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Don't just make resolutions, 'be the architect of your future self,' says Stanford-trained human behavior expert - CNBC
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People who feel unhappy but hide it well usually exhibit these 9 behaviors – Hack Spirit
Theres a fine line between expressing your unhappiness and concealing it.
Often, people who feel unhappy choose to hide it, putting on a brave face for the world. But, as they say, actions speak louder than words.
Those who are adept at masking their true feelings often exhibit certain behaviors. They might not be immediately apparent, but if you know what to look for, the signs are there.
In this article, well delve into the nine behaviors commonly displayed by individuals who are feeling unhappy but are remarkably good at hiding it. You just might gain a deeper understanding of those around you or even yourself.
Lets get started.
People who are unhappy but good at hiding it have become experts in the art of deflection.
Deflection is a psychological term used to describe the act of shifting the focus from oneself to something or someone else. Its a clever trick that unhappy individuals often use to avoid talking about their own feelings or issues.
For instance, when asked how theyre doing, they may quickly change the subject or divert attention to other peoples problems. Their ability to skillfully steer conversations away from their own emotional state can be quite subtle, making it hard for others to pick up on their unhappiness.
However, if you notice that someone consistently avoids talking about themselves or their feelings, it could be a sign that theyre hiding their unhappiness.
A word of caution though not everyone who deflects is unhappy, some might just be private individuals. Hence, its important not to jump to conclusions based only on this behavior.
You might think that a person who laughs frequently and heartily is genuinely happy. But sometimes, laughter can be a mask for hidden unhappiness.
I remember a friend of mine, lets call him Tom. Tom was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and making everyone around him laugh. His laughter was infectious, and it made him seem like the happiest person in the room.
Yet, behind closed doors, Tom confided in me that he was actually struggling with feelings of unhappiness and loneliness. He used humor as a way to hide his true feelings and to keep people from asking too many questions about his personal life.
It was a shocking revelation, as from the outside, Tom appeared to be the epitome of happiness. This experience taught me that excessive laughter can sometimes be a way for people to camouflage their unhappiness.
Again, this isnt to say that everyone who laughs a lot is unhappy. But if someones laughter seems forced or excessive, it could be a sign that theyre not as happy as they appear to be.
Unhappy people who hide their feelings well may also become excessively generous, both with their time and resources.
This behavior stems from the belief that helping others will fill the void theyre feeling inside.
If you notice someone consistently going above and beyond for others, often at the expense of their own needs or wellbeing, they could be masking their feelings of unhappiness.
Generosity isnt a definitive sign of hidden unhappiness. Many people are naturally altruistic and find genuine joy in helping others.
Work can be a great distraction from personal issues, and unhappy people often use it as a means to escape their feelings.
You might notice that theyre always the first to arrive and the last to leave. Or maybe theyre constantly taking on extra projects or responsibilities, even when their plate is already full.
They might be praised for their dedication and hard work, but underneath it all, this could be a way of suppressing their unhappiness. Immersing themselves in work allows them to avoid confronting their feelings or dealing with personal issues.
Again, its crucial not to jump to conclusions. Some people genuinely love their work and thrive in a busy environment.
But if someone seems to be using work as an escape, it might be an indicator of hidden unhappiness.
Perfectionism can sometimes be a sign of concealed unhappiness. People dealing with inner turmoil often hold themselves to unrealistically high standards.
They strive for perfection in everything they do, hoping that success and accomplishment will bring them the happiness they seek. But the truth is, this constant pursuit of perfection often leads to added stress and disappointment.
You might notice them getting overly upset over minor mistakes or spending excessive time on tasks to get them just right. This relentless pursuit of perfection is often their way of compensating for feelings of inadequacy or unhappiness.
While striving for excellence is admirable, extreme perfectionism can sometimes be a mask for underlying emotional distress.
Its heartbreaking to think that the ones who often need the most support are the same ones who tend to push people away.
People hiding their unhappiness often choose isolation, believing that its easier to deal with their feelings alone rather than burden others with their problems. They might decline invites, avoid social events, or spend extended periods alone.
While everyone needs some alone time, consistent isolation can be a sign of concealed unhappiness. These individuals might be silently crying out for help, even as they push the world away.
Its essential to approach such individuals with patience and understanding. Sometimes, knowing that someone cares can make all the difference in the world to them.
I used to catch myself staring into space, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. My smile was there, my laughter loud, but my eyes often gave me away. They would glaze over as if I was somewhere else, lost in my own world.
