Meta researchers have revealed Toolformer, an AI language model that can use external tools such as search engines, calculators, and calendars. 

TLDR

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Daily Update 2023-02-17

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Big Tech & Startups

Meta develops an AI language bot that can use external software tools (2 minute read)

Meta researchers have revealed Toolformer, an AI language model that can use external tools such as search engines, calculators, and calendars. Toolformer uses APIs to communicate with different applications. It can decide for itself which tool to use for the proper context and how to use it. Built on a pre-trained GPT-J model, Toolformer has the potential to revolutionize natural language processing and provide solutions to basic tasks such as arithmetic and fact-checking.
Susan Wojcicki, Googler No. 16 and longtime YouTube CEO, is stepping down (3 minute read)

Longtime YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki is stepping down from her role and leaving Google. Neal Mohan, one of Wojcicki's lieutenants who has been with Google for 15 years, will step up to the YouTube CEO role. Wojcicki was Google employee No. 16 and famously rented her parents' garage to Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin for their first office. She is credited with the idea of buying YouTube in 2006. Wojcicki will stay for the 'short term' to help with the transition and has agreed to serve as an advisor to Google and Alphabet.
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Science & Futuristic Technology

Brain Implants Like Neuralink Could Change Your Personality In Surprising Ways (9 minute read)

Studies have shown that brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can cause changes in personality and expressions of sexuality. Some patients develop a sense of dependency on their devices. Numerous patients report feeling like they don't recognize themselves after using BCIs. It is important to understand these risks before BCIs become widely used.
Reprogramming mouse microbiomes leads to recovery from MS (3 minute read)

Researchers at the University of Virginia have discovered a chemical regulator called the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) while studying the inflammation-causing mechanisms linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). By switching the AHR off, they were able to reduce inflammation in the intestines of mice. The findings open up a new pathway for exploring alternative treatments for MS, as well as allergens, diseases, and cancer. Further research is needed to understand the implications of this study for humans.
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Programming, Design & Data Science

Inquery (GitHub Repo)

Inquery is a utility that triggers webhooks in response to changes made in a Postgres table. It works by sending low-latency websocket messages to a Go application, which then calls the configured webhook(s) with a JSON payload that includes values from the database row. Use cases include sending notifications via Slack, Email, Text Message or Push Notification, calling serverless functions, triggering analytics events, and streaming data real-time.
Camome UI (Website)

Camome UI is a lightweight, accessible UI framework for React and CSS that enables users to build various styles of components without run-time JavaScript. Users can freely customize the theme using a well-constructed design system and CSS variables. Camome UI is built on top of CSS Modules and is free from runtime overhead unlike with CSS-in-JS. All the components can be aggressively customized.
Docker Security Essentials by HackerSploit (Sponsor)

This practical guide focuses on securing the Docker platform on Linux — from auditing to implementing best practices. Follow along with the techniques demonstrated in the guide! All you need is a Linux server with Docker installed and running, and some basic knowledge of both systems. Download the ebook instantly (2.1MB, no email required)
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Miscellaneous

Inside Meta’s Push to Solve the Noisy Office (10 minute read)

Meta has developed a new cubicle dubbed 'The Cube'. The noise-canceling cubicle uses principles of anechoic chambers to reduce sound levels by up to 20 decibels. Meta created the contraption in response to the need for offices to adapt to the new hybrid era of work. The Cube provides workers with a distraction-free environment, shielding them from their peers and allowing for heads-down, uninterrupted work. Pictures of the Cube are available in the article.
Rise of 'zombie' VCs haunts tech investors as plunging valuations hammer the industry (5 minute read)

Many venture capital (VC) firms will be unable to raise their next fund. This is due to a sharp slide in technology valuations, increasing interest rates, and fears of a recession. A 'zombie' VC firm is one which, while still managing its portfolio, is unable to write new checks to founders. It is predicted that hundreds of firms will become zombie VCs in the next few years.
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Quick Links

Serverless GPU compute - pay per second (Sponsor)

Autoscale your custom GPU workloads with industry-leading low cold-start times at highly competitive pricing with RunPod. Start from $0.00025/second
Programming AIs worry me (6 minute read)

AI-assisted coding changes programmers' roles from writing code to proofreading code, and proofreading code is hard.
iOS 16.4 will let web apps on your homescreen send push notifications (2 minute read)

Home Screen web apps will be able to request permission for push notifications as long as the request is in response to direct user interaction.
ractor (GitHub Repo)

ractor is a pure-Rust actor framework with the speed and performance of Rust.
How should AI systems behave, and who should decide? (7 minute read)

This article discusses how ChatGPT's behavior is shaped, the plans to improve its default behavior, and OpenAI's efforts to get more public input in its decision-making.
Geo Assist (GitHub Repo)

Geo Assist is a library for managing spatial data in-memory.
We get so distracted online today constantly context switching (1 minute read)

Peek is a new feature on the Arc browser that allows users to view what they need and move on without any tabs.
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Jobs

Justworks - Senior Engineering Manager, Data Services (New York City, New York, $235,000 - $270,250)

Justworks is hiring a Senior Engineering Manager to develop a team of data engineers and work closely with data scientists and various data stakeholders for a data-driven business that handles the nitty-gritty of payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR.
EdgeCase - Front End Developer (Fully Remote, $90,000 - $120,000)

EdgeCase is hiring a Front End Developer to develop graphic user interfaces for a startup focused on bringing access to affordable digital content to people and locations without connectivity.
Good Pair Dairs - Business Analyst (Fully Remote)

Good Pair Dairs is hiring a Business Analyst to support decision-making by providing data-driven insights and recommendations for one of the most innovative wine retailers in the world.
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