JTW Digest, April 3, 2024

Author

Eldar Syzdykov
April 03, 2024

Yahoo Acquires AI News Platform Artifact from Instagram Co-Founders

Yahoo has acquired the AI-driven news platform Artifact, created by Instagram's co-founders, aiming to integrate its technology into Yahoo's various news and web services.

The acquisition reflects the ongoing challenges faced by media startups in generating revenue, especially in a market dominated by tech giants like Alphabet and Meta Platforms.

Artifact's technology, particularly its AI-powered recommendation engine, will be utilized by Yahoo to enhance personalized content delivery across its news platforms.

The Instagram co-founders will remain involved in an advisory capacity during the transition of Artifact's technology to Yahoo's ecosystem.

Kanagawa Prefecture Collaborates on Innovative Thin Solar Cell Technology

Kanagawa Prefecture, Peccel Technologies, and Macnica have formed a partnership to advance the use of next-generation "perovskite solar cells." These cells, developed by Professor Tsutomu Miyasaka, are lightweight, flexible, and can be integrated into various surfaces, including clothing. The collaboration focuses on testing these solar cells on prefectural land to build an energy management system, aiming to enhance renewable energy technology and energy security. The project also addresses environmental concerns, specifically the safe use and disposal of lead used in the cells.

Tokyo Tech Develops Safer Manufacturing Method for High-Performance Silicon Solar Cells

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new, safer method to manufacture high-performance silicon solar cells without using dangerous SiH4 gas. This method, using a sputtering technique called "facing target sputtering," allows for the formation of high-quality thin films that enhance the efficiency of silicon heterojunction solar cells, potentially reducing costs and advancing the use of next-generation solar technology.

Supplement Recall in Japan Raises Alarm Over Labeling System

A health supplement recall in Japan, linked to five deaths and over 100 illnesses, has sparked widespread concern regarding the country's "functional food labeling" system.

Critics argue that the current system, which allows companies to self-report health benefits, compromises consumer safety in favor of corporate profits.

The recall involves Kobayashi Pharmaceutical's products, highlighting issues in the company's safety management and the broader implications for Japan's health-functional food classification and oversight.

STMicroelectronics Enhances Panasonic e-Bikes with AI for Safer Cycling

STMicroelectronics has teamed up with Panasonic Cycle Technology to integrate AI technology into Panasonic's e-assisted bicycles, enhancing safety and usability.

The collaboration has resulted in a tire pressure monitoring system that uses AI to improve rider safety, eliminating the need for traditional pressure sensors.

Panasonic's TiMO A e-bike model utilizes the STM32F3 microcontroller and STM32Cube.AI tool from STMicroelectronics to implement this AI feature, promoting maintenance ease and extended component life.

This advancement represents a step forward in integrating AI into everyday transportation solutions, offering cost-effective safety enhancements for cyclists.

Otsuka Pharmaceutical's Digital Therapeutic App "Rejoyn®" Gains FDA Approval for Major Depression Treatment

Otsuka Pharmaceutical and Click Therapeutics announced FDA approval of their digital therapeutic app "Rejoyn®" for major depressive disorder (MDD) patients aged 22 and above.

"Rejoyn®" is the first FDA-approved digital prescription therapeutic app for MDD, designed to improve symptoms in patients taking antidepressants through a 6-week treatment program.

The app combines cognitive function training using facial expressions and cognitive-behavioral therapy, validated in a 13-week clinical trial.

Post-treatment, Rejoyn® demonstrated sustained symptom improvement without reported side effects. The app will be available for download in the U.S. on iOS and Android in late 2024.