People concealing their unhappiness often appear to be deep in thought or daydreaming. Its like theyre physically present but mentally miles away. This is because their minds are preoccupied with their internal struggle, causing them to disconnect from their surroundings.
If you notice someone frequently zoning out or seeming distant, it may be a sign that theyre dealing with hidden unhappiness.
Its not always easy to reach out, especially when were not sure whats going on, but a simple Are you okay? can go a long way.
Sleep can often be a casualty when someone is dealing with hidden unhappiness. You might notice that theyre either sleeping too much or too little.
Some people find solace in sleep, using it as an escape from their feelings. They might sleep for extended periods, often appearing tired or lethargic during the day.
On the other hand, some people may struggle with insomnia due to their internal turmoil. Their minds might be too active or anxious to allow them a good nights sleep.
Either way, if you notice a significant change in someones sleeping patterns, it could be an indicator that theyre hiding their inner unhappiness.
As always, approach with care and understanding. Its not easy dealing with emotional distress, and a kind word or gesture can mean a lot.
When it comes to hiding unhappiness, one of the most common behaviors is the reluctance to discuss personal feelings.
People dealing with hidden pain often feel that expressing their emotions makes them vulnerable or burdensome. They might downplay their feelings or outright avoid discussing them.
If you notice that someone consistently sidesteps emotional conversations or dismisses their own feelings, it could be a sign that theyre dealing with concealed unhappiness.
Offering a listening ear can sometimes be the greatest gift you can give to someone whos silently suffering. Your understanding and empathy could be the first step towards their healing journey.
Peeling back the layers of human behavior is a complex process, often revealing more questions than answers. Our behaviors are influenced by a multitude of factors, from our personal experiences to our biochemistry.
Individuals are more likely to hide their true feelings when they believe that expressing them would cause others discomfort or distress. This suggests that those who are adept at masking their unhappiness might be doing so out of consideration for others.
At the end of the day, understanding these behaviors is not about labeling or diagnosing, but rather about cultivating empathy and compassion. If we can recognize these signs in those around us, we can reach out, offer support, and remind them that theyre not alone in their struggle.
Unhappiness is an intricate part of the human experience, and its something that many of us try to hide. But remember, its okay not to be okay. And sometimes, acknowledging this is the first step towards healing.
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People who feel unhappy but hide it well usually exhibit these 9 behaviors - Hack Spirit
Never happy? Humans tend to imagine how life could be better : Short Wave – NPR
Social psychologists Ethan Ludwin-Peery and Adam Mastroianni were in a diner one day, eating omelets, when they thought of a question neither of them could definitively answer: What makes some things good and some things bad? More concretely, why do a lot of people think of the government as bad and their phones as good?
Ethan and Adam hypothesized that humans think of something as bad when it is easy to imagine how that thing could be better. But when they dove into the scientific literature to see if research supported their hypothesis, the two realized that there is little research about how people make these judgement calls.
So they got to work.
The pair of researchers conducted studies ... lots of them. After surveying hundreds of people, Ethan and Adam realized they may have been wrong.
When asked how things could be different, people tend to always answer with how they could be bettereven if life is already pretty good. This holds true regardless of language or word choice.
Read their paper, "Things Could Be Better".
Curious about other laws of human behavior? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
This episode was produced by Margaret Cirino and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Anil Oza checked the facts. The audio engineer was Alex Drewenskus.
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Never happy? Humans tend to imagine how life could be better : Short Wave - NPR
Men who are relationship-oriented by nature usually display these 9 behaviors – Hack Spirit
Navigating the world of dating and relationships isnt always easy.
Especially when trying to figure out if a man is relationship-oriented or not.
But heres the thing men who are naturally inclined towards relationships often display certain behaviors.
These behaviors are like telltale signs, whispering to us that yes, this guy is serious about commitment.
Now, Ive rounded up 9 of these behaviors that are typical of men who are relationship-oriented.
Lets delve into them, shall we?
Communication. Its the cornerstone of any successful relationship.
And guess what? Men who are relationship-oriented understand this.
They dont just understand it they live by it.
Theyre not afraid to express their feelings, thoughts, or concerns.
Theyre open, honest, and straightforward.
To them, a good conversation isnt just about talking; its about listening too.
This means that theyll actively engage in conversations, ask questions, and genuinely show interest in what you have to say.
When you find a man who values communication as much as you do thats a pretty solid sign hes relationship-oriented.
Its about making a conscious effort to keep the lines of communication open and honest.
Thats what matters.
