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Another Crazy Day in AI: A study on LLMs' capacity for research ideas

Sep 10, 20243 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Tuesday night rolls around and the workday fades, it's time to relax with some intriguing AI content. Tonight, we’re spotlighting a large-scale study from Stanford University where 100+ NLP researchers examined how LLMs can generate novel research ideas.

Plus, discover how UD professors are harnessing AI to enhance study resources and check out a roundup of AI productivity tools you should try—along with one you might want to skip.

Have a great evening with these insightful reads!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

LLMs and Novel Research Ideas: A Comprehensive Study with 100+ NLP Experts
UD professors harness AI to boost study resources
AI tools to boost your workday and what to skip
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Can LLMs generate more novel research ideas?

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram 2.0) | Prompt: "Two hands—one human, one robotic—holding research papers with novel ideas."

Can machines generate more innovative research ideas than human experts?

A recent study from Stanford University, led by Chenglei Si, Diyi Yang, and Tatsunori Hashimoto, explores this very question. With the rapid advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs), there's increasing curiosity about whether AI can come up with research ideas that rival or even surpass those of human experts. The study, titled Can LLMs Generate Novel Research Ideas?, conducts a large-scale comparison of AI-generated ideas against those created by over 100 NLP researchers.

So, what did they find?

The study discovered that LLMs actually produced ideas considered more novel than those from human experts, though the human-generated ideas slightly outperformed in feasibility. However, this research didn't stop at the results; it also shed light on some of the challenges AI faces in this domain, such as a lack of diversity in generated ideas and struggles with self-evaluation. Additionally, they found that blending AI-generated ideas with human rankings could further improve results.

Here’s what stood out:

AI outshines in novelty: LLMs generated ideas rated as more novel than those from human experts (p < 0.05).
Feasibility gap: While AI excels at innovation, human ideas had a slight edge in terms of practical feasibility.
Room for improvement: LLMs face limitations like a lack of diversity and unreliable self-evaluation mechanisms.
Human-AI collaboration works: When human experts helped rank AI-generated ideas, the overall quality improved.

This study opens up important discussions about the future of scientific research and innovation. It raises questions about how we might integrate advanced language models into the research process, and what this could mean for scientific discovery.

As we consider these findings, it's crucial to think about the implications for the scientific community and beyond. How might this change our approach to generating research ideas? What new possibilities could emerge from combining human expertise with machine-generated insights? And how do we ensure that this technology is developed and used in ways that benefit society as a whole?

Read the paper here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

UD professors harness AI to boost study resources

/Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

The University of Delaware has launched an initiative using AI to transform lecture recordings into study tools like flashcards and quizzes. This pilot, built on ethical principles and faculty content ownership, aims to enhance learning for students. Professors can review and modify the AI-generated materials to ensure relevance. The program is currently being tested in psychology courses.

Read more here.

AI tools to boost your workday and what to skip

/Corinne Reichert, CNET

AI tools can help streamline mundane tasks, like summarizing documents or transcribing meetings. From Microsoft Copilot’s summaries to Grammarly's editing features, AI enhances productivity. But not everything works perfectly—creating logos with AI, for example, falls flat.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

SciSpace - research writing tool that enhances academic writing with citations, autocomplete, and simplified explanations of complex papers
Mokkup AI - transform paper sketches into aesthetic designs with this dashboard wireframe tool
Sprig - get actionable product insights from AI by asking anything about your user experience

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 now 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.

Another Crazy Day in AI: How generalists win

Sep 9, 20243 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

As Monday night rolls in and the first day of the workweek wraps up, we hope your day went smoothly. If you're settling in after work, we’ve got some intriguing reads to dive into.

Have you heard about the idea that being a jack-of-all-trades might be a major advantage today? The CEO and cofounder of Every has shared some thought-provoking insights on why generalists—those with a bit of knowledge across many areas—might just have the upper hand.

Also, discover how AI can make your emails more polite and catch up on the US's new plans for AI and cloud safety regulations. Enjoy your evening with these engaging updates!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Why generalists have an edge in AI's age
Using AI to make emails more polite
US demands more reporting on AI technologies
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Generalists in a Specialized World

Image Credit: Wowza (created with Ideogram 2.0)

Is it better to know a little about a lot rather than being an expert in one thing?

In an era where axrtificial intelligence dominates many industries, there's a debate about whether being a generalist—or knowing a little about a lot—is still a good career move. Dan Shipper, CEO and cofounder of Every, shares his take in his column "Chain of Thought."

Contrary to the popular belief that specialization is the only path to success, He argues that generalists—those who have broad knowledge across different fields—are actually better positioned to thrive in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world.

Shipper suggests that generalists excel in what he terms "wicked" environments - situations where rules are unclear, patterns are not obvious, and feedback is often delayed or inaccurate. These conditions characterize many of today's most pressing challenges and opportunities.

Here’s what makes generalists stand out:

Adaptable problem solvers: Generalists have the unique ability to navigate complex, unpredictable environments. While specialists shine in areas with clear rules and patterns, generalists excel where those rules don’t exist. They draw on their diverse knowledge to come up with creative solutions.
AI as an ally, not a threat: Large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 excel in predictable tasks, but they’re less effective when faced with novel problems. Generalists, with their broad perspective, can use AI to rapidly learn new things and apply them to unfamiliar situations.
A new kind of expertise: While specialists might worry about AI replacing their skills, generalists can use it as a tool to enhance their adaptability. In an AI-powered world, the winners aren’t the ones with all the answers—it’s those who know how to ask the right questions.

It's an interesting take, right? Instead of going deep into one area, maybe there's value in being able to understand and connect different fields. It's not about knowing everything, but about being able to learn and adapt quickly.

