Innovation and Technology

AI Undermines Critical Thinking

Published

1 week ago

January 13, 2025

WORxK Global News Team

The Prototype: The Latest in Science and Technology

Too Much Reliance on AI Could Make You Stupid

A recent study published in the journal Societies found that people who use AI tools frequently show worse critical thinking skills than those who don’t. The researchers evaluated the use of AI tools in a diverse group of 666 individuals and found that frequent use of AI tools was a stronger predictor of poor critical thinking skills than other factors, including educational attainment.

The study suggests that this is due to a phenomenon called "cognitive offloading," where people’s thinking and problem-solving are delegated to AI, reducing their ability to think independently. While AI can enhance efficiency and convenience, it can also foster dependence, which can compromise critical thinking skills over time.

Bioengineering Off-The-Shelf Arteries for Trauma Patients

Humacyte, a regenerative medicine startup, has developed a bioengineered artery called Symvess, which can be surgically implanted in a patient’s body. The company’s CEO, Laura Niklason, explained that Symvess is made from human donor cells grown on a degradable scaffold, which recreates the physical structure of a blood vessel. Once the living cells are processed away, the artery structure remains, which can be implanted in a new patient without the risk of rejection. Symvess has been approved by the FDA for use in patients with traumatic injuries and has been shown to be less likely to cause infection or lead to limb amputation compared to conventional synthetic arteries.

Discovery of the Week: Inactive Viruses May Cause Neurodegeneration

A recent study published in Science Signaling found that dormant viruses, particularly herpes simplex 1, may contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The researchers grew small tissue models of the brain, some with the herpes virus and some without, and subjected them to repeated head injuries. The study found that the brain tissues with the virus developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease, while those without did not.

Water-Based Propulsion Test

Japanese startup Pale Blue has signed a deal with Italian company D-Orbit to conduct two demonstrations of its new ion thruster, which allows satellites to maneuver and take themselves out of orbit at the end of their life. The thruster uses water as a propellant, which potentially offers a cleaner and more sustainable fuel for small satellites.

Science and Tech Tidbits

Online retailers are selling technology that protects drones from signal jamming and remote takeover.
AI startup Anthropic’s new funding round will make its seven founders billionaires.
Researchers have developed a technique for refrigerating quantum computers in a way that reduces errors and makes them more reliable.
Eating grapefruit can interfere with the action of several kinds of medications, including anti-anxiety drugs and statins. New research suggests it may be possible to grow a variety of grapefruit that doesn’t interfere with prescription drugs.
Biologists have successfully transplanted chloroplasts from algae into hamsters, where they successfully functioned for about three days.
Scientists at Northwestern University have built a battery that uses triphenylphosphine oxide, a common industrial waste product, to store energy instead of metals.

Pro Science Tip: Add Water to Your Coffee Beans

A new study has given scientific backing to the "Ross Droplet Technique," which involves adding water to coffee beans before grinding them to reduce static electricity and improve the flavor of the coffee.

What’s Entertaining Me This Week

I’ve been listening to the concept album "Epic" by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, which is a musical adaptation of Homer’s "The Odyssey." The album is divided into nine sagas, each with a few songs, and tells the story of Odysseus’ journey from the end of the Trojan War to his return home to Ithaca.

More from Forbes

Eric Schmidt’s New Secret Project Is An AI Video Platform Called ‘Hooglee’
This Former Billionaire, And New U.S. Senator, Is Now Broke
Inside Cannabis’ Willy Wonka Flavor Factory

Conclusion

The latest advancements in science and technology are rapidly changing the way we live and work. From the potential negative effects of too much reliance on AI to the development of new medical technologies, there is much to be excited about. As we move forward, it is important to stay informed and educated about the latest breakthroughs and discoveries.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of The Prototype?
A: The purpose of The Prototype is to provide readers with the latest news and developments in science and technology.

Q: How often is The Prototype published?
A: The Prototype is published weekly.

Q: What types of topics are covered in The Prototype?
A: The Prototype covers a wide range of topics, including AI, biotechnology, medicine, and more.

