Joint research led by Sosuke Ito of the University of Tokyo has shown that nonequilibrium thermodynamics, a branch of physics that deals with constantly changing systems, explains why optimal transport theory, a mathematical framework for the optimal change of distribution to reduce cost, makes generative models optimal. As nonequilibrium thermodynamics has yet to be fully leveraged in designing generative models, the discovery offers a novel thermodynamic approach to machine learning research. The findings were published in the journal Physical Review X.Joint research led by Sosuke Ito of the University of Tokyo has shown that nonequilibrium thermodynamics, a branch of physics that deals with constantly changing systems, explains why optimal transport theory, a mathematical framework for the optimal change of distribution to reduce cost, makes generative models optimal. As nonequilibrium thermodynamics has yet to be fully leveraged in designing generative models, the discovery offers a novel thermodynamic approach to machine learning research. The findings were published in the journal Physical Review X.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]
How founders are ditching VC norms and finding capital on their own terms at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage — one that unpacks what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber. Funding routes that don’t start in the Valley Founders today have more capital paths than ever. But how […]At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, happening October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, a candid conversation is coming to the Builder Stage — one that unpacks what startup funding looks like beyond the venture capital echo chamber. Funding routes that don’t start in the Valley Founders today have more capital paths than ever. But how[#item_full_content]
Most of the companies behind large language models like ChatGPT claim to have guardrails in place for understandable reasons. They wouldn’t want their models to, hypothetically, offer instructions to users on how to hurt themselves or commit suicide.Most of the companies behind large language models like ChatGPT claim to have guardrails in place for understandable reasons. They wouldn’t want their models to, hypothetically, offer instructions to users on how to hurt themselves or commit suicide.Security[#item_full_content]
Using services like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can sometimes seem like magic—to the point it can be easy to forget about the advanced science running behind the scenes of any artificial intelligence (AI) system. Like any complex system, however, there is always room for improvement and optimization, according to Rui Zhang, assistant professor of computer science and engineering in the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.Using services like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot can sometimes seem like magic—to the point it can be easy to forget about the advanced science running behind the scenes of any artificial intelligence (AI) system. Like any complex system, however, there is always room for improvement and optimization, according to Rui Zhang, assistant professor of computer science and engineering in the Penn State School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.Machine learning & AI[#item_full_content]
Marketing researchers at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business have produced an artificial intelligence-based model that they say “predicts digital customer behavior and delivers personalized marketing insights across complex, multi-touchpoint journeys—outperforming traditional methods in both precision and ROI.”Marketing researchers at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business have produced an artificial intelligence-based model that they say “predicts digital customer behavior and delivers personalized marketing insights across complex, multi-touchpoint journeys—outperforming traditional methods in both precision and ROI.”Consumer & Gadgets[#item_full_content]
A tool developed at Texas A&M University is set to transform how emergency responders assess damage after disasters. The technology, known as CLARKE (Computer vision and Learning for Analysis of Roads and Key Edifices), uses artificial intelligence and drone imagery to evaluate damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure in a matter of minutes.A tool developed at Texas A&M University is set to transform how emergency responders assess damage after disasters. The technology, known as CLARKE (Computer vision and Learning for Analysis of Roads and Key Edifices), uses artificial intelligence and drone imagery to evaluate damage to buildings, roads and other infrastructure in a matter of minutes.Hi Tech & Innovation[#item_full_content]
Figma’s IPO price hit a $19.3B valuation out of the gate
In what should be a surprise to no one, Figma priced its IPO shares above its already increased previously announced range.In what should be a surprise to no one, Figma priced its IPO shares above its already increased previously announced range.[#item_full_content]
Who really benefits from the AI boom?
If you’ve been hearing about Trump’s AI Action Plan and wondering who it actually benefits, you’re not alone. On today’s episode of Equity, Rebecca Bellan caught up with Amba Kak and Dr. Sarah Myers West from the AI Now Institute, a think tank focused on the social implications of AI and the consolidation of power […]If you’ve been hearing about Trump’s AI Action Plan and wondering who it actually benefits, you’re not alone. On today’s episode of Equity, Rebecca Bellan caught up with Amba Kak and Dr. Sarah Myers West from the AI Now Institute, a think tank focused on the social implications of AI and the consolidation of power[#item_full_content]
Germ brings end-to-end encrypted messages to Bluesky
Germ’s new app lets users send end-to-end encrypted messages on Bluesky. TechCrunch speaks with the Germ founders to hear why they came up with the idea.Germ’s new app lets users send end-to-end encrypted messages on Bluesky. TechCrunch speaks with the Germ founders to hear why they came up with the idea.[#item_full_content]
Guilt is a highly advantageous quality for society as a whole. It might not prevent initial wrongdoings, but guilt allows humans to judge their own prior judgments as harmful and prevents them from happening again. The internal distress caused by feelings of guilt often—but not always—results in the person taking on some kind of penance to relieve themselves from internal turmoil. This might be something as simple as admitting their wrongdoing to others and taking on a slight stigma of someone who is morally corrupt. This upfront cost might be initially painful, but can relieve further guilt and lead to better cooperation for the group in the future.Guilt is a highly advantageous quality for society as a whole. It might not prevent initial wrongdoings, but guilt allows humans to judge their own prior judgments as harmful and prevents them from happening again. The internal distress caused by feelings of guilt often—but not always—results in the person taking on some kind of penance to relieve themselves from internal turmoil. This might be something as simple as admitting their wrongdoing to others and taking on a slight stigma of someone who is morally corrupt. This upfront cost might be initially painful, but can relieve further guilt and lead to better cooperation for the group in the future.[#item_full_content]