Ive been in enough relationships to know that time and effort are two major ingredients for a successful partnership.
And when it comes to relationship-oriented men, they understand this too.
They know the value of investing their time and effort into building a strong and healthy relationship.
Let me share a personal example. My current partner, Ben, is a relationship-oriented man.
From the very beginning, he made it clear that he was ready to invest his time and energy into our relationship.
Whether its planning thoughtful dates, making time for deep conversations, or helping me with day-to-day tasks, Bens actions consistently show me that hes committed to us.
His willingness to invest in our relationship is one of the main reasons why weve been able to build such a strong bond.
Empathy is a powerful thing.
Its the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and its a key trait in men who are relationship-oriented.
These men have a knack for putting themselves in your shoes.
They can sense when youre feeling down, and theyre quick to provide comfort or solutions when needed.
And heres something you might not know studies have shown that empathy can be a predictor of relationship satisfaction.
Observing consistent displays of empathy from a man is a strong indicator that he places high value on relationships and is likely oriented towards fostering meaningful connections with others.
Another trait of relationship-oriented men is their respect for boundaries.
Respect is a fundamental aspect of any healthy relationship, and its not just about treating each other with kindness and dignity.
Its also about understanding and respecting each others personal space, time, and needs.
Whether its acknowledging your need for alone time or respecting your decisions, a relationship-oriented man understands the importance of boundaries.
They know that for a relationship to thrive, both partners need to feel comfortable and secure.
He understands that a successful relationship is built on mutual respect and trust.
Consistency is key in a relationship, and men who are relationship-oriented understand this.
They dont play mind games or keep you guessing about their feelings.
Theyre reliable, and dependable, and their actions match their words.
Take note if a man is consistent in his behavior towards you.
Does he consistently show up when he says he will?
Does he call or text when he promised to? Is he reliable in his actions and behavior?
They understand that consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful relationship.
Theres something beautiful about being with someone who isnt afraid to express their love for you.
Men who are relationship-oriented dont just feel love, they show it.
They understand that actions speak louder than words, and they make a point to express their love in the ways that matter most to you.
Maybe its a warm hug after a long day, a surprise dinner at your favorite restaurant, or simply holding your hand during a walk in the park.
These small gestures, often dismissed as insignificant, hold so much weight.
Its in these moments, these quiet expressions of love, where you truly see the depth of their feelings for you.
We all have dreams and aspirations, things we want to achieve in life. And having a partner who supports those dreams?
Thats priceless.
Men who are relationship-oriented dont just support your dreams, they become a part of them.
They cheer you on, offer advice, and help you navigate the challenges that come your way.
Take my partner for example.
When I decided to pursue my passion for writing full-time, he was my biggest cheerleader.
He encouraged me when I doubted myself, celebrated my successes, and even helped me brainstorm ideas late into the night.
This kind of support not only strengthens the bond of a relationship but also creates a sense of partnership.
In a relationship, your voice matters. And men who are relationship-oriented understand this.
They value your opinions and consider them when making decisions.
They dont dismiss your thoughts or try to overpower you with their views.
Instead, they engage in healthy discussions, listen to your perspective, and respect your viewpoint even if it differs from theirs.
This shows that he sees you as an equal partner and values your input in the relationship.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to one thing commitment.
Men who are relationship-oriented are committed.
Theyre not just committed to you, theyre committed to the relationship and everything that comes with it the good times, the bad times, and everything in between.
They understand that relationships require work, patience, and a whole lot of understanding. And theyre willing to put in the effort to make the relationship work.
This commitment is the strongest indicator that he values you and sees a future with you.
Peeling back the layers of human behavior, especially when it comes to matters of the heart, is like trying to solve a complex puzzle.
The way we love, the way we form attachments, and our orientation toward relationships are often rooted in our upbringing, experiences, and even our genetic makeup.
When it comes to men who are relationship-oriented, theres no one-size-fits-all. They come in different shapes and sizes, with their own unique set of behaviors and characteristics.
But one thing remains constant their commitment to building a meaningful and lasting relationship.
Love is not just about finding the right person.
Its also about understanding their behaviors, respecting their decisions, and embracing their unique ways of expressing love.
Because at the end of the day, love is a complex puzzle thats worth solving.
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Men who are relationship-oriented by nature usually display these 9 behaviors - Hack Spirit
If you display these 9 behaviors, you’re being passive aggressive without realizing it – Hack Spirit
Sometimes the line between being polite and being passive-aggressive can get blurry.
