sync Podcast Ep. 46

Is your organization ready to tap into AI’s full potential?

In the latest episode of Sidecar Sync, hosts Amith Nagarajan, Chairman of Blue Cypress, and Mallory Mejias, Manager at Sidecar, dive into the transformative power of artificial intelligence in associations. Throughout the episode, Amith and Mallory explore three key areas that will shape the future of AI in associations: leveraging your existing asset base, the rapidly declining costs of AI tokens, and the generational differences in AI adoption. It's a fascinating look at how this cutting-edge technology is becoming more accessible and impactful than ever before.

Important points from the discussion:

Transforming Association Assets:
- Associations can convert their unique data and content into innovative, technology-driven services.
- Example: Creating dynamic, interactive benchmarking reports offering personalized insights.
- This approach can lead to new revenue streams and enhanced member value.
Decreasing Costs of Advanced Computation:
- The cost of processing power for advanced technologies has dropped significantly, making sophisticated tools more accessible.
- This reduction is driven by competition, hardware innovations, and semiconductor advancements.
- Lower costs enable more complex applications across various industries, including associations.
Generational Divide in Technology Adoption:
- Younger professionals are more likely to embrace new technologies in their work.
- Many older workers are hesitant to adopt emerging tools, potentially hindering organizational progress.
- This gap presents challenges for associations implementing new technology strategies and highlights the need for comprehensive training programs.
The Future of Associations:
- Emerging technologies are becoming essential tools, not just passing trends.
- Leaders must prioritize technological literacy to stay competitive.
- Multi-faceted and hybrid approaches are emerging as powerful tools for problem-solving in the association world.

As highlighted in this episode, AI is far more than just a trend—it’s a crucial element for future success. The discussion emphasizes the need for AI literacy and innovative thinking, helping associations stay ahead and provide exceptional value to their members.

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, effectively leveraging AI can give your organization a significant edge. By exploring AI's potential, associations can open up new revenue streams, improve member engagement, and optimize operations. Understanding and addressing generational differences in AI adoption is also essential for fostering a more inclusive approach to technology.

Reflect on how the insights from this episode can be applied to your organization. With strategic use of AI and a commitment to embracing new technologies, your association can excel in this exciting era of innovation. Embrace the possibilities and make AI a powerful ally in your journey toward growth and excellence.

Catch the podcast on YouTube here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Inside TIME’s AI 100 Most Influential List for 2024

/Sam Jacobs, Editor in Chief at TIME

TIME’s second edition of the TIME100 AI highlights 100 individuals shaping the future of artificial intelligence. From Sundar Pichai's transformative work at Google to Meredith Whittaker's advocacy for privacy at Signal, the list includes diverse voices and perspectives. With notable additions such as Francesca Mani and Andrew Yao, this year’s selection reflects the rapid evolution of AI and its impact on various industries. The article also touches on the recent upheaval at OpenAI and the growing influence of major tech companies in AI advancements.

The 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024.

Read more here.

Google launches AI-powered Ask Photos in the US

/Sarah Perez, Consumer News Editor at TechCrunch

Google Photos introduces its new AI-powered "Ask Photos" feature, enabling users to search their photo libraries with natural language queries. Leveraging Google’s Gemini AI, this tool allows for complex searches based on photo content and metadata, such as asking for the best photos from National Parks or identifying birthday themes. Initially available to select U.S. users, it promises enhanced photo retrieval and contextual answers, all while adhering to Google’s AI Principles for privacy and security.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Suppa - easily create and deploy smart chatbots for web and mobile with minimal tech skills
Layerpath - quickly build and share interactive product demos, tours, and guides
SoBrief - get 10-minute summaries of books with audio in 40 languages

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