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Innovation and Technology

Building a Thriving Innovation Culture

Published

50 minutes ago

January 22, 2025

WORxK Global News Team

Building an Ecosystem for Innovation

Introduction

To ensure their companies stay innovative, leaders need to create an ecosystem that allows winning ideas to consistently emerge. In two decades of strategy consulting and research, the authors have learned that building such an ecosystem requires developing capabilities for exploring new ideas, experimentation, accepting failure, and working with external partners.

Exploring New Ideas

The first step in building an innovative ecosystem is to encourage employees to explore new ideas. This can be achieved by:

* Providing a platform for employees to share their ideas and get feedback from others
* Offering training and development opportunities to help employees develop their creative skills
* Fostering a culture of experimentation and calculated risk-taking

Experimentation

Experimentation is a critical component of an innovative ecosystem. This involves:

* Encouraging employees to try new things and learn from both successes and failures
* Creating a culture that values experimentation and learning from failure
* Providing resources and support to help employees experiment and innovate

Accepting Failure

Accepting failure is an important part of the innovation process. It allows companies to learn from their mistakes and improve their approach. To accept failure, companies must:

* Encourage a culture of experimentation and calculated risk-taking
* Provide resources and support to help employees learn from their mistakes
* Celebrate the lessons learned from failure and use them to improve the innovation process

Working with External Partners

Working with external partners is another important aspect of building an innovative ecosystem. This can include:

* Collaborating with other companies, startups, and research institutions to access new knowledge and expertise
* Partnering with suppliers and customers to co-create products and services
* Engaging with the broader community to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations

Conclusion

Building an ecosystem for innovation requires developing capabilities for exploring new ideas, experimentation, accepting failure, and working with external partners. By implementing these strategies, companies can create an environment that fosters innovation and allows winning ideas to consistently emerge.

FAQs

Q: What is the most important aspect of building an innovative ecosystem?
A: Encouraging employees to explore new ideas and experiment with new concepts is key to building an innovative ecosystem.

Q: How can companies accept failure in the innovation process?
A: Companies can accept failure by encouraging a culture of experimentation and calculated risk-taking, providing resources and support to help employees learn from their mistakes, and celebrating the lessons learned from failure.

Q: Why is working with external partners important in building an innovative ecosystem?
A: Working with external partners provides access to new knowledge and expertise, allows for co-creation of products and services, and helps stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.

Innovation and Technology

Staying Connected: The Top Communication Tools for Hybrid and Remote Teams

Published

5 hours ago

January 22, 2025

WORxK Global News Team

Staying Connected: The Top Communication Tools for Hybrid and Remote Teams

In today’s fast-paced and constantly changing work landscape, staying connected with your team is more crucial than ever, especially for hybrid and remote teams. With the rise of flexible work arrangements and virtual collaboration, communication tools have become an essential component of success. In this article, we’ll explore the top communication tools that can help hybrid and remote teams stay connected, productive, and successful.

The Importance of Effective Communication

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any team, whether working together in-person or remotely. Without clear and open communication, teams can quickly become disorganized, frustrated, and ultimately, inefficient. In hybrid and remote teams, communication tools are essential for ensuring that all team members are on the same page, can access important information, and can collaborate seamlessly.

The Top Communication Tools for Hybrid and Remote Teams

### Video Conferencing Tools

* Zoom: A popular video conferencing platform that allows teams to hold virtual meetings and collaborate in real-time.
* Google Meet: A simple and easy-to-use video conferencing platform that integrates with Google Calendar.
* Microsoft Teams: A communication and collaboration platform that includes video conferencing capabilities.

### Instant Messaging Apps

* Slack: A popular instant messaging app that allows teams to communicate in real-time, share files, and collaborate on projects.
* Microsoft Teams: In addition to its video conferencing capabilities, Microsoft Teams also offers instant messaging and file-sharing features.
* Discord: A communication platform that’s popular among gamers, but also suitable for business use, with features such as voice and video chat, screen sharing, and file sharing.

### File Sharing and Storage

* Dropbox: A popular cloud storage service that allows teams to share and access files from anywhere.
* Google Drive: A cloud storage service that allows teams to store and share files, and integrates with Google Workspace apps.
* Microsoft OneDrive: A cloud storage service that allows teams to store and share files, and integrates with Microsoft 365 apps.