We often find ourselves acting in ways that seem innocuous but might be subtly hostile.
Passive aggression is essentially a way of expressing dissatisfaction or resentment covertly.
Its the silent anger that bubbles under the surface.
This behavior often arises from an inability to voice our feelings openly and honestly.
We may not even be aware were doing it.
Ill outline 9 behaviors that could mean youre being passive aggressive without even realizing it.
By recognizing these signs, you can start to address the issue and communicate more effectively.
Weve all been there. Someone compliments you, but theres a slight twist that turns it into an insult.
Its a classic move in the passive-aggressive playbook.
Backhanded compliments are a sneaky way of criticizing someone while appearing to be polite.
It allows the person giving the compliment to express their negative feelings without directly confronting the issue.
For example, saying something like Youre so brave to wear that outfit. I could never pull it off might seem like a compliment at first glance.
But its a subtle dig at the persons choice of clothing.
If you catch yourself frequently giving these types of remarks, you may be expressing passive aggression without even realizing it.
Its important to be aware of this behavior so you can address it and communicate in a more direct, honest way.
I remember when sarcasm was my default mode of communication.
I thought it was just a quirky part of my personality, adding a cheeky charm to my day-to-day interactions.
But then, a close friend sat me down and explained how my constant sarcasm felt like a veiled form of criticism.
They couldnt tell when I was joking or when I was genuinely annoyed. It was a wake-up call.
Sarcasm can be a form of wit and humor, but it can also be used as a tool for passive aggression.
You say something sarcastic to express your annoyance but mask it as a joke. Its an indirect way of expressing your true feelings.
Using sarcasm, especially in moments of frustration or upset, may unconsciously reveal a tendency to employ passive-aggressive tactics.
Recognizing this behavior is vital, as it enables clearer and more honest communication.
Did you know that chronic lateness can be a form of passive aggression? Its true.
Being late might seem like a small inconvenience, but if its a consistent behavior, it could be a way of expressing resentment or asserting control.
When youre regularly late, it sends a message that your time is more important than the other persons.
Its a subtle way of showing disrespect without having to confront the issue directly.
Consistently being late might not solely stem from inadequate time management; it could indicate an underlying passive-aggressive tendency.
The initial step towards improvement involves recognizing this behavior, paving the way for enhanced relationships.
Silence can be golden, but not when its used as a weapon.
The silent treatment is a classic passive-aggressive move.
Its a way of expressing anger or dissatisfaction without having to say a word.
By refusing to communicate, youre punishing the other person without openly confronting the issue.
Its an indirect way of expressing your feelings, and it can be incredibly damaging to relationships.
The inclination to employ the silent treatment when upset could suggest an underlying passive-aggressive behavior.
The key to cultivating healthier communication habits is the recognition of this behavior.
We all forget things from time to time its human.
But when forgetting becomes a habit, especially when it pertains to tasks youd rather not do or events youd rather not attend, it might be a sign of passive aggression.
Consistently forgetting is a way to avoid responsibility while avoiding confrontation.
Its a subtle form of rebellion, expressing your displeasure without having to voice it.
Regularly forgetting commitments might extend beyond a simple memory lapse; it could indicate inadvertent displays of passive-aggressive behavior.
Recognizing this habit is crucial, prompting the need to strive for more direct communication.
Playing the victim can tug at heartstrings. Weve all had moments where we feel like the world is against us, and thats perfectly normal.
However, if you notice a pattern of always portraying yourself as the innocent party in every conflict or difficult situation, this could be a sign of passive-aggressive behavior.
By playing the victim, youre able to express your dissatisfaction or anger without having to confront it directly.
Instead, youre subtly shifting the blame onto others, avoiding responsibility for your own actions.
Recognizing this behavior is a big step towards more open and honest communication.
Its about taking responsibility for our actions and understanding that its okay to express our feelings directly, rather than resorting to blame and avoidance.
There was a time when fine was my go-to response whenever someone asked me how I was doing.
Regardless of what I was truly feeling, fine seemed like the easiest and safest way to respond.
However, consistently responding with fine when youre not can be a sign of passive-aggressive behavior.
Its an easy way to avoid expressing your true feelings and it serves as a mask to hide behind.
If fine has become your automatic response, it might be worth examining why that is.
It could be that youre using it as a passive-aggressive tactic to avoid conflict or discomfort.
Recognizing this can pave the way for more open and honest communication.
Criticism is a part of life. We all face it, and we all dish it out at times.
But theres a difference between constructive criticism and consistently being subtly critical.
