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Google's NotebookLM now lets you customize the tone of its AI podcasts | TechCrunch
Google's NotebookLM now lets you customize the tone of its AI podcasts | TechCrunch

Google’s AI note-taking and research assistant NotebookLM now lets users customize the tone of their Audio Overviews, which are podcasts with AI virtual hosts that summarize and discuss documents shared with NotebookLM, such as course readings or legal briefs. When generating an Audio Overview, users can now choose whether they want their AI podcasts to be formatted as a “Deep Dive,” “Brief,” “Critique,” or “Debate.”

Google’s AI note-taking and research assistant NotebookLM now lets users customize the tone of their Audio Overviews, which are podcasts with AI virtual hosts that summarize and discuss documents shared with NotebookLM, such as course readings or legal briefs. When generating an Audio Overview, users can now choose whether they want their AI podcasts to be formatted as a “Deep Dive,” “Brief,” “Critique,” or “Debate.”
·techcrunch.com·
Google's NotebookLM now lets you customize the tone of its AI podcasts | TechCrunch
New GIMP Plug-In Integrates Google Gemini AI Image Creation
New GIMP Plug-In Integrates Google Gemini AI Image Creation
Separate from yesterday's upstream new GIMP 3.2 development release, open-source developer Josh Ellithorpe announced the creation of a new GIMP plug-in dubbed 'Dream Prompter' for bringing the power of Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image Preview model to this open-source photo/image editing software.
·phoronix.com·
New GIMP Plug-In Integrates Google Gemini AI Image Creation
I Want My Students’ Effort, Not AI’s Shortcut to Perfect Writing
I Want My Students’ Effort, Not AI’s Shortcut to Perfect Writing
Reading physical books, holding a pencil and writing on paper is not an aberration from technology but an equally legitimate participation in it. While AI might have its benefits, our task as teachers is not to provide it as a regular tool, but instead to teach discernment: when will it support my brain development, and when will it not?
·edsurge.com·
I Want My Students’ Effort, Not AI’s Shortcut to Perfect Writing
OpenAI announces parental controls for ChatGPT after teen suicide lawsuit
OpenAI announces parental controls for ChatGPT after teen suicide lawsuit
On Tuesday, OpenAI announced plans to roll out parental controls for ChatGPT and route sensitive mental health conversations to its simulated reasoning models, following what the company has called "heartbreaking cases" of users experiencing crises while using the AI assistant. The moves come after multiple reported incidents where ChatGPT allegedly failed to intervene appropriately when users expressed suicidal thoughts or experienced mental health episodes.
On Tuesday, OpenAI announced plans to roll out parental controls for ChatGPT and route sensitive mental health conversations to its simulated reasoning models, following what the company has called "heartbreaking cases" of users experiencing crises while using the AI assistant. The moves come after multiple reported incidents where ChatGPT allegedly failed to intervene appropriately when users expressed suicidal thoughts or experienced mental health episodes.
·arstechnica.com·
OpenAI announces parental controls for ChatGPT after teen suicide lawsuit
The AI breakthrough that uses almost no power to create images
The AI breakthrough that uses almost no power to create images
Unlike conventional AI, which relies on millions of computer calculations, this process uses light to do all the heavy lifting. Consequently, the system uses almost no power. "Our optical generative models can synthesize countless images with almost no computing power, offering a scalable and energy-efficient alternative to digital AI models," said Shiqi Chen, lead author.
Unlike conventional AI, which relies on millions of computer calculations, this process uses light to do all the heavy lifting. Consequently, the system uses almost no power. "Our optical generative models can synthesize countless images with almost no computing power, offering a scalable and energy-efficient alternative to digital AI models," said Shiqi Chen, lead author.
·techxplore.com·
The AI breakthrough that uses almost no power to create images
Many jobs are seeking ‘AI literate’ candidates — but what does that actually mean?
Many jobs are seeking ‘AI literate’ candidates — but what does that actually mean?

the International Monetary Fund is predicting that 40 per cent of all jobs could be taken by AI, it is actually youngsters who are being the worst hit. It might seem counterintuitive, but the truth is that AI might just be a saviour for older workers. An example of being AI capable that Foster showcased is a marketing employee who uses the technology to make social posts and edit by hand.

As more companies see value in AI, it is becoming more commonplace for them to seek job candidates who have some level of skill using AI, even if they are applying for nontechnical positions As more companies see value in AI, it is becoming more commonplace for them to seek job candidates who have some level of skill using AI, even if they are applying for nontechnical positions (Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images) Julia Cheek, the founder and CEO of Austin-based digital health company Everlywell, gave an example of how a candidate could use personal experiences with AI and apply them to the role they want.

