Hello, AI Enthusiasts.
Weekend mode: almost loading… but AI’s still on full throttle!
AI just took a deep dive into non-human communication. A UC Berkeley professor is using machine learning to analyze the sounds of spiders, elephants, bees, and whales—expanding our understanding of language itself.
Meanwhile, an Embry‑Riddle student used AI-driven simulations to test traffic system vulnerabilities—a project so impressive it won a major U.S. Department of Transportation award.
And just when we thought Gemini 2.0 Flash was all about generating images, an AI educator discovered it can do so much more. Turns out, the model can edit existing images, follow natural language instructions, and generate multiple outputs at once.
Now, if only it could speed up the weekend... 😴
Here's another crazy day in AI:
How AI is changing linguistics—and who studies it
A student wins award for AI research on traffic system hacking
AI expert tests Gemini 2.0 Flash’s revolutionary image editing capabilities
Some AI tools to try out
TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Exploring Language Beyond Humans
Image Credit: Wowza (created with Canva)
How are animals and AI learning to "speak" our language?
Linguistics used to be a quiet corner of academia, mostly concerned with ancient and human languages. But today, it's at the crossroads of some of the most exciting research in AI, biology, and even law. In UC Berkeley's "101 in 101" video series, linguistics professor Gašper Beguš takes on the challenge of explaining his field in just 101 seconds. His work explores how AI models, designed to mimic human speech development, can give us deeper insight into how we acquire language. But it doesn't stop there—these same tools are now being used to study how animals like elephants, bees, and even jumping spiders communicate.
In the video, produced by Sean Patrick Farrell (Video Director for Public Affairs and Communications at UC Berkeley), Beguš reflects on how linguistics has evolved from his early career studying ancient languages—when "nobody cared about linguistics"—to becoming central to multiple scientific disciplines. His work represents a fascinating bridge between human language, artificial intelligence, and animal communication.
Throughout the video, he shares several compelling insights:
His lab uses AI that learns to mimic sounds similar to how human infants acquire language.
Many fundamental questions about language acquisition remain unanswered despite centuries of study.
Linguistic tools are now being applied to decode communication in sperm whales, elephants, and jumping spiders.
Researchers from machine learning, biology, and law increasingly seek linguistic expertise.
The field provides powerful analytical methods for finding patterns across different forms of communication.
For a long time, linguistics was mostly about studying human speech—how we form words, structure sentences, and create meaning. But as AI gets better at replicating how we learn to communicate, researchers are uncovering parallels between machine learning and natural language development. If AI can model the way babies pick up speech, it could help explain why our brains are wired for language in the first place.
At the same time, the idea that language is uniquely human is being challenged. Scientists are now using AI to analyze the ways animals communicate, searching for patterns that could indicate more complex forms of expression than we once thought possible. Whether it’s the deep rumbles of elephants, the waggle dances of bees, or even the vibrations of tiny jumping spiders, these studies are expanding our understanding of what it means to "speak"—and who, or what, might be capable of it.
Read the full story here.
Watch the video here.
OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:
A Student Wins Award for AI Research on Traffic System Hacking
/Melanie Azam on Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University News
What happens if a city’s traffic control system is hacked? Embry-Riddle student Marc Jacquet applied AI-driven simulations to find out, earning him a prestigious U.S. Department of Transportation award. His research modeled a hackable digital map of Daytona Beach’s busiest intersections, revealing how changes to traffic light patterns could disrupt entire road networks, delay emergency services, and cause major congestion. As cities become increasingly connected and dependent on AI, Jacquet’s work highlights the critical need for cybersecurity in smart transportation systems.
Read more here.
AI Expert Tests Gemini 2.0 Flash’s Revolutionary Image Editing Capabilities
/Paul Couvert (@itsPaulAi) on X
AI Educator and No-Code Builder Paul Couvert recently put Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash to the test, and the results were impressive. He found that the model not only generates highly detailed images but also edits existing ones with simple natural language commands. Unlike traditional AI image generators, Gemini 2.0 Flash incorporates world knowledge to create more accurate and contextually relevant visuals. Best of all, it's free to use in Google AI Studio, making it a powerful tool for creators and educators alike.
Read more here.
SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:
Anystory - AI assistance for writing books, blogs, or theses.
Harvey - AI built for law firms, service providers, and Fortune 500s.
Wispr Flow - Smooth voice dictation for professionals.
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 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.
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