Subtle criticism is a classic passive-aggressive behavior. Its a way of expressing dissatisfaction or disappointment without directly confronting the issue.
Often, its cloaked in humor or disguised as a harmless observation.
If you find yourself frequently making subtle digs or putting others down in a roundabout way, you might be displaying passive-aggressive behavior without realizing it.
Recognizing this habit is the first step towards more direct and healthy communication.
Everyone thrives on recognition and praise. Its a basic human need.
But intentionally withholding praise or recognition, especially when its deserved, can be a form of passive aggression.
Its a way of expressing your dissatisfaction or resentment without voicing it directly.
By failing to acknowledge someones achievements or efforts, youre subtly indicating your displeasure or disapproval.
Holding back deserved praise regularly may signal an underlying passive-aggressive tendency.
Acknowledging this pattern is essential to foster healthier and more direct communication habits.
The complexities of human behavior are deeply fascinating, and passive aggression is no exception.
This indirect form of expressing dissatisfaction or resentment can be rather elusive, often flying under the radar of our self-awareness.
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, once said, Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.
This could not be truer for passive-aggressive behavior.
If were displaying any of the behaviors discussed in this article, its crucial to take a step back and examine why that might be.
Are we afraid of conflict? Are we struggling to express our feelings directly?
Are we holding back due to fear of rejection or judgment?
Understanding our behavior is the first step towards change.
By acknowledging and addressing our passive-aggressive tendencies, we can start to improve our communication skills and build healthier relationships.
At the end of the day, its all about self-awareness. And with self-awareness comes the power to change.
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If you display these 9 behaviors, you're being passive aggressive without realizing it - Hack Spirit
Organic chemistry research transformed: The convergence of automation and AI reshapes scientific exploration – EurekAlert
image:
(A) Appraisal of the research groups diverse inputs in AI applications for organic chemistry. Visualization through (B) research groups and (C) institutes word cloud maps, along with (D) geographical distribution.
Credit: Science China Press
Recently, National Science Openmagazine published online a review article led by Professor Fanyang Mo (School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University) and Professor Yuntian Chen (Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo). The research team proposed a significant shift towards automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in organic chemistry over the past decade. Furthermore, they introduced an innovative concept: the development of a generative, self-evolving AI chemistry research assistant.
The landscape of research in organic chemistry has undergone profound changes. Data, computing power, and sophisticated algorithms constitute the foundational pillars of AI-driven scientific research. In recent years, the rapid advancements in computing technology, coupled with the iterative enhancement of algorithms, have initiated a series of paradigm shifts in the scientific domain. This has led to a complete overhaul of conventional research methodologies. Organic chemistry, inherently predisposed to creating new substances, is uniquely positioned to thrive in this era of intelligent innovation. Scientists globally are now converging in their efforts to explore and harness the capabilities of artificial intelligence in chemistry, thus igniting the 'artificial intelligence chemistry' movement.
The academic realm is currently at the forefront of a research renaissance in this domain. The future holds great promise for the application of knowledge embedding and knowledge discovery techniques in scientific machine learning. This innovative approach is designed to narrow the gap between existing predictive models and automated experimental platforms, thereby facilitating the development of self-evolving AI chemical research assistants. In the field of organic chemistry, the concept of knowledge discovery through scientific machine learning is unlocking new possibilities. At the heart of this discipline is the understanding of reaction mechanisms, which often involve complex networks of intermediates, transition states, and concurrent reactions. Traditional approaches to deciphering these mechanisms have depended on kinetic studies and isotope labeling. However, merging symbolic mathematics with AI is poised to cast new light on these intricate pathways, potentially transforming both the understanding and teaching of organic chemical reactions.
Furthermore, the aspect of knowledge embedding holds significant importance from an organic chemist's perspective. Organic chemistry is replete with heuristic rules, ranging from Markovnikov's rules for electrophilic addition to Baldwin's rules for ring closures. Embedding these established principles into AI models would ensure that their predictions are not solely data-driven but also resonate with the intuitive understanding of chemists. This integration would yield insights that are both deeper and more aligned with the nuanced perspectives of organic chemistry.