Generalists are not just surviving—they’re thriving by using their wide-ranging knowledge to navigate complex situations and find unique solutions. If you’re a generalist, you’re actually ahead of the curve.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you see this perspective aligning with your own experiences in work or life? How does being a generalist—or a specialist—play out in your own journey?

Read the full article here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

Using AI to make emails more polite

/Carly Quellman, CNET

This article explores a neurodivergent-focused AI tool called Goblin.tools, which helps users manage tasks that are overwhelming, including writing less emotional, more professional emails. The AI platform is especially useful for neurodivergent individuals dealing with heightened emotions at work, providing customizable language options to help adjust the tone of emails.

Read more here.

US demands more reporting on AI technologies

/David Shepardson, Reuters

The U.S. Commerce Department has proposed a new regulation requiring detailed reporting from advanced AI developers and cloud providers to ensure their technologies are safe, secure, and cannot be misused for cyberattacks. The proposal includes mandatory reports on AI models, cybersecurity measures, and red-teaming results to protect national security and public safety.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Remind - capture your digital activity and use AI to store it as memory
Trupeer - easily create product guides and videos
Marshmallow - organize small meetups for people with shared interests

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 now on LinkedIn!!!

Another Crazy Day in AI: Mastering the craft of prompts

Sep 5, 20244 min read

Hello, AI Enthusiasts.

Happy Thursday night! As we inch closer to the weekend and unwind from the workday, we’ve got a highlight for you tonight. We’re featuring an insightful discussion with Anthropic’s top prompt engineering experts, who share their expertise on crafting effective AI prompts and what’s next for this field.

Plus, check out the latest on Microsoft’s AI initiatives for a more inclusive workplace and Bill Gates’ perspective on AI’s role in driving positive change.

Enjoy your evening!

Here's another crazy day in AI:

Mastering Prompts: Anthropic's Deep Dive
AI-driven initiatives at Microsoft aim for a more inclusive workplace
Bill Gates sees AI as a positive force for change
Some AI tools to try out

TODAY'S FEATURED ITEM: Inside the Mind of a Prompt Engineer

Source: Anthropic's YouTube channel | "AI prompt engineering: A deep dive"

Have you ever wondered how to get the best results when talking to AI? It's not just about what you say, but how you say it.

In the latest episode from Anthropic's YouTube channel, leading experts Amanda Askell, Alex Albert, David Hershey, and Zack Witten take us on a thoughtful journey into the world of prompt engineering. Alex Albert, Head of Developer Relations at Anthropic, hosts the discussion, where the team breaks down how prompt engineering has evolved, what makes a good prompt engineer, and why it’s so important as AI technology advances. This episode gives practical insights, and a glimpse into the minds of those shaping the future of this emerging field.

Here are some intriguing insights from their conversation:

What exactly is prompt engineering? It’s all about designing clear, precise prompts to guide AI models effectively. Like programming, it involves trial and error to fine-tune responses and achieve the desired results.
What makes someone good at it? Strong communication skills, an iterative approach, and the ability to foresee potential ambiguities. A great prompt engineer knows how to break tasks down to their core and present them clearly.
Practical techniques: The experts share tips like focusing on a small set of well-constructed prompts rather than a large, loosely crafted one, and paying close attention to model outputs to continually refine the prompts.
Looking ahead: As AI continues to evolve, so will the approach to prompt engineering. It’s a constantly shifting field that blends creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of how language models interpret instructions.

Source: Alex Albert, Anthropic's Head of Developer Relations posted on X (formerly Twitter)

This conversation is more than just a technical deep dive. It provides a clear, accessible guide to what prompt engineering is all about and why it matters in today’s tech landscape. It's a field that demands not just technical skill, but also creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability.

It leaves us with plenty to ponder. How will our interactions with machines evolve in the coming years? What new skills might we need to develop to keep pace with these advancements? And perhaps most intriguingly, how might the growing sophistication of these systems change the very nature of human-machine communication?

The discussion underscores that prompt engineering isn't just about making machines understand us better—it's about expanding the boundaries of what's possible when humans and machines truly learn to communicate.

Catch the podcast on YouTube here.

OTHER INTERESTING AI HIGHLIGHTS:

AI-driven initiatives at Microsoft aim for a more inclusive workplace

/Samantha Kelly on BBC

Microsoft's efforts to improve AI technology go hand in hand with promoting diversity and inclusion. The company’s Chief Diversity Officer, Lindsay-Rae McIntyre, explains how diversity in AI development teams helps to address biases in AI systems. Microsoft is committed to using AI for good while ensuring that more diverse perspectives guide the design of their tools like Copilot. This approach, they believe, will create more empathetic, inclusive technology that benefits everyone.

Read more here.

Bill Gates sees AI as a positive force for change

/Justine Calma on The Verge

In a new Netflix series, Bill Gates shares his optimistic view of AI and its potential to improve health, education, and productivity. He talks about using AI tools like ChatGPT in his daily life and how Microsoft is investing in both its technology and its partnership with OpenAI. Gates sees AI as overwhelmingly positive but acknowledges that as the technology advances, new challenges will arise. However, the benefits in the next decade, particularly in education, will be significant.

Read more here.

SOME AI TOOLS TO TRY OUT:

Choppity - edit videos like text by highlighting transcript sections, with features like AI subtitles, censoring, and magic follow
Earkick - personal AI chatbot for mood tracking, stress management, and heart rate monitoring
Paradigm - (currently on waitlist) reimagined workspace for automating spreadsheet data collection and analysis

That’s a wrap on today’s Almost Daily craziness.

Catch us almost every day—almost! 😉