ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University highlights key scientific breakthroughs over 20 years, including discoveries of new viruses, insights into viral evolution, development of cancer therapies using engineered viruses, innovative Parkinson’s disease treatments, and studies on sex and reproduction, emphasizing viruses' roles in health and disease.

ChatGPT, launched in Nov 2022, has grown to 300M weekly users. In 2024, OpenAI partnered with Apple, released GPT-4o with voice/vision, and launched Sora video generator. OpenAI faced exec departures, lawsuits, and Musk's injunction. Product updates include real-time vision in Advanced Voice Mode, Canvas for writing/coding, and ChatGPT Pro at $200/month. OpenAI also announced '12 Days of OpenAI' with new product reveals.

ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI chatbot, has seen rapid growth and expanded partnerships, including with Apple for Apple Intelligence. OpenAI faces challenges such as internal departures, copyright lawsuits, and ethical concerns, including a voice mimicking Scarlett Johansson. GPT-4o, OpenAI's latest model, offers voice capabilities but faces controversies. OpenAI continues to innovate with features like Advanced Voice Mode and SearchGPT, while addressing regulatory and ethical issues.

Researchers propose adapting pest management principles to cancer treatment to address drug resistance, suggesting a shift from eradication to chronic management for improved survival rates.

Projects focus on converting seaweeds and algal biomass into low-carbon fuels, bioproducts, and agricultural bioproducts, aiming for significant GHG reductions.

Bob Toia, a caregiver for his wife with Alzheimer’s, participates in online caregiver studies to advocate for Alzheimer’s research. He has been involved in trials since 2016, focusing on caregiver health and quality of life, with minimal daily participation required. Toia also raises funds for Alzheimer’s awareness and encourages other caregivers to join studies.

Valley Metro’s Northwest Phase II Extension, a 1.6-mile light rail project in Phoenix, introduced several firsts: an elevated track and station, a rail-only bridge over I-17, and a multimodal transit center. Despite utility relocation delays, the project was completed $40 million under budget and early, with a strong safety record. The project utilized steel fiber concrete, reducing construction time and costs.

An international team, including researchers from ASU and UCLA, developed a new NMR technique to distinguish chiral molecules, potentially revolutionizing pharmaceuticals, electronics, and biological research. Published in Nature Communications, the study challenges the belief that NMR couldn't differentiate chiral molecules, revealing variations in nuclear spin coupling based on chirality. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate drug development and deeper insights into molecular behavior.

OMB nearing completion of data guidance mandated by 2019 law, aligning with FAIRness Project and W3C standards, aiming for November release.