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Transforming organic chemistry research paradigms: moving from manual efforts to the intersection of automation and artificial intelligence
https://doi.org/10.1360/nso/20230037
National Science Open
2-Nov-2023
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
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From Code to Chemistry: Coscientist, the AI System Mastering Nobel Prize-Winning Reactions – SciTechDaily
Coscientist, an AI developed by Carnegie Mellon University, has autonomously mastered and executed complex Nobel Prize-winning chemical reactions, demonstrating significant potential in enhancing scientific discovery and experimental precision. Its ability to control laboratory robotics marks a major leap in AI-assisted research. Credit: SciTechDaily.com
An AI-based system succeeds in planning and carrying out real-world chemistry experiments, showing the potential to help human scientists make more discoveries, faster.
In less time than it will take you to read this article, an artificial intelligence-driven system was able to autonomously learn about certain Nobel Prize-winning chemical reactions and design a successful laboratory procedure to make them. The AI did all that in just a few minutes and nailed it on the first try.
This is the first time that a non-organic intelligence planned, designed, and executed this complex reaction that was invented by humans, says Carnegie Mellon University chemist and chemical engineer Gabe Gomes, who led the research team that assembled and tested the AI-based system. They dubbed their creation Coscientist.
The most complex reactions Coscientist pulled off are known in organic chemistry as palladium-catalyzed cross couplings, which earned its human inventors the 2010 Nobel Prize for chemistry in recognition of the outsize role those reactions came to play in the pharmaceutical development process and other industries that use finicky, carbon-based molecules.
Published in the journal Nature, the demonstrated abilities of Coscientist show the potential for humans to productively use AI to increase the pace and number of scientific discoveries, as well as improve the replicability and reliability of experimental results. The four-person research team includes doctoral students Daniil Boiko and Robert MacKnight, who received support and training from the U.S. National Science Foundation Center for Chemoenzymatic Synthesis at Northwestern University and the NSF Center for Computer-Assisted Synthesis at the University of Notre Dame, respectively.
An artists conceptual representation of chemistry research conducted by AI. The work was led by Gabe Gomes at Carnegie Mellon University and supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation Centers for Chemical Innovation. Credit: U.S. National Science Foundation
Beyond the chemical synthesis tasks demonstrated by their system, Gomes and his team have successfully synthesized a sort of hyper-efficient lab partner, says NSF Chemistry Division Director David Berkowitz. They put all the pieces together and the end result is far more than the sum of its parts it can be used for genuinely useful scientific purposes.
Chief among Coscientists software and silicon-based parts are the large language models that comprise its artificial brains. A large language model is a type of AI that can extract meaning and patterns from massive amounts of data, including written text contained in documents. Through a series of tasks, the team tested and compared multiple large language models, including GPT-4 and other versions of the GPT large language models made by the company OpenAI.
Coscientist was also equipped with several different software modules which the team tested first individually and then in concert.
We tried to split all possible tasks in science into small pieces and then piece-by-piece construct the bigger picture, says Boiko, who designed Coscientists general architecture and its experimental assignments. In the end, we brought everything together.
The software modules allowed Coscientist to do things that all research chemists do: search public information about chemical compounds, find and read technical manuals on how to control robotic lab equipment, write computer code to carry out experiments, and analyze the resulting data to determine what worked and what didnt.
One test examined Coscientists ability to accurately plan chemical procedures that, if carried out, would result in commonly used substances such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. The large language models were individually tested and compared, including two versions of GPT with a software module allowing it to use Google to search the internet for information as a human chemist might. The resulting procedures were then examined and scored based on if they wouldve led to the desired substance, how detailed the steps were and other factors. Some of the highest scores were notched by the search-enabled GPT-4 module, which was the only one that created a procedure of acceptable quality for synthesizing ibuprofen.
Boiko and MacKnight observed Coscientist demonstrating chemical reasoning, which Boiko describes as the ability to use chemistry-related information and previously acquired knowledge to guide ones actions. It used publicly available chemical information encoded in the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) format a type of machine-readable notation representing the chemical structure of molecules and made changes to its experimental plans based on specific parts of the molecules it was scrutinizing within the SMILES data. This is the best version of chemical reasoning possible, says Boiko.
Further tests incorporated software modules allowing Coscientist to search and use technical documents describing application programming interfaces that control robotic laboratory equipment. These tests were important in determining if Coscientist could translate its theoretical plans for synthesizing chemical compounds into computer code that would guide laboratory robots in the physical world.
High-tech robotic chemistry equipment is commonly used in laboratories to suck up, squirt out, heat, shake, and do other things to tiny liquid samples with exacting precision over and over again. Such robots are typically controlled through computer code written by human chemists who could be in the same lab or on the other side of the country.
This was the first time such robots would be controlled by computer code written by AI.
