1. Apple joins Silicon Valley layoff wave

According to foreign media reports, Apple will close an AI-related office in San Diego, affecting 121 employees, many of whom are at risk of being laid off. As of January 14, 2024, just two weeks after the new year, the planned layoffs of Silicon Valley employees have already reached over 5,500. Google and Amazon have both announced large-scale layoffs, affecting many departments. In addition, the social platform Discord said it would lay off 17%, and the game service provider Unity Software said it would lay off 25%. While laying off employees, Silicon Valley is also continuing to increase its investment in AI. Although major companies are trying to downplay the relationship between the two, people are worried about the tendency of AI technology to take away the living space of labor. AI has become an important reference factor in company human resource planning.

Commentary: The layoff wave in Silicon Valley reflects the impact of AI technology on the labor market, and also exposes some companies' management problems and performance pressures.

2. Brain-computer interface may be on the verge of a breakthrough

According to reports, American scientists have invented a thin and transparent neural implant that can monitor the activity of the brain's surface as well as provide information about deep activity. They believe this will produce an accurate but less invasive brain-computer interface. Although implants that allow computers to read brain activity are steadily developing, the field still faces a fundamental challenge. Implants that read activity deep in the gray matter of the brain are made up of probes. These probes can cause inflammation and scarring, and the signals they provide can degrade over time. Researchers say they are using this technology to expand the spatial range of neural recording.

Commentary: The scientists' invention could solve an important challenge for brain-computer interfaces, namely how to ensure signal quality while reducing damage to the brain.

3. The world's first AI road repair robot to hit the road

According to foreign media reports, the world's first road repair robot using AI technology will be tested in Hertfordshire, England, which will bring a "revolutionary change" to road repair work. The robot can use AI to identify cracks and potholes in the road and analyze their characteristics. It can then automatically fill in the cracks and prevent the formation of other potholes. The robot has already completed testing in a laboratory environment and is scheduled to hit the road this year.

Commentary: The AI road repair robot is an innovative technology that has positive implications for improving traffic conditions and ensuring public safety. The testing of AI road repair robots will provide reference and experience for their promotion in other regions and countries.

4. X-59 supersonic aircraft unveiled

According to foreign media reports, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Lockheed Martin unveiled the X-59 supersonic aircraft. Once the X-59 is successfully launched, it will not only be used to promote the development of supersonic flight technology, but also to establish a database that will be used to update the regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established in the 1970s, which are considered to be deliberately hostile to civil supersonic service. The date of the first flight has not yet been announced.

Commentary: The arrival of the X-59 will provide important data and support for the development and civilianization of supersonic flight technology, and will also bring new opportunities and challenges to the aviation industry.

5. Peruvian "alien" remains are artificial

According to reports, Peruvian forensic examination showed that the two alleged "alien" remains that appeared in October last year were actually artificial dolls made of paper, glue, metal, and animal and human bones. Peruvian customs seized a cardboard box containing the two alleged aliens from a package sent from a Lima airport in October last year. The Peruvian Prosecutor's Office has so far been unable to identify the owner of the package, only confirming that the recipient was a Mexican. In September last year, Mexican journalist Maxoán displayed two "mummies" that were suspected to be alien remains, trying to prove the existence of extraterrestrial life. However, the Peruvian forensic examiner did not explain whether the package found recently was related to the items that Maxoán displayed in Mexico.

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