🕵🏼‍♀️ Microsoft launches covert chatbot for US intel agencies, yearly expansion of a Siberian sinkhole, Google tests 3-fingered robot hand

Plus: Harvard-Google AI team up to create most detailed 3D reconstruction of human brain tissue yet                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 May 10, 2024 | [Read Online]( In Coordination with IE Shop Wear it. Sip it. Swig it. If you're an interesting engineer - we've got you covered. [Shop now.]( Microsoft has created a chatbot for spies similar to ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Interestingly, the company recently introduced a new generative artificial intelligence model that operates without the internet. This development will allow United States intelligence agencies to securely use AI models to analyze top-secret data, develop codes, and more. A top official told Bloomberg that this is the first time a large language model (LLM) has been developed that is completely unplugged from the internet. However, this limited the spy agencies’ use of these models to deduce and understand classified information. For an in-depth look at the details, read today’s [Must-Read.]( 🔥Today’s job of the day as featured on [jobs.interestingengineering.com](: >[Â]([Senior Application Security Engineer]( > [SharePoint Systems Engineer]( Reading Time: 4 mins Did a friend forward this e-mail to you? [Subscribe here.]( MUST READ 🕵🏼‍♀️ AI spy: Microsoft launches covert chatbot for US intel agencies Microsoft’s GPT4-based model runs in an “[air-gapped](” environment, which means it is isolated from the internet to avoid data breaches or hacking attempts. This guarantees that the model is [safe]( and [unavailable]( to unauthorized users. Moreover, this GPT4 model is static, meaning it can read files without learning from them or [accessing the open internet](. This keeps sensitive data from being absorbed into the platform. ⛰️ Gateway to Hell: Siberian sinkhole expands 35 million cubic feet yearly A collaborative effort from researchers in Germany and Russia has found that the [Batagaika Crater]( in Siberia, also known as the Gateway to Hell, is expanding at [35 million cubic feet]( yearly. Back in the 1960s-1960s, the sinkhole was just a small gully, but it has since expanded more than [half a mile in length]( and is half a mile broad at its widest point. The Batagaika Crater is located in the Chersky Range in the administrative Sakha Republic of [Russia](. It is named after the Batagayka River, a tributary of the Yana River that flows nearby. 🦾 ‘Indestructible’ 3-fingered robot hand being tested by Google’s Deepmind Google DeepMind is employing a new dexterous and durable [three-fingered robotic hand]( to advance the development of AI in robotics, according to a report. The robot hand in question, developed by UK-based Shadow Robot, is designed to provide [comparable force output]( and movement precision to the [human hand](. The company, known for its robot hands, claims that its existing Shadow Dexterous Hand series is the [most advanced 5-fingered robotic hand]( in the world. It offers advanced accuracy, helping to manipulate tools and objects more precisely than ever. Love what you're reading, but too many emails? Sign up to IE+ to get Blueprint Weekly, our exclusive weekly premium newsletter that gives all the insights you love in a more digestible weekly format– plus, enjoy an Ad-Free experience on our website. Try IE+ today for just $1 in the first month. [Subscribe here]( OUR SHOP HOT TOPICS OF THE DAY SCIENCE > A new study has explored the therapeutic potential of psychedelics sourced from the poison of Colorado river toad in treating depression and anxiety. ([More]() > Harvard and Google AI have collaborated to create the most detailed 3D reconstruction of human brain tissue yet, shedding light on neural complexity in humans. ([More]() > Researchers have discovered that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of changes in metabolism that occur between birth and the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood, which could help inform new early detection and prevention strategies for autism. ([More]() ENERGY > Researchers may have found the secret sauce to cheap hydrogen fuel production—mixing a little manganese with the much rarer iridium commonly required today. ([More]() > A quantum breakthrough has shed light on perplexing high-temperature superconductors—a development that could contribute to long-range lossless power transmission. ([More]() > Findings from the Virgin Atlantic-led Flight100 project show that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is safe to use with existing infrastructure and can deliver significant reductions in CO2 emissions. ([More]() INNOVATION > Elon Musk’s Neuralink has confirmed that its implant faced issues in first human recipient. Multiple threads on the device had retracted in the recipient’s brain following the implant, resulting in fewer available electrodes.([More]() > Researchers have discovered a new way to make better-quality 3D-printed optical components. Seemingly counterintuitively, the answer appears to be to blur the laser of the 3D printer. ([More]() > Cornell researchers have developed a robotic feeding system that uses computer vision, machine learning and multimodal sensing to safely feed people with severe mobility limitations. ([More]() VIDEO > Leading automation specialist Festo has developed its first “BionicBee,” an autonomously swarming robot bee. ([More]() > Astribot S1 launches with impressive fine motor skills. But it may have a rocky road to Western acceptance. ([More]() > SpaceX has started preparations for the Starship megarocket’s upcoming fifth test flight. ([More]() IE QUIZ: THE RESULTS In yesterday’s quiz, we asked, Can you tell which setup applies more downward force on the blue pole? The answer is: B Ready for more brainy challenges? Gear up for future IE quizzes by following us on [Instagram]( and [Facebook!]( FROM THE WEB > An international team of health and medical researchers has found that the use of vaccines to prevent or treat disease has saved the lives of approximately 154 million people over the past [half-century]( > A team of anthropologists, paleontologists and Earth scientists has for the first time identified the likely common ancestor of all modern hoofed [animals]( > A study has found that biodiversity loss, global warming, pollution and the spread of invasive species are making infectious diseases more dangerous to organisms around the [world]( > Generative artificial intelligence and social media can undermine efforts to address climate change, say [researchers]( > Laser printing on fallen tree leaves produces sensors for medical and laboratory [use]( > Mammoth, the largest carbon dioxide capture and storage facility of its kind, launched operations this week situated on a dormant volcano in [Iceland]( Additional Reads --------------------------------------------------------------- [⚙️ Mechanical:](Explore the wonders of mechanical engineering. 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