A candidate for a social media manager could mention how they have used AI tools on Canva or Photoshop to create memes and then explain how the technology could accelerate development of content for the position, Cheek told The Washington Post.

·the-independent.com·
Many jobs are seeking ‘AI literate’ candidates — but what does that actually mean?
Use of generative AI tools to support learning | University of Oxford
Use of generative AI tools to support learning | University of Oxford

Oxford University tells students they may use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Bing Chat, and Google Bard to support their studies. The university states that these tools cannot replace critical thinking or the development of evidence-based arguments. The guidance instructs students to verify AI outputs for accuracy and treat them as one resource among many. It also says departments and colleges can impose additional rules on specific assignments, and students must follow directions from tutors and supervisors. The document frames AI as a supplemental aid that is acceptable only with continuous human appraisal.

·ox.ac.uk·
Use of generative AI tools to support learning | University of Oxford
"When I Grow Up" - Gemini Image Prompt
"When I Grow Up" - Gemini Image Prompt
As educators one of our goals is to try to prepare our students for their future . To help them be whatever they want to be. Sometimes thoug...
·controlaltachieve.com·
"When I Grow Up" - Gemini Image Prompt
AI stethoscope could detect heart conditions in seconds
AI stethoscope could detect heart conditions in seconds

Stethoscopes powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect three different heart conditions in seconds, researchers say.

The original stethoscope, invented in 1816, allows doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body.

A British team conducted a study using a modern version and say they found it can spot heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly.

The tool could be a "real game-changer" resulting in patients being treated sooner, the researchers say - with plans to roll the device out across the UK following a study involving 205 GP surgeries in west and north-west London.

AI in healthcare: what are the risks for the NHS? The device replaces the traditional chest piece with a device around the size of a playing card. It uses a microphone to analyse subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that the human ear cannot detect.

It takes an ECG (electrocardiogram), recording electrical signals from the heart, and sends the information to the cloud to be analysed by AI trained on data from tens of thousands of patients.

The study by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust saw more than 12,000 patients from 96 surgeries examined with AI stethoscopes manufactured by US firm Eko Health. They were then compared to patients from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not used.

Those with heart failure were 2.33 times more likely to have it detected within 12 months when examined with the AI stethoscope, researchers said.

Stethoscopes powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help detect three different heart conditions in seconds, researchers say.The original stethoscope, invented in 1816, allows doctors to listen to the internal sounds of a patient's body.A British team conducted a study using a modern version and say they found it can spot heart failure, heart valve disease and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly.The tool could be a "real game-changer" resulting in patients being treated sooner, the researchers say - with plans to roll the device out across the UK following a study involving 205 GP surgeries in west and north-west London.AI in healthcare: what are the risks for the NHS?The device replaces the traditional chest piece with a device around the size of a playing card. It uses a microphone to analyse subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow that the human ear cannot detect.It takes an ECG (electrocardiogram), recording electrical signals from the heart, and sends the information to the cloud to be analysed by AI trained on data from tens of thousands of patients.The study by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust saw more than 12,000 patients from 96 surgeries examined with AI stethoscopes manufactured by US firm Eko Health. They were then compared to patients from 109 GP surgeries where the technology was not used.Those with heart failure were 2.33 times more likely to have it detected within 12 months when examined with the AI stethoscope, researchers said.
·bbc.com·
AI stethoscope could detect heart conditions in seconds
2-hour AI private schools are scaling, from North Carolina to Puerto Rico
2-hour AI private schools are scaling, from North Carolina to Puerto Rico

With tuition starting at $40,000, Alpha Schools is riding the parental school choice movement while embracing the technology that will shape kids' futures — a challenge public schools are grappling with.

How it works: In Alpha Schools, students spend no more than two hours on core academics, then devote the rest of the day to developing life skills.

AI models generate personalized learning plans for students, who then learn on third-party apps like Synthesis Tutor and Math Academy, as well as Alpha Schools' own programs. Each subject is taught in 25-minute sessions, with short breaks in between. Founder MacKenzie Price tells Axios that, unlike traditional schooling, Alpha Schools can ensure students master concepts before new material is introduced. What they're saying: "If a kid comes to us and is behind, we're able to help catch them up," Price says. "If a kid comes to us who's been bored in traditional school because they're more advanced, they're able to really take the ceiling off."

Afternoon skills workshops, such as a team bike race or running a lemonade stand, are designed to teach practical skills like financial literacy and public speaking. Instead of teachers, the schools employ "guides," who start at $100,000 a year. They don't create lesson plans or lectures. Think of them more like coaches, who work to motivate students and come from a range of backgrounds, from tech to law.