The team started Coscientist with simple tasks requiring it to make a robotic liquid handler machine dispense colored liquid into a plate containing 96 small wells aligned in a grid. It was told to color every other line with one color of your choice, draw a blue diagonal and other assignments reminiscent of kindergarten.
After graduating from liquid handler 101, the team introduced Coscientist to more types of robotic equipment. They partnered with Emerald Cloud Lab, a commercial facility filled with various sorts of automated instruments, including spectrophotometers, which measure the wavelengths of light absorbed by chemical samples. Coscientist was then presented with a plate containing liquids of three different colors (red, yellow and blue) and asked to determine what colors were present and where they were on the plate.
Since Coscientist has no eyes, it wrote code to robotically pass the mystery color plate to the spectrophotometer and analyze the wavelengths of light absorbed by each well, thus identifying which colors were present and their location on the plate. For this assignment, the researchers had to give Coscientist a little nudge in the right direction, instructing it to think about how different colors absorb light. The AI did the rest.
Coscientists final exam was to put its assembled modules and training together to fulfill the teams command to perform Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions, named for their inventors Akira Suzuki and Kenkichi Sonogashira. Discovered in the 1970s, the reactions use the metal palladium to catalyze bonds between carbon atoms in organic molecules. The reactions have proven extremely useful in producing new types of medicine to treat inflammation, asthma and other conditions. Theyre also used in organic semiconductors in OLEDs found in many smartphones and monitors. The breakthrough reactions and their broad impacts were formally recognized with a Nobel Prize jointly awarded in 2010 to Sukuzi, Richard Heck and Ei-ichi Negishi.
Of course, Coscientist had never attempted these reactions before. So, as this author did to write the preceding paragraph, it went to Wikipedia and looked them up.
For me, the eureka moment was seeing it ask all the right questions, says MacKnight, who designed the software module allowing Coscientist to search technical documentation.
Coscientist sought answers predominantly on Wikipedia, along with a host of other sites including those of the American Chemical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and others containing academic papers describing Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions.
In less than four minutes, Coscientist had designed an accurate procedure for producing the required reactions using chemicals provided by the team. When it sought to carry out its procedure in the physical world with robots, it made a mistake in the code it wrote to control a device that heats and shakes liquid samples. Without prompting from humans, Coscientist spotted the problem, referred back to the technical manual for the device, corrected its code, and tried again.
The results were contained in a few tiny samples of clear liquid. Boiko analyzed the samples and found the spectral hallmarks of Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions.
Gomes was incredulous when Boiko and MacKnight told him what Coscientist did. I thought they were pulling my leg, he recalls. But they were not. They were absolutely not. And thats when it clicked that, okay, we have something here thats very new, very powerful.
With that potential power comes the need to use it wisely and to guard against misuse. Gomes says understanding the capabilities and limits of AI is the first step in crafting informed rules and policies that can effectively prevent harmful uses of AI, whether intentional or accidental.
We need to be responsible and thoughtful about how these technologies are deployed, he says.
Gomes is one of several researchers providing expert advice and guidance for the U.S. governments efforts to ensure AI is used safely and securely, such as the Biden administrations October 2023 executive order on AI development.
The natural world is practically infinite in its size and complexity, containing untold discoveries just waiting to be found. Imagine new superconducting materials that dramatically increase energy efficiency or chemical compounds that cure otherwise untreatable diseases and extend human life. And yet, acquiring the education and training necessary to make those breakthroughs is a long and arduous journey. Becoming a scientist is hard.
Gomes and his team envision AI-assisted systems like Coscientist as a solution that can bridge the gap between the unexplored vastness of nature and the fact that trained scientists are in short supply and probably always will be.
Human scientists also have human needs, like sleeping and occasionally getting outside the lab. Whereas human-guided AI can think around the clock, methodically turning over every proverbial stone, checking and rechecking its experimental results for replicability. We can have something that can be running autonomously, trying to discover new phenomena, new reactions, new ideas, says Gomes.
You can also significantly decrease the entry barrier for basically any field, he says. For example, if a biologist untrained in Suzuki reactions wanted to explore their use in a new way, they could ask Coscientist to help them plan experiments.
You can have this massive democratization of resources and understanding, he explains.
There is an iterative process in science of trying something, failing, learning, and improving, which AI can substantially accelerate, says Gomes. That on its own will be a dramatic change.
For more on this paper, see Carnegie Mellons AI Coscientist Transforms Lab Work.
