Weekly: Security risks of ChatGPT; do other mammals go through the menopause?; record breaking quantum computer

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Oct 27, 2023

The podcast discusses the security risks of OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool, including its potential to assist bad actors and bypass security measures. It also explores the concept of menopause in mammals and the possibility of other species experiencing it. The breakthrough in quantum computing, with a record-breaking 1000-qubit machine, is another intriguing topic. Additionally, the podcast delves into a study on self-awareness in chickens using a new mirror test. The episode concludes with promotion of other podcasts and platforms.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Vulnerabilities of OpenAI's GPT Language Model and Menopause in Mammals

02:57 • 7min

Worst Planets and Famous Body Parts

09:55 • 4min

Latest Breakthrough in Quantum Computing

13:48 • 6min

Chicken Reflection Recognition

19:33 • 10min

Promotion of Other Podcasts and Platforms

29:23 • 2min

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Independent researchers have found new ways that OpenAI’s ChatGPT tool can assist bad actors, from providing the code needed to hack computer databases to teaching people how to make homemade explosives. While the company continually updates security safeguards, it turns out some languages can be used to bypass these guardrails.

It has long been thought that only humans and some toothed whales go through the menopause. But are there other mammals out there who experience it too? And if so, is it a rarity, or much more common than we realised? The answer may depend on how you define “menopause.”

A US start-up has broken a record in quantum computing, fitting the largest ever number of qubits – or quantum bits – into its new machine, finally exceeding the 1000-qubit milestone and more than doubling the previous record. Qubits are what allow quantum computers to do their calculations, and are essential in increasing reliability and stability. Still, more qubits aren’t the only step in the quest for more practical quantum computers.

Measuring self-awareness in animals usually involves a well-known mirror test, where an animal is given a mark before being placed in front of a mirror. If they touch the mark after seeing it on their reflection, they pass the test. But few animals have passed, and it isn’t without controversy. Now, researchers using a new kind of mirror test to investigate self-awareness in chickens – who fail the classic mirror test – think they have found new evidence that the birds recognise their reflections as “self.” This might reveal self-awareness in a greater variety of animals.

Plus: Perfecting vegan cheeses with the help of fermentation, smart glasses that could mimic echolocation for people who are blind and measuring the weight of the human immune system.

Hosts Timothy Revell and Christie Taylor discuss all of this with guests Jeremy Hsu, Michael Le Page, Chelsea Whyte and Alex Wilkins. To read more about these stories, visit newscientist.com.

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