### Project Management Tools

* Trello: A visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to track and manage tasks and projects.
* Asana: A task and project management tool that allows teams to create and assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate.
* Basecamp: A comprehensive project management tool that includes features such as scheduling, time tracking, and file sharing.

### Virtual Event Platforms

* Hopin: A virtual event platform that allows teams to host webinars, conferences, and meetups with up to 10,000 attendees.
* Demio: A virtual event platform that offers features such as webinar hosting, attendee tracking, and analytics.
* BigMarker: A virtual event platform that allows teams to host webinars, conferences, and meetups with up to 10,000 attendees.

### Virtual Whiteboarding Tools

* Mural: A virtual whiteboarding tool that allows teams to collaborate and brainstorm in real-time.
* Google Jamboard: A digital whiteboard tool that allows teams to collaborate and brainstorm in real-time.
* Microsoft Whiteboard: A digital whiteboard tool that allows teams to collaborate and brainstorm in real-time.

### Communication Analytics Tools

* Mixmax: A communication analytics tool that provides insights on email engagement, meeting effectiveness, and more.
* Chartbeat: A communication analytics tool that provides insights on team activity, communication patterns, and more.
* Zoom Analytics: A communication analytics tool that provides insights on meeting activity, attendee engagement, and more.

Conclusion

Effective communication is essential for the success of any team, regardless of whether they’re working together in-person or remotely. The tools listed above are just a few examples of the many options available to help hybrid and remote teams stay connected and productive. By choosing the right communication tools, teams can improve collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and achieve their goals. Whether you’re just starting to transition to hybrid or remote work, or are looking to enhance your existing team’s communication skills, these tools can help.

FAQs

**Q: What is the most popular communication tool for remote teams?**

A: The most popular communication tool for remote teams is Zoom.

**Q: What are the benefits of using a project management tool?**

A: The benefits of using a project management tool include improved organization, increased productivity, and enhanced collaboration.

**Q: Can I use a video conferencing tool for personal or professional use?**

A: Yes, most video conferencing tools can be used for both personal and professional use.

**Q: How can I determine which communication tool is best for my team?**

A: You can determine which communication tool is best for your team by considering factors such as team size, communication needs, and technology infrastructure.

Innovation and Technology

Record-Breaking DDoS Cyberattack

Published

7 hours ago

January 22, 2025

WORxK Global News Team

Cloudflare Mitigates Largest DDoS Attack on Record

Cloudflare has mitigated the biggest distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack on record, according to a new report. The DDoS attack, which hit an East Asia-based telecoms firm last year, reached 5.6 terabits per second (Tbps) and lasted for 80 seconds. It was comprised of a botnet of 13,000 devices taken over by the Mirai malware, according to Cloudflare’s blog.

DDoS Attacks — Growing In Number And Getting Faster

DDoS attacks are increasingly common. Last year, Microsoft confirmed that an Azure outage on July 30 lasting nearly 10 hours was triggered by a distributed denial of service cyberattack. Overall, Cloudflare blocked around 21.3 million DDoS attacks in 2024, a 53% increase on 2023. The number of DDoS attacks exceeding 1 Tbps grew 1,885% in Q4 from Q3.

Ransom DDoS Is On The Rise

In the final quarter of 2024, Cloudflare observed a surge in Ransom DDoS attacks, where adversaries try to extort money by threatening to take down their targets’ web properties or networks. China maintained its position as the most attacked country.

Conclusion

As DDoS attacks surge, causing outages and worse, it’s important to get the cybersecurity basics right. Understand your service, the risks associated with losing access to it, and ensure you are as resilient as possible to avoid being hit in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DDoS attack?
- A DDoS attack is a type of cyberattack where a website or service is flooded with traffic, making it unusable.
What is Mirai malware?
- Mirai is a type of malware that takes control of devices, such as IoT devices, to launch DDoS attacks.
How does Cloudflare mitigate DDoS attacks?
- Cloudflare uses its distributed defense systems to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks autonomously, without human intervention.