[8th December 2024] Interesting Things I Learnt This Week
My Take: Meta continues to impress with each new release. Their recent claim that the 3.3 70B model performs as well as the 3.1 405B model is particularly noteworthy. This rapid progress suggests that these powerful models could soon be running on personal computers or even directly in web browsers.Meanwhile, OpenAI's recent move to introduce a $200 monthly subscription for advanced access to its models raises questions about its long-term strategy. While the initial novelty factor might justify such a premium, it seems excessive, especially for users in regions like India. It's likely that we'll see highly capable language models running on mobile devices within the next six months, potentially even before desktop deployment. My experience with a Llama 3.2 1B model on a Pixel 8 device was surprisingly fast, hinting at the future of accessible AI. The rapid commoditization of LLMs is excellent news for everyone.
2. Mathematical Thinking Isn’t What You Think It Is - David Bessis, author of Mathematica: A Secret World of Intuition and Curiosity, argues that mathematical thinking is not just about solving equations, but also about a way of approaching problems. It criticizes the traditional teaching method that emphasizes memorization and procedures, and suggests that math should be taught as a way of thinking creatively and critically. The article then provides tips on how to improve mathematical thinking, such as focusing on understanding concepts rather than memorizing formulas, and practicing solving challenging problems. Finally, it concludes that everyone can benefit from developing their mathematical thinking skills, as they are applicable to all aspects of life.
My Take: It's a fascinating perspective on mathematics. His statement, 'Math should be thought of as a dialogue between reason and instinct, between language and abstraction,' really struck a chord with me. With so much math out there and countless techniques to explore, it's easy to get lost in the details. Mathematics is a blend of various philosophies and concepts, each expressed in different ways to help us better understand the world. While multiple paths can lead to the same conclusion, though some are more efficient than others. Intuition guides us toward the most promising route. On the other hand, concepts like probability and statistics might seem counterintuitive, but they are backed by rigorous proof. I agree with David's view that we shouldn't limit ourselves to a particular mathematical approach. I also found his observation intriguing: everyone is subconsciously doing math, even if they're unaware of it. I highly recommend reading the article; it's well worth your time.
3. How might drinking coffee alter your gut microbiome? - Recent research suggests a potential link between coffee consumption and the composition of our gut microbiome. Specifically, coffee may significantly increase the levels of a type of bacteria called Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus. A new study strengthens the existing evidence that coffee could promote the growth of this bacterium in the gut, potentially contributing to the health benefits associated with coffee. Experts caution that it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions, but incorporating coffee into your diet may enhance the composition of your gut microbiome and support overall health.
My Take: Science Friday introduced me to microbiome as the various micro organisms living in our body. We are what we eat, is what comes out of this article in short. One need not have large amounts of coffee to affect the gut microbiome, even a moderate amount is enough. Though the research is not very conclusive and till that happens, I guess coffee in moderation should not be a source of anxiety but rather comfort. In other news, I intent to cut down on my coffee intake by limiting it for social occasions. This is a challenge my kids have put me on for the year 2025. So cheers to that.
4. Coin flips don't truly have a 50/50 chance of being heads or tails - This research delves into the physics behind coin flipping, challenging the long-held notion of a 50-50 chance for heads or tails. The study reveals a bias towards the initial side of the coin, suggesting that it's more likely to land on the same side it starts from. This intriguing finding underscores the intricate mechanics at play during a seemingly simple act, inviting further exploration into the world of probability and physics.
My Take: As kids, many of us suspected that coin tosses weren't always fair and the starting position had some advantage. This recent research, recognized by the Ig Nobel Prize 2024, confirms our suspicions. It reveals that the environment surrounding a coin toss can significantly influence the outcome. While I initially dismissed such claims as unfounded, the prestigious award lends credibility to this intriguing study. It raises the question of whether a coin toss conducted in a vacuum would yield different probabilities. This research challenges our long-held assumptions about the randomness of coin tosses and opens up new avenues for exploring the subtle factors that can impact seemingly random events. I guess the big lesson is, we still dont understand everything and science just takes a step closer to the truth each passing day.
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