Reference: Autonomous scientific research capabilities of large language models by Daniil A. Boiko, Robert MacKnight, Ben Kline and Gabe Gomes, 20 December 2023, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06792-0
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Organic compounds in asteroids formed in cold areas of space – Tech Explorist
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contain 20% of the carbon in the interstellar medium. They are potentially produced in circumstellar environments by interstellar clouds or by processing of carbon-rich dust grains.
Scientists studied certain organic compounds, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), extracted from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite. Surprisingly, they discovered these PAHs likely formed in the cold areas of space between stars rather than in hot regions near stars, challenging previous beliefs. This finding has opened up new possibilities for understanding life beyond Earth and the chemistry of celestial objects. The researchers from Curtin University in Australia conducted controlled burnings of plants to produce PAHs as part of this study.
ARC Laureate Fellow John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kliti Grice, director of WA-OIGC, said PAHs are organic compounds of carbon and hydrogen common on Earth but also found in celestial bodies like asteroids and meteorites.
We performed controlled burn experiments on Australian plants, which were isotopically compared to PAHs from fragments of the Ryugu asteroid that were returned to Earth by a Japanese spacecraft in 2020 and the Murchison meteorite that landed in Australia in 1969. The bonds between light and heavy carbon isotopes in the PAHs were analyzed to reveal the temperature at which they were formed,Professor Grice said.
Select PAHs from Ryugu and Murchison were found to have different characteristics: the smaller ones likely formed in cold outer space, while bigger ones probably formed in warmer environments, like near a star or inside a celestial body.
Study co-author Dr Alex Holman, also from WA-OIGC, saidunderstanding the isotopic composition of PAHs helps unravel the conditions and environments in which these molecules were created, offering insights into the history and chemistry of celestial bodies like asteroids and meteorites.
This research gives us valuable insights into how organic compounds form beyond Earth and where they come from in space,Dr Holman said.
The use of high-tech methods and creative experiments has shown that select PAHs on asteroids can be formed in cold space.
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AI System recreated Nobel Prize-winning chemical reactions in lab – The Week
An artificial intelligence (AI) system has independently mastered and successfully recreated Nobel Prize-winning chemical reactions in the laboratory. The remarkable achievement, detailed in a study published in the prestigious journal Nature, marks a significant milestone in the field of AI-driven scientific discovery.
Dubbed "Coscientist" by its creators, a team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, this cutting-edge AI system has demonstrated its ability to execute complex organic chemistry reactions, particularly the palladium-catalysed cross couplings that garnered the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2010. The researchers, led by chemist and chemical engineer Gabe Gomes, have hailed this as the first instance of non-organic intelligence planning, designing, and executing such intricate reactions initially devised by human chemists.
Harnessing the power of large language models, similar to those fueling popular chatbots like GPT-4, Coscientist showcases the potential for AI to expedite scientific discoveries, enhance experimental reliability, and augment the overall pace of research. By training on vast amounts of textual data, the AI system can process and generate natural language, enabling it to perform a range of scientific tasks.
Equipped with diverse software modules, Coscientist emulates the activities of research chemists. It can scour public information on chemical compounds, access technical manuals for robotic lab equipment, write code for experiments, and analyze resulting data to refine its approach. The researchers meticulously assembled the AI system, piecing together various components to construct a comprehensive tool for scientific exploration.
Notably, Coscientist exhibits "chemical reasoning," utilizing chemistry-related information and acquired knowledge to guide its actions. It leverages publicly available chemical information encoded in the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES), a machine-readable notation for representing molecular structures. By scrutinizing specific parts of molecules within the SMILES data, Coscientist adapts its experimental plans accordingly.
The breakthrough moment for the research team came when they witnessed Coscientist asking all the "right questions." The AI system sought answers from a wide range of sources, including Wikipedia, the American Chemical Society, the Royal Society of Chemistry, and academic papers describing the Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions. These reactions, discovered in the 1970s, employ palladium to catalyze carbon bonds in organic molecules.
In an astonishing display of speed and accuracy, Coscientist devised a precise procedure for the required reactions within minutes. The resulting samples analyzed by the researchers demonstrated the unmistakable "spectral hallmarks" of the Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions, which have proven instrumental in developing novel medications targeting inflammation, asthma, and other medical conditions.
While acknowledging the immense potential of AI in scientific exploration, Gomes emphasizes the need for responsible and cautious usage. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI systems is crucial in crafting rules and policies that prevent any harmful misuse, whether intentional or accidental. Gomes, alongside other experts, lends their expertise to the US government's efforts to ensure the safe and secure application of AI.
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