Advancements in Photonic Computing

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This chapter explores the rise of photonic computing as a solution to the growing energy demands of AI models, emphasizing its advantages over traditional electronic systems. It highlights breakthroughs in using less conventional light sources for enhanced processing efficiency and discusses the implications of these findings for AI and energy conservation. The chapter also touches on innovative research beyond computing, including advancements in plant genetics and immunology.

00:45 Increasing the energy efficiency of light-based computers

Computer components based on specialised LEDs could reduce the energy consumption of power hungry AI systems, according to new research. AI chips with components that compute using light can run more efficiently than those using digital electronics, but these light-based systems typically use lasers that can be bulky and difficult to control. To overcome these obstacles, a team has developed a way to replace these lasers with LEDs, which are cheaper and more efficient to run. Although only a proof of concept, they demonstrate that their system can perform some tasks as well as laser-based computers.

Research Article: Dong et al.

News and Views: Cheap light sources could make AI more energy efficient

10:36 Research Highlights

The genes that make roses smell so sweet, and how blocking inflammation could reduce heart injury after a stroke.

Research Highlight: How the rose got its iconic fragrance

Research Highlight: Strokes can damage the heart — but reining in the immune system might help

13:02 What researchers know about H5N1 influenza in cows

The highly-pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was first identified in US cattle in March 2024 and has been detected in multiple herds across the country. We round up what researchers currently know about this spread, what can be done to prevent it, and the risks this outbreak may pose to humans.

Nature News: Can H5N1 spread through cow sneezes? Experiment offers clues

Nature News: Huge amounts of bird-flu virus found in raw milk of infected cows

Nature News: Could bird flu in cows lead to a human outbreak? Slow response worries scientists

Research article: Eisfeld et al.

22:38 Briefing Chat

NASA’s Perseverance rover finds a Martian rock containing features associated with fossilized microbial life, and how metallic nodules on the ocean floor could be the source of mysterious ‘dark oxygen’

Space.com: NASA's Perseverance Mars rover finds possible signs of ancient Red Planet life

Nature News: Mystery oxygen source discovered on the sea floor — bewildering scientists

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