With tuition starting at $40,000, Alpha Schools is riding the parental school choice movement while embracing the technology that will shape kids' futures — a challenge public schools are grappling with.How it works: In Alpha Schools, students spend no more than two hours on core academics, then devote the rest of the day to developing life skills.AI models generate personalized learning plans for students, who then learn on third-party apps like Synthesis Tutor and Math Academy, as well as Alpha Schools' own programs. Each subject is taught in 25-minute sessions, with short breaks in between.Founder MacKenzie Price tells Axios that, unlike traditional schooling, Alpha Schools can ensure students master concepts before new material is introduced.What they're saying: "If a kid comes to us and is behind, we're able to help catch them up," Price says. "If a kid comes to us who's been bored in traditional school because they're more advanced, they're able to really take the ceiling off."Afternoon skills workshops, such as a team bike race or running a lemonade stand, are designed to teach practical skills like financial literacy and public speaking.Instead of teachers, the schools employ "guides," who start at $100,000 a year. They don't create lesson plans or lectures. Think of them more like coaches, who work to motivate students and come from a range of backgrounds, from tech to law.
·axios.com·
2-hour AI private schools are scaling, from North Carolina to Puerto Rico
Apertus: A fully open, transparent, multilingual language model
Apertus: A fully open, transparent, multilingual language model
As a fully open language model, Apertus allows researchers, professionals and enthusiasts to build upon the model and adapt it to their specific needs, as well as to inspect any part of the training process. This distinguishes Apertus from models that make only selected components accessible.
As a fully open language model, Apertus allows researchers, professionals and enthusiasts to build upon the model and adapt it to their specific needs, as well as to inspect any part of the training process. This distinguishes Apertus from models that make only selected components accessible.
·swisscom.ch·
Apertus: A fully open, transparent, multilingual language model
85% of College Students Report AI Use - Slashdot
85% of College Students Report AI Use - Slashdot
College students have integrated generative AI into their academic routines at an unprecedented scale as 85% report usage for coursework in the past year, according to new Inside Higher Ed survey data. The majority employ AI tools for brainstorming ideas, seeking tutoring assistance, and exam preparation rather than wholesale academic outsourcing. Only 25% admitted using AI to complete assignments entirely, while 19% generated full essays. Students overwhelmingly reject institutional policing approaches, with 53% favoring education on ethical AI use over detection software deployment.
·news.slashdot.org·
85% of College Students Report AI Use - Slashdot
Episode 33: Bot Stacking - Ruff Draft Podcast
Episode 33: Bot Stacking - Ruff Draft Podcast
In this episode, we dive into the world of bot stacking—the strategic use of multiple AI tools to boost creativity, productivity, and personalization in education. We're joined by Miguel Guhlin from TCEA, author of the original blog post that insp...
·buzzsprout.com·
Episode 33: Bot Stacking - Ruff Draft Podcast
Why critical thinking is key to using AI wisely – Alt Ed Austin
Why critical thinking is key to using AI wisely – Alt Ed Austin
Returning guest writer Stephanie Simoes is the mind behind Critikid.com , a website that teaches critical thinking to children and teens through interactive courses, worksheets, and lesson plans. This article is meant to help educators (and parents) more effectively teach kids to use large lang
·altedaustin.com·
Why critical thinking is key to using AI wisely – Alt Ed Austin
MIT researchers develop AI tool to improve flu vaccine strain selection
MIT researchers develop AI tool to improve flu vaccine strain selection

VaxSeer, an AI system that predicts dominant influenza strains and recommends vaccine compositions months in advance. The open-access study detailing the tool appears in Nature Medicine. In a 10-year retrospective analysis, VaxSeer’s picks outperformed the World Health Organization’s selections in nine of ten A/H3N2 seasons and matched or beat them in six of ten A/H1N1 seasons. Its predicted coverage scores also aligned with vaccine effectiveness data from the CDC, Canada’s Sentinel network, and Europe’s I-MOVE program.

·news.mit.edu·
MIT researchers develop AI tool to improve flu vaccine strain selection
Taco Bell Rethinks Future of Voice AI at the Drive-Through
Taco Bell Rethinks Future of Voice AI at the Drive-Through
Three years into the generative AI boom, fast-food drive-throughs remain stubbornly difficult for automation. Taco Bell’s rethink echoes McDonald’s scrapping an IBM pilot and Wendy’s cautious expansion with Google, underscoring industry-wide operational uncertainty.
·wsj.com·
Taco Bell Rethinks Future of Voice AI at the Drive-Through